[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 17182-17185]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 AMERICAN VETERANS COMMITTEE (AVC) INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS PLATFORM AND 
                              RESOLUTIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ALBERT RUSSELL WYNN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 14, 2001

  Mr. WYNN. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the American Veterans 
Committee (AVC). The American Veterans Committee is an outstanding 
organization of American veterans with ongoing concerns and interest in 
our foreign policy and international affairs. I submit for the Record 
their International Affairs Platform and Resolutions, as prepared by 
the American Veterans Committee, International Affairs Commission and 
adopted by the American Veterans Committee (AVC) National Board at the 
National Board Meeting, Tuesday, August 26, 1997, with appropriate 
changes as of August 2001.

                   American Veterans Committee (AVC)

                     INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS PLATFORM

       We, the members of the American Veterans Committee (AVC), 
     believe that in international affairs the objective of the 
     United States of America (US) is the maintenance of peace 
     with justice for all. The world must avoid the holocaust of 
     nuclear war. The restoration of diplomatic relations with the 
     People's Republic of China, the end of the Cold War, the 
     dissolution of the Soviet Union, and the fall of the Berlin 
     Wall brought much hope of the avoidance of nuclear war--at 
     least among the major powers--in the foreseeable future. Many 
     international problems remain including the threat of 
     international terrorists, and the US has been active--along 
     with the United Nations--in dealing with hostilities in the 
     Middle East and the Balkan States, Central and Southeast 
     Asia, such African states as Somalia, Rwanda and Zaire (now 
     the Democratic Republic of the Congo), and in Central America 
     and the Caribbean. The work of the US has aided in 
     establishing and restoring elective governments wherever 
     possible.
       Within that framework, US foreign policy, like US domestic 
     policy, must seek always to enhance social justice for and 
     the welfare of the individual, in all classes and without 
     regard to race, religion, ethnicity, language, gender, sexual 
     orientation, or age. Our policies should strive for 
     realization of the world envisioned in the Universal 
     Declaration of Human Rights, a world in which all might eat 
     and sleep in safety, live under and vote in an elective 
     government, with realistic hope and opportunity of attaining 
     their reasonable aspirations.


               I. THE UNITED NATIONS AND WORLD GOVERNANCE

       The United Nations (UN), in spite of the recognized areas 
     which require strengthening, continues to be the best hope 
     for peace in the world. American support of the UN must be an 
     essential part of our foreign policy. The authority of the UN 
     must be strengthened in a process in which selected elements 
     of national sovereignty will be progressively transferred, in 
     a manner that will enhance the fundamental freedoms and the 
     well-being of all the peoples of the world.
       AVC supports the following principles, reforms and programs 
     for a more effective UN:
       1. International law governing disputes and conduct of UN 
     member states, and other states, with one another should be 
     improved, clarified, codified, and obeyed. The US and all 
     member states should work within the UN for the development 
     of clear, well understood and respected international law. 
     All member states should accept the jurisdiction of the 
     International Court of Justice (ICJ) to interpret and 
     implement international law.
       2. Debtor states must pay their UN past and current dues 
     and assessments.
       3. The effectiveness of the UN must be improved through 
     better financing, including such mechanisms that will bring 
     in appropriate revenue from developed nations of the world.
       4. The UN structures for dispute mediation and conflict 
     prevention and resolution must be strengthened.
       5. Further international cooperation for peace and 
     sustainable development should be enhanced.
       6. Movement should be made toward a genuine career UN civil 
     service.
       7. The influence of civil society at the UN should be 
     strengthened.
       8. The integrity and independence of the Office of the 
     Secretary General, as expressed in the UN Charter, are 
     crucial to the strength and effectiveness of the UN. The US 
     should oppose any attempt to weaken the powers of this 
     office. AVC commends the leadership of the present Secretary 
     General, Kofi Annan, in making the organization work more 
     effectively . . . and extends its very best wishes to him on 
     his election to a well deserved second five-year team.


