Sarajevo, April 3, 1999 (IKA/KTA) – The Justitia et Pax Commission of the Bosnian-Herzegovian Conference of Bishops issued a public statement signed by Auxiliary Bishop Pero Sudar of Sarajevo. The statement expresses profound concern regarding the recent events in Kosovo, caused by long years of failure to recognize fundamental human rights and unsettled relations among the inhabitants of that part of the Yugoslav federation. The members of the Commission, who have learned from their own direct experience of war and its consequences, wish to express their concern for each individual unjustly jeopardized by these events. The Justitia et Pax Commission of the Bosnian-Herzegovian Conference of Bishops has appealed to all officials to seek a just resolution to the conflict and establish the foundation for a lasting peace. “In Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina and the entire Balkans, peace is possible because without peace life becomes impossible,” reads the statement, which also pointed out that it is necessary to find a solution without “the dangerous precedent of changing national borders.” This Commission recognizes the full rights of the ethnic Albanians in Kosovo to their national, cultural and religious identity that can be assured via local self-government, but without negating the fact that Kosovo historically and culturally also belongs to the Serbian nation. All who participate in the solution of the Kosovo crisis are urged not to base decisions upon the principle that might makes right because this is not a time when it is possible to have winners and losers but only victims: expelled, afflicted and frightened people in a charred and ravaged land. “Following the devastating four-year war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the people and ethnic nations there have suffered for an additional three years due to a peace resolution that was hurriedly drafted and lacks a sense of justice. We urge a more just, lasting and satisfactory solution to the Kosovo crisis,” reads the statement.
The Justitia et Pax Commission asserts that “the force being used by the Western military allies in the battle against the Yugoslav regime in response to the long-term and systematic violence against the ethnic nations in the former Yugoslavia and the population of Kosovo is certainly not the most just or the sole possible solution for the Serbian nation.” Therefore, the Commission urges all who can to promote the seeking of a peaceful solution to the Kosovo problem. It also notes that even medieval Christian doctrine permitted the removal of tyrants. “All who want to remove them should not bow to them and negotiate with them,” continues the statement. “The time has come for the international community in the struggle for peace, for the legal representatives of the ethnic nations and states, to recognize only those who recognize the principles of freedom and peace. However difficult and long this path is, it is nevertheless easier and closer than their present path because they do not know where it will take them. It is necessary to recognize tyranny in those who have long used force and their powerless people to steadfastly negate the rights of individuals and other ethnic nations. We recognize all the people and organizations who are helping the endangered population and, within the framework of their abilities, are returning at least a portion of the assistance and compassion we received during the terrible war years. We urge all who are able to participate in humanitarian assistance for all those in distress. Although during these days, the “followers of the Book” in these territories are obligated to celebrate the great holy day of life and hope amidst human affliction and suffering, we invite all of them to raise their souls and hearts to God the Provider and Lover of Life in peace and justice,” concludes the statement.