From: eswort06@snycorva.cortland.edu 5-DEC-1996
14:34:50.20
Subj:RE: A CALL FOR HELP FROM STUDENTS IN BELGRADE
Dear Students of Belgrade,
In your time of great need, I hope at least that it gives you some pleasure that the students of SUNY-Cortland, in the state of New York (USA), fully support your cause and are hoping sincerely that not only our government, but all governments around the world, will shed their inanimate state and take the proper actions necessary to restore human rights and democracy to your country.
Some years from now, all the world is certain to look back and be
ashamed of its inaction regarding your ordeal.
Hopefully, something, anything,will be done to help.
From: Clark Billings < cbillin1@bcn.net> Sat Jan 4 02:34:52 1997
Date: Thu, 05 Dec 1996 21:26:20 -0500
Subject: Cold War
I am a Professor of History & Political Science at North Adams State College in North Adams, Massachusetts, USA and teach a course on The Cold War. So many Americans think that the Cold War is over just because the Soviet Union doesn't exist any more and that the Berlin Wall has come down. We are so used to television programs where the good guys win- and it's done within an hour- we seem to think that there are finite time parameters for everything- including reality. You prove to us that the struggle for democracy is a continual one and that just because labels of political factions change that the wholesale conversion of a former hard-line communist to a liberal democrat usually doesn't happen- and certainly not overnight. Don't give up hope! Many of you students have had only a taste of the heady wine of democracy- drink it safely. It is rewarding- although obviously tragic that you are under such oppression- to see students taking responsibility for their liberty and not as so many of our pampered and coddled students do- take liberties with their responsibilities. God be with you!
From: Monastery Decani < decani@EUnet.yu>
Date: Tue, 10 Dec 1996 22:32:43 +0100
Subject: The truth will free you!
Dear brothers and sisters, students and pupils,
We have been following the events in Belgrade for days, admiring your persistence and courage. You have risen up against an unprecedented ideological and media violence, against injustice and lies, against everything that brought our Serbia and our whole nation onto the pillory, where we are exposed to the scorn of the entire world. In your just and admiringly peaceful and dignified protest you deserve the support of all those who wish the peace of God and justice to prevail in Serbia. You have the whole-hearted support of your priests and monks, who have always in the history of the Serbian people been on the side of those who struggle for the freedom of their people. Although we are not with you in the streets of our towns, we are with you in our hearts, our prayers and our hope that with the help of God you will manage to make a better future and that, with your faith, honesty and integrity, you will defeat the tyranny which has been destroying the soul of our people for fifty years.
Hold on to the truth, for the truth will free you (Jn 8,32). Almighty Jesus Christ bless you and give you strenght in your noble mission.
From: Friso Wiersum < L.F.Wiersum@stud.let.ruu.nl> Sat Jan 4 02:45:08 1997
Date: Wed, 04 Dec 1996 15:14:50 +0100
Subject: Go on !
Dear friends,
you're doing a great job in keeping this demonstrations peacefully. That the protest is going on is the best news but the fact that you're offering flowers impresses me even more.
Don't go for the brutal way, we all know what happened after taht in 1987 and other years. Flowers and eggs seem to be the best revolutionary means at the moment.
Everybody around me is waiting in vain to see what's gonna happen, will it take much longer, maybe we could then really do something in support of you. Letters like this and others are spreading the Netherlands, our government is receieving, so are student-organisations, peace-networks, alternative media and the normal ones. We are behind you !
If you need eggs, jaja, please find them, ask for them, leave the rocks, if you need flowers, find them or ask for them, please don't go looking for guns !!!!!
Lots of love and support, but esspecially lots of admiration from
PS: Is Akademija still open, or is Milosevic closing down everything with "subculture-links" ?
