Kosova Daily Report #1409, 98-04-24
Kosova Information Center
KOSOVA DAILY REPORT #1409
Prishtina, 24 April 1998
First Edition: 15:15 hrs
Second Edition: 19:30 hrs
CONTENTS
[01] President Rugova's Press Conference
[02] 1000 Kosovar Refugees Reach Albania Friday
[03] Dramatic Situation in De^an and Gjakova
[04] Local Sources in De^an and Gjakova Speak of Three Persons Killed
[05] Baballoq under Renewed Serb Fire, a Citizen Kidnapped in De^an
[06] Shelling of Suka e C&rmjanit Has Continued
[07] Serb Civilians Armed by Authorities in Peja
[08] Workers of Radioqi Dam Warn Serb Army Firing Will Shatter the Dam's
Wall
[09] Dozens of Homes Burned to Ground During Serb Shelling in Drenica
[10] Serbs Harass KIC Journalist and Kosova Parliament Member
[11] Albanians Fired from Jobs and Beaten for Participation in Peaceful
Protests
[12] Baballoq Village Under Continued Serb Fire Friday Afternoon
[13] Serb Forces Attack Besieged Villages in Drenica Friday
[14] Two Students Receive Serb Police Firearm Wounds in Peja
[15] 19 or 23 Albanians Killed by 'Yugoslav' Army, According to Serb
Military Sources
[16] Serb Police Raids Homes, Plunders and Beats Scores of Albanians in
Malisheva
[17] Serb Police Cracks Down on Jabllanica Village of Peja
[18] Serb Police Seals Off Mitrovica All Day Friday
[19] Serbian Army Garrisoned in Gjilan and Surrounding Villages
[20] Serbian Army Positions at Taraxh& Village of Vushtrri
[21] Serb Policemen and Soldiers Stationed Along Klina-Kijeva Road
[22] Heavy Serbian Forces Block Key-roads at X&rx&
[23] Serb Forces Shell Suka e Neti^it of Cermjan
[24] Albanian Families Flee Dushkaja Area of Gjakova
[25] Additional Serb Army Forces Deployed in Lipjan Municipality
[26] No Official Confirmation that 1000 Kosovar Refugees Arrived in
Albania
[01] President Rugova's Press Conference
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - The President of the Republic of Kosova Dr.
Ibrahim Rugova hailed today the European "diplomatic action" on Kosova of
the U.S. presidential delegation led by Deputy Secretary of State Strobe
Talbott, as well as the commitment of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright
to Kosova.
Speaking during a press conference in Prishtina today (Friday), the
President took the opportunity to express his appreciation for remarks by
senior U.S. and European diplomats on the significance and seriousness of
the Kosova issue and the need for third party mediation in a talks process
between Prishtina and Belgrade.
Rugova took note of the approval of recommendations on Kosova by the
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and expressed his hope
"Kosova will soon join the Council" itself. He further thanked all
diplomats visiting Kosova this past week, including the Secretary General
of the Austrian Foreign Ministry, Mr. Rohan.
Speaking about the current situation in Kosova, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova said it
continued to be "grave and volatile".
In the wake of the Serb massacres against the local Albanian civilian
population in the region of Drenica, many villages are still being under a
harsh grip or under siege, the President told reporters. "This past week,
the villages of Baballoq and Grama^el in the De^an municipality came under
Serb attack. A number of houses were damaged. Attacks occurred yesterday in
the Gjakova villages, at a time incidents on the border between Kosova and
Albania. All this is aimed to spreading the conflict in the region."
President Ibrahim Rugova of Kosova called for an immediate end to Serbian
police and military operations.
He called on local Kosovar Serbs "not to fall prey to manipulation by
extremists", and urged "all citizens of Kosova to show maximum self-
restraint".
Rugova called on the international community to undertake preventative
measures in Kosova, "pursuant to the UN Security Council Resolution".
President Ibrahim Rugova reconfirmed the commitment of the people of Kosova
to a political and peaceful settlement to the crisis.
He denounced the violence and massacres committed by the Serbian regime and
"any kind of violence that may be provoked by diverse extremists, from any
quarter".
The President reconfirmed the commitment of the Kosova leadership to
negotiations between Prishtina and Belgrade, "in a neutral country, with
third party mediation".
The best solution is an independent and neutral Kosova, on the basis of the
[1991] referendum, with all guarantees for the local Serb community, Dr.
