Officials from Oman,Pakistan, Qatar,Saudi Arabia,Syria,Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates,and Yemen were also on hand to discuss improving human development, democracy,rule of law, and economic growth.

VOA: standard.2009.11.03

President Obama has recently faced additional criticism after the State Department denied funding to some organizations with projects supporting civil society, rule of law and human rights monitoring efforts in Iran.

VOA: standard.2009.10.28

"Respect for human rights, the rule of law should be on the table, as well as promoting economic opportunities and growth, during her trip, because we think these are quite important aspects in providing the kind of conditions that are favorable to economic progress,".

VOA: standard.2009.07.31

"I think it can be a beacon in the coming years for those of us who believe that the values of democracy, the values for respect for human rights, the values for respect for the rule of law are indeed universal values,".

VOA: standard.2009.08.27

"From our standpoint the bill is a very important step forward in terms of balancing the types of assistance that we would provide the Pakistan government supporting consolidation of democratic institutions, expanding the rule of law, building the capacity of government institutions, promoting respect for internationally-recognized human rights, promoting economic freedoms, sustainable economic development.

VOA: standard.2009.10.13