Tagesnachrichten 13. Juli 1998
von ALBANEWS und anderen
Daily Report No 1489 July 13, 1998
Kosova Information Center
Tagesnachrichten 13. Juli 1998
Augsburger Allgemeine 9. Juli 1998:
Still there is no stop of deportations !
newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine reports on July
9, 1998
... Despite the crisis Bavaria deported further
28 Kosova-Albanians. The plane landed in Belgrade. The deported shall all
be penalteds, Bavarian ministry of Interior said.
_______________________________________________________________________
CDHRF - REPORT NO. 420 - FROM JUNE 21 UNTIL JUNE 26, 1998
JUNE 24:
BELGRADE: Shkëlzen
Gashi from Klina and Elmi Hasani from Poklek i Vjetër near
Gllogoc, deported from Germany, were arrested at Belgrade airport.
JUNE 23:
FERIZAJ: 2 policemen from the police station
in Babush searched for Rrahim Pajaziti. Rrahim has been
living in Germany for the last 5 years.
JUNE 24:
MITROVICA: In "Kroi i Vitakut", fire was set
to the house of Bashkim Xhemajl Kabashi (40). Bashkim is currently
living with his family in Germany.
JUNE 26:
FERIZAJ: Police searched for Avdyl
Faik Avdyli (1973) from Komogllava, who is in Germany for 4 years
now.
_______________________________________________________________________Kosova Information Center
KOSOVA DAILY REPORT # 1489-B
Prishtina, 13 July 1998Second Edition: 16:30 CET
Firefighting Reported near Stantërg Mining Town
PRISHTINA, July 13 (KIC) - An hour before midday today, a convoy of Serbian military and police forces headed in the direction of Stantërg ('Stari Trg'), in the municipality of Mitrovica. At a location called 'Ura e Fazlisë' (Fazliu's Bridge), Serbian forces run into a barricade set up by the UÇK. Fierce fighting broke out there, the LDK Information Commission in Mitrovica reported.
Reports said the Serb convoy consisted of three tanks, three Katjusha rocket launchers, three military lorries and three other lorries trailing anti-aircraft cannons, as well as three police armored vehicles, a lorry and a car.
Local sources claimed fighting went on in the night of Sunday, 12 July, from 22:00 hrs through 5 o'clock in the morning, in the vicinity of Stantërg. There have been no immediate reports on damage or casualties.Serb Forces Attack Three Villages in Deçan District
PRISHTINA, July 13 (KIC) - Heavy fighting was reported between Serbian troops and local Albanian resistance forces in the village of Prejlep last night and today morning.
The fighting in the village was halted at 11:00 hrs today, local LDK sources said.
Serbian forces shelled for three hours today the village of Baballoq and Gramaçel. There have been no reported casualties.Serb Mortar Fire on Shipitullë and Sibovc, West of Prishtina
PRISHTINA, July 13 (KIC) - Serb forces launched today afternoon a heavy attack against the villages of Shipitullë (municipality of Fushë Kosova) and Sibovc (municipality of Obiliq), about 10 miles north-west of Prishtina.
The Serb attack on these two villages began at around 13:00 hrs, an LDK activist told the KIC by phone. Albanian farmsteads were being pounded with machine guns and mortars, he said at around half past one.
Early in the morning today, Serb forces began advancing towards the villages of Grabovc, Shipitullë and Sibovc, west of the open-pit coal mine at Bardhi (Bellaçevc).
A large number of displaced families from the villages around the coal mine, Bardhi, Hade and Lismir, have found refuge in Grabovc, Sibovc and the neighboring Drenica region villages in the wake of a huge Serb army and police offensive in the area on 29 June.
Sources told the KIC today morning that residents of Shipitullë and Grabovc were fleeing homes as Serb forces were building up in the area.Names of 2 Killed and 13 Wounded Albanians in Peçan of Suhareka
PRISHTINA, July 13 (KIC) - Two Albanians were killed and 12 others wounded today (Monday) morning during a Serbian attack on the village of Peçan, municipality of Suhareka, some 50 km south of capital Prishtina.
The killed were named as Muhamet Krasniqi and Xhemajli Bytyçi, both of them in their mid twenties.
Three Albanians have been reported wounded seriously by the Serb shelling - Astrit Muhamet Gashi, Agron Dergut Gashi and Naser Nezir Hoxha - whereas the rest received light wounds: Bekim Rifat Bejtaj (24), Osman Sali Setaj, Gafurr Sali Shahinaj, Qazim Halil Gashi (20), Nazim Dalip Karaxha, Mufail Sejdi Fandaj, Misin Ramadan Sopaj and Hajdin Faik Pandaj, all of them from Peçan, as well as Gëzim Selman Bytyçi and Ahmet Haki Gashi, residents of the town of Suhareka.
