Read this article in:
1 October, 2000Democratisation of Serbian society and cooperation with the Balkan region are essential.
SERBIA: The results of the elections in Serbia are a clear demonstration that the vast majority of the people there want Slobodan Milosevic out of power. Speaking for the International Metalworkers' Federation, its general secretary, Marcello Malentacchi, declared that "we share with the democratic opposition their joy and stand firmly behind them, especially those who have opposed from the beginning the nationalistic policies of the Serbian dictator."
Workers have paid a terrible price for the situation in Serbia in the last ten years. The economy has collapsed, wages are below the survival limit, and unemployment is skyrocketing. All this will be the legacy of Milosevic.
Solutions for the catastrophic state of affairs will be very difficult to find, and as long as the Serbian dictator remains in power the problems there cannot be resolved. The crucial first step is the democratisation of Serbian society, and, to this end, it is essential to have a truly independent trade union movement which can struggle freely for labour rights and the protection of workers.
Another important step will be Serbia's reinclusion in the international community, and in particular in Europe. Not only must international sanctions be removed but also all possible efforts for cooperation with the Balkan region should be supported by the international community. The wounds of the conflict there will only be healed when all those involved will be ready to place their responsibility for what has happened into question.
Finding the "enemy" was one of the pillars of Milosevic's demagogy. It is now time to work towards friendship and cooperation. The region desperately needs political stability, respect for human and workers' rights, and economic development. No single entity in the Balkans can hope to achieve this without cooperating with its neighbours.
The International Metalworkers' Federation will actively work in this region to help achieve this goal.
Workers have paid a terrible price for the situation in Serbia in the last ten years. The economy has collapsed, wages are below the survival limit, and unemployment is skyrocketing. All this will be the legacy of Milosevic.
Solutions for the catastrophic state of affairs will be very difficult to find, and as long as the Serbian dictator remains in power the problems there cannot be resolved. The crucial first step is the democratisation of Serbian society, and, to this end, it is essential to have a truly independent trade union movement which can struggle freely for labour rights and the protection of workers.
Another important step will be Serbia's reinclusion in the international community, and in particular in Europe. Not only must international sanctions be removed but also all possible efforts for cooperation with the Balkan region should be supported by the international community. The wounds of the conflict there will only be healed when all those involved will be ready to place their responsibility for what has happened into question.
Finding the "enemy" was one of the pillars of Milosevic's demagogy. It is now time to work towards friendship and cooperation. The region desperately needs political stability, respect for human and workers' rights, and economic development. No single entity in the Balkans can hope to achieve this without cooperating with its neighbours.
The International Metalworkers' Federation will actively work in this region to help achieve this goal.