9th Resolutions

The Serbian Unity Congress 9th Annual Convention took place in Washington, D.C. from September 18-20, 1998. There was general agreement that the convention was highly successful. Delegates from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe attended. We were also privileged to welcome His Grace Bishop Artemije of Kosovo as a keynote speaker to the Convention and other distinguished guests from Serbia and Republika Srpska who contributed to the panel discussions. More on Bishop Artemije's visit. Although the Convention took place against the somber background of escalating tensions in Kosovo, there was an overall impression that the Serbian voice was gaining respect. A well attended congressional breakfast on Capitol Hill attracted high level congressional attendance, including from Ben Gilman (R-NY), the Chairman of the House International Relations committee. This sense of respect was reflected in the level of meetings delegates held in Congress (Senate and House Foreign Relations committees), with the Administration (Ambassador at Large for War Crimes), and private institutions (former President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace). Further, Board member Nikola Kostich was invited to give a lecture at American University Law School on The Hague war crimes tribunal. More on congressional breakfast. The outgoing president Vojin Joksimovich delivered a report outlining a year of vigorous activity and growth in 1997/98. He stated: "We are on the map, hammering away at the hypocrisy of our opponents, and making the voice and traditions of our Motherland heard loud and clear." The debate and panel discussion covered a wide range of issues and were lively, sometimes provocative, and well informed. Incoming president Milosh Milenkovich presented his vision for the way ahead. More on the convention program. The Grand Banquet took place in a gracious setting of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Keynote speaker Mr. James Jatras gave an electrifying address in defense of Serbian interests and values. This was followed by the annual fundraising drive. More on the Grand Banquet. The Convention nominated Cleveland, OH as the site of the 1999 convention. As delegates departed, many to make visits to relatives in Serbia, there was a solid feeling of confidence that, despite the immense challenges ahead (and which have indeed have crashed upon us over Kosovo), the SUC as an organization found itself on the right track.

UNITY HERALD GLAS SABORA