If more resources and energy had been used as part of a long-term strategy in conflict prevention, military action could have been avoided. Such a strategy is less costly, saves human lives and helps build a culture of peace and friendly coexistence. We are watching with great concern the developments in the Northern Caucasus, where civilians are becoming victims of military intervention. While fully understanding the necessity to overcome terrorism, we urge all parties involved in the conflict to ensure that the civilian population is not victimized and that the OSCE code of conduct of 1994 is fully respected, and to do everything possible to bring the conflict to a peaceful solution. There is an urgent need to start the reconstruction of Yugoslavia.
Nobody is served by a Yugoslavia in the midst of Europe which is physically devastated and isolated.
It is a joint European and North American responsibility to secure funds and other resources for this effort. We do not believe that the present sanctions regime serves the reintegration of Yugoslavia into Europe. In fact the victims of the sanctions are primarily innocent people, including children and elderly persons. We recommend that the Security Council of the UN review the effects of the present sanctions against Yugoslavia. We invite ecumenical organisations and churches in the region to consider how this might best be given effect.