Floor Statement - 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 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.