Tagesnachrichten 14. Juli 1998
von ALBANEWS und anderen
Daily Report No 1490 July 14, 1998
Kosova Information Center
Tagesnachrichten 14. 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 # 1490
Prishtina, 14 July 1998
Four Albanians Wounded by Serb Shelling of the Shala e Bajgorës
PRISHTINA, July 14 (KIC) - Four members of the
UÇK (Kosova Liberation Army) have been wounded during the fighting
of the past few days between Serbian military and police and local Albanian
resistance forces in the region of Shala e Bajgorës, local sources
said. Serbs reportedly suffered loses and material damage. LDK sources
in Mitrovica said the Albanian fighters did not receive life-threatening
wounds.
Several houses have been damaged by Serb shelling
in the village of Bare. The villages of Stantërg ('Stari Trg'), Vidishiq,
Mazhiq, Rashan and Pasomë have been reported shelled, too.
Meanwhile, reports from Vushtrri said many Albanian
residents of the villages of the Shala e Bajgorës fled their homes
in the wake of yesterday's shelling of the region. Many of the evacuees
have found refuge in the municipality of Vushtrri, LDK sources said. Vushtrri
has been the destination of many Albanians displaced from the Drenica region,
in the wake of the Serbian military-police aggression in early March.
Serbian Troops Shell Border Villages Today
PRISHTINA, July 14 (KIC) - Since early morning
today (Tuesday), Serbian military, paramilitary, and police forces have
been shelling the Reka e Keqe villages in the border area with Albania,
an area stretching from Nec to the Junik region, LDK sources in Gjalova
said. The sound of heavy blast can be heard in the town of Gjakova itself,
the main city in southwestern Kosova.
Local Albanian resistance forces, including the
UÇK, have been putting up a fierce resistance, sources said, adding
that they could not obtain further details regarding the extent of damages
or casualty toll on either side.
Serb army and police troops have been leaving
the town of Gjakova for the Reka e Keqe region today.
Meanwhile, LDK sources said an Albanian, Ali
Rrustemi, resident of the Babaj i Bokës village of Reka e Keqe, died
today in the town hospital in Gjakova of serious wounds he had received
during a Serb army attack a few days ago.
Another wounded Albanian has been in hospital,
sources added.
Ms Fatime Boshnjaku, a local official with the
Mother Teresa charity, arrested a couple of days ago, is still in custody.
The other local activist, Astrit Beqa, arrested the same day, has been
taken to the Serb-run Peja investigating court, local sources said.
Serbian Military Fires Artillery from Landovica
PRISHTINA, July 14 (KIC) - In the night of Monday, from 22:00 to 02:00 hrs, Serbian military troops fired artillery from their base in Landovica, the LDK Information Commission in Prizren said. Supposedly, Serb military were firing in the direction of Suhareka. Two Albanians were killed and 13 others wounded yesterday morning in the village of Peçan, near Suhareka, when Serb forces shelled the area .
Serb Forces Shell Two Villages in Obiliq Municipality Monday
2PRISHTINA, July 14 (KIC) - Yesterday (Monday)
several houses of two Albanian family compounds were damaged by Serbian
shelling of the village of Shipitullë, municipality of Obiliq, the
LDK Information Commission in Obiliq reported.
The village of Siboc was also targeted in the
shelling, which was of a lower intensity there.
At 4 o'clock in the morning today, gunfire was
reported in the direction of the village of Palaj ('Vodica') and the Kosova
B power plant area near Obiliq...
At a location called "Kërshi i Grabocit"
fresh Serb forces were reported deployed today morning. Heavy Serb police
forces backed up by tanks and heavy armament were deployed there on Monday.
Two local villagers of Shipitulla, Rasim Mjekiqi
and Daut Mjekiqi, have been missing since yesterday. Quoting witnesses
in the village, the LDK chapter in Obiliq said they were seen last while
on their way to their fields and halted by the police. Local population
in several Obiliq villages, including Shipitulla, Graboci i Ulët and
Siboci have fled their homes over the past days amidst rapid increase of
Serb forces in the area.
Meanwhile, the LDK information commission in
Obiliq said Serb snipers wounded on Monday an old Albanian from Lajthishta
(Leshkoshic) village. Ibush Tërbushani (62) was wounded while walking
to his home near a coal roller conveyer in the vicinity of the Kosova B
power plant.
European Union Seeks U.N. Backing for Action on Kosova
PRISHTINA, July 14 (KIC) - The European Union
(EU) foreign ministers, meeting in Brussels on Monday, called for United
Nations backing for "further action" in Kosova.
"The Council supported the adoption of a UN Security
Council resolution putting the UN's authority behind the requirements expected
of the Parties by the international community. Should the required steps
not be taken, the Council endorsed the principle of further action under
the UN Charter to bring about compliance by those who block the process.
It is the understanding of the Council that such action would be under
Chapter VII of the UN Charter.", the key point in the EU statement said.
The U.N. Charter's Chapter 7 authorises foreign
military intervention to preserve peace.
