Statement on Kosovo

We are appalled at the current human catastrophe which is unfolding in Yugoslavia, the

province of Kosovo and Balkans in general, especially as Orthodox Christians commemorate the passion and celebrate the resurrection of Christ.  We believe it holds the potential for spreading the evil of suffering and death, not only within the Balkans, but throughout the world.

      In light of these horrific events we call upon the United States and NATO to cease immediately the bombing in the area, which has only served to exacerbate the suffering of all the parties.  As we have learned in other parts of the world, we cannot expect to “bomb” the governments of the world into a state of peace.

      Indeed, besides those who have been put in harm’s way, there are no less than 400,000 refugees who have fled into Albania, Macedonia, Bosnia and Montenegro, and hundreds of thousands of IDP’s, Internalized Displaced Persons, seeking refuge within their own land.  We call on all able governments and philanthropic agencies to send humanitarian relief to these “sick and suffering” people in the form of medical aid, sustenance and shelter; time is of the essence as malnutrition and disease are beginning to spread rapidly.

      Finally, in observing the complicated history of Kosovo, from its settlement by the Serbs in the 7th century, through its wars with the Ottomans in the 14th century, and up to Tito’s prominent leadership after World War II, we appeal to the Yugoslav government to plan, through the United Nations, for the return of the Kosovars to their homes.  We believe that through the UN peace keeping forces, the autonomy and self-rule the Kosovars enjoyed from 1945 when it was granted, to 1989 when it was rescinded, can be reestablished and protected. This autonomy should be granted as a condition of Kosovo remaining part of Yugoslavia.