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     Tagesnachrichten 10. Maerz 1999
     von AP, from ALBANEWS and others
     News of the day - March 10, 1999
     Kosova Information Center : Daily Report No 1716

Please excuse this site is not better formated.

         Die Bibel sagt  -  The Bible says

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1. Meldungen von web.de
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Meldung vom 10.03.1999 20:07 http://seite1.web.de/show/36E6C21A.AP1/

Milosevic weiter unnachgiebig

Holbrooke zu Marathon-Verhandlungen in Belgrad - Brennende Dörfer im Kosovo

Belgrad/Pristina (AP) Trotz des Drucks von US-Vermittler Richard Holbrooke und der Drohung mit Nato-Luftangriffen hat der jugoslawische Präsident Slobodan Milosevic am Mittwoch erneut seine unnachgiebige Haltung im Kosovo-Konflikt bekräftigt. «Ausländische Truppen haben in unserem Land nichts zu suchen», erklärte Milosevic in bezug auf die Pläne, Nato-Soldaten in der serbischen Unruheprovinz zu stationieren. Am Abend setzte er die Gespräche mit Holbrooke nach mehrstündiger Unterbrechung fort. Aus dem Kosovo wurden unterdessen anhaltende Kämpfe gemeldet.

Ein Sprecher Holbrookes wies Berichte zurück, wonach dieser Milosevic Zugeständnisse für den Fall gemacht habe, daß Belgrad der Entsendung einer internationalen Friedenstruppe in das Kosovo zustimme. «Dies ist völlig falsch», sagte Philip Reeker. Aus diplomatischen Kreisen war zuvor verlautet, Holbrooke habe Milosevic vorgeschlagen, die wirtschaftlichen und politischen Sanktionen teilweise aufzuheben, wenn Belgrad die Entsendung einer internationalen Friedenstruppe akzeptiere.

Die Regierung in Belgrad lehnt den Entwurf eines Friedensabkommens bisher strikt ab, weil sie der Stationierung von 28.000 Nato-Soldaten im Kosovo nicht zustimmen will. Die Kosovo-Albaner haben hingegen ihre Unterschrift unter das Abkommen angekündigt. Der UCK-Vertreter in London, Pleurat Sejdiu, sagte jedoch am Mittwoch, die Kosovo-Befreiungsarmee (UCK) werde das Abkommen nicht unterschreiben, wenn die Angriffe auf die Dörfer anhielten. Die Gespräche sollen am Montag in Paris wiederaufgenommen werden, nachdem sie am 23. Februar ohne konkretes Ergebnis unterbrochen wurden.

Während der Belgrader Gespräche Holbrookes standen im Grenzgebiet von Kosovo zu Mazedonien nach UN-Angaben mindestens vier Dörfer in Flammen. «Die Situation verschlechtert sich eher, als daß sie sich vor Wiederaufnahme der Friedensgespräche verbessert», sagte der Sprecher des UN-Flüchtlingshilfswerks (UNHCR), Kris Janowski. Serbische Armee- und Polizeieinheiten führen seit mehreren Tagen mit Unterstützung von Panzern eine Offensive im Grenzgebiet. Aus der Umgebung von Podujevo wurden am Mittwoch Kämpfe zwischen serbischen Einheiten und der UCK gemeldet. Beobachter der Organisation für Sicherheit und Zusammenarbeit in Europa (OSZE) berichteten auch von Gefechten entlang der Straße von Malisevo nach Lapusnik.

Am (morgigen) Donnerstag will sich auch der russische Außenminister Igor Iwanow in Belgrad in die Friedensbemühungen einschalten. Rußland lehnt Nato-Luftangriffe gegen Serbien ab, wie sie von der Nato für den Fall einer Ablehnung des Friedensplans durch Belgrad angedroht worden sind.

Der Vorsitzende des Nato-Militärausschusses, der deutsche General Klaus Naumann, sagte am Mittwoch, bis zum Wochenende solle die Notfall-Truppe im Nachbarland Mazedonien auf 9.000 aufgestockt werden. Zehn Partnerstaaten haben sich bislang bereit erklärt, sich an der Mission zu beteiligen.

© AP

AP-Nachrichten - The Associated Press News Service, Copyright 1999 The Associated Press, alle Rechte vorbehalten. Die in AP-Nachrichten enthaltenen Informationen dürfen ohne vorherige ausdrückliche schriftliche Erlaubnis von Associated Press weder veröffentlicht, noch gesendet, umgeschrieben oder weiterverbreitet werden. Die Nutzung dieses Dienstes unterliegt den Nutzungsbedingungen.

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Meldung vom 10.03.1999 19:06 http://seite1.web.de/show/36E6B3CB.AP1/

Berichte über Zugeständnisse Holbrookes zurückgewiesen

Russischer Außenminister Iwanow reist nach Belgrad

Belgrad (AP) Der Sprecher des amerikanischen Gesandten Richard Holbrooke hat Berichte zurückgewiesen, wonach dieser dem jugoslawischen Präsidenten Slobodan Milosevic Zugeständnisse für den Fall gemacht habe, daß Belgrad der Entsendung einer internationalen Friedenstruppe in die serbische Provinz Kosovo zustimme. «Dies ist völlig falsch», sagte Philip Reeker.

Zuvor verlautete aus diplomatischen Kreisen, Holbrooke habe Milosevic vorgeschlagen, die wirtschaftlichen und politischen Sanktionen teilweise aufzuheben, wenn Belgrad die Entsendung einer internationalen Friedenstruppe akzeptiere. Der US-Gesandte will die Belgrader Führung zur Annahme des Friedensplanes der Balkan-Kontaktgruppe für das Kosovo bewegen. Die Kosovo-Albaner haben ihre Unterschrift unter das Abkommen angekündigt.

Auch der russische Außenminister Igor Iwanow will sich in die Friedensbemühungen einschalten. Wie am Mittwoch mitgeteilt wurde, wird er am (morgigen) Donnerstag zu Gesprächen in Belgrad erwartet. Rußland lehnt Nato-Luftangriffe gegen Serbien ab, wie sie von der Nato für den Fall einer Ablehnung des Friedensplans durch Belgrad angedroht worden sind.

© AP

AP-Nachrichten - The Associated Press News Service, Copyright 1999 The Associated Press, alle Rechte vorbehalten. Die in AP-Nachrichten enthaltenen Informationen dürfen ohne vorherige ausdrückliche schriftliche Erlaubnis von Associated Press weder veröffentlicht, noch gesendet, umgeschrieben oder weiterverbreitet werden. Die Nutzung dieses Dienstes unterliegt den Nutzungsbedingungen.

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Meldung vom 10.03.1999 18:39 http://seite1.web.de/show/36E6AD70.AP1/

Auch Griechenland entzieht JAT die Landerechte

Belgrad (AP) Als letztes Land der Europäischen Union hat Griechenland ein Flugverbot für Flugzeuge der staatlichen jugoslawischen Gesellschaft JAT verhängt. Das teilte das Luftfahrtunternehmen am Mittwoch in Belgrad mit. JAT werde wegen des Verbots am Freitag die Flüge nach Griechenland einstellen, hieß es. Alle anderen EU-Staaten haben bereits seit September der jugoslawischen Fluggesellschaft die Landerechte entzogen. Die Maßnahme ist eine Reaktion auf das Vorgehen der serbischen Sicherheitskräfte gegen die Kosovo-Albaner.