The Council of EU foreign ministers expressed
"its grave concern at the continuing violence and loss of life in Kosovo,
particularly among the civilian population." It called for an immediate
cessation of all hostilities in Kosova and "the restart of a political
process with direct international involvement between the Parties."
The Council reiterated that a solution for Kosova
can be found "neither through the maintenance of the status quo nor through
independence, but through a special status, including a large degree of
autonomy within the FRY."
The Council welcomed the intention of the Contact
Group to set in hand work to define possible further elements for the future
status of Kosova.
The Council of EU ministers for the "outstanding
provisions of the 12 June Contact Group Statement" to be implemented. In
this light it recalled the necessity of further action by the Belgrade
authorities on the withdrawal of security forces used for civilian repression
in Kosova, unimpeded access for observers, the full return of refugees
and displaced persons to their homes and free and unimpeded access for
humanitarian organizations and supplies to Kosova.
The Council welcomed the UNHCR's "regional approach"
to the refugee question and pledged its continuing support for efforts
to create the conditions for an early return of refugees throughout the
region.
Further, the EU statement said the Council noted
that the Prosecutor of ICTY had expressed the view that the situation in
Kosova represents "an armed conflict within the terms of the Tribunal's
mandate". So both Belgrade and others on the ground in Kosova are called
on to cooperate with the Prosecutor's investigation, the Council said.
At the end of the statement, the Council of EU
Ministers reiterated its full support for Mr Felipe Gonzalez as Special
Representative for the FRY.
British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook referred
to the EU statement as the 15-nation bloc's "firmest" yet.
Kosova Information Center
Last page!
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RFE/RL NEWSLINE Vol. 2, No. 133 Part II, 14 July 1998RUGOVA SEEKS TO REIN IN UCK.
Kosovar shadow-state President Ibrahim Rugova said in Prishtina on 13 July that within a week he will call a session of the parliament that was elected in March. Rugova and his Democratic League of Kosova (LDK) will use the session to review political options open to the Kosovars and to try to bring the Kosova Liberation Army (UCK) under the control of the political establishment, RFE/RL's South Slavic Service reported. The Serbian authorities declared the March vote illegal, and parties more radical than the LDK boycotted it. UCK spokesmen have said that the guerrillas do not accept the political leadership of any of the established parties and have called Rugova a "defeatist" (see "RFE/RL Newsline," 13 July 1998). Meanwhile in Peja, some 14 buses filled with Serbian police arrived on 13 July, an RFE/RL correspondent reported. PM
EU FOREIGN MINISTERS ADOPT RESOLUTION ON KOSOVA.
Foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on 13 July agreed to call for a cease-fire in Kosova and urge both sides to seek a political settlement. The ministers said that should this call fail, they are urging the UN Security Council to take "further action...to bring about compliance by those who block the process." British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook told Reuters that the resolution is "a very clear, very blunt statement to [Yugoslav President Slobodan] Milosevic...to comply fully with international community demands. We also recognize that there are two sides to the conflict...so we have called on the armed Kosovar Albanian groups to cease the violence." The "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" reported, however, that the ministers were hard- pressed for ideas as to how to bring about a settlement. German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel said the UCK is rapidly gaining in popularity in Kosova. PM
U.S. SAYS NO INDEPENDENCE FOR KOSOVA.
State Department spokesman James Rubin said in Washington on 13 July that the Kosovars "need to realize that their independence goals are not going to be achieved. The international community is not going to support independence" for Kosova or a greater Albanian state. "We have said for some time that the primary responsibility for this conflict and for the fighting and for the repression and for the dying [lies with] Slobodan Milosevic. That doesn't mean that extremist elements on the Kosovar Albanian side are free of responsibility.... If they think they are going to...achieve independence, they are fundamentally mistaken." PM
UN RECOMMENDS ALBANIAN ARMS COLLECTION PROGRAM.
A UN panel of experts recommends setting up a pilot project in the central Albanian district of Gramsh to retrieve some of the estimated 650,000 weapons looted from barracks and police stations throughout the country during last year's civil unrest. The panel published a report in New York on 13 July warning that cash incentives or buy-back schemes would have an "inflationary impact" and would send out "the wrong message to those who may consider unauthorized weapon possession as a lucrative activity." Instead, the study recommends linking a voluntary weapons return program with "poverty-alleviating and job-creating development projects." Gramsh, which has a population of about 50,000 and an unemployment rate of more than 30 percent, is one of the most heavily armed regions in the country. The report said that the Kosova conflict provides "an additional reason to retrieve weapons from the civilian population." FS
ALBANIAN PROSECUTOR ASKS PARLIAMENT TO LIFT BERISHA'S IMMUNITY...
Prosecutor-General Arben Rakipi on 13 July formally requested legislators to lift the immunity of former President Sali Berisha, former State Secretary for Defense Leonard Demi, and the head of the Tirana branch of the Democratic Party, Shaban Memia. Such a move would make possible an investigation into Berisha's role during last year's unrest. Rakipi told "Koha Jone" that the three might be charged with terrorism, committing crimes against humanity, and ordering the use of chemical weapons against the civilian population. Rakipi said that he has documents signed by the three that substantiate those charges. He added that he will soon bring charges against other former officials who do not enjoy parliamentary immunity. FS
...WHILE OSCE CALLS FOR 'CLIMATE OF RECONCILIATION.'
