Sam Gibbons: “a window of opportunity to find a peaceful solution to this conflict in Kosovo was opened this weekend in Vienna…”

“a window of opportunity to find a peaceful solution to this conflict in Kosovo was opened this weekend in Vienna, Austria. For my congressional colleagues and my Russian Duma counterparts who participated, those meetings represent a real and attainable step toward a lasting peace. Obviously, this conflict represents one of the most serious challenges to international security since World War II. Most Members realize the power that many constructive Russian-American efforts can offer in finding a solution. In that light, this bilateral conference agreed on a course of action which would withdraw Serbian troops from Kosovo, cease all military activities of the KLA, and end NATO bombing. Once these measures are complete, the repatriation of the refugees, administered by an international peacekeeping force and the international community, can begin the healing and rebuilding process. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to support this joint effort to find a diplomatic solution to the Balkans crisis because, in my mind, peace is an exit strategy everyone can understand.”