Tagesnachrichten 18. August 1998
von ALBANEWS und anderen
Daily Report No 1525 August 18, 1998
Kosova Information Center
Tagesnachrichten 18. August 1998
7. to call on the Commission and the Council to provide all necessary humanitarian aid to the victims of and the refugees from the acts of violence and call on member states to stop returning refugees and asylum seekers to Kosova where protection cannot be guaranteed;________________________________________________________________________
President Rugova Receives Ambassador Hill
Rugova discussed Kosova yesterday with Canadian
Ambassador, Raphael Girard
PRISHTINA, Aug 18 (KIC) - The President of the
Republic of Kosova Dr. Ibrahim Rugova received today in Prishtina Ambassador
Chris Hill, the U.S. Ambassador to FYROM, and a mediator on Kosova between
Prishtina and Belgrade.
In the meeting, the most recent developments
in Kosova and the modes to create an appropriate climate for the establishment
of a process of negotiations between Prishtina and Belgrade were discussed.
President Rugova pressed for an immediate halt
to the Serbian offensive, which has caused the displacement of a great
number of Albanians.
An early establishment of a process of dialogue
is necessary, but a climate conducive to a talks process should be created
first, President Ibrahim Rugova said.
He said he appreciated highly the work of Ambassador
Hill in meditating between Prishtina and Belgrade.
Meanwhile, President Rugova received yesterday
afternoon in Prishtina the Canadian Ambassador to Belgrade, Raphael Girard.
The current developments in Kosova, the prospects for a resolution, as
well as the role Canada can play in it, were discussed in the meeting,
President Rugova's office said.
Ambassador Hill's Statement on the Kosova Negotiating Process
PRISHTINA, Aug 18 (KIC) - Ambassador Chris Hill,
the U.S. diplomat mediating between Prishtina and Belgrade, held a press
briefing in the U.S. Center in Prishtina today afternoon. Following is
an unofficial transcript of his remarks:
"We've been here in Prishtina today working with
the Albanian negotiating team. Let me say, the process has just begun.
We have a long way to go, but it has begun. We have been discussing some
ideas here over the weekend. We took some of those ideas to Beograd yesterday.
And we are back here this morning to discuss some of the ideas we got in
Beograd, and then we will be going back up to Beograd this afternoon.
Let me say, it is going to be a long process.
It is not an easy one. We are looking at probably going at a sort of a
two-phase process. First of all, looking at some initial steps that can
be taken to get the institutions here working again, try to democratize
the situation here, and, maybe at a later date, discuss some of the broader
proper issues related to the status. We had some discussions here, not
only with the negotiating team, but I met with Dr. [Ibrahim] Rugova, and
I want to emphasize he takes responsibility for moving this process ahead.
This is one of the key things that needed to be done. We needed someone
here to be taking responsibility for the process. We also briefed some
other people, including Mr. [Adem] Demaçi, to try to keep other
people informed. As Dr. Rugova said Thursday afternoon when he announced
the delegation - when he announced the negotiating team - the door was
open to other people who want to join in. And we intend to make this a
very open process, and we hope others will also participate."
Ambassador Chris Hill then took a few questions.
Asked to elaborate on what the 'long process'
meant ("Does this mean that during this time Kosova will be without Albanians?"),
Hill said he was not sure as to what was implied in that. "I don't to say
this is going to drag on for years or something, but it is a difficult
process. There are some substantial disagreements between the parties.
It is not an easy process, but we are not going to stay out of it; we will
work very hard at it. As I've said many times, an I'll say it again, to
most of you who have just returned from your summer vacations, that we
believe very strongly this is going to be a process solved through negotiations,
no one is going to resolve the problem of Kosovo by arms. It is a problem
that has to be solved at the table, through peaceful and political dialogue,
and that's what we are working on."
Asked to say when the next meeting between the
Albanian and the Serbian sides would be, and whether he would be participating
in it, Ambassador Hill said: "Right now, we are shuttling between the two
sides. I am sure there will be meetings, when meetings are necessary, and
when meetings will produce results. But right now we are shuttling, we
are exploring ideas. Again, it is not easy, but are going to stay at this,
and we are going to stay at it until we succeed."
Asked whether the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA)
was needed really on board, the U.S. Ambassador said for Kosova negotiating
process to be durable, for this process to show results, there was need
for a lot of different people to be on board. "We feel the best way to
get them on board is to show that this is the process, that is a process
supported by the international community, and perhaps most fundamentally
and most importantly, we need a process that yields results. We understand
the challenge of trying to get others on board."
A reporter asked about the concrete plan of resolving
the political status of Kosova. "We are discussing a whole range of issues.