OSCE Ambassador to Albania Daan Everts told "Gazeta Shqiptare" on 13 July that Albania needs "a climate of reconciliation [and that Albanians should] not look backward but forward." He also warned against polarization between the opposition and the governing coalition as well as against tendencies toward political vindictiveness. Everts added that "the law must be applied.... If there was a violation of the law, then the due process must be carried out, but we have to be aware that all this takes place in a highly tense [political] climate.... Legal moves against Berisha will not help in easing the climate. A further heightening of political tensions is not good for Albania," he argued. FS
HERZEGOVINIAN PARTY DEMANDS OFFICIALS RESIGN.
The presidency of the Croatian Democratic Community (HDZ), which is dominated by ultra-nationalists from Herzegovina, issued a statement in Mostar on 13 July calling for the resignation of Bosnian officials who were elected on the HDZ slate but have since left the party. The call affects primarily Kresimir Zubak, who is the Croatian member of the Bosnian joint presidency, as well as others who have joined his New Croatian Initiative. That newly founded party represents the interests of more moderate Croats from central Bosnia. Meanwhile in Ljubljana, spokesmen for the Slovenian government announced that it will provide $2.6 million in Bosnian redevelopment aid. The money will help fund projects in which Slovenian firms are involved and provide scholarships to Bosnians studying at Slovenian universities. PM
TIRANA, July 14
(ATA) - By I Pazo: The Turkish president Sulejman Demirel arrived on Tuesday
for a two-day official visit to Albania.
Demirel was received
at the Rinas Airport by the president of Albanian Rexhep Meidani, deputy
prime ministers Kastriot Islami, Bashkim Fino, Foreign Minister Paskal
Milo and others.
During his visit,
the Turkish president was expected to meet Albanian senior authorities
and discuss the situation in Kosova. Turkey and its people was expected
to express their support for a realistic and democratic solution to that.
During this visit
cooperation agreements are expected to be signed between the two countries'
state radio-televisions, news agencies as well as cooperation agreements
in the field of social assistance and social insurance.
Demirel, who arrived
in Albania on the invitation of the President of Albania Rexhep Meidani,
is accompanied by the state minister Setkiner, Foreign Minister Ismail
Cem, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Iami Cagan, head of the foreign
parliamentary commission and a large number of senior personalities, leaders
of different Turkish institutions, businessmen and representatives of Turkish
media.
The Turkish president
will greet the Albanian parliament and hold a joint news conference with
president Meidani. ake/das/ak/
EU to help rebuild Albania, concerned on Serb violence
TIRANA, July 13
(ATA) - Council of Foreign Ministers of the European Union published on
Monday a statement saying, among others, that the Council expressed its
grave concerned at the ongoing violence and loss of life in Kosova, especially
among the civil population.
The danger of
a rapid widening of the crisis continued to exist, the statement quoted
by the press and information office at the Albanian Foreign Ministry.
The Council reiterated
its call for a prompt cessation of all hostilities and the restart of a
political process with the direct international involvement between sides.
The statement
underlined that Belgrade's primary responsibility in the origin of the
crisis and therefore for creating the necessary conditions for dialogue.
The Council discussed
Albania situation and the EU Council strongly encouraged the government
of prime minister Nano to continue policy of restraint and moderation as
regards the Kosova crisis, which is now more necessary than ever.
It also called
on the Albanian government to increase efforts to prevent the flow of weapons
to Kosova.
The statement
said: "The council called on the international community to find ways to
back the Albanian government in its endeavour."
It noted the decision
of the permanent council of the West European Union (WEU) to prepare a
feasibility study on possible options for an international police operation
in Albania.
The council encouraged
the Albanian government to continue its progress towards the democratic
stabilisation of the country, stressing the need for further efforts on
the part of the government to fight corruption and restore order and law.
The council called
on all political forces to adopt a constructive role in the democratic
process. It expressed ist concern on the decision of the opposition Democratic
party (DP) to start a second boycott in the parliament and called on the
DP to reconsider its attitude and return to parliament.
The statement
underlined that the EU Council of Ministers supported the proposal of the
Albanian government for a conference on Albania in an appropriate time
and confirmed the European Union's willingness to continue to make its
particular efforts to support the rebuilding of Albania.
The council reiterated
the closeness of the link existing between strong EU support for Albania
and close cooperation of Albania with the European Union and the international
community in its efforts to solve the Kosova issue. ake/ak/
Detained Islamists aimed at giving religious character to war in Kosova, daily said
TIRANA, July 14
(ATA) - The two Egyptians arrested at the end of June had aimed at creating
camps of Islamic youth in Elbasan and training them for Kosova in order
to give a powerful religious character to the war there, the daily Gazeta
Shqiptare said quoting sources of National Information Service (SHIK) in
Elbasan.
