Speech Introducing Baroness Thatcher, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Madame Prime Minister,

Honorable guest, Mr. President. Dean Fawaz, faculty and students of Tufts University.

I am pleased to welcome Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to the Fares Lecture Series at Tufts University.

Baroness Thatcher consistently stood for what is just and for what is right, she never compromised where principles were involved and she fought hard for her convictions.

In an era of socialism, Prime Minister Thatcher carried the standard of free economy, open markets, and privatization. In an era of fear and compromise she acted with courage. She spoke for the entire Free World, and no Western leader ventured into a major international commitment without consulting with her. Such was her position, such was her influence.

When Lebanon approached her in 1983, she said she will help because Lebanon is a democratic country, and can help promote democracy in the Arab World. She helped Lebanon because her eye was on the future of freedom and democracy in the Middle East.

After extensive efforts, the Lebanese with the help of good friends, reached an accord in 1989. This accord known as the “Taif Agreement” ended the war. Lebanon has now regained its stability, and is one of the safest countries in the world. The United States has recognized this fact by lifting the travel ban to Lebanon which it had imposed since the dark days of the internal war.

Lebanon’s long-term stability depends on the stability of its region, and particularly on the just resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict. If the peace process is important to all countries in the region, it is of utmost importance to Lebanon. Until a real peace is attained, existing uncertainties will persist.

Peace in our region cannot be realized piecemeal . Separate treaties between Israel on the one hand and Egypt, Jordan, and the PLO on the other, will not achieve the desired results. Indeed they did not.

The region needs a peace based on substance, not form, which is why Lebanon and Syria are working towards a comprehensive stable and just peace.

The peace process requires the serious commitment of the United States and the United Kingdom. In the 1940s the United States and the United Kingdom joined together and won an war. Now they have a chance to join together again and win the peace.

If such are the challenges that face the peace process, then let’s accept them. And let’s, in Thatcher’s style, decide, plan, and act.

To act and not to turn back, has been her style.

This is the peace that Lebanon needs;

This is the peace the region needs; and

this is the peace that the world deserves.

Thank you Baroness Thatcher for being our Speaker this evening, and thank you all for your participation.