Kosova Daily Report #1360, 98-03-03

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From: Kosova Information Center <kic_pr@zana-pr.ztn.apc.org>

Kosova Information Center

KOSOVA DAILY REPORT #1360

Prishtina, 3 March 1998

Second Edition: 16.30hrs

CONTENTS

[01] President Rugova Calls on U.S. and EU to Take "Urgent Preventative Measures"

[02] President Rugova Receives French Diplomat

[03] United States "Appalled" by Recent Violence in Kosova

[04] Reactions to the Recent Kosova Crisis

[05] OSCE Calls for End to Violence in Kosova

[06] Leni Fischer Calls for Prevention of Further Bloodshed in Kosova

[07] Congressman Engel Slams Belgrade's Bloody Crackdown in Kosova

[08] Over 150 Persons Beaten by Serb Police in Monday's Protest Seek Medical Treatment

[09] Tensions Rising in Kosova, Scores of Albanians Bear Brunt of Serb Police Brutality

[01] President Rugova Calls on U.S. and EU to Take "Urgent Preventative Measures"

The President held a press briefing, in which mostly foreign reporters were attending.

Commenting on yesterday's mass protest manifestation in Prishtina, Dr. Rugova praised the citizens for having staged a peaceful rally against violence and massacre, and condemned the police brutality against peaceful protesters.

The President told the press representatives of Albanian political parties, citizens and journalists were not allowed to go to the Drenica villages to take part in the funeral processions of those who died over the weekend massacre.

"We urge the international community, especially the United States of America and the EU, to urgently take preventative measures and pressure Belgrade into bringing an end to the violence against innocent citizens of Kosova", President Rugova of Kosova.

"The Drenica massacre is indication of what can happen in Kosova," Dr. Rugova said, and availed himself of the opportunity to thank domestic and foreign journalists who have been reporting recently from Kosova.

Why were the protest manifestations held Monday (2 March), when they had originally been scheduled for 13 March" - a questioner asked. Those already announced are student protests, the President said. "The citizens of Prishtina and Kosova wanted to demonstrate the anger over the Drenica massacre. They were careful not to allow anything bad happen".

Asked by the Deutsche Welle correspondent about how the Albanian political forces in Kosova can deal, namely contain the indignation of the people, President Ibrahim Rugova said "we have been doing what we have been able to do. The people are aware about this grave situation. The Drenica massacre indicates that something like this may happen one day in the entire Kosova. We are cautious - I am not saying this out fear - but the Serb schemes of ethnic cleansing in Kosova are well-known".

The people are aware and want to ensure that the situation does not escalate, for it "would be catastrophic for Kosova, but also the entire region", Dr. Ibrahim Rugova said.

The President reiterated his call for the international community to undertake urgent measures and reward the peaceful drive of the Albanians for freedom, independence and democracy. "The Serb side should take this into account, too. I urge all the citizens of Kosova to exercise restraint", President Ibrahim Rugova said at the end of his briefing with the press.

[02] President Rugova Receives French Diplomat

The situation is dangerous, the President said, referring to the state of affairs in the wake of the Drenica massacre over the week- end.

The Serb police broke up brutally a peaceful protest manifestation yesterday, Dr. Rugova said, adding that the people of Kosova are determined to pursue their political goals by peaceful means.

President Ibrahim Rugova called on the international community to undertake preventative measures and created the conditions for a negotiated settlement of the Kosova issue.

Ambassador Stanisllaus Filliol conveyed his government's concerns over the recent developments in Kosova.

[03] United States "Appalled" by Recent Violence in Kosova

Following is a statement issued by the State Dept March 2 say: The United States is appalled by the recent violent incidents in Kosovo, which only underline Belgrade's ready recourse to force to address the serious political dispute between Belgrade and Pristina. At least 20 people have reportedly been killed in Kosovo since Friday - sixteen Kosovar Albanians and four Serb police. This morning, police used water cannon to break up a large, but peaceful, demonstration in Pristina and beat Voice of America stringer to the point of requiring hospitalization. The United Stated condemns the violence and the excessive use of force by Serbian police.