                  II. WORLD VETERANS FEDERATION (WVF)

       AVC points with pride to and pledges continuing support for 
     the World Veterans Federation (WVF), a worldwide organization 
     of former combatants whose activities are a remarkable 
     example of the kind of private international cooperation on 
     which lasting world peace and justice can be built. AVC thus 
     is proud to have been one of those veterans organizations 
     that helped establish WVF more than a half century ago, and 
     took part in the recognition of the WVF 50th Anniversary, and 
     looks forward to the 24th General Assembly in South Africa in 
     2003.


                III. THE RIGHTS OF AND RESPECT FOR WOMEN

       Since its establishment in 1944, AVC has always had women 
     among its members and

[[Page 17183]]

     leaders. AVC in its Platform is guided by the 1995 Beijing 
     Conference and its ``Platform for Action'' and the subsequent 
     reaffirmation during the last half decade. In 1995, the UN 
     convened the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, 
     China. The Conference wrote and adopted the Beijing 
     Declaration and the ``Platform for Action,'' the definitive 
     statement of women's agenda for empowerment world-wide. Since 
     that time, the ``Platform for Action'' has been the basis for 
     evaluating the international community's progress in meeting 
     the goals set forth in that document. This has been done 
     during the yearly meetings of the UN Committee on the Status 
     of Women since 1995.
       A Special session of the UN General Assembly was called in 
     the year 2000, ``Beijing + 5,'' which looked at how far the 
     goals of this Platform have been achieved. That Session 
     reaffirmed the principles and commitments expressed in the 
     ``Platform for Action.'' Furthermore, it set forth a 
     Political Declaration which called upon all nations to take 
     further actions and initiatives to implement the Platform. It 
     also urged a greater role for women in peace processes. 
     Breaking new ground, ``Beijing + 5'' introduced new focal 
     points of concern for women: HIV/AIDS and racial 
     discrimination. Both of these issues were taken up by the 
     45th Session of the UN Commission on the status of Women in 
     2001. Now in 2001 and looking forward to subsequent years in 
     this decade, AVC reaffirms its support for the rights of and 
     respect for women.


  IV. NUCLEAR TESTING AND DISARMAMENT AND THE TREATY BANNING CHEMICAL 
                                WEAPONS

       Complete elimination of nuclear weapons testing and the 
     establishment of international controls on this most 
     dangerous technology must be the goal of American foreign 
     policy. Our world finds itself in the unique and unenviable 
     position where one generation can make life on Earth 
     unlivable for later generations.
       The adoption by the UN of a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty 
     in September 1996 is a significant advance with all five 
     Permanent Security Council states among the signatories. 
     Complete and total disarmament is the ultimate Summum bonum, 
     but this is an objective remote in time; immediate 
     achievement is not feasible. Efforts toward that goal should 
     be made by the US nonetheless and should be encouraged in 
     other nations. Mankind can never reach its true destiny if it 
     must continue to allocate so high a percentage of its 
     resources to forge the weapons of war.
       AVC without reservation supports the adoption by the UN of 
     a treaty that bans in the world the use of chemical weapons. 
     AVC believes that the world-wide ban on testing nuclear 
     weapons on the total elimination of the anti-personnel land 
     mines, and the ban on the use of chemical weapons have a 
     major role in ensuring the continuation of civilization of 
     this Earth.


