Liberal Youth welcome Sannikov’s release as an important step forward, yet are still very concerned with the situation for political prisoners and protesters in the country.  It has been confirmed Sannikov was tortured, both physically and psychologically, with threats that his children would be adopted if he did not confess.  These crimes are happening on our doorstep, within Europe, and more must done.

Although the recent EU sanctions passed against Belarus have pressured the release of some political prisoners, pressure must be kept to ensure all are free and that Belarus has its first genuine election since 1994.  It is not acceptable to have a Dictatorship in the 21st Century and Liberal Youth call on European Governments to apply more pressure on Belarus’ president to hold genuine elections.

Liberal Youth recently held a forum on Belarus in London and continue to work with the International federation of Liberal Youth to campaign for young protesters campaigning for democracy in the country to not be purged.

We have numerous policy motions, a major proposed overhaul of the constitution as well as the usual training and social opportunities. Find out everything you need here:

http://www.liberalyouth.org/events/leeds2012/

Online registration is now closed. If you would still like to attend please contact our Events Officer, Harry Matthews at harry.matthews@liberalyouth.org and arrangements can be made.

This will take the place 9th to 13th of May 2012 (seminar 9th – 11th, congress 11th – 13th) with the costs as followed:

Participation fees

Participation fee Seminar only: 80 Euros

Participation fee Congress only: 100 Euros

Participation fee both events: 120 Euros

A special reduced participation fee of 60 for the seminar, 80 for the Congress and 100 for both events can be approved by the LYMEC Bureau in case of special circumstances and if your request proves to be justified. Please contact LYMEC Office in case you wish to apply for the reduced participation fee.

Travel Refunds

Travel refunds for Seminar participants: 80% of total travel expenses with maximum of 250 Euros

Travel refunds for Congress participants:  None

The participation fees cover food and accommodation throughout the event.

In case of over subscription we have began a new policy of those applying for these places.  We ask that applications email a word document attached email to sam.fisk@liberalyouth.org stating: name, age,party membership number, contact details and in 250 words or less why they should represent Liberal Youth at these events.  These forms will then be sent to our Honoury President, Erlend Watson, who will then make the decision. The deadline for this is Monday 19^th March.

These events are a fantastic opportunity to discuss policy on a European level, network and shape a large international organisation we are part of.  LYMEC have fun and interesting events, and do not be put off if this is your first interaction with the organisation as they are extremely welcoming!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.  This will also soon be on our website www.liberalyouth.org/lyinternational as well tweeted through “@lyinternational”.

Look forward to hearing back from you

Sam Fisk (Co-International Officer, LYMEC)

Belarus is often branded the ‘Last Dictatorship in Europe’ and has seen violent crackdowns on opposition protesters, many of which are young liberal activists.

The event began with an expert panel giving their take on the situation.  Yarik Kyrvoi, founder and editor of Belarus Digest, began proceedings. His knowledge of day to day life in Belarus was a perfect foundation for later discussions and later his in depth analysis of the political system raised key concerns of the opposition movement in the country.  The audience then heard what efforts have been made in the UK and Houses of Parliament by Jo Swinson MP.  With her experience of being Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, it was interesting to learn what efforts have been made to address the issue and her meetings with activists from Belarus.  Her call for a continuation of contact with opposition members was well received by all.

The last to speak was former Programme Coordinator for Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House turned political consultant Alex Nice.  His focus was on the international picture, in particular Belarus’ relationship with the EU and Council of Europe.  It became evident how detached Belarus had become from Western Europe and its reliance upon Russia for stability.  Alex’s points on this aspect were insightful and provoked a healthy debate among those in the audience.

With the speeches finished the event was opened to the floor for the most part of the evening.  Here the forum became informal, allowing anyone in the room to raise questions, add further insight and add to interesting debates.  Interaction between the audience and panel became a great way to learn more and raise concerns.  The audience was a mix of young activists and older members who have had experiences with the country which allowed lively discussions throughout.

At the end of the event it became apparent that Belarus faces a difficult future with no immediate solutions to its political or economic problems.  Both the panel and audience rappelled with the question of how to engage with the country and its worrying relationship with Russia.

Liberal Youth extends specials thanks to Liberal International British Group for their help in organising the event, those who spoke and to Jonathan Fryer for chairing the event.  With the night being such a success, Liberal Youth and Liberal International British Group hope to do similar events in the future.

Specifically set up for young Liberal Democrats, the blogging platform aims to bring together the many talented young minds in our party into one place.

There will be a new post every day for the first week from a different blogger from across the UK.

Check it out here: http://lylibertine.wordpress.com/

It goes into great detail about Mikael’s efforts and is well worth a read, read it here!

Following the resounding success of the Colchester Autumn Conference 2011, the bidding process for the Spring began early and was hotly contested. Liberal Youth Conference Committee have been considering several robust bids for the past week and eventually settled on Leeds earlier today.

The event will be held from 30th March to 1st April 2012.

Liberal Youth Conference is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, gain a wide range of excellent skills and change the shape of the organisation through constitutional amendments and policy motions. Details of how you can get involved will be available soon.

Commenting on Leeds’ successful bid, Events Officer Harry Matthews said:

“Congratulations to Leeds; I’m looking forward to bringing Conference to such a vibrant city. The local branch worked really hard on the bid and I can’t wait to start work with them on producing an unmissable weekend”

Liberal Youth believe the decision to veto a treaty change for all 27 members of the EU will lead to a ‘two-tier Europe’, with Britain excluded from the inner club in which key decisions greatly affecting the UK would be taken.

Liberal Youth urge the Liberal Democrat component of the Coalition government to stay true to one of its fundamental policies: support of a European Union with the UK on the top-table, maintaining the UK’s position as a key international player.

The government must reconsider its position if the UK is to prevent being relegated to international outsiders.

Commenting, Harriet Ainscough and Sam Fisk (International Officers) said:

‘The approach taken by David Cameron is of great concern. Rather than acting in defence of the national interest he has instead pandered to the Eurosceptic elements of his party.

He threatens not only the integrity of the Union itself, but also condemns the UK to existence in the shadows, excluded from many major decisions. We urge Nick Clegg and the rest of the parliamentary party to work flat out to ensure that the UK can remain an important figure in the European Union’