[ALBSA-Info] USA Today

[Agron Alibali]

USA TODAY 


April 3, 2001, Tuesday, FINAL EDITION 

NEWS; Pg. 12A 

United States is model for Balkan democracy 


I agree with author Louise Branson's article on the
situation 
in the Balkans ("President could nip this new war in
the bud," 
The Forum, March 26). 


President Bush's lack of policy with regard to the
Balkans as 
a whole and more specifically the current crisis in
Macedonia 
will serve only to escalate the current conflict. 


As an American of Albanian heritage, I find this quite
disturbing. 
However, what concerns me most is the ignorance of
most policymakers 
in Washington with respect to this tinderbox of a
region. 


The United States fails to understand that it stands
in a unique 
position in the region. Unlike its NATO allies, the
United States 
is not viewed as a former oppressor or repressor. 


Instead, the United States is revered by Albanians and
Macedonians 
alike as a model for democracy and as a voice of
reason without 
historical baggage. 


By failing to act decisively, the United States risks
confusion 
and the exacerbation of tension in the region. The
policy that 
should be followed is one that states the United
States: 


* Favors democratic policies and solutions for the
region's 
social issues. 


* Will not tolerate violence as a means to political
ends, 
be it a government in power or insurgents. 


* Expects these new nations -- such as Macedonia and
Serbia 
-- to respect the rights of all citizenry, not a
select majority. 
And the USA will monitor their compliance as quid pro
quo for 
international aid. 


Obviously, funding and support are needed for such
initiatives 
to ensure meaningful change. This is the carrot the
United States 
can use to guarantee compliance with its policy. 


History has shown us the means by which Balkanites,
left to their 
own devices, address their conflicts: violence. To
break this 
vicious cycle, we must commit our efforts and
resources to teaching 
aspiring democracies how to be just that. 


Bush's father welcomed the end of the Cold War and the
rise of 
democracy in the former Eastern Bloc. His son must now
act decisively 
to ensure the success of democracy in the former
Eastern Bloc. 
Only with our voice and support can democracy succeed
in Macedonia 
without violence. 


James D. Christo 


Hoboken, N.J. 

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