We need to really put all the effort we can into our diplomacy. And I think. as Ive said. the Russians may have a key role to play. Second. we must keep uppermost in our mind that a humanitarian disaster of historic proportions is unfolding in refugee camps throughout the region. The situation is so tense that it is being reported there have been nearriots in some camps over the desperate conditions there. and the situation in camps near Blace in Macedonia and at Kukes in northern Albania are especially grim. Shortly. we will consider an emergency supplemental package to fund the military and humanitarian costs for the Kosovo crisis. I am deeply concerned that the amount requested for refugee assistance may not be enough to meet the overwhelming needs of this emergencythe largest refugee crisis since World War II. We are meeting the military challenge by spending millions a day to assist NATO in its war against Serb aggression. The humanitarian challenge we face is just as great. If we have learned anything in recent weeks. it is that we must prepare for the worst of the worstcase scenarios. Hundreds of thousands of refugees are still trapped inside Kosovo. waiting for an opportunity to escape. A further massive exodus seems likely. We must be prepared to meet their needs. Extensive medical supplies and possibly another field hospital will also be needed. since more and more new arrivals are requiring medical attention. Our experience in Bosnia has taught us that these refugees will not be going home anytime soon. Longterm assistance is required. Further. we must support Albania and Macedonia who are struggling to meet basic needs of their own people. let alone those of the Kosovar refugees. The American people have been horrified by the situation in Kosovo. and are anxious to help. Now is not the time for the US government to be parsimonious about our humanitarian assistance. The lives and wellbeing of the Kosovars was at the crux of why we entered this crisis in the first place. I believe we may need to bolster the current funding request by several hundred million to provide the aid that will be needed by international aid organizations. the religious community. and others deeply involved in the refugee effort. If it turns out that it is not necessary. we can return the funds to the Treasury. But we should authorize more now. anticipating that we and our other NATO allies who share this burden will be called upon do much more in the coming months. Medical supplies. food. basic shelter. blankets. skilled physicians and trauma specialists to aid the refugees. longerterm economic development and relocation aidall will be critical to relieving this crisis. Third. on the conduct of the military campaign. we must remember that NATO forces undertook this bombing campaign to stop the slaughter and protect those living in Kosovo. Let me repeat that.
Keywords matched
refugees refugee