Ibrahim Rugova reaffirmed, reiterating the need for an interim civil
international protectorate.
Asked by the BBC whether there has been any progress towards negotiations
in the wake of recent developments in Kosova as well as how and if the U^K
(the Kosova Liberation Army) will be brought to the process, President
Rugova said a process of negotiations should be established. "As far as the
group you refer to (the U^K), I will be investigating who they are", he
said, adding that legitimate representatives of Kosova will be taking part
in the negotiations.
"I condemn all kinds of violence" occurring in Kosova, the President
reaffirmed, adding that "the generator of all kinds of violence in Kosova
is the Serbian regime, and the atrocities it has been committing against
the Kosova Albanians."
There should be increased efforts on both the part of the Kosovar society
and the international NGOs to help the Albanian population displaced by the
recent attacks by Serb forces in different parts of Kosova.
Asked by the Deutsche Welle about the incidents on the Kosova- Albania
border - Serb military authorities having claimed to have killed 16
Albanians - Rugova said there victims there but the casualty toll was yet
unknown. "Incidents there are very dangerous for the entire region", he
concluded.
[02] 1000 Kosovar Refugees Reach Albania Friday
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - Some 1000 Albanians from Kosova have reached
today (Friday) in the neighboring Republic of Albania. They crossed the
border at Qafa e Morin&s location and have left for Tropoja and Has regions
in northern Albania, the Albanian Foreign Ministry said, quoting media
reports.
The Albanian population of the Kosovar municipalities of De^an and Gjakova,
a region bordering on Albania, is reported to be panic- stricken amidst an
increasing Serbian police, military and propaganda pressure.
[03] Dramatic Situation in De^an and Gjakova
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - The situation prevailing in the municipalities
of De^an and Gjakova today has been described as very dramatic.
In the wake of several-day long attacks by Serb forces against several
villages, the persistent build-up of Serb forces equipped with heavy
weaponry, and reports about scores of killed at Koshar&, a substantial part
of the population has been fleeing their homes in panic.
LDK sources in the two municipalities in south-western Kosova, bordering on
Albania, said the Serb regime has been engaged in a special warfare
propaganda, the goal being to make the Albanian population flee the area in
a bid to ethnically cleanse it.
[04] Local Sources in De^an and Gjakova Speak of Three Persons Killed
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - The Democratic League of Kosova (LDK) sources
in De^an and Gjakov& have not confirmed reports by the 'Yugoslav' army
about many killed people during a gunfight that was reported in the early
hours of 23 April.
KIC sources in Gjakova said yesterday one person was killed at an incident
at Koshare village, whereas the LDK branch Information Commission in De^an
said today two persons are thought to have been killed and a third
wounded.
Meanwhile, Reuters has quoted the Yugoslav army sources as saying that its
troops killed 22 persons near the Kosova-Albania border at Koshare village
on Thursday. The "22 infiltrators were killed in an overnight clash" when
they tried to cross into Kosova from Albania, the agency said.
The army claimed it suffered no casualties, Reuters said.
[05] Baballoq under Renewed Serb Fire, a Citizen Kidnapped in De^an
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - The situation in the municipality of De^an
continues to be grave and dangerous.
The Baballoq and Grama^el villages have been reported under Serb forces'
fire today.
The LDK branch Information Commission in De^an said several houses have
suffered damages amidst Serb shelling. For the time being, it is not known
whether there have been casualties.
Two helicopter gunships were reported to have reached the area from
Montenegro early afternoon yesterday.
The local Albanian population is moving from the area, not only the
villages under direct attack, local sources said.
Ali Ram& Hasani (35) was kidnapped by two unidentified persons yesterday
(around 16:30hrs) at his workplace in the "Evropa 2000" bakery in the town
of De^an. The kidnappers had a Mercedes car, without license plates. No
word yet about the Albanian, resident of the Dashinovc village of De^an.
The same persons were said to have attempted the abduction of a driver of a
tractor, who was halted near the bus station in De^an.
It has been reported today that four persons were spotted in the same car,
in front of the LDK branch offices in De^an, after ten o'clock in the
morning. One of the four was identified as a driver with the Peja
"Kosovatrans" bus company, whose name is Novak, thought to be resident of
the Dashinvc village. Another person of the four is suspected to be Novak's
brother, an officer with the Serbian security employed in Gjakova.
