Europe
Liberal International stresses that European countries which comply with the so called Copenhagen Criteria such as a strong democracy based on the rule of law, a functioning free market economy and the adoption of the Acquis Communautaire should be able to join the European Union and, under its specific conditions, NATO, without delay. Nevertheless, Congress is concerned about the “silk curtain” that is being let down in Europe. People just outside the borders of an expanded EU are threatened by new restrictions on trade and the freedom of movement of people.
The regime of Alexandar Lukashenka in Belarus is the last dictatorship in Europe. The recent presidential elections demonstrated that once more. Liberal International encourages the opposition in Belarus to establish a united front against Lukashenka and calls on the EU to exert pressure on the Government of Belarus to respect the human right of all in their country.
Congress welcomes the continued development towards democracy in Yugoslavia. Liberal International welcomes the commitment of aid by the EU and urges its effective delivery in order to strengthen the efforts of the peoples of Yugoslavia to develop democratic systems and an open society.
Liberal International welcomes the democratic transition of power in Croatia and the efforts taken by the new leadership to resolve the refugee situation, to start a peaceful cooperation with the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to cooperate fully with the Hague Tribunal on War Crimes in former Yugoslavia and to start the integration of Croatia in all forums of European Cooperation.
Liberal International welcomes the recent elections in Kosovo. LI calls on all in Kosovo to remain involved in this democratic process and on the Albanians to show respect for the Serbs and other minorities.
Liberal International endorses the continuing efforts of the British and Irish Governments and parties in Northern Ireland to build a stable settlement in Northern Ireland, which will allow the nationalist minority, the unionist majority and indeed all sections of the community to live in peace and mutual respect.
Congress welcomes the strong stance taken by the Alliance Party in ensuring continuation of the peace process.
Congress welcomes the continued commitment shown by the United States, Canada, Finland, South Africa and other members of the international community to assist in the resolution of this long-standing problem.
LI condemns the terrorism of the ETA and calls on ETA to lay down its arms and to respect the will of the Basque people.
After more than two decades of division in Cyprus no real progress has been achieved in the search for a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem. LI welcomes the recent meetings between Rauf Denktash and Glafcos Clerides and the start of negotiations. The status quo on Cyprus is unacceptable and LI calls on the Greek and Turkish Governments and parties and administrations in Cyprus to commit themselves to create a fair and lasting agreement based on tolerance and mutual respect between the communities and the territorial integrity of the country as recognised by international law.
Any decision on the future status of Gibraltar must involve the Gibraltarians. Moreover, Liberal International reiterates that the future of Gibraltar must be freely and democratically decided by the people of Gibraltar in exercise of their right to self-determination. In order for a choice to be a free and democratic choice, it must take place without threats and coercion. Irrespective of the Treaty of Utrecht, a decision about Gibraltar cannot be taken exclusively in Madrid and London.
LI welcomes Turkey’s recent constitutional reforms. Nevertheless, much remains to be done to strengthen democracy and improve respect for human rights.