                    V. UNITED STATES AND ITS ALLIES

       Inevitably differences have arisen and will continue to 
     arise between the US and its allies, but these are 
     differences which can be and must be resolved around the 
     conference table. In its negotiations, the US should seek the 
     rights and privileges of the willing partner.
       The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed in 
     a world considerably different from the world of today. AVC 
     supports the reassessment by the NATO nations of their 
     membership. Its continued organization and operation should 
     reflect the changing purpose. AVC is clearly aware of the 
     division with respect to the issue of expansion of NATO, 
     including the costs of remilitarization of any new NATO 
     members to bring them up to a stage of military equality with 
     other NATO nations. Further, AVC is well aware of WVF General 
     Assembly discussion that did not lead to approval of any 
     specific new nations to become a part of NATO. Further, AVC 
     recognizes the importance of the continuing discussion of 
     NATO and Russia with respect to a broader membership, while 
     at the same time being aware of the concern of Russia with 
     respect to broad membership that may also include former 
     Soviet republics. Finally, very careful consideration should 
     be given to expediency of NATO actually becoming a part of 
     the UN.
       In Latin America we must make every effort to erase the 
     image of the US as a prosperous, patronizing, and 
     paternalistic benefactor or intervener in the economic and 
     political development of those nation states. It should be 
     the objective of the US foreign policy to create instead an 
     image of a US that wants to be a good partner as well as a 
     good neighbor--in helping the peoples of Latin America work 
     out their own destiny.
       The US should, at every turn, encourage the UN or the 
     Organization of American States (OAS) to be the forum in 
     which to resolve differences and disagreements among or with 
     our Latin American neighbors. We must show by word and deed 
     that we have no desire to impose our own form of government 
     or way of life upon any country of Latin America. The US 
     nevertheless continues to believe in the effectiveness of a 
     democratic form of government and the opportunity for all 
     people at the very least to enjoy adequate food and shelter, 
     education and health.


                  VI. THE UNITED STATES AND THE WORLD

       At the beginning of the second millennium, the US must 
     continue to be willing to help the developing nations of 
     Africa, Asia, and Latin America to direct their own 
     destinies. The UN forum must be held open to the developing 
     nations. And the services of the UN specialized agencies, for 
     example, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the many 
     NGOs must appropriately be focused on the needs of the 
     developing nations. Thus, every consideration must be given 
     to the problem of AIDS, especially in the developing 
     countries but also in other nation states of the world. 
     Further, especially with respect to the AIDs problem, the US 
     as well as other developed nations must make every effort to 
     provide pharmaceutical supplies to combat the AIDS epidemic 
     at a cost reasonable to be met in the developing nations.
       The gap between the social and economic bases of the 
     developed countries and those of the developing countries to 
     widen. The decline in relative socioeconomic position of 
     developing nations, accompanied as it is by a population 
     explosion (now being recently addressed), has led to 
     dangerous tension and the outbreak of violence and disorder 
     in many areas of the world. Africa faces particularly 
     difficult problems. African institutions, such as the 
     Organization of African Unity (OAU), have confronted these 
     problems and deserve the continuing support of US. There must 
     never be another Rwanda.
       Acknowledging that the ability of the US to underwrite 
     services in assistance of all foreign countries is limited, 
     its efforts to aid developing countries should be utilized at 
     points of greatest potential for success. Priority should be 
     given to those countries which can make the most rational and 
     productive use of such aid, humanitarian considerations aside 
     under conditions of famine and natural disasters. In 
     evaluating the effectiveness of US aid, due weight should be 
     given not only to economic and environmental considerations 
     but also to the strengthening of democratic institutions and 
     the consolidation of efforts on a regional basis.
       Only when asked and only when it is clear that armed force 
     is necessary to thwart a take-over by powers inimical to the 
     survival of a weak and developing nation should the US 
     furnish military assistance. Even then, it should with the 
     approval of the UN and support of the regional organizations.


                         VII. RUSSIA AND CHINA

       The end of the Cold War, creating Russia and fourteen other 
     independent nation states, has caused a monumental 
     improvement in the international relations of the US and 
     Russia and the Eastern European states as well. With many 
     problems remaining, all have moved toward democratic 
     governments and market systems no longer identified as 
     communist.
       China also does not seem as threatening as it has in the 
     past--as the ``free market economy'' has penetrated even this 
     nation state. At the same time, quarrels between the US and 
     China--both with respect to independence of Taiwan and 
     ``human rights''--are expected to continue. Trade between the 
     US and China is expanding, an indication of a changing market 
     economy in that nation. The US should use it trading 
     relationship to continue to press for relaxation of China's 
     stern measures against a free press.


