26 March 1999 – The massive air strikes on Yugoslavia are not only hitting military facilities. They also take away human lives and destroy the economic infrastructure of our impoverished nation. However, in the long run, the biggest “collateral damage” will be the diminished prospects for democracy in Serbia. We fear that the only long-lasting result of this undeclared war will be a constant state of emergency, both legal and psychological, this time with the support of the confused majority, which always gathers around the government in moments of extreme misery and danger.The democratic and economic transformation of Serbia is the only real way to solve the Kosovo problem and the only hope for achieving stability in the Balkans. Our extended resistance towards the regime in Serbia is well known, especially our criticism of its behaviour in the field of human rights. However, we see NATO’s decision to “use violence for humanitarian purposes” as a sign of the powerlessness and ineptidude of US and European Union policy towards Kosovo, not as an unavoidable move following the failure of other efforts. The airstrikes mark the defeat of the longlasting policy of the international community towards Serbia, which relied exclusively on negotiations with Mr Milošević and placing pressure on him to effect peace.
There can be no real peace and stability in this region if Serbia does not move forward on the path of democracy and market economics. Unfortunately, it seems that the international community never seriously considered this possibility. There have been no real attempts to support and assist those in Serbia who have tried to set their country on such a path. On the contrary, economic and political isolation was maintained even though it was clear from the start that this would only benefit authoritarian and xenophbic extremists. In an environment of war and national catastrophe the enemies of democracy will no longer hold any inhibitions and will face little resistance.
Occasional clumsy attempts to “help” democracy and human rights in Serbia with nebulous promises of money for individuals and groups have only exposed non-government organisation in Yugoslavia to accusations of greed and treasonous service to foreign enemies. One recent and unfortunate example is the “Law on the democratisation of Serbia” which came before the US Senate on the eve of the bombing campaign.
These air attacks have undone in one night the results of ten years of hard work by the brave people in non-government organisations and in the democratic opposition who first and foremost wished to develop the institutions of a civil society, to promote liberal and civic values, and to advance the nonviolent resolution of conflicts and disputes.
Nevertheless we hope that it is not too late and that all sides of the conflict will come to their senses and try to resolve this situation through negotiation, and without the further need for violence.
On behalf of the Center,
Prof. Vojn Dimitrijevic
Director
Former Vice-Chairman of the UN Committee for Human Rights
