By: William A. Rugh

In some remote corners of the world, a quit push for democracy is going on the most Americans never hear about. In June, a US organization, the National Democratic Institute (NDI), organized a conference of 16 small nations that have. In the last decade or so begun to adopt democratic practices. The conference, held in Sana'a, Yemen, brought together representatives of these countries to share experiences and ideas, and reinforce a common determination to transform their societies.

That transformation can't happen quickly. It needs a sustained, long-term effort, as the more than 200 participants recognized. But to the handful of American observers, these countries have already accomplished a great deal.
Look at Yemen, the conference host. It has had two parliamentary elections (1993 and 1997) involving millions of enthusiastic voters - including women - and many political parties. Newspapers representing dozens of contrasting views, some harshly critical of the government, appear regularly. Private organizations abound, operating unhindered. None of these democratic features existed a decade ago. Other small countries have had smaller experiences, equally unknown outside.

Why haven't Americans paid attention to the emergence of democracy abroad, except perhaps in Eastern Europe? First, all of these countries are small and poor. Most Americans know nothing about Benin, Mali, Malawi, Ghana, Mozambique, and they aren't in crisis or making trouble for their neighbors, so the don't attract attention. Third, they have no oil or other important natural resources, and very limited military strength, so they rarely come up in Washington policy desertions. Yet, Americans should know something about the emergence of democracies in may places.

Democracy is probably more likely than a dictatorship to explode in a sudden upheaval than would potentially cause international problems, perhaps requiring US intervention. Democratic regimes, also, are more likely to see eye to eye with America on basic issues of concern Americans tend to take democracy for granted, but the few of us who were observers at the Sana'a conference were reminded about some of its basic principles. Third World delegates stressed that free elections aren't sufficient to make a democracy, but other things are needed free speech, a free press, independent judges, the right to organize private groups and the full participation of women in political life. They emphasized that governments must be free of corruption and official acts open to public scrutiny. One politician from central Asian pointed out that because corruption is usually hidden, it is more difficult to combat than street crime. A Moroccan speaker argued that true democracy requires at least one peaceful transfer of national leadership to the opposition party. A Ghana an speaker asserted that the third world should follow Americas example and have weak political parties rather than the European model of strong parties which he said, distorts the public will at election time.

Completing the transformation to democracy, they explained, is their struggle to promote economic development. Energizing the economy often requires belt-tightening measures, which are likely also to be demanded by organizations like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank as a condition of loans. But the people who suffer from belt-tightening can use the new democratic tools of free press and elections to put pressure on governments to resist such measures. Thus, Sana'a delegates appealed to the US and other for help in easing the economic burden. A US banker urged delegates to create incentive for foreign investments, the Namibian Prime Minister admitted that made sense. But these
Poor countries such as Yemen, struggling to democratize while privatizing and rationalizing their economies, do deserve US attention and aid in the crucial transition phase. The amounts of money that can make a difference - only tens of million of dollars - are very modest compared with what the US spends on weapons. For America, this would be a very worthwhile investment. It is in the national interest to support these transitions.

William A. Rugh, who served as the US ambassador to Yemen and the United Arab Emirates, is president of America-Mideast Educational and Training Services Inc. in Washington. D. C.s

H.E. Sanli Topcuoglu,
Ambassador of the Republic of
Turkey to Yemen

In 1996 when I was appointed as the Turkish Ambassador to Yemen, I knew that I would be serving in a friendly country with which we have deep-rooted historical and cultural ties. Yemen occupies an important place in Turkish history and culture. Yemen, today is no stranger to the Turks nor are the Turks strangers to the Yemenis. We have even several popular folksongs regarding this country. Thus, I was very enthusiastic to start my office in Yemen.
It is now almost three years that I have been in Yemen. Within this time I have had the chance of observing the country and the Yemeni life in all aspects. I have been following with deep appreciation the progress of the brotherly people of Yemen in all spheres of their lives.

In my very first days here, I was deeply touched by two distinctive characteristics of the Yemeni people. One was the traditional Yemeni hospitality and the other one was the warmth and modesty of all people, from the man in the street to the highest level dignitaries.
Historically, one should remember the glorious times of the Queen of Sheba in order to comprehend the magnitude of the contribution made by Yemen and its people to the history of the peninsula. Therefore, I think it should not be wrong to say that Yemen was one of the most important cradles of civilization in the region.
In our time, from the geopolitical point of view, Yemen still continues to have a very important place in this peninsula.
I am so happy that following some painful years, the strong desire for unity among the people of Yemen prevailed and the Yemeni unity has been fully realized.

It is my sincere conviction that unity of Yemen represents a pillar of peace and stability in the Arabian Peninsula.
Today, democracy in Yemen is yet another common important factor that complements and bolsters the Yemeni unity. In this regard I would also like to emphasize the fact that Yemen has become a model of genuine and efficient democracy in this part of the world. I must stress how very happy I am to have the opportunity to closely observe the last general elections and to witness the achievement of the democratic process in Yemen.
The increasing role of the women in democratization and modernization of the country is also worth mentioning.

I have no doubt that coming presidential elections would constitute yet another important step in the democratization process.
From the economic point of view, Yemen is a developing country and is giving sustained efforts to provide economic progress. I do not share the comments that Yemen is a poor country. In fact it has very important natural resources such as oil and gas. Yemen has a very young and dynamic population as well. Furthermore, the country enjoys a very rich historical and cultural heritage, which constitutes an important asset. And I sincerely believe that inspired by its cultural welfare and making use of its rich natural resources Yemen will achieve further progress in all the fields. Of course, optimum use of all the resources is highly essential in this regard. Undergoing substantial economic and administrative reform programmes will certainly contribute to the development process of Yemen. The accomplishments in the Yemen's economy in the last three years are quite visible and noteworthy.

As an ambassador serving in Yemen I have had the chance to closely observe the basic principles of the foreign policy consistently pursued by the Government of Yemen. In this regard I should emphasize that peaceful ways which Yemen prefers in solving the problems and conflicts with its neighbours deserve appreciation.
Having all those impressions about Yemen, I can comfortably say that with its mainly young population of 17 million, its cultural heritage, natural resources and highly strategic location, Yemen will be playing an increasingly important role in its region and the international arena.

I would like to conclude by underlining the fact that the strong sense of the independence of our peoples, the strategic importance of the two countries, the multi-party parliamentarian democracy and basic principles of foreign policy adopted by Turkey and Yemen are the major factors bringing our two countries together. Such basic values and factors that we share contribute greatly for further strengthening the relations between our two countries and to promote in all fields a mutually beneficial cooperation.
It is my sincere hope that during my tenure the relations between our two countries will grow even stronger.