Workshop Abstract-Talat Wizarat

ABSTRACT

CONFIDENCE-BUILDING MEASURES: THE ROLE OF TRACK-II AND NGOS

TALAT A. WIZARAT*

The adoption of CBMs in different parts of the world has led to positive results and is generally viewed as a vital step towards promotion of peace. The purpose of this paper is to trace the role of NGOs particularly within the framework of tract-II in promoting CBMs in South Asia. The first part of this paper provides the conceptual framework. Confidence-building measures, track-II and NGOs have been defined in order to clarify the context in which the terms apply. The second part of the paper is based on an analysis of regional political trends and the relevance of NGOs to the larger issues of CBMs in South Asia.

Following conclusion have been drawn in this paper:-

The region needs a new generation of CBMs.

NGOs operating within the framework of track-II will have a better chance of succeeding.

NGOs working at domestic level are able to promote CBMs but their role is often indirect.

NGOs, which are able to breakthrough boundaries in order to address regional concerns should do the net working, then only will they be in a position to directly influence the process of confidence building.

Two factors reduce the effectiveness of track-II and NGOs in promoting CBMs in South Asia:-

Some NGOs are not interested in promoting CBMs. They are interested in issues, which might even appear to undermine the process of confidence building.