The paper, referring
to the same sources, said that one of the Egyptians, put into custody by
the Albanian authorities in the "El-Hagri" two-year Theology Institute
in Elbasan "is organising a camp with Islamists between 17 and 18 year-old,
coming particularly from the north of Albania."
Four to five youths
settled in the institute's dormitory disappeared after the Egyptian was
detained, religious people running the institute said to the daily.
Meanwhile, the
Mufti center in Elbasan had warned of a possible connection between the
two Egyptians and the radical sect of selefists, who appeared in Elbasan
four years ago following the arrival of Sudani and Pakistani people.
As regards the
aim of the two Egyptians to infiltrate in the war in Kosova and give it
religious character, the daily said that the SHIK sources had confirmed
that.
There were rumors
in Elbasan for a suspected activity of both Egyptians though their declared
activity was of the humanitarian character to help poor families, the daily
said.
The two Egyptians,
Maget Mustafa and Muhamed Houda, temporary resident of Tirana, have been
arrested on June 28 accused of cheating through fake documents and illegal
possession of weapons.
During a routine
check in their apartment, the police found an automatic rifle, a rifle
and 60 cartridges, seals of Public Order police directorate, seals of visa
office, those of Rinas airport check-in, and lawyers' college.
Mustafa, 36, and
Houda, 39, held posts in "Revival of Islamic heritage" association operating
in Albania. /ak/
Serb artillery pounds Drenoc village
PRISHTINE, July
14 (ATA) - The village of Drenoc came under heavy artillery fire late on
Monday but the Council of Human Rights in Rahovec said that there were
no damages and casualties among the population, the Center for Information
in Kosova said.
The situation
is very tense in the city and the surrounding areas where the Serb police
reinforcement is increasing recently with other 200, the same sources said.
They said that
a seven-and-eight-man police unit was patrolling the Rahovec roads while
a police check point was operating in a cross road south of the city. pta/das/ak/
Fighting continues in Kosova, Serb warplanes fly over Prishtina
PRISHTINA, July
14 - ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reported that fighting are under
way in Kosova and near the border line with Albania, that is, Dukagjin,
Drenice and Rrafsh of Kosova.
In other areas,
which are not affected by the war, reinforcements are increasing. Serb
warplanes flew in low altitude over Prishtina early on Tuesday. pta/das/ak/
TIRANA, JULY 13, ENTER/ - The representative of
"Kosova republic" in Tirana, Iljaz Rramajli, confirmed in a press interview
that more that 15 000 people from Kosova had entered Albania running the
Serb terror but 2 thousand Kosova Albanians who came in Albania with the
waves of the refugees from the war zones in Kosova, turned back there.
"15 thousand Kosova Albanians came at first in
the territory of Albania, but men and boys turned back. They are now in
Kosova. They came here just to bring the children, women and old people.
According to our figures, 13 thousand Kosova Albanians are now in Albania",
Rramajli , the representative of the republic of Kosova said.
Mr. Rramajli, stated that he feels sure that
all the refugees will go back to Kosova as soon as the minimal conditions
will be established. "They will be back as soon as the danger for their
lives is being omitted", Rramajli said, adding that these people have in
Kosova their father, husbands and relatives. The representative of Kosova
republic" in Tirana confirmed that no exact figures are available yet for
the number of Kosova refugees in Albania, who began to enter the territory
of Albania since May 31. They found shelter mostly in Tropoja, North Albania
and a part of them, some 4000 persons, moved lately to the south. Mr. Rramajli
also confirmed the massacring of two Kosova Albanians refugees in Tropoja
last week, but he stated that there is official information from Albanian
state organs and there is no full version on the incident.
OSCE RECOGNISES THE RIGHT OF KOSOVA ALBANIAN FOR SEFL DETERMINATION
TIRANE,14 JULY,ENTER/G.SELENICA/-The member of
the presidency of DP Pjeter Arbnori said to the journalists Monday that
in the resolution presented at the meeting of the International Assembly
of OSCE, the Albanian representatives Majko and Arbnori have added an amendment
in the joint resolution. Arbnori said that they have agreed with Majko
on a joint opinion on the question of Kosova and the statement signed by
them consisted in the harmonisation of the principle of self determination
and of a political solution of Kosova question. Arbnori said that this
stand was included in the resolution and he was satisfied with the presentation
that Majko did to their stand in the Assembly.
Arbnori said that they asked the international
community to take all the necessary measures to exercise pressure on Serbia
through a NATO intervention.
ALL DEMOCRATIC PARTY SUPPORTS THE BOYCOTT OF THE ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT
TIRANW,13 KORRIK,ENTER/G.SELENICA/-The leader
of the Democratic Party Sali Berisha said Monday in a press conference
that after the meeting with the grassroots party organisations the idea
of final boycott of Albanian parliament by DP was supported.
Berisha said that the grassroots party organisations
have approved such an step because they are against violence, pressure
and injustice that the actual government is using against the DP members
Berisha said that maltreatment and violence had been used by Albanian government
to the arrested members of DP.