© AP

AP-Nachrichten - The Associated Press News Service, Copyright 1999 The Associated Press, alle Rechte vorbehalten. Die in AP-Nachrichten enthaltenen Informationen dürfen ohne vorherige ausdrückliche schriftliche Erlaubnis von Associated Press weder veröffentlicht, noch gesendet, umgeschrieben oder weiterverbreitet werden. Die Nutzung dieses Dienstes unterliegt den Nutzungsbedingungen.

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Meldung vom 10.03.1999 16:36 http://seite1.web.de/show/36E69095.AP1/

Holbrooke zu Marathon-Verhandlungen in Belgrad

Erste Gesprächsrunde nach dreieinhalb Stunden unterbrochen

- Brennende Dörfer im Kosovo

Belgrad/Pristina (AP) Trotz anhaltender Kämpfe im Kosovo will der amerikanische Gesandte Richard Holbrooke die serbische Führung zum Einlenken bewegen und die Voraussetzungen für eine erfolgreiche Fortsetzung der Kosovo-Friedensgespräche schaffen. Holbrooke sprach am Mittwoch dreieinhalb Stunden lang mit dem jugoslawischen Präsidenten Slobodan Milosevic, bevor die Beratungen unterbrochen wurden. In der Zwischenzeit wollte er die Lage mit seiner Regierung in Washington sondieren.

Nach Informationen aus diplomatischen Kreisen schlug Holbrooke Milosevic am Mittwoch vor, die wirtschaftlichen und politischen Sanktionen teilweise aufzuheben, wenn Belgrad die Entsendung einer internationalen Friedenstruppe in die serbische Provinz akzeptiert. Vor Beginn der Gespräche warnte Holbrooke die serbische Führung vor einem Kollisionskurs und fügte hinzu: «Uns trennen nur wenige Tage von einer Tragödie noch größerer Ausmaße.» Holbrooke traf am Mittwoch auch mit Vertretern der internationalen Bosnien-Kontaktgruppe zu Beratungen über das weitere Vorgehen zusammen.

Die Regierung in Belgrad lehnt den Entwurf eines Friedensabkommens bisher strikt ab, weil sie der Stationierung von 28.000 Nato-Soldaten im Kosovo nicht zustimmen will. Die Vertreter der Kosovo-Albaner haben hingegen ihre Unterschrift unter das Abkommen angekündigt. Der UCK-Vertreter in London, Pleurat Sejdiu, sagte jedoch am Mittwoch in einem BBC-Interview, die UCK werde das Abkommen nicht unterschrieben, wenn die Angriffe auf die Dörfer anhielten. Die Gespräche sollen am kommenden Montag in Paris wiederaufgenommen werden, nachdem sie am 23. Februar ohne konkretes Ergebnis unterbrochen worden waren.

Während der Belgrader Gespräche Holbrookes standen im Grenzgebiet von Kosovo zu Mazedonien nach UN-Angaben mindestens vier Dörfer in Flammen. «Die Situation verschlechtert sich eher, als daß sie sich vor Wiederaufnahme der Friedensgespräche verbessert», sagte der Sprecher des UN-Flüchtlingshilfswerks (UNHCR), Kris Janowski.

Serbische Armee- und Polizeieinheiten führen seit mehreren Tagen mit Unterstützung von Panzern eine Offensive im Kosovo-Grenzgebiet zu Mazedonien. Das Dorf Kotlina war am Mittwoch von drei Seiten von serbischen Soldaten umstellt. «Sie haben das Gefühl, daß sie in ihrem eigenen Dorf gefangen sind», sagte UNHCR-Sprecherin Paula Ghedini. 400 Bewohner von Kotlina sind in Wälder der Umgebung geflohen. Insgesamt wurden in dieser Region in den vergangenen Tagen 4.000 Menschen aus ihren Häusern vertrieben. Aus der Umgebung von Podujevo wurden am Mittwoch Kämpfe zwischen serbischen Einheiten und der Kosovo-Befreiungsarmee (UCK) gemeldet. OSZE-Beobachter berichteten auch von Gefechten entlang der Straße von Malisevo nach Lapusnik.

Nach dem Massaker vom 15. Januar in Racak, bei dem 45 Kosovo-Albaner getötet wurden, gibt es keine personellen Maßnahmen gegen die daran beteiligten Polizisten. Die serbische Staatsanwaltschaft in Belgrad erklärte am Mittwoch, daß die Albaner nach einem Angriff auf den Polizeitrupp während eines Gefechtes getötet worden seien. Die USA und mehrere europäische Staaten hatten gefordert, daß die Polizisten zumindest vom Dienst suspendiert werden sollten.

© AP

AP-Nachrichten - The Associated Press News Service, Copyright 1999 The Associated Press, alle Rechte vorbehalten. Die in AP-Nachrichten enthaltenen Informationen dürfen ohne vorherige ausdrückliche schriftliche Erlaubnis von Associated Press weder veröffentlicht, noch gesendet, umgeschrieben oder weiterverbreitet werden. Die Nutzung dieses Dienstes unterliegt den Nutzungsbedingungen.

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http://seite1.web.de/show/36E665B0.AP1/

Meldung vom 10.03.1999 13:33

Brennende Dörfer im Kosovo

Holbrooke warnt Milosevic vor Kollisionskurs - Lage der Bevölkerung wird immer schwieriger

Belgrad/Pristina (AP) Wenige Tage vor Fortsetzung der Kosovo-Verhandlungen in Frankreich sind die Aussichten für Frieden in der serbischen Provinz weiter gesunken. Während der US-Sondergesandte Richard Holbrooke am Mittwoch mit dem jugoslawischen Präsidenten Slobodan Milosevic zusammentraf, standen im Grenzgebiet von Kosovo zu Mazedonien nach UN-Angaben mindestens vier Dörfer in Flammen. «Die Situation verschlechtert sich eher als daß sie sich vor Wiederaufnahme der Friedensgespräche verbessert», sagte der Sprecher des UN-Flüchtlingshilfswerks (UNHCR), Kris Janowski.

Vor seinem Treffen mit Milosevic warnte Holbrooke die serbische Führung vor einem Kollisionskurs und fügte hinzu: «Uns trennen nur wenige Tage von einer Tragödie noch größerer Ausmaße.» Holbrooke traf am Mittwoch auch mit Vertretern der internationalen Bosnien-Kontaktgruppe zu Beratungen über das weitere Vorgehen zusammen. Die Regierung in Belgrad lehnt den Entwurf eines Friedensabkommens bisher strikt ab, weil sie der Stationierung ausländischer Truppen im Kosovo nicht zustimmen will. Die Vertreter der Kosovo-Albaner haben hingegen ihre Unterschrift unter das Abkommen angekündigt. Die Gespräche sollen am kommenden Montag in Paris wiederaufgenommen werden, nachdem sie am 23. Februar ohne konkretes Ergebnis unterbrochen worden waren.

Unterdessen setzten serbische Armee- und Polizeieinheiten ihre Offensive im Kosovo-Grenzgebiet zu Mazedonien fort. Das Dorf Kotlina war am Mittwoch von drei Seiten von serbischen Soldaten umstellt. «Sie haben das Gefühl, daß sie in ihrem eigenen Dorf gefangen sind», sagte UNHCR-Sprecherin Paula Ghedini. 400 Bewohner von Kotlina sind in Wälder der Umgebung geflohen. Insgesamt wurden in dieser Region in den vergangenen Tagen 4.000 Menschen aus ihren Häusern vertrieben. Aus der Umgebung von Podujevo wurden am Mittwoch Kämpfe zwischen serbischen Einheiten und der Kosovo-Befreiungsarmee (UCK) gemeldet. OSZE-Beobachter berichteten auch von Gefechten entlang der Straße von Malisevo nach Lapushnik.

