KOSOVA (KD interview / part I - KLA spokesman)
"We do not acknowledge any political party as
our political wing neither Demaçi's Ballkania as our political project"
11 July (ARTA) 2000CET--
KD: Is your statement in "Der Spiegel", that KLA is fighting to change the borders and free all Albanian territories, true? Or, was this mistranslated or wrongly published?
Krasniqi: In all our public statements, we have declared that KLA is struggling for the liberation and the unification of all Albanian territories under occupation, which does not imply the unification with Albania, because KLA alone cannot fight for the unification of all Albanian ethnic territories.
KD: In your opinion, which of the political parties is the closest to the KLA and which could represent KLA politically...?
Krasniqi: We are not close with any political
party in Kosova in particular. We have not made any lists of persons that
could speak on behalf of the KLA in the political aspect. We have appealed
to all political parties to unite, to create a unique front and adhere
to KLA, only then can we talk about who is going to politically represent
the KLA. Without the dissipation of parties, without an end to the disputes
between parties without the disappearance of party cowardice, we cannot
define who will represent KLA politically. I am referring to parties that
are operational in Kosova.
Initially, the Albanian political parties should
recognize KLA as the armed forces of Kosova and identify the present situation
in Kosova as state of war. These are two preconditions, without the fulfillment
of which there cannot be any talks or contacts.
KD: You had a contact with Adem Demaçi.
Demaçi offered you his "Ballkania" project, and said that "if you
accept the project, he would be ready to represent the KLA". Are you willing
to accept Demaçi's "Ballkania"?
Krasniqi: We respect Demaçi's personality, for his long political engagement about the Kosova question. We can't accept "Ballkania" as a concept for many reasons. It is claimed that there is another old project. KLA has its own concept, its political platform and its political program, thus the others should also accept KLA's political program, and then start talks with the KLA about other issues.
KD: There are also claims that the newly founded Albanian Democratic Movement, headed by Qosja, has a potential to become KLA's political wing, or as a kind of its Sinn Fein. How close are you to this party and how much do you accept this party's political concept to become KLA's wing?
Krasniqi: We have already declared that we will
not accept any of the political parties in particular. We have never had
any contact or talks with this party. As it regards the Sinn Fein model,
I must say that KLA has quite a capital in its political cadres.
In our conditions, Sinn Fein is not acceptable
and in no form will it pass as IRA. We are fighting for the national liberation
and, KLA is a liberation army and a regular military formation. It is not
an organization of a group that deals with small actions. Our actions are
a bit broader and they have a character of regular armies.
KD: Recently, some political representatives, and Rugova proper spoke of the constitution of the Parliament as well as the appointment of a new Government. In these conditions, Rugova declared that KLA will be put under the control of that Parliament and the new political structure that would be created. How did the KLA headquarters perceive this project?
Krasniqi: To tell you the truth, the Headquarter...
did not discuss this project at all. Before the elections in Kosova, the
General KLA Headquarters proclaimed its opinion. We were very decisive
that the elections should not be held during wartime. These elections couldn't
be free while one part of Kosova in fire. The wounds were still raw, the
exact number of victims was yet unknown. There were still people unburied.
The other reason was the previous experience,
that the elections would have the same fate as the Parliamentarian elections
of '92. We were again convinced that the elections were not being held
for the solution of Kosova's problem, but for the legitimization of a clan
of determined people which ultimately wouldn't constitute the parliament...
KD: Do you acknowledge Rugova as the supreme commander of KLA or not?
Krasniqi: No, we don't. First of all, because he hasn't fulfilled the conditions to be president.
KD: Do you acknowledge Ibrahim Rugova as President of the Republic?
Krasniqi: No. We consider that Rugova has committed
a series of mistakes harming the national question, starting from the educational
agreement -- which has totally failed. Secondly, for six years he has given
no space to the parliament, elected by the people, to be constituted, moreover,
he saw no need even to discuss this matter. He has also agreed to negotiations
without previously consulting other political forces seriously. And finally,
what is most important, he has divided the Political Movement in Kosova.
He is the main "divider". He has prevented the institutionalization of
life in Kosova. He has blocked all institutions that would be useful for
the independence of Kosova just because of some political marketing. Instead
of creating real national institutions, the whole process actually ended
with the appointment of a series of individuals without any criterions.
The direct result of this anarchy was the creation
of KLA. Why was KLA created? Not because it wanted war or murder. The majority
of the KLA members are students and politicians that have joined it because
they were being ignored, because there was a lack of perspectives and because
the future was being destroyed. Why didn't they do what they were supposed
to? Who is to blame for this? The guilty are the institutions in Kosova
that have made life in Kosova absurd and shameful.
KD: If the International Community offers Rugova independence, what would you say?
