URGENT STATEMENT OF THE ADVISORY BODIES OF THE CROWN

Belgrade, 18 March 2004 - Distressed by the violence that has been directed towards the Serbian citizens in Kosovo and Metohia for a long time, in the presence and under administration of the international armed forces and civilian authorities, as well as by the escalation of the terror that on 17th March grew into massacre, we express our protest and appeal to the representatives of the international community to change the attitude according to which the destruction of a nation and erasing of its history, depriving of the right to life and freedom, is being observed with indifference that heralds evil times not just for the Serbs and Serbia.

Crimes without punishment that are committed every day in Kosovo and Metohia, harassing of the powerless and deprived of basic human rights, destruction of spiritual and material evidence of one’s existence, indifference of the international community to investigate and punish the crimes committed against the Serbs anywhere in the region of the former Yugoslavia, actually assist and justify such goings on and turn incidents into regular state of affairs.

We are also distressed and we condemn the shameless savagery in the streets of Serbian towns, the victims of which are places of worship and members of the Islamic community. To be outraged, to protest because of the crimes, does not mean to have the right to imitate and justify those crimes by one’s own wrongdoings. Supporting the legitimate right to public protest, we oppose the behavior that does not become human beings, citizens, Serbs.

We appeal to the international community in Kosovo and Metohija to stop the massacre of the Serbs by taking urgent measures. If this is ignored, we shall know that the Albanian terrorists are not alone in the massacre. We appeal to the public in Serbia to stop immediately and prevent any further irresponsible acts directed against the lives and property of the innocent. If this is ignored, we shall know that we have deserved the misfortune that has come down upon us.