Kosova Daily Report #1408, 98-04-23
Kosova Information Center
KOSOVA DAILY REPORT #1408
Prishtina, 23 April 1998
First Edition: 11:45 CET
Second Edition: 16:00 CET
CONTENTS
[01] Serb Forces Resume Shelling Baballoq Thursday Morning
[02] Serb Military Opens Fire from Heavy Weapons in Gjakova Municipality
[03] President Rugova Receives Austrian Diplomats
[04] President Rugova Receives Dutch Diplomats
[05] President Rugova Receives Italian Ambassador Wednesday
[06] An Albanian Reported Killed at Koshare Village of Gjakova
[07] Suka e Cërmjanit under Continued Serb Shelling, Dangerous Situation in
Deçan
[08] LDK Appeals for International Pressure to Make Belgrade Cease Armed
Operations in Kosova
[09] Serb Military Builds Emplacement Near Komaran
[10] Serbian Civilians Given Weapons and Police Uniform in Lipjan
[11] Medical Center in Prishtina Turned Into Polling Station
[12] Peaceful Marches of Albanians into Fourteenth Day
[13] Serb Military Exercise Force in Capital Prishtina
[14] Serbian Civilians in Istog Receive Weapons and Police Uniforms
[15] Twenty Refugees from Kosova Reach Northern Albania
[16] Albanian Arrested by Serb Police, Family Has No Knowledge of His
Whereabouts
[17] Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Calls for Negotiations
Without Pre-judging the Outcome -- Immediate start of unconditional
negotiations on Kosova is urged, international community should be
represented at the talks
[18] UN Human Rights Commission Calls for "Unconditional Dialogue" and
"Complete Withdrawal" of Serbian Special Police from Kosova
The law restricts the rights of Kosovar Albanians, KIC]
[01] Serb Forces Resume Shelling Baballoq Thursday Morning
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - At 7 o'clock today (Thursday), Serbian forces
resumed shelling Baballoq village of De^an, in western Kosova.
The chairman of the Democratic League of Kosova (LDK) branch Information
Commission in De^an told KIC the sound of powerful explosions in the
village could be heard in small town itself.
The grenade attack on the village had been halted yesterday at 19:00 hrs.
A considerable part of the population (children, women, and elderly) fled
their homes in fear of Serb massacres, LDK sources in De^an and Gjakova
said, adding that the people were moving out of villages like Baballoq,
Grama^el, Dubrav&, Gllogjan, Shaptej, Prekolluka, Irzniq, Rastavica and
Radoniq.
Reports spoke late last evening that Serb forces had hit at least six
houses in the village of Baballoq. There were no casualties reported.
An alarming situation was created in De^an around 18:00 yesterday amidst
rumors that a Serbian attack on the small town was impending. Panic-
stricken, many inhabitants fled their homes and set out for the Peja
('Pec') municipality.
An extremely dangerous situation is reported in the area close to the dam
of the Radoniq lake. The local population fears a catastrophe in case of
deliberate sabotage or accident on the dam.
There have been reports in the past few days of increasing buildup and
repositioning of Serbian military forces along the border zone with
neighboring Albania.
The village of Baballoq in De^an came under gunfire and grenade attack
Tuesday. Serb forces resumed their attack yesterday (Wednesday), now
targeting several villages in the vicinity.
In the wake of the Serbian massacres in Drenica and the attack on Gllogjan
village of De^an last month, women, children and elderly have abandoned
their homes from affected villages in De^an, whereas men have remained in
an effort to protect their homes.
The LDK branch in De^an called today on the international community, the
Kosova leadership and the government of Albania, to do all they can so that
Serbian attack are brought to an end and the Albanian population is saved
from an imminent massacre.
[02] Serb Military Opens Fire from Heavy Weapons in Gjakova Municipality
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - Serbian ('Yugoslav') military troops, stationed
at the Zhdrella village, near the hydro-system of Radoniq, launched heavy
fire today at 6:30 a.m., the LDK branch Information Commission in Gjakova
said.
