Kosova Daily Report #1389, 98-04-01

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Kosova Information Center

KOSOVA DAILY REPORT #1389

Prishtina, 1 April 1998

CONTENTS

[01] President Rugova Receives EU Commission Delegation

[02] UN Imposes Arms Embargo on 'FRY', Calls for Unconditional Dialogue on Kosova

[03] Situation in Kosova 'Constitutes a Threat to International Peace and Security', US Ambassador Says

[04] Building of Institute of Albanology Restored to Its Previous Occupants

[05] Kosova Parliamentarians Meet with Russian Parliament's Delegation

[06] Serb Forces Order All Broja Residents Abandon Homes

[07] 18-Year-Old Albanian Girl Reported Wounded at Broja, Derenica

[08] Classes After Serb Massacre Resume With Tears in Skenderaj School

[09] Nineteen Persons Still Missing Following Drenica Massacre

[01] President Rugova Receives EU Commission Delegation

The delegation consisted of Mr. Michael Graham, Charg‚ d'Affaires a.i. of the EU Commission Delegation to Belgrade, Dr. Hansjorg Kretchmer, Head of Unit, Albania and countries emerging from former Yugoslavia, Ms. Claire Morgan from DFID, Ms. Marija Jancic from EU Commission Delegation-Belgrade, Mr. Julian Braithwaite, First Secretary, and Mr. David Slinn, First Secretary of the British Embassy in Belgrade.

During a frank and lengthy meeting, President Rugova and the EU delegation discussed the current situation in Kosova, focusing on the prospects for the implementation of the Education Accord, and its impact on the climate for a comprehensive approach to the negotiated and peaceful resolution to the Kosova problem.

The European Commission delegation said their were exploring ways to assist the rehabilitation of the existing school facilities as well as the building of new ones, which will be used by all in Kosova.

President Rugova said he appreciated EU's commitment to help improve the situation in Kosova, and praised the role the United Kingdom, as the current EU presidency holder, has been playing in this regard.

[02] UN Imposes Arms Embargo on 'FRY', Calls for Unconditional Dialogue on Kosova

The resolution passed by a vote of 14 to 0. China abstained.

The text of the resolution has been reportedly watered down amidst Russia's opposition. An initial provision on the deteriorating situation in Kosova constituting "a threat to international peace and security" has been edited out.

Following is the text of the resolution.

UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL 31 March 1998 France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America.

