Hague: UK 'Ready for Long Haul in Libya'
THE INDEPENDENT: Foreign Secretary William Hague warned Cabinet colleagues today that Britain and its allies must prepare for the long haul in Libya as weeks of air strikes show little sign of unseating Muammar Gaddafi.

Mr Hague was updating Cabinet as Defence Secretary Liam Fox flew to the US for talks on the best way of stepping up pressure on the Libyan dictator's forces.

The Foreign Secretary insisted that there were "grounds for optimism", 38 days after international military action was launched to enforce United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution 1973.

Summarising Mr Hague's comments to Cabinet, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: "The general tone was that there were grounds for optimism, good progress was being made, the alliance was holding up very well, but clearly we need to turn up the pressure.

"The mission is going in the right direction but we need to prepare for the long haul." » | Andrew Woodcock, PA | Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Syria: William Hague Condemns Crackdown
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: William Hague has condemned the bloody crackdown on protests in Syria and call [sic] for an end to violent repression.


Mr Hague confirmed that Britain is working with partners in the United Nations Security Council, the European Union and the Middle East region to send a "strong signal" to Bashar Assad, the Syrian president, that he must halt violence against civilians.

The UK has joined France, Germany and Portugal in drawing up a draft statement on Syria which is being circulated at the UN, according to Government sources.

The move comes amid growing concern over the brutal tactics being employed by the Syrian regime to quell unrest and silence calls for President Assad to go.

At least 11 people were killed yesterday in an escalation of the crackdown on the city of Daraa, where the uprising began last month.

In a statement issued by the Foreign Office in London today, Mr Hague said: "I condemn utterly any violence and killings perpetrated by the Syrian security forces against civilians who are expressing their views in peaceful protests. This violent repression must stop." » | Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Hague on Collision Course with Israeli Government
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: William Hague's decision to hold taboo-breaking talks with representatives of three groups at the forefront of the Palestinian civil disobedience movement has set him on collision course with Israel's government.

William Hague is planning to meet Palestinian leaders on Wednesday. Photo: The Daily Telegraph
The Foreign Secretary will meet the leadership of the increasingly assertive Palestinian groups on Wednesday, during his first visit to the Holy Land after taking office, and Israel fears the meetings could confer international legitimacy on the protesters.

Israeli officials declined to comment on the meeting because the identity of the Palestinian leaders involved has not yet been publicly disclosed. Privately, though, some officials voiced misgivings. "All I can say is that I hope he tries to get all opinions at hand from all sides," one said. >>> Adrian Blomfield in Jerusalem | Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Tories Warn of British Backlash to Blair ‘Presidency’
TIMES ONLINE: William Hague warns European leaders today to expect a backlash if they make Tony Blair the first president of Europe.

The Shadow Foreign Secretary told The Times: “There could be no worse way to sell the EU to the people of Britain.”

He dangled the prospect of a referendum in Britain to take back powers from Brussels, even if a “yes” vote in the Irish Republic leads to the rapid ratification of the Lisbon treaty. He also indicated that the Tories would use a Blair presidency to mobilise opposition in such a vote on Britain’s relationship with Europe.

Mr Hague was speaking as Conservatives gathered in Manchester for their party conference, and before the result of Ireland’s vote on the Lisbon treaty is declared today. Hours before polls closed at 10pm last night turnout was reported to be higher than last year, when Ireland voted “no”. The Government hopes that a good turnout will favour the “yes” side. >>> Rachel Sylvester, Alice Thomson and Francis Elliott | Saturday, October 03, 2009

Sign ePetition: Stop Blair ! : Petition against the nomination of Tony Blair as "President of the European Union" >>>

MAIL ONLINE: 'President Blair' awaits Irish 'yes' vote and a new life of EU luxury (including expenses MPs would die for and a salary as big as Obama's) >>> Ian Drury | Friday, October 02, 2009

Riyadh Demands Apology from Geert Wilders
ARAB NEWS: JEDDAH, 19 February 2007 — Saudi Arabia has asked the Dutch government to intervene over remarks by an anti-immigration politician who said Muslims should “tear out half the Qur’an” and wants him to apologize, Al-Watan newspaper reported yesterday.

“The Saudi Embassy in The Hague has begun moves with the Dutch Foreign Ministry against the remarks of rightwing parliamentarian Geert Wilders,” the paper said. “It appealed to the appropriate authorities on the need for Wilders insulting statements to be withdrawn and an apology be given to Muslims ... The embassy has demanded that the Dutch side put an end to such statement.”

Saudi Ambassador to The Hague Walid Abdul Kareem Al-Khereiji said the embassy was making its efforts without media publicity. “Our only aim is to stop the smear campaign against Islam,” he added. Riyadh Wants Dutch MP to Apologize for Anti-Islam Remarks >>> By P.K. Abdul Ghafour

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