U.S. Embassy officials are in Pristina and have visited Glogovac region, where the violence began Friday. Our charge in Belgrade has already protested to Serbian and "Federal Republic of Yugoslavia" authorities. The Outer Wall of sanctions against the "FRY" remains in place. Belgrade will live with these sanctions until Serbian and "FRY" authorities have taken meaningful steps to address the legitimate grievances of the Kosovar Albanian community.

We continue to call on all sides to enter into an unconditional dialogue, and for authorities in Belgrade to implement immediately the Kosovo education agreement on an effective basis as an important step to reduce tensions. We have also called on Kosovar Albanian leaders to condemn terrorist action by the so-called Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK), noting that violence does not contribute to the search for a just and durable solution to the problems of Kosovo. As the events of this weekend demonstrate, the vast majority of violence in Kosovo is due to actions of government authorities. The United States expects the Serbian police in Kosovo to act with maximum restraint and the Yugoslav army to take no action that might lead to further violence. Further state-sponsored violence would only deepen Belgrade's isolation and dim prospects for the integration of the "FRY" into the international community.

In his meeting with President Milosevic last Monday, Special Representative Robert Gelbard previewed limited steps the U.S. was prepared to take to recognize Belgrade's constructive actions in support of Dayton implementation. Ambassador Gelbard also made very clear to Milosevic that these limited, reversible steps were conditioned on continued cooperation and - in particular - on the situation in Kosovo. In the light of Serb actions in Kosovo over the last three days, we are actively considering the question of whether it may be necessary to revoke some or all of these steps, in addition to considering further actions that might increase Belgrade's isolation." the U.S. State Department statement concludes.

[04] Reactions to the Recent Kosova Crisis

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of the Left, a party in the ruling coalition, said in a statement that Belgrade authorities should recognize the right of Kosova to political self-rule.

TURKEY: Given the geographical position, Kosova may become cause for a large-scale conflict, the Turkish Foreign Ministry was quoted as saying.

Prevention of an armed conflict in Kosova and a peaceful resolution of the Kosova issue is a Balkan policy priority for Turkey, the Ministry concluded.

AUSTRIA: Wolfgang Schssel, Austria's Foreign Minister, condemned in the strongest terms the use of force by the Serbian police against the Albanian people in Kosova. The international community is ready to assist the beginning of the political dialogue between Serbs and Albanians, and Austria would contribute in this regard, the Austrian Foreign Minister was quoted as saying.

GREAT BRITAIN: The Great Britain denounced the clashes of Serb police with Albanians which occurred in Kosova over the week-end.

If the violence in Kosova continues, the international community should introduce new sanctions against Belgrade, the British Foreign Office said.

Following is statement by British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook on Kosova: "I am extremely concerned by the violence in Kosovo over the last few days. We are monitoring the situation closely and are urgently discussing the situation with our EU partners. I urge all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from further violence".

Many other governments, including Russia, issued official statements over the developments in Kosova.

[05] OSCE Calls for End to Violence in Kosova

In a press release issued March 2, Commission Chairman Sen. Alfonse D.Amato (R-NY) and Co-Chairman Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ) said: "This weekend's battle between Serbian police and Kosovar Albanians, which reportedly left twenty persons dead and many more injured, is a dangerous escalation of the conflict. The U.S. must take an active leadership role and an OSCE Mission must be allowed into Kosovo as soon as possible - or new Balkan hostilities may take place. The violence must stop now.

"Videotape broadcasts today show Serbian police and paramilitary forces using water cannon and tear gas to disperse thousands of Kosovar Albanian protesters demonstrating in Pristina against this weekend's assaults. Journalists covering the protest were also reportedly attacked, notably Koha Ditore editor Veton Surroi and Voice of America's Ibrahim Osmani.

"Slobodan Milosevic has so far defied international efforts to resolve the Kosovo crisis. This defiance has been accompanied by gross violations of human rights by Serbian authorities in Kosovo, violations characterized by arrests, beatings, and imprisonments.

"Kosovar Albanian political leaders have sought peaceful resolution to the problem which worsened when Kosovo's autonomy was stripped away soon after Milosevic came to power in Serbia. The response so far has been continuing brutal repression of the ninety-percent ethnic Albanian majority by Serbian police and paramilitary forces.