Nach dem Massaker vom 15. Januar in Racak, bei dem 45 Kosovo-Albaner getötet wurden, gibt es keine personellen Maßnahmen gegen die daran beteiligten Polizisten. Die serbische Staatsanwaltschaft in Belgrad erklärte am Mittwoch, daß die Albaner nach einem Angriff auf den Polizeitrupp während eines Gefechtes getötet worden seien. Die USA und mehrere europäische Staaten hatten gefordert, daß die Polizisten zumindest vom Dienst suspendiert werden sollten.

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2. Remarks - Hints - Special informations

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http://travel.state.gov/serbia_warning.html

Serbia-Montenegro - Travel Warning

March 5, 1999

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to and around Serbia's southern province of Kosovo. While international effort to reach a peace agreement continues, the potential for rapid change in the security situation remains high. Tension between Serb authorities and ethnic Albanians continues unabated and there are frequent reports of armed clashes in the region.

On March 6, the Department of State allowed the return to Serbia-Montenegro of those U.S. Embassy Belgrade personnel and family members who had been authorized to depart the country on February 19.

American citizens remaining in Serbia-Montenegro should contact the Embassy in Belgrade for up-to-date information on security conditions. The Embassy is located at Kneza Milosa 50, Belgrade: telephone (381) (11) 645-655.

This supersedes the Travel Warning for Serbia-Montenegro dated February 19, 1999 to reflect the current security situation and note the Department of State's decision to allow Embassy Belgrade personnel and their dependents to return to Serbia-Montenegro.

Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings

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3. Kosovapress - Adem Demaçi's office - KDOM Daily Report
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http://www.kosovapress.com/english/mars/10_3_99.htm

Serbs have robbed and burned-down Shtraza, Kotlina, Ivaja …

Kaçanik, March 10 (Kosovapress)

After ferocious clashes, that have been going on for the past days, in the villages near Kaçanik and Hani I Elazit, Serbina terorist forces have entered and robbed and burned-down the villages Shtarzë, Kotlinë, Ivajë and Dragomac ward of Glloboshicë. For the time being the Serbs have retreated, but there are suspicions that they have left behind mine-fields. In the village Kotlinë five people are missing. Population is fleeing massively. Men taken by Serbian police are from villages Ivajë and Laç. Also today at 08.00 4 APC and a Serb military truck have gone in Glloboshicë.

Dead body of a young man identified

Gjakovë, March 10 (Kosovapress)

In the morgue of Gjakova’s General Hospital, dead body of a young man, brought here days ago by Serbian police, was identified. With the help of OSCE representatives and also victim’s family members it was ascertained that the victim is Elhami Ferizi (23) from Prishtinë, born in the village Starasellë of Ferizaj.

There were shootings today in the direction of villages Tërpezë, Lladroc and Tërpezë e Ulët

Malishevë, March 10 (Kosovapress)

Since 09.00 of this morning, Serb forces, positioned in the place called "Smanica", near Tërpezë, in the Arllat-Malishevë axis, are shooting from heavy machine-guns and other automatic weapons at the villages Tërpezë, Lladroc and Tërpezë e Ulët. OSCE verifiers are on the spot and they are monitoring the developments. There are no confirmations about eventual casualties.

Defile of Serbian Military Convoys

Ferizaj, March 10 (Kosovapress)

In between 21.30 to 22.00 last night, a Serb military convoy, of 10 tanks 1 military truck has gone through Ferizaj and towards Kaçanik, while another convoy made of tanks only, has gone towards Prishtina. Meanwhile, today at 07.15 , a similar convoy of 10 tanks, came from Kaçanik, through Ferizaj and went towards Serb military barracks.

Serbs retreated in OZ of Shalë

Shalë, March 10 (Kosovapress)

Some villages of Shala region such as Druar, Mihaliq and Beçuk were pounded with heavy artillery, at 09.00 today. Serbs have tried to enter these villages with infantry. In the counter-attack of the 142nd Brigade of UÇK of Shala OZ, large human and war-machinery casualties were caused to Serb side. It is 17th day today since the fierce fighting erupted in this region. Zone Command was visited today by the head of OSCE’s Verifying Mission in Mitrovicë. There were talks in regard to Serb soldier who was detained a few days ago.

Tromblone fired on the house roof

Gjakovë, March 10 (Kosovapress)

In the "Skënderbeu" quarters of Gjakovë, a tromblone was fired on the rooftop of Ahmet Kadriu’s house, last night at around 20.20. There are no human casualties but there are considerable material damages. It is suspected that the hit came from Çabrat or from the blocks of apartments opposite, where 90% are of tenets are Serbs. OSCE verifiers have visited the site immediately.

Population of Ivajë is sheltered in the Culture Centre of Kaçanik

Kaçanik, March 10 (Kosovapress)

Population of Ivajë is sheltered in the Culture Centre of Kaçanik. Our sources confirmed that, first humanitarian aide has arrived there. According to unconfirmed information, all men, from these villages, kidnapped yesterday by Serb forces, have been released today. The situation is calmer for the moment. Command of the brigade of UÇK for this zone, warns, miss-informants and anti UÇK propagators, against these anti Albanian acts, and that they will answer for that.

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http://www.state.gov/www/regions/eur/rpt_990310_kdom.html

Kosovo Update

Released by the Bureau of European Affairs, Office of South Central European Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC,

March 10, 1999

(Editor's Note: With the progressive changeover of responsibility from KDOM to OSCE/KVM, the KDOM Daily Report has been replaced by this Update, which is published as material becomes available.)

Compiled by EUR/SCE (202-647-5624) from daily reports of the U.S. element of the Kosovo Diplomatic Observers Mission and other sources

March 10, 1999

The OSCE/KVM reports heavy fighting in several parts of Kosovo yesterday afternoon and today as Serb forces are apparently attacking ethnic Albanian villages. The heaviest action seems to be near Vucitrn and in the Podujevo region. The village of Ivaja south of Pristina was reportedly virtually destroyed by the Serb forces yesterday. KVM is checking out the situation there today.

Continuing skirmishes are reported also in the Kacanik region. KVM personnel were not allowed by Serb police into the area on Monday to help evacuate some 450 ethnic Albanians fleeing the trouble. IDPs from that fighting are reportedly fleeing toward Kosovska Mitrovica, and into the surrounding hills.

The KLA has warned that this new Serb offensive could jeopardize its signing of the Rambouillet peace accords. The latest statement put out by the KLA General Staff suggests also that further consultations within the Albanian organization may be necessary before a signature is possible on the accords. Formerly, the KLA had indicated that Hasim Thaqi was authorized to sign, but the Serb authorities have now issued a warrant for Thaqi's arrest. Thaqi is reportedly in Albania at present and the warrant makes his return to Kosovo problematic. All of this has led some observers to speculate on the necessity to delay the next round of peace talks scheduled to open next Monday in Paris.

Ambassador Richard Holbrooke is scheduled to meet with F.R.Y. President Milosevic at mid-day today to deliver another warning to the Serbs on compliance with their international obligations. Ambassador Wolfgang Petritsch, the EU Special Negotiator on Kosovo, said yesterday he thought Milosevic was considering concessions that could lead to peace. Milosevic has reiterated, however, his rejection of NATO forces on the ground as part of any settlement. Russian Foreign Minister Ivanov is also scheduled to visit Belgrade soon.

