David Miliband

Iraq election law

2009-11-09T18:31:20+00:00

It is very good news that the Iraqi Council of Representatives has agreed the basis for next January's national election.

The fact that Iraq's political leaders overcame a number of hurdles in reaching an agreement is a real sign of Iraq's democratic progress.

Iraq held peaceful provincial and regional elections this year and January's national election will be further evidence that the Iraqi people have chosen dialogue and democracy over those who offered nothing but violence.

Goldstone

2009-11-06T16:53:45+00:00

The Gaza conflict at the start of the year shocked and polarised opinion. This week in New York we considered the Goldstone report. Some say it is flawed and to be dismissed out of hand. Some that the issues it raises are so serious we must endorse it. I agree with both analyses, but disagree with both conclusions.

The report is flawed but the issues grave. Hamas rockets fired indiscriminately at Israeli citizens seriously violate international law. Hamas should reject such actions and release Gilad Shalit. But Israel should also see that their investigations so far have failed to convince not just dyed in the wool opponents, but those genuinely committed to Israel's security, that it has addressed some serious allegations. We worked hard before the vote at the UN in New York yesterday to reach a consensus on calling for independent investigations. In the end we had to abstain, with France and forty two others, because voting for would have meant endorsing the report and ignoring its flaws. But the issues are serious and the parties should address them.

African Union agreement on internally displaced persons

2009-11-06T16:28:59+00:00

It’s extraordinary that there are over 11 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Africa. The African Union statement highlights the problem across at least 20 African states where people are currently internally displaced. Now we need to turn the words into action and help these displaced people.

Waziristan

2009-11-06T13:32:29+00:00

Gideon Rachman of the FT says the Pakistan Army’s action in Waziristan is the most important thing happening in the world at the moment.

This article by Anatol Lieven focuses on the key points. The links between the insurgency of West Pakistan and East Afghanistan are key to the future of both countries. And the links of government and population in each country - and the loyalty government commands – the essential resource for the future.

Chatham House awards Brazil’s Lula

2009-11-06T10:36:30+00:00

I am sorry I am not in London this week to meet President Lula when he receives the Chatham House Prize, awarded annually to the statesperson deemed by Chatham House members to have made the most significant contribution to improving international relations in the previous year. President Lula's leadership of Brazil, domestically and internationally, has been remarkable.

Brazil has made itself a key player on a range of international issues, bridging traditional North-South and East-West divides with policies and approaches of humanity and rationality. (I’m biased, I suppose, because the Foreign Minister Celso Amorim was a student of my dad’s.) In the run up to the Copenhagen climate summit we will need Brazil more than ever. Here is President Lula’s UN speech: http://www.un.org/ga/64/generaldebate/pdf/BR_en.pdf

British Council's 75th birthday

2009-11-06T10:05:46+00:00

The British Council celebrated its 75th birthday yesterday. Through the aftermath of war; the end of Empire; the chill of the Cold War and the rise of Al Qaeda, the Council has upheld the values of democratic governance and debate, delivering a service of intercultural relations which is much admired (and still being copied) around the world. Last year alone, the Council engaged face to face with 13.2 million people and reached 221 million.

In 1936 The British Council’s Chairman William Tyrrell defined the Council’s role as "removing misunderstanding and promoting understanding”. Today, public diplomacy is arguably more important than ever. Citizens are more literate and more informed. They are connected to the outside world through trade, media and travel; more able to communicate with each other, to organise, to hold power to account, and to exert influence over political decision making. This is not just true in established democracies - public opinion also constrains more authoritarian leaders.

So if we are to promote our values and influence our world in the 21st century, we must renew our soft power. The British Council, alongside other organisations such as the BBC World Service, have a central role to play in people-to-people diplomacy and I wish them many happy returns!

Moscow Thoughts

2009-11-03T17:04:19+00:00

I've now finished my Moscow programme. You can see my press conference with FM Lavrov here. We have reviewed difficult issues in bilateral relations, and discussed the whole range of international challenges on which Britain and Russia have a responsibility to work together as Permanent Members of the UN Security Council. I met NGOs, human rights defenders, businesses, politicians (and ex-politicians - President Gorbachev). And I met my remarkable great-great aunt/second cousin twice removed, Sofia.

