What They Think
A Survey of the Views of
Foreign Leaders and Diplomats (2014)

“An attention to the judgment of other nations is important to every government for two reasons: the one is, that, independently of the merits of any particular plan or measure, it is desirable, on various accounts, that it should appear to other nations as the offspring of a wise and honorable policy; the second is, that in doubtful cases, particularly where the national councils may be warped by some strong passion or momentary interest, the presumed or known opinion of the impartial world may be the best guide that can be followed.

What has not America lost by her want of character with foreign nations; and how many errors and follies would she not have avoided, if the justice and propriety of her measures had, in every instance, been previously tried by the light in which they would probably appear to the unbiased part of mankind?”

—James Madison, Federalist No. 63, March 1, 1788

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

West to Libya: We're Concerned

Five western powers released a statement on August 13, 2014, condemning the civil conflict in Libya. As appears from the statement, being powerful means never having to say you’re sorry.

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The Governments of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States strongly condemn the ongoing fighting and violence in and around Tripoli, Benghazi, and across Libya. We are in particular deeply concerned by the increasing toll the violence is taking on Libya’s civilian population and institutions, as well as the threat it poses to Libya’s democratic transition. We deplore the rise in the number of civilian casualties and express deep concern about the shortages in medical supplies, the displacement of thousands of families, the destruction of residences and infrastructure, as well as the halt in economic activity. We are deeply concerned about attacks carried out against the civilian population and civilian targets in Tripoli and Benghazi that may amount to breaches of international humanitarian law. These violations must stop and those responsible must be held accountable.

Violence cannot and must not be a means to achieve political goals or settle ideological differences. Only through political dialogue, inclusiveness, and consensus can Libyans move the country beyond the current crisis and build the free, prosperous, democratic, and secure state for which they have sacrificed so much.

We therefore reiterate the repeated calls by the international community, as well as the Libyan interim government and House of Representatives, for an immediate ceasefire and for all parties to this conflict to begin a peaceful political dialogue, and for them to recognize the authority of the elected representatives of the Libyan people. We remain in constant contact with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and strongly support its efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire and to end the bloodshed. We urge all sides to respond positively and without delay.

The Governments of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States continue to stand firmly behind the Libyan people, and will partner with Libya until the hopes and aspirations of the Libyan people are achieved.

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Joint Statement on Libya by the Governments of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Office of the Spokesperson, August 13, 2014
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