Diplomacy is the Answer in Libya

By Diane Randall on 03/17/2011 @ 10:30 AM

Tags: War Is Not the Answer, Libya, Diane

It has been a difficult week internationally as we watch the ramping up of conflict in Libya. We support and are inspired by the aspirations of people across the Arab world who are employing nonviolent means to demand more open, responsive government and an end to authoritarian rule. At the same time, we are gravely concerned by the escalating fighting in Libya and the anticipated military engagement by the international community. We believe the means that are used to seek change in society either create or obstruct the desirable ends.

We are appalled at the violence, and we grieve over the lives lost during the ongoing struggle for freedom, democracy and human rights. We lift up our concern for those who have been injured.

We urge our government to use its diplomatic influence and its resources to support nonviolent, locally-led democratic change in the interest of promoting equality, justice, and a lasting peace throughout North Africa and the Middle East. We oppose the use of violence and military intervention as a means to achieve regime change.

I hope you will read our full statement on the situation in Libya: War Is Not the Answer in North Africa and the Middle East. And let us know what you think.