September 21, 1998

The Honorable Emma Bonino

European Commission

Rue de la Loi/ Westrast 200,

B-1049 Bruxelles, Belgium

Dear Commissioner Bonino:

I am writing to express my appreciation for your efforts to develop a humanitarian solution for the tragic conflict in Kosova. I am also grateful for your taking the time to meet with Mr. Joseph DioGuardi and Mr. Giles Pace during their fact finding mission. Mr. Pace, who previously delivered medical aid with my support, reported details about the unfolding humanitarian crisis. As you are aware, I am a cosponsor of a U.S. House resolution to indict Milosevic and other Balkan war criminals, similar to the efforts that you and your legislative colleagues are promoting in Europe. I look forward to sharing information and discussing strategy with you.

Urgent action is needed to address the growing humanitarian crisis, involving hundreds of thousands of displaced persons and refugees, as winter in Kosova approaches. Given the lack of resolve and initiative by major powers, we need to develop an emergency humanitarian program on both sides of the Albanian border. There may be no alternative to U.S. or NATO plans for airdrops of supplies into the remote mountainous areas. In addition, despite the chaos in Albania, we should also explore the possibilities for ground convoys, with supplies being shipped through Italy. The convoys could provide a steady flow of essential food, medicines and shelter materials to refugee camps on the Kosova-Albania border. The camps could include tent cities, military-style forward hospital units and essential sanitation trenching.

In this effort, Mr. Pace, who has provided aid to remote areas of Bosnia, could assist in laying the groundwork with U.S. and European NGOs, such as Knightsbridge International which has delivered millions of dollars of donated medicines to Afghanistan, Cambodia, Chechnya and Rwanda. With the right logistical resources at their disposal, I believe that they could make a valuable contribution to the international effort. In addition, Mr. Pace has proved that he can work with many factions and clans in volatile areas of the Balkans, which is essential for safe passage.

If you wish to discuss this urgent matter, please contact me through my Special Assistant, Al Santoli, by telephone 1-202-225-2415 or by fax at-202-225-0145.

Sincerely,

Dana Rohrabacher

Member of Congress