And obviously that will have to be addressed as well.", Ambassador Hill
concluded.
Dr. Agani Calls for Serb Side to Stop Propagandeering over Negotiations
PRISHTINA, Aug 18 (KIC) - On behalf of the Kosova
negotiating team, Dr. Fehmi Agani sent a second letter in two days to the
Serbian Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Ratko Markovic. In it, the chief Kosova
negotiator calls on the Serb side to stop propagandeering over the negotiating
process.
Dr. Fehmi Agani recalls initially that in his
yesterday's letter, he had expressed the wish for talks to resume as soon
as possible. He said he reconfirmed it today, but reaffirmed also the need
for an end to the Serbian violence against the civilian population and
the demand that the Serbian police and military units involved in repression
be pulled out.
"If you have nothing to add, perhaps it would
be useful for you to end the whole game with calls for meetings, which
are obviously timed and designed for propaganda purposes", Dr. Fehmi Agani
said in his letter to the Belgrade's chief negotiator.
The manner and the timing of the meetings will
be arranged by Ambassador Hill, who last evening was in Belgrade and today
in Prishtina, the Kosova negotiator reaffirmed.
Heavy Artillery Explosions in Gjakova Area
Reported
10,000 Albanians living rough in the hills and
forests, in appalling conditions
PRISHTINA, Aug (KIC) - Heavy explosions from Serb
artillery guns targeting villages in the municipality of Gjakova were heard
since the early in the morning today (Tuesday), LDK sources in Gjakova
said. They failed to mention targeted villages by name.
Gunfire was reported in the border area with
Albania overnight.
The body of a killed Albanian, still unidentified,
was taken by the police to the Gjakova morgue yesterday. He was presumed
killed in the village of Stubëll of the Reka e Keqe region.
LDK sources in Gjakova said the Serb security
has embarked on a large campaign of arrests of Albanians. Some 30 Albanians,
who had found refuge in Gjakova, were arrested last night alone, they reported.
Their identity or indeed the motive for their arrest is unknown.
Meanwhile, reports said the displaced Albanian
population - around 10,000 - scattered about the hills and forests in Dushkajë
and Drini river area is appalling.
Local humanitarian organizations have made efforts
to deliver some aid to them, but they have failed since all roads leading
to the area are sealed off by Serb police.
The people who are living rough may starve soon
if international NGOs do not intervene urgently, LDK sources in Gjakova
said.
There are even people in the town of Gjakova
who have not yet been offered shelter, the LDK said, adding that it is
hard to cope with so many new arrivals at a time the population has been
swelled with more than 50,000 refugees.
Serbs Carry On Campaign of Torching Albanian Homes in Peja
PRISHTINA, Aug 18 (KIC) - Serb forces have resumed
today torching the remaining houses in the Loxha village of Peja ('Pec'),
local sources said. Many Albanian houses in the village of Loxhë as
well as Dardania suburbs were set ablaze by Serb troops on Monday.
Witnesses said the houses that have not been
destroyed or burned during the Serb shelling over the weekend are now being
doused with gasoline and set ablaze. Sources have said lately that Serbs
have brought truckloads of bottles filled with gasoline, which have been
used for dousing and burning property and houses of Albanians in Kosova.
Killed and Wounded Serb Policemen Reported
in Kosova
Serb press says the bodies of two Serb policemen
were found in Loxhë
PRISHTINA, Aug 18 (KIC) - The Serbian police has
found in the village of Loxhë, near Pejë, the bodies of two Serb
policemen who were wounded and taken hostage on 6 July by the members of
the UÇK (Kosova Liberation Army), the Serb Dnevni Telegraf daily
reported. It added that another Serb policemen died yesterday in a Belgrade
hospital of wounds he had received.
Meanwhile, a Serb policeman was killed and another
wounded yesterday by automatic fire in the village of Duhël, in the
municipality of Suhareka, the Serb press reported.
On Sunday evening, on the Prizren-Gjakova roadway,
near Landovica, two Serb policemen were wounded, one of them seriously,
the press said, adding that the traffic police patrol was attacked from
a Golf-made car.
An armed group of Albanians attacked yesterday
Serb policemen in Stantërg ('Stari Trg'), near Mitrovica. A policeman
was reported wounded according to the Serb press.
Serb Troops Resume Attacking Village in Suhareka
PRISHTINA, Aug 18 (KIC) - The village of Sllapuzhan
in Suhareka was pounded again for over one hour with heavy artillery on
Monday evening from 9 through 10 p.m., the KIC field sources said. The
village was attacked with machine-gun fire as well as a couple of heavy
missiles. The echo of detonations was heard in the town of Suhareka itself,
the local LDK Information Commission reported. The Commission said it had
no immediate reports about possible casualties.
