Posted on 03/08/2005 6:43:08 AM PST by Jane_N
Good point, DTA. The Tribunal's stated purpose is to "contribute to the restoration and maintenance of peace." The concept is that restoration of peace and security requires that justice be done. Without a mechanism for holding perpetrators accountable before a court of law, the cycle of personal vengeance among groups and individuals is very likely to continue. Similar to the reason for courts anywhere--if you don't have a legal system, people take justice into their own hands.
And it was obvious then--and still is now--that the local courts weren't willing or able to try their own people. That's why the Bush administration continues to support the ICTY, why we've cut aid to Serbia for not cooperating with the ICTY, and why in the US message commending Haradinaj for turning himself in to the ICTY, the last paragraph reads:
"The United States remains committed to supporting the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. We call upon all parties in Kosovo and throughout the Balkans to cooperate with the Tribunal, including apprehending and transferring all indictees to The Hague..."
It's not over....
Last 24 Hours Major Activities/Incidents Kosovo wide
PEJA/PEC: Stage Black (Restricted movement, possible relocation of
non-essential staff).
· Peaceful Demonstration: On 09th March 2005 at Decani, a peaceful
demonstration took place. Approximately 5.000 persons attended the event.
The protesters were walking from Decani center to Gjakova road and coming
back to the center. The demonstration was over at 13:50 hrs and no
incidents were reported.
· Hand Grenade: On 10th March 2005 at 06:30 hrs, a hand grenade was
found by KFOR without the fuse, it was planted 3-5 meters in front of the
vehicle in a way that could be visible. The UN vehicle white in
colour is assigned to a CIVPOL officer. The vehicle was parked in front of
his accommodation, which is located 500 meters from the police
station. The UN vehicle has no damages and there were no injuries or
casualties reported.
PRISTINA: Stage Grey (Precautionary)
· Burglary Case: On March 09th 2005 UNMIK staff member's accommodation
was burglarized by unknown individuals near the vicinity of Pristina
Minor Court (Ulpiana). No UN property is missing. Investigation is ongoing.
· Vandalism against UN Vehicles: On 09th March 2005 approximately
2145Hrs. a flammable substance was thrown by unknown persons under
three UN vehicles parked in the YU Buildings area in Ulpijana/Pristina. No
fire took place do the presence of snow/water on the ground. There is no
visible damage to the vehicles. Investigation is ongoing.
· Accidental Fire: On 09th March 2005, app. 11:05 hrs a local Kosovar
Albanian reported to Podujevo Police that his house located in Ali Ajeti
Street was on fire. Fire brigade attended the scene and the cause of
the fire is still unknown. An investigation is ongoing. No UN Staff member
was leaving in that House.
OTHER REGIONS:
GNJILANE: Stage Grey (Precautionary)
NO INCIDENTS REPORTED
PRIZREN: Stage Grey (Precautionary
NO INCIDENTS REPORTED
MITROVICA: Stage Grey/Black (Precautionary/Restricted Movement)
NO INCIDENTS REPORTED
Sounds quiet, Nennsy. What is your assessment of the situation--is it the calm before the storm or are the Kosovar Albanians going to behave themselves?
Mark, as I told you before I hope for the best.
It's quiet right now, and I want it to stay this way.
The albs are under close watch and told to remain civil. This is a stern message given from the top-down. If the Albs act up, they lose their bid for an independance "referendum". They will also get a serious smackdown from KFOR and they will turn a blind eye to individual acts of Serbian defensive measures. Roger?
If you take heed, the Serbian authorities are creeping back in slowly via the Leposavic region, so we are going to see split of kosovo into two.
Each side will be 'rewarded" for "ethnic cooperation" with the split. Tracking? or, will it be Game On?
I wholeheartedly stand by the US Govt decision to distance itself and vote against the ICC. Would you want to put your hands in the court system of the UN? I sure as hell do not. Why risk having to hesitate to think, "will my battle and I have to face court if we shoot this Iraqi that just dropped his 47 and now wants to surrender after hitting us and dropping a few of my guys?" F-no.
Nennsy, I heard, on Monday there will be a big demonstration in Kosovo....
Can you confirm this...???
Wow, Serbia is dictating? What, we became a hyper-power overnight? Did I miss something?
I heard nothing.
I just got information that on Monday there will be demonstrations in Pristina between 12 and 2pm.
Today at 1pm, they have demonstrations in Kosovska Kamenica in Gnjilane region.
are you from Kosovo? are you there right now?
By the way, what is our exit strategy in Kosovo? As I recall, we are about six years past Clintoon's date of withdrawal.
well that's great f.a.r! I am from Kosovo too, and I am in Kosovo right now, so we can have a nice chat here about war and stuff.
I know what war means, and I do know difference between criminals and so called "protectors" you're refering to.
And guess what? There's no difference at all!
Your "hero" Haradinaj was killing Serbs, Albanians, Roma.
He is charged for murdering and torturing civilians. That's a great "protector"!
And you're calling this guy a hero?!
Give me a break.
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