Krasniqi: We are convinced that the international community will never say: here you are the independence. No one is against independence. But, where is that international community that has so far not accepted this independence? We are convinced that the international community, with its politics so far, not only would not offer independence but also wouldn't even offer a cultural autonomy.
KD: Does the KLA have a list of representatives in the eventual negotiations with Serbs?
Krasniqi: We are not against negotiations, but
initially some conditions must be fulfilled...
First of all, we must have a platform for the
talks, i.e., it must be well prepared. I believe that Albanians have still
not made such a platform, to talk with Serbs. This doesn't mean that I
think that Serbia is prepared to enter talks with us. The first condition,
therefore, must be good preparations for talks by both sides, not forgetting
he other conditions, e.g., the withdrawal of Serb forces from Kosova, the
release of prisoners and the abducted, the international mediation of talks,
i.e., the USA, which the most acceptable partner to us. It is only then
when we can make a list of negotiators that have full legitimacy to talk
with Serbia and the other international representatives about Kosova.
KD: Actually the international community is seeking a lost of negotiators that would have the support of the KLA. Several months ago, a list called G-15 was established. Would you accept any of those members in your team?
Krasniqi: Possibly. We will not disregard the whole list. That's natural. However, some changes would be done. Surely, some of them would be accepted because we are in favor of putting national personalities together and not becoming more distant from them.
KD: The international community, i.e., the Contact Group, following yesterday's meeting, has launched an ultimatum for cease-fire in Kosova. It has also elaborated the draft on the status of Kosova - a broad autonomy. What is your message in this regard?
Krasniqi: We have said it many times before. We
support any initiative of the international community that would advance
the Albanian national question. KLA has expected, I will not say, too much,
it has expected more that Rugova's politics in conjunction with the help
of the international factor will give results. We have been waiting for
the past 17 years during which the Albanians have peacefully resisted.
But, Belgrade and/or the international community did not hear the peaceful
voice of the Albanians. Today, when our people have taken the arms to fight,
for sure they have not done this to fight for a broad or restricted autonomy.
They have not taken the arms to remain in whatever kind of links with Serbia
after all that has happened in Kosova...
And now comes the time when the Albanian people
in Kosova organizes its army in order to preserve its national and human
dignity. The attempt of equaling KLA with the Serb police, army and paramilitary
units is a big injustice the Albanian people have to go through...
KD: What the international community fears is that KLA will destroy Macedonia, if the conflict spreads. What would you have to add to this ascertainment?
Krasniqi: It can't stand. The international community must have more leveled requests, to more seriously approach the Albanian problem in Macedonia, because the Albanian question in Macedonia nor the question of Macedonia proper don't depend on what the KLA thinks. The question of Macedonia depends on how the Albanians feel in that country. If Albanians are free, if they have all the rights then it is sure that there will be no war. If Albanians living in their ethnic lands don't feel equal, this doesn't mean that there will be no KLA in Macedonia too. All depends on their conditions as an entity in Macedonia.
KD: If the international community offers you secret talks with Serbs, would you participate as KLA... of course, with a well prepared platform?
Krasniqi: We have always stressed our conditions. We are not against any kind of conversations. Naturally, with the necessary presence of the international factor. No decision can be made secretly. The people of Kosova, in times of war, are aiming at creating the institutions of war at the national level, which means that we will not create any kind of lists, but rather national institutions in conditions of war.
KD: What would KLA do, if negotiations with Serbia start without prior consultations with you?
Krasniqi: We will continue the war.
KD: Even if this would imply reaching independence?
Krasniqi: We have no illusions that independence would be reached in that form.
(to be continued tomorrow)
KD: Based on the talks of the international community, it has been evaluated that the KLA is coordinated in five levels, this meaning that it has no serious command, but instead it has a horizontal hierarchy...
Krasniqi: The KLA is a new army, which is in the process of being constituted. However, since the beginning the KLA had it's own Headquarters, its military hierarchy. Of course, at this point in time, when there are many parties, people, maybe not willingly, but in an imposed way have joined the KLA. These are very specific cases. People could say this. For example the President still does not recognize the KLA as an organized army, but speaks rather of armed groups. However, in my opinion the time and the conditions in which we work allow some evildoers, paid from who knows whom, to say this or that about the KLA. The KLA is an organized army.
KD: Do you for example have any influence upon the KLA based in Junik?
Krasniqi: Not one part of Kosova could have been armed without the supervision and the organizing of competent persons within the KLA. Naturally, there have been cases in which certain individuals come up with statements, but these are people who are not to speak as representatives of the KLA. If someone sits down and speaks to someone else, the media, by saying that he spoke in the name of the KLA, should not abuse this. The meeting between Mr. Holbrooke and members of the KLA does not mean that this was a hierarchical meeting. This was misused. Junik does not represent a specific unit of the military establishment. It is on the level of the hierarchy which exists in divided operation zones. These are military secrets, but in between operational zones, there is some hierarchy.