Two of the four were seen getting out the Mercedes car and into the Zastava
101 car with a license plate DJ 32-59. They reportedly headed for Dashinovc
village.
[06] Shelling of Suka e C&rmjanit Has Continued
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - It has been reported that shelling has
continued today in the early hours from the direction of "Dushkaja".
Serbian military forces have continued firing grenades on the Suka e Madhe
of the Zhdrella village and on the Suka e C&rmjanit. Sacred edifices have
been reported damaged.
Since the early morning, helicopters have been flying over the town of
Gjakova.
Meanwhile, at around 11:30, a police convoy was reported heading towards
C&rmjan.
The situation is also very tense at the "Reka e Keqe", a location near the
border zone.
Serb army forces have been continuing to build-up in the villages of
Ponoshec, Morin&, Batush&, Koshare, Babaj-Buk&s dhe Dev&.
There are frequent police and military movement between Gjakova, Ponoshec,
Junik.
Reports on casualties carried by the Serbian media today have caused
confusion and concern among the local residents. In Gjakova, however, no
casualties have been reported.
[07] Serb Civilians Armed by Authorities in Peja
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - Serb civilians in the municipality of Peja
('Pec') were provided with arms by the Serbian police authorities
yesterday.
The local police station was the venue where all this happened.
LDK sources in Peja said weapons were distributed to the Serb civilians at
around 16:00 hrs.
The Serb civilians, armed with automatic rifles, paraded through the town
of Peja on their way home.
[08] Workers of Radioqi Dam Warn Serb Army Firing Will Shatter the Dam's
Wall
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - The continuous detonations from heavy weaponry
of the 'Yugoslav' army in the area of Radoniqi Dam pose a real threat for
the dam itself and the 250 thousand families who get drinking water from
this artificial lake, the independent trade union of the workers of
Radoniqi Dam said in a letter sent to international organizations today.
The Radoniqi workers called on the IMF and other international
organizations to exercise pressure on the "Yugoslav" authorities so to
bring to en end army activities in the area of the hydro-system.
The workers said they fear damage has already been caused to the dam and to
the water purification system. The consequences will be huge if the
detonations continue, the Independent Unions said.
The Radoniqi lake and dam is in Gjakova municipality, the venue of Serb
army apportions over the past days.
[09] Dozens of Homes Burned to Ground During Serb Shelling in Drenica
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - Over 60 houses have been either burned to the
ground or damaged badly by Serb shelling in Skenderaj ('Srbica') villages
during the past two months, the Prishtina-based Bujku newspaper said
today.
Quoting the chapter of the Council for the Defense of Human Rights and
Freedoms in Skenderaj, Bujku said most of the houses were burned and ruined
in the villages Prekaz, Qirez, Kopiliq, Broja and Turiqevc. Houses in these
villages were frequently sprayed with bullets or shelled but were not all
damaged entirely, the report said.
Since end-February when Serb forces embarked attacks on Drenica villages,
over 100 Albanians were killed and massacred, while hundreds were beaten
and maltreated brutally, the CDHRF said. 13 houses were burned to the
ground in Prekaz alone as a result of Serb shelling. Virtually there
isn't's a single un-hit house in this village, the human rights council
said.
Over a dozens of villages in the Drenica region have been held inside a
deadly siege of Serb forces for almost two months now.
Around 20 thousand people moved out of the villages, of whom 13 thousand
have been sheltered in municipalities outside Skenderaj, the Council said.
Life in Drenica has been paralysed completely; over 13 thousand pupils and
students have not been able to attend classes since beginning of March, the
newspaper said.
[10] Serbs Harass KIC Journalist and Kosova Parliament Member
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - Yet unidentified Serbs in plain clothes have
been continuously intimidating Mr. Shefki Ukaj, journalist with the Kosova
Information Center (KIC) and member to the Kosova Parliament.
Since Monday, Serbs in plain clothes introducing themselves and reporters
from Serbia, have been seen moving around the house of Shefki Ukaj in
Prishtina, asking his neighbors details about him and his family. The Serbs
driving a Zastava made car of Sabac (Serbia) number plates, initially said
they were journalists with the Belgrade daily "Blic".
Some residents in the Avalla street where Shefki Ukaj's house is located
said they could recognize at least one of the Serbs asking for KIC
reporter. He is an officer with the Serb state security, they said.
