Ottawa 2000
We note that eight years after the Gulf War most countries in that region are still ruled undemocratically and many of them violate human rights. Even if the UN Security Council has moderated its position towards the Iraqi government, we note that the latter still violates fundamental human rights. In Iran religious and political freedoms are almost non-existent.
Liberal International calls for an immediate cessation of all violent acts in the Middle East. Conflicts must be resolved only through negotiations. This Congress deeply regrets that recent violent acts have led to injury and death of many innocent people, including children.
The Congress particularly condemns the use and involvement of children in such violent acts; and the indiscriminate violence against civilians.
Liberal International warns against incitement to hatred and threats of violence using religion for political purposes and reiterates its concern at the growing danger of fundamentalism and the violation of human rights. Such use constitutes a real threat to peace, not only in the Middle East, but in the whole world.
This Congress calls to enable the Red Cross to visit immediately the hostage soldiers and civilians and to take care of their safety.
Liberal International calls upon Israel and the Palestinian Authority to fully respect human rights and to establish a free economic area, which will facilitate economic development and serve the interest of both Israeli’s and Palestinians.
Congress calls on all parties to recommit themselves to build peace and security for the peoples of the Middle East.
