International Law
* While it is heartening that Libya has finally bowed to international pressure and turned over the two Lockerbie suspects, your April 6 editorial celebrating the efficacy of international law is undermined and contradicted by the actions of the U.S. and its allies.
Libya had sanctions imposed for violating international law, yet in the last several months the U.S. has initiated offenses against Iraq and Yugoslavia without consent from the U.N., a violation of international law that has merited no repercussions. In addition, Israel is currently in violation of a number of U.N. Security Council resolutions, including 242, 338 and 425. Instead of sanctions, these violations garner Israel the largest share of U.S. aid and carte blanche to continue illegally occupying its neighbors’ land.
The real lesson of international law is if you are the U.S. or one of its allies, you are free to do as you please.
CHARLES BIRO
Los Angeles
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