                    VIII. ISRAEL AND THE ARAB STATES

       AVC strongly supports the efforts of the US to continue the 
     peace process begun at Camp David in 1979, continued at 
     Madrid in 1991, further affirmed at Oslo in 1993, reflected 
     further in the Wye Memorandum Agreements of the Prime 
     Minister of Israel and the Head of the Palestinian Authority, 
     the agreements flowing from Camp David in 2000, and now the 
     services of a US representative in 2001. Although no rigid 
     deadline should be set, the ultimate goal of peace with 
     security for Israel should be the fulfillment of the UN 
     Security Council Resolution 242 (1967); that Resolution 
     requires that Israel evacuate the territory occupied in that 
     year in return for recognition by Arab countries of Israel's 
     sovereignty, territorial integrity, political integrity, and 
     peace. Exception must be made for areas absolutely necessary 
     for Israel's existence as a state.


                            IX. WORLD TRADE

       Unlimited global economic growth through global free trade 
     in a global free market is an American goal. Whatever the 
     means to reach this goal--the goal must provide for all 
     people to have at the very least enough to eat and a decent 
     place in which to live. The creation of the World Bank and 
     International Monetary Fund (IMF), presumably, were so 
     constructed that enough to eat and a place to live would be a 
     result of new monetary and financial direction. In reviewing 
     the historic and almost legendary Bretton Woods' Conference 
     and succeeding meetings on global financial structure, AVC 
     reflects on the one hand what the World Bank and the IMF have 
     accomplished and at the same time what these two structures 
     have failed to attain. The brave new world of global 
     financial institutions, translational corporations, and free 
     trade, while having benefited some of the people, needs to 
     pay considerably more attention to the substantial reduction 
     of the ever widening distance between the rich and the poor.
       The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the North American 
     Free Trade Agreement

[[Page 17184]]

     (NAFTA) have the support of those who point out that new jobs 
     are created and the world is moving in the direction of both 
     programs; at the same time, those who oppose both focus on 
     the loss of jobs in the US, the erosion of labor and 
     environmental standards. AVC favors continued probing public 
     discussion of WTO and NAFTA.


                 X. GLOBALISM, REGIONS, AND SUB-REGIONS

       As the world is and has been organized, AVC has already 
     confirmed its support for the UN and the realization of the 
     direction of world trade. At the same time, we note such 
     other organization as (1) nations brought together in the 
     Helsinki Accord, 1975; (2) the European Union, (3) the OAU, 
     that is, the Organization of African Unity; (4) the nations 
     in Southern Asia brought together in a pact more than a score 
     of years ago; and (5) the OAS, that is, the Organization of 
     American States.
       With respect to subregions, AVC notes the Stability Pact of 
     Southeastern Balkan nations--Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, 
     Macedonia, Slovenia, and of late Yugolsav Serbia, as well as 
     Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania--that have seen civil 
     and other strife during the last decade. Further, at the 23rd 
     General Assembly of the WVF, the Conference approved the 
     establishment of the Standing Committee on Women of Asia and 
     the Pacific (SCOW-Asia/Pacific) and other Standing Committees 
     for other world regions.
       Again with respect to the OAU, AVC notes the reassuring 
     meeting of the OAU Ministers of State 8-10 July 2000 and the 
     subsequent meeting of OAU Heads of Sate 10-12 July 2000 . . . 
     and the agreements with respect to economic, political, 
     education, and health problems and issues in the nations that 
     met in Lome, Togo, West Africa.