LDK sources said Serbian military troops positioned in Biraç and Serb police forces in Shirokë shelled the village of Peçan and its elementary school building at 7:15 in the morning today.
The village of Peçan is two km away from Suhareka, not far from the Prishtina - Suhareka roadway.Serb Artillery Shells Village of Drenoc, No Casualties Reported
200 Serbian policemen arrived in Rahovec three days agoPRISHTINA, July 13 (KIC) - At 8 o'clock in the morning today, Serbian army shelled with heavy artillery the village of Drenoc, municipality of Rahovec, the local chapter of the human rights council (CDHRF) said.
Reports said no building in the village was actually hit. There were no reported casualties, either.
Three days ago 200 policemen arrived from Serbia in the town of Rahovec.
Groups of 7-8 armed policemen patrol the streets as part of a campaign of repression and intimidation.
Serb snipers have been stationed on top of buildings in the town, as well as on top and the terrace od the "Hotel-Park" in Rahovec, local sources said.Four Albanians Wounded in Gjakova Area Last Night
PRISHTINA, July 13 (KIC) - Fighting between Serbian military and police troops and local Albanian resistance forces has been reported in the border area village of the Reka e Keqe region, in the municipality of Gjakova.
The villages of Nec and Smolicë have been the scene of fiercest clashes, local sources said.
Meanwhile, reports said four Albanians were wounded during the fighting last night. Three of the wounded were members of the Gjuraj family, and the fourth a member of the Bajraktari family, resident of the village of Shishman.
In the morning hours today the villages of Raskovë and Malësi e Vogël were shelled by Serb forces. There have been no immediate reports on the extent of damage or casualties.LDK General Council Calls for Early Meeting of Kosova Parliament, Possibly Within Week
PRISHTINA, July 13 (KIC) - The General Council of the Democratic League of Kosova - the top executive body - met today in Prishtina under the chairmanship of Ibrahim Rugova, LDK leader and President of the Republic of Kosova, to discuss the current situation in Kosova and an institutional response to it.
A great number of the General Council members discussed about the need for an immediate convening of the Parliament of the Republic of Kosova as well as the designation of a broadly-based Government of the Republic.
The following senior members of the LDK discussed today: Mehdi Bardhi, Fatmir Rexhepi, Bardhyl Çaushi, Ali Lajçi, Ilir Salihu, Rexhep Osmani, Shaip Surdulli, Agim Krasniqi, Fadil Hysaj, Milazim Krasniqi, Haki Shatri, Aqif Shehu, Fehmi Rexhepi, Adem Salihaj, Sanije Aliaj, Sabri Hamiti, Faruk Spahiu, Idriz Ajeti dhe Sabit Rrustemi.
All the LDK General Council members insisted that the Parliament of the Republic, elected in early spring, be constituted now. There was unanimous support for the proposal that the inaugural meeting be held within a week's time.
The Presidency and the General Council of the LDK have duly carried all necessary preparations for the constituting meeting of the Parliament, senior party officials said.
The LDK won most of the seats in the Parliament of Kosova in March, and Rugova was re-elected to the Presidency of Kosova with an overwhelming vote then.
The General Council of the LDK came up with these conclusions at the end of the meeting:
- The international community is called upon to be resolute and place under protection the Albanian people of Kosova, who have been exposed to Serbian military aggression and ethnic cleansing;
- To increase the presence of humanitarian organizations and distribution of relief supplies in Kosova and other countries the displaced people have found refuge, and to make efforts to create the conditions for the return of people to their homes;
- The General Council stands for the strengthening of the state institutions of the Republic of Kosova, including the constituting of the Parliament of Kosova;
- The General Council reaffirms its position that the best political solution is independence for the Republic of Kosova. The next meeting of the LDK General Council will be on Wednesday, 15 July 1998.Serb Police Arrests Mother Teresa Activists in Gjakova
PRISHTINA, July 13 (KIC) - In Gjakova on Sunday afternoon, the Serbian police arrested three activists with the local chapter of the Mother Teresa charity, the LDK Information Commission in Gjakova reported.
Ms. Fatime Boshnjaku, a coordinator, and Uran Luzha and Shar Hasimja, activists, were distributing humanitarian relief supplies when they were arrested around 14:00 hrs. They were reported still in police custody today.
In Serb police custody is still Astrit Beqa, a secretary of the municipal Financial Council in Gjakova, LDK sources said, adding that the motive for his arrest is unknown.
Meanwhile, a local Mother Teresa activist in Shtime, Raif Reshiti, was questioned by police for an hour today. On Friday, Mr. Reshiti was held for 12 hours in Serb police custody in Ferizaj ('Urosevac'), and reportedly beaten up on charges that besides food supplies he had sent medicines to the village of Petreshticë.