This repression has opened the door to violent resistance, including terrorist actions by the so-called Kosova Liberation Army. We condemn these actions and call upon the Kosovar Albanian leadership to condemn them as well.

"Without a clear, unified international message to Milosevic that the world cares about Kosovo, demands an end to the violence, and won't stand for another grisly outbreak of 'ethnic cleansing,' all that has been accomplished with the Dayton Accords, IFOR, SFOR, and the OSCE's work in the region may collapse.

"U.S. leadership is vital to a quick, effective international response. Such leadership starts with building an OSCE consensus to get a Mission back into Kosovo. This situation must be met with firm resolve.", says the press release.

[06] Leni Fischer Calls for Prevention of Further Bloodshed in Kosova

In a statement on Monday Mrs Fischer said: "As the Assembly already forewarned, the situation is clearly getting out of control. The most important thing right now is to prevent further bloodshed. The serbian authorities must make every effort to de-escalate the situation. We are also repeating our call on the leaders of the Albanian community in Kosova to condemn and refrain from the use of violence as a means to resolve the conflict. An immediate dialogue between representatives of Kosovo Albanians and the Serb authorities must be established".

Meanwhile in a telephone conversation today with Dr.Alush Gashi, President Rugova' adviser for health care policies Mr Leni Fischer said that the Council of Europe will undertake immediate action in bringing to an end the Serb police violence against Kosova population. The Council has been considering the possibility od sending immediately an ad-doc delegatio to Kosova, she said.

[07] Congressman Engel Slams Belgrade's Bloody Crackdown in Kosova

"Once again Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic and his henchmen have brutally put down peaceful protestors in Kosova. The United States can no longer stand idly by while the repression of the people of Kosova increases, " Rep. Engel said.

Last week, the State Department eased sanctions against Belgrade because of limited improvements in the Bosnian Serb Republic, Engel's office said in a statement issued Monday.

Congressman Engel harshly criticized the action. "I tried to tell the State Department," said Rep. Engel, "that by lowering sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, right on the heels of violent crackdowns against peaceful student protests last fall, we were sending exactly the wrong message -- that the West only cares about Bosnia and is willing to accept repression in Kosova."

"It's time our policy changes to reflect the danger of a regional flare-up starting in Kosova," warned Rep. Engel.

"I call upon Secretary of State Albright to restore the sanctions lowered last week, to reimpose bilateral sanctions dropped following the signing of the Dayton Accords, and to immediately appoint a U.S. Special Envoy to help negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Also, given the danger of the conflict spreading throughout the region, we must remind Milosevic that U.S. policy has not changed since President Bush issued and President Clinton reiterated the 'Christmas Warning' threatening an active, potentially military response, to Serb repression in Kosova," Rep.

Engel said.

Rep. Engel is the sponsor of the bipartisan Congressional resolution, H.Con.Res. 205, which calls for appointment of a Special Envoy for Kosova and maintenance of sanctions against the 'FRY'.

Rep. Engel is the co-Chair of the Congressional Albanian Issues Caucus and is Chairman of the House Democratic Foreign Policy Task Force. He represents areas of the Bronx and Westchester.

Albanian Doctors Demand Internationally-Sponsored Autopsy for Drenica Victims PRISHTINA, March 3 (KIC) - The Association of Kosova Doctors is appalled by the fact that its members were denied access to Drenica and offer assistance to people there during and after the Serb crackdown during last weekend. Albanian doctors are shocked to learn that Serb doctors have refused to treat wounded Albanians, the Association said in a statement today.

The statement said that the Kosova Association of Doctors demands an internationally-sponsored postmortem examination of the victims killed by the Serb forces in Drenica.

At last 22 Albanians were killed last weekend in Drenica, central Kosova, during a huge operation of Serb forces in the area. 12 of them who were initially believed in Serb police custody were reportedly executed by Serb forces.

The Albanian surgeons demand access to the Serb-run clinic of the Prishtina hospital, so they could provide proper medical assistance to the wounded persons, the statement said.

Albanian doctors deplored in the strongest terms the refusal by Serb doctors to treat wounded Albanians.

