15/7/2005
Turko-Spanish Initiative Aims To Bridge Gap Between Islamic And Western Society

Spain and Turkey have sponsored a new initiative aimed at correcting a growing suspicion and misunderstanding between Islamic and Western Societies. United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan made the announcement this week. Called “Alliance of Civilizations,” the initiative is intended “to respond to the need for a committed effort by the international community – both at the institutional and civil society levels – to bridge divides and overcome prejudice, misconceptions, misperceptions, and polarization which potentially threaten world peace.” The international community is to be invited to contribute to a trust fund to support the initiative.

The timing of the announcement, a few days after the series of terrorist bombs in London that killed more than 50 people, was incidental. The Spanish Prime Minister, José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, had been considering the plan for some time with his co-sponsor, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

A high-level group of eminent persons will guide the initiative. The group is expected to present a report with recommendations and a practical plan of action in late 2006.