KD: Are there any misunderstandings between KLA commanders. Wasn't there a misunderstanding in Drenoc and the problem of Llaushë?
Krasniqi: Look, the issues in Drenoc and Llaushë are irrelevant. These problems have been surmounted.
KD: There is another problem. The issues of two Ministries. You have refused Ahmet Krasniqi, officer appointed by Bukoshi, as coordinator of military issues and you've had a problem with the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kosova (FARK). What exactly is wrong?
Krasniqi: The problem with FARK has been surpassed. Even the Prime Minister has stressed that he recognizes no other armed force in Kosova, but the KLA. As for Ahmet Krasniqi, we weren’t even aware that the KLA has free territory created on it's own in which it act and resists... and the persons who have brought the issue to this stage, and them alone have got the primary right to decide on military issues. The KLA will not recognize any kind of Ministry appointed in foreign soil. We have made it clear that military personnel is always welcomed, though we have such persons who are reputed in Bosnia and Croatia. Those soldiers that want a free Kosova, do not think of ranks, although there is no army without ranks.
KD: What is the issue with 43 officers who told Bukoshi they don't want to be in Ahmet Krasniqi’s group any longer, but will fight along the KLA?
Krasniqi: That is not the only group. I do not want to mention numbers. Officers arrive every day. We are not speaking of ten or forty, but of a very large number. Officers that dream of ranks in foreign soil, and not of the liberation of Kosova, have no morale. The highest rank is the liberation of the Albanian people in Kosova.
KD: A few words about the KLA salute with a fist to the forehead. Some have interpreted this as being part of an ideological army of ex-political prisoners, others speak of Military Police in black which is branded as "Mussollini's black-shirts". How do you interpret these issues?
Krasniqi: There are two official salutes: the
official KLA salute, which is the military salute in the Republic of Albania
(right hand to the forehead), and the other salute which is among civilians
and children on the streets who put their fist up in the air. This is not
anything ideological. To us the fist is a symbol of unity, force. As for
a specified ideology, there is no such thing in our midst. Even if we wanted
to have a clear ideology, we do not have the time, for we have other issues
that are primary - the issue of liberation. Parties and ideologies are
to be left to other times.
As for the Military Police in black, I think
it has more to do with the lack of material. I believe that in the future
with better material and financial conditions, the MP outfit will have
a different look. If we look at it from another point of view, the ideological
fist and fascist clothes... these two do not match! Therefore, it's neither.
We had black material, and we sewed it in an original manner. None of these
have anything to do with the fascist or communist ideologies.
KD: Two days ago, at the UN headquarters in Geneva, several Albanians claimed they represent the political wing of the KLA. They said they have met Mr. Gelbard. Could you clarify this?
Krasniqi: There was a misinterpretation in the interview given for the German daily "Der Spiegel". They are legitimate representatives of the KLA, with the authorization to speak in the name of the KLA, in foreign land, with diplomats. Thus they were and are legitimate representatives of the KLA with the competence of discussing KLA and Kosovar issues with representatives and diplomats. They are within our system, within our hierarchy, under our control, with our authorization, the meeting held expressed our stands, and thus it is within us.
KD: The KLA is a de facto product of the Kosova People’s Movement (LPK), which acts in Switzerland and Germany. What influence does the LPK have on the KLA?
Krasniqi: It is true that the LPK is the one who has invested most thoroughly in the creation of the KLA. In particular during 1992-93 within the LPK, a military wing was created which in turn became public in 1994 and was proclaimed as the foundation of the KLA. Afterwards, the LPK newspaper "Zëri i Kosovës", published the appeal of the donation fund "Vendlindja Thërret" (Homeland Calls). This is the fund that has brought the KLA to existence here. However, the LPK has not urged for the KLA to be under its political umbrella, and there lies it's merit as a political force. It has evaluated the situation by seeing that the Kosovar population was dispersed in many political parties. The demand of the LPK, and now of the KLA, is for all Albanians whose belief in gaining independence by political means has evaporated to join the KLA in order of fulfilling their dream. War as a concept was never our aim. It has been an imposed reality, which in turn has to bring forth the achievement of our aim and we shall carry this to the end. Thus, the KLA and the LPK, as a national liberation movement, understand the development of this liberation process through war even in the notion of negotiations under conditions set by the KLA. We should also mention that apart from the LPK, within the KLA there is also the LKÇK (National Movement for the Liberation of Kosova), as well as representatives of other parties who have ceased performing their political duties and have joined the KLA, like Ukë Bytyçi, Ramë Buja, Gani Krasniqi etc.
KD: What are your relations with Albania?