Sllapuzhan and three other villages in the municipality
of Suhareka - Duhla, Bllaca and Maqiteva - were attacked on several occasions
by Serb troops last weekend. Two of them, Duhla and Bllaca, were turned
into rubble on Saturday, when Serb infantry set afire whatever had been
left in the wake of continued shelling.
Serbs Hold Hostage Son of LDK Activist in Kaçanik
PRISHTINA, Aug 18 (KIC) - Arben Berisha (19) from
Doganaj village of Kaçanik has been reported held as hostage by
Serb police since Monday afternoon. The Serbs threatened they would not
let the boy free until his father, head of the local LDK sub-branch, shows
up himself in the Serb police station in the town.
The LDK chapter in Kaçanik said three
Serb policemen asked for Hamit Berisha at his place in Doganaj village.
As Mr. Berisha was not at home, Serbs apprehended his son Arben instead.
Serb Supreme Court Extends Imprisonment Term for 12 Albanians
PRISHTINA, Aug 18 (KIC) - The Serbian Supreme
Court ruled last week that 12 Albanians from Rahovec and surrounding villages
would have their pre-trial detenttion extended for two additional months.
The detainees - Hazir Krasniqi, Osman Kastrati,
Gani Morina, Qemajl Bytyçi, Sali Bytyçi, Hidajet Morina,
Nehat Bytyçi, Arsim Morina, Besim Kastrati, Ramadan Morina, Zenel
Rrustemi and Agim Morina - were rounded up by Serb forces about one month
ago.
The Serb court authorities have accused them
for alleged hostile activity and terrorism.
According to the defending attorney, Mr. Sylë
Hoxha, they were not apprehended in the fighting, but rather while working
in the fields and on their way back home. The court lacks evidence in support
of the charges and all the defendants have denied involvement in alleged
hostile activities, he said.
Dozens of Albanians have been indicted by Serb
court authorities over the past months, facing terrorism-related charges.
According to the Serb media charges were brought
against at least 140 Albanians from Rahovec, Suhareka and Malisheva municipalities
last month alone.
Kosova Information Center
Last page!
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Quoting is allowed only if the source of the information is specified
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From "Blic" DailyDevic: August 18, 1998.
After eight months of living under a blockade by the KLA the access to the Serbian Orthodox monastery of Devic in Drenica was normalized again on August 5. The nine-member sisterhood of this Serbian monastery is relieved after months of molestation, Blic daily writes in its today's issue. The monastery abbess Anastasija says: "I have been in Devic monastery for 38 years, but there has not been a more difficult period in my life than these past eight months. We believe that a person without faith could not have been able to endure all the things we have endured". Abbes Anastasija said that not a single window was left whole on monastery farm facilities. She also complained that eggs from hen-houses were stolen, fences burned, agricultural machinery taken away, and that the monastery was shelled during the retreat of the KLA, which made damage on the church roof.
-END-
--
Decani Monastery
38322 Decani, Serbia, Yugoslavia
http://www.decani.yunet.comE-mail: decani@EUnet.yu
tel (fax) +381 390 61543
+381 390 61567
BC-ALBANIA-KOSOVE-MALISHEVE_______________________________________________________________________
Serb forces continue to torch and ruin Malisheve villagesPRISHTINE, August 18 (ata) - Serb police and paramilitary forces continue to set ablaze and ruin villages of Malisheve (Central Kosove;) two days ago they torched some quarters of Bubavec and Drenoc precisely in the time when inhabitants were resettling in their homes, Kosove Information Centre (KIC) reports referring to LDK sources in Malisheve.
A grave situation prevails among the displaced population of the commune of Malisheve, who is mainly on the mountains. Many residents of t he districts of Gjakove and Decan joined these days over 5 000 displaced people in the mount Ponorc and 4 000 others in the mountains of Llapceve.
Yesterday, a Serb police expedition blocked the roads leading to and out of village Osek-Hyle of Gjakove (near the border with Albania) and went into some houses under the pretext of looking for arms, LDK sources in Gjakove report. The same sources said that people from the villages hit during the latest offensive of the Serb forces have continued to come to Gjakove also yesterday. A part of the population, 10 000 people, mainly women, elderly and children, are without any shelter, food and medical care in the mountains of Dushkaje, Anesdrin and in the mountains of Reka e Keqe. Their state is rather grave and besides hunger, they a re risking various diseases. There are about 50 000 people who have fled their h omes and are settled in the city of Gjakove and its suburbs. /p.ta/-pas/xh/Kosova and Belgrade negotiators will not meet today
PRISHTINE, August 18 /ATA correspondent in Prishtine Behlul Jashari reports:
The meeting of the Kosova and Belgrade negotiators, planned for 14:00, will not be held in Prishtine today.
