Even though it is a time of war, where hate and fear abound, there are people and groups to be found, who are working for a more peaceful society. In spite of what is happening - they are concerned about human rights; they are working towards a free flow of information; they are developing skills in nonviolent conflict resolution; or they are publicly opposing all forms of military activites. This network was created especially to support such work. Without good communications it is not possible to work for better understanding among people nor is it possible to dismantle prejudices based on mis-information.
The ZaMir Transnational Net aims to serve people working for: the prevention of warfare; the elimination of militarism; protection of the environment; the advancement of human rights and the rights of peoples regardless of race, ethnic background, sex or religion; achievement of social and economic justice; women's rights; the elimination of poverty; the promotion of sustainable and equitable development; the advancement of participatory democracy; nonviolent conflict resolution and to aid the communication between all people, especially for refugees. All groups and individuals who are in agreement with these aims will be actively encouraged to join and use the ZaMir Transnational Net.
The ZaMir Transnational Net began in July 1992 with two email systems. The Anti-War Campaign and Center for Peace, Nonviolence and Human Rights in Zagrab set up the system called "ZAMIR-ZG" and the Center for Antiwar Action in Belgrade set up the "ZAMIR-BG". These two email systems exchange electronic mail (email) with each other four times each day. Additionally they exchange private and public email with other networks in Europe and around the world. In early 1994 two additional systems have joined the network: ZAMIR-LJ in Ljubljana and ZAMIR-SA in Sarajevo.
The users can not only read the conferencess of the email system but they may also write messages in the public ones. Besides the ZaMir conferences in our own languages, we also exchange certain conferences with the Association for Progresssive Communications (APC), ComLink (CL), Z-Netz and USENET. The APC is an international network (mainly in the English language) reaching literally around the world. ComLink and Z-Netz are from the German speaking regions of Europe. USENET is the university email network.
Practically speaking, using the ZaMir Transnational Net means that messages sent to public conferences or to private users of these email networks may be expected to arrive within 24 hours of being sent. Various difficulties --hardware limitations and problems with the quality of the telephone lines-- have caused delays in the development of the ZaMir Transnational Net. But it has now working for almost two years. Soon there will also be email systems in this network set up in other cities of the region.
Anyone who is interested in using this netwrok, especially peace groups and their members, alternative media organisations, human rights groups, women's groups, etc. is welcome to become a user. At the moment there is no fee for opening a user account in one of the BBS. In the future we may have to charge a minimum fee to cover costs. Most of the costs for this network have been covered with the help of generous donations from supporters of the peace movement from many countries in Western Europe. Special help has also come from the Soros Humanitarian Foundations (Open Society Foundations). To help develop the system and to help other groups to become users of the system we are, of course, dependent upon future donations of time, money and equipment.
ZAMIR-BG is in Belgrade at:
tel: +381 11 632 566.
Voice support at tel: +381 11 635 813.
ZAMIR-LJ is in Ijubljana at:
tel: +386 61 125 3281
Voice support at tel: +386 61 302 912 (Mitja Doma)
ZAMIR-SA is in Sarajevo at
tel: +387 71 444-200
Voice support at tel: +387 71 444-200 (9-12:00)
ZAMIR-ZG is in Zagreb at
tel: +385 41 271 927.
Voice support at tel: +385 41 422 495.