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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Martin Raffel (#212/684-6950, x.206) -Associate Executive Vice Chairman JCPA Reaffirms Strong Support for Military Intervention in Kosovo (New York, April 15, 1999) - The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) has reaffirmed its strong support of the U.S. and NATO military operation in Kosovo and Serbia. JCPA Chair Steven Schwarz stated, "we have been horrified by the atrocities -- including mass murder, systematic rape and widespread expulsions -- committed by Serb forces against the civilian population of Kosovo." The JCPA, he continued, supports "the use by the U.S. and NATO coalition of all means deemed necessary" to achieve the goals of the operation. Schwarz also expressed support of the activities of the international war crimes tribunal in The Hague as well as the humanitarian efforts on behalf of the Kosovar refugees. Following is the full text of Mr. Schwarz's statement: The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) reaffirms its strong support of the U.S. and NATO military operation in Kosovo and Serbia. We have been horrified by the atrocities -- including mass murder, systematic rape and widespread expulsions -- committed by Serb forces against the civilian population of Kosovo. We support the use by the U.S. and NATO coalition of all means deemed necessary to end "ethnic cleansing," return the refugees safely to their homes and restore stability to that area. The JCPA also supports the efforts of the international war crimes tribunal in The Hague. Those individuals who have ordered or committed war crimes or crimes against humanity must be brought to justice. We are deeply concerned about the plight of the hundreds of thousands of Kosovar refugees. The rapid response of the international community to meet the needs of this population is heartening. We are particularly proud of the role Israeli doctors have played in providing vital medical assistance. The JCPA will continue to work for the intensification and expansion of the humanitarian effort. ### The Jewish Council for Public Affairs is the coordinating and planning body for the 13 national and 122 local agencies comprising the field of Jewish community relations. |