"If the deputy head of the Serbian government, Ratko Markovic, (head of the Serb delegation), has nothing to say about haltng violence and withdrawing Serbian forces, then, we have nothing to talk about," Dr. Fehmi Agani, head of the Kosova negotiating team, told ATA correspondent in Prishtine today.
Agani said that Markovic leaves these things aside and invites Albanians to a meeting today.
"The invitation of the Serbian government head has been timed for propaganda," said Agani, adding that the way of continuing talks will be decided by U.S. ambassador Hill, who was in Belgrade yesterday and in Prishtine today.
Agani made this statement after a meeting of the Kosova negotiating team today, which is also expected to meet with the U.S. diplomat engaged in Kosova, Christopher Hill.
Hill is also expected to meet today with the President of the Republic of Kosova, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova.
European commissioner on humanitarian affairs, Ema Bonino, is expected to arrive in Prishtine this afternoon. /Sh.Dh/lm/Slovenian of Albanian origin injured in Tropoje
BAJRAM CURRI, August 18 (ATA)-By R.Hoxha,
A Slovenian national of Albanian origin was injured by gun fire in the Bajram Curri town late on Monday.
Chief of the Tropoje district police commissariat Fatmir Meta told ATA that Hysen Maliqi was injured at the partizani quarter of Bajram Curri on Monday at 21:45.
Sources from the city's hospital say that his health condition after the first medical aid is not life threatening.
Meta said that the mobile unit of the commissariat was immediately rushed to the area and took to the police station three persons, suspected of committing the crime.
The three are Kosovars and the injury is thought to have been committed out of revenge. The investigating team is working to find out the motives of the crime. /das/lm/Milo says NATO must intervene in Kosova
-Albania's Foreign Minister meets with Interior Minister of LuxembourgTIRANA, August 18 (ATA)-By I. Luto,
Albania's Foreign Minister Paskal Milo told Luxembourg's Minister of Public Forces, Alex Bodry, on Tuesday that only NATO's intervention could help come out of the crisis in Kosova, according to the Foreign Ministry press department.
Bosnia's experience showed that in order to arrive at dialogue the international community should address itself to dynamic action on the ground, said the Albanian minister.
Milo regarded the military exercises underway in Albania today as a message the international community, especially NATO, is sending to Milosevic.
Alex Bodry, who arrived in Tirana on Monday, has conducted working meetings with his counterpart Perikli Teta, at the Ministry of Public Order.
Bodry expressed the support of the Government of Luxemburg for Albania and the Albanian government, a support which will consist in a close and concrete cooperation in various fields, especially in maintaining Order. /das/lm/Meidani meets chairman of parliament's Foreign Policy commission
TIRANA, August 18 (ATA)-By Y.Pata,
Housing of the Kosova refugees was in the focus of a meeting on Tuesday of the President of the Republic, Rexhep Meidani, with the chairman of the parliamentary Foreign Policy Commission, Sabri Godo, held at the latter's request.
After the meeting Godo told ATA that "I complained to the President of the grave situation of the Kosova refugees and set forward my remarks as regards the measures the government has taken for their treatment."
Godo said that urgent measures should be taken to house the arriving Kosovars. "The president was much preoccupied about the situation of the refugees and pledged to ask the respective bodies to improve the situation," said Godo.
While fierce fighting continues in Kosova and the military machine of Milosevic has killed hundreds of Albanians and destroyed whole areas, tens of women, children and old people continue to arrive in Tropoje every day.
The government has charged a special envoy in Tropoje, Taulant Dede, to deal with the housing of the Kosova refugees. To this end, he is cooperating with the local government and international humanitarian organisations, operating in aid of the new comers. /das/lm/
"Coordinative Assembly" starts concrete operations_______________________________________________________________________
- parachutists land on military base of Bize -BIZE, August 17 (ata) - By Enkelejda Koraqi:
Concrete fighting operations of the joint NATO exercises codenamed "Coordinative Assembly" started on Monday. After the opening ceremony at Rinas airport, the first operations programmed for Monday were concentrated on the international base of Bize.
After the flags of 14 participating countries were raised, the peacekeeping troops were installed in the location prepared long ago in the biggest military base of Albania.
At about 1 p.m. a NATO Harrier transport aircraft flew on the Albanian space and in a two-hour time nearly 60 parachutists demonstrated their landing. On the first day of the exercise, the program included medical evacuation, close air support and air-drop procedures.