I wanted my visit to add drive and depth to British/Russian relations. That does not mean ignoring difficult issues; but it can't mean taking out one's frustration about those issues by neglecting opportunities for joint work.

The best hope for the sort of Russia we want is serious and principled engagement. The statements we signed on Afghanistan, nuclear disarmament and non proliferation, and the Middle East show how much we have in common. We need to work together on Iran. We have a thriving trade and investment relationship which our two governments have a strong interest in promoting. Peter Mandelson and Deputy PM Kudrin will be co-chairing our bilateral steering committee on trade and investment in London later this week.

It’s best not to have illusions. The Russians don't. Their history warns against it. But we need each other, so we’d better make it work. Today we are a step forward from yesterday.

Visiting Moscow

2009-10-30T16:13:27+00:00

I will be visiting Moscow on Sunday and Monday at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. This is the first full bilateral visit to Russia by a British Foreign Secretary for five years and forms part of a continuing political dialogue with Moscow - shortly after my visit Peter Mandelson will be hosting Deputy Prime Minister Kudrin in London for the bilateral Steering Committee on Trade and Investment.

We don't always see eye to eye with Russia, but we share the same global challenges and it is important that we work on them together. And as we are both permanent members of the UN Security Council and members of the G8 and G20, there is a wide range of questions where, by working together, we really can make a difference.

The wealth of people-to-people contacts and the dynamic business links which have grown between Britain and Russia over the last twenty years make political engagement all the more important. While I am in Moscow I will be meeting representatives of Russian civil society - I look forward to hearing what they have to tell me about the issues which matter to them.

More than a Facelift

2009-10-30T13:07:29+00:00

You might have noticed that the look of the Foreign Office website has changed. Actually, it’s more than just a facelift. There is now more focus on top global issues, with information offered in one and place in different, more engaging ways. There is also easier access to key Foreign Office services and information.

This is important because it reflects our commitment to clearly inform and genuinely engage on foreign policy, and to use the web to make a difference on important global issues.

Look out for changes in the design of this blog soon…

Climate Finance

2009-10-30T09:56:42+00:00

There are now less than 40 days to go before Copenhagen. The four degree map my brother Ed and I launched last week underlines the urgent need for a deal to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees.

So far, the EU has done its bit, showing commendable leadership in driving progress towards such a deal. The 20-20-20 deal, the conditional offer to shift to 30% emissions reduction targets, and diplomatic initiatives to encourage global action, have all contributed. And we have shown -reflecting the argument that I made in my speech on Europe at IISS on Monday - that by working through the EU, Britain can have a bigger impact than acting alone. The UK can act to address its own emissions, but as part of the EU, we can ensure others reduce theirs too. Britain’s percentage of global carbon emissions is 2%; the EU’s is 14%.

But the deal we need is by no means guaranteed. Today, the Prime Minister and I are meeting European leaders at the October European Council to iron out the EU’s position. Climate finance - the framework and funding to encourage developing countries to join a global deal - will be central to discussions.

An ambitious climate finance offer from the EU is what we need to reach a two degree deal, and the October European Council is the opportunity for the EU to demonstrate the role it can play as a global actor.

Now, more than ever, the EU needs to come together.

Climate Change – Believe the Science

2009-10-29T14:26:54+00:00

An article in the Huffington Post reports on a recent poll – apparently only 57% of Americans think there is solid evidence that the world is getting warmer – down 20% from three years ago.

This is alarming. We need to do more to make sure people – and governments – know the science behind climate change. Hence the map we commissioned from the Hadley Centre, launched at the Science Museum last week.

The article argues that some of this drop is explained by people’s preoccupation with economic issues. This could well be true. But it is a false dichotomy. If we don’t solve the problems of climate change today; the depression of tomorrow – once the full economic effects kick in – would eclipse the current recession.

