Brussels 1999
As we approach the tenth anniversary of the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union, Europe has not yet managed to build a region of peace, liberty and prosperity. Whilst Liberal International applauds the accession negotiations for Central and Eastern European countries to the European Union it also calls for the creation of a comprehensive security order which reflects the new political realities and promotes the swift introduction and successful integration of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe into the Euro-Atlantic institutions the European Union and the Council of Europe. We welcome the improvement of the international defence cooperation.
As Liberals we are determined to use this historic opportunity to build Europeís future as a region of peace, liberty and prosperity. We call upon the European Union to address the serious problems on its continent.
Liberal International remains committed to “a world organisation of all nations, great and small, under the same law and equity, and with power to enforce strict observance of all international obligations freely entered into” (Liberal Manifesto, 1947). The United Nations however is in a permanent financial crisis. We renew our call for effective measures, such as the suspension of voting rights, against those countries who consistently do not meet their obligations. We demand that the USA settle their obligations to the United Nations.
Ultimately the responsibility for the effectiveness of the UN lies with the member states.
Noting the inadequacy of UN human rights mechanisms, we add our voices to those calling for reform of the UN institutions to make them more effective, representative and accountable as the 21st century progresses not just to member governments and increasingly to the people of the world.
