International Relations Committee

PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE BALLOT PAPER CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU VOTE

This booklet contains election statements provided by the 19 candidates for the International Relations Committee. A panel of 5 is to be elected.

Please read the enclosed information before casting your vote.

Any questions about the ballot should be addressed in writing to:

David Allworthy, Head of Compliance and Constitutional Support, Liberal Democrats HQ, 2nd Floor, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE, or by email at returning.officer@libdems.org.uk

MANIFESTO BOOKLET

C3164_P5

International Relations Committee Remit

The International Relations Committee of the party meets around 6 times a year, and acts as the consultative and co-ordinating body of the party regarding its activities on the international stage. The terms

of reference of the Committee are:

1. To co-ordinate input into and feedback from ELDR and LI (see below).

2. To co-ordinate relations with overseas parties.

3. To carry out work regarding the European Elections, both before and after the elections, enabling a cohesive, well supported group in the European Parliament which contributes to the Party’s campaigning and image.

4. To co-ordinate the work of the European Parliamentary Party, the Foreign Affairs team, the Leader’s Office and the Party in terms of our policy and political input to ELDR and LI bodies.

5. To instigate links with policy making processes through working groups and reviews, with a view to bringing in the wider network of contacts and expertise to which the Committee has access.

6. To have responsibility for addressing the state of international knowledge and commitment throughout the party, with a view to educating and involving members in international matters.

The committee is made up of representatives of Federal Committees, relevant international bodies, and parliamentary representatives and co-opted experts, and is led by a Chair elected by the Federal Executive. 5 members of the Committee are elected by conference reps.

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FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE

DR. ALADDIN AYESH

FIRST CHOICE

!Liberal ~ Diplomatic ~ World Citizen

Born into a family with worldly views and liberal ideals, I was taught from early age to respect all cultures and religions, and that diplomacy starts with patience.

! Traveled since my childhood and experienced many cultures first hand.

! Working in higher education, for the last 15 years, in highly international environments and travel regularly

! PhD in Computer Science ! Knowledge of EU and global interaction of economics and technology

! Knowledgeable in the politics and economics of the Middle East

Please give me your vote as first choice to the International Relations Committee.

Designed and produced by Aladdin Ayesh (aladdinayesh@live.co.uk) for and on behalf of Dr. Aladdin Ayesh.

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For experience, commitment and abilityVOTE

BELLL

Jeremy BELL 1

Jeremy

A life at the sharp end:A recently retired career diplomat,Jeremy Bell has unmatchedinternational experience over 60 years,34 spent on the diplomatic front line,managing problems and seekingliberal solutions through dialogue.Born in Tanzania, brought up in thePacific islands and Nigeria, he joinedthe FCO in 1974. Postings include theNetherlands, Bahrain, Vietnam, Japan,Botswana, Kenya and Afghanistan.Visits to over 100 countries.His final overseas job was as UKDeputy Permanent Representative tothe UN Environment and HumanSettlements Programmes in Nairobi.The role included acting as EU chiefnegotiator in debates over thePalestine Occupied Territories andadvising ministers at global conferences.Currently Jeremy advises a crisismanagement and emergencyresponse firm on overseas business.Married to a Japanese national withtwo daughters still at school. Interestsinclude rowing, walking, ‘foreign partsand peoples’ and the reality behindhistory, i.e the truth.

Policy priorities for the IRCWork constructively and sensitively topromote liberal and democratic ideas andparties across the world. Speak out against the persecution ofminorities, or majorities by ruling minorities. Promote a tougher UK line with corruptand autocratic regimes, support for anti-corruption drives and free and fair trade. Actively pursue a joint internationalpolicy towards tyrannical regimes. Support a Lib Dem minister in the FCOto keep our voice in foreign policy.

“My key skills are the nuts and bolts of doing business with politicians all overthe world. A passionate liberal all my life, I want to improve the way we promoteour ideas in Europe and globally. Please give me your first preference.”

International Relations Committee

Please support me with 1st Choice

Nasser Butt

Nasser ButtSeeking support with your 1st Choice For

WWWWWhahahahahat I can delit I can delit I can delit I can delit I can delivvvvver with yer with yer with yer with yer with your Supporour Supporour Supporour Supporour Supporttttt

It’s an opportunity for us, Liberal Democrats ingovernment, to provide an ethical foreign policyand to give direction on the economic,environmental and political challenges faced byour sister parties across the globe.

