[ALBSA-Info] Re: [Prishtina-E] Statement From Atlantic Association

[Edmund Foley]

While I agree with the need of the American government to investigate the
deaths of American citizens in Serbia I have reservations when such
urgings come under the auspices of an organization like the Atlantic
Association. The American public is more likely to be wary of involving
itself if it thinks they were trouble-seeking young Americans. 
   It is more likely to do damage to the chances of having the US
government write these 3 brothers deaths off as liabilites, who brought
their deaths upon themselves by leaving the US and involving themselves
with another nation's internal poiltics. The Atlantic brigade would do
better to cease claiming them as their own (however honorable their
intentions) and yet seeking their to use their US nationals status to
involve impartial US attention. In most cases, the voluntrary joining of a
foreign army or government by a US citizen is automatic grounds for loss
of citizenship, as might be the case for these brothers. Those against 
further Kosova involvement could use that to further limit US
involement in the the area. Thus highlighting their involvement in the UCK
lessens the chance of a serious US inquiry.
     It allow pro-Milovsevic elements to cloud the fact that they
entered Serbia simply as civilians and were held only as such when they
were executed. This should be the main point stressed to the world at
this time.
      The goal of honoring these brothers is admirable but 
highlighting their freedom-fighting exploits might serve to detract from
an opportunity to highlight Serbian abuses that their deaths provided.  
     

Edmund Foley
       


On Sat, 14 Jul 2001, Atlantic Shoqata wrote:

> --- Prishtina-E Discussion Forum --- Archives:
> www.alb-net.com/pipermail/prishtina-e Atlantic Association Urges Quick
> Resolution of Idenity of Bodies Found in Serb Mass Grave
> 
> July 14, 2001:  The Atlantic Association issued the following statement
> in
> response to the discovery of three bodies believed to be Americans in a
> Serbian
> mass grave.
> 
> The bodies of three men believed to be American citizens of Albanian
> heritage were recently discovered in a mass grave in Petrovo Selo,
> Serbia.
> Although unconfirmed, documents on the bodies identify them as Agron,
> Mehmet
> and Ylli Bytyqi, three brothers from Chicago, IL.
>  
> These three brothers were members of the "Atlantic Brigade".  They fought
> side by side with
> us in the American-led war of Kosova to secure the liberty of our people
> in Kosova.  Their families deserve to know their fate and the three
> brothers deserve to be buried like heroes.
> 
> If these reports are confirmed, this deliberate killing of American
> citizens
> provides further evidence of Serbian war crimes.  The Atlantic
> Association
> urges the US government to take all action necessary to swiftly and
> correctly
> identify the bodies and to ensure that the individuals responsible are
> held
> accountable in the Hague.  Furthermore, the Atlantic Association calls on
> the
> US government to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the
> circumstances surrounding the execution of the Bytyqi brothers.  We also
> urge the
> United States to investigate why it took the new regime in Belgrade so
> long
> to expose these grave sites! , and ask that aid to Serbia be suspended
> until
> that investigation is concluded.
> 
> We also offer a prayer first and foremost to the family of Bytyqi
> brothers and to all those people who are still missing family members and
> friends that one day soon their loved ones will be found as well.
>  
>  
> Atlantic Association, Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation. The purposes
> for which the corporation is formed are:(a) to foster and develop
> cultural understanding between Americans  and Albanians in the Balkans;
> (b) to support efforts in furthering the development and exchange of
> education and cultural programs; (c) a charitable corporation to help
> individuals and families in need of assistance after the devasting
> effects of conflict and war; (d) provide assistance and information by
> providing some non-legal counseling and referral services which are open
> to people of all origins.
>  
>  
>  
> The Atlantic Association, Inc.
>  
> phone:  (718)- 863-4080
> fax:       (718)-863-3890
> 
> 
> 
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