                   INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS RESOLUTIONS


               I. THE UNITED NATIONS--SUPPORT WITH REFORM

       Recognizing that the American Veterans Committee (AVC) has 
     been a staunch supporter of the United Nations (UN) since its 
     inception in 1945 and has taken a very active role in the 
     World Veterans Federation (WVF), a role that has enabled AVC 
     to serve in the capacity of a non-governmental organization 
     (NGO) at the UN;
       Recognizing further and commending the UN for the 
     establishment of the War Crimes Tribunal, now embracing 
     Yugoslavia and Rwanda, and noting that in carrying out the 
     objectives of the UN position Slobodan Milosevic has been 
     brought before the War Crimes Tribunal for crimes against 
     humanity;
       Recognizing nevertheless that time as brought the need for 
     reform of a number of the systems and activities of the UN 
     and those of some of its member states; and observing further 
     that some member states and even our own nation, the US, have 
     failed to meet their financial obligations as dues-paying 
     members in the UN;
       Resolved by AVC:
       1. THAT debtor states should pay their UN dues in full to 
     fulfill their treaty obligations; that stringent consequences 
     for continued non-payment must be instituted;
       2. THAT the effectiveness of the UN must be improved 
     through better financing. Careful consideration must be given 
     to such proposals as the following: (a) a treaty among member 
     states to establish partial self-financing of UN peace-
     keeping and other programs through a worldwide tax on airline 
     tickets and the value of ocean freight; (b) a surcharge on 
     international postage items; (c) rent for the exclusive use 
     of satellite positions; (d) national legislation within 
     member states to ease the way to voluntary individual 
     contributions to UN programs through tax-deductibility of 
     contributions; and (e) sale of UN bonds to private 
     individuals and of extra premium postage stamps;
       3. THAT the UN structures for dispute mediation and 
     conflict prevention and resolution be strengthened through 
     the establishment of a UN Peace Observation Corps of 100-200 
     highly-trained professional observers and mediators to assist 
     the Security Council and Secretary General--backed by a 
     competent research and analysis unit--to track potential 
     crisis situations and, further, to identify the most 
     successful approaches to conflict prevention and resolution 
     from past crises;
       4. THAT UN peacekeeping capability be improved through such 
     means as (a) predesignation of peace-keeping units in their 
     own forces by member states with provision for joint training 
     of such designated units to be financed either through 
     voluntary contributions or regular peace-keeping 
     expenditures; (b) a task force established by the Security 
     Council to study the practical detail of a small UN Readiness 
     Force, to be placed at the disposal of the Security Council--
     10,000 troops composed of volunteers contributed by member 
     states in small units (companies or battalions) . . . and 
     with the purpose of intervention in the early stages of the 
     possible conflict before it expands to widespread fighting 
     and, when not engaged in peace-keeping operations to train 
     peace-keeping personnel of interested member states; (c) a 
     second task force established by the Security Council to 
     investigate practical steps to revive the Military Staff 
     Committee (foreseen in the UN Chamber) with responsibility 
     for enforcement, peace-keeping operation, and disarmament;
       5. THAT the Security Council become more responsive to the 
     concerns of the General Assembly through arranging for 
     regular presentation of the Assembly to the Council and 
     discussion by the latter of the views of the General 
     Assembly, as reflected in the Assembly Resolution, with the 
     President of the Assembly given ex-officio membership on the 
     Council, and through continued study of the representative 
     qualities of the UNSC membership;
       6. THAT the rule of law among nations be strengthened 
     through (a) a movement toward universal acceptance of the 
     jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by 
     introducing a procedure where the Security Council would 
     decide, in cases where continuing bilateral disputes threaten 
     world security, to require the UN member states involved 
     (including Security Council members) either to present 
     themselves to conciliation proceedings or to take the dispute 
     to the ICJ; (b) General Assembly authorization of the 
     Secretary General, under Article 96 of the Charter, to turn 
     to the ICJ for advisory opinions; and (c) provision that 
     individuals or groups who consider that their rights have not 
     been respected may petition the UN High Commissioner for 
     Human Rights for reaction and then, if the issue is not 
     resolved, to petition the General Assembly for a hearing;
       7. THAT further international cooperation for peace and 
     substantial development be enhanced through the establishment 
     of a UN Economic Security Council to take the place of 
     ECOSOC, its functions being to balance the interests of 
     citizens, nations, and corporations in an increasingly 
     globalized economy and, in particular, to improve 
     coordination on economic and social programs within the UN 
     system;
       8. THAT movement be made toward a genuine career UN civil 
     service, with training of UN staff on all levels to include 
     the recognition of diversity of cultures. And, further, with 
     the elimination of political appointments, level-by-level 
     over a period of years, with all positions in the UN 
     Secretariat except those of the Secretary General and his 
     immediate staff being held only by those who have passed the 
     UN entry examination or met other well-established 
     professional criteria including maintenance of a high-level 
     of performance;
       9. THAT the influence of civil society at the UN be 
     strengthened through measures such as a biennial Citizens' 
     Assembly at the UN representing all non-governmental 
     organizations (NGOs). The Citizens' Assembly would develop 
     concepts and proposals for transmittal to and discussion by 
     the General Assembly with widest possible participation of 
     NGOs at all UN conferences. AVC, it might be noted, has 
     always made its contribution to the UN operation by serving 
     as an NGO.
       10. THAT isolationism within the US be fought in all its 
     forms, as the US with about five percent of the world's 
     population needs the UN to serve as a necessary and vital 
     bridge to the rest of the world; and
       11. THAT funding of the UN Trusteeship Council should end 
     inasmuch as there are no longer any Trust Territories, 
     thereby eliminating a stark example of bureaucratic waste 
     within the UN itself and setting a precedent for other 
     comparable action as warranted.


