Letter: Gibbons’ goal is simple: peace

Tuesday, May 25, 1999 | 9:58 a.m.

As a veteran of two wars, my perspective on the Balkan crisis is nonpartisan and nonpolitical. I have seen the atrocities of war. Let there be no doubt that my efforts to seek peace in the Balkans are in the best interests of Nevada's sons and daughters who I hope never have to experience their own war.

In addition, I commend those Americans who have taken a personal interest in foreign diplomacy. We need look no further than the Rev. Jesse Jackson's foreign diplomacy mission that secured the release of the three American soldiers who were abused in captivity.

I also commend my colleagues who traveled to Vienna in an effort to engage the Russians in crafting a peace settlement. Our bipartisan and bilateral mission of peace was successful. And as a result, the success of our efforts is reflected in the widely supported G-8 peace proposal.

In the end, I hope it is our common goal to seek peace in the Balkans, and that we, as Americans, are committed to bringing our brave military men and women home safely, and as quickly as possible.

JIM GIBBONS, U.S. representative

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