The military has been targeting a locality called "Suka e Vog&l" from a
position called "Suka e Zhdrell&s". The sound of heavy fire can be heard
far away, LDK sources said.
The inhabitants of surrounding village are fleeing their homes and heading
for the town of Gjakova and other surrounding villages.
Reports said the villages of Ponoshec and Morina, situated along the border
zone, were fired upon by heavy Serb military weapons last night. No
casualties were reported.
Meanwhile, local Albanian sources could not confirm Serb press reports,
carried by other foreign media too, that two people were killed and seven
wounded yesterday during an armed confrontation between the 'Yugoslav' army
and the so-called U^K. The casualties were referred to by the media as
members of the U^K.
The Belgrade-based Dnevni Telegraf carried a very obscure report today
(Thursday). It alleged the 'Yugoslav' army was attacked by the U^K
guerrillas, the army fired back, killing 2 and wounding 7. "After a fierce
showdown, the terrorists withdrew, taking the killed and wounded with
them." It is surprising how could the Serb daily know of casualty-toll?
[03] President Rugova Receives Austrian Diplomats
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - The President of the Republic of Kosova
Dr. Ibrahim Rugova received today in Prishtina Dr. Albert Rohan, Secretary
General in the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Austria, Dr. Gerhard
Jandl, Head of Sub-Department for former Yugoslavia and Albania,
Dr. Wolfgang Petritsch, Austrian Ambassador to Belgrade, and Mr. Jan
Kickert, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Austria.
President Rugova and Dr. Rohan discussed about the most recent developments
in Kosova as well as the prospects for a negotiated resolution to the
Kosova issue.
Regarding the situation in Kosova, President Rugova said it is extremely
grave amidst armed actions by Serbian forces against the local Albanian
population in parts of Kosova. He pressed for increased international
pressure to ensure that Belgrade complies with calls for withdrawal of its
police, military and paramilitary units from Kosova.
The people of Kosova are committed to their peaceful struggle for freedom
and independence, the President said, adding that Kosova as an independent
and neutral country is the best solution to the Kosova crisis. He
reasserted that an interim international civil protectorate would bring
about normal conditions for a negotiated settlement to the issue. Dialogue
between Prishtina and Belgrade, under third party mediation, is necessary
in pursuit of a just solution for Kosova, Dr. Rugova underlined
The Austrian Foreign Ministry Secretary General expressed the concern of
his country over the situation in Kosova. Austria stands for a peaceful
resolution to the Kosova crisis, he stressed.
President Ibrahim Rugova thanked Austria for the interest and support and
urged this country increase its efforts in the international fora to secure
a just and negotiated solution to the Kosova issue.
[04] President Rugova Receives Dutch Diplomats
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - The President of the Republic of Kosova
Dr. Ibrahim Rugova received for talks a delegation of the Foreign Ministry
of The Netherlands, consisting of Mr. Joop J. P. Nijssen, Desk Officer in
the European Affairs Department, Mr. Geoffrey E. W. van Leeuwen, policy
advisor in the Conflict Management and Prevention Division, and Ms Anneke
Schutter, Second Secretary in the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Belgrade.
At the outset of the meeting today (Thursday), the Dutch diplomats
presented Rugova with a message from Mr. Hans van der Mierlo, the Foreign
Minister of the Netherlands.
President Rugova and the Dutch officials exchanged views about the current
developments in Kosova and the prospects for a negotiated settlement to the
Kosova crisis.
Rugova described the situation "extremely grave" amidst armed actions by
Serb forces against the local Albanian population in parts of Kosova. He
pressed for increased international pressure to ensure that Belgrade
withdraw its special forces from Kosova.
The people of Kosova will press ahead with their peaceful struggle for
freedom and independence, the President said, reaffirming the position that
an independent and neutral country is the best solution to the Kosova
crisis.
Any talks process between Prishtina and Belgrade should be mediated by a
third party from the international community, Dr. Rugova underlined.
