Sir, - The International Community's performance in the Kosovo tragedy can at best be described as indifferent, at worst, quite pathetic. Human life is on the line in Kosovo - and the International Community has made it abundantly clear that it doesn't really have interest in protecting the vulnerable Albanian population in Kosovo. The world has watched in horror as these people have been brutalised and murdered in recent days as Milosevic's thugs kill with impunity.
The reluctance of NATO to send in troops to provide a safe corridor for the frightened and fleeing Kosovars is a sad indictment on the level of humanity which exists among world leaders. Surely it presents an opportunity for the Irish Government to exert pressure on the EU and the UN to do what is right - and deploy troops to prevent further slaughter of the innocent.
We know from the extraordinary generosity of rank and file Irish people, that our nation cares deeply for these hapless refugees. Our Government will not want for support should they find the courage to chastise the international community for its appalling apathy. As in the case of Rwanda this catastrophe cannot be solved by aid agencies; meaningful political action is urgently needed.
But is the political will present? - Yours, etc., John O'Shea,
GOAL, PO Box 19, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.