The Council of the Socialist International, meeting in Luanda on 27-‐28 November 2015, discussed recent developments in relation to global stability, peace and security. In particular, the Council recalled its recent declarations in New York in July 2015 and Geneva in December 2014.
Recognising global terror as a fundamental threat to peace, security, stability and the common values and principles of our organization, the Council:
Expresses its deepest sympathy with all victims of terrorist atrocities. In recent weeks we have witnessed the tragic loss of innocent life in attacks that have taken place in Egypt, France, Iraq, Lebanon, Mali, Nigeria, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey.
Condemns without exception these acts and offers its wholehearted support to those at the forefront of the battle against terrorism.
Reiterates its solidarity and support to the government of Mali, led by President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, which is engaged in a struggle to secure peace, democracy and economic progress for all the people of Mali.
Reiterates its solidarity and condolences to the people of France, the French Socialist Party and President François Hollande, who have shown great courage and conviction in the aftermath of the shocking attacks in Paris, and who share our objective of the eradication of those responsible and their ideology.
Extends its solidarity to its member party in Tunisia, Ettakatol, which has been one of the architects of Tunisia’s democracy, which must be cherished and protected as a counterexample to the rhetoric of the terrorists.
Expresses its support and solidarity to the government of Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari in their determined struggle to protect their people against the terrorism of Boko Haram.
Reiterates its full support to the government of Niger, led by President Mahamadou Issoufou, in its efforts to repel terrorism, enhance regional stability, deepen democracy and secure development.
Also underlines its solidarity with the people of Cameroon and Chad who have suffered from terrorism, and calls for concerted international cooperation to defeat Boko Haram in all the countries in which it operates.
Recognises the heroism and bravery of Kurdish forces in both Iraq and Syria, who are defending democracy and human rights on the front line of the battle against terrorism and extremism.
The Council once more reaffirmed the commitment of the global social democratic movement to maintain peace and resolve conflicts. In line with this fundamental undertaking, the Council:
Reiterates the importance of a political solution to the civil war in Syria, which has now entered its fifth year and claimed more than 250,000 lives.
Expresses its support for efforts to bring about a ceasefire in Syria, including talks have been taking place in Vienna under the auspices of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG). If a durable peace is to be found it will require multilateral cooperation and support from all major international actors.
Calls for coordinated action to defeat Daesh/ISIS and other terrorist organisations in order to protect the innocent victims of terror. This includes more stringent measures to restrict their funding, their access to arms and the flow of foreign fighters into Syria and Iraq.
Appeals to the international community to unite in a universal anti-‐terrorist coalition based on a common understanding of goals, objectives and targets, as well as consistent and transparent joint actions that will ensure mutual understanding and trust.
Endorses the call of Resolution 2249 of the United Nations Security Council calling on states with the capacity to take all necessary measures, in compliance with international law, to redouble and coordinate their efforts to prevent and suppress terrorist acts committed by Daesh and other terrorist groups.
Expresses its concern that the shooting down of a Russian military aeroplane by Turkey will increase tension and jeopardise efforts to build a unified coalition against terrorism.
Underlines its commitment to a Syrian-‐led political transition to prepare the holding of free and fair elections and the investiture of a government that is the legitimate representative of the Syrian people and all groups in the society, irrespective of ethnic background.
Expresses its utmost concern for those living in the territory currently occupied by Daesh, who are suffering under this barbaric regime on a daily basis. The victims include those women and children subject to the abhorrent practice of being sold into slavery.
Considers that a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Syria and a return to peace and security is an indispensable component of the fight against Daesh.
Further considers that the rise of Daesh has been aided by the conflict in Syria and that bringing this conflict to an end will help to bring stability to the region, including in Iraq.
Reiterates its commitment to the resolution of other outstanding conflicts, in recognition of the role that the SI and its member parties can play in this regard.
Considers thereby that regional peace and stability is dependent on a two-‐state solution to the Israel-‐Palestine conflict, based on the unconditional recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 border with East Jerusalem as its capital, and an end to occupation and settlements.
Decisively encourages the efforts of the United Nations aiming to achieve a political solution in Western Sahara, in accordance with UN Resolutions.
Calls on Morocco and the Polisario Front to renew and intensify direct negotiations, as requested by the UN Secretary General, in the search for a lasting solution within the framework defined by the United Nations.
Insists on the formation of a transitional government of unity in Libya, and expresses its support for the United Nations and the international community in their efforts to consolidate reconciliation in a key country of the region in a serious, staunch and constructive way.
Will continue to closely follow the current efforts to bring an end to the division of the island of Cyprus, and considers of great importance the confidence-‐building and other measures based on our principles and values and the resolutions of the United Nations to reach a solution to the problem of Cyprus on the basis of a bi-‐zonal and bi-‐communal federation.
Convinced of the need and the responsibility of the Socialist International to continue in its efforts to work in a concrete manner towards global stability, peace and security, the International will undertake further initiatives focusing on these aims and remain seized of the matter in the coming months.
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