Page 15 - link magazine

LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER 15

Kosovo: a tragedy that could not be ignored

The West could not stand by whilst the Serbs destroyed the Kosovars
writes Michael Wills, MP for North Swindon
We strip your
The Balkans have experienced I believe that there was no real
some terrible tragedies over the choice. We had to draw a line in old doors and
centuries. But after the end of the the sand and say 'no further'. I do pine furniture
Second World War, they should not believe we could have turned back to natural
never have had to go through them away from the atrocities being wood.
again. Yet in the 1990s we have committed in Kosovo. There comes So throw away your hot air guns
watched brutal genocidal atroci- a time when people must stand up and let us do the hard work.
ties taking place first in Bosnia and for what they believe in and that is NO JOB TOO SMALL
now in Kosovo. what we have now done. Give us a ring today for a quote
Like many, I have found the No conflict is ever easy or sim-
news reports of the last few weeks ple. The NATO campaign carries Free collection and delivery
almost unbearable: thousands of its own costs with it but there was 01793 772657
innocent people forced out of their no alternative unless we were sim- Mobile 07771 801266
homes, arriving in refugee camps ply to accept the largest forced
with appalling stories of rape and deportation since the monstrous
murder. And all because Slobodan actions of Hitler and Stalin. O J'y
Milosevic is determined to deny The bombing campaign is be-
the Kosovars any say in their own what was happening, saying that ginning to have an impact on the J.F.K lea
future. the dreadful human tragedies tak- Serbian war machine: half the
After months of trying to resolve ing place in Kosovo were none of front-line air force is now unsta- BUILDING
the problems through painstaking their business and to hope that ble, serious damage has been
diplomacy, the NATO countries somehow the conflict would not caused to the air defence system, SERVICES
were faced with the realisation that spread more widely in the area. fuel is in short supply and
the Serb leader had no interest in Or to intervene on behalf of the Milosevic's troops can no longer Extensions, Alterations,
resolving matters peaceably. They Kosovar victims of Milosevic's bru- move with impunity in Kosovo. Renovations
were confronted with a stark tality and in defence of the values But it may still be a long haul.
choice: either to turn their back on of civilisation. No matter, I believe the campaign All aspects of garden
must continue until the innocent construction including fencing
victims of Slobodan Milosevic, the All general building work
Carer meets Minister on welfare changes men, women and children who Tel: Mr J.F. Keenan
have already suffered so much,
Westlea carer Carole Rose was asked to meet Social Security Minister are able to return to their homes (01793) 727824
the Rt Hon Alistair Darling in Whitehall at the end of April. Although and live in peace.
a daunting experience, she says she was put at ease and found him
very approachable.
The invitation followed Carole's
speech at a national lobby of Par- WE'RE BIGGER
liament in early April highlight-
ing fears about welfare changes.
Accompanied by Swindon South THAN YOU THINK!
MP Julia Drown, Mr Darling gave
Carole an hour of his time to dis-
cuss the concerns of carers about Home Bedroom
proposed 'Gateway Interviews',
which the government say are de-
signed to give people information
about benefits, employment, train-
ing and the support available to
them.
Carole cares full time for her
severely disabled daughter, Elena, mains concerned that, when the
21, whose difficulties include cer- scheme is fully implemented in
ebral palsy and epilepsy. Mr Dar- three years time, this may not be
ling assured her that no carer, disa- the reality on the ground. "I am
bled or sick person will be pushed just hoping that Alistair Darling
into work or training as a result of and the Government will keep their
these interviews. Indeed, for carers promise on this," she said. Parker Knoll r.
of those with severe learning dis- She stressed that organisations
abilities, the combination of an im- such as Swindon Coalition of Disa-
proved computer system and the bled People, MIND, Age Concern STRONGBOW
interview procedure should result and MENCAP will be monitoring
in less frequent checks into their the situation closely. Nobody YOUR OLD SUITE & OCCASIONAL FURNITURE
circumstances. should feel anxious or pressured BED DISPOSED OIF FIRESIDE CHAIRS
Although Carole was impressed by the prospect of an interview.
by Mr Darling's sincerity, she re- • National Carers Week: page 35. Spillers Furnishings & Bed Centre
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