The Dutch diplomats expressed their government's deep concern over the
situation in Kosova, pledged support for certain sectors of the civic
society in Kosova and encouragement for a peaceful and just resolution to
the Kosova issue.
[05] President Rugova Receives Italian Ambassador Wednesday
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - The President of the Republic of Kosova
Dr. Ibrahim Rugova received Wednesday in Prishtina the Italian Ambassador
to Belgrade, Mr. Riccardo Sessa.
President Rugova and Ambassador Sessa discussed about the current situation
in Kosova, as well as prospects for a peaceful and negotiated settlement to
the Kosova issue.
The situation is extremely grave and volatile amidst an increasing campaign
of attacks by the Serbian armed forces against Albanian villages in the
Drenica region and Deçan municipality, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova said. He pressed
for stepped up international pressure to make Belgrade withdraw its special
forces from Kosova.
There is a steadfast commitment on the part of the people of Kosova in
pursuit of freedom and independence, the President said, adding that there
is determination to pursue the goal by peaceful means.
An independent Kosova would be a source of stability in the entire region,
Rugova reaffirmed.
Third party mediated negotiations between Prishtina and Belgrade are
critical in search of a peaceful resolution to the Kosova issue, President
Ibrahim Rugova emphasized.
Italian Ambassador Sessa spoke of his government's concern over the
situation in Kosova, underlining that Italy stands for a peaceful and
negotiated settlement to the Kosova problem.
[06] An Albanian Reported Killed at Koshare Village of Gjakova
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - The branch of the Democratic League of Kosova
(LDK) in Gjakova said that an Albanian was killed in the early hours of
today amidst an exchange of fire between the Serbian (`Yugoslav') forces
and local Albanians near Koshare village of Gjakova, in south-western
Kosova.
The LDK sources failed to provide the name of the killed Albanian.
Serbian media (so-called Meida Center established recently in Prishtina)
close to the Serb military reported that Serb units prevented during the
night the entry into Kosova of some 200 armed Albanians from Albania.
Serb sources said there were casualties in the clashes during the night,
but failed to enter into specifics.
The Serbian media justify the Serbian military actions in Gjakova with the
alleged tracking down of members of the groups which attempted to
infiltrate Kosovar territory from Albania.
[07] Suka e Cërmjanit under Continued Serb Shelling, Dangerous Situation in
Deçan
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - LDK branch leaders in Gjakova reported today
that heavy Serbian forces have been shelling the Suka e Cërmjanit since the
morning today.
Suka e Cërmjanit is a strategically important peak in the municipality of
Gjakova, which borders on Albania.
Meanwhile, the situation in the neighboring municipality of Deçan is
reported to be dangerously escalating.
Serbian forces have been opening fire Baballoq and Gramaçel villages since
6:30 in the morning today, local sources said.
Serbian military and police forces, backed by Serb settlers, have been
attacking from a location called Suka e Baballoqit and a hill near the Serb
refugee camp, both of them around half a kilometer away from the attacked
Albanian villages.
Six houses were reported hit yesterday, but no casualties reported.
There have been reports of Serb snipers having taken positions in key
points.
Women and children have been evacuated from the villages of Baballoq,
Gramaçel, Rastavicë.
LDK sources in Deçan told KIC fresh Serb military troops have arrived from
Peja and Gjakova and were deployed in the Deçan monastery compounds.
Heavy Serb police forces have been reported harassing and beating citizens
in the small town of Deçan today.
Many people have been reported ill-treated at a Serb roadblock along Deçan
- Gjakova, near Baballoq.
Because of the dangerous situation, classes in the Albanians elementary
schools of Gllogjan, Gramaçel, Rastavicë, Irzniq, Baballoq and Prejlep
villages have been discontinued.
[08] LDK Appeals for International Pressure to Make Belgrade Cease Armed
Operations in Kosova
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - The Democratic League of Kosova (LDK), the main
political force in Kosova, made today a dramatic appeal to the great powers
and the international community in general regarding the dangerous
escalation of the situation in Kosova amidst Serb police and military
operations in western Kosova.