Berisha said that a government that kills my
colleagues is a enemy government and will have the deserved reply. Berisha
said that DP expresses its regret for boycotting Albanian parliament but
added that we attempting to inform the international organisations on the
opposition situation and on the impossibility of the development of the
parliamentary life after pressure and the flagrant war against opposition.
On the question of Kosova, Berisha said that
the political forces had expressed their concern for the Albanian premier
and Albanian government, that are against the co-operation with the political
forces in Kosova for the solution of the conflict. According to Berisha
the attack of premier Nano to Rugova calling him as a figure without personality
is very dangerous and with consequences for the Albanian question.
SOCIALIST DISCUSS THEIR ATTITUDE TO KOSOVA
TIRANE,14 JULY,ENTER/G.SELENICA/-The parliamentary
group of the socialist informed of having discussed Monday the stand of
this party towards the Kosova question and the problems discussed in the
Albanian press on contraband. Sources at SP said to Enter that the group
discussed on the visit and joint stand at the Assembly of OSCE where the
leader of the socialist Pandeli majko had spoke defending the interest
of the Albanians in Kosova.They stressed that a positive element is the
fact that both Albanian representatives had signed a joint statement on
the stand of Albania towards the Kosova question.
They refused to inform on the stand on contraband
and was discussed about corruption at this meeting.
PRISHTINE, July
13/ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reports:
Fighting in the suburbs of the "Trepce" mine,
some six km northeast of Mitrovice (Northern Kosova) continued today with
fire exchanges and powerful blasts.
Shooting took
place overnight, while the region is under the siege of the Serbian forces.
This morning armed
Serbians in the Fushe-Kosova town (southwest of Prishtine) set on fire
a house and a bar of Albanians.
Recently, the
Serbs have often bombarded houses of Albanians and there have been large
displacements among the Albanian population, children, women and old people
from the region. /p.ta/pas/lm/
Turkish President Demirel visits Albania on Tuesday
TIRANA, July 13
(ATA)-The President of Turkey, Sulejman Demirel, arrives in Albania for
a two-day visit, at the invitation of the President of the Republic of
Albania, Rexhep Meidani.
The Turkish delegation
is composed of Minister of State Serkiner, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem,
Minister of Labour and Social Assistance Iami Cagan, the chairman of parliament's
Foreign Policy Commission as well as a large number of senior authorities,
leaders of various Turkish institutions, businessmen and a large number
of Turkish media and press, according to the president's spokesman.
The Turkish president
will also meet with Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano, speaker of Parliament
Skender Gjinushi and representatives of the political forces, with whom
he will also discuss the crisis in Kosova.
During this visit
cooperation agreements are expected to be signed between the two country's
state radio-televisions, telegraphic agencies as well as cooperation agreements
in the field of social assistance and social insurances. /a.ke/mima/lm/
Victims and wounded were reported on both sides in conflict, as three KLA members have been confirmed wounded during the clashes that took place on Saturday in the village of Mazhiq
Mitrovicë, 13 July (ARTA) 1700CET --
KLA units, backed by Albanians living in the
region of Shala e Bajgorës, were engaged in clashes against Serb police\military
forces since Saturday, that took place near the mine "Trepça" in
Stantërg, the CDHRF branch in Mitrovicë reports. The epicenter
of the fighting is currently between the Factory of Lead Floatation at
the First Tunnel and the entrance of the "Trepça" mine pit, in a
place called "Ura e Fazlisë".
Fighting began last night at around 2200CET,
and lasted until 0500CET, today. After a four hours break, fighting resumed
at 0900CET with no signs of cessation so far.
4 tanks, 3 APCs, 3 trucks carrying anti-aircraft
cannons, 3 trucks loaded with soldiers and a water cannon left the army
barrack in Mitrovicë at 1110CET, heading towards Stantërg. This
military convoy was followed by police forces, with 3 APCs and 1 truck
loaded with policemen, heading for the same zone.
Women, children and elders have been evacuated
from the villages of Mazhiq, Vidishiq, Stantërg, Tuneli i Parë,
Rekë and parts of the villages of Zasellë and Shupkoc.
Many persons, from both sides, are believed to
have been killed or wounded. There is no exact data on casualties, although
it has been confirmed that three KLA members were wounded during the clashes
that took place on Saturday in the village of Mazhiq. On the other hand,
a military helicopter, bearing the sign of first aid, landed twice on the
military base in the village of Kutlloc on Saturday, probably carrying
killed or wounded members of the Serb police\military forces.
KOSOVA (artillery detonations – Prizren)
Eight strong artillery detonations
Prizren, 13 July (ARTA) 1530CET--
Artillery shootings were heard today from 0730CET
to 0800CET, coming from the direction of military bases, built years ago,
near the village of Landovicë, municipality of Prizren, inform local
LDK information sources.
The sources claimed that the first six shootings
were a series of two, whereas the last two were heavy detonations, which
broke the windows of almost every house in Landovicë. They detonations
were heard as far as Prizren. Landovicë is 15 km. Northwest of Prishtina.
Although the destination of the shelling is still
not confirmed, all the indications lead to believe that they were aimed
at the village Peçan in Suharekë.