Two Mother Teresa activists in Obiliq, Xhevdet Stullqaku and Selatin Hasani were wounded by Serb snipers on Saturday. The two humanitarian workers were attacked at Janovoda village after having delivered supplies to families in the neighboring village of Sibovc. Xhevdet Stullqaku sustained life-threatening bullet wounds in his head and his life is still in a critical condition.Five Unidentified Victims Were Buried Last Week in Peja
PRISHTINA, July 13 (KIC) - Last week, on July 8, the state-run "Higjiena" (Hygiene) enterprise in Peja ('Pec') buried five unidentified persons, the LDK sources in Peja said. The human bodies had been collected in the Peja district. The identity of the buried people was unknown.
Heavy Serb Police Convoy Arrives in Peja from Vojvodina
PRISHTINA, July 13 (KIC) - Heavy Serbian police forces arrived at 10:O0 o'clock today in the western Kosovar town of Peja ('Pec'), the LDK Information Commission in Peja reported. Eye-witnesses said 14 busloads of police reached Peja with license plates of Vojvodina, as well as several lorries shipping armament, and APCs and police cars.
Firearm Shooting in Prishtina Sunday Night
PRISHTINA, July 13 (KIC) - Shooting from an automatic rifle was reported on two occasions last night in a Serb-owned cafe in Prishtina.
Witnesses told the KIC that volleys of automatic fire were initially heard just after midnight in the vicinity of the "Crkvena mala" cafe in the "M.Popoviq" street. Only a few minutes later fire was opened from the cafe.
The Serb police who appeared at the scene sealed off a wider area. LDK sources in the area could not learn what actually happened in or around the cafe last night.
Meanwhile, an Albanian from another Prishtina neighborhood, Velania, told the KIC today that he had been repeatedly beaten up by Serbian police over the past three days under the pretext of arms possession. Kadri Gashi said he was initially detained on 10 July and ordered to produce a gun. He denied being in possession of any peace of weapon but the police, nonetheless, beat him badly, Gashi said.Serb Civilians and Police Harass Albanians in Gjilan
PRISHTINA, July 13 (KIC) - Brothers Hysni Gashi and Feriz Gashi from Vërbica village of Gjilan were reported beaten up brutally in the local Serb police station in the town on Saturday.
LDK sources in Gjilan said an armed Serb thug harassed the two Albanians in the street with no reason whatsoever. Serb police officers who showed up soon instead of stopping the Serb from attacking the two brothers took the Albanians to the nearest police station.
Hysni Gashi and Feriz Gashi told the LDK chapter in Gjilan that while in police station they were tortured brutally by the police as well as a Serb civilian who happened to be there.
Meanwhile, the LDK Information Commission in Gjilan said more Serb civilians were supplied with weapons and ammunition in the central police station in the town on Sunday. Hundreds of Serbs have been supplied with additional arms and ammunition in many places in Kosova over the past weeks. Serb citizens, who have been given arms in Kosova openly, have been now asking for heavier pieces and more ammunition.
Reports from Gjilan speak of stepped up movement of Serb forces in the town and in the municipality.Kosova Information Center
Last page!
First Edition: 12:00
Two Albanians Killed, Twelve Wounded in Today's Serb Attack near Suhareka
PRISHTINA, July 13 (KIC) - At least two Albanians
have been killed and 12 others wounded today (Monday) morning during a
Serbian attack on the village of Peçan, municipality of Suhareka,
some 50 km south of capital Prishtina.
The killed were named as Muhamet Krasniqi (22)
and Xhemajli Bytyçi (20).
LDK sources said Serbian military troops positioned
in Biraç and Serb police forces in Shirokë shelled the village
of Peçan and its elementary school building at 7:15 in the morning
today.
The village of Peçan is two km away from
Suhareka, not far from the Prishtina - Suhareka roadway.
An extremely grave situation is reported in the
town of Suhareka today. Serb police and civilians have been engaged in
a shooting spree aimed at instilling panic amongst the Albanians.
Serb Forces Stepped Up Movement Reported in Fushë Kosova Villages
PRISHTINA, July 13 (KIC) - Serb forces have been
advancing towards villages west of the open-pit coal mine at Bardhi (Bellaçevc)
since morning hours today, local sources said.
LDK sources in Obiliq told the KIC that Serb
police have been moving towards the villages of Grabovc i Ulët, Grabovc
i Epërm and Shipitullë, where a large number of displaced families
from Bardhi and Hade have found refuge in the wake of a Serb offensive
in the area on 29 June.
Witnesses told the LDK chapter in Obiliq that
Serb police in half a dozen vehicles and two tanks were deployed since
morning at a key position called 'Kërshet', between Grabovc and Hade.