Lord Stern has said that the economic effects of climate change could cost us more than two world wars and the great depression combined. We must heed such warnings, we must listen to the science, and we must ensure that the Copenhagen Summit heralds an ambitious global deal to limit temperature rises to two degrees.

Launch of the Hajj Delegation

2009-10-29T12:56:46+00:00

On Tuesday I launched the British Hajj Delegation, together with the Saudi Ambassador, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, Lord Patel of Blackburn and Dr Syed Mohiud-din. This is the 10th year that Lord Patel has led the delegation. I am grateful to him, and to the doctors, who give their time and expertise to British Pilgrims at the Hajj.

The Hajj delegation supplements our consular efforts in Saudi Arabia. The number of cases inevitably increase significantly during the Hajj, when there are up to 20,000 - 25,000 additional British Nationals in Saudi Arabia. The Delegation does a grand job in handling these additional cases and, when necessary, providing medical assistance. H1N1 is a concern this year but, as with previous years, the Saudis are providing free medical care for anyone that needs it.

The Hajj Delegation is an important commitment from the Government to the thousands of British Muslims that attend the Hajj every year. It underlines the UK's commitment to all its communities, faiths, nations, beliefs or viewpoints. And it's a great advertisement for British Islam.

Radovan Karadzic

2009-10-26T12:18:10+00:00

Today marks the opening of Radovan Karadzic's trial in the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. It is a day that will be welcomed by many across the world. Karadzic is accused of some of the most heinous crimes imaginable, including the genocide of over 7,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys at Srebrenica in July 1995.

His arrest and transfer to The Hague after so many years on the run signalled that Serbia's Government was intent on closing a chapter from the past.

The trial itself will now act as an important moment for truth and reconciliation, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also across the region as a whole. His trial also sends out a powerful global message - the international courts are here to stay, and now there is no escape from international justice.

Blog Action Day - Climate Change

2009-10-15T11:55:25+01:00

Today is Blog Action Day and across the world bloggers are coming together to blog on one topic; climate change. There is no topic more pressing or more worthy, and both government and individuals need to be mobilised in support of an ambitious and equitable deal in Copenhagen. Bloggers who individually have quiet voices can collectively speak volumes.

Last year 12,000 bloggers took part. This year I hope there will be even more. Including our Foreign Office climate change bloggers, now gathered in one place on our new blog platform 'Climate Conversations' . But climate change has an impact far beyond those traditionally thought of as environmental. So bloggers right across our network are are also writing on this topic - John Duncan, Ambassador for Multilateral Arms Control & Disarmament, on nuclear issues and climate change; David Concar, Climate Change Counsellor Beijing, on China’s climate change concerns. The Prime Minister too has produced a one off blog for the cause, available to read on Number 10’s website

But it’s not just bloggers. Everyone can do their bit by backing the bid for an ambitious, effective and fair deal in Copenhagen. Go to the 'Act on Copenhagen' website to find out more.

The UK is doing its bit– the first country to set legally binding targets to cut its carbon footprint and the first to set carbon budgets to limit emissions. But we, and the rest of the world, have a massive challenge in front of us. The window of action to avoid catastrophic climate change is closing and agreement at Copenhagen is by no means certain.

All countries must come together to face the shared threat. There will have to be compromise, but there cannot be compromise on the ambition – to keep global temperature rises below 2 degrees, we need nothing less than a 50% reduction in global emissions by 2050. I hope the voices raised today will help us near our goal.

Belarus – Football and Politics

2009-10-14T16:59:59+01:00

Tonight England's football team plays its second match in a week against Eastern European opposition. Both teams represent large countries sandwiched between Russia to the east and European Union member states to the west. But Belarus and Ukraine have taken very different paths since the fall of the Soviet Union.

Whereas – albeit with some wobbles – Ukraine has chosen to commit to a path of democracy and economic and social reform; Belarus has not yet signed up to what we would recognise as European values.

