UWC comments on events in Yugoslavia (04/11/99)

UWC comments on events in Yugoslavia

Following is the text of a statement issued by the Ukrainian World Congress on March 29.

Events in Yugoslavia, and Kosovo in particular, have aroused concern in the entire world and thus in the Ukrainian diaspora as well. The Yugoslav government's treatment of the Albanian population in Kosovo, a state action against its own people, has been ruthless, inhumane and immoral. The duty of each state is to guarantee the human rights and respect the heritage of the minorities who are its citizens, not only that of its core ethnic group.

The question of whether Kosovo belongs to the Albanians or to Yugoslavia is secondary. The rights of Albanians living in Yugoslavia must be secured. The "ethnic cleansing" that is being conducted by the Yugoslavian government on its own state territory merits the condemnation of the world community.

The Ukrainian World Congress extends praise to the international community, and particularly to the states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), for their efforts in standing in defense of the innocent Albanian population of Kosovo.

We welcome all of the measures taken by these countries, as well as by the United Nations to resolve by diplomatic means the conflicts that have arisen between the Serbian and Albanian peoples.

We understand that, unfortunately, diplomatic efforts have thus far proven to be unsuccessful and thus the NATO allies decided to apply force to compel the government of Yugoslavia to return to the negotiating table and resolve the matter.

We are, nevertheless, disturbed by the precedent this NATO action might set in terms of the sovereignty of independent states, and which, in fact, violates the Helsinki Accords. We further believe that the use of force by NATO should be subject to approval by the U.N. Security Council.

We are also concerned about the fate of innocent civilians in Yugoslavia, including the fate of the Ukrainian minority residing there.

We call upon both sides to leave off their armed conflict and initiate renewed diplomatic negotiations.

We applaud the initiative of President Leonid Kuchma of Ukraine to serve as a mediator in this conflict.

We believe that the human rights and rights of national heritage of the Albanian people of Kosovo are compatible with the state sovereignty of Yugoslavia.

We are convinced that all conflicts should be resolved through diplomatic channels, in good will and with the Lord's assistance.

Askold Lozynskyj
President

Victor Pedenko
General Secretary

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