At around 9 a.m. the police began advancing towards Grabovc i Ulët.
More Serb forces have been reported moving in
the direction of Grabovc later in the morning today.
The pretext of the fresh Serb buildup in the
villages of Fushë Kosova is still unknown.
A source told the KIC that villagers of Shipitullë
and Grabovc have been fleeing homes, moving in the direction of the neighboring
Drenica region.
Meanwhile, the LDK Information Commission in
Fushë Kosova said smoke was billowing this morning from a house and
a shop of and Albanian in the town. The Commission said that the two buildings
were apparently set in fire during the night.
Kosova Information Center
Last page!
_______________________________________________________________________RADIO FREE EUROPE/RADIO LIBERTY, PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
___________________________________________________________
RFE/RL NEWSLINE Vol. 2, No. 132 Part II, 13 July 1998UCK DOES NOT RECOGNIZE RUGOVA AS LEADER.
Kosova Liberation Army (UCK) spokesman Jakup Krasniqi told the Prishtina daily "Koha Ditore" of 11 July that his organization does not "recognize shadow-state President Ibrahim Rugova as the UCK's commander because [Rugova] did not create it." Krasniqi called on all political parties "to unite in a broad national front and recognize the UCK as Kosova's legitimate army. He added that the UCK fights for "the liberation of all occupied Albanian territories and for their unification with Albania" and that "we have not taken up arms just to gain autonomy." Krasniqi noted that the UCK is ready for talks with Belgrade, but he stressed that the Serbian authorities must first "free all political prisoners and hostages and withdraw their forces from Kosova." The spokesman added that foreign powers, "preferably the U.S.," must establish "control" over the province. And he pledged that the UCK will be in Prishtina "soon." FS
DAYTON-TYPE CONFERENCE FOR KOSOVA?
German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel failed to secure the agreement of his Russian counterpart, Yevgenii Primakov, in Moscow on 11 July for international military intervention to end the crisis in Kosova, the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" reported. Primakov informed his guest that Russia insists Kosova become autonomous within the frontiers of Yugoslavia. Kinkel told reporters that the international community must seek "creative [diplomatic] solutions." He told the Berlin daily "Tagesspiegel" of 12 July that one possibility would be to hold an international conference on the model of the Dayton meeting that ended the Bosnian conflict in 1995. The German minister concluded that the first order of business for the international community in Kosova is to secure a cease-fire. Meanwhile in Paris on 10 July, French Foreign Ministry officials said France and the U.K. have submitted to the UN Security Council a joint resolution on Kosova. PM
TURKEY SAYS READY FOR NATO ACTION OVER KOSOVA.
President Suleyman Demirel told the Tirana daily "Koha Jone" of 12 July that Turkey is "ready to be part of any mission [in Kosova] that has the mandate of the international community." Demirel stressed that Turkey will not support independence for Kosova unless Belgrade and Prishtina agree to it. He criticized the EU's Balkan policy as "based on the lowest common denominator." Demirel argued that the EU "does not have a vision [for the region] and underestimates the role that it can play in developing a new international order." Meanwhile, Defense Minister Ismet Sezgin said before meeting his Albanian counterpart, Luan Hajdaraga, in Ankara on 10 July that military intervention may be necessary in Kosova if the international community does not find a diplomatic solution. FS
FIGHTING CONTINUES IN WESTERN KOSOVA.
Serbian and Kosovar sources reported fighting in the Peja, Gjakova, and Decan areas from 10-12 July. The Kosovar news agency KIC added on 11 July that the Serbian forces used ground-to ground missiles near Peja. The "International Herald Tribune" reported on 13 July that the UCK is steadily acquiring more and better weapons and that Serbian forces are increasingly reluctant to enter UCK-controlled territory. The Tirana daily "Shekulli" reported the previous day that seven UCK fighters are receiving treatment in the Albanian capital's military hospital. PM/FS
OSCE FEARS NEW WAVE OF REFUGEES.
An OSCE spokesman told Albanian State Television on 11 July that monitors on the Kosovar-Albanian border have observed extensive fighting in the area around Gjakova. He added that the fighting could trigger a new influx of tens of thousands of refugees into northern Albania. Official statistics currently put Albania's Kosovar refugee population at 12,000, but refugee workers estimate that there are another 5,000 or so unregistered people there. Meanwhile on 11 July, the U.S. humanitarian organization AmeriCares flew five tons of medicine, blankets, and other supplies into Tirana. FS
MACEDONIAN BORDER GUARDS STOP ARMS SMUGGLERS.
