Posted by Al; [Aldurant] on April 02, 1999 at 16:18:41 {ppHCdFLRUMbNVk78PDhst74NX2uzuA}:
In Reply to: *Europeans-Kosovo? posted by J.H. on April 02, 1999 at 12:31:19:
There was a Ted Koppel thing here ambiguously discussing the Serbs claims that it was only the bombing that was creating refugees. It seemed strange. I personally don't understand why relief cannot reach the refugees. I find it incomprehensible that the Russians are playing devils advocate as usual here in view of the genocide and economic aid. In addition to this I find these reports strange:
"News from Bro. Wiggins [circuit overseer] about
our brothers in
Yugoslavia. Our Brothers are being
taken care of!
From: Nolan Wiggins
Hi, Though you might enjoy this report if you haven't gotten it yet.
Warm love,
NW
March 31
Br. Carey Barber of the Governing Body relayed some good
news to the US Bethel family at morning worship today regarding the Kosovo region in Yugoslavia. The situation in Kosovo province has
become critical. Tens of thousands of refugees are crossing the border to either Albania or other
neighboring countries since NATO started the bombardment of military establishments in Yugoslavia. However, the Bethel family in Belgrade is spiritually strong. They spend nights usually in air raid shelters. They send their greetings to
the headquarters & ask that it be conveyed that they are strengthened and determined to endure. There were less than 100 publishers in Kosovo. Three publisher groups had to be dissolved, & it appears that many of these publishers are
among the numerous refugees that have fled to Albania. The Albania office is trying to identify these brothers now. The office also let us know that the local brothers would be able to accommodate the refugee brothers & provide food &
clothing as well. A CO phoned saying that as of Monday, March 29, no brothers have been killed in Kosovo. Heavy rains came when the situation was already critical. Two special pioneers and a CO returned from successfully distributing 4
tons of relief items to the brothers in Kosovo.
From:"ANCEL KING" I find it incomprehensible that not even a reference is made to the apparently well documented facts that indicate that the Serbian armed forces are chuckling and cheering as they murder and torture pre-schoolers. Pretty cold. Al
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 1999 6:37 PM
Subject: NEWS from YUGOSLAVIA
Gennaro Russo wrote: Hi, two special
pioneers that have been serving in my congregation for a
year were sent to Yugoslvia with 17 more special pioneers. This happened almost a year ago. My two friends escaped from Belgrade last monday, just in time. From information I have
received, the situation is not good at all. Brothers get together in small family groups and at least in Belgrade congregations were closed. I do not have any report on brothers that lost their life, but i hope this did not happen to
anyone. They usually spend a few hours during nite time sleeping in cave to avoid risk of bombs. I still have two more friends, always special pioneers, that used to serve in my congregation, that were not able to escape and to my
understanding are still in Yugoslavia. Italians are considered enemies, as the Nato planes leave from american bases located all over Italy. This is what I know at present time.
Agap�,
Gennaro Russo
Napoli Stazione English Group,
Italy"