Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. statement, May 19, 1999

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Jill Homan May 1 9, 1 999 202/225-306 1 Congressman Ehrlich, Jr. Calls For Pause In Bombing Campaign STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR. REGARDING THE CONFLICT IN KOSOVO “I firmly support the men and women overseas risking their lives on behalf of this nation. They are part of the most powerful military in the world- the Armed Forces of the United States. With regard to the present conflict in Kosovo, I have not wavered from my original concern with regard to the humanitarian crisis taking place in the Balkans. The practice of “ethnic cleansing” is an abomination- whether it takes place in Kosovo, Rwanda, Tibet, anywhere. In view of recent events, however, I am increasingly concerned with N.A.T.O.’s conduct of its Serbian bombing campaign. Specifically, the U.S. led mission contravenes the so-called Reagan Doctrine which has proven to be an appropriate formula in the application of military force during the post Cold War era. Specifically, the lack of a clear U.S. strategic interest and the ever- changing objectives of the air campaign make this mission a less than desirable way to expend our assets and, in the process, place at risk the lives of our young men and women in uniform. The U.S. and N.A.T.O. have succeeded in escalating an already troublesome situation. Many lives have been lost, and many thousands of refugees have been displaced since N.A.T.O. commenced its bombing campaign. The recent Chinese Embassy bombing has worsened an already fragile relationship with the next military Superpower in the world. t (more)