Kofi Annan participates in panel on R2P at the University of Ottawa
Participating in a panel discussion on The Responsibility to Protect at the University of Ottawa, Mr. Annan told students that The West should not fear the rise of Islamic political parties in the wake of the Arab Spring uprisings.
Referring to the results of the Tunisian elections, the rise of the Muslim brotherhood in Egypt and the pro-Islamic stance of the leaders of newly-liberated Libya, Mr Annan was clear: “The West has to get used to the fact that Islam will play a role in these societies,” noting that “Islam doesn't mean terrorism.”
Mr.Annan was joined on the panel by Lloyd Axworthy, President of the University of Winnipeg and the event was moderated by Lyse Doucet,presenter and foreign correspondent BBC World Service Radio and BBC World TV.