RESPONSE TO AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

12.04.08

 

Hello

I was considerably shocked by your press release on Croatia dated 11.04.07 - 'Croatia: A window of opportunity'. It claims that "massive and serious human rights violations were perpetrated by both sides"

This is not true. Massive and serious human rights violations were committed by one side only: The Serbian side. Your press release strongly implies that both sides were equal in carrying out war crimes.

This is not the case. Serbia invaded, took over and ethically cleansed one third of Croatia. Vukovar was destroyed, many cities such as Dubrovnik, Zadar and bombarded by tanks, warplanes, artillery and warships. The Croats had no such weaponry at that time.

The attempt to equate both sides is - as I am sure you aware - a staple of Serbian propaganda from 1991, also accepted and promoted by the UK foreign office to prevent intervention to stop genocide and ethnic cleansing by the Serbs. It was a position repudiated by those protesting against Serbian crimes in Croatia and Bosnia, and one considered morally reprehensible by many. It is disturbing that you have adopted it.

There is no mention of the Serbs committing the overwhelming majority of war crimes. Croatia did not invade or attack any city in Serbia - let alone take over one third of it.

How is it you only discuss impunity on the Croatian side, when so many Serbian war crimes suspects have not faced trial? How is it you fail to mention Serbian war crime suspects such as General Kadijevic in Moscow and Milan Spanovic in London – wanted on Interpol arrest warrants? Where is your concern for 'impunity' when such people are given safe haven in strong countries such as Britain? Why the silence?

By adopting the Belgrade position of 'all sides are equally guilty' you have demonstrated that your words on impunity are hollow; you are attempting to divert attention from those who committed the majority of war crimes. It is shameful and revolting.

 

Brian Gallagher

London