Resolution 1160 The Security Council, Noting with appreciation the statements of the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America (the Contact Group) of 9 and 25 March 1998 (S/1998/223 and S/1998/272), including the proposal on a comprehensive arms embargo on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, including Kosovo, Welcoming the decision of the Special Session of the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) of 11 March 1998 (S/1988/246), Condemning the use of excessive force by Serbian police forces against civilians and peaceful demonstrators in Kosovo, as well as all acts of terrorism by the Kosovo Liberation Army or any other group or individual and all external support for terrorist activity in Kosovo, including finance, arms and training, Noting the declaration of 18 March 1998 by the President of the Republic of Serbia on the political process in Kosovo and Metohija (S/1998/250), Noting also the clear commitment of senior representatives of the Kosovar Albanian community to non-violence, Noting that there has been some progress in implementing the actions indicated in the Contact Group statement of 9 March 1998, but stressing that further progress is required, Affirming the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, 1. Calls upon the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia immediately to take the further necessary steps to achieve a political solution to the issue of Kosovo through dialogue and to implement the actions indicated in the Contact Group statements of 9 and 25 March 1998; 2. Calls also upon the Kosovar Albanian leadership to condemn all terrorist action, and emphasizes that all elements in the Kosovar Albanian community should pursue their goals by peaceful means only; 3. Underlines that the way to defeat violence and terrorism in Kosovo is for the authorities in Belgrade to offer the Kosovar Albanian community a genuine political process; 4. Calls upon the authorities in Belgrade and the leadership of the Kosovar Albanian community urgently to enter without preconditions into a meaningful dialogue on political status issues, and notes the readiness of the Contact Group to facilitate such a dialogue; 5. Agrees, without prejudging the outcome of that dialogue, with the proposal in the Contact Group statements of 9 end 23 March 1998 that the principles for a solution of the Kosovo problem should be based on the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and should be in accordance with 0SCE standards, including those set out in the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe of 1975, and the Charter of the United Nations, and that such a solution must also take into account the rights of the Kosovar Albanians and all who live in Kosovo, and expresses its support for an enhanced status for Kosovo which would include a substantially greater degree of autonomy and meaningful self-administration; 6. Welcomes the signature on 23 March 1998 of an agreement on measures to implement the 1996 Education Agreement, calls upon all parties to ensure that its implementation proceeds smoothly and without delay according to the agreed timetable and expresses its readiness to consider measures if either party blocks implementation; 7. Expresses its support for the efforts of the 0SCE for a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Kosovo, including through the Personal Representative of the Chairman-in-Office for the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, who is also the Special Representative of the European Union, ant the return of the 0SCE long-term missions; 8. Decides that all States shall, for the purposes of fostering peace and stability in Kosovo, prevent the sale or supply to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, including Kosovo, by their nationals or from their territories or using their flag vessels and aircraft, of arms and related material of all types, such as weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment and spare parts for the aforementioned, and shall prevent arming and training for terrorist activities there; 9. Decides to establish, in accordance with rule 28 of its provisional rules of procedures, a committee of the Security Council, consisting of all the member of the Council, to undertake the following tasks and to report on its work to the Council with its observations and recommendations; (a) to seek from all States information regarding the action taken by them concerning the effective implementation of the prohibitions imposed by this resolution; (b) to consider any information brought to its attention by any State concerning violations of the prohibitions imposed by this resolution and to recommend appropriate measures in response thereto; (c) to make periodic reports to the Security Council on information submitted to it regarding alleged violations of the prohibitions imposed by this resolution; (d) to promulgate such guidelines as may be necessary to facilitate the implementation of the prohibitions imposed by this resolution; (e) to examine the reports submitted pursuant to paragraph 12 below; 10. Calls upon all States and all international and regional organizations to act strictly in conformity with this resolution, notwithstanding the existence of any rights granted or obligations conferred or imposed by any international agreement or of any contract entered into or any license or permit granted prior to the entry into force of the prohibitions imposed by this resolution, and stresses in this context the importance of continuing implementation of the Agreement on Subregional Arms Control signed in Florence on 14 June 1996; 11. Requests the Secretary-General to provide all necessary assistance to the committee established by paragraph 9 above and to make the necessary arrangements in the Secretariat for this purpose; 12. Requests States to report to the committee established by paragraph 9 above within 30 days of adoption of this resolution on the steps they have taken to give effect to the prohibitions imposed by this resolution; 13. Invites the OSCE to keep the Secretary-General informed on the situation in Kosovo and on measures taken by that organization in this regard; 14. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the council regularly informed and to report on the situation in Kosovo end the implementation of this resolution no later than 30 days following the adoption of this resolution and every 30 days thereafter; 15. Further requests that the Secretary-General, in consultation with appropriate regional organizations, include in his first report recommendations for the establishment of a comprehensive regime to monitor the implementation of the prohibitions imposed by this resolution, and calls upon all States, in particular neighboring States, to extend full cooperation in this regard; 16. Decides to review the situation on the basis of the reports of the Secretary- General, which will take into account the assessments of, inter alia, the Contact Group, the OSCE and the European Union, and decides also to reconsider the prohibitions imposed by this resolution, including action to terminate them, following receipt of the assessment of the Secretary- General that the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, cooperating in a constructive manner with the Contact Group, have: (a) begun a substantive dialogue in accordance with paragraph 4 above, including the participation of an outside representative or representatives, unless any failure to do so is not because of the position of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia or Serbian authorities; (b) withdrawn the special police units and ceased action by the security forces affecting the civilian population; (c) allowed access to Kosovo by humanitarian organizations as well as representatives of Contact Group and other embassies; (d) accepted a mission by the Personal Representative of the OSCE chairmen-in-Office for the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia that would include a new and specific mandate for addressing the problems in Kosovo, as well as the return of the OSCE long-term missions; (e) facilitated a mission to Kosovo by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; 17. Urges the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Tribunal established pursuant to resolution 827 (1993) of 25 May 1993 to begin gathering information related to the violence in Kosovo that may fall within its jurisdiction, and notes that the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia have an obligation to cooperate with the Tribunal and that the Contact Group countries will make available to the Tribunal substantiated relevant information in their possession; 18. Affirms that concrete progress to resolve the serious political and human rights issues in Kosovo will improve the international position of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and prospects for normalization of its international relationships and full participation in international institutions; 19. Emphasizes that failure to make constructive progress towards the peaceful resolution of the situation in Kosovo will lead to the consideration of additional measures; 20. Decides to remain seized of the matter. (end text)

[03] Situation in Kosova 'Constitutes a Threat to International Peace and Security', US Ambassador Says

The Prishtina USIS Wireless File of April 1 carries a transcript of Ambassador Bill Richardson's statement in the UN Security Council in explanation of the vote on Kosova on March 31.

"We fully recognize that the security of the region directly affects broader international interests, and that deterioration of the situation in Kosovo constitutes a threat to international peace and security", the US Ambassador said.

[04] Building of Institute of Albanology Restored to Its Previous Occupants

Four years ago the Serbian-installed authorities in Kosova, using brutal force, kicked the Albanian scholars out of their Institute.

The building was taken over by the Milosevic puppets in the Serbian regime- run University of Prishtina, although the Institute of Albanology was not part of the University structures at all.

The restoration of the Institute's building to its previous occupants has been hailed as the first step in the implementation of the long overdue Education Accord, which was signed by President Ibrahim Rugova of Kosova and the then Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic on 1 September 1996.

Foreign media spoke of 'Albanian students returning to their classrooms', although the Institute is a research institution, in which most of the employees hold a PhD or an MA degree.

The test of the Serbian regime's willingness to comply with the terms of the Education Accord will be the return of Albanian students to high schools and the university premises. By April 30, Albanian students and teachers should be allowed to get back to the facilities of the first three faculties of the University of Prishtina.