KOSOVA (large scale attack – Suharekë)
2 killed and 12 wounded Albanians
Suharekë, 13 June (ARTA) 1745CET--
Large combined military\police forces attacked
the village Peçan, from a place called Dërvan and from the
rubber factory in Suharekë, today at 7030CET.
On this occasion, Muhamet Krasniqi (24) and Xhemajl
Bytyçi (22) from the village Peçan, were killed and 12 other
Albanians were wounded. Serb forces used heavy artillery weapons, including
surface to surface missiles.
Many Serb snipers were settled on different buildings
aiming at the Albanian houses, but fortunately, there were no victims,
"KOHA Ditore" sources, claim. People are massively abandoning the attacked
areas, while the KLA units are resisting the attacks in an attempt to save
their positions. During the day, an information was conveyed by Albanian
sources that the village Dobërdolan was also struck by surface to
surface missiles.
KOSOVA (shelling – Gjakovë)
The villages of Morinë, Smolicë,
Nec and Ramoc are being attacked with heavy artillery
Gjakovë, 13 June 1730CET--
The villages of Kosovë-Albania bordering
zone were subjected to fierce clashes, yesterday and today. The villages
Morinë, Smolicë, Nec and Ramoc are still being attacked. The
armed civilians along with the KLA units are responding with all their
capacity to the Serb forces, which have recently started using surface
to surface missiles. Albanian sources claim that in their last attack,
Serb forces also used warfare gases.
The material damages appear to be great as none
of the sides have confirmed the number of the victims.
Loud detonations were heard today from 0730CET
to 1000CET in some of the villages along the river Drini i Bardhë,
such as of Ratkoc, Gexhë and Malësi e Vogël as well as parts
of the villages in the Gjakovë Has region.
Recently the police have been also undertaking
violent actions against the employees of the humanitarian organizations
and members of the activists of the Albanian political parties.
Fatime Boshnjaku and two other activists of the
humanitarian organization "Nëna Tereze", arrested the day before yesterday,
are still in detention.
The lack of food in this region remains alarming.
KOSOVA (shelling – Rahovec)
The village Drenoc shelled
Rahovec, 13 July (ARTA) 2100CET--
Large combined military/police forces, equipped
with heavy artillery, settled near the village Rogovë in the Gjakovë
Has region, shelled the village of Drenoc, municipality of Rahovec, at
around 0800CET, local LDK and CDHRF sources claim.
The same sources confirm that at least three
grenades were thrown amongst armed civilians and KLA units that have joined
forces in this village.
Fortunately, this attack ended without any victims or material damages. This is the first time that this village is being shelled from the village of Rogovë, which is exactly on the other bank of the Drini i Bardhë river.
KOSOVA (abducted – Deçan)
Deçan: Nothing is yet known about 200
abducted Albanians
Deçan, 13 July (ARTA)
Fierce clashes took place today in the village
Prejlep. No victims were reported from the Albanian units.
The drama about 200 abducted Albanians is still
going on, thus an appeal is being made to the international humanitarian
associations and foreign observers in Kosova for their engagement in finding
the missing and make the burial of the dead possible.
Albanian sources claim that 15 buses full of
policemen started from the direction of Devë (Gjakovë) in the
direction of Deçan, this morning.
It is interesting to mention that despite the
clashes and occasional shelling, weddings and births of new babies haven’t
stopped. Thus, only in one improvised "maternity ward" in the municipality
of Deçan, 86 babies were born in one month -- 46 boys and 40 girls.
KOSOVA (tension mounts - Klinë)
Police: "You can stay at home, only if you
accept Serbia as your country"
After they looting and burning his house, the police arrested and mistreated Mujë Çupeva, from Pogragjë
Klinë, 13 July (ARTA) 1930CET --
Another large contingent of police and military
forces arrived in Klinë, while a military helicopter made low flights
over the villages of Gremnik, Gllarevë, Dollc, Gjurgjevik i Madh and
Dush, at around 0500CET today.
The Serb police put fire to two houses, belonging
to Tahir Mustafa and Vesel Mulaj, last night in the village of Jashanicë.
On the other hand, the police looted and then
burnt the houses belonging to Fadil Çupeva and Mujë Çupeva,
from the village of Pogragjë. The police arrested and tortured Mujë
Çupeva, on this occasion, only because he had stayed in his house.
He was told that "he can stay at home, only if he accepts Serbia as his
country", during the tortures.
KOSOVA (tension mounts - Fushë Kosovë)
Serb forces, equipped with artillery, approaching
Graboc
Fushë Kosovë, Obiliq, 13 July (ARTA)
1730CET --
The CDHRF branch in Obiliq reports that Serb
police forces have gotten near to the village of Graboc i Ulët. The
police moved one tank and other fighting equipment to a mountaintop called
"Kërshi", from which point all the villages can be seen.
"There was no shooting so far. The police is
stationed only a few hundred meters away and they are currently observing
the terrain", said Hajredin Mjeku, chairman of the CDHRF branch in Obiliq.
