15 Most Recent Stories From Liberal Democrats : International Affairs News Feed

Mon 8th Sep 2008:

Zardari must establish stability in Pakistan - Clegg.

Commenting on the victory of Asif Ali Zardari in Pakistan's presidential election, Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg said: “President Zardari has not been directly elected by the people of Pakistan, so he has his work cut out to establish his legitimacy in the eyes of an anxious and divided population. “He stands at the crossroads of some of the world's most difficult conflicts. “He now deserves a chance to come out from the shadows of Pakistani party politics and assert himself as a leader capable of establishing stability in a country racked by insecurity for far too long. ”  

Fri 5th Sep 2008:

Government must stop hiding truth over Iraq dossier - Davey.

Commenting on the Information Commissioner’s ruling that the Government should release memos relating to the Iraq war dossier, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, Edward Davey said:"The Information Commissioner’s ruling is strongly welcomed."Brown and Blair have been desperate to cover up the facts relating to the creation of the dodgy dossier."This has only served to further undermine the case they made for war."Not only should all these emails and memos be published, but we still need to have a full scale inquiry into the Iraq war. It’s time the Government stopped hiding the truth."

Mon 1st Sep 2008:

Clegg: EU capitals must put vanity aside in Russia dealings.

Commenting ahead of Monday’s extraordinary meeting of the European Council on the Georgian crisis, Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg – an EU-Russia negotiator in the mid-1990s – said:“For far too long, Vladimir Putin has succeeded in appealing to the vanity of European leaders. “By encouraging leaders in London, Paris, Berlin and Rome to think that they have a special relationship with Russia, Putin succeeded in neutering the EU’s clout.“In the time I spent in Russia and Central Asia in the mid-1990s, I saw for myself how a divided EU was a weak EU. It is vital that EU leaders speak with a single voice tomorrow to call the Kremlin’s bluff. Europe needs to take concrete measures to show that Russia’s military excesses will not go unanswered.“But it is nave and irresponsible to think Russia can be swayed with further projections of military force by an already overstretched NATO. “Instead, we should focus on Europe’s role as Russia’s biggest economic partner. When negotiating Russia’s accession to the WTO, I saw just how vital economic relations with Europe are to Russia. If Russia wants a strong and diversified economy, it needs economic integration with Europe and the WTO.“Measures should therefore include an indefinite hold on Russia’s WTO membership, an immediate review of preferential trade deals and the cancellation of technical assistance programmes.“The neocon view of Bush, McCain and Cameron seems determined to send us back into the Cold War, raising the stakes of a military showdown in the Black Sea and refusing to engage with the Russians. To view this situation through a Cold War lens is simply playing into the hands of Russia’s authoritarian elite. “A strong, unified Europe, with all the economic clout that entails, is exactly what Russia fears the most. Combined action by the EU on trade and energy security, not military posturing, will hit Putin where it hurts.”

Wed 20th Aug 2008:

NATO split between neo-Conservatives and realists - Davey.

Commenting on the outcome of talks between NATO foreign ministers on the crisis in Georgia, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, Edward Davey said: "It’s clear that NATO ministers couldn’t agree, and that’s why their communiqu is so vague. "Britain seems, as always, to be following Washington’s line, but other countries seem more realistic about what is achievable. "There is a real danger that NATO becomes split between neo-conservative-inclined nations like Britain and the US, and more pragmatic countries like France and Germany. "The best way to stare down Russia is for NATO and the EU to remain united on everything from defence through to energy and trade. It’s a great shame that in this critical debate Britain’s voice is discounted as just a mere echo of Washington’s."

Cameron's posturing on Georgia simply not credible - Davey.

Commenting on reports that Conservative Leader David Cameron is travelling to Georgia following his calls for NATO to speed up it’s application for membership, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, Edward Davey said: “David Cameron is right to criticise Russia but wrong to promise Georgia early NATO membership. “It is simply not credible for Britain and NATO to make confetti commitments to protect every nation with the lives of our service men and women.  When David Cameron matches his tough talk on expanding NATO more quickly with a pledge to double defence spending or introduce military conscription perhaps then we could take him seriously. “Posturing and photo opportunities are one thing, serious statesmanship when Britain’s armed forces are already overstretched is quite another.”  

Musharraf's resignation fresh opportunity for democracy - Davey.

