2001-03-24 - Macedonia
APPEAL FOR PEACE
from the representatives of non-government organizations in the Republic of Macedonia
For the sake of protection of the fundamental principles in a civil society and its future development in the democratic process, we express our concerns and condemn the recent aggression that has seriously jeopardized the security of the country.
We strongly condemn all acts of violence and the call for inter-ethnic intolerance. The occurrence of forced mobilization, the manipulation of civilians, particularly that of the young, and the creation of a human wall to further military goals are unfathomable actions of civilized man. The outcome of such actions will only serve to break away at the foundation of a civil society that the Republic of Macedonia has been building on for the last ten years. The lack of information in the media, its disinformation and its use of a propaganda war create panic and fear, which in turn, causes blame to be laid on entire ethnic communities. All this has social and psychological implications. All citizens of the Republic of Macedonia are suffering due to the current situation, particularly the poor and those of the small minority groups. The everyday activities of the non-governmental organizations have begun to deteriorate. Important projects between domestic and foreign partners have been cancelled. The vision for a peaceful and stable democratic civil society has entered a critical phase.
We strongly condemn all actions that lead to the escalation of the current situation and appeal for:
- the condemnation of the use of terrorism as a means to solve political problems;
- the discouragement for the call of violence and ethnic intolerance;
- means to prevent both volunteer and forced mobilization of citizens called for by political parties, organizations and ethnic groups;
- the refrain of organizing public gatherings and protests whose aims are to make accusations of any ethnic group;
- all information to be made public in a concrete, unbiased and objective manner;
- the clear support for peace for the benefit of all Macedonian citizens.
Foundation Open Society Institute - Macedonia
Children Theatre Center, Skopje
Performing Arts Center "MULTIMEDIA", Skopje
"Child Abuse" NGO, Skopje
Association for Roma Rights, Stip
Center for Contemporary Arts, Skopje
"Step by Step" NGO, Skopje
Civil Society Resource Center, Skopje
Center for Continuing Education - Association of Judges of the Republic of Macedonia
"HOPS" NGO, Skopje
NGO Support Center, Veles
NGO Support Center, Prilep
Euro Balkan Institute, Skopje
Student Resource Centers in Bitola and Skopje
"Economic Education for Youth" NGO, Skopje
Youth Education Forum, Skopje
Expert - Consortium. com, Skopje
Roma Community Center "Drom", Kumanovo
Forum for Integration of Macedonian Roma, Skopje
"Romani Bah" NGO, Veles
Association for Roma Language and Literature and Roma Cultural Center "Darhia", Skopje
Roma Center of the City of Skopje, Skopje
Roma Association "Cerenja", Stip
Roma Humanitarian and Philanthropic Association "Mesecina", Kumanovo
Association of Roma Women in Macedonia "Daja", Kumanovo
Association for Roma Human Rights "Avutnipe", Skopje
Roma Rights Forum "Arka", Kumanovo
Ensemble for Folk Instruments and Songs "Stefce Stojkovski", Skopje
Family Federation for World Peace and Integration, Skopje
Humanitarian Organization "Romi", Vinica
Humanitarian Organization "Romano Ilo", Kocani
Humanitarian Organization "Asvin", Skopje
Roma Center for Cultural and Spiritual Enlightenment and Progress, Skopje
Educational, Cultural, Social and Legal Center "Renesansa", Skopje
Roma Information Agency RIA, Skopje
Roma international Center in Macedonia, Skopje
Roma Television BTR
Association for Preventive Work with Children, Youth and Their Families "Grupa Feliks", Bitola
Foundation for Development of SME - Regional Center, Veles
Foundation for Development of SME - Regional Center, Strumica
Roma Association "Nevo Drum", Prilep
Macedonian Artists Association, Skopje
Youth Cultural Association, Bitola
Association of Vlahs Writers and Artists in Macedonia, Skopje
Association for Promotion of Treatment, Rehabilitation and Resocialization of drug adictis "Doverba", Skopje
Association for Science, Culture and Art "Brathers Miladinovci", Struga
Youth Ecological Center "Rekanski Biser", Rostuse
March 17, 2001 3:30PM
Source: Kalina Bunevska by MT