Young Arab Voices say no to terrorism in Tunis

(AGI) Tunis, Mar 31 - Young Arab Voices, the regional project launched by the British Council with the Anna Lindh Foundation in 2011 to strengthen democratic and pluralistic dialogue in the Arab world, has called for the rejection of all forms of extremism and terrorism. 80 young leaders from eight Arab states of the Mena region took part in an event which discussed hot topics such as media censorship, banning religious schools and compulsory quotas for young people in regional elections. Over 100,000 young people from Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco participated. "It is important to create new opportunities for dialogue between Europe and the Mediterranean," stated a joint declaration that directly condemned terrorism. "New opportunities for young people will reduce incentives for the extremism and intolerance that fuel terrorism." Ouided Bouchamaoui, member of the Tunisian Dialogue Quartet and Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2015, also spoke in no uncertain terms. "We are ready for dialogue with the Western world," she said. "The best way to combat radicalisation is to be present in civil society and active in decision-making processes." (AGI). .