ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, December 15, 1996 TAG: 9612170014
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
THE FORCES of democracy, on the march worldwide, have now spread to Serbia - where a few years ago ultranationalism plunged the former Yugoslavia into ethnic war.
One of those most responsible for that catastrophe was Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic, who cynically inflamed nationalist sentiments - and sponsored armed insurgencies in Bosnia and Croatia - to maintain power. Now he's on the defensive after nullifying opposition victories in Serbian municipal elections.
In a heartening development for democracy lovers everywhere, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets day after day to challenge the tyrant's misrule. The whole world is watching.
Until recently, the U.S. response has been, officially anyway, muted. The Voice of America helped, by broadcasting news of the protests suppressed by the government. Finally, at a NATO meeting in Brussels last week, Secretary of State Warren Christopher urged Milosevic to "open dialogue with the opposition, recognize freedom of assembly, respect the results of the election and stop interfering with the press." Good.
The West has chosen to coddle unprincipled power brokers like Milosevic, let swaggering war criminals roam free, and tolerate ethnic partitioning in Bosnia to help halt the bloodshed. But now the indigenous, if still tentative and fragile, flowering of democratic sentiment signals an opportunity to shift policy: to do more to support democratic elements, bring perpetrators of genocide to justice, and rebuild ties among Bosnia's alienated populations.
Milosevic, who ended international isolation and an embargo against Serbia by signing the Dayton peace accords, may seek compromise again. There are signs he's ready to reverse the local elections' annulment. Or, if he feels his power is threatened, he may revert to his communist past and try yet more violent repression.
Either way, the democratic movement that swept through Eastern Europe in 1989 has reached the Balkans. Democracy's victory may be only a matter of time, and of how much blood will be shed. With every statement, gesture and act, the United States must encourage the triumph of freedom.
LENGTH: Short : 44 linesby CNB