Democracy, culture, and peace were the three main issues addressed in the seminar held on October 30 by the International Center for Human Sciences to discuss ways and means of implementing democracy in African countries. The center is based in Jbeil and maintains institutional links internationally.

The seminar took place under the patronage of Lebanese Minister of Culture Tarek Mitri, who delivered the welcoming address. The event was moderated by Theodore Hanf, AUB visiting professor of political science at the Department of Political Science and Public Administration (PSPA).

Minister Mitri spoke briefly on democracy in Lebanon and emphasized that revival of the Lebanese collective memory is an important factor in achieving real democracy in the country. South African writer Brightenbach then expressed his views on the subject as related to Africa, saying that a possible way for democracy to succeed and flourish there was for the people to accept diversity in order to achieve a future common identity.

In addition to Hanf, other PSPA faculty members also participated in the roundtable discussion that ensued on the factors that can hamper democracy in Africa.

These pages are subjected to AUB's General disclaimer and copyrights

The AUB Bulletin Today is the official news publication of the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.

It is published monthly by the Office of Information and Public Relations, Diana Sabbagh Building, Room 111. Tel.: 01-353228, Fax: 01-363234 or AUB extension: 2670/1, e-mail: ifkhoury@aub.edu.lb or information@aub.edu.lb

Responsible Editor, Director of Information and Public Relations: Ibrahim F. Khoury - Deputy Editor and Layout Designer: Henry Matthews - Advisor Nabeel G. Ashkar - Associate Editor: Elain Larwood

Web Master: Kamel T. Dada