Over the past days, men in cars with number plates of other towns of Serbia
have been seen often moving and strolling around the house of Shefki Ukaj.
Eye-witnesses told KIC today that Serbs in plain clothes were seen again
today morning moving around Ukaj's house. Holding a map in their hands,
they approached his house, asked people if that was Shefki Ukaj's house.
After encircling a site in the map they left, a neighbor of Mr. Ukaj said.
It is assumed that the Serbs involved in this campaign of intimidation of
Shefki Ukaj have the Serb police backing. Serb police in uniforms were seen
today only about 100 meters away while the Serbs were making inquiries
about him and were writing things down on their map.
Shefki Ukaj has not and idea why the Serbs have been making inquiries about
him. He said thee men have not approached him yet, but have only asked
several residents if the area if they know him.
Some sources have told KIC that the same Serbs who asked about Shefki Ukaj
on Tuesday were seen later making inquiries around the houses of two other
members of the Kosova parliament, Abdyl Ramaj and Adil Pireva.
[11] Albanians Fired from Jobs and Beaten for Participation in Peaceful
Protests
- Serbian army soldiers handcuffs 5 Albanian children and holds them in
their barracks for half hour in Hani i Elezit.
Prishtina, 24 April (KIC) - The Serbian police in Hani i Elezit, beat
severely Dritan Loku, Avni Hasallari, Ibush Shkreta, Nexhmedin Fida and
Adnan Imishti, for their participation in the peaceful rally held 13 April
in this small town, LDK sources reported.
Sources said, the Serbian-installed authorities of the "Salon" company
fired from work, for the same reason, Abdullah Hasallari and Nuri Lumi from
Hani i Elezit.
Meanwhile, on 18 April, the Serbian army soldiers handcuffed the children
Nexhat, Arben, Burhan and Mitat Suma, and Besnik Mici, while they were
grazing cattle at Dimc& village. They were taken to the Serbian military
barracks and harassed for half an hour.
[12] Baballoq Village Under Continued Serb Fire Friday Afternoon
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - Serb forces are attacking with all kind of
weapons the village of Baballoq and the area in the vicinity, the LDK
branch Information Commission in De^an said at 17:30 this afternoon
(Friday).
There was a huge Serb police presence in crossroads along the Peja ('Pec')-
De^an-Gjakova-Bec main road from 15:30 till 16:45, the LDK sources said.
Armored vehicles an APCs, buses, trucks and other cars full of Serb forces
headed for the town of De^an around 17:00 hrs, reports said.
The LDK Information Commission in De^an reported that Montenegrin persons,
believed to be residents of Dashinovc village of De^an, ill-treated several
citizens of the municipality today. They were on the hunt for other people,
apparently in a bid to abduct them, the Commission said.
These Montenegrin thugs were reported seen in front of the Gjeravica
industrial compound in De^an, "where there might be abducted people", LDK
sources said.
A local Albanian from Dashinvoc village was abducted in De^an yesterday by
unidentified people, suspected to be Slavs from Dashinvoc.
The local Albanian population is increasingly moving out of the area amidst
the dangerously escalating situation, LDK branch in De^an said.
There is urgent need for food and medical supplies being offered to the
affected population, the LDK sources said.
[13] Serb Forces Attack Besieged Villages in Drenica Friday
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - LDK sources in the Drenica region said today
afternoon, at 15:00 hrs, Serbian forces launched an attack on the villages
which have been under siege since 5 March.
The heavy shooting lasted for an hour. Villages Broja, Vojnika, A^areva,
Kopiliq and Llausha were targeted.
After 16:00 hrs the shooting was sporadic, and a halt to it was reported at
18:30 hrs.
There have been no reports about casualties.
On 5 March, Serb paramilitary forces attacked Prekaz i Ul&t village and
several other villages, killing 80 Albanians, including women, children and
elderly people.
[14] Two Students Receive Serb Police Firearm Wounds in Peja
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - Two secondary school students, residents of
Kliqina of Peja, were wounded during a Serb police crack-down in the
village today (Friday).
LDK Information Commission in Peja said Afrim Hajredin Berisha (17) and
Burim Ali Berisha suffered firearm wounds.
The Commission said that heavy Serb police forces cracked down today at
around noon in Leshan and the surrounding villages of the Lugu i Leshanit
(Leshani Valley).
