KOSOVO SOLUTION
What Went Wrong?
The key reason for failure in Kosovo was the failure of the March
20 UN observance of Earth Day to get global attention. On
that occasion the Peace Bell was again rung at the moment Spring
began – followed by a brief heartfelt commitment by
participants to actions that will foster peace, justice and
stewardship of Earth.
Speaking on this occasion, Ambassador Hadi Hosseinian from Iran,
said this was a time to set aside all differences. He
stated, "In the threshold of the third millennium,
celebration of the "Earth Day’ is filled with symbolism
for all civilizations. They signify the care for the earth
and fostering peace and prosperity for all as the common
denominators of civilizations."
Had world leaders and media called attention to this
unprecedented opportunity and provided live coverage of this
event, awareness and world public opinion would have fostered
peaceful resolution of conflicting claims to the Kosovo part of
our planet.
Earth Day statements, now and in the past, make it clear that to
end history’s long record of war and conflict, individual
and group claims to land can be resolved by first coming together
in a commitment to think and act as trustees of Earth. When
there is an all-out commitment to end poverty, pollution and
violence, dialogue on differences about which government controls
a piece of property will lead to peaceful resolution or
accommodation.
If Moscow and Washington could put aside deep differences in
order to defeat Hitler, surely Yugoslavia’s conflicting
groups can do as much. People of vision recognize the
stakes are now even higher.
We are one human family and have only one Earth. Unless we
mobilize a global effort for Earth’s rejuvenation and
justice for all, civilization is doomed.
Had we heeded the message of hope on nature’s icon of new
opportunity – the moment we rang the Peace Bell on Earth Day
– Kosovo would now be moving toward a peaceful future.
WHAT TO DO NOW
Peace begins in the mind. President Clinton ignored
requests to participate and get attention for the Earth Day Peace
Bell event – which with global attention would deeply
motivate peaceful actions. Instead of peace by peaceful
methods he chose to seek peace by threats and now by bombs and
killing. Violence does not cease by violence.
Violence ceases only by
compassion and good will.
World War II was supposed to be "The War To End All
Wars." Our century of diabolical wars will not end
wars by another war.
Forward this message to someone of influence in religion,
politics, education and mass media. When leaders (and
laymen) agree on the solution and walk their talk, the
rejuvenation of our planet will begin.
John McConnell www.earthsite.org
March 25, 1999