From: moore27@snycorva.cortland.edu Sat Jan 4 02:52:56 1997
Date: Wed, 11 Dec 1996 22:41:20 -0500 (EST)
To whom it may concern,
I write to commend and support your fight against the tyrrany that confronts
you in Belgeade. In reading your message I was moved by the bravery that you
exhibit so early in your lives--a bravery that will move you towards inevitable
victory. Your strength and courage transcend the vast ocean that separates
our two countries, becoming part of all of us who support your cause. I hope
that, in some small way this message, and the messages of the many other
students that you have received, will aid you in your valiant struggles. I
will encourage my friends here in Cortland to write similar letters in support
of your cause, for the prospect of sending support to such a group of
heroes will undoubtedly compell them to do such.
From: Christakis Vastilios < christa@gusun.georgetown.edu> Sat Jan 4 02:54:18 1997
Date: Thu, 12 Dec 1996 11:42:56 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Do not stop!
Dear friends,
my name is Vassilis and I am a graduate student of international affairs
at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. I want you to know that all my
classmates and I are following closely the events in Belgrade and we fully
support your efforts for human rights and democracy. Your struggle is our
struggle and we must not lose hope. You have been walking for two weeks
now and the government is showing signs of weakness. Continue to oppose it
peacefully and it might fall or, at least, make concessions. Your effort
will not be lost. Your demands in 1991 were partially met by Milosevic
because he could not do otherwise. Remember the Greek students in 1974,
the Romanian students in 1989 and take strength from them. You will
overcome!
PS. I have forwarded you appeals for the radio stations as well as your letter to over two hundred people.
From: Gunnar Selstam < gunnar.selstam@physiol.umu.se>
Date: Thu, 12 Dec 1996 18:42:00 +0100
Here is my statement of support for protest 96, which you are welcome to publish (I also sent a statement by FAX to Pres Slobodan Milosevic begging him to resign!):
To all brave students, colleges, supporters and protesting peoples of Serbia!
I hope and pray your protests will force the old leaders of governments, universities and courts to resign. We are all impressed by the many honest people in Serbia that want law and order, democracy and fairness. I follow your peaceful demonstrations and your endurance with admiration and I sincerely wish that Serbia will be democratic with new leaders that can lead Serbia into the next century. There are many tasks for new leaders including peace with minorities and neighboring countries, but new leaders are the only ones that can be successful for a prospering and peaceful Serbia.
Sweden, 12 december, 1996.
Gunnar Selstam,
professor at Medical Faculty,
University of Umea,
Sweden
From: Nemenzo < nemenzo@max.icu.ac.jp> Sat Jan 4 02:55:10 1997
Date: Fri, 13 Dec 1996 12:30:02 +0900 (JST)
Subject: support from Tokyo and the Philippines.
Protest Committee of Belgrade Students
Belgrade, Yugoslavia
Dear Friends,
I would like you to know that many people throughout the world
are following up events in Belgrade and you have our sympathy. Sometimes
we feel so helpless because we do not know what else we can do to help
you in the struggle for democracy. I can ask my organization in the
Philippines (BISIG=Association for the Development of Social Theory and
Practice) and our allied organizations to write letters of support. That
is probably the most we can do from this other side of the globe. Please
let me know where to send these.
I am a Filipino visiting professor at the International Christian University in Tokyo. I full understand your present predicament because I, too, had been involved the struggle against Marcos (the Filipino version of Slobodan Milosevic). My wife and I had been imprisoned for our political beliefs, and our son was shot and seriously wounded in an anti-Marcos demonstration in 1984.
We, Filipinos, have our deepest sympathy for the peoples of Belgrade, Burma and East Timor.
From: Lou Morin < LouMorin@worldnet.att.net> Sat Jan 4 02:57:42
1997
Date: Fri, 13 Dec 1996 23:24:34 -0500
Subject: B92 in English
I have been listening to B92 on the internet for a half-hour and am quite surprised to hear commercials in English for MTV Unplugged. Also, most of the music seems to be in English. If someone has a minute, could someone tell me why a station in Belgrade broadcasts in Enlgish? It's kind of cool, but it just seems weird. Same thing with the newspaper BOOM...it looks as though it has been written by people with a pretty good grasp of the language.
