| WASHINGTON
- March 24 -
By Kara Newell, Executive Director
The American Friends Service Committee denounces the use of military strikes
by the US led NATO forces as a response to the failed peace negotiations in
Kosovo.
Once again the machinery of war is being set in motion with reckless
disregard for human life and property. The decision to use massive military
action to resolve human conflict is always flawed and fraught with long term
consequences. The price of this failed diplomacy will most surely be an increase
in the numbers of civilian casualties and massive flight of displaced people
spilling over into neighboring countries, thus only further destabilizing this
region of the world.
We strongly urge that :
- NATO cease its bombing campaign and stop further threats of military action;
- Negotiations be re established between all parties with a goal of effecting
an immediate cease fire in this civil war;
- Civilian peace monitors under the auspices of the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) be re-established and increased. These monitors
have not eliminated violence, but have played an important moderating role in
curbing human rights violations;
- Serbian advocates for a just and peaceful resolution play a significant
role, along with ethnic Albanians who have already signed on to the peace
accord, in future peace negotiations.
AFSC mourns the suffering that has been borne by all the people in this
region. We are compelled to reject violence and urge that more inclusive
negotiations toward a just peace be re-established in this troubled region.
###
The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization which
includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and
humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of every
person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.
###
|
Share This Article With A Friend