A witness from Graboc i Ulët claims that
"30-40 tanks, which came from the direction of Sllatinë, are now stationed
in 'Kërshi' and around the open mine pit in Bardhi i Madh". These
tanks are turned towards Drenica, but have not fired so far. The witness
adds that 3 buses, loaded followed the tanks with policemen, several jeeps
belonging to Arkan's paramilitary forces, as well as the infantry. The
same witness says that the police shelled the mountaintop of Gospojë,
yesterday.
On the other hand, chairman of the CDHRF branch
in Fushë Kosovë, Hysen Merovci, states that the situation in
the municipality is very tense. "Serb paramilitary members cruise around
the streets of the town the whole night through, attacking everything that
belongs to Albanians", says the report issued by the CDHRF branch.
The Council has also registered several cases
of explosives being thrown at Albanian houses. Very few shops are working
in Fushë Kosovë at the present time, due to the fear of possible
attacks.
KOSOVA (KLA soldiers swear oath)
Soldiers of the unit "Lumi" give solemn oath
in Bllacë
Malishevë, 13 July (ARTA) 2100CET --
The soldiers of the KLA unit "Lumi", from Malishevë,
gave their solemn oath at 1100CET today, in the village of Bllacë
(10 km. North of Suharekë). Around 2,000 people attended the ceremony,
including relatives of the KLA members.
The oath was read by the unit's commander and
was repeated by the chorus of hundreds of soldiers. The emotionally struck
participants observed with full attention.
The commander of "Lumi" then held a speech, saying
that "the KLA introduced its soldiers' oath in days of war", stressing
that the soldiers have a very high fighting morale. He evaluated the people's
support as being of a very high level.
The ceremony was held only 2 km away from the
positions held by the Serb army and the mass participation goes to show
that the people endowed all of their trust to these young people.
KOSOVA (fighting aftermath - Malishevë)
Five killed from the beginning of this year
The CDHRF branch in Malishevë registered 3 cases of wounding, 7 attempts of murder, 155 cases of physical torture, 116 cases of questioning, 184 cases of psychological torture, etc, in the first six months this year
Malishevë, 13 July (ARTA) 1645CET --
The CDHRF branch in Malishevë issued a six-month
report, where the worst cases registered were the killing of five Albanians,
the wounding of three others and seven attempts of murder by the police.
According to this report, the Serb police conducted
603 ways of treating Albanians in this municipality, with the most manifested
category being physical torture (155 cases) and questioning (118 cases).
12 cases of house raids were also reported this first half of the year,
23 threats with death and 3 violations in educational institutions. The
CDHRF branch reported that the police also subjected 10 women and 5 children
to such treatment.
In the meantime, the LDK Information Commission
registered everyday cases of electricity being cut off, as well as the
forceful abandoning of 100 houses belonging to Albanians in Kijevë,
Llozicë, Bubavec and Mleçan, in its report issued for the first
half of this year.
KOSOVA (proposal – Kinkel)
Kinkel proposes a new Dayton for Kosova
Bonn, 13 July (ARTA) 2015CET--
Following the meeting in Moscow, in which the
German Foreign Minister, Klaus Kinkel, made attempts to "convince" his
Russian homologue for a NATO intervention in Kosova, Kinkel declared that
Russia remained at its starting point -- no NATO intervention to solve
the conflict in Kosova.
After returning from Moscow, the German Foreign
Minister declared to Berlin daily "Tagesspiegel", that he will inform all
the Contact Group members about the results of the talks in Moscow. He
stated that he got Russia’s guarantee that "it will mount political pressure
over Milosevic to achieve a peaceful solution of the Kosova crisis".
"We might have to think seriously of the need
to have a negotiating process on Kosova, such as the one in Dayton", declared
the Foreign Minister.
Other than Kinkel's statement on the need of
another "Dayton" for Kosova, all the German-speaking countries are presently
focused on KLA spokesman's interview, published Prishtina daily "KOHA Ditore".
KOSOVA (EU Council of Ministers)
Schuessel: "Pressure must be exercised on
both sides"
The Austrian Foreign Minister, Schuessel stated that Kosova is the highlight in EU's foreign policy, when he presented Austria's program during its presidency-in-turn in the EU
Brussels, 13 July (ARTA) 2015CET --
EU foreign ministers met in Brussels for the
first time today, since Austria took over EU's presidency. At the opening
of the meeting, the Austrian Foreign Minister, Wolfgang Schuessel, talked
about the main objectives of the EU during his country's term. Talking
about the EU foreign policy, Schuessel stated that the issue of Kosova
will be the center of attention.
He emphasized that the main priority is for violent
acts in Kosova to stop as fast as possible, adding that the EU will maintain
its determined stand in accordance with the readiness of both sides to
find an acceptable solution to the problem.
The EU Council of Ministers chairman-in-turn,
underlined the necessity of continuing with pressure on Belgrade so it
complies with the requests made by the international community. On the
other hand, the Austrian Foreign Minister said, pressure must be exercised
on the people of Kosova as well, in order to prevent further radicalization.