The UNHCR now estimates there are 211,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Kosovo. Of these, 63,000 have fled from their homes during the latest upsurge of violence over the past 3 months. The UN agency is working with the Albanian Government to develop plans to cope with any dramatic increase in displaced Kosovars fleeing into that country. Some 10,000 Kosovar refugees have gone to Bosnia-Herzegovina in the past 15 months, according to the UNHCR report. Of these, about 8,500 are living in private accommodations, while 1,500 remain in transit shelters.

OSCE/KVM personnel are currently negotiating for the release of a VJ soldier being held by the KLA. No date has yet been agreed to for his release.

A KVM vehicle was reportedly hit by gunfire on Monday near Kruma, Albania, 5 miles from the Kosovo border. The two in the vehicle, an Albanian and a Czech, were unhurt by the four rounds fired by an unknown gunman.

[End of Document]

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http://www.state.gov/www/regions/eur/rpt_990309_kdom.html

Kosovo Update

Released by the Bureau of European Affairs, Office of South Central European Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC,

March 9, 1999

(Editor's Note: With the progressive changeover of responsibility from KDOM to OSCE/KVM, the KDOM Daily Report has been replaced by this Update, which is published as material becomes available.)

Compiled by EUR/SCE (202-647-5624) from daily reports of the U.S. element of the Kosovo Diplomatic Observers Mission and other sources

March 9, 1999

Yesterday, the KLA General Staff reportedly approved the Rambouillet Accords and authorized the head of the ethnic Albanian negotiating team, Hasim Thaqi, to sign the agreement. At the request of Secretary of State Albright, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke is visiting Belgrade to emphasize to the F.R.Y. leaders the need for their compliance with their international obligations in the search for peace. In a meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Holbrooke will also urge President Milosevic and other F.R.Y. and Serbian officials to exercise maximum restraint in Kosovo as the resumption of the peace talks approaches. After meeting yesterday with German Foreign Minister Fischer and EU Commissioner van der Broek, Milosevic issued a statement once again excluding the possibility of NATO troops entering Kosovo as a part of a settlement.

There was some relatively low-intensity fighting yesterday in the vicinity of Kacanik and Zur, south of Prizren. There were skirmishes reported also in several other spots around the province but no major fighting. The F.R.Y. continues to move police personnel and re-deploy military units in various parts of Kosovo, indicating to many observers the increasing likelihood that they are planning some larger offensive against the KLA soon.

During this period leading up to the resumption of peace talks in France, there is also growing concern over the increasing interethnic violence in Pristina. The exodus of Serbian residents of the city continues, including the families of some Serbian officials who fear for their safety after the recent incidents of violence. The OSCE/KVM and KDOM are doing what they can to calm the situation and to urge restraint on both sides.

The Macedonian Government has announced the designation of special border-crossing points to be used for processing refugees attempting to make their way out of Kosovo. These points are to be employed if the flow of refugees accelerates in the future. The government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (F.Y.R.O.M.) expects international assistance (UNHCR, NGOs, etc.) in accommodating any major refugee flow. The Skopje Government is presently providing safe-haven for several thousand displaced Kosovars.

[End of Document]

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4. Daily Report from KIC (Kosova Information Center)
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Qendra për Informim e Kosovës

Kosova Information Center

Prishtina, 10 March 1999, 17:30 CET

KOSOVA DAILY REPORT # 1716-B

Përmbajtja

Serbian Military Starts Shelling Vushtrri Villages at Noon

BREAKING NEWS: Serbian Forces Burn Shallc, Druar and Mihaliq Villages of Vushtrri

Hani i Elezit Sealed off by Serb Military and Police

Kosova Albanian Killed in Minefield Buried in FYROM

Serb Paramilitary Police Attacks UÇK Positions in Drenica

Serbian Forces Shell Godishnjak Village

Heavy Explosions Reported in Rahovec and Gjakova

Serb Forces Launch Attack against Malisheva Village of Tërpezë

Unidentified Persons Shoot and Wound Albanian in Prizren

Serbian Military Starts Shelling Vushtrri Villages at Noon

PRISHTINA, March 10 (KIC) - Serbian military and police resumed at midday today (Wednesday) an artillery attack against the villages of Druar ('Drvar'), Mihaliq, Shallc, Kollë and other outlying villages at the foot of the Çiçavica massif in northwestern Kosova.

Serbian troops have been shelling from their positions in Druar. From villages south-east of Vushtrri and from some parts of the town itself, Mihaliq and Shallc could be seen all in flames.

Serbian forces have looted and destroyed many Albanian houses in the villages under attack in the past several days, local sources said.

Meanwhile, a resident of Oktashica village of Vushtrri, Ragip Shala (64), has been reported unaccounted for since 26 February. His family said he went missing while fleeing the village.

BREAKING NEWS:

Serbian Forces Burn Shallc, Druar and Mihaliq Villages of Vushtrri

PRISHTINA, March 10 (KIC) - Serbian military and police forces have burned almost completely the villages of Shallc, Druar ('Drvar') and Mihaliq during an offensive today (Wednesday), local LDK sources in Vushtrri said today afternoon.

Hani i Elezit Sealed off by Serb Military and Police

PRISHTINA, March 10 (KIC) - The small town of Hani i Elezit has been sealed off by Serbian military and police today, local LDK sources said.

A heavy explosion was heard in the southeastern town of Kosova today, at a time Serb forces were heading towards the villages of Rezhancë and Gorancë.

Kosova Albanian Killed in Minefield Buried in FYROM

PRISHTINA, March 10 (KIC) - Hysen Nebih Suma (22), a Kosova Albanian from Hani i Elezit municipality, was buried Tuesday afternoon in Bllacë village of neighboring FYROM.

Mr. Suma died three days ago when he ran into mines while crossing the Kosova-FYROM border, local LDK sources said.

Serb Paramilitary Police Attacks UÇK Positions in Drenica

PRISHTINA, March 10 (KIC) - Serbian paramilitary police forces stationed in Llapushnik village, west of Prishtina, engaged local UÇK forces in gunbattle today, sources said.

There has been no immediate word on casualties from the Albanian side. Unconfirmed reports spoke of a couple of Serb policemen wounded there today.

Serbian Forces Shell Godishnjak Village

PRISHTINA, March 10 (KIC) - Serbian forces positioned in Lluzhan shelled in mid-morning hours today the village of Godishnjak, municipality of Podujeva, local human rights sources said.

A column of Serbian motorized vehicles left the Dumosh airfield and was deployed at 'Tabet e Llapashticës', from where UÇK positions in the Llapi region have been regularly attacked in the past few months.

A stepped up movement of Serbian forces has been reported in the Podujeva-Prishtina highway, as well as frequent overflights of Serbian aircraft over the Podujeva area.

Heavy Explosions Reported in Rahovec and Gjakova

PRISHTINA, March 10 (KIC) - Early in the morning today, a heavy explosion occurred in the town of Rahovec ('Orahovac'), local LDK sources said. No other details have been provided.

Heavy Serbian police forces kept the town under a tight grip today, routinely checking and ill-treating passers-by.

Meanwhile, a powerful device exploded on the roof of the house of Ahmet Kadriu in the town of Gjakova last night. Material damage was reported, but no casualties, although Ahmet was at home together with his two children, local LDK sources said.

Meanwhile, the body of an Albanian in the town morgue in Gjakova has been identified as Ilhami Ferizi, resident of Prishtina, born in Fshat i Vjetër village, Ferizaj municipality. He was found killed three days ago in the suburbs of Gjakova.