Sources said that pupils of the local elementary school in Kliqina were
evacuated from the school and were offered refuge in the house of a local
Albanian.
[15] 19 or 23 Albanians Killed by 'Yugoslav' Army, According to Serb
Military Sources
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - An officer with the Yugoslav army (YA) garrison
in Prishtina told a press conference held in the premises of the Serb
regime-run Media Center in Prishtina Friday that YA has been involved in
operations to prevent "Albanian terrorists" infiltrate the territory of
Kosova from neighboring Albania.
Yesterday (Thursday) morning around 200 Albanians attempted an illegal
entry to Kosova, Mirko Starcevic, the Serb colonel said, adding that 19
Albanians were killed by YA around 80 meters inside the territory of
Kosova. 15 of the killed Albanians have been identified, he said, speaking
also of arms confiscated.
No questions were taken by Starcevic. He told foreign reporters they would
not be allowed to go to the border zone because of security concerns.
A press release of the "General Staff of the Yugoslav Army" dated April 24
was distributed in the Serbian regime-run Media Center.
What is important is that the casualty toll reported is different.
The YA killed 23 (7+16) Albanians in two separate incidents, according to
the Yugoslav army press release.
The YA has killed 19 Albanians, according to Starecevic, or 23 Albanians,
if you believe the Serb military press release.
[16] Serb Police Raids Homes, Plunders and Beats Scores of Albanians in
Malisheva
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - Heavy Serb police forces cracked down in
Malisheva today (Friday), harassing scores of Albanians in their homes and
on the streets for almost two hours.
LDK sources in Malisheva said Serb police in armored vehicles and APPs
arrived in the town from the directions of Rahovec and Kijeva at around
9:00 and sealed off the town rigorously.
Half-a-dozen-manned Serb police patrols were soon positioned in key
positions in Malisheva, halting, scrutinizing and ill- treating residents.
The police conducted a house-to-house raid on several Albanian homes of the
Hoti neighborhood in the small town. Households of Murat Hoti, Muhamet Hoti,
and Arife Hoti were thoroughly searched and family members harassed. The
children Driton (12), Valon (10) Lulzon (11), and Edona Hoti (4) were
amongst the people harassed by the police. Reportedly, Serb policemen told
the kids they would be forced to swallow hand grenades in case they
screamed, the LDK Information Commission in Malisheva said.
During the raid on the house of Muhamet Hoti the police plundered money and
jewelry worth 2500 DM.
Bashkim Gashi, Murat Hoti and Ms Zade Hoti-Gashi who happened to be guests
in one of the families raided by the police were beaten up brutally.
The Commission has named other Albanians who were beaten today by Serb
police in Malisheva, including Safet Rudaj, Bekim Hoti, Zejnullah Hoti,
Ejup Kryeziu, Rrahman Kryeziu, a local secondary school teacher Sefer
Krasniqi, and his students M&rgim Sulejmani and Kastriot Hoti.
LDK sources in Malisheva could not tell the pretext of the Serb police
crackdown in the town today.
[17] Serb Police Cracks Down on Jabllanica Village of Peja
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - Serb police forces cracked down brutally
against residents of Jabllanica village of Peja Friday afternoon, sources
said.
A witness told Kosova Information Center (KIC) that Serb police ill-treated
and beat up scores of Albanians at Jabllanica village for about three hours
from noon to 3 p.m. Still unconfirmed reports said that in advance to the
Serb police crackdown in Jabllanica village, firearm shooting was reported
near the Serb police station at the neighboring village of Kliqina.
[18] Serb Police Seals Off Mitrovica All Day Friday
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - A heavy Serb police presence has been reported
in the town of Mitrovica since morning hours today.
Sources said Serb police patrols in armored vehicles have been positioned
in a several places in the town.
The LDK Information Commission in Mitrovica said scores of Albanians were
beaten up and harassed on the street. The marketplace and lots of shops and
businesses were closed during the whole day in Mitrovica as a result of the
heavy presence and movement of Serb forces in town.
There is but a limited movement of citizens in the town because of this
police show of force, the chapter of the Human Rights Council (CDHRF)
said.
[19] Serbian Army Garrisoned in Gjilan and Surrounding Villages
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - The Serbian army has continued movements and
building emplacements in the Gjilan municipality and the neighboring areas,
LDK sources in Gjilan reported.
The Serbian army has been garrisoned near the Albanian cemetery in town, as
well as in Albanian private property.