The exercise will last on August 22, 1998.
Taking part in the exercise are about 2000 naval troops, pilots and marines of NATO, 300 of whom are Albanian commandos. 75 planes and helicopters will also take part in the exercise.
The Cooperative Assembly is directed by commander-in-chief of Southern Europe Allied Forces, Admiral T. Joseph Lopez.
On the second day of the exercise, the NATO troops are expected to realise a mine-sweeping demonstration in Kruje, search and rescue operations and other operations. /y.pa/pas/xh/Serb shells 1000 meters in Albanian territory
BAJRAM CURRI, August 18 (ata) - By Riza Hoxha:
Three shells of the Serb army fell up to 1000 meters in the Albanian territory in Tropoje district, near the border villages Padesh and Kamenice.
The chief of police commissariat of Tropoje district, Fatmir Meta told ATA that at about 9.10 a.m. on Tuesday and later Serb army has opened artillery fire on the border line between Albania and Yugoslavia.
The shells falling near the villages have forced the residents there to take away the children and women and be ready for anything to happen.
"In face of such a situation," said Meta, "police forces of the district have gone to the spot immediately and to adopt the necessary measures to stabilize the situation." /a.ke/pas/xh/
NATO BEGINS THE MANOUVRES NORTH EAST OF ALBANIA_______________________________________________________________________The Albanian officials talk about a force demonstration to Belgrade,
whereas the NATO official are prudentFrom our special envoy
Tirana 18 august ENTER/ About 1 700 troops from 14 NATO- countries and the Paternership for Peace and around 60 planes and helicopters began Monday joint manoeuvres in Albania which started with a ceremony at the only international airport of Albania, Rinas.The manoeuvres are considered in a way a indirect international pressure on Belgrade " for the isolation" of the conflict within Kosova and presenting Albania as an ally of NATO.
Admiral T.Joseph Lopez, commander in chief of the allied forces of Southern Europe said that NATO is making plans before the crises, but he did t like to consider these manoeuvres as a direct show to Belgrade."These manoeuvres are not directed to any side or separate element in Kosova or Belgrade, but aim the stability in the region,as the other manoeuvres of the paternership on Peace", he said to the journalists in Rinas.
Lopez said that he "hopes that Belgrade and any warmonger in the region will receive the same message -that NATO is ready. We are using the lessons received in Bosnia".
Admiral spoke on a number of possibilities and alternatives be used, including the fighting operations by NATO. "We always plan ahead,if the decision making organs in Brussels and other capitals would ask such thing"said Lopez.
The Albanian leaders said openly that the manoeuvres are a pressure on the Belgrade government to end the fightings in Kosova.The Albanian premier Fatos Nano said to the journalists that these manoeuvres send the necessary messages to the people that are massacred and say to them to work for a peaceful solution.The Defence minister Luan Hajdaga denounced the state violence in Kosova .In the ceremony participated the Albanian president Meidani, premier Nano, defence minister Hajdaga and the western diplomats in Albania.One of the leaders of the Albanian opposition Azem Hajdari opposed the presence of the Russian troops in these manoeuvres, considering this as a deep concession to those that have supported the Serbs in the massacre of Bosnia.NEW SERB SHELLS ON THE ALBANIAN TERRITORY
TIRANE,18AUGUST/ENTER/- Sources from the Public order ministry said to Enter that Tuesday morning three Serb shells had blasted one km within the Albanian territory. These sources stressed that the villages of Padesh and kamenice had been objects of these shells and the shootings were heard during all the night and morning along the Albanian border. The sources said that the forces of the local police and special troops are following closely the situation.
Fierce attacks and bombing by Serb forces have turned to "a scorched earth" and have applied an ethnic cleansing among the Albanians on the zones bordering Albania, in the suburbs of Gjakove and Decan. Also Junik, a village with more than 8 000 inhabitants, quite near the border, the biggest in Kosove, has been evacuated two days ago following the latest Serb offensive. The great ethnic cleansing has been extended in the areas bordering Albania in the outskirts of Prizren and Dragash, after the attacks by Serb forces in the villages of Verrin and Opoje. Today's reports say that the Albanian population in the village Ragove i Has of Prizren is leaving because of the concentrations of and threats by Serb forces.SERB FORCES SHELL CITY OF SUHAREKA
PRISHTINE, 18 August/enter/ - During the past 24 hours the city of Suhareke and its outskirts were hit by Serb forces. Last night, Serb forces shelled many houses and shops along the main road. Over the night, tanks, heavy artillery pieces and mine-launchers were directed to village Sllapushan and Nisari of Suhareka. Sources of the Council of Human Rights in Suhareke said that bullets were fired also in Suhereke today, while in the outskirts of Qafe e Dules, Serb forces have started bombing since 10 a.m. According to sources from the field, material damage are considerable but still there are no reports of the casualties.
