At the start of the 21st century the bombing of Yugoslavia by NATO countries in the spring of 1999 remains one of the most important issues facing the world. It was not just a simple but tragic matter of the destruction of a small country that can conveniently be forgotten. It was a demonstration that a significant part of the world has stepped back morally, spiritually and legally to the time when the world operated without any sense of values, or responsibility, or any awareness that the lives of people on this planet and their future survival are interconnected.

In the spring of 1999 we saw barbaric militarism which created utter devastation and called it peace. We saw the perfection of New Speak, the language of the New Politicians of the New World Order. Now politicians are able to use words to convey the precise opposite of their true meaning and yet convince the masses. We saw racism and persecution presented as humanitarian concern and a quest for democracy, and used to justify what one British and General described as, “the most intensive bombing campaign in the history of warfare,” and the takeover of many of Yugoslavia’s prize assets. We saw the failure the Western mass media to uncover the truth about events which were of serious concern to hundreds of millions of people. We saw the most powerful nations on earth, using the most sophisticated technology ever invented by man, operating with the morality of a psychopath.

As Nelson Mandela has pointed out, NATO has introduced “chaos into international affairs.” It has wiped out the value of international treaties and laws. It has destroyed trust between nations, and between populations and national leaders. The prospect of present day politicians, operating without any restraint from the people they lead, and having control of such astonishing arsenals of destructive technology, and even having the opportunity to use nuclear weapons to bring about the total destruction of the planet is disturbing. It makes it urgent that the behaviour of politicians acting in international relationships be returned swiftly to acting within the confines of international law and become open to the scrutiny of the media and ordinary people.

People in Western democracies have become complacent, trusting, and gullible, softened by wealth and an easy life. They are ignorant of history and the harsh struggle for democracy and human rights, of the tragic costs to much of the world for their affluence. Most people know nothing of fascism, or globalisation, or propaganda or international affairs. They are oblivious of the influence of arms manufacturers, weapons scientists, and big money in pursuit of big profits pursuing little-minded politicians with superficial oratorical skills but devoid of moral principle. All this paid-for influence is undemocratic, corrupt (even if it is legal) and against the interest of most people. The bombing of Yugoslavia showed the glaring holes in the democratic organisation of modern political life in so-called democratic countries. It demonstrated the new NATO Treaty and the new pseudo humanitarian intervention in action. It was a step towards world ruin. It was a warning to us all.

Lessons must be learned. Corrective action must be taken. There is no future for a world trying to operate on a lawless basis. The failures of national leaders to operate within international law, and public morality must be faced. Their action must be condemned and the rule of law re-established. Yugoslavia cannot be forgotten.

The United Nations’ agencies, a great number of non-governmental organisations, and hundreds of businesses are extremely active throughout Yugoslavia. Many are well intentioned and are doing their utmost to alleviate suffering, heal divisions, and repair a war-ravaged country. Many are intent on control, exploitation and profit. There is a massive interference in democracy in Yugoslavia through the activities and funding of the United States. The record of this country in interference in the internal affairs of other countries does not bode well for the future. Where are the thriving, independent, democratic and happy countries that America has helped by bombing?

Somehow the United Nations needs to get a firmer grip on what has happened and on what is happening in order to restore true democracy, independence, justice, self-respect, and dignity to Yugoslavia which has suffered so much of the hands of NATO countries. It needs to be alert to its own manipulation by unscrupulous countries.

Yugoslavia, and especially Kosovo, is currently almost overwhelmed with outside help and interference. The situation is unnatural, like trying to encourage the growth of seeds with a blow-torch. The international presence needs to rid itself of all exploitive and coercive elements. Those who are well intentioned should aim to work themselves out of a job and return Kosovo to its people.

