I feel no alternative but to reply to this post on the NATO
conference. It is very hard to 'calm down' when you see your
homeland being destroyed - especially when you've been working
to achieve a more democratic and inclusive society.
I am frankly amazed that such a conference, with these speakers,
could be organised in the midst of this war - it beggars belief.
Perhaps the main problem though (because we have to recognise
an individuals right to speak their mind) is the manner in which this
conference was publicised. I notice that although Prof Nedovic was
not mailed directly - that person (along with others in Yugoslavia) is
on the European Social Policy mailing list - and that only required
a quick check.
I sent out a large mailing recently on three academic lists (albeit
not as large) and I took reasonable precautions to ensure that no
ethnic Albanians were subscribed to the lists I subscribe to and
use - as I had no wish to cause offence even though none was
intended. I note that Douglas Eden had obviously not taken this
most elementary of precautions - this is gross insensitivity and
betrays a lack of knowledge and understanding of the situation in
Yugoslavia/Kosovo. Those of us who have been interested in and
concerned with the region for some time, and who do not share the
traditional International Relations perspective (which tends to ignore
cultures and societies) have a pretty reasonable idea of the issues.
The topic and timing of this conference merely indicates the
ignorant insularity which the British have traditionally displayed over
foreign affairs.
When this miserable war is over (perhaps if would be better) it will
be recognised that there are no 'winners' - instead it will be ordinary
Yugoslav citizens (Serbs, Montenegrins, Albanians, Roma etc.)
who are the losers. Moreover it will be those citizens who have to
pick up the pieces - and hopefully honourable 'Westerners' will do
likewise. We have to work with our colleagues in Yugoslavia
afterwards - and now as well - and eventually will begin the long
task of building a sustainable and equitable peace. You can be
sure that neither Milosevic nor NATO will help ordinary Yugoslavs
to recover their futures as they desire. In other words we have to
maintain a dialogue (that means now - and with the 'enemy'!) - a
conference and publicity such as this only makes the task more
difficult who for those who stay behind (after the military and
strategic analysts have forgotton all about it). I would hope that an
apology would be forthcoming - although I very much doubt it...
Bob Jiggins
Research Unit in South East European Studies
University of Bradford
West Yorkshire
UK
Tel: +44(0)7050 615511
Fax: +44(0)7050 644569
PGP 5.0i Encryption - Public Key Available
E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
> May I kindly ask you university folks to calm down, however hard your feelings may be?
> Amazing to me, how an answer to a well-ment invitation to an academic - perhaps too an
> academic - event, gets a rude comment addressed from one of the top universities.
> As one of the people who were lucky enough to escape one of the Soviet Block countries in
> their youth, I can imagine what frustrations people over there live with. (Even if,
> strictly speaking, former Yugoslavia did not count fully to the Soviet satellites.)
> May I plea to seek ways to cooperation with colleagues from the less lucky countries? Of
> course, you may choose to withdraw from any of the CEE/CIS discussion or mailing lists.
>
> Sincerely
> Vladimir Rott
>
> PO Box
> CH-8033 Zurich
> Switzerland
>
>
> P.S. Dear Mr Hollowell - looks like you are subcribed to one of the mailing lists.
>
> ---------
> JONATHAN HOLLOWELL wrote:
>
> > Who the hell gave you my e-mail address? Don't send me your gratuitous
> > bullshit !
> > ___________________________________________________________________
> > JONATHAN HOLLOWELL Tel: 01865- (2)80204 (Direct Line)
> > St. Peter's College, 01865- (2)78900 (Porters Lodge)
> > Oxford University Fax: 01865- 278855
> > OX1 2DL England
> > __________________________________________________________________
> >
> > On Tue, 11 May 1999, Slobodanka Nedovic wrote:
> >
> > > I am most definitely NOT cordially invited. On the contrary, I am
> > > visited by the topic of your conference, without invitation, every day
> > > and night. You guessed right: I live in Belgrade. And no, I am not
> > > Milosevic's follower, just as 1.5 million of Belgraders are not.
> > > Remember the Protest against him in Belgrade and all the major cities
> > > here, that NATO now bombs constantly? Close to one hundred days in the
> > > streets. Carrying USA and EU banners. What are we to carry now? Are you
> > > going to answer this question at your conference?
> > > I can not believe that you are planning a conference on NATO without
> > > even mentioning the actual goings on. Where do you live? Planet Earth
> > > calling to the School of Humanities (???) and Cultural Studies!
> > > You might try inviting experts from Yugoslavia (or if that is too bold,
> > > maybe Russia, or China, perhaps?) I'm sure it would add flavor to your
> > > "terrace of the 18th century mansion" atmosphere.
> > > And when NATO makes some kind of "patchwork" deal with Milosevic,
> > > leaving refugees where they are, with the opposition in Serbia
> > > destroyed, Milosevic voted "President for lifetime", are you going to
> > > organise a new conference, with some Serbian guest speakers?
> > >
> > > Sincerely,
> > > Prof. Slobodanka Nedovic,
> > > School of Law, University of Belgrade
> > >
> > > Douglas Eden wrote:
> > > >
> > > > You are cordially invited to apply to attend the
> > > >
> > > > 4TH ANNUAL TRENT PARK CONFERENCE
> > > > ON THE FUTURE OF THE ATLANTIC COMMUNITY
> > > >
> > > > Organised by the Centre for Study of International Affairs (Europe and
> > > > America), School of Humanities and Cultural Studies, Middlesex University,
> > > > in collaboration with the Atlantic Council of the United Kingdom and Baylor
> > > > University, Texas.
> > > >
> > > > Title: NATO'S FUTURE and ATLANTIC FRIENDSHIPS and RIVALRIES
> > > >
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