From: Paul Schrecongost < schreck@nicom.com> Sat Jan 4 02:59:22
1997
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 09:16:09 -0500
Subject: Fight on in the spirit of Ghandi and MLK!
Fight on, Friends!
Fight on peacefully in the spirit of Ghandi and Martin Luther King!
Your friend,
From: mboucher@piper.hamline.edu Sat Jan 4 03:07:31 1997
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 17:51:05 -0600
Subject: Support
Dear Patriots:
I am a teacher of World History at South High School in Minneapolis
Minnesota U.S.A.
I have been reading your reports from the protests with great enthusiasm and have shared them with my 120 students. Our prayers, good wishes and hope for a free Serbia are with you always.
Dalje neces moci !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: Micheldey@aol.com Sat Jan 4 03:08:02 1997
Date: Wed, 1 Jan 1997 23:41:35 -0500
Subject: support of students and democracy
I am Michel Karagoergevich, my grandfather was the last regent, Prince Paul of Yugoslavia, before world war II.
I admire the courage of the students who are risking their lives every day for democracy and I trust that democracy will win and that no one will be hurt. Gandi is a great example, he believed and won.
By showing such courage you are an example for the world. You are the future of your country. You can create whatever you dream. Again I support you in your actions and am open to suggestions.
From: Goran Mitich < g-mitich@students.uiuc.edu> Mon Jan 6 22:26:14
1997
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 07:13:32 -0600 (CST)
Subject: Support of Protest '96
Dear Serbian Brothers and Sisters,
I am a Serbian-American, born and raised in the United States, but I hold a special place in my heart, soul, and mind for our Serbian heritage. In my recent travels to our motherland, I found myself very upset with the state of affairs of most of the country: the overwhelming police presence, the lack of jobs, the lack of pay for those with jobs, and the overall lack of change in the communist ideas of the past. Watching television there, I realized the lack of information and the misinformation provided by the government-controlled RTS. I also realized that there exists an extreme fear of change. In many conversations I heard people state that "Yes, it is bad now. But it could be much worse." The number of people who thought this way truly surprised and troubled me. Although I tried, I had little success convincing people that if they continue to say that things can always be worse and continue to fear change, there is no hope of anything ever improving. I am glad to see that fear has finally given way to courage, and that the fires of democracy and freedom have begun to burn. These recent demonstrations have ignited in me strong feelings of hope for the future of our people and for the future of Serbia. I only wish that I could join you in the streets of Belgrade to oppose injustice, and fight the powers that only act to weaken the Serbian people. I realize that this is a difficult battle, but keep your spirits high. Do not be discouraged! There are many who think like you, and feel as you do. This period in Serbian history will indeed be difficult. But the Serbian people have always climbed from the valleys of darkness to the peaks of triumph, and we shall do so again. Remain strong and continue the fight for freedom!!
Very truly yours,
P.S. Serbian students around the world support and appreciate what you are doing for us all. Good Luck!!
From: Predrag Popovic < pjeckalo@iastate.edu>
Date: Mon, 06 Jan 1997 17:57:52 CST
Dear Colleagues,
We wish you a Happy New Year in which Serbia will finally become free! The New Year's celebration was magnificent and it made us proud and full of optimism. You made such a noise that there is no corner on the earth where it has not been heard. The whole world is on your side!
We support you whole-heartedly and wish you to persist in this historical protest. We are sorry we are not able to take pots in our hands and frighten the "bogey" in power with noise.
The media here have been expressing the opinion that Milosevic's days have been counted. Therefore, "let's go, all-out, attack", for freedom is the fundamental of living and it is so near!
