Kosova Daily Report #1398, 98-04-11

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From: Kosova Information Center <http://www.kosova.com/>

Kosova Information Center

KOSOVA DAILY REPORT #1398

Prishtina, 11 April 1998

CONTENTS

[01] President Rugova Receives U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy

[02] Statements of President Rugova and Congressman Kennedy

[03] Thousands March in Kosova Towns to Protest Serb Rule and Violence in Kosova

[04] Serb Civilians Assault and Beat Passersby in Prishtina

[05] Serbian Police Detains Political and Human Rights Activists in Gllogovc

[01] President Rugova Receives U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy

During a lengthy and friendly meeting, the current situation as well as the prospects for a negotiated and peaceful settlement to the Kosova issue were discussed.

Congressman Kennedy expressed the concern of the U.S. Congress and administration over the situation in Kosova. We are very concerned about the possibility of further conflict and we want to seek all ways and measures to avoid any further conflict from taking place, Rep. Kennedy stressed.

The President of Kosova appreciated the United States role and the genuine commitment of the United States House of Representatives to support a just resolution of the Kosova issue.

Regarding the current situation in Kosova, Dr. Rugova said it is extremely grave in the wake of actions by Serbian forces against the local Albanian population in some parts of Kosova. He pressed for increased international pressure to make Belgrade withdraw its special police and paramilitary units from Kosova.

The people of Kosova are committed to their peaceful struggle for freedom and independence of their country, the President said, adding that an independent Kosova would bring stability to the entire region. Negotiations between Prishtina and Belgrade, under the mediation of the United States, in cooperation with its European allies, are critical in pursuit of a just and peaceful resolution to the Kosova issue, Dr. Rugova emphasized.

President Rugova of Kosova thanked the United States for the continued commitment and engagement in Kosova. He stressed the special importance of amicable ties between USA and Kosova.

[02] Statements of President Rugova and Congressman Kennedy

In his statement Congressman Kennedy said: "Let me say that it was a great honor for me to meet with President Rugova and to learn about the situation here in Kosovo.

The international community, particularly the USA, is very concerned about the recent violence which has occurred here in Kosovo. In addition, we are very concerned about the possibility of further conflict and we want to seek all ways and measures to avoid any further conflict from taking place.

Dr. Rugova, President of Kosova, has told me some ideas that he has had for me to take back to the United States Congress, for us to be able to support this goal of preventing further violence as well as ensuring that Serbia does not continue to take the political power from the people of Kosovo that rightfully belongs to them. That kind of power was suspended with Mr Milosevic, who suspended the political power for the people of Kosovo, and I think that it is something that has made the situation very untenable. This tense situation today would not be where it is if it were not for the suspension of political right by Mr Milosevic on the peaceful people of Kosovo. The innocent people of Kosovo has been constantly subjected to constant political oppression by Milosevic and it seems as though we cannot allow this kind of oppression to continue, if we are to see a resolution to this problem take place.

Let me conclude by saying that the Congress of the United States, the President and the Administration have enormous confidence in President Rugova. He has been a steadfast leader for his people. He has kept a democratic unity amongst the people here in Kosovo, and that is the reason why he's held such high esteem. He is somebody with the political power that we can negotiate with on the part of the United States. He is somebody that has held together the people of Kosovo united. I cannot understate the significance of the united front that President Rugova has put forth on behalf of the people here in Kosovo, and that's the kind of the leadership that we look forward to continuing to work with here in Kosovo."

President Ibrahim Rugova had this to say to the press: "Today, I had a great honor of meeting with a member of the honorable Kennedy family. Let me express my deep appreciation to the United States Congress for the continued engagement over Kosova, and to Mr. Kennedy personally for visiting Kosova.

We urged for preventive action in Kosova, first and foremost by the United States, who should assume a leading role in the Kosova issue. We also urged the United States to support us in our pursuit of freedom, independence and democracy for Kosova", President Rugova concluded.

[03] Thousands March in Kosova Towns to Protest Serb Rule and Violence in Kosova

Peaceful marches involving dozens of thousands of people were staged in most of other towns of Kosova too.

The Protest Committee, a joint body of a dozen of Kosovar political parties and youth and women's associations, has invited people to walk through the main roads of the towns in their daily activities from 12 through 12:30.

The motto of manifestations has been "Kosova, the Biggest Jail in the World".

The Committee has advised the marchers to fully respect the guidelines regarding the mode of manifestations, namely to only walk on and through main streets in the towns without displaying placards or chanting slogans, so as not to turn the marches into full-fledged ralliers.

Peaceful marches were reported staged today in most of other towns of Kosova, including Gjilan, Rahovec, Malisheva, Shtime Gjakova, Prizren, Suhareka, Podujeva, Peja, etc. Increased Serb police forces were seen moving in most of the towns before and after the manifestations, but no serious incidents were reported except random harassment.

Similar marches have been announced for the next days too.

[04] Serb Civilians Assault and Beat Passersby in Prishtina

The Albanians were on their way back from the town canter in Prishtina where a peaceful march was staged from 12 to 12:30.

Witnesses told Kosova Information Canter (KIC) that a throng of over thirty Serbs assaulted without any pretext the Albanians who were walking op the road near the canteen.

The Serbs used rubber and wooden batons in assaulting the passersby.

Sources in other Kosova towns said that Serb civilians provoked and assaulted peaceful marchers on several occasions on Friday and Saturday.

[05] Serbian Police Detains Political and Human Rights Activists in Gllogovc

The LDK Information Commission in Gllogovc said that Hafir Shala, member of LDK presidency in Gllogovc, Hetem Sinani, an activist with the Mother Teresa humanitarian/charity association, and Shaban Neziri, an associate with the Prishtina-based Council for the Defense of Human Rights and Freedoms, were detained by the Serbian police near Sllatina village of Prishtina on Friday morning at 8.

Hafir Shala is reported still in Serb custody while the tow others were released layer in the afternoon yesterday.

Kosova Information Center

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