More progress on political reforms and economic liberalisation is needed. But there are some positive signs: last year, the Belarusian authorities released the last three remaining political prisoners, an important signal that Belarus wanted to renew its relationship with the EU. The EU is keen to help Belarus make economic and political changes: this spring, Belarus joined the EU’s Eastern Partnership, which gives it the opportunity to take part in projects on energy security, border security and social and economic development, and to improve its relationships with its neighbours.

Belarus is a country that has suffered a lot in the past – most graphically after Chernobyl – and whose people deserve the hope of a more prosperous, democratic future. The EU is a key partner in promoting reform – offering Belarus not an alternative to ties with other neighbours but a wider support network.

Colombia

2009-10-14T16:39:42+01:00

Chris Bryant was in Colombia last week and had an important meeting with President Uribe. Colombia produces the bulk of the cocaine that comes to the UK; it has the second highest number of internally-displaced people of any country in the world (after Sudan); and one of the highest number of Trade Unionists murdered. Its human rights record is a source of real concern.

Chris was able to push all these issues with the Colombian government. At the end, he agreed a joint statement with the Colombian Foreign Minister covering human rights. It quoted President Uribe as saying that "defence of human rights is a necessary and legitimate act of a democracy, and a country like Colombia is proud to be completely open to international scrutiny in this regard.”

This statement is an important benchmark. But there is also a critical need for these values to be pursued and upheld by all parts of Colombian society, and most importantly by government.

UAE Nuclear

2009-10-14T13:54:33+01:00

Earlier this month the UAE (United Arab Emirates) banned domestic enrichment of uranium and brought in strict regulations preventing the theft of nuclear material. It is the first country in the world to do this. The Law helps to create confidence within the international community and the UAE's neighbours that its intentions are entirely peaceful.

The UAE is setting a model for other countries (in the Middle East and beyond) to follow in their legitimate pursuit of peaceful nuclear energy. This model is based on transparency, adoption of international agreements, and co-operation with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). The UK supports the rights of all states to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. To this end, we signed a memorandum of understanding with the UAE in 2008 and a further civil nuclear agreement with Jordan earlier this year.

It is worth noting that the actions of the UAE stand in stark contrast to those of Iran, whose dealings with both the IAEA and the international community have often been far less than transparent. I believe that the UAE's example of confidence building is one that states such as Iran would do well to emulate.

War Child

2009-10-14T10:21:44+01:00

On 19 October War Child, the international children’s charity, release a single, “I Got Soul”. The idea is to raise the issue of child soldiers, the effects of war, and the work War Child does with children in Iraq, Afghanistan, DRC and Uganda. The song is based on the memorable Killers line “I got soul, but I’m not a soldier” and all the artists recording it are big names in the UK’s urban scene. I must confess Grime doesn’t get a lot of play in the Miliband household, but I'm sure this will be a big hit and will raise awareness about these conflicts.

Don't Try To Arrest The Sea

2009-10-13T12:23:49+01:00

Its worth reading the article of the above name at smallwarsjournal.com by a serving Pakistan army major currently in the US on study leave. It's about Afghanistan and it's not a panacea - but it's got some useful corrective points to a lot of the debate.

Most important is that alongside military and civil effect, the two sides of the comprehensive approach, he stresses localisation of implementation. This was a theme of the PM's statement to parliament in December 2007 . And the idea of building up islands of protection, growth and service provision is evidenced in important districts of Helmand.

Russian Milibands

2009-10-10T11:56:36+01:00

The phone in by brother Ed definitely goes down as novel, with an 87 year old Russian relative emerging via the Ekho Moskvy radio station. The story is heart warming, and goes back it seems to my great great grandfather.

Bravo Poland

2009-10-10T11:47:51+01:00

Polish President Kaczyński has signed the Lisbon Treaty today. That means 26 of 27 European states will have ratified the Treaty. That leaves the final ratification in the Czech Republic, where the Czech Parliament has completed its work.

I think it was striking that in the aftermath of the Irish vote the media should have revisited some of the basic arguments for the Treaty for Britain - more voting weight, rationalisation of foreign policy organisation and presence, an end to institutional tinkering. It’s a good treaty for a stronger Britain in a stronger Europe.

