LIBYA - SNP SUPPORT FOR UNITED NATIONS-SANCTIONED ACTION

For Immediate Release - Sunday 20th March 2011

Attn.     NEWS DESKS
           POLITICAL EDITORS

SNP Westminster Leader and Defence Spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP, has today (Sunday) highlighted the support of the Scottish National Party for the United Nations-sanctioned approach, as military operations continue over Libya.

Speaking from outside RAF Lossiemouth in his Moray constituency, Mr Robertson said:

"The United Nations has resolved to protect innocent civilians in Libya, and it is important that the legal will of the international community is upheld.

"As long standing advocates of the United Nations and the primacy of international law, the SNP backs the humanitarian aims of the military operation sanctioned by a Security Council resolution.

"The Gaddafi regime must stop killing and terrorising the innocent, and must observe a comprehensive ceasefire.

"Our thoughts are with the service personnel from home and abroad who are putting themselves in harms way to protect the welfare and safety of innocent civilians in Libya."

ENDS

NOTES

Background: The SNP has a long history of support for the United Nations, but opposition to military interventions not sanctioned by the UN.

The SNP has opposed military action not sanctioned by the UN, including the recent Iraq War and Kosovo intervention.  The SNP supported the no-fly zones over Kurdish Iraq and Bosnia, and the 1991 Gulf War to eject Iraq from Kuwait - all of which were fully sanctioned by UN Security Council resolutions.