KOSOVA (burnt soil – Pejë)_________________________________________________________________________
In Loxhë and Graboc, the remains from shelling are burnt with gasolinePejë, 17 August (ARTA) 2030CET--
According to field sources, during the last attacks against Pejë villages, in Graboc no house was spared from shelling with surface to surface and air-surface missiles. Furthermore, the houses, which have been less damaged from the shelling were burnt with gasoline afterwards.
Loxhë was squared to the ground, while the houses of Raushiq are burnt partly. Many houses in Dardania III suburb of Pejë are burnt too.
In the course of present day there was no shelling conducted but the smoke from the burnt villages is still noticeable.
Meanwhile the stipulations for giving up the weapons continue, and they indulge also the confrontations e.g. in Ozrim village and in Kapeshnicë suburb in Pejë. According to the inhabitants of these localities, there was no organized arming, but as they say, this could be only a pretext for possible attacks in these dwellings inhabited mainly with Albanians.KOSOVA (burnt soil – Malishevë)
Serb police continues burning housesMalishevë, 17 August (ARTA) 1630CET--
Serb police continues to apply very carefully the policy of the burnt soil in Malishevë municipality. Accordingly, yesterday, burning was focused in Bubavec and Drenoc villages, starting in the afternoon and continue throughout the whole night.
It is noteworthy that the most massive burning are being applied in the areas near the positions of the police forces, aiming to keep it under control. Aside from this, shots from machine guns and snipers have not stopped at all. The Albanian houses, with those few people who have not escaped, and those who are trying to return, are the targets of Serb police.
Two days ago, police shot after a tractor full of people and they survived only by accident. Nevertheless, three shells were fired in this village, but fortunately, there were no victims. Some of the people who have remained within the police siege say that living has become very difficult because of the everyday shooting.KOSOVA (burnt soil – Fushë Kosovë)
Police burnt most of the harvestsFushë-Kosovë--Obiliq, 17 August (ARTA) 1800CET--
Many Obiliq and Fushë Kosovë municipal villages are still empty or half empty, surrounded from all sides with Serb paramilitary forces. Former workers of "Elektro-Kosova", who have brutally beaten up many of their Albanian colleagues, mainly comprise these paramilitary units.
A group of inhabitants from Bardhi i Madh went to the police station to get permission for harvesting, but they got a strange response.
"If you want to work on your field, you must accept RTS (Serbian Radio and Television) film you working", said a policeman to the group of peasants from Bardhi i Madh. Unfortunately, some of the people have accepted this condition, even though their number was very small.
On the other hand, most of the harvest fields of Graboc i Madh, Shipitull and Hade were burnt by the Serb police.
Furthermore, in these above-mentioned villages, it is impossible to enter because of the continuous sniper shooting.KOSOVA (IDPs in the valley – Deçan)
Alarming reports on IDPsDeçan, 17 August (ARTA) 2200CET--
"The situation of the IDPs in this area is very dramatic. The area encompasses the territory between Isniq and Lugu i Baranit, is completely besieged. Near the riverbank of Bistricë e Deçanit, many people are staying on tractors. There is a shortage of food. Since tomorrow, people could die from hunger", informs the CI of LDK branch in Deçan. "Foreign journalists and an ICRC team came to Broliq. The number of the concentrated people is 70-80 thousand. They come from Rekë e Keqe, Gramaçel, Baballoç and Prejlep, all areas involved by the war. In Pejë area, many people are situated in the isolated "spot" between Loxhë and Raushiq.
People are willing to go back into their homes, but all the corridors are closed. Over 8.000 people have gone into the mountains and forests through a path near Strellc. It is impossible to get through the mountains to Montenegro. The situation there is very bad too.KOSOVA (IDPs don’t return home)
The dislocated do not feel safe to go back homeDrenica, 17 August (ARTA) 1730CET--
The situation in the Albanian region of Llapushë, municipality of Malishevë is getting tenser each time. The population of over 32 villages of this area, have flooded the forests and somewhat safer places, in order to avoid the Serb massacres, ever since the Serb army offensive on Gryka e Llapushnikut and against everything Albanian in Drenica and Llapushë, for more than four weeks now.
Now the Serbs, after destroying the Albanian houses make appeals for their return home as "the safety is guaranteed by the Serb forces".
they even say to the world that "the government of Serbia will help the reconstruction of houses, burned by the Albanian `terrorist'".
