Speech #1060026525

I felt that the people of my congressional district wanted me to pursue a peaceful and diplomatic end to a conflict that could escalate into wider hostilities. I believe that the eleven Members of the House delegation significantly increased the opportunity for a diplomatic settlement to the current hostilities in Kosovo without further loss of life. We did so in a way that will help accomplish the U.S. and NATO goals of ending ethnic cleansing and providing for the return of the refugees to an autonomous Kosovo. We met extensively with our counterparts this weekend in the Russian Duma who are also committed to bringing a peaceful resolution to this conflict. Russia is a key player in finding a diplomatic resolution. and we must keep in mind that our continued involvement in the bombing campaign threatens future relations between the United States and Russia. The members of the Russian Duma we met with agree that the Balkan crisis poses a tremendous threat to international security. and they share our desire for a diplomatic solution rather than military escalation. Failure to find such a solution not only will undermine RussianAmerican relations but will further exacerbate the human suffering caused by the terrorism. the ethnic cleansing and massive refugee problems in the region. The end product of our sessions with the Duma provides a realistic framework for the administration to negotiate an end to the Balkan crisis. We call for practical measures to achieve three equally important tasks: withdrawal of Serbian armed forces from Kosovo. an end to the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia and a cessation of the military activities of the KLA. All three of these goals must be accomplished to recognize a lasting peace. We can accomplish these tasks by allowing a voluntary return of all refugees and the unhindered access to them by humanitarian aid organizations. NATO would be responsible for policing Yugoslavias borders to ensure that weapons do not reenter Yugoslavia with the returning refugees. An armed international force. not composed of the major combatants. would administer the peace in Kosovo. and the Russians are very willing to participate in that armed international force. A sense of the Congress resolution is being finalized which would put Congress on record in support of our framework for peace.