26/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - At the meeting of the EP foreign affairs committee on 30 January, Michel Rocard (PES) will present an own initiative report on “reform in the Arab world. Former French Prime Minister Rocard dwells at length on the “Arab misfortune” in an area which is falling behind in development, the democratic deficit, potential threats and, above all, the virtual impossibility of reform. “All attempts at reform have been doomed to failure,” whether they came from inside or outside. Yet, “the Arab identity is in no way incompatible either with the idea of modernity or commitment to serious reform”. Europe's role should be re-assessed, taking account of the “lack of legitimacy of certain (Arab) political interlocutors”. He is hoping for more active support from the EU for Arab civil society, “including, if necessary, moderate Islamists”. This is a suggestion which will no doubt be at the heart of the debate on his report. (fb)