      II. US RATIFICATION OF UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COVENANTS

       Supporting since the adoption by the UN nearly a half-
     century ago of the ``Universal Declaration of Human Rights'' 
     the philosophy and concept of human rights for all people all 
     over the globe;
       Supporting further the UN Human Rights Covenants on 
     Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights--as well as the UN 
     Human Right Covenants on Civil and Political Rights;
       Noting that more than 175 nations of the world have 
     ratified the UN Human Rights Covenants;
       Noting further that the US became a signatory to the UN 
     Human Rights Covenants during the administration of President 
     Jimmy Carter;
       AVC respectfully urges the President of the United States 
     to take all immediate and reasonable steps to move the US not 
     only as a signatory but also as a nation ratifying both UN 
     Human Rights Covenants (a) Economic, Social, and Cultural as 
     well as (b) Civil and Political Rights.


III. US RATIFICATION OF RELEVANT CONVENTIONS PROTOCOLS AND TREATIES ON 
                             WOMEN'S RIGHTS

       Recognizing the importance of the UN Conventions on the 
     Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and other 
     international conventions and treaties which promote the 
     human rights of women and their desire for full equality with 
     men in all pursuits of life;
       AVC calls for the US Senate (a) to endorse the CEDAW which 
     would make the US a signatory to the CEDAW and (b) to support 
     other international conventions and treaties promoting the 
     rights and interests of women;
       AVC affirms the proposition spelled out in The Platform For 
     Action that human rights are universal and equally applicable 
     to women; the inherent and indivisible rights of women must 
     be affirmed by the international community, and support the 
     Mission Statement from Beijing that ``equality

[[Page 17185]]

     between women and men is a matter of human rights and a 
     condition for social justice and is also a necessary and 
     fundamental prerequisite for equality, development, and 
     peace.'' [N.B. The previous statement flows from the UN 4th 
     International Conference on Women, held in Beijing, China, 
     September 1995.]