Commenting on the resignation of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, Edward Davey said: "Musharraf’s resignation provides a fresh opportunity for the Government to ramp up efforts to tackle Pakistan’s massive economic and security challenges. "Whether it’s curbing inflation or ensuring the army and security forces are properly accountable, tough decisions must not be ducked. "Musharraf’s rule set back democratic progress in Pakistan. Its properly elected politicians must now be given the space, free from interference from the military, to restore good governance in the country."

Fri 15th Aug 2008:

Iraq troops need decisions not hints - Davey.

Commenting on claims by senior defence sources that that the majority of British troops will be withdrawn from Iraq next year, which come as the outgoing British commander in Basra hints at large reductions in troops, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, Edward Davey said: "British troops and their families must be fed up of the series of nods and winks on withdrawal which often turn out to have no substance. "Our forces’ lives are on the line, and it is about time that the Government gave them some definite decisions, rather than vague hopes. "Even if this latest hint turns out to be true, the timescale seems far too slow. Our troops should be home from Iraq by Christmas at the very latest. "It must be immensely frustrating for our service men and women on the ground in Iraq to know they are there more as political cover for the Brown-Bush relationship than to provide any real help to the Iraqi people."

Thu 14th Aug 2008:

Strong EU cooperation way forward in Georgia - Davey.

Commenting on today’s agreement by EU foreign ministers to expand their role in Georgia, which includes the possible use of European peace monitors in the region, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, Edward Davey said: "This is a welcome development, with Europe standing united against Russian aggression. "Strong European cooperation must be the way forward. "We now need much firmer British leadership in response to this conflict, to back up the efforts of President Sarkozy."

Tue 12th Aug 2008:

Independent peacekeepers needed in South Ossetia - Davey.

Commenting on reports that Russia has ordered an end to military operations against Georgia, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, Edward Davey said: "This is welcome news. But now the EU and others must show tough resolve in helping to negotiate a lasting peace. "Russia must be made to realise that its actions have seriously damaged its reputation. "As part of the rehabilitation of the region, any future peacekeeping force in Abkhazia and South Ossetia must be independent and not based on Russian forces."

Mon 11th Aug 2008:

Russia must pull back from the brink in Georgia - Davey.

Commenting on the developing conflict in South Ossetia involving Georgian and Russian forces, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, Edward Davey said: "We need a ceasefire and urgent negotiations to stop the military action escalating. "There is now real danger of an all-out conflict between Russian and Georgian troops. "There is also the risk of Abkhazia raising the stakes by cutting vital hydro-electricity supplies to Georgia. "The UN must put pressure on Russia to pull back from the brink. If the Russians can show restraint, they will surely be well placed to offer negotiations."

Fri 8th Aug 2008:

Europe must confront globalisation of crime - Davey.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, Edward Davey today called for greater European cooperation to catch the criminals who operate across borders in the 27-nation European Union. Launching the Liberal Democrat policy paper Shaping Our World Through a Strong Europe, he called for an emphasis on effective and pragmatic EU policies to tackle the challenges posed by greater economic competition, freedom of movement and the communications revolution. Liberal Democrat proposals for better co-operation on crime include:· Greater cooperation between European police forces to build on the success of initiatives such as Operation Koala, which led to the arrest of 93 paedophiles, some of whom were based in the UK.· A presumption that the UK will opt-in to EU measures to tackle cross-border crimes such as paedophile networks, cyber-crime, human trafficking, money laundering, drug smuggling and gun-running.· Support for initiatives such as a Europe-wide missing child alert system, based on that in operation in the US (‘Amber Alert’) and France.· More effective measures on tackling terrorism, such as the European Arrest Warrant, which was crucial in bringing failed 21/7 bomber Osman Hussain to justice.· Urgent action to tackle the disturbing growth in drug trafficking across Europe. EU Statistics published last month show that drug-trafficking is on the rise across Europe, and has risen by up to a third in eastern and central European states: http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-SF-08-019/EN/KS-SF-08-019-EN.PDF· Better protection for British citizens arrested abroad such as guaranteed access to legal aid and an interpreter. Edward Davey said: "The EU has a vital role to play in beating the international criminal gangs which blight our continent. "We must work with our neighbours to take stronger, more effective measures against terrorists, gun-runners, people-traffickers and paedophile rings. "Now is the time for Britain to take the lead in ensuring our police and security services work better together across Europe’s borders. To stop international criminals hurting British citizens here or elsewhere in Europe, the EU must co-operate more closely against crime. "Equally, the EU is critical in helping Britain and the world tackle climate change. In this paper we set out ideas for tougher, more ambitious EU targets for reducing carbon emissions. "Europe needs to act more effectively to confront all the problems of globalisation - whether it’s international crime, climate change, economic insecurity or terrorism. "Britain is safer, stronger and more effective in the EU, and Liberal Democrat proposals in this paper would reinvigorate EU policies for those global challenges." Shaping Our World Through a Strong Europe also calls for:· More action at EU level to tackle climate change and ensure reliable energy supplies including: increasing the EU’s target for reducing carbon emissions to 30% by 2020.· Vigorous support for the Agenda for Economic Reform, and for the completion of the Single Market.· More accountability in budget-setting within the EU, including fines for member states with poor financial management of funds.· British leadership for improved EU defence co-operation, calling for greater financial burden-sharing and more effective pan-European procurement.· More effective use of the subsidiarity principle in policy-making. · Reform agricultural and fisheries policy within the EU by transferring 30% of agricultural expenditure into rural development.

