Kosova Daily Report #1437, 98-05-22

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

Kosova Information Center
KOSOVA DAILY REPORT #1437
Prishtina, 22 May 1998

First Edition: 13:30 CET
Second Edition: 15:30 CET
Third Edition: 17:00 CET
Fourth Edition: 19:00 CET

CONTENTS

[01] Delegations of President Rugova and President Milosevic Meet in Prishtina

[02] Local Serbs Set Fire to Albanian Homes in Central Kosova

[03] Llausha Village Comes Under Renewed Serb Shelling Friday, Several Houses Destroyed

[04] Body of Dead Person Spotted Near Prishtina-Prizren Road at Duh&l

[05] Intermittent Shelling of Albanian Homes in Klina Municipality Throughout Thursday

[06] Serbs Fought One-Another at Krushev& e Madhe of Klina Thursday Morning

[07] Serbian police Confiscates Humanitarian Relief in Capital Prishtina

[08] Serb Forces Plunder Albanian Private Firms in Gjakova

[09] Albanian Youth Arrested in Istog, Several Families Raided On

[10] Albanian Journalist Tortured at Police Station for Five Hours

[11] Kosovar and 'Yugoslav' Delegations Meet in Prishtina

[12] President Ibrahim Rugova Receives British Diplomats

[13] Serb Forces Kill Young Albanian Thursday

[14] Albanian Houses Burning at Grabanic& Village - Four Albanians abducted by Serb forces in Klina villages

[15] Thousands March in Prishtina for 43rd Straight Day

[16] Fresh Serbian Forces Deployed to Klina Region

[17] Albanian Physician Arrested for Assisting Wounded Albanians

[18] Police Robs Albanian Passengers Off Large Sums of Money

[19] Several Klina Villages under Grenade Attack

[20] Serb Forces Burn Albanian Houses at Zajm Village of Klina

[21] Serb Attack on Llausha Continues

[22] Border Villages Attacked Overnight and Morning Today

[23] Protesters Clash with Riot Police in Gjilan Friday

[24] Kosovar and 'Yugoslav' Delegations Conclude Their First Meeting in Prishtina

[01] Delegations of President Rugova and President Milosevic Meet in Prishtina

The meeting was scheduled to start at 10:00. The Belgrade delegation was late for three hours.

The meeting is being held in the seat of the Presidency of Kosova.

[02] Local Serbs Set Fire to Albanian Homes in Central Kosova

At least seven houses are on fire, sources said.

The situation in Klina has deteriorated rapidly during this week.

Several villages - Grabanica, ^eskova, K&puz, Dellova and Volljak& - came under a fierce Serb attack Wednesday and Thursday.

One Albanian was killed and four other wounded during the attack by Serb forces at Grabanica on Wednesday.

Serb forces renewed their attack against Grabanica Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The attack lasted until midnight, source said.

Heavy Serbian forces have been reported deployed near Grabanica village, on the Klina-Peja highway.

As a result of the difficult situation in the municipality, the local Albanian education authorities have ordered discontinuation of classes at all schools for an unspecified period of time.

[03] Llausha Village Comes Under Renewed Serb Shelling Friday, Several Houses Destroyed

The village is being attacked with heavy artillery, sources said.

Several houses have been targeted, among them the house of the LDK General Council member from Llausha, Halil Geci. The third floor of the house has been ruined completely.

The village of Llausha in Skenderaj (in the Drenica region) has been under a tight Serb siege since 5 March 1998.

Six local inhabitants have been killed in the village since.

A number of residents have died amidst lack of medical treatment and food shortages.

[04] Body of Dead Person Spotted Near Prishtina-Prizren Road at Duh&l

LDK sources in Suhareka said the corpse was lying on the left side of the road and had blue jeans on.

The identity as well as the circumstances of the death of the man remain unknown.

[05] Intermittent Shelling of Albanian Homes in Klina Municipality Throughout Thursday

An all-out attack with heavy guns against Grabanica, Dolov&, Bokshiq, K&puz and ^eskov& began at 9.30 am Thursday morning.

In a telephone conversation with LDK sources in Klina Thursday late afternoon, they confirmed shelling against these villages was still continuing.

Additional heavy Serbian armed forces had been deployed in the area just after 2 p.m. A Serb police helicopter was hovering over these villages.

LDK sources said it was impossible to obtain any information from inside these villages since the area has been placed under a tight siege by Serb forces.

[06] Serbs Fought One-Another at Krushev& e Madhe of Klina Thursday Morning

Sources said the killing of a young Serb and the wounding of two others came as a result of a combat between the local Serb families.

