The American Friends Service Committee calls upon
NATO TO STOP THE BOMBING IN YUGOSLAVIA!
THE SERBIAN GOVERNMENT TO STOP THE ETHNIC CLEANSING OF ALBANIANS IN KOSOVO!
ALL PARTIES TO EFFECT AN IMMEDIATE CEASE FIRE AND RETURN TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE!
A Campaign of Destruction
People of conscience everywhere are deeply concerned about the fate of ethnic Albanians in Kosovo, as well as people throughout the region who may be in the path of NATO bombs. We have felt compelled to do somethinganythingto stop the human rights abuses and "ethnic cleansing" in that region. And yet, has the NATO bombing of Serbian targets in Yugoslavia helped or hindered the path to a peaceful resolution?
In fact, some of the worst predictions about the NATO bombing campaign have come true. The killing of Kosovar Albanians has most likely increased in numbers and intensity. Private homes, bridges and other sites important to both Serbs and ethnic Albanians have been destroyed. Increasing numbers of Kosovar Albanians are being driven in terror from their homes and into neighboring Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro. Already there are reports of food shortages and many ethnic Albanians dont have access to medications they need to treat chronic conditions. Opposition to Serbian government policies has been suppressed as the emerging democratic movements in Yugoslavia have been crushed. What was a complicated and tragic situation before has become disastrous. We all want to see the killing stopped, but clearly bombing is not the answer. So what is?
There Are Alternatives
There are no easy answers to this complex conflict. And although it is tempting to think so, there are no shortcuts to bringing about peace. But the world community can use its will and resources to:
- Stop the bombingit only delays the inevitable negotiations that can lead to an agreement.
- Implement genuine negotiations utilizing third parties, such as the Russians, Greeks and others who are close to the Serbian and Albanian communities, with the goal of reaching an agreement that is not imposed on either party.
- When the fighting stops, deploy a large and well resourced body of peace monitors, either under the auspices of the United Nations or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
What You Can Do To Stop the Bombing
You can play a critical role in urging our government to find effective, nonviolent alternatives to the NATO bombing campaign. You can:
- Learn about this complex situation so that you can think critically about how we in the United States can help.
- Take this information to your Minister, Priest, Rabbi or Imam and ask that a sermon be devoted to nonviolent options for helping the people of Yugoslavia find peace.
- Start a letter writing campaign in your neighborhood, at your workplace or school, or in your church, synagogue or mosque. The more of us advocating for a positive resolution to the conflict, the better!
- Call President Clinton TODAY at 202-456-1111and tell him that bombing is not the answer, and that every option for resolving the conflict without further bloodshed should be explored.
- Call your elected representatives TODAY at 202-224-3121 (Congressional Switchboard) and tell them the same thing.
What You Can Do To Help Kosovars
AFSC is launching an Emergency Kits for Kosovars Campaign. Kit ingredients are:
- 6 candles (emergency/plumbers - 4"-8" longno dyed candles please)
- 1 bath size bar of soap
- 1 box of bandages (various sizes about 50 per box)
- 1 tube of triple antibiotic ointment
- 1 hand towel
Pack your kits in clear zip lock bags (no larger than 12" x 12"), and include your name and address when you mail them to us.
Send $5.00 per kit for postage (checks payable to AFSC-Kosovo Relief Fund) under separate cover to the address below. We are also accepting financial donations of any size to assist those in need within the region.
Contributions can be made by calling 1-888-588-2372. We accept Visa/Mastercard.
Kosovo Relief Fund/AFSC Development Office
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
USAWhat You Can Do To Support Peacemaking Efforts in Yugoslavia
There are numerous groups working for peace and assisting those who have been traumatized by war in the region. Here are two we recommend:
Women in Black Against War e-mail: WIB_BG@zamir-bg.ztn.apc.org, phone: +1.381.11.347.877
A pacifist group that protests against the Serbian regime, war, militarism, nationalism, and violence against women. Women in Black supports inter-ethnic womens solidarity, and its work includes projects with women in refugee camps.Autonomous Womens Center Against Sexual Violence e-mail: awcasv@eunet.yu, phone: +1.381.11.687.190
Offers support of all kinds to women, without regard to ethnicity. Serves as a Serbian pacifist voice, and is working in solidarity with Kosovar Albanians.E-mail or phone these groups TODAY to voice your support for their peacemaking efforts and to find out how you can help. Knowing they are not alone can make a the difference!
Where You Can Get More Information
- AFSC Europe Program: phone: +1-215-241-7188, 7153 e-mail: msimmons@afsc.org or cmatthews@afsc.org
- Z Magazine on U.S./NATO Bombings: http://www.zmag.org/Zmag/kosovo.htm
- eGroups: Kosovo Reports: http://www.egroups.com/list/kosovo-reports/`
- Mother Jones: http://www.motherjones.com/mustreads/032299.html#TC
- Amnesty International: http://www.amnesty.org/ailib/intcam/kosovo/index.html
- Human Rights Watch: Kosovo Focus on Human Rights: http://www.hrw.org/hrw/campaigns/kosovo98/index.htm
- Transnational Center for Peace: http://www.transnational.org/new/index.html