CNN launches global discussion forum at Davos World Economic Forum

'CNN Connects' debuts in Europe on January 28 at the World Economic Forum in Davos with 'Freedom to Choose', a one-hour discussion on the emergence of democracy in the Middle East.

This is the first of four landmark live debates for 2005 in a new format to be unrolled by CNN around the world with round-table discussions on topical issues, bringing together different points of view and interacting with live audiences.

"Through 'CNN Connects' CNN is committed to using its programming to connect people around the globe in debate and discussion, bring audiences together to confront the same issue from differing perspectives," said Rena Golden, Senior Vice President of CNN International. "We will be initiating debates and discussions throughout our 25th anniversary year on subjects that have a resonance with our worldwide audience."

The live edition of 'CNN Connects: Freedom to Choose' broadcast from the World Economic Forum in Davos focuses on forthcoming elections in the Middle East. It brings together some of the most powerful and influential names from across the region, including Amre Moussa and Saif al Islam al Gaddafi.

Hosted by Jim Clancy, the hour-long programme looks forward to 2005 as a benchmark year for the democratic process in the Middle East. With recent or impending elections in Afghanistan, Palestine, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, 'CNN Connects' engages the region's political, business and media leaders in an hour-long discussion of the obstacles and opportunities of democracy in the Middle East.

The programme poses a number of fundamental questions to the influential group. Will democracy change the Middle East as promised? Will leadership in the Middle East encourage or discourage democracy in their own states? What role will an increasingly active Middle East media play in the process? And what is the role of business in bringing democracy to the Middle East?

'CNN Connects' guests include:

• Mohamed A. Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, United Arab Emirates
• Saif al Islam al Gaddafi, President, Gaddafi International Foundation for Charity Associations, Libya

• Ali Hamadé, Journalist and Editorialist, An-Nahar Group, Lebanon

• Amre Moussa, Secretary-General, League of Arab States, Cairo

• Shimon Peres, Vice-Prime Minister of Israel and Chairman of the Labour Party

• H.H. Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Commander-\-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force

• Ahmed M. Al Sheikh, Editor-in-Chief, Al Jazeera Satellite Channel, Qatar

CNN will also be featuring extensive coverage from Davos throughout the week of the World Economic Forum from January 26-30 inclusive. Programmes include two editions of the evening news programme, 'World Business Today', broadcast live from Davos on Thursday January 27, followed by a live edition of 'Business International' at 11.00pm. The weekly media show, 'International Correspondents', will also feature guests from Davos while interviews, packages and special reports from Davos air across CNN programming from January 26-30 inclusive.