Statement by Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and all Russia, March 24, 1999

STATEMENT BY PATRIARCH ALEXY II OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA

Reports on the NATO decision to deliver air-strikes against Yugoslavia have caused profound concern among all the faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The decision on air-strikes can become a dangerous precedent and lead to unpredictable military and political consequences.

As is known, the Balkans, where local armed conflicts take place today, have a complex history. Provoked there in our century, World War I brought much suffering not only to Europeans, but also peoples in other continents who were involved in the armed confrontation.

It is extremely disturbing that the implementation of the bombing plan can lead to another bloodshed and loss of lives including losses among the civilian population. Besides, it may hit unique cultural and religious monuments in the Serbian land. For the Orthodox Serbs, Kosovo is not only an object on the geographical map, but a shrine with old churches and monasteries.

We support the position of the Holy Authority of the fraternal Serbian Orthodox Church that a military intervention of NATO in the conflict in Yugoslavia is inadmissible.

We are convinced that it is only a patient dialogue and peaceful settlement of all political differences that can lead to the resolution of tension around Kosovo. Undoubtedly, the efforts of the world community should be aimed at helping all the parties in the Kosovo conflict to make an objective assessment of the tense situation and though joint diplomatic efforts seek a way to settle the accumulated problems at the negotiation table.

On behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church, I appeal to the heads of NATO member states and to the leaders of the North Atlantic alliance itself to prevent the use of military force against the sovereign Republic of Yugoslavia, since it can provoke an inevitable escalation of hostilities in the very heart of Europe.

I also call upon the parties to the Kosovo conflict, both the Serbs and the Albanians, to gather themselves up and stop the bloodshed, to low down arms and begin building peaceful life with justice on the basis of mutual agreements and respect for each other’s civil rights and religious views.

“Love truth and peace” (Zech. 8:19)”, says the Lord in Holy Scriptures. I trust and pray that common sense may prevail in those who make decisions today.

+ALEXY, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA

March 24, 1999