Macedonia border guards on 11 July fired on some 30 suspected arms smugglers about 60 miles southwest of Skopje. The smugglers escaped after an exchange of gunfire, but nobody was injured. Interior Ministry officials did not say whether the border guards seized any arms during the incident. Meanwhile in an interview published in the Skopje daily "Dnevnik" on 11 July, President Kiro Gligorov said that NATO cannot use his country as a base for possible armed intervention in Kosova. He nonetheless welcomed NATO support to help stop arms smuggling by the UCK. FS
SREBRENICA SURVIVORS, IZETBEGOVIC TRADE CHARGES.
More than 3,000 Muslims from Srebrenica staged a protest in Tuzla on 11 July to mark the third anniversary of the town's fall to Bosnian Serb forces. The demonstrators, who were mainly women, children, and elderly, demanded information regarding the fate of their 10,000 missing relatives, most of whom are males presumed to have been massacred by the Serbs. Speakers blamed the international community, but especially the Bosnian political and military leadership, for what happened. Alija Izetbegovic, who is the Muslim member of the joint presidency and who was Bosnian president in 1995, denied the charges. He stressed in an interview with state- run television that the government and the army did all they could to prevent the fall of Srebrenica. Izetbegovic said that the international community is responsible for what happened to Srebrenica and its people, RFE/RL's South Slavic Service reported. PM
_______________________________________________________________________KLA says its units achieved considerable successes
PRISHTINE, July 12 - ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reported that the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA) has issued a press release, obtained by the Center for Information in Kosova (QIK) on Sunday, saying that the war between the Liberation Army and Serb occupying forces has taken wide range military-police operations
"The KLA units are achieving considerable successes in maintaining and putting under control many strategic points and sites of vital importance for the future of Kosova," the press release said.
It added: "The KLA units of rapid intervention have undertaken important actions especially in Prishtina, Podujeve, Shale, Bardh i Madh and Dukagjin area."
There have been many casualties and wounded among Serb forces and seven Albanian fighters have been killed in these operations, it said.
"The KLA general staff calls on all the people to avoid being prey of shameful splits of some political factors in Kosova," the press release said. fh/pas/ak/Serb paramilitary attack Pantina, Okrashtica
PRISHTINE, July 13 - (ATA) - Serb paramilitary forces and Serb residents of the Frasher village attacked for two hours with fire arms the houses of the Pantine and Okrashtice village.
Control of passengers in check points at the access of Nedakoc, Bukosh and Vushtri has been intensified, Center for Information in Kosova (QIK) said.
Sources said that an increasing presence of Serb police forces had been recorded on Sunday in Gllogoc which were deployed along the road from the city's center to Kroni i Mbretit in Korreshtice e Eperme. pta/das/ak/
Prishtina, 12 July (ARTA) 2045CET --
Albanian sources report that 44 year-old, Ali
Panxhaj, is believed to have been killed and thrown into the water canal
the day that Loxhë was attacked. He used to be the owner of the "Delta-Impex"
firm, which Serb snipers are now using. Two old women are also feared dead.
There are reports that 65 year-old mentally handicapped
Shaban Binak Muçaj, from Llukë e Epërme died in Pejë,
after being tortured by Serb officers. Rexhë Morina, also from Loxhë,
died yesterday, from the wounds he received when Loxhë was attacked.
Clashes between the Serb policemen and KLA forces
began yesterday, at around 1800CET, when the police entered the village
of Strellc i Epërm for looting Albanian houses. Albanian sources,
including the KIC, claim that five policemen were killed in the exchange
of fire.
Sources say that the village was then subjected
to three-hour long attack, carried out by the infantry as well as heavy
artillery. Around 250 grenades, of different calibers were launched during
this period of time. There are claims that seven Albanians were wounded.
Serb forces also targeted the village of Isniq.
There is no information on casualties. Fighting took place in the village
of Prejlep last night as well.
On the other hand, Serb military forces continued
their large-scale attack against the villages of Reka e Keqe, using heavy
artillery. They caused considerable material damage. No reports on casualties.
KOSOVA (clashes – Klinë)
Gremnik and Gjurgjeviku i Madh under KLA control
Fighting is taking place in other villages of the municipality of Klinë, making the villagers shut themselves in their houses despite the fact that it is harvesting time
Klinë, 12 July (ARTA) 1545CET --
Three Serb policemen were killed and two KLA
members wounded in the last round of fighting between Serb forces and KLA
units, that took place in the village of Gremnik. On the other hand, many
houses belonging to Albanians have been reported destroyed by the shelling
in the village of Svërk i Gashit. The attack against this village
was carried out from the Serb positions in Dollc, Dollovë and Novosellë.
