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Latest update: 16/12/2009
- David Miliband - Israel - Tzipi Livni - UK
Miliband 'urgently' reviewing laws after Livni arrest warrant
Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Britain is "looking urgently" at changing legal procedures after an arrest warrant was issued for former Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni, sparking outrage in Israel.
By News Wires (text)
AFP - Britain is "looking urgently at ways" to change the system following an arrest warrant issued for former Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni, Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Tuesday.
"The Government is looking urgently at ways in which the UK system might be changed in order to avoid this sort of situation arising again," Miliband said.
"The procedure by which arrest warrants can be sought and issued without any prior knowledge or advice by a prosecutor is an unusual feature of the system in England and Wales," he said in a statement.
Israel earlier slammed the warrant for Livni, warning Britain would not be able to play a key role in the peace process unless it curbed such actions.
The warrant is understood to have been issued in a London court at the weekend against Livni over her role in Israel's war against Hamas-run Gaza at the turn of the year.
Media reports said it caused Livni to cancel a trip to Britain, although her office said the trip was only postponed because of scheduling problems.
Miliband said Britain was determined to "protect and develop" ties with Israel which was a "strategic partner and a close friend of the UK".
"We are determined to protect and develop these ties. Israeli leaders - like leaders from other countries - must be able to visit and have a proper dialogue with the British Government," he said.
A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office told AFP on Monday it was urgently assessing the implications of the warrant.
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(11) Reactions
this is mabye the best law in GB
Don,t change a good law. Let our judicial system continue to work and consider the case on its merits not on political expediency.
+1 Agree 100%
Milkyband
Of course Miliband will do anything for I$rael, he's Jewsish so there you have it.
Livni arrest warrant
Don,t change a good law. Let our judicial system continue to work and consider the case on its merits not on political expediency.
Israel deserves everything even a clear conscience
When people steal your home and land and keep you in camps for over 65 years and herd you around like cattle and control your life, water, and money. What's wrong with that? The only terrorism is coming from the Israeli state who have broken every international law and while the Palestinians have nothing they should be made to recognise Israel's right to exist without Israel recognising or acknowledging their right to live as well as the Israelis do. Five star hotels, tourism and as much money and support from America. It's a very one-sided scenario - taking and taking and taking - that's real terrorism.
livni arrest
was this english eccentricity,or a politically motivated arrest by the labour government(knowing thier communist sympathies).
Miliband
Britain a 'key role' in the peace process!!!! First I've heard of this one!
No surprise
Would Mr Milliband also be willing to bend the rules to allow Hamas members to come to London? In fact, if he really intends to play a role in middle east peace, he could start right there. His words, "Israeli leaders - like leaders from other countries - must be able to visit and have a proper dialogue with the British Government." Why does he not invite Ismael Haniyeh to meet him or even Peres or Netanyahu in London? He remains strangely quiet on the continued closure of the Palestinian borders.
Livni Crime
Yes, She's a terorist also a good friend of Tony Blair, she's also a good friend of Lord Levi, Miliband, Liberman, and the Goldbergs - How can you arrest this criminal friend!
Stop judicial activists
It sounds like UK has the similar problem as in the US - judicial activism. In a "perfect" democratic society, check and balance is the essence. Unfortunately, there's little check and balance when it comes to the judges. Judges can be abusing his or her power without much fear. Until the fundamentals of the laws are changed, this kind of problem will continue.
No such thing as war crimes in Israeli
How could israeli ever be guilty of anything especially since it has the rest of the world eating out of its hand. It seems everyone falls over themselves with fear while always looking the other way.