Schuessel claimed that the international community must back all Albanian
political leaders, who are determined for a peaceful solution. Another
important EU request was for its office to be opened in Prishtina and for
the return of a permanent OSCE mission in the region. The EU Council of
Ministers reached several conclusions during this meeting, very similar
with the Contact Group's decisions agreed in Bonn.
KOSOVA (Austrian Foreign Minister - briefing)
Schuessel: "Albanians should determine who
will represent them in the political process"
We know that "autonomy" means having something to do with using the native language for Milosevic, but for us, it means much more
Brussels, 13 July (ARTA) 2115CET --
The Austrian Foreign Minister held a press conference
after the meeting of the EU Council of Ministers. He stressed that EU foreign
ministers focused most of their attention on the situation in Kosova, during
the meeting they held in Brussels today.
Talking on behalf of his colleagues, Schuessel
stated that the EU feels that it has a responsibility to play the role
of a mediator in the process of achieving broad autonomy for Kosova.
"We have a new moment in the process since Russia
showed signs that it could support the status of autonomy for Kosova within
Yugoslav borders".
Albanian daily, "Koha Ditore" correspondent,
asked him how the EU wants to achieve such a thing when Belgrade says it
does not accept anything more than "cultural autonomy", while no Albanian
is ready to talk about any form of autonomy. At the same time, Rugova,
who has EU support, seeks independence while the KLA, on the other hand,
requests national unification. Schuessel replied: "This is a very interesting
and important question, which is also very difficult to answer. We know
that "autonomy" means having something to do with using the native language
for Milosevic, but for us, it means much more. We also think that a "Greater
Albania" would have a de-stabilizing effect on the region", he stressed.
Schuessel was then asked to clarify the stand
on KLA's participation in the political process of solving the problem
of Kosova. He replied saying that the EU cannot decide who will represent
Albanians, adding that Albanians should be the ones to determine who will
represent them. "We will talk with all sides, but it is important for the
talks to include all those that can guarantee the realization of an eventual
agreement on Kosova. We said that we support Rugova's policy, who proved
that he is determined for a peaceful solution to the problem", concluded
Schuessel.
THE HOLY SYNOD OF BISHOPS OF THE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
THE PUBLIC STATEMENT, Belgrade, July 9 1998.
The Serbian Orthodox Church with concern of a
mother for her children is attentively following the situation in
Kosovo and Metohija, especially in the laste several months.
Being aware of its role in the history of the
Serbian people, the Church expresses today its most serious concern
because of the deterioration of the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, especially
after recurrent armed conflits in which the victims are mostly the innocent
civilians on both sides.
Therefore the Church urgently appeals on the representatives of the Serbian and the Albanain people, as well as on the internatinoal community, to do all they can in order that any violence in Kosovo and Metohija is stopped immediately and that the existing problems are resolved in peaceful and democratic methods, through the unconditional dialog. In respect to that the Church expects her representatives to be directly included in the peace talks because Kosovo and Metohija is its cenutries-old spiritual center and is essential for its identity.
The Church also calls all citizens to be tolerant and respect the rights of every human being. It condemnes any form of discrimination on religious or ethnic basis as well as every kind of repression. The Church calls the people of Kosovo and Metohja to live peacefuly together in mutual respect in which lies the future not only of this region but also of the whole world.
THE HOLY SYNOD OF BISHOPS
--
Decani Monastery
38322 Decani, Serbia, Yugoslavia
http://www.decani.yunet.com
E-mail: decani@EUnet.yu
tel (fax) +381 390 61543
+381 390 61567
Albanian Opposition Leader, Berisha publicly criticizes
Nano for splitting the Albanian factors in Kosova
The Albanian Government should give up practices to split the Albanian factors in Kosova. I criticize Nano for splitting the Albanian factors. On one hand he provides all facilities for a group, and on the other attacks Rugova in Crans Montana by calling him a figurehead while in Parliament he considers Rugova as a politician who changes three different options in four days.
I think the main duty of the political forces in Albania is to influence for the closer approach and cooperation between the political forces and the KLA in order that Kosova has a full representation in the negotiations with Belgrade and the international factor.
I would like to call on all the political forces and the KLA in Kosova to avoid falling pray of Byzantinisms which go in total favor of Miloshevic. In effect, the understanding and cooperation of the Albanian factors in Kosova is going through an impasse . I call on the political forces and the Kosova Liberation Army to consider the solution to the problem as a process, where they can and should cooperate with each-other.
Question by Ilirian Agolli, VOA corespondent in Albania:
Question: Which is the source of information about your declaration that Nano is trying to split the Albanian forces in Kosova and wants to profit from their split?
Answer: Representatives from political forces of Kosova have expressed to me officially their deep concern that a group under the control of the Albanian Prime Minister is totally opposing the cooperation and the coordination of the political forces.
I, definitely do consider our main duty to not exploit Kosova for our goals, either to stay in, or get to power.
We should have it clear in mind that the Kosova
problem will be resolved in Kosova. I denounce the policy followed by Nano
to patronize armed groups against politics in Kosova as most dangerous
for Kosova and most unfruitful to Albania.
--
Democratic Party of Albania
http://www.albania.co.uk/dp
e-mail. dpa@albania.co.uk
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