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The Lord Byron Foundation for Balkan Studies and The Rockford Institute Center for International Affairs cordially invite you to a symposium and debate KOSOVO: A DISPUTED SECESSION What Should Canada Do? Thursday, March 13, 2008, 12 Noon – 4 PM Royal Canadian Military Institute (Main Lounge) 426 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1S9 Free entry; complimentary lunch and refreshments provided A major security issue facing the world in 2008 is the future of the Serbian province of Kosovo, whose Albanian leaders went ahead with an unilateral declaration of independence on January 17. Canada is now facing a dilemma: to follow Washington and several major European powers in recognizing Kosovo’s secession, or to uphold the rule of law, the United Nations Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, and the Westphalian principles that still retain their validity after almost four centuries. As Iraq has shown, predictable mistakes turn into costly disasters. Our speakers will look into: · Legal implications – The international system is being undermined, perhaps fatally. · Global security threat – In addition to being a hotbed of criminality – such as heroin smuggling and people trafficking – Kosovo is fast becoming a stronghold of Islamic radicalism. · Dangerous precedent – Kosovo creates a model for other minorities around the world. · Futile surrender to global Jihad – The US is trying to appease the Islamic world, but concessions in the Balkans will be seen merely as a sign of general weakness of the “Infidel.” PANELISTS: Amb. James BISSETT: Why Canada Should Not Recognize Illegal Secession Mr. Bissett, former Canadian Ambassador to Yugoslavia (1990-1992) and former head of Canada’s immigration service, is Chairman of The Lord Byron Foundation for Balkan Studies and a frequent media commentator on immigration and security issues. Thomas FLEMING: International Legal Implications Dr. Fleming, a frequent visitor to the Balkans, is President of The Rockford Institute, Editor of Chronicles: A Magazine of American Culture, and author (among half-dozen book titles) of Montenegro: A Divided Land. Sunil RAM: A New Jihadist Stronghold in Europe? Professor Ram is an international defense and security analyst and media commentator. He currently works with American Military University and the UN Institute for Training and Research. A Canadian Forces veteran, he is a former military advisor to the Saudi Royal Family. Srdja TRIFKOVIC: Geopolitical Fruits -- Serbia Alienated, Russia Challenged Dr. Trifkovic, Executive Director of The Lord Byron Foundation for Balkan Studies and author of the best-selling history of Islam, The Sword of the Prophet, is Foreign Affairs Editor of Chronicles: A Magazine of American Culture and Director of The Rockford Institute Center for International Affairs. For all information please call Boba: 613-225-2321; [EMAIL PROTECTED]
