THE MASSACRE of 45 Albanians in Recak by Serb security forces confirms there is only one way to bring the war in Kosova to an end: recognition of the right of the Albanian majority Kosova to independence.
Socialist Outlook has, in the past, argued for a solution allowing Kosova to participate as an equal partWTIN Montenegro and Serbia. The unity of different nationalities within a freely agreed confederation would obviously help to rebuild unity amongst the South Slav peoples. There is, however, a world of difference between what would be theoretically better and what is currently possible.
After Recak it ought to be patently obvious that there is no possibility whatsoever of ending the conflict with Kosova remaining part of Yugoslavia.
Destabilise
Unfortunately this is the one solution none of the western powers is prepared to accept. Kosovan independence, it is claimed, will lead to further destabilisation, with Kosovars linking up with Albania and encouraging Albanian minorities in Macedonia, Montenegro and Greece to secede in order to join a Greater Albania.
Such a 'threat' to 'stability' sometimes given a more sinister aspect Albanians are all described as "Muslims" suggestWing that a Greater Albania would be a Muslim state. (In fact ten percent of Albanians are Roman Catholics, which is one of the reasons why the Mother Theresa foundation has been active in organising relief work in Kosova). After All the NATO Recak it ought threats against to be obvious that Milosevic are there is no chance of aimed at maintaining the ending the conflict totally impossiwhile Kosova ble solution of remains part of keeping Kosova as part of Yugoslavia. Yugoslavia. At the same time, despite the rhetoric, they are aimed at keeping Milosevic in power. Milosevic is still the key to a 'solution' in western interests. To avoid any misunderstanding we. are, as totally opposed to NATO: it is a creation of the Cold War aimed at preserving capitalism. It is now looking to extend its role as a US-loyal world policeman. We do not support any actions by this military machine. On principle we totally oppose air strikes on Serbia, despite our hatred of the Milosevic regime. And what would be the effect of such actions? Hundreds of Serb civilians would be killed - perhaps many more. Barring Milosevic accidentally being hit by a stray missile, he would remain in power after any air strikes. In fact his power would be greatly strengthened, as Serbs rally round his regime Kosovan refugees flee Serbian state terror against what they will rightly see as NATO aggression. This process is already under way. Vuk Draskovic, the one tine hope of the west, has recently become Vice President of Yugoslavia. Both 'liberal' Dariskovise Voislav Seslj now sit Draskovic and hard line side by side in government with Milosevic.
Pressure
Air strikes are designed to put pressure on Milosevic, not to remove him.
There are difficulties even in doing this. Milosevic can only go so far in reigning in the more nationalistic elements of his armed forces without leaving himself open to attack from Seselj.
For that matter, Draskovic has in the past shown himself quite capable of trying to outflank Seselj as the champion of hard line Serb nationalism. In any case it is absurd to believe that Milosevic personally controls every action by Serb security forces. Even if he were pressured into withdrawing further Serb forces from Kosova, the logic of the war there means it is likely further massacres of Albanian civilians remains will be carriea out.
The KLA has taken advantage of the Holbrooke agreement to rebuild and reorganise its forces. It is probably better armed than last year.
It has been able to move back into the rural areas it was forced to abandon when it found itself over stretched and incapable of resisting a massive Serb offensive.
Naive
It appears to have taken on board the lessons of that defeat -though it still retains a naive belief, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that NATO will intervene to support Kosovar independence.
• Kosova independence • Arm the Kosovars • No to Nato military intervention.