The situation in the municipalities of Gjakova and Deçan is deteriorating
by the hour as a result of the Serb police and military operations, the
Presidency of the LDK said in a statement issued today.
The Serb military has been building up troops in the municipalities along
the border with Albanians during the past several days, the party recalled,
adding that "some villages in the area have been shelled" by Serb
forces. "Today, the villages of Suka e Cermjanit, Baballoq, Gramaçel as
well as areas in the vicinity have been shelled, too".
Amidst a complete Serb siege of the area, it is virtually impossible to
know about the casualty-toll, the LDK said.
"The population of the villages of Baballoq, Gramaqel, Dubrava, Gllogjan,
Shaptej, etc, have started fleeing their homes" amidst the ongoing Serb
military attacks, the party said. "This is a tragic exodus, because it
becomes part of the Serbian strategy of ethnically cleansing territories of
Kosova".
The Serbian military has been positioned itself on and is bombarding the
area from the vicinity of the Lake Radoniqi hydro-system with some 13.5
million cubic meters of water, which in case of damage on the dam amidst
shelling, could result in a huge catastrophe for the Dukagjin plateau, the
Democratic League of Kosova said.
While it has stepped up its aggressive campaign of terror, Belgrade has
been arming the civilian Serb population, the LDK said, adding that local
Serbs have been evacuated from villages in Gjakova municipality. "This adds
further to the fears of heavier Serb attacks, mentioned recently by some
Serb officials".
Given the extremely dangerous situation in Kosova, the LDK called on the
United States of America, NATO, the Contact Group countries, the European
Union, and the United Nations, to strongly pressure Belgrade into bringing
an end to its military operations and prevent the conflict from spreading.
Belgrade is undermining the stability of the region by increasing its
terror and aggressive actions, the LDK said, adding that Belgrade is not
abiding by international calls for a peaceful and negotiated settlement to
the Kosova crisis.
The LDK appealed to all international factors to show more determination to
halt the current "military gallop of Belgrade before Kosova and the entire
region blows up" and the last chance of a peaceful settlement to the Kosova
crisis is squandered.
Meanwhile, a delegation of the Presidency of the LDK, consisting of
Mr. Eqrem Kryeziu, vice-chairman, Aqif Shehu, Niman Alimusaj and Dr. Alush
Gashi, presidency members, visited today the United States Information
Service (USIS) office in Prishtina.
The LDK delegation discussed the current situation in Kosova with Nicholas
Hill, First Secretary in the US Mission in Belgrade, and Mr. Bazalla,
acting director of the USIS in Prishtina.
[09] Serb Military Builds Emplacement Near Komaran
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - Serbian military forces with heavy armament and
artillery have been deployed on the hills called "Çuka" and "Mali i Begut",
just opposite Komaran, the local Human Rights Council told Bujku newspaper.
The Serbian soldiers started building emplacements immediately after their
arrival, Bujku said, adding that Serbian soldiers have been harassing local
residents.
The village of Komaran and the vicinity is an ethnically Albanian-inhabited
territory. No Serbs live in the area.
[10] Serbian Civilians Given Weapons and Police Uniform in Lipjan
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - The Serbian civilians of Lipjan were given
automatic guns and police uniforms Wednesday, LDK sources in Lipjan
reported.
The Serbian-installed authorities supplied local Serb residents with
Kallashnikov rifles and police uniforms in public places, the local
secondary school premises and the town-market.
Reportedly, some of the civilians who received weapons and uniforms were
seen in downtown Lipjan today (Thursday) morning.
Several Albanians from Lipjan told LDK sources they received threats by the
newly uniformed and armed persons. The Albanians were told not to be seen
in groups of more than three persons.
[11] Medical Center in Prishtina Turned Into Polling Station
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - The Serbian authorities have turned the Medical
Center No.3 in Prishtina into a polling station Thursday morning. They
ordered all the medical personnel vacate the premises, so the voting for
the Serb referendum concerning the (non)participation of the third
international party in Albanian-Yugoslav talks could take place, LDK
sources reported.
