Mediation Resolves Conflicts

The Opinion page column, "Developing the 'Software' of Peace," March 19, prompts me to emphasize the need to use alternative means to resolve disputes which in the past have been dealt with by adversarial means.

Those who have been involved in suits, and have dealt in litigation with attorneys and courts, know that this is a divisive, adversarial process, costly in time, dollars, and relationships. We are now living in an era and an area where more enlightened processes are available to us to resolve conflicts. One of these is mediation.

Numerous cities and counties now have mediation programs - public and private - as well as private professional mediators, which deal with private as well as public issues.

Mediation is a process that gives all the parties to a dispute the full power to resolve their differences with each other and to work together toward a mutually satisfactory agreement. What they could not reconcile with each other directly, they can often do with the aid of experienced mediators, who act as neutral third parties in assisting them to come to resolution.

Let us strive to resolve our differences in constructive, productive ways, in which we work together toward solutions that will be beneficial to all parties and will diminish divisiveness among us. Elisabeth Seaman, Palo Alto, Calif, Mediator Concern for the Assyrians

The author of the article "Genocide of the Kurds," March 15, fails to mention Saddam Hussein's attempt to exterminate another ancient people - the Assyrian Christians. The Assyrians (like the Armenians) are entirely Christian. These people have lived in northern Iraq since ancient times, speaking their own distinct language (Aramaic) and perpetuating their own culture.

The plight of the Assyrians must be looked upon by world governments and people. Raymond Malko, Chicago What about Macedonia?

Macedonia, the other Yugoslav republic seeking independence, was omitted from the editorial "365 Days in Yugoslavia," March 10. In September, 95 percent of Macedonia's people voted for independence. In December it petitioned the European Community (EC) for recognition. In January the Badinter Commission ruled that Macedonia had complied with all EC requirements, yet recognition was not given. In March it is the forgotten republic.

Those of us who believe in the American way of life are morally obliged to support freedom-loving people in their quest for democracy. Full diplomatic recognition is the key. Virginia Nizamoff Surso, Fort Wayne, Ind., Macedonian Patriotic Organization of the US and Canada