"For decades, some have argued that stability required highly controlling regimes, and that reform and openness would put that stability at risk. So, the argument went, countries like Britain faced a choice between our interests and our values.
"And to be honest, we should acknowledge that sometimes we have made such calculations in the past. But I say that is a false choice.
"As recent events have confirmed, denying people their basic rights does not preserve stability, rather the reverse."
He said that Britain's economic and security interests would ultimately be advanced by a more democratic Middle East.
"Our interests lie in upholding our values ? in insisting on the right to peaceful protest, in freedom of speech and the internet, in freedom of assembly and the rule of law."
Mr Cameron's call for reform could be seen as heralding a new approach to countries like Saudi Arabia, where the Western-backed royal family firmly opposes democratic reform.
Mr Cameron insisted his remarks did not mean Britain will try to force Gulf regimes to become Western-style democracies.
"There is no single formula for success, and there are many ways to ensure greater, popular participation in Government," he said. "We respect your right to take your own decisions, while offering our goodwill and support."
"But we cannot remain silent in our belief that freedom and the rule of law are what best guarantee human progress and economic success, and that each country should find its own path to achieving peaceful change."
No comments:
Post a Comment