From: Pax Christi International < office@pci.knooppunt.be>
Date: Mon, 02 Dec 1996 16:17:00
Dear friends,
With this message pax christi international wants to support all democratic initiatives taken in Yugoslavia. We do sincerely hope that the current activities will be organised in a non-violent way.
pax christi international
pax christi youth forum
From: Kurecka Radomir < xkurec00@stud.fee.vutbr.cz>
Date: Thu, 09 Jan 1997 15:01:59 +0100
Subject: Open letter to all students
Open letter to all students
in the Federative Republic
of Yugoslavia
Student Parliament
FEI VUT
Údolní 53
602 00 Brno
Czech Republic
E-Mail: st-unie@fee.vutbr.cz
8th January 1997
Dear Students,
As the elected representatives of the students at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Technical University, Brno we assure you of our solidarity and support in your struggle for freedom and democracy. We hope that you will succeed, as our predecessors did in 1989, and that your country will join the democratic countries of Europe.
Yours sincerely,
Student Parliament
Radomír Kureèka
Chairman
From: TOUINI-BENJELLOUN Yasser < 2046y@www.estp.fr> Sun Jan 26 07:07:08
1997
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 97 09:43:32 0100
Subject: sweet revolution
Here in france,the belgrade events are describe as the new May'68 but it's wrong,you corageous students represent the last romantic movement of this century,as in Spain in the 30's you represent the fight for your freedom,our freedom,for freedom;your fight is our fight,and I hope that we will win so as to build democracy.You are close to your fifty fifth day of demos,and every day you create hopes all around the world.today I believe in the power of brotherhood,I believe in the power of democratic people when they stand up against fascism
keep the pressure because ...HASTA LA VICTORIA SIEMPRE
From: "Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuß der Uni Kie"
< asta@asta.uni-kiel.de>
Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997 18:21:24 +0000
Subject: resolution of solidarity
Dear students of the city of Belgrad,
the following resolution was passed unanimously at yesterday's meeting of the student parliament:
,Das Studierendenparlament der Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel erklärt sich solidarisch mit den Protesten der Studierenden und der Opposition in Serbien. Es fordert die Regierung in Belgrad auf, die Ergebnisse der demokratischen Kommunalwahlen uneingeschränkt anzuerkennen. Desweiteren wünschen wir Euch viel Erfolg bei Eurem friedlichen Eintreten für Menschenrechte und Demokratie."
English translation:
,The student-parliament of the university at Kiel declares its solidarity with the protest of the students and of the opposition in Serbia. It demands, that the government at Belgrad fully recognizes the results of the democratic communal elections. We wish you much success in your peaceful struggle for human rights and democracy."
With great respect
From: James Constas < JVCDEN@msn.com> Sun Jan 26 07:17:36 1997
Date: Wed, 15 Jan 97 01:29:58 UT
Subject: Support!
We who are watching your protest from the United States feel an emotional and dare I say it, a spiritual, bond with your efforts to bring freedom, democracy, and peace to Yugoslavia and hopefully to the other Balkan nations. Your steadfast reliance on a peaceful means to bring about change serves as an example for all peoples currently living under authoritarian and toltalitarian oppression. I sincerely hope that your protest is the beginning of the end for the old regime and its interests and the dawn of a new era of freedom and right human relations in your country.
You are not alone. Keep up the good work!
From: schwabe < schwabe@stud.uni-frankfurt.de>
Date: Mon, 27 Jan 1997 22:43:44 +0100
Subject: Keep on!
Also our support and solidarity for our fellow students in Belgrade. We admire your power and peaceful creativity in protesting against the Milosevic-government. Hopefully you'll establish a REAL democratic government and a modern and peaceful society in your country in the next years! FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT (but without violence) !!!
Students, faculty of law
Frankfurt, Germany
From: Jeroen Mirck < J.H.Mirck@kub.nl>
Date: Wed, 19 Feb 1997 17:15:55 MET
Subject: Keep Up The Good Work!
-- We saw it at the television
-- We heard it on the news
In a peacefull country like Holland, we seemed to forget that there can really be something to fight against -- in a peacefull way! I hope that all your actions will result in an everlasting peace. Milosevic seems to give in, but as long as democracy isn't installed, the Belgrade demonstrations are still important.
Many collegue-students in the Netherlands support your actions!
Keep up the good work!
Jeroen Mirck
Tilburg University, Holland