[08] Over 150 Persons Beaten by Serb Police in Monday's Protest Seek Medical Treatment

Among the injured people were: Shukrije Mustafa (f), from Lipjan, member of the LDK Women's Forum Presidency, Zethane Sefedini (f), a teacher from Lipjan, Enver Duraku student, Shyqeri Salihu, teacher, Fatmir Bedrolli from Qollapek, wp was it by a Serb civilian car who ran into the crowd of protesters. They all sought medical assistance in private clinics in Prishtina yesterday.

Among persons who were also inflicted heavy body injuries and/or suffered fractures are: Rrahim R. Rrahmani (63) from Vushtrri; Hevzi Ferizi (45), LDK activist in Gjilan; Sabedin Kadriu (33), LDK activist in Gjilan; Vehbi Ku^i and Sali Hoxha from Suhareka; Shaqir Shaqiri and Islam Vrapci, teachers.

Also, Fehmi Zymberi, Muharrem Beka and Labinot Zymeri from Bashki village; Shaip Graj^evci has his leg broken; Xhevdet Berisha, was fractured his right leg; Agim Bregovina, was fractured his right arm; Bedri Berisha, Ismet Uka, Sami Ra^i, Bedri Ra^i, Isuf Gashi, Sherif Hoti, Sabri G&rvalla, Vehbi Mjekiqi, etc.

Among the beaten persons is also the 74-year-old Shahin Bilalli, and the LDK Youth Forum Chairman Naim Jerliu.

KIC could not learn the names of all the persons who had been beaten by the police, or his by a civilian car who drove into the crown yesterday.

[09] Tensions Rising in Kosova, Scores of Albanians Bear Brunt of Serb Police Brutality

Thousands of people were prevented from travelling to Qirez village to participate in the funeral processions of ten Albanians from Qirez village killed by Serb forces on Saturday.

De^an Sources in De^an said that heavy Serb police forces left the town around 13:00 hrs heading in the direction of Ratisht village today (Tuesday).

Meanwhile, additional Serb police forces coming from the neighboring town of Gjakova were seen going in the same direction later today.

KIC could not find out so far what was actually happening in the village where, according to the Serb media, a Serb, Slobodan Prasevic, former commander of police station in Irzniq, was shot dead Monday afternoon.

An Albanian woman Igballe Tahiraj and her son Artan Tahiraj were reported shot and wounded in still unsolved circumstance at this village.

Peja Stepped up Serb police forces have been reported today in the streets of Peja. Armed police patrols have been roaming the town, halting passers-by and maltreating them.

Several Albanians were reported beaten by the police on the street with no reason whatsoever.

LDK sources in Peja said the movement of people in the town has been drastically limited and most of the shops and services have closed down.

Ekrem (Mustaf&) Elezaj (1978), leader of the student union of the Peja college, was reported beaten brutally. He has suffered grave injuries.

Podujeva Sources in Podujeva said that last night from 8 to 9:30 fire arms shootings were heard coming from the Besiana motel and a location called "Qershiat e Llapashtic&s". No further details could be obtain as to the event.

Near the Besiana motel is a Serb police check-point.

At least 16 buses with Serb police and army abroad coming from Serbia were seen today passing through Podujeva.

There was an increased Serb police movement in the small town of Podujeva, while an armored police vehicle drove through town for several hours.

Klina Our sources in Klina reported of large presence of heavily armed Serb police forces in Klina. They inspect, and often harass local residents.

LDK sources said among the beaten persons is Kol& Berisha, member of local LDK branch Presidency, and Idriz Dushi, a photographer and political activist.

The number of the people beaten by the police is larger, says the report.

Vushtrri Heavy Serbian police forces have been deployed to Vushtrri, and the main roads along the Prishtina-Mitrovica highway. Heavy Serbian police forces stationed this morning at Smrekovnic& and K^i^ i madh villages.

LDK sources said a delegation of the LDK branch in Mitrovica headed this morning for Drenica with food and medical supplies. There is no information whether they managed to get through.

Suhareka This morning groups of Albanians gathered spontaneously in downtown Suhareka to express their solidarity with families of the victims.

The crowd dispersed after half an hour.

LDK sources said a heavy police force was deployed in Suhareka as well.

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