5+5 | Rajoy offers Spain’s transition as 'example' for Arab Spring Countries

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has offered Spain's transition to democracy in the 1970s as an example to Arab Spring countries currently facing constitutional makeovers.

In his speech at the plenary session of the 5 5 Dialogue in Malta, Rajoy expressed his support for the nations responsible for launching the movement to democracy and categorically rejected any violence in the process.

In a statement to reporters after the forum, he said he was optimistic that "democracy, freedom and human rights" will take root on the southern shores of the Mediterranean, despite acknowledging that these are "difficult and complicated" procedures.

The northern members - Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Malta - have encouraged the North African nations of Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and Libya to make an effort to achieve regional economic integration and have pledged to increase aid in matters of security and controlling illegal migration.

"We must all make an effort to help the nations along the southern shore become stable areas that enjoy economic progress and a guarantee of security," Rajoy said.

Rajoy's speech was his first at a 5 5 Dialogue forum, which had not brought together heads of state and government since 2003.