I believe we have the potential to deliverimprovements in Human rights practices as partof the development developing democracies withpromotion of fairness and social justice fromgovernments around the world.

I have campaigned for human rights, civil liberties and social justicefor a number of government sponsored persecution of minoritycommunities, in Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Kashmir, India,Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. My two decades ofcampaigning on Lib Dem platforms at frontline on council andparliamentary campaigns, backroom committees and having served anumber of civil liberties campaigns, provides me the understanding,passion, enthusiasm and ability to serve the party with an internationalvision.

As a member of the IRC, I hope to promote liberal, tolerant anddemocratic values and to promote fairness, equality and social justicethrough engagement with the family of Liberal Parties around the globe. Iwould appreciate your support with your 1st preference vote.

Website: nasserbutt.com m. 07710 389336 Email- nasser@nasserbutt.com

International RelationsCommittee

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“

George DUNK

Number 1 for International Committee

Training youngpoliticians andactivists inZimbabwe

Ed Fordham

The Gambia, 2008

“The need for us to standup on International issues

in Government is critical -I’m worried that the

reshuffle gives theimpression we have

evacuated the FCO andMinistry of Defence.

We need strong voices oninternationalism.”

Ed Fordham

Re-elect a campaigner on international issues

Ed working abroad...

Campaigning in the UK...

Ed has worked with theWestminster Foundation forDemocracy across Africadeveloping budding politicians.He has been pro-active in takinga lead on promoting issuesrelating to Africa and theCarribean - there is lots to do!

Ed has been pro-active in helpingestablish the Liberal Democrat Forumfor Africa.But the work has barely started - thereis much much more to do if we are tobe a truly representative andinternationalist party. And then weneed to campaign on these issues!

But the work has barely started - there

Ed understands issues in Israel,Gaza and the West Bank andhas seen it for himself, 2010

Sierra Leone, 2009

Dear Conference Rep,

The international work of the

Party is immensely important,

cementing our ties with like-

minded political movements and

championing liberal values and

human rights round the world.

Through the Liberal Democrats

and the Westminster Foundation

for Democracy I have worked on

democracy-building projects in a

wide range of countries including

Angola, Egypt, Jordan,

Macedonia, Moldova, Sri Lanka

and Thailand.

As a working journalist I have

reported from around the globe,

notably for BBC Radio 4’s From

Our Own Correspondent.

Please use your vote to help me

keep our party international and

make our world more liberal!

Jonathan Fryer

Fryer 1

WORKING WITH POLITICAL PARTIES IN

BANGLADESH

TRAINING OPPOSITION POLITICIANS IN AFGHANISTAN

ORGANISING LEADER’S TOUR

EVENTS IN THE UK

Building links overseas and winning new supporters at home

for International Relations CommitteeSteven Gauge

A campaigner with extensive international experience

Representing our party in over a dozen different countries during the last three years has been some of the most rewarding work I have ever done. I want to join the International Relations Committee to ensure that we make the most of every opportunity to work with liberals and democrats all around the world.

As Liberal Democrats, we should be proud of our internationalism. Helping to spread liberal values and supporting fellow democrats overseas can deliver real electoral dividends at home, particularly amongst our ethnic minority communities.

www.stevengauge.blogspot.com @gaugeopinion

Three reasons to votefor Keith House -A first preference for campaigningKeith House has 30 years of campaign experience. He leadsEastleigh’s campaigning each year and has helped campaign anddevelop campaign skills on four continents.A first preference for liberal valuesThe Liberal Democrats must retain a genuine internationalistcommitment. Social justice, progressive values and real localismmatter regardless of national boundaries. We must make that case,show how we deliver our values in government, and how electingmore liberals will make our globe a fairer and greener place.A first preference for mutual aidWe must learn from liberal parties around the world. Many knowfar more about coalition government than us, and have skills weneed. That’s about transferring skills, not about sitting in dustymeetings. And it means workingwith our diverse communitiesto build the Lib Dem vote hereas well as assisting developmentof other liberal parties.

