Date: January 18, 1994
Author: Valentina Krčmar, Director, Mothers for Peace – Bedem Ljubavi (Toronto Chapter)
Addressed to: Dr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Secretary-General of the United Nations
View the Original Letter: krcmar book 2_Part106.pdf
About This Letter
In this letter dated January 18, 1994, Valentina Krčmar writes on behalf of Mothers for Peace (Bedem Ljubavi) to Dr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Secretary-General of the United Nations, requesting a personal meeting between him and Mrs. Josipa Milas-Matutinović, President of Mothers for Peace in Croatia.
The letter is written ahead of the Third Global Structures Convocation, scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., from February 3–6, 1994, where both Boutros-Ghali and Milas-Matutinović were invited speakers. Krčmar’s message conveys deep respect and urgency, emphasizing the moral authority of Milas-Matutinović as a witness and advocate for victims of the Balkan War.
“It is our sincere hope that during her stay in the USA, a meeting could be arranged with you, Your Excellency. From the very beginning of the war to the present time, Mrs. Milas-Matutinović has emerged as one of the most respected spokespersons on the issue of the war in the Balkans.”
Krčmar underscores that Milas-Matutinović’s credibility extends beyond diplomacy — she speaks from lived experience and from countless encounters with those most deeply scarred by the conflict:
“Not only can she speak to you as someone who has addressed all important conferences in Europe, but also as someone who has seen the dying, wounded, raped, hungry and has witnessed all horrors that are synonymous with this war.”
The letter notes that Milas-Matutinović will be in New York from January 31 to February 1, 1994, and that she has already secured meetings with Sir David Hannay, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the UN, and Mr. Peter Schmidt of the UN Peacekeeping Department.
Krčmar closes with a respectful plea, urging Boutros-Ghali to take the time to meet with the Croatian humanitarian leader:
“Your Excellency, please try to find some time in your busy schedule to speak to Mrs. Milas-Matutinović. We are looking forward to a positive reply.”
This letter reflects the Mothers for Peace organization’s continuing efforts to reach the highest levels of international leadership, bridging activism, diplomacy, and moral advocacy to ensure the suffering in the Balkans could no longer be ignored.
