Rev. Jesse Jackson Appeals to Yugoslav President Milosevic for Release of US Soldiers

US Rev. Jesse Jackson, leading an unofficial humanitarian delegation to Belgrade, appealed to Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic to release three US soldiers captured on the Macedonian border over a month ago. Jackson, in a meeting with Milosevic, described the appeal as a "bold diplomatic gesture" to stop the cycle of violence. Despite the appeal, Milosevic's stance on the issue remains unchanged, requiring NATO to stop its bombing campaign before the soldiers are released.

Key Takeaways:

• Rev. Jesse Jackson led an unofficial humanitarian delegation to Belgrade, appealing to Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic to release three US soldiers captured on the Macedonian border on March 31.
• The soldiers, Army Spec. Steven Gonzales, 22, Staff Sgt. Andrew Ramirez, 24, and Staff Sgt. Christopher Stone, 25, were captured while patrolling Serbia's border with Macedonia.
• Milosevic's official position remains unchanged, requiring NATO to stop its bombing campaign before the soldiers are released.
• Jackson expressed concern that the building where the soldiers are being held is a military target, increasing the urgency for a diplomatic agreement.
• Jackson also met with Rep. Rod Blagojevich, D-Ill., and plans to meet with the Yugoslav foreign minister later in the day.
• The Yugoslav authorities will allow more clergymen from Jackson's delegation to visit the three soldiers.

Statistics:

• Three US soldiers (Army Spec. Steven Gonzales, Staff Sgt. Andrew Ramirez, and Staff Sgt. Christopher Stone) were captured on the Macedonian border on March 31.
• The soldiers were patrolling Serbia's border with Macedonia at the time of capture.
• The delegation led by Rev. Jesse Jackson consisted of 26 members, including Rep. Rod Blagojevich, D-Ill.

Sources:

• CNN