The U.S. Government should increase sharply its support for democracy
in Yugoslavia from the current level of $15 million to $35 million
this fiscal year. This should be part of a broad diplomatic
initiative aimed at developing alternatives to the authoritarian
regime in Belgrade and broadening the West’s range of contacts.
U.S. and European NGOs should be encouraged to increase their
presence in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY); the USG should
expand FRY private citizen participation in regional programs.
A primary focus should be development of a new generation of leaders
who respect political pluralism, market reform, rule of law, and
tolerance.
This effort should include a reinvigorated public affairs stance: the
people of Yugoslavia deserve better than the current authoritarian
regime.
The U.S. should lead its allies with a policy of strong, irreversible
support for a democratic Serbia, as was done in the rest of Central
and Eastern Europe.
FOCUS ON DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS:
Open Media $10 Million-
Extend the audience by providing needed infrastructure improvements
as well as quality entertainment and information programming
Provide advice, technical support, and professional education
Fund legal protection and self-defense funds for persecuted
journalists and media Publicize cases of repression
Indigenous NGOs $ 5 Million-
Respond to local needs for NGO training Fund Balkans regional networks
of think tanks and media organizations Form legal teams ready and willing
to defend NGO’s and media challenged in court Seed multi-ethnic NGOs
focused on crosscutting issues (e.g.: human rights, environment, economic
development) Promote NGO coalitions for self-defense against repression,
appropriate electoral activity, and professional development
(lawyers, journalists, teachers, academics)
Labor Unions $ 1 Million-
Promote union membership, including among retirees and the unemployed
Facilitate links to European union organizations and Yugoslav student
organizations Support repressed union leaders through self-defense
funds and actions
Education $ 5 Million-
Assist alternative education networks
Support professors who have been fired for refusing to sign new
contracts Develop alternative teaching materials emphasizing
democracy and conflict resolution
Independent Judiciary $ 1 Million-
Train judges in procedures that meet international standards
Support those who are fired or subjected to political pressures
Support a combined international/domestic trail monitoring program
Political Parties $10 Million-
Expand training of political parties in grassroots organizing
Promote consolidation of an opposition political bloc
Encourage coalitions of political parties with NGOs, which should
undertake parallel non-partisan tasks: activate youth participation,
voter education, and media monitoring Develop the “second tier” of
party leadership from provinces, municipal level, and from sectors
not previously active as well as successor generation activities
Provide support to local governments in control of responsible
opposition
Electoral Commissions $1 Million-
Train members in transparent administrative procedures
Fund tamper-resistant electoral technology Support census /
egistration procedures
Youth Organizations $2 Million-
Promote democratic student organizations Fund travel abroad for
student leadership Support study programs and internships in
Europe and the U.S.
FORM AN INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT GROUP
Convene a donor group that would meet regularly to discuss
priorities
Invite Yugoslav NGOs to participate in this group, and to
comment on international programs
Set up an international advisory network to support democratic
development
[End of CIA report]