Local sources in Gjakova said Fadil Tolaj, a taxi driver in town, has been missing since Tuesday morning. His family tried in vain to learn about his fate.

Serb Forces Launch Attack against Malisheva Village of Tërpezë

PRISHTINA, March 10 (KIC) - Serbian forces attacked today the village of Tërpezë, municipality of Malisheva, local LDK sources reported.

From their position in the Smonica family compound just opposite the village, Serbian forces started firing at the village today morning; then attempted to advance into it. They clashed with UÇK (Kosova Liberation Army) forces. The gunbattle lasted for hours, while Serbs were getting troop reinforcements from Prishtina.

There have been no immediate reports on casualties on the Albanian side, at a time a Serb policemen was reported wounded in the fighting.

From 8:30 through 12:00 CET, Serb gunfire was reported targeting several other villages in the municipality of Malisheva.

The village of Shkozë was reported attacked from Serb positions above Rahovec and Hoça e Madhe village. The village of Maxharrë was likewise fired upon.

The drivers of trucks carrying humanitarian relief to Malisheva have been reported threatened by Serb police today.

Unidentified Persons Shoot and Wound Albanian in Prizren

PRISHTINA, March 10 (KIC) - Unidentified persons shot and wounded Monday evening Munir Mashkulli, who had just walked out from Bajrakli mosque in the town of Prizren. He has been taken to the town hospital for treatment, reportedly in a serious situation.

Meanwhile, sources from Prizren said three Albanians, residents of Potoçan village of Rahovec, were sentenced to 10 years in prison by a Serb regime court in Prizren. Daut S. Mustafa (40), Xhabir M. Mustafa (48) and Nazmi G. Ahmeti (36) were sentenced to three and a half years in prison each.

A similar trumped up political trial of 15 Rahovec Albanians was expected to begin today in the Serb regime court in Prizren.

_______________________________________________________________________

Betreff: [ALBANEWS] News:Kosova Daily Report #1716a

Datum: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 13:17:37 +0100

Von: Edmond Hajrullaaga <edihaga@EUnet.yu>

Kosova Information Center

KOSOVA DAILY REPORT # 1716-A

Prishtina, 10 March 1999

First Edition: 13:00 CET

One Albanian Killed, Two Wounded in Serbian Offensive in Vushtrri Area on Tuesday

PRISHTINA, March 10 (KIC) - One Albanian, resident of Oshlan village, and two others were wounded yesterday (Tuesday) during the renewed Serbian military and police offensive against Vushtrri villages at the foot of the Çiçavica mountains in northwestern Kosova, local LDK sources said.

Serbian forces advanced yesterday into the villages of Shallc, Kollë, Vërnicë, Novolan, Brusnik, Okrashticë and Pantinë, and engaged in widespread looting and destruction of Albanian households. A number of Shallc village farms were reported set on fire by Serb forces.

Heavy gunfire and detonations were heard overnight in the area. At 8 o'clock in the morning today, a column of nine Serbian vehicles headed to Mihaliq village.

Half an hour later, Serbian military and police mounted an attack against the villages of Druar ('Drvar'), Shallc and Kollë, destroying and torching Albanian property. There has been no word yet on possible casualties.

The population of the villages around the Çiçavica massif, targeted by Serbian forces in the past several days, have been displaced from their homes.

An Albanian elderly, Ramadan S. Zeneli (78), who, unable to flee, died three days ago in his home village of Resnik, has not yet been buried because people are fearful of moving around.

Mitrovica and Vushtrri Villages Shelled by Serbian Forces on Tuesday Evening

PRISHTINA, March 10 (KIC) - For more than a couple of hours on Tuesday evening, Serbian forces shelled the villages of Vaganicë, Verrnicë, Oshlan, Pantinë and Lkej, local LDK sources in Mitrovica said.

Overnight and today morning, Serbian aircraft flew overhead the area.

Tens of Albanians, including people displaced from their homes, were illtreated and arrested by Serb police in Mitrovica on Tuesday, sources said. A group of Serb hooligans, including masked persons, assaulted Monday a number of Albanian high school students in Mitrovica.

Six girls, Mimoza Cilimi (18), Ferdane Cimili (18), Lumturie Bunjaku (17), Antigona Rama (18), Vjollca Osmani (18) and Myrvete Elshani (18) were injured, being kicked and punched, but also hit with wooden sticks.

Serbian Forces Shell Podujeva Villages Overnight

PRISHTINA, March 10 (KIC) - A number of the northern Llapi region villages, municipality of Podujeva, were shelled last night, local LDK sources said.

Serbian military and police forces launched their artillery attack from their positions in the Dumosh airfield, in Lupç, Lluzhan, Peran, and at 'Tabet e Llapashticës' and 'Besiana' motel, targeting the villages of Majanc, Lupç, Sallabajë, Godishnjakë, Penuhë, Konushec, Llapashticë e Epërme, Llapashticë e Poshtme, Obrançë, and Bradash, situated on the right side of the Llapi river.

The sound of heavy shelling reverberated in all the Llapi region last night, sources said.

Serbian Forces Torch and Loot Albanian Houses in Shtrazhë, Kotlinë and Ivajë Villages

PRISHTINA, March 10 (KIC) - During the Serbian offensive against Kaçanik and Hani i Elezit villages in southeastern Kosova, Serbian forces advanced into and destroyed and torched Albanian houses in the villages of Shtrazhë, Kotlinë, Ivajë and the Dragomac neighborhood of Glloboçica villages, the UÇK's Kosovapress news agency.

Serbian forces have withdrawn by and large now, but there is fear the area has been mined, the UÇK's news agency said. Five persons have gone missing in the village of Kotlinë alone.

The Albanian population has been displaced in great numbers in the area.

The Albanian menfolks separated yesterday by Serb police from other family members are residents of Ivajë and Laç village, sources said.

Kosova Information Center

Last page!

_______________________________________________________________________

5. news from ARTA (Koha ditore)

______________________________________________________________________

6. news from RFE/RL NEWSLINE

_______________________________________________________________________

7. news from Fr. Sava (Decani Monastery)

________________________________________________________________________

8. Reports from Human Rights Organisations especially CDHRF

______________________________________________________________________

http://www.unhcr.ch/news/cupdates/9903yug.htm

Country Updates - Former Yugoslavia

24 February 1999 – 4 March 1999

UN Inter-Agency Humanitarian Situation Report

KOSOVO

Population Movements

1. The most recent displacement is along Kosovo’s Southeastern region bordering the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia an area previously unaffected by violence. To date UNHCR reports that more than 5,000 people have fled six villages in this area. On 2 March UNHCR brought plastic sheeting, sleeping bags, blankets, hygienic kits and canned food to 250 displaced staying in a school in Kacanik town. The displaced had previously been evacuated by UNHCR after spending two days under plastic sheeting in the mountains.

2. On 3 March UNHCR saw about 200 IDPs living rough on a mountainside at Kodra Ljacit. They had been there five days, fearing fighting between security forces and the Kosovo Liberation Army. UNHCR brought food for the these IDPs ( mostly women, children and elderly ) who on 26 February fled from their homes at nearby Pustenik, a village of about 600.

3. Elsewhere, UNHCR staff said on 3 March that they continued to hear shelling and gunfire overnight in the Vucitrn region. More than 11,000 people left their homes there after fighting broke out two weeks ago. Some 1,500 residents of Prcevo near Klina fled their homes at 03:00h 2 March when troops conducted military exercises there, but returned to their houses six hours later after troops withdrew. Most of the 4,000 residents of Studencane, near Suva Reka, returned home in this period.

