November 10, 2006Â – Liberal International, the world network of liberal and democratic parties, opened its 54th Congress in Morocco, Marrakech today. Under the theme of the congress, Development and Democracy, 500 delegates from all over the world discussed the interdependency between liberal democracy and economic development. They called for a renewed commitment towards poverty reduction, conflict resolution, and democracy, especially in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In his statement, Liberal International’s President Lord Alderdice said:
‘Almost 20 new parties have joined us, helping us to strengthen our networks in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and now the Middle East. But we can still, and should do more.’
Lord Alderdice challenged the delegates to go further in their capacity to influence change globally, by promoting dialogue in conflict areas, such as the Middle East. He stated that as President of Liberal International he will continue his efforts to engage Hamas and encourage them to choose dialogue over conflict, in order to achieve peace in the Middle East.
He appealed to the United States government to take heed to the message sent to them on 7 November when the legislatures changed hands from Republicans to Democrats, and urged the Bush administration to change direction in their war in Iraq.
‘I hope that with the election results in the US, the Bush administration will focus on dialogue as the best way of solving problems, rather than going to war.’
Other speakers included Gharam Watson MEP, Martin Lee, leader of the of the Democratic Party of Hong Kong, Hans Van Baalen, deputy president of Liberal International, and Mrs. Etam deputy prime minister of Bulgaria.
The Congress also discussed freedom of expression, terrorism, torture, the responsibility to protect against genocide, closed states and the international agenda as well as nuclear energy.
