Brussels, 30/11/2005 (Agence Europe) - The 'Civil Society Platform' of non-governmental organisations working for political democracy and social solidarity has welcomed being invited to express its views before heads of state at the Barcelona EuroMed Summit. This success for civil society is marred by the fact that several southern Mediterranean countries fought, during the drafting of the final statement (not published in the end, see EUROPE 9077) to reduce the role of NGOs in the EuroMed dialogue, explained Souheyr BelHassen, one of the leaders of the Civil Society Platform present at Barcelona. Egypt, for example, won for reference to only be made to associations authorised by the authorities. But in a statement, civil society representatives explain that their presence in Barcelona demonstrated their commitment to the EuroMed partnership, which they see as vital for building a shared future and balanced development between the peoples of the Mediterranean region. Despite the mixed success of Barcelona, they are still calling for effective recognition of their role with respect for the fullest independence of civil society stakeholders. The EuroMed partnership can only prosper if we are able to promote social progress shared by all the communities in the region, which means better appreciating the impact on employment of free trade policies. We should integrate upstream the need to preserve the environment and plan conditions for sustainable development, explains the declaration, adding that the circulation of people throughout the region is a precondition for bringing communities closer together. Basically nothing will be possible if, over and above institutional attempts, we are not able to establish deep links between cultures and respect diversity. Respecting other people and the value of what every culture can provide, and women's right for equality, must guide us in responding to the rising intolerance we are seeing today, continues the statement, ending that the road to democracy is still long, but we are convinced that there is no other way if we want to respond to the aspirations of the communities in the EuroMed region. Civil society plays a vital role and wants this role to be fully recognised, ends the statement.