Keith House

Got a question?Got a question?Got a question?Got a question?Got a question?Call Keith on 01489 798922 or mobile 07768 357918Call Keith on 01489 798922 or mobile 07768 357918Call Keith on 01489 798922 or mobile 07768 357918Call Keith on 01489 798922 or mobile 07768 357918Call Keith on 01489 798922 or mobile 07768 357918

e-mail cllrkeithhouse@gmail.come-mail cllrkeithhouse@gmail.come-mail cllrkeithhouse@gmail.come-mail cllrkeithhouse@gmail.come-mail cllrkeithhouse@gmail.com

Experience that counts

Local...Leader of Lib Dem runEastleigh BoroughCouncil since 1994 -holding power after 18years, gaining seatsfrom both other parties.Leads on HampshireCounty Council.

...and moreElected member ofFederal Executive.Former Lib DemFederal Partymembership andfundraising director.

InternationalExperienced electionobserver with missionsin central Asia andeastern Europe.Experienced trainer ofliberal parties in Africa,eastern Europe andthe Caribbean.Obama 2008 campaignhelper.Wide internationalexperience aroundthe globe.

“Our Party has a proudinternational record and hashad for many years.As a liberal party withexperience of local and nationalgovernment we have much togive.My interest is in helping buildliberal values and developcampaigning - liberalism knowsno borders.Our international focus is aboutmuch more than Europeaninstitutions and must also beabout working with all ourdiverse communities to electLib Dems in the UK.I hope you will support me withyour first preference vote.”

Keith HOUSE 1

Gordon Lishman 1 for IRC

Contact Gordon: gordon@lishman.co.uk

P.S. Sorry for lack of photo and publishing skill - PC blew up, so had to borrow one!

Gordon Lishman European and International Activist

Gordon Lishman has been a member of the Party’s Interna-tional Relations Committee since it was established and Chair for more than half of its life. Prevented from public activity in the Party because of his work in leading Age Concern, Gordon concentrated his work on the Party’s European and International links. This has included: Oversight of our Westminster Foundation for Democracy pro-grammes, including:

* Developing the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats * Initiating and participating in the African Liberal Network * Working with parties in new democracies including Spain, Latvia, Serbia, Turkey, Moldova, Bulgaria, South Africa, the Phil-ippines. * Contributing to cross-party conflict resolution in Sri Lanka.

Liberal International Executive member, Congress participant and (2009-11) Chair, Human Rights Committee. Organiser, 50th LI Congress, Oxford 1997

Participant in ELDR Councils and Congresses, going back to participation in youth organisa-tions and predecessor bodies:

* Chair, ELDR Congress Theme Committee 2010 * UK representative to Mani-festo Group on three occasions over 35 years * UK representative to Congress Theme Committee on Euro crisis

Currently concentrating on ensu-ing that the LibDem alternative to German FDP economic policy is maintained in policy discussions, including those on the Manifesto for the 2014 European Parliament elections. Gordon’s work on ageing, older people and human rights has taken him to all six inhabited continents.

SteveMartin

DJA.IRC.2012

International relations have always been of interestto me related to my experience of working and travellingabroad over the last 50 odd years.Within the Party I have taken an active and constructivepart in advancing proactive development of our rulesand political activities.I have held all constituency officer positions andcontinue to be part of the South East regional teamand a member of the English party.I am a great admirer of the work of our M.E.P.’Sespecially those representing the South East.I would relish the opportunity to look, listen ,learn andmaybe influence relations with the emerging liberaldemocracies to try and avoid the pitfalls Inherent inchanges of régimes and social development.To improve understanding within the matureLiberal Democrat parties of other nations against thebackground of financial instability and unemployment.understanding and mutual respect is the onlyacceptable way forward.I look to your vote to make this possible.

Steve Martin 3rd October 2012

Rabindranath (Rabi) Martins Born in India, Educated in Africa and Europe, settled in the United Kingdom

Makes Rabi Martins very suited to serve as a member of the International Relations Committee

My interests include International Trade and campaigning against Human Rights violations

particularly in Asia and Africa I am member of Amnesty International, Liberty and

founder member / Senior Vice President of the Pakistan – India Friendship Forum

Please give me your 1st. Preference vote for the International Relations Committee

Why vote for me? As an engineer, Aid worker and a former PPC I have25 years of experience of working with people across the Globe for peaceand development. I have among other things been a UN election observer,and an honorary consular correspondent for the British High Commissionwhilst working in Tanzania. Until two months ago I was based in EastTimor with World Vision (see photo below).

