Letter: Battles over Kosovo

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Battles over Kosovo

Sir: It is only natural that deeply held and conflicting emotions and political judgements concerning the justice and/or effectiveness of Nato's intervention in the Balkans should be reflected within the Parliamentary Labour Party.

As a supporter of Nato's actions - which have to be constantly scrutinised and must minimise civilian casualties - I recognise the sincerity of Alice Mahon's initiative in engaging in dialogue with ordinary Yugoslav citizens. She refuses to deny the realities of ethnic cleansing by the Serb regime and cannot be classified as an appeaser.

I urge colleagues like Clare Short - with whom I agree on the intervention - to remember Rosa Luxemburg's injunction to the effect that the test of freedom of speech is the treatment of one's opponents.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in