[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Pages 19853-19854]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE IN KOSOVO

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I note today that the international 
community had a successful first conference on reconstructing Kosovo 
and southeastern Europe. Nearly 40 leaders met in Sarajevo last 
weekend. The presence of most of these heads of state, including 
President Clinton's commendable appearance, demonstrates that the 
international community will not shirk from the responsibility of 
rebuilding Kosovo from the inhumane devastation visited upon it by the 
ultranationalist brutes still in power in Belgrade.
  The people of Kosovo have suffered nearly unspeakable brutality, and 
it is entirely appropriate that the international community--which 
invested a great deal in forcing the Serbian military, paramilitary, 
and other gangsters out of Kosovo--now recognizes that long-term 
stability will not be created until immediate humanitarian needs, as 
well as medium-term goals of building a functioning economy, 
establishing institutions to devise and protect the rule of law, and 
ejecting the ultranationalists in Belgrade, are met.
  It is also appropriate, Mr. President, that the European powers 
shoulder the majority of this cost, as the U.S. shouldered the majority 
of Operation Allied Force.
  When we look at the humanitarian response to the crisis in Kosovo, we 
must note with appreciation the participation of nongovernmental 
organizations around the world who rushed to aid the Kosovar victims.
  The American Red Cross, for example, has been involved in the Balkans 
since 1993--more proof that Milosovic has been wreaking havoc in the 
region for years.
  Doctors Without Borders has been addressing a myriad of public health 
problems and responding to injuries.
  These are just two organizations who have responded to the 
overwhelming needs of these people.
  Prominent among these groups were the aid organizations of most of 
the world's religions.
  Again, to name only a few, Catholic Relief Services just last week 
shipped more than 1400 metric tons of food. It has contributed other 
supplies and volunteers as well. The Catholic Relief Services have also 
taken on the project of rebuilding the schools.
  Church World Services, the relief arm of a consortium of protestant 
denominations, has shipped tents, food, bedding, and other supplies.
  The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, affiliated with the 
United Jewish Appeal, in addition to food and shelter supplies, has 
activitied its medical registry of volunteer doctors and nurses to 
operate clinics in the refugee areas of Albania and Macedonia.
  And I would like to highlight the significant efforts by my own 
church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  In my address to the assembled members of our church last April, 
President Gordon B. Hinckley said, ``At this moment, our hearts reach 
out to the suffering people of Kosovo.'' He set in motion our church's 
efforts to help relieve that suffering.
  The Church's initial response to the crisis was timely. On Tuesday, 
April 6, specific plans were approved to ship family food boxes on a 
chartered air cargo plane. That night, over 300 Church members in Salt 
Lake City packed 3,000 boxes with food to feed a family of four for one 
to two weeks. On Wednesday, the food boxes were loaded on the cargo 
plane arriving in Macedonia on Friday. Refugee families began receiving 
the food boxes on Saturday, April 10. A second chartered air cargo 
plane was sent to Macedonia two weeks later with 26,000 family hygiene 
kits, 14,000 pounds of soap and 600 additional food boxes.
  Other shipments containing blankets, food, and clothing have been 
distributed to refugees in Macedonia. Also, blankets, food,and clothing 
have been consigned to the American Red Cross. More hygiene kits have 
been assembled by Latter-day Saints in Germany, England, California, 
and Utah for shipment to refugees in June. Student and teacher 
educational supply kits have been provided to refugee camps in 
Macedonia. Fresh fruits, vegetables and bread are being purchased 
locally by the Church in Macedonia and Albania and distributed to 
refugee camps and host families.
  The Church has sent volunteer couples to Macedonia and Albania to 
coordinate distribution of humanitarian assistance. A third volunteer 
couple with experience in the helping professions will go to Albania 
for 3-6 months to assist refugee and host families with social-
emotional needs.
  To date, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has provided 
the following humanitarian aid to Kosovar refugees:
  Food--133,000 pounds shipped, plus cash donations of $400,000 for 
local purchases;
  Clothing and shoes--2 million pounds, soap--166,000 pounds, school 
kits and educational supplies--4,000 pounds;
  Family hygiene kits--52,000, blankets--28,000; and
  Cash contributions to the German Red Cross and the Mother Teresa 
Soceity--$110,000
  Once all currently planned shipments are completed, the value of 
assistance rendered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 
will total approximately $5.2 million. The Church stands ready to 
evaluate and respond to future needs as circumstances may require and 
resources allow.
  The Mormon Church today has as many adherents overseas as there are 
in this country. It is a global church. Its presence abroad contributes 
to an awareness of the need for public health, literacy, and 
development in other nations. But, more than that, it contributes to a 
greater understanding among nations and cultures.
  The people of my state--not only LDS members--have always 
demonstrated a willingness to pitch in

[[Page 19854]]

where there is need. Their contributions are obvious at home. But, we 
do not mention enough that their charitable spirit extends regularly to 
less fortunate people around the world.
  While Utahans are fiscally conservative people and are not tolerant 
of the financial waste perpetrated in Washington, they are also 
generous people. I am pleased to highlight their support for the 
Kosovar relief effort.
  It is a tribute to America's generous spirit and sense of goodness 
that all of these organizations have mobilized to assist people 
suffering half a world away. There is no doubt that, despite the 
overwhelming challenge, these organization will collectively make the 
difference in the lives of these displaced Kosovar refugees and will 
provide hop for their future.

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