Kosova Daily Report #1429, 98-05-14

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

Kosova Information Center
KOSOVA DAILY REPORT #1429
Prishtina, 14 May 1998

First Edition: 16:00 CET
Second Edition: 19:45 CET

CONTENTS

[01] Rahovec Villages Come under Renewed Serb Attack

[02] Attack on Rahovec Villages of Gexh& and Radost& Confirmed by Sources in Gjakova

[03] Serb Forces' Attack on Baballoq Resumes Thursday Morning

[04] No Enthusiasm, Mixed Reaction in Kosova to Announced Rugova- Milosevic Meeting

[05] President Clinton's Statement on Rugova-Milosevic Meeting

[06] Madeleine K. Albright's Statement on the Gelbard-Holbrooke Mission on Kosova

[07] Robin Cook Says Rugova-Milosevic Meeting Is Good News

[08] OSCE Chairman-in-Office Welcomes Rugova-Milosevic Talks

[09] French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Reaction to Rugova-Milosevic Meeting

[10] U.S. State Department Issues Travel Warning for Kosova

[11] Serbs Despoil Buildings of Three Faculties of the University

[12] Rigorous Scrutiny of Passersby at Serb Police Roadblock Near Podujava

[13] Albanian Student Beaten Severely at Serb Police Checkpoint in Vushtrri

[14] Serb Shelling of Four Villages in Rahovec Continues

[15] G-15 Meets, Two of Its Members Resign in Protest over Friday's Meeting

[01] Rahovec Villages Come under Renewed Serb Attack

The villages nearby the Gradisha hill came at 10:00 hrs under the fire of Serb military and police forces which have taken up positions in the neighboring villages of the Gjakova municipality.

Fresh Serb police troops, including forces deployed at X&rx& and Bellacerk& villages, have been heading to the area under attack.

An extremely tense situation is reported in the small town of Rahovec. All vital objects in town are being held under a strict control by Serb police and armed civilians.

Reportedly, Serb employees have left work.

Four Albanians were killed during a Serb forces onslaught at Rahovec villages on Tuseday.

[02] Attack on Rahovec Villages of Gexh& and Radost& Confirmed by Sources in Gjakova

The Information Commission of the LDK in Gjakova said the sound of heavy fire was heard coming last evening from the border villages, but also from the villages of Hereq and Grama^el.

The shooting there went on today, sources said.

LDK sources in Gjakova confirmed reports about strong detonations being heard coming from the area east of Gjakova.

Eye-witnesses said the villages of Gexh& and Radost& villages of the municipality of Rahovec have been under Serb grenade attacks, including artillery. The villages are situated on the left side of the Drin River.

The two villages under reported Serb attack are situated along the roadway leading to the villages of Ratkoc, Bob&rdol e Bratatin, the scene of fierce clashes between local Albanian inhabitants and Serbian police and local Serbs.

The Gexh& and Radost& villages are being targeted by Serb forces from a strategic position called Gradish, near Gexh& village, where heavily-armed Serb police forces have been deployed.

The area is being shelled by Serb military and police forces which have taken up positions at Bishtazhin village of Gjakova, namely along the western side of the Drin village, LDK sources in Gjakova said.

Eye-witnesses said columns of smoke can be seen from far away. Army helicopters have reportedly backed Serb forces's armed actions against the villages.

The town of Gjakova itself is sealed off today by heavy Serb police forces, local LDK sources said. Many local Serbs have joined the police, they added.

LDK Information Commission in Gjakova said a 7-year-old Albanian boy, who was wounded from Serb sniper fire at Grama^el village, was given the first aid in the town.

[03] Serb Forces' Attack on Baballoq Resumes Thursday Morning

The Serbian forces have been firing the Doblibare village of Gjakova as well. Sources in Gjakova said the attack is massive and sounds from shelling could be heard in the town of Gjakova itself.

Baballoq village was attacked by the Serbian forces Wednesday evening and during the night, too.

Heavy Serbian forces were seen moving along the De^an-Gjakova road Wednesday night, whereas several APCs and other armored vehicles went in the direction of Peja Thursday morning, sources in De^an said.

The life has been paralyzed completely in the small town of De^an.

Shops have not opened for days and there is an enormous shortage of food and other supplies.

[04] No Enthusiasm, Mixed Reaction in Kosova to Announced Rugova- Milosevic Meeting

The tone ranges from mild (acceptance) to harshly critical (rejection) across the political spectrum in Kosova.

The Presidency of the Democratic League of Kosova (LDK), Rugova's party, said in a statement issued Thursday afternoon it "hailed the engagement of the United States of America through the special envoys of President Clinton and Madame Albright - Mr. Richard Holbrooke and Mr. Robert Gelbard - in the solution of the Kosova issue and in offering the possibility for the conducting of dialogue of the parties in conflict at top level.". The Albanian Christian Democratic Party of Kosova (PSHDK) and one wing of the Social Democratic Party of Kosova (PSDK), two parties close to the LDK, said they were not happy about the lack of a third party in the dialogue, as well as the fact that it is being started in Belgrade, but added that there was hope. PSHDK said Serbia's claim that Kosova is its internal matter "has been overcome".