    IV. THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION/US AND THE WORLD FEDERALIST 
                              ASSOCIATION

       Recognizing for decades that the World Federalist 
     Association (WFA) in the US and World Federalism elsewhere in 
     the world have appropriately emphasized the global nature of 
     the Earth and our life thereon;
       Recognizing further that the work of the UN Association 
     (UNA)/US in its support of the UN itself has similarly 
     reflected an understanding of the global nature of the world;
       Observing that both of these organizations have emphasized 
     the great need of peoples to work together for a better world 
     while their governments work together in the UN for peace and 
     security;
       Having members of AVC also in positions of leadership and 
     membership in the WFA and likewise in positions of leadership 
     in the UNA/US;
       Believing today that the WFA position is still sound and 
     that its national and regional meetings are productive, 
     having produced recent leadership in advancing the 
     international criminal court, the Hague Appeal for Peace, a 
     UN readiness force, and adequate UN funding . . . likewise 
     noting the effectiveness and value of the results achieved by 
     the national and regional assemblies of the UNA/US;
       AVC finds that both the work of the UNA/US and the World 
     Federalist Association have goals and programs that lead to a 
     stronger and more productive relationship of the peoples in 
     the nations of the world; and, therefore, AVC supports both 
     of these organizations.


    V. US SUPPORT FOR THE REPORT ON THE IMPACT OF ARMED CONFLICT ON 
                                CHILDREN

       Noting with satisfaction the release of the important study 
     of the ``Impact Of Armed Conflict On Children'' (Graca Machel 
     Study);
       Reaffirming AVC's traditional support for strict adherence 
     to international humanitarian laws and human rights standards 
     in situations of armed conflict;
       Reaffirming further our support for the implementation of 
     the Convention of the Rights of the Child;
       Pleased that the WVF is a part of the Coalition Against the 
     Use of Child Soldiers;
       AVC also supports the Coalition Against the Use of Child 
     Soldiers and the findings of the Report `Impact Of Armed 
     Conflict On Children.' AVC also (a) urges upon the 
     International community to offer special care and protection 
     of refugee and internally placed children and (b) further 
     urges international support for the findings of the Report, 
     including calling upon governments to prevent the recruitment 
     and demobilization of children under the age of 18.


                  VI. BAN ON ``ANTI-PERSONNEL'' MINES

       Noting that the US used the phrase ``global humanitarian 
     tragedy caused by the indiscriminate use of anti-personnel 
     mines''
       Reviewing the long-standing position of AVC in support of 
     the total ban of land mines, or anti-personnel mines;
       Noting at the same time that generals of the US Armed 
     Forces established that land mines hurt the US more than they 
     helped our Armed Forces;
       Continuing to observe that around the world children and 
     women and other civilians have sustained injuries and even 
     death from land mines;
       AVC continues respectfully to urge the President of the 
     United States to adopt a strong position with the goal of 
     eliminating land mines, or anti-personnel mines, from our 
     global life.


     VII. WORLD VETERANS FEDERATION--A HALF CENTURY OF AVC SUPPORT

       Reviewing with gratification the more than half century 
     history of the WVF and the founding membership of AVC in WVF 
     in 1950 as well as the continuing AVC membership now in 2001;
       Reviewing also the long and consistent programs and work of 
     WVF in behalf of veterans as well as those who have suffered 
     on account of war--the WVF program always including support 
     of the UN;
       Recalling the guidance of WVF by the CREDO created by the 
     late UN Undersecretary General Ralph J. Bunche . . . the 
     Credo having the celebrated phase ``None can speak more 
     eloquently for peace than those who have fought in war'';
       Noting that WVF has consistently brought veterans from all 
     over the world to its General Assemblies, Council meetings, 
     and such special meetings as the the 1990 Conference on the 
     Mediterranean held in Malta, and observing that WVF has 
     celebrated its 23rd General Assembly (Paris 2000);
       Taking pride in the fifty-year leadership of WVF Presidents 
     and Secretaries General;
       The American Veterans Committee continues to support 
     without reservation the World Veterans Federation and looks 
     forward to continuing membership and contribution to WVF 
     programs.