Blog Action Day

2009-10-10T11:45:32+01:00

15 October is Blog Action Day related to climate change and Copenhagen in particular. There isn’t really a better topic for blogging - a deal needs civilian power not just government power.

I've just done an interview for a Brazilian paper El Globo arguing that we keep the faith in the drive for an ambitious, fair and effective global deal. That remains my position.

Goose that Laid the Golden Egg

2009-10-10T11:43:09+01:00

So said Winston Churchill about the code breakers at Bletchley Park during WW2, some of whom I had the honour and privilege to meet yesterday when I was able to present commemorative awards for their service. Bletchley is a remarkable testament to British spirit, ingenuity, tenacity - and the veterans of Bletchley deserved recognition well before now. As I said in my speech this was one of the easiest decisions I have had - who could be against awarding these remarkable people a commemorative award.

Bletchley stands in the middle of the country near Milton Keynes and consists of Nissen Huts and a 'mansion'. By 1943 some 10,000 people were working on the project to break Axis codes, most famously 'enigma'. The men and (mainly) young women there were drawn from all walks of life. They worked in cells that prevented anyone from understanding the whole project. But the effect was serious - some historians estimate it shortened the war by two years. For all those fighting on the field of battle the back up work made a huge difference.

Last month the Prime Minister rectified a long term wrong in the case of Alan Turing, persecuted for his sexuality after his outstanding service for his country during the war. It was striking at yesterday's ceremony how many of the veterans remarked on the importance of the Turing apology.

Bletchley has just got a big lottery grant. It welcomes some 100,000 visitors a year, and I was privileged to be there.

Tagliavini report on the Georgia-Russia conflict

2009-10-08T17:20:35+01:00

Last week’s publication of the Tagliavini report on the Georgia-Russia conflict is another reminder of the importance of conflict prevention. There are lessons to be learned. The international community should ensure international mechanisms (such as the Geneva process) contribute to solutions, that all parties meet their obligations and, crucially, that those who have committed human rights abuses are brought to justice.

But there are still many issues that need to be resolved. Russia needs to use its influence to allow access for humanitarian organisations and international observers to South Ossetia and Abkhazia – EU monitors are still being barred. And internally displaced persons must be allowed to return home – over 30,000 are still unable to.

To progress, we also need to build confidence between the parties. That is why I applaud the success of a package of joint Russia-UK-Georgia over-flight missions that was completed last week under the auspices of the Open Skies Treaty (a military treaty unrelated to commercial Open Skies arrangements). These flights showed that progress can be made on arms control treaties even amidst the most trying circumstances. It is testament to the professionalism not just of British forces, but of their Georgian and Russian counterparts, that the missions went so smoothly.

Good news from Dublin

2009-10-03T19:51:28+01:00

All 27 countries of the EU have now completed what Carl Bildt called in, a phone call with me today, the democratic stages of the Lisbon Treaty i.e formal stages are all that remains. Its good for Britain and good for Europe.

Remember we get extra votes in the Council of Ministers as a result of this. And Europe gets structures of governance fit for the modern world - in foreign policy a single High Representative not a confused structure. This is a real achievement for the Irish government - at a time of economic recession they have bucked the trend of people voting no in referenda.

Apology

My discovery of twitter has interrupted blog service. I haven't quite managed to figure out the balance of the two media. Will try for a bit.

Open FCO

2009-09-28T14:19:35+01:00

The note in my box tells me 11,045 people visited the FCO as part of Open House London the weekend before last. We even sold Christmas cards, booklets and postcards.

Iran

2009-09-26T02:25:10+01:00

Iran was a major focus of attention in New York last week. The E3+3 and many others expressed grave concern about its nuclear programme, and declared a determination to address it through negotiation if possible, isolation and sanctions if necessary. We also had the standard, abhorrent, remarks from President Ahmadinejad about Israel, insulting the values of the chamber in which he was speaking.

