Blair Calls for New Marshall Plan for Balkans as Nato Action Continues

Strategic Insights -

Tony Blair expressed his determination that NATO's action in Kosovo would prevail, stating that "Success is the only exit strategy I am prepared to consider." He emphasized the need for a new internationalist world order, highlighting the importance of global interdependence in the face of increasing global challenges. In a speech to the Economic Club of Chicago, Blair called for a new Marshall Plan to rebuild the Balkans, comparable to the European recovery program after World War II. He warned that Russia's economic crisis could not be allowed to escalate, and that NATO's military action in Kosovo was justified by the need to prevent ethnic cleansing and mass murder.

Key Takeaways:

  • Blair emphasized the determination of NATO's action in Kosovo, stressing that success is the only acceptable outcome.
  • He called for a new Marshall Plan to rebuild the Balkans, similar to the European recovery program after World War II.
  • The Prime Minister highlighted the need for a new internationalist world order, emphasizing global interdependence in the face of increasing global challenges.
  • He warned that Russia's economic crisis could have catastrophic consequences if left unchecked.
  • Blair stressed that NATO's military action in Kosovo is justified by the need to prevent ethnic cleansing, systematic rape, and mass murder.
  • The morale of the Yugoslav Army is beginning to crack, according to Blair, and the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) is growing in strength.
  • The KLA is larger and has more support than when Milosevic started his campaign, Blair stated.
  • The Prime Minister repeated NATO's objectives, emphasizing the importance of allowing an international force to enter Kosovo and enable refugees to return home.

Statistics:

  • Hundreds of thousands of refugees are streaming across the border, with tear-stained faces and heart-rending tales of cruelty.
  • The KLA is larger and has more support than when Milosevic started his campaign.
  • The morale of the Yugoslav Army is beginning to crack.

Sources:

  • The Prime Minister's speech to the Economic Club of Chicago, reported in various news outlets.