The army has also built emplacements at the place called "Qenar qeshme" and
the Velekinc&-Mashishev&-Gjilan triangle.
Serb soldiers have been carrying out military exercises during the whole
week, LDK sources said.
[20] Serbian Army Positions at Taraxh& Village of Vushtrri
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - Serb soldiers and equipment have been deployed
at Taraxha village of Vushtrri who have been carrying military drills
throughout the week, LDK sources in Vushtrri reported.
An LDK activist from Taraxh& told LDK sources the Serbian military has been
trespassing Albanian gardens during their military rehearses.
[21] Serb Policemen and Soldiers Stationed Along Klina-Kijeva Road
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - Today (Friday) at 2 p.m., some 23 buses, 12
Lorries and 4 APCs with Serbian soldiers on board left Prishtina and headed
in the direction of Peja, the LDK sources in Fush& Kosova reported.
An eye witness from Peja said the Serb forces had been distributed along
the Prishtina-Peja road, at a distance of 15 kilometers between Kijeva and
the Drini river in Klina.
Serb police units made up of 6-7 men could be seen all along the way in
half mile distance between one another.
[22] Heavy Serbian Forces Block Key-roads at X&rx&
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - Early morning Friday, heavy Serbian forces were
deployed at X&rx& village, holding control in all the key-roads leading to
Gjakova, Prizren and Rahovec.
X&rx& is on the cross road to some of the key towns in western Kosova.
Serb forces have been equipped with multi barrelled machine-guns, sources
said.
Meanwhile, Serbian forces have also built road-blocks in the roads which
lead outside the town of Rahovec.
[23] Serb Forces Shell Suka e Neti^it of Cermjan
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - The Serb forces launched Friday an attack with
heavy armament and artillery against the Suka e Neti^it, near Cermjan
village, LDK sources in Gjakova said.
Army helicopters were involved in this military action, who carried Serbian
army soldiers to the area.
The Serbian army is based at Boka e Zhdrell&s and at the vicinity of
Radoniq Dam.
LDK sources in Gjakova said they could not obtain any information about
possible casualties since all the road leading to the area have been
blocked.
Meanwhile, a convoy of Serbian army equipped with heavy artillery went in
the direction of Krelan village in Dushkaja of Gjakova.
The road Gjakova-Klina-Prishtina has been blocked by the Serbian military
forces.
[24] Albanian Families Flee Dushkaja Area of Gjakova
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - Albanian families, women and children, from
Dushkaja area of Gjakova, G&rgoc and Dashinoc villages, began evacuating
yesterday (Thursday), going in the direction of Lugu i Baranit villages,
Peja municipality.
They found shelter with Albanian families at Vranoc, Baran and other
neighboring villages in the area.
Eye-witnesses said several people were wounded at a place called Boka e
Suk&s.
The situation in the Dushkaja area is very difficult and there is lack of
medicaments, LDK sources in Peja reported.
[25] Additional Serb Army Forces Deployed in Lipjan Municipality
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - A convoy of Serbian army forces was deployed
Friday noon between the villages Fushtic& and Rusinovc in Lipjan
municipality, LDK sources in Lipjan reported.
During the time of their deployment two Serbian army helicopters flew over
the region.
[26] No Official Confirmation that 1000 Kosovar Refugees Arrived in
Albania
PRISHTINA, April 24 (KIC) - The head of the Representative Office of the
Republic of Kosova to Albania, Mr. Iljaz Ramajli, told Kosova Information
Center (KIC) this afternoon there is no official confirmation that 1000
Kosovar Albanian refugees have crossed border and arrived in Albania.
A senior representative of the Albanian Foreign Ministry in Tirana,
referring to local media reports, told KIC by phone earlier in the day 1000
Kosovars had arrived in northern Albanian today (Friday).
The Kosova envoy to Tirana, Mr.Iljaz Ramajli, said the figure had indeed
been circulated by the media, but have not been officially confirmed.
Twenty-one Kosovar Albanian refugees arrived Wednesday in Albania and found
refuge at a private hotel in a small town north of the country, Tirana-
based Koha Jon& daily reported Thursday.
The local Albanian population in south-western and western Kosova along the
border zone with Kosova have been moving out as huge Serb military and
police forces have mounted attacks against villages in the municipalities
of De^an and Gjakova.
Kosova Information Center
|