4. UNHCR currently estimates that there are at least 211,000 displaced within Kosovo. Some 63,000 people have been forced to leave their homes during the past two and a half months due to clashes between Government security forces and the KLA, kidnappings, street violence and, more recently, military exercises by the Yugoslav army. In places where there is no violence, and especially where KVM has a continuing presence, returns have continued.

Protection

5. On 3 March UNHCR discussed with local authorities in Pristina and Kacanik the possibility of facilitating the issuance of travel papers for people who wished to go to Macedonia. The authorities appear willing to help within the law, and have provided a focal point for UNHCR to work with. However, as applicants must present citizenship, birth and residence certificates, the process inevitably will be delayed because most of those who want to leave have evacuated villages engulfed in fighting. UNHCR also urged the KLA to allow villagers to secure documentation.

Relief Distribution

6. During the period under review UNHCR continued to lead interagency convoys delivering food and non-food items to the municipalities of Djakovica, Srbica, Urosevac, Kosovska Mitrovica, Glogovac, Lipljan, Pec, Prizren, Klina, Orahovac, Suva Reka and Kacanik. Agencies supplying relief items include UNHCR, WFP, Mercy Corps International, Mother Teresa Society, Doctors of the World, Children’s Aid Direct, Caritas and Catholic Relief Services.

Education

7. According to UNICEF, distribution of firewood for schools started last week in the municipality of Glogovac. In 15 schools 395 cubic metres of firewood were distributed. Some 900 cubic metres of wood has been distributed to Albanian-run and State schools in the municipality of Klina and in the Malisevo area.

8. 17,000 school kits have been distributed thus far. Distribution of the remaining 24,500 school kits ( 17,000 provided by UNHCR , 7,500 provided by UNICEF) continues for children in the municipalities of Glogovac, Suva Reka and Orahovac. UNICEF has coordinated the distribution of school kits in other municipalities through UNHCR-led convoys.

Food Aid Programme related to the Kosovo Crisis

9. Stocks for full WFP distributions in Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania are available and a further 7,500 MT of mixed WFP, CRS and MCI commodities are awaiting clearance in the Montenegrin port of Bar which acts as the main supply point for food aid programmes in the region. On 27 February two new vessels containing wheat flour, oil and pulses for WFP, CRS and MCI arrived in Bar. There are now sufficient quantities of food in the region to meet the needs of people affected by the Kosovo crisis in FRY for a period of approximately four months.

10. Food dispatches resumed from Bar to Kosovo on 25 February, following the temporary one-week suspension due to insecurity. Nonetheless, distributions in Kosovo were not significantly disrupted with convoys leaving Pristina daily. A loan of oil from CRS enabled WFP to continue distributions with a full food basket. February was the first month that WFP included sugar in the monthly food basket in Kosovo. WFP estimates that current stocks of sugar in Pristina will last for at least three months.

11. WFP continues to mill wheat grain in Kosovo and Montenegro thereby supporting local industry. In Kosovo, WFP has signed agreements with an additional three mills in Lipljan and Vucitrn for the milling of 3,500 MT of wheat grain currently awaiting clearance in Bar.

12. In Montenegro food aid distributions to the caseload of 32,100 have been completed for the month of February. February was the first month that distributions were made to host families and the Montenegrin Red Cross identified 4,389 host families for whom MCI and CRS provided food aid.

MONTENEGRO

13. UNICEF has identified a total of 14 schools with an estimated 1,700 displaced students in Plav, Gusinje, Rozaje, Tuzi and Ulcinj. Classes have begun in nearly all locations. Agencies involved will include Danish Refugee Council for provision of desks and chairs, CRS for provision of firewood, CARE for coal and heating fuel, heating stoves by UNHCR, rehabilitation of premises by Swiss Disaster Relief and UNHCR, transportation of students by Danish Refugee Council and textbooks and school supplies by UNICEF.

14. WHO and the Institute of Public Health report that there are no major health problems among the displaced population in Montenegro although it is becoming apparent that there are strains being placed on the health system. The availability of drugs is inadequate to provide sufficient coverage. The outbreak of cases of hepatitis A are part of a regular cyclical occurrence and affect both the displaced and local population. No other serious illnesses have been identified among the displaced population.

FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

15. Some 1,500 asylum seekers from Kosovo entered the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia during the period under review, fleeing fighting between Serbian security forces and the KLA in border villages in the municipality of Kacanik. The new influx were registered by the Macedonian Red Cross (MRC) assisted by UNHCR, the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and ICRC. Most of those entering the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia were met by friends and relatives but some of the refugees were accommodated in villages near the border and provided with emergency assistance in the form of wheat flour, beans, oil, blankets and soap.

16. The United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP) ceased its monitoring activities in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on 1 March 1999 after a draft resolution to extend its mandate by six months was vetoed by China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council. China considered that UNPREDEP had achieved its original objective of securing stability in the country and therefore did not require its mandate to be extended. China did not accept the arguments linking UNPREDEP to the situation in Kosovo which it considered to be an internal issue for the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Discussions are ongoing to determine whether other agencies might be able to fulfil elements of UNPREDEP’s mandate.

ALBANIA

Contingency Planning

17. UNHCR is collaborating with the Government to develop contingency plans in the event of a further influx of refugees from Kosovo into Albania. A preliminary planning refugee caseload of some 50,000 is being used and efforts are underway to identify sites to accommodate a possible new influx in Western Albania.

Humanitarian Assistance

18. During the last week of February IFRC and UNHCR, through its implementing partner Humanitarian Cargo Carriers, distributed shoes, jackets, underwear and trousers to some 500 Kosovo refugees still living in Tropoje district. This was a significant achievement as humanitarian operations have been constrained in recent months in Northern Albania due to insecurity. The distribution took place without incident. The only other humanitarian intervention to have taken place in Tropoje in recent months was a food distribution which took place one month ago.

19. Efforts are underway to address drug shortages in refugee centres in Velipoje and Shengjin in North-west Albania. Food agencies are also trying to standardise the food basket to ensure equitable distribution throughout the country. The relief community is also working jointly to provide community and social services to the most vulnerable, regardless of whether they are refugees or members of the local population.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

20. According to UNHCR approximately 10,000 refugees from Kosovo have arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina since January 1998. Some 8,500 are living in private accommodation, mainly in Sarajevo canton, and 1,500 are living in transit or collective centres.

21. It is planned that refugees currently living in collective accommodation will ultimately be accommodated in four different centres ( 1 in Srednje, 3 in Bosanski Petrovac ) with a total capacity of some 2,000 persons. An additional centre with a capacity of some 1,000 persons is expected to be completed by June 1999 as a contingency measure in the event of a small-scale influx of refugees from Kosovo. If a large number of Kosovo refugees arrive in Bosnia and Hercegovina tented accommodation will be used.

22. The Coca Cola factory in Hadzici on the outskirts of Sarajevo has now been closed following the transfer of the 330 Kosovo refugees living in the factory to the new refugee reception centre in Bosanski Petrovac and the nearby Rakovica centre. The transfer was organised by UNHCR with security being provided by the NATO Stabilisation Force (SFOR) and the United Nations International Police Task Force (IPTF). The closure of the camp is a welcome development as the refugees had been living in poor conditions for a period of nearly six months. The closure of the "Coca Cola camp" marks the end of UNHCR’s direct operational involvement in the management of refugee centres in Bosnia and Herzegovina which are now all entirely managed by Government personnel with support and advice from UNHCR and NGOs.