Krasniqi: Albania, as our mother state, has it's own contribution and is still contributing politically and diplomatically, as well as in the idea of aid given to those forced to flee their homes. We hope that the Albanian Government, with all it's mechanisms, will more and more be in favor of our just war in Kosova, which is to preserve national elements, to preserve national existence, national substance and in this war imposed upon Kosova, it is natural for all Albanians wherever they may be to use all means to help their blood-brothers. During last year, with great regret, there was a lot being done in order to create a hostile approach towards Albania. This was a wrong policy and proved counterproductive. We would wish that none of officials in Albania, no Government institution, base their opinion on statements given by irresponsible persons, irresponsible journalists, but on the fact that Albanians in Kosova view this state as they always have, as a mother state, which has the potential and the duty to help us.
KD: To what extent can you deny the claim of the International Community and of Serbia that the KLA war is lead from Tropojë and Northern Albania?
Krasniqi: It is possible that Kosova Albanians have taken their families to Tropojë and have come back to defend Kosova. It is quite natural, and it is quite natural that the greatest help should come from Albania. However, the war in Kosova is hammered and lead in Kosova, and not from outside.
KD: How true is it that the KLA, if it had enough weapons in Kosova, would swell up to 100.000 soldiers?
Krasniqi: True, in the beginning the KLA had difficulties with weapon supplies. Every day that difficulty is less and less evident. The KLA is growing stronger by day, and we can assure you that in all it's battles with the police and the army, it has had nothing but victories. This, I think, is an example of it's military rise in a professional sense, for we have clashed with a professional army and police units, which are very well armed with modern technology. However, the resistance of the KLA has been much up to the level demanded and it has forced the enemy to retreat continuously. The KLA is still in the process of being formed, but it is in the process of training as well, mostly physical, for we do not lack morale. We believe that in a short while an omnipresent level will be achieved.
KD: What happened in Bardhi i Madh? Was it a mistake or a strategy?
Krasniqi: Bardhi i Madh was a strategic move.
KD: Are you in a position to tell the Albanian people that you are able to save them of any Serb genocide and to make it clear to the International Community and the people that the KLA will liberate the country and save the population from the occupying forces?
Krasniqi: Before addressing the people, we would urge all parties to cease with their destructive, defeatist and splintering policies; to eliminate all obstacles and attempts to place under the umbrella those who do not deserve the KLA. Otherwise, the KLA grows stronger every day and in every way, in men and equipment. It is safely walking tall and we can guarantee the people that where the KLA is and is supported, it will defend the people, it can defend it, and it has the courage and the willingness to do it. In addition, without treading on the corpses of KLA soldiers the Serb armed forces will not enter Albanian villages and settlements.
KD: Can you guarantee that soon you'll come to Prishtina, too?
Krasniqi: We said to the others and now we're declaring it to you as well, that everything is going so well that, in a very short time, we believe we will be physically present in Prishtina.
KD: Are you afraid of the winter and will you liberate Kosova by then?
Krasniqi: No, we're not afraid from the winter. As for the liberation, that's another issue. We will free Kosova!
KD: The international community is balancing the human right abuse because of the kidnapping of Serb and Montenegrin civilians. How do you comment this...?
Krasniqi: Indeed, to equalize the KLA acts with
the ones of the Serb occupier that are known to the whole world, seems
very trivial to us. At this stage, it seems that the international community
is not respecting covenants, starting from the UN Charter..., because the
KLA never dealt with civilians. If the KLA ever dealt with a civilian that
was the case when he was involved in the military service, police and when
it was harming mostly the people, but also the national issue as well.
There have been cases when they were kidnapped, but the persons were released
and were delivered to international bodies, of course the cases of innocent
people. Basically, to us, Serb forces, police or military, or armed civilians
are enemies.
From the beginning, we had the internal operative
acting code. In this code, the KLA has determined clearly that it recognizes
the Geneva Convention, the right over the war chapter and respects those,
although it never had the opportunity to sign one, a thing that it would
have done with pleasure. There are no kidnappings from our side. Even if
there were some, the ones that were afflicted were the Albanian collaborationists
more than the Serb civilians were. We don't deal with civilians, the prisoners
of war that we find we give them back. Two days ago, we gave two Serbs
originating from Croatia to the International Red Cross. The ones that
were kidnapped or we have kidnapped, we either give the list with their
names, or we announce if someone gets executed, but we don't do it as Serbia
does it in a mean way.
KD: What would the message to Serb people be?
Krasniqi: We would appeal to the Serb people in Kosova not to implicate itself in terrorist acts that are organized by Serb military and police, but to mind it's own business. The KLA has no intention to deal with the civilian population, nor has it ever dealt with it. We call upon those armed civilians to give away their weapons and not to oppose to the KLA, or much worse their neighbors. If they obey this, then they'll have no problems.
KD: Are there any Croats or Mujaheddins within the KLA?
Krasniqi: No, there aren't any. We won't allow coloring our war, least of all in confessional colors.
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