Fidel Ramos Gives Democracy Address

MEDIA RELEASE

Released By:
Downer

I am delighted to announce that H.E. Mr Fidel V.
Ramos, President of the Philippines from 1992 -1998, will deliver the Inaugural
Annual Address of the Centre for Democratic Institutions (CDI) at Parliament
House on Thursday, 26th November.

The CDI was set up by the Australian Government to
help developing countries establish and strengthen democratic institutions and
practices. I announced this initiative last year. It gives effect to the
Government's commitment to good governance and human rights, particularly in the
Asia Pacific.

It has been my intention to have the Centre encourage
an exchange of ideas and experiences about democracy in the region. I can not
think of a more qualified individual to launch this process than H.E. Mr Fidel
Ramos.

Mr Ramos is one of the great statesmen of the region.
He has served his country admirably as a soldier and a leader. He played a key
role as Defence Secretary in defending democracy in the Philippines in the
difficult period when his predecessor, President Cory Aquino, was in power. He
then smoothly handed the reigns to his successor, President Joseph Estrada, and
agreed to remain as a Presidential Adviser.

Mr Ramos' address is an auspicious launch for CDI. I
am pleased the Address will be delivered at Parliament House. While the CDI is
based at ANU, it has been my vision that the CDI would integrate itself in the
wider community, including the parliamentary community.

CDI has been established in the Research School of
Social Sciences of the Australian National University and draws on the resources
of the ANU and Murdoch University as well as the major institutions of
Australian government for its work in assisting developing countries. The
Australian Government has committed $5 million over the next five years to
establish and run the CDI.