Discouraging anti-Americanism and strengthening multilateral co-operation
Dakar 2003
The 52nd Congress of Liberal International convening from October 24th until 25th in Dakar, Senegal,
Confirming the vital importance of the United States of America in international relations and stressing its crucial contribution to peace and democracy, economic development, science and technology, mankind’s cultural heritage, international stability and Human Rights throughout the 20th Century,
Condemning the terrorist attacks on Americans which have continued since the mass murders of September 11;
Noting with alarm that after 11 September 2001, the US Administration has moved away from a spirit of multilateral cooperation with world bodies such as the United Nations;
Deeply regretting the American refusal to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, of which the previous Administration was a leading architect; and not only opposing the Treaty establishing the International Criminal court but pressing other nations to withhold their signatures;
Further noting that the current Administration is adopting a policy of unilateral interference, including military intervention, in the affairs of other nations where American interests are perceived to be challenged, seeking United Nations or other sanction as an afterthought, if at all, and preferring to form ad hoc coalitions, without exploring multilateral and international cooperation;
Disapproving of the growing feelings of anti-Americanism around the Globe culminating in the terrorists attacks of September 11th 2001 which disregard the above mentioned important international contribution of the United States and must therefore also be seen as an attack on the international community itself,
Taking note that after these attacks there is an increase in the tendency of the government of the United States to act outside the international framework of the United Nations Organisation, NATO and WTO of which it is a founding member and other international organisations such as the International Criminal Court,
Recognising that the active participation of the United States, in international organisations as mentioned is eminently desirable, and in some cases essential and that unilateral American action will deprive the US of the necessary international validation and solidarity
Calls on the international community to invest in productive relations with the United States both on a bilateral and multilateral basis and to actively discourage anti- American sentiments and actions, while reserving the right to criticize and oppose US policies.
Calls on the government of the United States to equally invest and participate in strong international organisations and the functioning of international law.
Requests the President and the Bureau of Liberal International to take the necessary initiatives to strengthen the involvement of U.S. politicians and institutions in the work of Liberal International and to encourage its fellow Internationals to do the same and to come to a joint approach.