Friday saw the revelation of a covert enrichment facility near Qom. Iran's response was evasive. They denied it was secret. True-we knew about it and have now given the IAEA a full briefing along with France and the US. Then President Ahmadinejad said that Iran did not have to declare all its nuclear facilities to the US. Also true, and totally beside the point. Iran has to declare them not to the US but to the IAEA, with whom it claims to be fully cooperating when in fact it has been covertly constructing the site for years contrary to the requirements of 5 UNSCRs and its own safeguards agreement with the IAEA.

We stand at a crossroads with Iran. Down one path lies the future offered by President Obama to the people and government of Iran in his new year message last March. A future where Iran can celebrate its past and look forward to the benefits that its resources, natural and human, should bring.

But down another path lies a future marked by conflict, hateful rhetoric and missed opportunity. One in which Iran chooses to evade responsibility rather than engage, to isolate itself from the community of nations and to reject the outstretched hand on offer.

We have made very clear which path we wish to take. But we cannot walk it alone. On Thursday in Geneva Iran must make a simple decision about whether it will address our fundamental concern which is its nuclear programme. This is Iran's choice not ours; the time for excuses is over.

UK, US and France condemn Iranian nuclear activity

Arms Trade Treaty

2009-09-24T14:37:40+01:00

This week I am in New York at the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The UN provides the forum for all states to work together to find mutually beneficial solutions to the increasing number of challenges to our interdependent world. Key among them is how to ensure global security and stability, which is why we attach so much importance to the annual October UN meeting on arms control. One of our key priorities this October will be to ensure progress towards an Arms Trade Treaty.

In my video message this week to the Oxfam seminar on women in conflict I set out why this is so important. National and regional arms export controls should be as strong as possible. But only a global Arms Trade Treaty can plug the gaps between them. It is through these gaps that arms can reach terrorists and fuel conflict, threatening lives worldwide.

States, civil society and the defence industry overwhelmingly agree that there is a need for an Arms Trade Treaty. And all states agreed in the UN in July that the unregulated trade in arms is causing global problems. It is time to turn these words into action.

This October we will therefore call for a clear timetable and negotiating framework to secure a strong Arms Trade Treaty as soon as possible. We want preparatory meetings in 2010 and 2011 for a Diplomatic Conference on an Arms Trade Treaty in 2012.

In October there will be a choice either to continue talking generally about an Arms Trade Treaty or to set a timetable for action towards a treaty that would help protect lives and livelihoods all around the globe. I know which way I will be voting.

Pakistan: Education, Education, Education

2009-09-20T12:14:20+01:00

I took Sir Michael Barber to see President Zadari today to discuss a proposal that the Prime Minister and I have been discussing with the President on education in Pakistan. It is a young country in terms of demographics, with tens of millions of young people yearning for a decent education - and yet to get one. Big money is planned to flow into education in Pakistan including, for example, from the US’s Kerry-Lugar Bill, (providing 1.5bn dollars a year for civilian assistance). The government has a National Education Commission. But the problem is more strategy than implementation. It is said that literally hundreds of schools are built but have neither teachers nor pupils.

Sir Michael will lead a UK-Pakistan Education Task Force with strong engagement from the President and his team. It will focus on getting the basics of structure and accountability into the system - from teacher training to school management. I look forward to what should be a real multiplier of results.

Pakistan deserves support

2009-09-20T12:01:47+01:00

I saw President Zadari last night to discuss next week's Friends of Democratic Pakistan Summit meeting to be co-chaired by the Prime Minister, President Obama and President Zadari in New York next week. The scale of attacks on his country - for example 300 schools burnt down in the Swat district alone in the last 18 months - is testimony to the importance the insurgency place on destabilisation there. But the combined response of government and people - in part in revulsion at the insurgency's values - has been striking. The majority of the 2.3 million people dislocated from their homes by violence in north west Pakistan have now returned to their homes after military action. But violent extremism continues to threaten Pakistan and its people, as well as the stability of the region and beyond. The Summit meeting is a chance to reaffirm support from the international community and to broaden out the fight against extremism in Pakistan. I hope it will do so.