23. Refugees from Kosovo living in collective accommodation continue to benefit from humanitarian assistance as food and non-food items are provided by relief agencies to those in need. Primary health care is also available to those living in transit centres. However, successful integration of Kosovo Albanian children into the Bosnian school system remains a challenge.
 
 

This document is intended for public information purposes only. It is not an official UN document.

_______________________________________________________________________

http://www.unhcr.ch/news/media/daily.htm

Refugees Daily

A digest of the latest refugee news, as reported by the world's media.

...

Wednesday, March 10th, 1999

...

Europe

KOSOVO: MORE FLEEING, OTHERS TRAPPED 10 Mar. 99

– Serbian police and Yugoslav army forces shelled ethnic Albanian villages in the hills north of Pristina yesterday, driving more civilians and rebels from the area, reports CNN. To the south, near the border with Macedonia, thousands of people forced from their homes by fighting were trapped in the hills by Yugoslav troops who refused to allow aid workers to assist them. "This area is currently under siege. We are looking at a population of up to 4,000 which are completely cut off from the roads," said UNHCR spokeswoman Paula Ghedini. The Daily Telegraph reports more fighting in the south sent an estimated 250 refugees moving down the mountains away from the clashes on foot and horseback. They said they had been hiding in the hills for three days and had not eaten. Some were crying. Reuters reports Serbian police yesterday surrounded a group of around 400 ethnic Albanians who had fled recent fighting in southern Kosovo and took the men to a local police station. "We're worried about what they could do to the men," said Beatrice Lacoste, spokeswoman for OSCE international monitors. The Washington Post in an editorial complains that it's okay for Serbian troops and police to engage in assaults upon innocent villagers, and to send thousands more fleeing into the cold mountains, as long as the assaults are not "massive" – however NATO defines that.

[Kosovo clashes drive back rebel forces – http://cnn.com ;
Yugoslav tanks shoot down US peace effort – www.telegraph.co.uk ;
erb police separate refugee group in Kosovo – www.reuters.com ;
Modest Assaults Only, Please – www.washingtonpost.com ]

...

This document is intended for public information purposes only. It is not an official UN document

_______________________________________________________________________

9. news from ATA /ENTER and so on

______________________________________________________________________

Betreff: [ALBANEWS] News:09ata03

Datum: Tue, 9 Mar 1999 21:21:52 -0100

Von: ata <hola@ATA.TIRANA.AL>

BC-ALBANIA-MAJKO-FISCHER

Fischer says Albania, significant partner for EU and Germany

TIRANE, March 9 (ATA)-By A. Haxhiu,

Albanian Prime Minister Pandeli Majko met Tuesday with German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer and European Union High Commissioner Hans van den Broek and considered their visit to Tirane very significant.

"The visit is not only diplomatic but it has also to do with delicate relations," said Majko.

Majko evaluated the EU role in establishing peace in Kosova and guaranteed a role of a maximum partner of the Albanian government, so that the peace process proceedes at rapid rates, bypassing the turbulent heads in the Balkans.

Majko portrayed the political and economic situation at home and underlined the positive changes observed, especially following the approval of Albania's new constitution and the beginning of dialogue with the opposition. He also pointed to the government's effort to establish public order stability and fight criminality and corruption.

Majko considered necessary a renegotiation of the agreement with the EU, Partnership for Progress, an agreement which envisages the preparation of the Albanian legislation and administration to adapt them to those of the EU.

Fischer and Broek hailed the achievements in governing the country.

"For EU and Germany Albania is a very significant partner and you may count on the strengthening of these relations. We are much interested in the country's further democratisation, peace in the region and avoidance of conflict in the Southern Balkans, which has experienced a difficult situation," said Fischer.

They also evaluated the stand and efforts of the Albanian government in resolving the Kosova crisis.

Also present at the meeting was Foreign Minister Paskal Milo, Minister of Information Musa Ulqini, and Secretary of State for European Integration Maqo Lakrori.

/lh/lm/

_______________________________________________________________________

10. eventual additional press news

_______________________________________________________________________

NAAC Testifying today on Kosova to be on C-SPAN
Serb Forces Leave Kosovo Village Smoking Ruin
CALL CONGRESS TO URGE YES VOTE ON GILMAN RESOLUTION
News: Blair's Statement on Indicting Milosevic if he doesn't behave (fwd)
_______________________________________________________________________

Betreff: [ALBANEWS] NAAC Testifying today on Kosova to be on C-SPAN

Datum: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 11:41:34 EST

Von: Aferdita Rakipi <NAACDC@AOL.COM>

Notice:

NAAC's Executive Director will be testifying today before the House International Relations Committee on Kosova. The event will be televised live on C-SPAN and will be re-aired later today. The hearing is at 2 PM (est).

Please tune in, thank you.

_______________________________________________________________________

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/headlines/wl/story.html?s=v/nm/19990310/wl/village_1.html

Yahoo! News World Headlines

Wednesday March 10 5:27 AM ET

Serb Forces Leave Kosovo Village Smoking Ruin

IVAJA, Serbia (Reuters) - Serb forces have bombarded and swept through the Kosovo village of Ivaja, leaving most of the houses smoldering ruins and forcing its inhabitants to flee, international monitors and reporters said Wednesday.

Reporters found the body of a man in civilian clothes who appeared to have been shot at close range and met a blood-caked 84-year-old man who said he was beaten with rifle butts by Serb soldiers searching for separatist ethnic Albanian rebels.

The house that had been used as the local headquarters of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) brigade was burned out and the interior of the mosque devastated. The mosque's exterior had been sprayed with bullets.

``The fighting started yesterday. The VJ and MUP (Serb forces) tried to clear the area of KLA and you can see it was successful,'' said international truce monitor Otto Bischof who was inspecting the ruins of the village.

``They beat me with rifles and asked me if I knew anyone from the KLA,'' said Ramadan Muljoki, the only survivor still in the village. ``They asked me if my son was in the KLA and I said no and they beat me again.''

Some 400 inhabitants of Ivaja were rounded up by Serb forces Tuesday after fleeing their homes. The men were separated out and taken away to check if they were affiliated to the KLA, an incident that cease-fire verifiers called very worrying.

_______________________________________________________________________

Betreff: [ALBANEWS] CALL CONGRESS TO URGE YES VOTE ON GILMAN RESOLUTION

Datum: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 09:20:22 EST

Von: Aferdita Rakipi <NAACDC@AOL.COM>

CALL CONGRESS TO URGE YES VOTE ON GILMAN RESOLUTION

Please call your congressman and one or more members from the list below to urge a vote in favor of the Gilman resolution. The resolution states: "The President is authorized to deploy United States Armed Forces personnel to Kosovo as part of a NATO peacekeeping operation implementing a Kosovo peace agreement."

The telephone number for the Capitol operator is (202) 225-3121. Ask for your representative by name, then ask for the legislative assistant who covers foreign policy issues.

THE MESSAGE: I am calling to urge that the Representative vote for the Gilman Resolution on Kosova. Milosevic is still killing innocent people and the war is on the verge on spreading to other countries.

Without U.S. participation in a NATO peacekeeping force, there will be no peace in Kosova.
 
