Rotterdam 2014
Liberal International is deeply concerned with developments in some countries of the Arab World. LI deems that Tunisia’s new constitution gives a new hope that such important principles as equality between man and women, freedom of religion and conscience, protection from torture and a civil state could define a functioning democracy in a predominant Arab country. Liberal International calls on the international community to support the Tunisian political elites on their path towards economic recovery and development. Liberal International expresses solidarity with the liberal AFEK Tounes Party.
Liberal International is painstakingly following developments in Egypt and notes its frustration and sorrow concerning the dramatic escalation in that country in summer 2013. Liberal International takes note of the “democratic roadmap” which aspires to lead Egypt into a new political order; we also note the adoption of a new constitution that, in several points, is an improvement. At the same time, Liberal International is concerned about the general political climate that leaves little room for genuine political dialogue with the opposing side and political competition. Liberal International calls on the Egyptian authorities to respect and safeguard the basic freedoms of all Egyptians.
Congress calls on the Government of Iraq, Iraq’s neighbours, and the international community to work towards a de-escalation of tensions and armed conflicts in Iraq’s Western provinces and mobilize more support for Internally Displaced civilians as well as Syrian refugees. Liberal International calls for transparent and inclusive preparations of the upcoming elections in Iraq and an implementation of the elections in line with international democratic standards and commitments. LI calls for the de-escalation of armed conflict.
Liberal International welcomes the start of the proceedings of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) in The Hague and expresses hope that prompt deliberations can consolidate justice in the region. Congress admires the efforts of the Future Movement and its allies to respond calmly and peacefully to the violence imposed on them and the people of Lebanon. Hezbollah’s weapons and terrorist activities remain threat to the peace and stability of Lebanon and the wider region.
Liberal International applauds the great efforts of US Secretary of State John Kerry to resolve the Israel/Palestine Gaza conflict, and notes with regret the Israeli Prime Minister’s decision to break off talks following the agreement of Fatah and Hamas to form a joint administration. Liberal International calls for an immediate resumption of talks based on the Oslo Accords recognizing the rights of Israel to security and the Palestinians to a viable state as well as the withdrawal of all economic threats against Palestinians by both Israel and the US. Direct dialogue remains of essential importance for a peaceful solution to the decades’ long conflict. Liberal International supports the strong and active involvement of the Madrid Quartet and the Arab League.
Congress reiterates its total condemnation of the wholesale killings, torture and bombings by the Assad regime of its own people; condemns the continuing support of the murderous regime by the Russian government, which serves to prolong the conflict. Congress is appalled by the activities of Jihadists groups within Syria and Iraq with killings, kidnappings, and with an agenda incompatible with civilized values and human rights. Congress calls on all parties involved to allow immediate and full humanitarian access to all communities in need. Liberal International encourages the international community to mobilize more support for Syrian refugees as well as the host communities in neighbouring countries, notably Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq, whose scarce resources are already extremely strained and whose stability is severely threatened by the overwhelming numbers of refugees. LI especially calls on the developed nations to give protection to a significantly higher number of refugees. The international community must do everything possible in order to ensure that Lebanon is kept out of the conflict of the Syrian civil war.
