[Prishtina-E] FW: BUSH ADVISORS PROVIDE ASSURANCES ON KOSOVA

[kosova at jps.net]

-----Original Message-----
From: NAACDC at aol.com [mailto:NAACDC at aol.com]
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2000 12:04 PM
To: NAACDC at aol.com
Subject: BUSH ADVISORS PROVIDE ASSURANCES ON KOSOVA


National Albanian American Council
2000 L Street, N.W., Suite 200, Washington, DC  20036
(202) 416-1627    Fax: (202) 416-1628
Email: NAACDC at aol.com
______________________________________________________________________
PRESS RELEASE


BUSH ADVISORS PROVIDE ASSURANCES ON KOSOVA

Washington, September 22, 2000:  Members of the National Albanian American
Council met on September 19th with foreign policy advisors to Governor
George
W. Bush and with Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to discuss the Governor's
views toward Kosova and the Balkans.

Ambassador Paul Wolfowitz, a former Under Secretary of Defense, and Robert
Zoellick, a former Under Secretary of State, represented Governor Bush at
the
meeting.  Ambassador Wolfowitz was instrumental in formulating the policy,
which led to the "Christmas Warning" to Milosevic that any military action
in
Kosova would be met with a military response from the United States.  Lou
Foundos, Aferdita Rakipi, Sami Repishti, and Ilir Zherka represented NAAC at
the meeting.

The NAAC representatives expressed concern with Governor Bush's recent
statements that he supports a "timely and orderly" withdrawal of American
troops from Kosova.   "Given the conflicting policies and interests of the
Europeans, American leadership is very much needed throughout the Balkans,
and especially in Kosova," said Lou Foundos, NAAC Treasurer, at the meeting.
"An essential part of providing that leadership is maintaining the US
military on the ground."  Repishti, a former NAAC President, added, "In
fact,
Kosovars fear that the US may withdraw its troops, leaving open the
possibility that Serb troops will return to Kosova."

NAAC was assured by Wolfowitz and Zoellick that the Governor's remarks
reflected a commitment to developing a more comprehensive strategy toward
Kosova and the Balkans that focuses on creating conditions for regional
security and safety, which will enable the withdrawal of American troops.
The Governor's advisors stated that he believes that maintaining US
leadership in the Balkans is critical, but that over time others - including
the Kosovars themselves - should take on more tasks, like policing, which
are
currently being carried out by American soldiers.  Governor Bush also
believes that securing long-term stability in the Balkans is in our national
interest as demonstrated by his support for the airstrikes against Serbia.

Governor Bush's advisors also noted that Members of Congress had made clear
that his intervention was vital in defeating the Byrd-Warner amendment in
the
Senate, which otherwise would have won.

Senator McConnell, chair of both the Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign
Operations and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, hosted the
meeting between NAAC and Bush's advisors.  McConnell was a vocal supporter
of
the air campaign against Serbia and has been an advocate of independence for
Kosova.

"I strongly believe that Governor Bush is committed to maintaining US
leadership in the Balkans, and especially in Kosova," said Senator
McConnell.
 "But, leadership requires that we set clearly defined timetables for
creating a viable, democratic society and for deciding the final status of
Kosova. Governor Bush is ready to provide that leadership."

NAAC also stressed to Bush's advisors that the Governor should increase US
assistance to Albania.  Given Albania's geographic position in the region
and
the continuing challenges facing Albanians in neighboring countries, NAAC
argued that it is vitally important that the US redouble its efforts to help
secure the long-term stability and prosperity of Albania.  NAAC also
asserted
that, while we provide assistance to the government or opposition parties in
Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia, the US must also insist that those
countries respect the legitimate rights of the Albanians.

"We greatly appreciated Senator McConnell's leadership in arranging this
meeting and in giving us the opportunity to express our concerns to Governor
Bush's advisors," said Ilir Zherka, President of NAAC.  "We were glad to
hear
of Governor Bush's commitment to maintaining America's leadership role in
Kosova and look forward to a continuing dialogue on Albanian issues."


NAAC is a non-partisan, advocacy organization.  It does not endorse, nor
oppose any political candidates.  Its mission is to foster in the United
States a better understanding of Albanian issues, and to promote peace,
human
rights, and economic development in the Balkans.

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