Cablegate: Mfa to Host Conference On Non-Violent Movements

VZCZCXRO7091
PP RUEHDBU RUEHPW RUEHSL
DE RUEHBUL #2655 2441213
ZNR UUUUU ZZH (CCY ADXA8DEA3 MSI8227 540A)
P 011213Z SEP 09 ZDS
FM AMEMBASSY KABUL
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1282
INFO RUCNAFG/AFGHANISTAN COLLECTIVE PRIORITY

UNCLAS KABUL 002655

C O R R E C T E D COPY (CLASSIFICATION)

SENSITIVE

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL AF
SUBJECT: MFA TO HOST CONFERENCE ON NON-VIOLENT MOVEMENTS

1. (SBU) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) will
hold its first international conference in October, titled
"Non-Violent Concepts & Movements in South Asia." The
conference, being organized by the MFA's Center for
Strategic Studies, invites researchers and scholars from
the region to submit papers on the history and concepts of
non-violent movements in South Asia. For details please see
e-mail address given in paragraph 4.

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Regional Participation Sought
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2. (SBU) The MFA has focused on soliciting
contributions from Pakistani, Indian, Sri Lankan,
Butanese, and Bangladesh scholars, but will also welcome
any other international contributors. The focus of the
conference will be on the conceptual foundations of
non-violent movements that have manifested in all of the
region's religions, including Islam, Buddhism
and Hinduism. In addition to a historical look at the role
non-violent movements have played in South Asia, the
conference will also invite discussion on the relevance of
non-violent struggle in contemporary South Asia.

3. (SBU) While the conference has a predominately
regional focus, the conference organizer told us that
the MFA would welcome contributions from the United States.
In particular, he suggested a presentation on Martin Luther
King, whose work drew inspiration from movements that were
started in South Asia.

4. (SBU) The conference follows two successful national
conference hosted by the MFA, but represents the first time
the MFA has sought international participation in a conference.
Proposals for papers are due by September 15, 2009, and the
conference will take place on October 4, 2009 in Kabul.The MFA
will pay for all travel and accommodations. The expected attendance
at the conference is between 150-200 Any regional MFAs who would like
to send representatives should contact the Center for Strategic
Studies at c.s.s@mfa.gov.af.

EIKENBERRY

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