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Kosovo and Serbia

Good afternoon friends.

You may have already learned that Kosovo has walked away from peaceful efforts to resolve the status of the province by unilaterally declaring its independence from Serbia. This separation has occurred despite concerted efforts on behalf of Serbia to engage in negotiations to determine a mutually agreed upon solution that would ensure a peaceful, prosperous future for Serbs and Kosovo Albanians alike. It is my fear that this unilateral action could spark another round of violence.

I urge President Bush and Secretary Rice to work with both parties in order to find a common ground from which to work toward a peaceful future. I also urge the people of Serbia and Kosovo, Serbs and Albanians, to refrain from any acts of violence in the coming days, weeks and months. The worst outcome for the people of the Balkan region is more dissension in an area that has already seen so much conflict.

I am saddened that this outcome has come to pass but I am still hopeful that all parties will work together to build a better future.

Posted by Dan Burton (02-19-2008, 12:15 PM) filed under
Comments
Comment by: James K Lancaster
March 31, 2008 08:38 AM

Dear Rep. Burton,

I appreciate your concern for human life in Kosovo. However, Congress first authorized the use of troops for the region back in 1995. Troops are still serving in a peace keeping roll today. Following the American Civil War troops from the Union didn't have to spend twelve plus years in the South to maintain law and order, civil society in the south had to evolve on its own. No government (foreign or domestic) can force people change.

While I respect your position on this issue I am concerned the is no tangible end state. The citizens of Europe hold a fiduciary responsibility to address this issue with troops, money and time. I write you today because I believe our armed forces have a greater responsibilities to fill abroad. Furthermore our nation cannot afford to continue a policy of international intervention in Serbia, with a national debt over 9 trillion dollars.

Thank you for your time sincerely,
James K Lancaster

U.S. Army
Operation Iraq Freedom 07-09

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