The Liberal Party of Kosova (PLK), a coalation party with the LDK in the Kosova Parliament, hailed the announced meeting of the Kosovar and 'FRY' President. "This was a courageous step on behalf of the President of the Republic of Kosova", the PLK said in a statement, commending Rugova and his "sacred goal" to ensure that peace prevails between the Albanian and the Serbian peoples.

The main opposition party in Kosova (in opposition, that is, to the LDK), Adem Dema^i's Parliamentary Party of Kosova (PPK) slammed the announced meeting, which is going to be held "not on neutral ground, without intermediation, and while Serb terrorist actions of the military forces are going on". This step does not mark the beginning of a peace process, but rather "a diktat which has been made by the Serbian militarist policy", the PPK said, adding that it will only further add to the volatile situation. Rugova should not have accepted "such a shameful start of 'dialogue'" which, in the background of such a diktat, can only lead to an autonomy for Kosova within Serbia, which will not "be accepted by the Albanians at any cost", PPK said.

Adem Dema^i himself said yesterday by giving in such a fashion, "Rugova has capitulated".

Luljeta Pula-Beqiri, chairwoman of the other PSDK wing, and the Party for National Unity (UNIKOMB) likewise slammed the announced meeting, in tone similar to Dema^i's.

[05] President Clinton's Statement on Rugova-Milosevic Meeting

Following is the text of the statement: (Begin text) I welcome the news that President Milosevic and Dr. Ibrahim Rugova will meet on May 15 in Belgrade to initiate a dialogue without pre- conditions.

As Ambassadors Holbrooke and Gelbard announced earlier today, the parties have also agreed to continue this dialogue in a series of talks in Pristina.

This is a sober first step towards resolving a very dangerous conflict that clearly has the potential to spillover into neighboring countries and destabilize the region.

There is a great deal more to be done, however, before all the peoples of Kosovo enjoy the peace, security, and human rights they deserve. The Parties face a complex challenge, but success is up to them. We expect each to make good their commitment to serious and productive dialogue.

We should be mindful of the difficult road ahead, but we are encouraged to see this process underway. (End text)

[06] Madeleine K. Albright's Statement on the Gelbard-Holbrooke Mission on Kosova

The United States helped directly to bring about these talks and will continue to play an active role to encourage their success.

Special Representative Gelbard and Ambassador Holbrooke were instrumental in breaking the deadlock on dialogue. Their shuttle diplomacy between Belgrade, Pristina, and throughout the region made the talks possible.

We recognize that this announcement represents only the first step toward a political resolution of the increasingly dangerous situation in Kosovo. We welcome the personal engagement of President Milosevic, as well as the flexibility shown by Dr. Rugova. Without continued momentum in the dialogue process, however, renewed violence is likely. We urge both sides to enter the talks with an open mind and the will to find a solution to the problems of Kosovo. (End text)

[07] Robin Cook Says Rugova-Milosevic Meeting Is Good News

We now look to both sides to make full use of this opportunity for constructive political dialogue, particularly to the authorities in Belgrade given their primary responsibility as the government to see a negotiated solution.'

[08] OSCE Chairman-in-Office Welcomes Rugova-Milosevic Talks

Following is the text of the OSCE statement: (Begin text) The Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Polish Foreign Minister Bronislaw Geremek, welcomed the announcement of a meeting between the President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Slobodan Milosevic and the Kosovo Albanian leader Ibrahim Rugova.

Mr. Geremek considers this meeting an important first step and an opportunity for the two sides to agree on a format for dialogue.

He reiterates the OSCE position that a peaceful solution to the ever worsening conflict can only be found at the negotiating table. An international representative would greatly facilitate such talks.

The OSCE remains ready to assist in the process and maintains its expectation that the FRY will accept the mission of Mr. Felipe Gonzalez as OSCE and EU Representative.

(End text)

[09] French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Reaction to Rugova-Milosevic Meeting

We are also hoping that this meeting will represent the beginning of a real political dialogue between Serbs and Kossovians. As France and the Contact Group have ceaselessly repeated, it is of vital interest that both parties engage in a dialogue, otherwise a solution in Kosovo cannot be found".