                   VIII. The SOUTHEAST BALKIN STATES

       Having goals of peace, security, and development in the 
     Balkans and well aware that what was once Yugoslavia is now 
     Yugoslavia/Serbia (including Montenegro), Bosnia-
     Herzegovinia, Croatia, Macedonia, and Slovenia and further 
     recognizing that this European sub-region also includes such 
     nations states as Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and 
     Turkey;
       Noting with appreciation that the World Veterans Federation 
     (WVF) brought together its member organizations 
     (International Conference, Luxembourg, 5-7 May 1996) to 
     arrive at ``principles to be followed and measures to be 
     taken'' for attainment of those goals . . . and that the 
     Luxembourg International Conference carefully took into 
     account the position adopted in Dayton (Ohio/USA) with 
     respect to Bosnia-Herzegovinia;
       Aware that peoples of different ethnic, religious, and 
     historical background do have differences, sometimes 
     substantial almost insurmountable differences;
       Noting further that the Stability Pact includes a 
     ``Coordinator,'' a citizen of a nation not among those of the 
     Eastern Balkans;
       Supporting the Stability Pact and the elections of a 
     democratic state and urging the peoples to support the 
     results of the elections wherever in the Balkan States;
       Also supporting the position that individuals accused of 
     ``war crimes or crimes against humanity'' must be brought 
     before the appropriate court;
       Believing with respect to the totality of the Balkan States 
     that ``recognition by every State in the region of all the 
     other States in the region and renunciation of all forms of 
     nationalism leading to the notion of `greater State,' 
     ethnocentrism, xenophobia, and intolerance toward 
     minorities'';
       Continuing to respect the final act of Helsinki, which 
     emphasizes the security and cooperation in Europe;
       The American Veterans Committee continues to adopt the 
     position that mediation and discussion, together with (a) 
     peace-keeping, economic, and infrastructural support from 
     NATO and the UN, including in both instances the US, and (b) 
     vital governing provisions of Bosnia-Herzegovina and other 
     Balkan States will lead to a state of multi-ethnic, multi-
     culture, and multi-denomination with full respect for the 
     rights of all the people concerned.


                     IX. ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST

       Applauding in the early days of AVC the establishment of 
     the nation of Israel;
       Supporting the leadership of President Jimmy Carter in 
     bringing together Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel and 
     Egypt's leader Anwar Sadat;
       Noting with satisfaction the further movement toward 
     conciliation, reconciliation, and peace formulated by 
     Palestinian Authority and the present and immediate past 
     Prime Ministers of Israel;
       Urging the leaders of Israel and Palestine today to 
     continue using mediation in arriving at agreements, including 
     an agreement with respect to East Jerusalem;
       AVC continues to support the right of Israel to peace and 
     economic and sociocultural development and the use of the 
     instruments of discussion and mediation in the consideration 
     of all elements and aspects of difference and conflict 
     between Israel and its neighboring peoples and nations--
     whether they be Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, or any 
     other nation state, AVC in supporting the above stated 
     development in Israel in no way implies that it does not 
     support similar development of Palestine as well as all other 
     nations as they too seek peace and improvement of the quality 
     of life for their peoples.


                                X. CUBA

       Observing that Fidel Castro has been in power in Cuba for 
     more than forty years and that all efforts to remove him and 
     change his regime have been and continue to be futile;
       Recalling that the US has resumed relations with Germany, 
     Japan, and Vietnam after devastating wars and relations with 
     Russia subsequent to the Cold War;
       Believing that the Helms-Burton Act has not been and will 
     not be effective in achieving its stated goal(s), and judging 
     further that this Act of Congress has only created conflict 
     between us and our close allies;
       AVC believes that the US appropriate to the present times 
     should establish diplomatic relations, permit commercial 
     relations, continue to provide humanitarian aid, and end the 
     application of sanctions that adversely affect Cuba and our 
     allies.

     

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