[12] Peaceful Marches of Albanians into Fourteenth Day
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - Today was the fourteenth consecutive day of the
peaceful marches of tens of thousands of Albanians protesting Serbian
occupation of Kosova and pressing for independence of the country.
Albanians took to the main streets in capital Prishtina and other towns
Kosova for half-hour marches at 12:00 hrs.
The motto of peaceful, calm manifestations of Albanians is "Kosova, the
largest prison camp in Europe".
[13] Serb Military Exercise Force in Capital Prishtina
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - Today (Thursday) at 10:30 a.m., four Serb
military trucks with soldiers on board drove through Jabllanica road in
Prishtina, capital of Kosova. They stopped at the Kodra e Trimave
(Vranjevc) quarter of Prishtina for several minutes and drove back to town.
The Serbian soldiers held their guns directed towards pedestrians on the
road, LDK sources said.
[14] Serbian Civilians in Istog Receive Weapons and Police Uniforms
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - Some 50 Serbs and Montenegrins were provided
with weapons and police uniforms at the Serbian police station in the small
town of Istog.
They all reported back to the police station during the day, LDK sources
reported.
[15] Twenty Refugees from Kosova Reach Northern Albania
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - The Tirana-based Albanian daily "Koha Jonë"
reported that some 20 Albanians from Kosova reached the region of Has in
northern Albania Wednesday noon.
Koha Jonë quoted the police dept. chief of the Has region as saying four
men, four women and twelve children, originally from the Planeja village of
Prizren, southern Kosova, found refuge at a local hotel and the student
dormitory of the small town of Kruma.
The police chief, Mr. Sali Gera, told the newspaper the Kosovar Albanians
fled their homes because of persistent Serbian repression and oppression.
[16] Albanian Arrested by Serb Police, Family Has No Knowledge of His
Whereabouts
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - On 19 April, the Serbian police arrested Xhelal
Emin Kuçi from Suhareka. Since the day of the arrest, his family has no
knowledge of his whereabouts, although they have hired a lawyer to follow
on his case.
Serb police authorities failed to provide information, LDK sources in
Suhareka reported.
Another Albanian, Dr. Hafir Shala, a physician from Gllogovc, has been
missing for two weeks now after Serb police arrested him.
[17] Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Calls for Negotiations
Without Pre-judging the Outcome -- Immediate start of unconditional
negotiations on Kosova is urged, international community should be
represented at the talks
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of
Europe adopted a resolution on the latest developments in the "Federal
Republic of Yugoslavia" and the situation in Kosova, 22 April 1198.
Following is the provisional edition of the resolution and the
recommendations made by the Council:
/Begin text/
1. The latest political developments in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
(FRY) - and in particular the situation in Kosovo - represent a threat to
the stability of the country and of the Balkan region as a whole.
2. The Assembly reiterates its position expressed in Recommendation 1360
(1998) on the crisis in Kosovo and in Resolution 1146 (1998) on recent
developments in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and their implications
in the Balkan region.
3. The Assembly is concerned about the growing influence of political
extremists in the FRY, as demonstrated by the participation of the Serb
Radical Party of Mr Seselj in the new Serbian Government.
4. The continuing tension in Montenegro should be resolved through
political dialogue. The parliamentary elections in Montenegro, scheduled
for 31 May 1998, will be an important indicator of respect for democratic
standards.
5. The Assembly deplores the growing repression by the authorities of media
that are trying objectively to report on the situation in Kosovo, namely
the violence used by the police against the independent local media and
foreign journalists covering events in Kosovo and the threats of legal
prosecution.
6. The Assembly re-affirms its position that, without pre-judging the
outcome of the negotiations, a long term solution to the crisis in Kosovo
can only be found on the basis of a mutually agreed solution. The Assembly
believes that the solution could be a greater autonomy for Kosovo, within a
democratically reformed FRY. Such autonomy should guarantee respect for the
rights of all ethnic groups in Kosovo. The Assembly repeats its call for an
immediate start of unconditional negotiations.