There was an intense exchange of fire between
Serb police\military forces, mainly stationed in the villages of Grapc
and Binxhë (with a Serb majority) and KLA forces, which are stationed
in the villages of Ozrim, Jashanicë e Epërme and Jellovc. The
fighting has been taking place for the last couple of days, with the most
intense battles taking place along Ozrim, Jashanicë e Epërme,
Jellovc, Dush, Gjurgjevik i Madh, Dollc, Gremnik and Çupevë.
Fighting is also taking place in other villages
of the municipality of Klinë, making the villagers shut themselves
in their houses despite the fact that it is harvesting time.
It has been confirmed that the dead man, found
at a place called Kroi i Çupevës, several days ago, is 42 year-old
Vesel Morina, from the village of Përlinë.
KOSOVA (sniper attack – Obiliq)
Humanitarian activists wounded by Serb snipers
Serb snipers wounded two Albanian activists of the humanitarian association "Mother Theresa", after distributing aid to those in need and returning from the village of Sibovc
Prishtina, 12 July (ARTA) 2115CET --
The CDHRF branch in Obiliq notifies that a humanitarian
association "Mother Theresa" activist, 37 year-old Xhevdet Stushlaku, from
the village of Mazgit, was wounded in the head by Serb snipers. The CDHRF
branch reports that he was wounded while he was returning from the village
of Sibovc, where he distributed aid to those in need. Xhevdet is now unconscious
in the hospital, where he is under strict medical care. Another humanitarian
activist, 40 year-old Selatin Hashani from Obiliq, was also wounded. Armed
Serbs from the village of Janovodë wounded these two activists.
It has been reported that shooting took place
in the village of Sibovc last night, at around 2030CET. The house belonging
to Ismajl Krasniqi was hit several times on this occasion. The shooting
came from the direction of the village Hade.
It is now impossible to reach the village of
Hade, where every movement is targeted by snipers.
Sporadic shooting took place in the village Bardhi
i Madh, Hade and Lajthishte, last night and today morning. The KLA is still
trying to maintain its positions.
On the other hand, the inhabitants of the village
of Palaj cannot stay in their houses because of the shooting. The Serbs
also feel insecure in this village. For that reason, they evacuated women,
children and elders. Only armed Serbs are now left in the village.
KOSOVA (tension mounts - Fushë Kosovë)
The villages of Bardhi i Madh, Graboc, Hade
and Lismir, nearly completely empty
The inhabitants of this region have lost hopes about returning to their homes
Fushë Kosovë, 12 July (ARTA) 2030CET
--
The police has put the whole region under iron
siege, as most of the inhabitants of the villages of Bardhi i Madh, Bardhi
i Vogël, Pomozotin, Graboc, Hade and Lismir, have fled due to insecurity.
There are reports that many people have also fled Fushë Kosovë.
The inhabitants of this region have lost hopes
about returning to their homes. On the other hand, the people also face
the difficulty of food provision.
All the roads linking this region with other
parts of Kosova are completely blocked, making the rural roads for Drenica,
which are very inconvenient, the only way for smuggling food and the people
to move.
If the region is not de-blocked with the help
of some humanitarian organization, there is a fear that the people will
starve and the health conditions deteriorate.
KOSOVA (paid escape – Pejë)
The police set 100 DEM fee for those that
flee Pejë
The Serb police, stationed at the Pejë-Kulla-Rozhajë route, asks for 400 DEM from every vehicle with Albanian passengers
Pejë, 12 July (ARTA) 2130CET --
Albanian daily "Koha Ditore" sources say that
every person that tried to flee Pejë yesterday and today, had to give
100 DEM to the police.
The Serb police, stationed at the Pejë-Kulla-Rozhajë
route, ask for 400 DEM from every vehicle with Albanian passengers, the
sources add.
Explanations concerning the reasons of travelling
and the direction were useless. The answer was the same - you must pay
to escape.
Otherwise, hundreds of inhabitants of Pejë
and the surrounding villages have abandoned their homes following the attack
against the village of Loxhë. Most of the people that fled are now
in Montenegro.
KOSOVA (funeral - Prizren)
Albërim Fanaj (19) and Ylber Fanaj (18)
were buried today
"They threw me to the ground and started stepping on my feet with their boots. They kept asking me where my brother is, while he was no longer among the living. They asked me where the KLA is and who is the chief-elder of the village...", Bekim, the 17 year-old brother of Albërim, recalls the horror of that night
Prizren, 12 July (ARTA) 2000CET --
Albërim Fanaj (19) and Ylber Fanaj (18),
were both killed in the village of Vërmicë, which lies on the
border with Albania, on 10 July, at around 0145CET.
The same day, just before 1500CET, four APCs,
one jeep and two vehicles, with over 40 policemen, four of which were civilians,
entered the village and raided several houses in the Fanaj neighborhood.
