On the 11th June 1999, the Kosovo Force (KFOR), a NATO-led international peace keeping force entered Kosovo following resolution 1244 of the United Nations Security Council to deal with a grave humanitarian crisis. KFOR’s primary objectives were to provide a secure environment and ensure public safety and order. At present, KFOR continues to contribute towards maintaining a safe and secure environment in Kosovo and freedom of movement for all. This year marks the 25th anniversary of that deployment.
A unique record of the work of the peacekeepers from nine different countries was displayed at an exhibition for the public in the form of a photo-documentary in the Gallery of Elgin Library in Moray, Scotland. The exhibition holds many lessons for our time in a world where people still continue to live in the midst of conflict, resulting in consequences that continue to impact all of us. It prompts reflection on the reality that exists, wherein individuals from diverse backgrounds often encounter prejudice, hate, and intolerance, and also highlights the need for empathy and understanding in a world where such challenges persist.
On the 8th May, the organisers, Heartstone, launched the exhibition which was opened by a speech from the Lord Lieutenant of Moray, Major General The Hon Seymour Monro, CBE, LVO. Among other special guests who gave speeches were Cllr Peter Bloomfield, Armed Forces Champion for Moray Council who had an active role in what took place 25 years ago, and Pastor Wil Masih, the Seventh-day Adventist Church Minister in Moray who represented Moray Interfaith (comprising of the diverse faith communities of Moray). In his speech, Pastor Masih conveyed that human nature's fundamental struggle has always been to adhere to the commandment of love.
Because we are human, we are fallible and succumb to the temptations of arrogance, authority, prejudice, and other evils. While acknowledging that oppression will always exist, we can continue to work towards justice. While acknowledging the unmanageability of deprivation, we can nevertheless aim for dignity. Whilst we know that conflict will inevitably break out, we can still work towards peace. We are able to work towards that. That is the hope of the world and it is our hope in these challenging times.
Among the audience were children from a local school, various local councillors and former soldiers who had taken part in KFOR. One soldier could clearly remember the involvement of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and how KFOR assisted the humanitarian mission of ADRA during the crisis in Kosovo. Last year, the exhibition was sponsored by Rhoda Grant, MSP in the Scottish Parliament and it will be going to London later this year.
We continue to pray for peace in parts of the world that are still caught up in violence and conflict. We pray for the peace keeping forces and humanitarian aid agencies that bring hope to many in the world today who are struggling to survive as a consequence of war and conflict.