While the Serb authorities make calls to the inhabitants of the region of Llapushë and Drenica, to go back home, the Serb police right before the dusk, continues to burn the Albanian houses and properties in Bubavec, Llozicë, Drenoc, Carallukë etc. "As long as the Serb police and paramilitary stand right above us, we do not feel safe to even come close to village, not to mention going inside our houses", say Agim Javori, Shaip Dobruna, Hasan Gashi and Murat Kryeziu, who along with their large families have been staying in
Përroi e Keq, in the village of Tërpezë.
The same situation is also with the residents of the southern Drenica, the villages Nekoc, Kishnarekë, Fushticë e Epërme and Fushticë e Poshtme, Shalë etc., who due to the frequent shelling by the Serb forces have fled into the forest. Due to the lack of the food items and medical treatment, the situation of the sheltered in the forest of Drenica is getting more serious each time.
"Eventually, the world will be convinced that we Albanians and the soldiers of the freedom have not lost our minds to burn down our own houses, as the Serb propaganda states", claimed the people sheltered in the forest.KOSOVA (unburied corpses – Drenica)
Many corpses remain unburiedDrenica, 17 August (ARTA) 1700CET--
Two KLA soldiers found a burned unidentified corpse at the entrance of the village of Morinë.
On the other hand, the bodies of Kadri Nuhiu (88) and of two other unidentified persons, who were killed 20 days ago, still remain in the cellar of the house of Emin Pajaziti, in the village of Qubrel.
Their burial is presently impossible because the village is under a strict control by Serb forces, informs Fazli Dërguti and other Albanian sources.
In the village of Burojë, as a result of giving birth in the forest and the lack of medical treatment, 5 babies have died. Two cases of children's death were also evidenced in the village of Tushilë, Albanian sources inform.KOSOVA (shooting – Suharekë)
Police shot into the Albanian houses and shopsSuharekë, 17 August (ARTA) 2000CET--
Yesterday, a convoy of Serb police which was going in the direction of Biraç, suddenly started to shoot into the Albanian houses and nearby shops at the center of the town, state the information sources in Suharekë.
Some of the shops are damaged especially those of "Benaf" enterprise, as well as the house of Sahit Kuqi where the bullets have penetrated even inside the house.
Moreover, the tense situation prevails also in other municipal villages, which are the target of Serb police, especially villages Sllapuzhan and Maqitevë, while the locals from Bllacë village inform about continuous destruction of the houses and properties of people who have been out of the village since four weeks now.KOSOVA (tortured to death – Ferizaj)
Cen Dugolli died in prisonFerizaj, 17 August (ARTA) 2000CET--
Cen Dugolli died today in Prishtina’s Surgical Clinic, after previously being subjected to a surgical intervention as a consequence of the injuries he received from the severe tortures in prison. He was arrested on 21 June since when he was held in detention as the investigating procedure went on.
Cen Dugolli is one of the arrested activists of Ferizaj, investigated for hostile activities. The rest of the arrested are also being subjected to brutal police treatment. A few days ago, another of the arrested, Rexhep Bislimi, was also tortured to death.
On the other hand, one of the defense attorneys of the late Cen Dugolli, Destan Rukiqi, was arrested because he was determined to visit his client in prison. He is also in a critical health condition, due to the severe tortures. Dugolli’s other defense attorney, I. Neziri, disturbed by the news of the death of his client, said that "nine days ago, I visited him at the prison of Prishtina and I saw on his face marks of torture and you could tell that he was tired". Whereas, today, according to him, "his family that went to visit Cen in prison was told by the police that, he is ill and he was sent to the hospital to get medical treatment".KOSOVA (paramilitary presence – Podujevë)
In Orllan the number of the Serb paramilitary increasesPodujevë, 17 August (ARTA) 2100CET--
Sources of information in Podujevë, notify that Serb police, during their patrolling, stop the civilian vehicles each time they think they are "suspicious". Today, a group of Serb soldiers, stopped a vehicle of civilians, who were searched thoroughly as the owners and the passengers were identified.
On the other hand, sources claim that the number of the Serb paramilitary in the village of Orllan is increasing and that Serb armed civilians come also from the localities surrounding Orllan provoking the residents.
The Serbs posted by the Batllavë Lake, constantly shoot in the direction of the dam, during the late night hours.KOSOVA (arrests – Prizren)
Six arrested in a raidPrizren, 17 August (ARTA) 1530CET--
"Koha Ditore" sources state that last evening at 2200CET, near the "ABA" cafeteria in Prizren, 5-6 policemen arrested 6 Albanians. The arrested persons are Naser Sezallari (39), Ferid Tafallari (34) (activists of CDHRF) and four others whose names were not yet revealed.
