LEBANON
The ceasefire
From the outset of this conflict, the Liberal Democrats called for an
immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, Gaza and Israel to allow for negotiations on a
settlement to the terrible violence in the region.
We therefore welcome
the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and urge both
parties to abide by its conditions and the spirit of those conditions. They must
show restraint and resist the urge to resume a violent approach to this crisis.
Commenting on the passing of Resolution 1701, party leader Ming Campbell
said:
"This resolution has been too long delayed at terrible cost in
lives, destruction and even the reputation of the United Nations
itself.
"What is now required is an unparalleled commitment from the
international community to deal with the short term issues of a ceasefire but
also the long term problem of a permanent solution.
"Israel's right to
live within secure and recognised boundaries must be asserted - but justice and
a homeland for the Palestinians are of equal urgency.
"The unvarnished
truth is that long-term stability will only be achieved if the United States is
willing to become fully engaged. Washington bears an overwhelming
responsibility."
Resolution 1701 is only a starting point. The absolute
priority now is to ensure a fast and effective humanitarian
response.
Both sides must provide cast-iron safety guarantees to United
Nations and humanitarian agencies seeking to provide food, shelter and essential
supplies for the vulnerable and displaced. With close to a million forced from
their homes in Lebanon, and severe and on-going depravation in Gaza, relief
operations are a first priority.
In the longer term we must seek a
negotiated and sustainable political solution, which addresses long-term issues
and disputes such as the detention of prisoners on both sides, but this will
never be achieved without a concerted effort from all sides to halt the
suffering of civilians and secure the delivery of aid.
UK government’s failed response
We
are extremely dismayed that the United Kingdom government did not join with our
European and United Nations allies in calling for an immediate
ceasefire.
In the end it was clear that it was the US and France, rather
then the UK, who took the lead in negotiating Resolution 1701. To have been told
by the Deputy Secretary General of the UN that British diplomatic efforts were
counter-productive is a damning indictment of the Government’s position. Beyond
the immediate humanitarian and other priorities in the Middle East, there must
be a reappraisal of British foreign policy and a concerted effort to become
involved in the European mainstream rather than over-dependent on the United
States.
Longer term
peace
The Liberal Democrats believe firmly in the
fundamental principle that the state of Israel has a right to exist in peace and
security within recognized boundaries. We also believe that the Palestinians are
entitled to peace, justice and a viable homeland. We must put in place the
political framework for negotiations on this basis, reflected in successive
United Nations Security Council resolutions, which is the only means of
achieving a just and lasting peace.