Yugoslavia has been abused by NATO countries. It is now suffering the indignity of having to accept help from those who have done all they can to destroy it. At the same time, Yugoslavs are aware that much of the help is not freely given, but comes at a high price. We need new leaders in NATO countries who will condemn the actions of current leaders and apologise to the people of Yugoslavia for the suffering we have caused. It is disgraceful and astonishing that present-day NATO leaders have the nerve to carry on as if nothing has happened, or even continue to present themselves as benefactors of Yugoslavia.

Within Yugoslavia itself there are vast reserves of goodwill which offer great hope for the future. Most people have a sense of shared humanity and believe in fostering mutual respect, co-operation, and understanding. They know there is no meaningful future for anyone in repression, human rights violations, and violence.

Criminals and others who are committed to violent means must be brought under control. The failure of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo to achieve this so far needs urgent attention. The United Nations claimed a right to be in Kosovo as peace keepers. In their prime duty they have manifestly failed.

Governments like that of the United States and other NATO powers must cease their criminal support for terrorists. The United Nations needs to focus attention on the role of the United States and others in fostering violence around the world.

'We are writing to you in these difficult moments of our shared suffering. Convoys of Albanians and other citizens of Kosovo, among whom were many of you, were forced to leave their homes. The killings and expulsions, homes destroyed and burnt, bridges, roads and industrial buildings demolished, paint a sombre and painful picture of Kosovo, Serbia and Montenegro, suggesting that life together is no longer possible. We, however, believe that it is necessary and possible.

'The better future of citizens of Kosovo, Serbia and Montenegro, of Serbs and Albanians, as citizens of one state or closest neighbours, will not arrive by itself or overnight. But it is something we can and must work on together, as we have many times in the past, not so long ago. We know that it will now he very difficult and sometimes very painful. The example of the German-French post-war reconciliation and cooperation could serve as a model and stimulus.

'For the sake of future life together, the pain of crime has to be revealed so that it is, with forgiveness, remembered. This tragedy, yours and ours, personal and collective, is a result of a long series of erroneous policies of the most radical forces among us and in the international community. The continuation of these policies will take both Serbs and Albanians into the abyss. Also, the road of collective guilt is a road of frustration, continuation of hatred and endless vengeance.

'That is why this road has to be abandoned. Our first step of distancing from hatred, ethnic conflict and bloody retaliations is a public expression of our deepest compassion and sincere condemnation of everything that you and your fellow citizens are experiencing.

'As citizens of Serbia, we today suffer destruction and casualties as a result of NATO bombing, armed conflict in Kosovo and long lasting economic and social troubles under the burden of the dictatorship's deadly policies. Ethnic cleansing, NATO bombing and armed conflict should stop because they are not contributing to the solution of the Kosovo crisis but are only making it deepen. There should be no more casualties. All refugees should be allowed to return safely to their homes and live in the manner appropriate for free and proud people.

'We are convinced that together we will find strength and courage to step on the road of peace, democracy, respect of human rights, mutual reconciliation and respect. Dialogue, political negotiations and peace process have no alternative. For all of us it is the only way out of the war conflict. It is the safest way to secure the return of refugees to their homes, to renew normal life and activities and find a solution to the status of Kosovo.

'In order to make this happen, we have to join our efforts to end the war conflict, revitalise the peace process and reconstruct, economically and democratically, the development of Kosovo, Serbia and the entire Balkan region. We are convinced that by joining forces we can contribute to the reaching of a just and rational political solution to the status of Kosovo, and build confidence and cooperation between Serbs and Albanians.’

Signed by the following organisations: Association of Citizens for Democracy, Social Justice and Support for Trade Unions, Belgrade Circle, Centre for Democracy and Free Elections, Centre for Transition to Democracy, Centre for Policy Studies, Civic Initiatives, EKO Centre, Belgrade Women’s Studies Centre, European Movement in Serbia, Forum for Ethnic Relations and Foundation for Peace and Crisis Management, Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia, The Student Union of Yugoslavia, Group 484, Union for Truth about Anti-Fascist Resistance, VIN-Weekly Video News, Women in Black, YU Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, NEZAVISNOST Trade Union Confederation, Centre for Women's Studies. (41)