Best Wishes

I hope this short leaflet will give some insight

as to why you should select me for the IRC

BRIAN MATHEW

Who I am: I’m an engineer and social scientist

with a passion for people, politics, and the environ-

ment. I have served with World Vision, WaterAid,

DFID, the EU, PricewaterhouseCoopers and

Thames Water. I joined the Liberal Democrats in

1988 after winning a place at the Liberal Summer

School, and I stood for the Lib Dems in North

Somerset at the last General Election, increasing

our share of the vote by 5.5% to 20,687.

for International Relations Committee

1Vote

Turhan Ozen

Statement not received by deadline

John dined withCzech PresidentVaclav Havel

John sat with PaddyAshdown at the LiberalLeaders Conference inEast Berlin in 1989 - andlent a hand demolishingthe Berlin Wall!

JohninvestigatedKaliningradin 2008

In years of studying EasternEurope and the BalkansJohn has visited Macedonia,Bosnia-Herzegovina,Slovenia, Montenegro - andCroatia over 10 times

John has attendeddozens of conferences,Embassy meetings, andseminars - including onewith the Bulgarian PM

John dined withCzech PresidentVaclav Havel

John sat with PaddyAshdown at the LiberalLeaders Conference inEast Berlin in 1989 - andlent a hand demolishingthe Berlin Wall!

JohninvestigatedKaliningradin 2008

In years of studying EasternEurope and the BalkansJohn has visited Macedonia,Bosnia-Herzegovina,Slovenia, Montenegro - andCroatia over 10 times

John has attendeddozens of conferences,Embassy meetings, andseminars - including onewith the Bulgarian PM

Lib Dem Eastern European specialist

I want to make use of myexpertise and contacts gained frommy specialist interest in EasternEurope and the Balkans as amember of the InternationalRelations Committee.

In addition, I have met manyParliamentarians, Ambassadorsand fellow liberal politicians fromacross the world.

I want to add to the high quality ofour party's international work.

Please give me your support!

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John Pindar has been a lecturer in Politicsand was a London Euro candidate in 2009

John is one of the Lib Dems’ leading EasternEuropean specialistsJohn has already served on the InternationalRelations Committee for 2 years and is anExecutive Member of the Lib Dem EuropeanGroup and Liberal International

John hasstronglinks withLondonbasedLithuanianjournalists

DAVID SIMMONSCamden Borough Party(Former Chair of Holborn & St Pancras )

Please vote for

A committed Internationalist who believes that the Party needs a strong and focussed International Relations Committee now that we have no ministerial representation in the FCO and MOD

Experienced Member of LibDem International RelationsCommittee

Twice parliamentary candidate and a Euro parliament candidate

Led LibDem team discussions on Euro communiqué at ELDRCongress in Palermo and active at ELDR Congress in Helsinki

Member of Liberal International group on fact finding missionto Georgia and participated in following ELDR Council meetingIn Yerevan, Armenia.

Previously a member of HM Diplomatic Service, in India,Vietnam and Brazil and Adviser to three African Governments

European CEO of leading international technology corporation

Advised EU, the UK, Spanish and German governments on technology copyright directives and legislation

Twice team winner of Queens Award for Export Achievement

Party Conference speaker on international topics and R&D

Iain Smith

Experience & CommitmentExperience & CommitmentFor InternationalRelations Committee1

Commitment:I believe the Liberal

Democrats must be astrong voice tochallenge human rightsabuses, such ashomophobia,whereverthey occur,

I am fully committedto the Party’sinternational trainingand have enjoyedopportunities to takepart in internationaltraining in places likeSierra Leone andMorocco.

Experience: Member Scottish Parliament 1999-2011 Scottish Parliament Europe & External

Relations Spokesperson 2007-2011 Scottish Deputy Minister 1999-2000 ELDR Delegation member 2008-2010 Chair Scottish Liberal Democrats General

Election Campaign 2001 and 2005 Former member Federal Conference

Committee Former Vice Chair ALDC Election Agent for Sir Menzies Campbell

MP 1987-1999

Winnie Smith

Statement not received by deadline

Tom Stubbs

Statement not received by deadline

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