Other than the house belonging to dr. Naim Fanaj,
they also raided the houses of Zaim, Ymer, Beqir, Milaim and Përparim
Fanaj. During the raids, they even searched the attics.
The police even confiscated all the medicine
and sanitary material in the health station dr. Naim worked in. The police
also forced the doctor to quote Hypocrate's oath, while a police officer
hit him.
"They threw me to the ground and started stepping
on my feet with their boots. They took me and my uncle, Beqir, to the police
station in Prizren. They kept asking me where my brother is, while he was
no longer among the living. They asked me where the KLA is and who is the
chief-elder of the village...", Bekim, the 17 year-old brother of Albërim,
recalls the horror of that night.
The situation in the village is tense and the
village is empty of women, children and elders, who were evacuated to a
safer place.
Ylber was buried at 1700CET, while his brother
Albërim was buried at 2000CET, last night.
KOSOVA (arrests - Ferizaj)
When attempts for forming a political branch
are considered incriminating
All of the accused denied charges, while the defending attorney, Isak Neziri, claims that "the violation of the criminal procedure regulation itself proves that this process will be a political scheme"
Ferizaj, 12 July (ARTA) 1830CET --
Following the wave of arrests, many political
activists from the municipality of Ferizaj are being kept in detention,
while many others had to abandon their houses due to the frequent house
raids.
Investigations about crimes defined in Article
136:1 in conjunction with Article 125 (terrorism) of the Criminal Code
of "Yugoslavia" have started as requested by the District Attorney of the
District Court of Prishtina with the consent of the Investigating Judge,
Danica Marinkovic.
The following are under investigation: Cen Dugolli,
Haxhi Bytyçi, Enver Topalli, Ylber Topalli, Ahmet Hoxha, all of
which are under arrest and Shaban Viça, presently fugitive. Meanwhile,
investigation has also included Sylejman Bytyçi, Skënder Ferizi,
Shaip Çerkini, Rexhep Bislimi, Besim Zymberi and Xhavit Zariqi,
who are being held in detention, and Ilmi Reçica, Sami Hajrullahu,
Milaim Jashari, Qamil Xhemajli, Ymri Ilazi, Xhavit Gashi, Abdurrahman Oruçi,
Emrush Xhemajli and Hajdin Abazi – all currently fugitive.
The defense attorneys of the accused claim that,
"there are no grounds for their detention, especially since they were all
engaged in forming a political party branch of the Democratic Movement
of Kosova. This has been taken by the prosecution as an incriminating act".
One of the attorneys, Halil Ilazi, says there "can be no talk of some organization
– association for hostile activities as long as they were engaged in a
political organization, which is a basic human right". Neither the defending
attorneys, nor the family members of the accused, nor ICRC representatives
from Prishtina, were allowed to meet with the accused. The ICRC representatives
were denied the right to visit them at the prison in Gjilan under the pretext
that "the accused are not there", the defending attorneys claim.
KOSOVA (asylum-seekers)
Assistance to asylum-seekers cut down
The new law will affect the refugees from Kosova, with the current number seeking refuge in Germany reaching 140 thousand, who have been denied asylum
Bonn, 12 July (ARTA) 1930CET --
The German "Bundesrat" (government), adopted
a new bill on asylum-seekers in Germany, last Friday. According to the
bill, the whole category of asylum-seekers that were denied asylum in Germany,
will receive less aid. People who sought asylum for economic reasons, usually
using false IDs or hiding their documents, will also be affected.
According to the new law adopted by the upper
chamber of the German Parliament, refugees granted asylum will also have
to count on the reduction of economic help. There are claims that this
German institution requested from the government to fashion the standards
of accepting and the program of distributing aids for refugees according
to the standards of other EU countries. The new law will affect the refugees
and asylum-seekers from Kosova the most, with the current number seeking
refuge in Germany reaching 140 thousand, who have been denied asylum.
KOSOVA (Swiss assistance to IDPs)
3,5 million francs for the victims of the
conflict
Zurich, 12 July (ARTA) 2140CET --
Swiss authorities, in fear of an eventual wave
of refugees from Kosova, undertook a blitz-action of collecting money for
the IDPs in Kosova. They have gathered 3,5 million francs so far.
This sum of money is expected to be used for
urgent programs within the frames of humanitarian aid of federal bodies.
The Swiss government funded Swiss Disaster Relief is actually building
a shelter and repairing several houses for refugees in northern Albania.
The funding came from the gathered contributions.
KOSOVA (KLA headquarters - communiqué)
"KLA has progressed in expanding free territory"
The Government of Bukoshi is urged to de-block all assets gathered for the freedom of Kosova and deposit them immediately in the "Homeland Calls" fund...