7. It welcomes the beginning of the implementation in Kosovo of the 1996
education agreement, which should contribute to a more favorable political
climate for any future talks.
8. The Assembly welcomes the constitution of the delegation of the Serbian
Government, which includes a special envoy of President Milosevic, for
talks with representatives of Kosovo Albanian community. The delegation
should be authorized to discuss solutions going beyond the existing Serbian
constitution. The international community should be represented at these
talks.
9. The Assembly also welcomes the constitution of a negotiating team
representing the Kosovo Albanian community. It should accept to open talks
with the Belgrade authorities forthwith.
10. The Assembly reiterates its offer to assist in contacts between the
authorities and representatives of the Kosovo Albanian community. The
Council of Europe has considerable expertise in the relevant areas, such as
human rights, minority rights, education and media, which it could put at
the disposal of the parties.
11. The Assembly considers that the referendum decided by the Serbian
Parliament, following a proposal by President Milosevic, on the
acceptability of foreign mediation does not contribute to a solution to the
Kosovo crisis. The Yugoslav authorities should comply with the requests of
the international community, including the mission of Mr. Felipe Gonzalez
on behalf of the OSCE and the European Union.
12. The Assembly fully endorses Resolution 1160 of the United Nation
Security Council on the crisis in Kosovo, adopted on 31 March 1998,. In the
light of the request by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia for membership,
the Council of Europe should be included in consultations between the
United Nations, the Contact Group, the OSCE and the European Union.
13. The Assembly takes note of the Yugoslav Government's request for
Council of Europe membership of 18 March 1998. However, this request can
only be considered if the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia respects the
principles and values on which the Council of Europe is based, and complies
with the requests of the international community, notably with regard to
Kosovo.
14.The Assembly calls on the authorities of the Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia to:
i. empower the delegation for talks with the Albanian Kosovo community to
discuss all options for autonomy of Kosovo within the Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia.
ii. agree to the presence of a foreign representative or representatives to
facilitate talks,
iii. comply with other requests of the international community concerning
Kosovo and the democratic reforms in the country, as contained in the
relevant documents of the United Nations, the OSCE, the European Union, the
Contact Group and the Council of Europe.
15. The Assembly calls on the leadership of the Kosovo Albanians:
i. to condemn and do their utmost to prevent the use of violence and arms
trafficking,
ii. to enter into talks with the delegation of the Serbian government and
the special envoy of President Milosevic.
16. The Assembly recommends that the Committee of Ministers:
i. continue to deal with the situation in Kosovo as a matter of priority
within the framework of its political dialogue,
ii. verify, in particular, the further implementation of the education
agreement regarding Kosovo,
iii. examine, in close co-ordination with the United Nations, the OSCE, the
European Union and the Contact Group, ways in which the Council of Europe
could facilitate contacts, and assist in talks between the Yugoslav
authorities and the Kosovo albanian community,
iv. call on both sides to ensure implementation of any agreement reached,
v. decide on a follow up to be given to the Yugoslav request for Council of
Europe membership in the light of progress made by the FRY authorities in
complying with the requests by the international community, notably with
regard to Kosovo.
17. The Assembly resolves to remain actively seized on the issue and to
send a delegation to visit Belgrade, Pristina and Podgorica as soon as
possible.
/end text/
[18] UN Human Rights Commission Calls for "Unconditional Dialogue" and
"Complete Withdrawal" of Serbian Special Police from Kosova
PRISHTINA, April 23 (KIC) - The United Nations Commission on Human Rights
adopted this week, in its fifty-fourth session, a resolution on the
situation of human rights in the "Federal Republic of Yugoslavia" (Serbia
and Monetnegro) and Kosova.
The inclusion of Kosova within the "FRY" falls meaningfully within the
rubric of the UN Commission's discussion of the violation of human rights
"with particular reference to colonial and other dependent countries and
territories", for Kosova is a country under Serbian occupation.
