|
![]()
ACTION ALERT REGARDING THE âMASTER MINDâ OF ETHNIC CLEANSING AGIM
CEKU BEING GRANTED A FORUM BY UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF
PEACE
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
May 6, 2005
CONTACT: Andy Verich
202-463-8643
For Immediate Release:
The Serbian Unity Congress
(SUC) hereby expresses its deep concern regarding the announced May 9
discussion entitled: âKPC: Has the experiment worked?â, hosted and
sponsored by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), and scheduled to
feature gen. Agim Ceku, commander of the Kosovo Protection Corps
(KPC).
The SUC welcomes open forum debate on complex topics related
to the Balkans in general and is continuously committed to constructively
participating in them. While discussions on the finer points of the role
of the KPC and other institutions in the UN-administered Serbian province
Kosovo-Metohija are certainly legitimate, the present idea of KPCâs
transformation into some form of armed forces falls well outside its
âcivil emergency organizationâ role defined by the binding UN Security
Council Resolution 1244, and as such it is entirely unacceptable and
dangerous. KPCâs obvious roots in the never properly demilitarized Kosovo
Liberation Army (KLA) are alarming to say the least, and even more so are
its documented ties to the terrorist organization ANA, as well as its role
in the March 2004 pogrom of non-Albanians in Kosovo. This was succinctly
summarized by former US ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro, William
Montgomery, who recently wrote: "The former KLA got reorganized into the
Kosovo Protection Corps, under the leadership of general Ceku and other
higher KLA commanders. Members of this organization have been found
responsible for violence in Kosovo and Macedonia. It could not be clearer
that the ultimate goal of gen. Ceku is to have it become the army of an
independent Kosovo. He frequently states this publicly It is equally clear
that no Serb could feel secure or comfortable with such an army. Everybody
really knows that, but nobody is ready to grab the bull by the horns and
disband this organization. Nevertheless, prolonging the life of the KPC
dooms the idea of a multi-ethnic Kosovo."
Mr. Ceku is an indicted
war criminal, sought in his native country on substantial charges from
wars in both Croatia and Kosovo, and has been investigated by the
International War Crimes Tribunal for crimes committed during these wars.
He was labeled by the influential Janeâs Defense Weekly as a âmastermindâ
of the worst ethnic cleansing of the Balkan wars, and is wanted on
Interpol warrants on which he was twice arrested, though inexplicably
never extradited. Such an individual is utterly incompatible with any
peace promotion, his rightful place being in court of law to face charges
as pressed.
The Administration and Congress have a clear policy
when dealing with terrorists. Mr. Ceku is counted among their ranks, where
his activities over the last decade and a half have unmistakably put him.
Granting him a prestigious Washington forum, especially one
designed to promote peace and coexistence, threatens to discredit the
overall constructive efforts of both the USIP and, by extension, the US
Congress.
Given that the USIP is a âfederal institution created by
Congress to promote the prevention, management, and peaceful resolution of
international conflicts", and, as defined in the objective of its Balkans
Initiative project, an organization whose aim is âto promote peace and
reconciliation in the former Yugoslaviaâ, we call on the Administration
and Congress to urgently take note of this
matter.
END
![]()
![]() HELP US CONTINUE WITH OUR PROGRAMSWe
hope that you find the material in this issue informative and useful. More
information can be found on our web site. Please remember that none of it
is possible without your active participation in our programs and your
financial support. To donate to our programs send check to: Serbian
Unity Congress
2311 M Street, Suite 402
Washington, DC
20037
Phone: 202-463-8643or donate on-line at http://www.serbianunity.net/donation/
![]()
![]() IF YOU ARE NOT A MEMBER, CONSIDER BECOMING
ONEThe work of the Serbian Unity Congress is supported by
contributions of members, by membership dues, tax-deductible donations and
the volunteer efforts of its members. Our membership, both in quantity and
quality, counts in the work we do to preserve our heritage. Family,
single, or student memberships are available. To become a member
please fill-out this simple form.
![]()
|