Prishtina, 12 July (ARTA) 1630CET --
The KLA issued the 49th communiqué today,
stating that the war between the KLA and Serb police\military troops has
taken dimensions of a broader operational character.
"…The KLA has also undertaken measures against
some collaborators, who continued to work against national interests. In
the first operation zone, which includes local operation zones of Pashtrik,
Llap, Drenica, Karadak and Dukagjin, operations are being carried out for
strengthening and augment of positions which KLA forces are controlling",
the communiqué states.
"Our troops carried out successful operations
in Pashtrik. Many enemies have been killed or wounded and considerable
material damage, and fighting technique has been destroyed. Intense fighting
took place between our forces and enemy troops in Drenica. Our forces have
progressed in expanding their domain in this zone.
KLA units, in charge of carrying out fast operations,
finished essential operations in Prishtina, Podujevë, Shalë and
Bardhi i Madh. Occupying forces suffered large material loss, many of their
men were killed and most of their fighting technique has been destroyed.
Three KLA soldiers were killed while carrying out the operations.
Our units conducted successful operations in
the zone of Karadak as well. They are strengthening their positions and
getting ready for undertaking offensive operations. KLA forces have undertaken
operations of a broader operational character in the zone of Dukagjin.
Many members of the enemy's forces, were killed or wounded. Four of our
soldiers were killed in the battles that took place in this region. Our
forces marked progress in expanding free territory", the communiqué
states.
"...The KLA General Headquarters calls for unity
and determination. The communiqué urges all Albanians, wherever
they live and work, to give their contribution for the freedom of Kosova
to the "Homeland Calls" fund. The Government of Bukoshi is urged to de-block
all assets gathered for the freedom of Kosova and deposit them immediately
in the fund "Homeland is calling".
"We salute the international community, especially
the USA, for their diplomatic efforts in the war of Kosova. However, we
request for their efforts to be faster and more concrete. This would help
peace and stability in Kosova and the region", concludes the communiqué.
KOSOVA (KD interview/part II – Jakup Krasniqi,
KLA spokesman)
There are no Mujaheddins in KLA and we won't
allow coloring our war, least of all in confessional colors
11 July (ARTA) 1300CET—
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.
PRISHTINE, July
12/ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reports:
Fierce fighting
continued in Kosova also over the last 24 hours, on the Kosova-Albania
border belt, in Rrafshi i Dukagjinit, Kline, Drenice, near the coal mine
in Mardh i Madh in Rafshi i Kosoves and around the "Trepca" mine of lead,
zinc, gold and silver in Stanterg, in Shale e Bajgores.
The Serbian forces
on Saturday night bombarded for nearly three hours the village of Strelle
i Eperm, near Decan, in an attack against the defensive positions of the
inhabitants and of the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA).
Sources available
from the spot say that seven were wounded on the Albanian side and at least
five policemen were killed and several others injured on the Serbian side.
Serbian sources
reported today that two Serbian policemen were killed in the suburbs of
Decan, while Albanian sources report on fire exchanges along to main road
of Gjakova-Peja.
Albanian sources
also report that two Albanians were killed and three others wounded in
yesterday's fighting in Loxhe e Raushiq, near Peja.
Yugoslav army
and Serbian police forces on Saturday grenaded the villages of Mazhiq,
Bare, Vidishiq and Bajgore e Shales.
According to reports
from the spot, three KLA members were injured and three Yugoslav soldiers
were killed and several others wounded in the fierce fighting.
The Albanian population,
children, women and old people have been displaced from the Mazhiq village
and partly from the miners' quarter in Stanterg.
On Saturday evening
Serbian armed paramilitary and civilian gangs torched all the houses of
Albanians in Frasher and opened fire in the direction of the villages of
Pantine and Okrashtice of the commune of Vushtrise. /fh/mima/lm/
BC-KOSOVA-KLA
KLA hands over to humanitarian organisations
three deserters of the Yugoslav army
PRISHTINE, July
12 /ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reports:
The Kosova Liberation
Army (KLA) on Saturday handed over to foreign humanitarian organisations
three soldiers of the Yugoslav army who had deserted long ago, according
to the Kosova Information Centre (KIC).
The soldiers are
of Montenegrin nationality and of Moslem belief.
Several other
members of the Yugoslav army are reported to be in the hands of the KLA.
According to KIC,
the number of the deserters among the Serbian forces is large and is increasing
with each passing day. /fh/mima/lm/
LINK to further press news_______________________________________________________________________
 |
|
Homepage
Inhaltsverzeichnis - Contents Seite erstellt am 13.7.1998 |
|
|
Dillinger
Straße 41
86637
Wertingen
|
|||
|
Telefon
08272 - 98974
Fax
08272 - 98975
|
|||
|
E-mail
wplarre@dillingen.baynet.de
|