Wed 6th Aug 2008:

Government must ensure China treats UK protesters fairly - Davey.

Commenting on reports that two Britons have been arrested for displaying Free Tibet banners in Beijing, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, Edward Davey said: "Considering this was a peaceful protest, it is essential that these people are immediately provided with consular access and legal advice. Then they must be either charged or released as soon as possible. "The Foreign Office must put pressure on the Chinese authorities to ensure that these protesters are treated fairly and with dignity. "The Chinese Government should not be using heavy-handed and repressive tactics to deal with peaceful protests."

Mon 4th Aug 2008:

Brown should not attend Olympics closing ceremony - Clegg.

Gordon Brown should not attend the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games, Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg said today in a letter to the Prime Minister. In his letter, Nick Clegg called China’s recent behaviour a ‘humiliation’ for the International Olympic Committee and said the lack of progress on human rights and press freedoms showed it was a mistake to award the Games to Beijing. The full text of the letter: Dear Gordon, In April I urged you not to attend the Beijing Olympic Games unless China took positive steps to honour the spirit of the Olympic Charter and live up to its commitments to improve its human rights record. Like many activists, human rights groups, and indeed the International Olympic Committee itself, I believed that the Games in Beijing would be an opportunity to encourage real change in China and to put pressure on the authorities to realise their promises. There was always a clear link between the award of the bid and the development of human rights in China. Indeed, the Chinese authorities themselves acknowledged that an improvement in their human rights record was one of the key conditions for winning the right to host the Games. Liu Jinmin, the Deputy Mayor of Beijing said in 2002 that "By applying for the Olympics, we want to promote not just the city’s development, but the development of society, including democracy and human rights." It is now clear to me that China has made no progress on those promises. Indeed, the restrictions placed on journalists, the ongoing crackdown in Tibet and the treatment of individual Chinese protesters has worsened. I therefore urge you not to attend the closing ceremony of the Beijing Games, or indeed any other ceremonies associated with them. Given China’s utter failure to deliver on its human rights promises, it is simply untenable for any representative of the United Kingdom to give political endorsement to these Games. Given the evidence that China has failed to meet the solemn commitments it gave, I believe it is now clear that awarding the Olympic Games to China was a mistake. China’s recent behaviour is a humiliation for the International Olympic Committee, and a salutary reminder to all politicians of the intransigence of the Chinese over human rights and the status of Tibet. Of course, I wish the British team well in their endeavours at the Games. It is to be hoped that the Beijing Olympics will be remembered for sporting achievement, and not as a monumental public relations exercise for a regime that does not deserve to host the world’s best athletes. Yours sincerely, Nick Clegg

Fri 1st Aug 2008:

Diego Garcia revelations huge embarrassment for Miliband - Davey.

Commenting on new claims that David Miliband has been ‘duped’ by the US over its use of Diego Garcia for the detention of terror suspects, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, Edward Davey said: "If these latest revelations are true, this is a huge embarrassment to the Foreign Secretary after the assurances he previously gave to Parliament. "This could also have serious consequences for transatlantic relations. "If the US has been systematically abusing its base at Diego Garcia for rendition and torture flights while knowingly keeping Britain in the dark, this would be a huge breach of trust with legal and political implications for the long-term lease of the island."

Thu 31st Jul 2008:

Olmert decision may speed up peace process - Davey.

Commenting on the announcement that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will step down in September, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, Edward Davey said: "The peace process has long been shackled by the problems Mr Olmert has been facing. "This decision may clear the air for faster progress."

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