Three quarters of the bilingual (Albanian/Serbian) University of Prishtina were Albania prior to the year 1991, when the Serbian occupation regime shut down the Albanian part and turned the University into a Serbian institution fostering anti-Albanian sentiment rather than an institution of higher learning.

The Albanian-run University of Prishtina has for six years and a half been operating in make-shift premises and under continued Serb persecution.

[05] Kosova Parliamentarians Meet with Russian Parliament's Delegation

The delegation of the Russian Duma - the lower house of the Parliament - was chaired by Mr. Cilingarov Artur Nikolaevic, deputy head of Duma. Members of the delegation included Bezborodov Nikolaj Maksimovich, Borobjev Eduard Arkadievich, Gonzharov Oleg Pavlovich, Durjagin Ivan Nikolaevich, Zhurko Vasilij Vasilevich, Koshkin Mihail Petrovich, Rajkov Genadij Ivanovich, Shabanov Aleksandar Aleksandrovich, Kopnov Vitalij Epifanovich, and Mihailov Aleksandar Valerjevich.

The Russian parliamentary delegation came on a fact-finding mission to Kosova, to examine prospects for a process of negotiations between Belgrade and Prishtina in search of a peaceful solution to the Kosova issue.

Members of the Kosova Parliament (Fehmi Agani, Sabri Hamiti, Alush Gashi, Fatmir Sejdiu, Edita Tahiri, Mark Krasniqi and Gjergj Dedaj) as well as Nekibe Kelmendi - LDK Secretary General, and Zejnullah Rrahmani, President Rugova's Advisor, reaffirmed the position of the people of Kosova for a peaceful and negotiated settlement to the Kosova issue.

In the 1991 national referendum as well as in the 1992 and 1998 elections, Kosovars have expressed their political will and commitment to independence of their country.

An end to the Serb regime repression and violence in Kosova is the prerequisite for the start of a meaningful dialogue with the Belgrade regime, the Kosovar MPs noted. They underlined the necessity for a third party mediation in the talks.

[06] Serb Forces Order All Broja Residents Abandon Homes

"On Sunday, the Serb forces ordered Albanians in Broja to abandon the village entirely. The few elderly people that were still in the village looking after their homes and farm animals were told to leave their homes and let all animals go free," said Mr.Krasniqi.

"The 33 houses of Broja are now under Serb forces' control, filled with Serb police and paramilitary units. They have set up new emplacements. The number of forces is ever increasing," said Bahtir Krasniqi. The village was abandon since Monday and there was no one else in the village besides the Serb forces. The population escaped to Klodernica and Izbica villages.

Mr. Krasniqi said very little aid arrived for the displaced in Izbica, and no aid reached the ones in Klodernica for one month now.

The region has been kept under very strict Serb forces' control.

Villages have been exposed to sporadic shelling and shooting by different kinds of fire arms.

Mr. Krasniqi said many houses were damaged. The contact with people outside the siege is very difficult and there is no health assistance or medicaments.

[07] 18-Year-Old Albanian Girl Reported Wounded at Broja, Derenica

The LDK Commission failed to give details about the seriousness of the wounds she sustained. It added, though, that there was heavy shooting in two other villages, Morina and Llausha, of Skenderaj yesterday morning.

A dozen Albanian villages in the Drenica region have been sealed off by Serb police and paramilitary forces for a month now.

More than 80 Albanians, including children and women, were slain by Serb forces early last month.

[08] Classes After Serb Massacre Resume With Tears in Skenderaj School

The resumption of classes came after a month of forced leave imposed by the Serb forces' attack on several villages of the Drenica region at the beginning of March, which left over 80 people slain, including women, children and elderly people.

Among the children massacred by the Serb forces were also 10 pupils of primary school in Skenderaj: Valdete Rifat Jashari (f, 14), Lirie Ham&z Jashari (f, 14), Kushtrim Adem Jashari (13), Igball Rifat Jashari (11), Blerim Ham&z Jashari (11), Igballe Rifat Jashari (f 13), Fatime Ham&z Jashari (f 8), Blerim Ham&z Jayshari (7), Bujar Zen& Jashari (12), Makfirete Bajram Gashi (f 13).

[09] Nineteen Persons Still Missing Following Drenica Massacre

Following persons were included in the list: Sadik Hysni Jashari (65); Hafie Jashari (f 60); Hamdi Sadik Jashari (33); Elfie Sadik Jashari (f 28); Fatime Sadik Jashari (f 26); Ramiz Sadik Jashari (24); Mihrie Jashari (f 53); Sabrie Zymer Jashari (f 20); Hanife Zymer Jashari (f 16); Smajl Asllan Jashari (48); Shaban Qerim Jashari (25); Ukshin Qerim Jashari (21); Hajrie Jashari (f); Ajvaz Kajtaz Jashari (18); all residents of Prekazi i Posht&m (Donje Prekaze), and Fatime Bazaj (f 21) and Smajl Bazaj (18) a sister and a brother from T&rstenik; Bashkim Ali Sadiku (22) from Tushil&; Ilmi Kastrati (28) from Broja; and Idriz Rexhep Idrizi (46) from Prekaz.

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