10 February 2004	Tuesday	18 Zilhaj 1424

WASHINGTON, Feb 9: The United States is considering a major international initiative aimed at encouraging democratic reforms in the greater Middle East, Secretary of State Colin Powell said Monday.

Mr Powell, after a meeting with Bahrain's crown prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, said the United States was looking for ways to "institutionalize" such a project.

"The important thing to keep in mind here is, we're not looking for something to impose on the region, we're looking for things we can work with the region on," Mr Powell said.

"It's an effort to engage the region. And there are nations in the region that are making very important decisions and steps with respect to democracy, with respect to the protection of human rights, with respect to economic development. Bahrain is an example - a good example of one of these nations," Mr Powell added.

The Washington Post quoting US officials said Washington was negotiating with key allies on such an initiative for the Mideast, which would be presented at the G-8 meeting in the US state of Georgia in June.

"I think 'one size fits all' is not going to work across the whole region. But we certainly support the general principles advocated by the reform process," the Bahraini crown prince said. -AFP