WSF Claims It Did Not Bar Officials from Attending

  
The World Social Forum's organizers have attempted to clear up some of the confusion surrounding the alleged barring of representatives of governments and international financial institutions from attending the event. A statement on the WSF website (www.forumsocialmundial.org.br) claims that, contrary to press reports, "Belgium's First Minister, Mr. Guy Verhofstadt, was not banished from the World Social Forum." Instead, the organizers say, Verhofstadt requested a guest pass only a few days before the event to give an unscheduled lecture. They go on to claim that the conference's agenda and speakers' invitations were set far in advance and that last-minute requests could not be accommodated. "Based on the same criteria," the statement continues, "we did not oppose the registration of the World Bank for Civil Society Relations Vice President, Mr. Mats Karlsson. In a Forum highlighted by its opposition towards macro-economic policies, such as those promoted and supported by the World Bank, we advised him not to be at the event, even as an observer."

The organizers argue that "these two episodes should not be seen as a lack of willingness on the part of the World Social Forum�s participants to establish a discussion with governments, multi-lateral organizations and the Davos World Economic Forum." They note that "by the same principles of registration, the canceling of the registration, mistakenly approved earlier, for members of the Basque armed organization was considered more than justified."

Whatever the true circumstances behind these incidents, the reports of denied credentials or the participation of controversial figures should not color the view of the atmosphere achieved by the World Social Forum. Fifty-one thousand people came together in a very small space and succeeded in holding a peaceful dialogue and exchange.