The UN Commission on Human Rights endorsed the recommendations of the
Special Rapporteur as contained in his report on his visit to the FRY,
including Kosova, in particular that:
"(a) The FRY should permit forensic investigation by independent experts
concerning the 28 February operations in Likosani and Cirez and the 5 March
operations in Prekaz, and should also conduct its own investigation of
these events;
(b) That the Kosovo Albanian leadership should commit itself to ensure that
the Kosovo Albanian community shall pursue their goals only by peaceful
means;
(c) That all parties should allow free access for international and
humanitarian organizations and the establishment of a temporarily expanded
office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights operating out of the
permanent premises to be established in Kosovo."
The UN Human Rights Commission regrets "the express refusal of the FRY to
allow a visit by the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or
arbitrary executions".
The Commission called upon authorities in the "FRY" to put an end to
torture and ill-treatment of persons in detention, and to "repeal the 1989
Law on Special Conditions for Real Property
Transactions and to apply all other legislation without discrimination".
[The law restricts the rights of Kosovar Albanians, KIC]
Following is the rest of the text of the resolution of the UN Commission on
Human Rights, in which it:
"23. Condemns violent repression of non-violent expression of political
views in Kosovo, in particular the brutal police actions as well as the
excessive use of force against the civilian population, including
demonstrators and journalists among the Albanian population, condemns as
well the killing of innocent civilians, equally condemns terrorism in all
its forms and from any quarter, and underscores the grave concern of Member
States regarding the increasingly serious situation there;
24. Urges all parties in the FRY to act with the utmost restraint and with
full respect for human rights, and to refrain from acts of violence;
25. Insists that the Government of the FRY:
(a) Take immediate action, in view of the deteriorating situation in Kosovo
and the danger of escalating violence there, to put an end to the
continuing repression of and prevent violence against the ethnic Albanian
population, as well as other communities living in Kosovo, including acts
of harassment, beatings, brutality, torture, warrantless searches,
arbitrary detention, unfair trials and arbitrary, unjustified evictions and
dismissals;
(b) Ensure the complete withdrawal of its special police from Kosovo;
(c) Release all political detainees, allow the return in safety and dignity
of ethnic Albanian refugees to Kosovo and respect fully all human rights
and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of the press, freedom of
movement and freedom from discrimination in the field of education and
information and, in particular, improve the situation of ethnic Albanian
women and children;
(d) Allow the establishment of democratic institutions in Kosovo;
(e) Agree to the establishment of an office of the High Commissioner for
Human Rights in Pristina;
(f) Broaden cooperation with other regional and international actors,
including by allowing the return of the long-term missions of the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, visits by the personal
representative of the Chairman in Office of the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe and the establishment of a European Union
presence in Kosovo;
(g) Implement the September 1996 by Saint Egidio memorandum of
understanding on education in Kosovo immediately and without conditions,
including at the university level, as an important first step towards
reducing regional I tensions, while welcoming efforts made in that regard;
26. Emphasizes the importance of a substantive, unconditional dialogue
between authorities in Belgrade and the Kosovo Albanian leadership aimed at
achieving a lasting resolution to the problems of Kosovo consistent with
the territorial integrity of the FRY, and notes the proposals made by the
Government of the FRY in that direction;
27. Also emphasizes that improvements in the promotion and protection of
human rights and political freedoms in Kosovo and the rest of its territory
as well as cooperation with the Tribunal will assist the FRY to improve
relations with the international community;
28. Welcomes positive developments in Montenegro, including in the areas of
freedom of the media and the treatment of ethnic minorities, and also
welcomes the formation of a multi-ethnic coalition government;
29. Calls upon the international community:
(a) To establish appropriate safeguards to ensure the security and fair
treatment upon return of those who sought temporary protection and asylum,
including appropriate measures by Governments, such as legal guarantees and
follow-up mechanisms, to allow those persons to return to their homes in
the FRY in safety and dignity".
Kosova Information Center
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