 

Other congressman to call include (we plan on updating this list later today):

Chris Smith-NJ
Frank Wolf-VA
Vito Fossella-NY
harles Stenholm-TX
ack Quinn-NY
Henry Hyde-IL
Pat Danner-MO
Gene Taylor-MS
Ellen Tauscher-CA
Sherwood Boehlert-NY
Sonny Callahan-AL
Gary Condit-CA
Mark Foley-FL
Jon Fox-PA
Bob Franks-NJ
Ralph Hall-TX
Ray LaHood-IL
John Sununu-NH
Marge Roukema – NJ
Dana Rohrabacher –CA

_______________________________________________________________________

Betreff: [ALBANEWS] News: Blair's Statement on Indicting Milosevic if he doesn't behave (fwd)
Datum: Tue, 9 Mar 1999 22:06:02 -0500
Von: Mentor Cana <cana@ece.stevens-tech.edu>

Editor's Note :The following is a statement of the British Prime Minister
about Kosova and Bosnia that was contained in a speech he gave at the' NATO
at Fifty Conference' yesterday.In the speech Mr Blair issued a vague threat
that Slobodan Milosevic would be brought to the Hague if he continued
massacring people in Kosova.
He stated," We will not accept prevarication in the negotiations. No side
can be allowed to obstruct the process. In this crucial period President
Milosevic and his commanders must also understand that NATO will not stand
by in the face of renewed repression in Kosovo or atrocities like the one
we witnessed recently at Racak. Nor can the International War Crimes
Tribunal in The Hague."
Three questions come to mind when reading this.
Does Blair believe that Milosevic should only be indicted if he doesn't
sign the Rambouillet Agreement and stop his massacres in Kosova ?
Does signing this Agreement give Milosevic indemnity for prosecution at the
Hague?
In making this statement Blair clearly shows that he believes that
Milosevic has committed war crimes in the past. Why then does he want to
force the Kosovars to sign a peace treaty with an unindivted war criminal?
 
 

British Prime Minister Tony Blair

Nato at Fifty Conference

March 8

BOSNIA AND KOSOVO

MIlosevic Must Stop Kosovo Massacres or End up in the Hague
Sadly, the countries of the former Yugoslavia have not all shared in the
progress made by NATO's partners. NATO was slow to become engaged in the
Balkan wars of the 1990s. We tried to bring peace to Bosnia through the UN
and with political good offices but without the willingness to use force
which we now know was necessary. Our troops, under the auspices of the UN,
did a good job at great risk, to deliver humanitarian relief. But they
could only deal with the symptoms of the problem. It was NATO that brought
serious force to bear and gave the desperately needed muscle to end the
war. Since Dayton, NATO has underpinned the peace and created the
conditions in which Bosnia can rebuild.
In Kosovo, we will not repeat those early mistakes in Bosnia. We will not
allow war to devastate a part of our continent, bringing untold death,
suffering and homelessness. Robin Cook and Hubert Vedrine, with their
partners in the Contact Group, made good progress at Rambouillet towards an
interim political settlement based on substantial autonomy.
But political agreement is not enough: the Balkans are littered with
agreements that are signed but not implemented. To make an agreement work,
to bring stability to Kosovo, an international force is an indispensable
element. Only NATO is equipped to lead it. Either side in the negotiations
can wreck the chances of full agreement. But both must understand their
interest in success.
The Kosovars should see that the time has come for the Kosovo Liberation
Army to cease its operations and accept demilitarisation.
The Serbs must reduce their forces to agreed levels and allow a NATO-led
force to underpin the new autonomy arrangements.
We will not accept prevarication in the negotiations. No side can be
allowed to obstruct the process. In this crucial period President Milosevic
and his commanders must also understand that NATO will not stand by in the
face of renewed repression in Kosovo or atrocities like the one we
witnessed recently at Racak. Nor can the International War Crimes Tribunal
in The Hague.
True peace and security will not come to the Former Yugoslavia until
authoritarian, nationalist governments give way to democracy based on ideas
rather than ethnicity. Free press, a market economy, responsible and
accountable government and an end to repression are all essential for the
long term. NATO can help by providing a stable base. But it is for the
eople of Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia to build their own civil societies and
ree institutions.
he countries of the Former Yugoslavia will integrate into the European
ainstream eventually. Their leaders, and societies have to become more
ike their counterparts in West and Central Europe before that can happen.
 expect to see further political change in the Balkans. But political
hange should be' achieved by political means. More war will only set back
hose dreams of security and prosperity to which the ordinary people of the
alkans aspire.


ALBANEWS is not affiliated with  the Albanian Government, the Kosova Government, any association or organization,  nor any information or news agency.  Reports, articles and  news items from various sources are distributed via ALBANEWS for INFORMATIVE purposes only.
Opinions expressed/published on ALBANEWS do  NOT necessarily reflect the views of the owner and the co-owners and/or moderators,  nor any of their host institutions. ALBANEWS does NOT guarantee the accuracy of the reports, articles and news items distributed via the list.



 

ALBANEWS listowner, co-owners and/or moderators can be contacted at:
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Die Bibel sagt Siehe, jetzt ist die Zeit der Gnade,
siehe, jetzt ist der Tag des Heils.
2. Korinther 6, 2b
 HERR, Du bist unsere Zuflucht fuer und fuer.
Ehe denn die Berge wurden und die Erde
und die Welt geschaffen wurden,
     bist Du, Gott, von Ewigkeit zu Ewigkeit.
Der Du die Menschen laessest sterben
     und sprichst: Kommt wieder, Menschenkinder !
Denn tausend Jahre sind vor Dir
wie der Tag, der gestern vergangen ist,
     und wie eine Nachtwache.
Du laessest sie dahinfahren wie einen Strom,
sie sind wie ein Schlaf,
     wie ein Gras, das am Morgen noch sprosst,
das am Morgen blueht und sprosst
     und des Abends welkt und verdorrt.
Unser Leben waehret siebzig Jahre,
     und wenn's hoch kommt, so sind's achtzig Jahre,
und was daran koestlich scheint,
     ist doch nur vergebliche Muehe;
denn es faehret schnell dahin,
     als floegen wir davon.
Wer glaubt's aber, dass Du so sehr zuernest,
     und wer fuerchtet sich vor Dir in Deinem Grimm ?
Lehre uns bedenken, dass wir sterben muessen,
     auf dass wir klug werden.
HERR, kehre Dich doch endlich wieder zu uns
     und sei Deinen Knechten gnaedig !
Fuelle uns fruehe mit Deiner Gnade,
     so wollen wir ruehmen und
     froehlich sein unser Leben lang.
Psalm 90, 1-6.10-14
Luther-Bibel 1984

The Bible says behold, now [is] the accepted time;
behold, now [is] the day of salvation.
2Kor 6, 2b
  Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world,
     even from everlasting to everlasting, thou [art] God.
Thou turnest man to destruction;
     and sayest, Return, ye children of men.
For a thousand years in thy sight [are but]
as yesterday when it is past,
     and [as] a watch in the night.
Thou carriest them away as with a flood;
they are [as] a sleep:
     in the morning [they are] like grass [which] groweth up.
In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up;
     in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.
The days of our years [are] threescore years and ten;
     and if by reason of strength [they be] fourscore years,
yet [is] their strength labour and sorrow;
     for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
Who knoweth the power of thine anger?
     even according to thy fear, [so is] thy wrath.
So teach [us] to number our days,
     that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom.
Return, O LORD, how long?
     and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.
O satisfy us early with thy mercy;
     that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
 
Psalm 90, 1-6.10-14
Authorized Version 1769 (KJV)

 

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