[10] U.S. State Department Issues Travel Warning for Kosova

Following is the text of the announcement: (Begin text) The Department of State cautions U.S. citizens against travel to Serbia's southern province of Kosovo because of the potential for rapid changes in the security situation there. Ongoing ethnic tensions between Serbs and ethnic Albanians have worsened in spring 1998, with a series of armed clashes, particularly in the Drenica region north and west of Pristina and in the region near the border with Albania. Police checkpoints are numerous throughout Kosovo, and the Yugoslav army is increasingly visible outside of garrisons. Armed ethnic Albanian extremists are also increasingly visible and have set up temporary roadblocks at some points. Large demonstrations by both Serbs and by ethnic Albanians continue in the major Kosovo towns on a daily basis.

American citizens already in Serbia-Montenegro may contact the U.S. Embassy for current security information. The embassy is located at Kneza Milosa 50, Belgrade; Telephone (381) (11) 645- 655.

For further general information on travel to Serbia-Montenegro, consult the latest Department of State Consular Information Sheet.

This supersedes the public announcement dated March 3, 1998, and expires on August 31, 1998.

(End text)

[11] Serbs Despoil Buildings of Three Faculties of the University

PRISHTINA, May 14 (KIC) - Serbs have for days now been taking out all facilities from the three faculties of the University of Prishtina which should be re-opened to Albanian students and teachers.

President Milosevic and Dr. Ibrahim Rugova will meet on May 15 in Belgrade to initiate a dialogue without pre-conditions after seven years of illegal take-over by the Serb regime.

According to an annex to the long overdue Education Accord, signed in September 1996 by presidents Rugova and Milosevic, by Friday, May 15th, the Albanians should be able to get back to the premises of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

On 30 April, the day when the Albanians were to re-enter the first three faculties 2of the University, huge Serb police forces sealed off the area to prevent them from entering.

The Serb students have threatened they will not allow Albanians have access to the University premises. Some of them have locked themselves up inside the three faculties specializing in technical studies.

It is not known yet what is going to happen tomorrow, Friday.

What looks likely is that the three faculties will be despoiled in advance of any take-over.

The Serb regime has now embarked on a scheme of re-distributing the premises of the University of Prishtina, but also the buildings of the high and elementary schools, which is in contradiction to the wording and the spirit of the Education Accord signed under the mediation of the Vatican- based Sant' Egidio Community.

The Milosevic regime knows it has the upper hand, and can make others, including international organizations, play in its hands.

Slobodan Milosevic and the international community have capitalized on a piece of paper, the Education Accord, for twenty months now.

This was termed then a 'breakthrough', just as is now the announced meeting of President Ibrahim Rugova and Milosevic in Belgrade, tomorrow.

No Albanian student has to this day been able to get back to the University of Prishtina premises, although the world has been talking of a breakthrough in the education field for almost two years now.

[12] Rigorous Scrutiny of Passersby at Serb Police Roadblock Near Podujava

The roadblock was set up at Prishtina-Podujeva road, some 6 kilometers from the town of Podujeva. The Serbian police are equipped with APCs and other personnel carriers.

LDK sources in Podujeva said there were more Serbian policemen in the town today as well.

Meanwhile, sources in Podujeva said the burial ceremony of the 27-year-old Agron Rrahmani, killed by the Serbian police in Prishtina Tuesday, is expected to take place in his birthplace at Ballovc village today.

The Serb police roadblock was established in one of the intersections leading to Ballovc village.

[13] Albanian Student Beaten Severely at Serb Police Checkpoint in Vushtrri

Scores of Albanians who happened to walk or derive by the checkpoint have been beaten up, threatened or even plundered by Serb police the Commission said.

Arton Zeka, a third years student with the secondary school in the town was beaten up brutally at the police checkpoint at Nadakovc.

He suffered severe body injuries and had to seek medical treatment later.

[14] Serb Shelling of Four Villages in Rahovec Continues

LDK Information Commission in Gjakova said at 16:00 hrs the Serbian attack was still going on.

Having been attacked with heavy Serb artillery, a number of houses have been burned in the villages, according to sources, which failed to say anything about possible casualties.

Local sources said the local Albanian population is resisting the Serbian onslaught with all their means.

The villages and the area in the near vicinity is being held sealed off by heavy Serb forces.

A delegation of the LDK Women's Forum was turned back at X&rx& village today, Melihate T&rmkolli, Gjylhane Berisha and Sanije Zeqiraj were on their way to Gjakova and De^an.

They said they saw hundreds of Serb forces on both sides of the roadway to Prizren; Two police armoured personnel carriers abandoned, a Zastava 101 destroyed, and the column of smoke from the Rogova village.

[15] G-15 Meets, Two of Its Members Resign in Protest over Friday's Meeting

Veton Surroi, a member of the Group, told reporters after the meeting the President of the Republic of Kosova will be accompanied by his four-member negotiating team (Fehmi Agani, Pajazit Nushi, Mahmut Bakalli, Veton Surroi) for talks with FRY President Milosevic.

Meanwhile, Hydajet Hyseni and Bujar Dugolli, members of the G-15, said they were resigning from the Group over differences with regard to the meeting in Belgrade.

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