Serb police sent the arrested people to the police station and after they were identified, they released Naser Sezallari, while there is no information about five others.
Almost simultaneously, Serb police raided the "ABA" cafeteria and checked the IDs of all people that were inside.
It is suspected that the police raid was conducted in order to find people usually living in Vërrin and Tusus neighborhoods in Prizren.KOSOVA (detention – Prizren)
The 12 arrested from Ratkoc were extended the detention for two more monthsPrizren, 17 August (ARTA) 1900CET--
The Supreme Court of Serbia decided to extend the detention term of the 12 people Ratkoc, for another two more months, i.e., until 12 October. Hazir Krasniqi, Osman Kastrati, Gani Morina, Qemajl Bytyçi, Hidajet Morina, Nehat Bytyçi, Arsim Morina, Besim Kastrati, Ramadan Morina, Zenel Rrustemi and Agim Morina, who were arrested over one month ago, will wait for the proceedings to continue in prison.
They are all charged with "terrorism".KOSOVA (interrogation – Gjilan)
Trade-unionists in "informative talks"Gjilan, 17 August, (ARTA) 1900CET--
A new campaign of arrests and "invitations" for "informative talks" of trade union and political activists is being conducted in Gjilan municipality. Police arrested Avdullah Tahiri from Malishevë (Gjilan municipality), a trade-union activist, while his house and that of his kinfolk was raided.
Two witnesses, who have been taken by police, were handcuffed during the raid. However, CDHRF in Gjilan informs that today one police van and two cars full with policemen went to Avdullah Tahiri’s house, to raid it again.
The same source informs that beside the above-mentioned person who is still under arrest, Hevzi Gjelili, Naim Rasimi and Rexhep Shemsiu, members of ITU steering board of the local branch in Perlepnicë, Vehbi Kçiku - chairman of Bresalc branch, Ibrahim Salihu and Abdyrrahim Musliu ITU activists in Livoç i Epërm were "invited" for "informative talks".KOSOVA (Serb civilians attack – Gjilan)
Hysen Hyseni was abducted, beaten and robbedGjilan, 17 August (ARTA) 1900CET--
Yesterday at 1730CET, three young Serbs abducted a cigarette seller from Gjilan, Hysen Hyseni (1980), while he was doing his "job". They pushed him at the entrance of a building near the Big Mosque of the town, claims the CDHRF in Gjilan.
Once in the building, they robbed 2.000 dinars and hit him on the head with the pistol butt until he fainted.KOSOVA (police brutality – Mitrovicë)
No bread to sell – gets beaten in exchangeMitrovicë, 17 August (ARTA) 1630CET--
This morning, for the fourth time within the past ten days, the Serb police raided the house of Nexhmedin Llausha, who was arrested ten days ago.
Blerim Sadriu was also beaten until he passed out, by the police near the post office in Mitrovicë, with the pretext that he "drove terrorists in his car".
In the meantime, the police beat bakers Vahid Salihu and Lavdim Brahimi from Dushanovë, only because Vahid did not have any bread to sell to them. He is now under an intensive medical treatment, due to the severe injuries.KOSOVA (People’s Movement of Kosova – communiqué)
"Negotiating group - instead of genuine national institutions"Switzerland, 16 August (ARTA) 2000CET—
In a communiqué issued by the People’s Movement of Kosova (LPK) it is stated:
"In this historical turning point, in the time when Kosova badly needs the unity of Albanian political forces, and when it is evident that only the fusion and acting as one nation is the guarantee for freedom, the worn-out gentlemen hit a blow to the struggle for freedom and democracy, in this way satisfying the aspirations of our enemy.
The failed forces that are afraid from unification in our struggle for freedom, rushed to "erect" a negotiating group, as a substitute of the genuine national institutions.
LPK condemns such counter-national actions and gives the ultimate warning to the counter-national elements, that destructive actions will not be tolerated anymore, but they will be adequately castigated.
LPK hails the KLA decision to appoint Adem Demaçi in the presiding position for creating the genuine national institutions and to unite the Albanian political forces towards democracy and freedom.
LPK will uphold and help in building up the legislative and executive institutions of Kosova, it will support and help these bodies in the same way it has helped so far the struggle for liberation.
The Albanian nation has someone to protect it, it has its sons and its daughters, it has the Kosova Liberation Army which will not allow its national dignity and honor to be violated by the worn-out gentlemen.
LPK appeals the Albanian nation to join around the KLA and support Demaçi in building up the genuine national institutions".
LINK to further press news
LINK to further press news_______________________________________________________________________
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