Meanwhile, heavy Serbian army and police forces were deployed at Grabanica, ^eskova, K&puz, Dollova and Volljak& villages of Klina, in central Kosova today. The Serb forces were equipped with various kinds of weaponry and immediately began digging in in the area.

The villages Grabanica, ^eskova, K&puz, Dollova and Volljak& came under fierce Serb forces' shelling throughout the day Thursday.

Sources in Klina said, the Serb forces arrested Filip Berisha, Prenk Palushi and his son Kastriot Palushi (16) at Krushev& e Madhe Thursday.

The three Albanians were reported taken at the police station and tortured brutally. They were released late Thursday evening in critical health condition.

[07] Serbian police Confiscates Humanitarian Relief in Capital Prishtina

The Serbian police confiscated Thursday humanitarian relief in downtown Prishtina. The "Mother Teresa" Charitable Association said the police had confiscated humanitarian relief dedicated to those in need in two different neighborhoods in Prishtina.

Supplies such as cooking oil, macaroni, milk products, meat and tin food was confiscated.

[08] Serb Forces Plunder Albanian Private Firms in Gjakova

The Serbian police raided on "Merturi" and "Niki" private firms and seized all the goods from the shops and warehouses. They also raided on the private homes of the owners.

The Serbian forces held this neighborhood under blockade until early evening Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the LDK sources in Gjakova reported Serb armed civilians have been guarding at the vicinity of the warehouses of "Mother Teresa" Charitable Association, scrutinizing every movement of its activists.

[09] Albanian Youth Arrested in Istog, Several Families Raided On

One member of the Imeraj family told KIC Thursday the Serb forces had tortured many members, in particular Mehmet Imeraj and Ferat Imeraj. The police arrested Artan Imeraj (26), the witness said.

The Serbian forces had stopped a group of Albanians on the road Monday, among them Artan Imeraj. After having checked their identities they let them go, but shot with fire arms in their direction few moments later. Artan Imeraj was wounded on the occasion.

[10] Albanian Journalist Tortured at Police Station for Five Hours

Mr. Bilalli was held at the police station for five hours and was exposed to brutal torture.

The police seized his note pad, and offended him on national grounds, his colleagues said.

Arsim Bilalli is still traumatized from the torture, and has been placed under medical treatment.

[11] Kosovar and 'Yugoslav' Delegations Meet in Prishtina

The delegation of the President of the Republic of Kosova is made up of Dr. Fehmi Agani, Dr. Pajazit Nushi, Mahmut Bakalli, Bajram Kelmendi, Veton Surroi and Blerim Shala.

The delegation of the 'Yugoslav' President consists of Rade Markovic, Nikola Sainovic, Leposava Milicevic, Tomislav Nikolic and Radisav Rajkovic.

Reporters noted that Milosevic's special envoy Vladan Kutlesic was not with the delegation. He was replaced by Nikola Sainovic, whereas Milan Bojovic by Leposava Milicevic.

On behalf of the Kosova delegation, Fehmi Agani, coordinator of the team, welcomed the FRY delegation.

The meeting is being held behind close doors.

There is an interpreter inside, which indicates that the parties speak through him, in their respective mother tongues.

Veton Surroi, one of the members of the Rugova team, told reporters before the meeting that it was being held at the invitation of the U.S. Ambassador to Shkup/Skopje Christopher Hill and after long contacts with him in this past week.

Asked whether there was direct mediation for today's meeting, Mr. Surroi said mediation means a range of activities. Mediation does not necessarily man being physically present in the negotiating table, he concluded.

[12] President Ibrahim Rugova Receives British Diplomats

The current situation in Kosova, and the prospects for a negotiated settlement to the Kosova issue were discussed.

President Rugova described the situation in Kosova as extremely grave and dangerous amidst the continued armed actions by Serbian military and police forces against the local Albanian population in central and southwestern regions of Kosova. He pressed for increased international pressure to make Belgrade bring an end to its operations and pull out its troops from Kosova.

The people of Kosova are committed to their peaceful struggle for freedom and independence, the President said. He reiterated that the talks process between Prishtina and Belgrade in search of a political resolution for the Kosova issue should be assisted by the international community.

Ambassador Brian Donnelly said Great Britain - which holds the EU Presidency - followed closely the developments in Kosova. It stands for a negotiated settlement in Kosova, he added.

President Ibrahim Rugova said he appreciated the British government's role in stepped up efforts on Kosova within the European Union and the international fora as a whole.

[13] Serb Forces Kill Young Albanian Thursday

The Information Commission of the LDK branch in Klina said the young Albanians was killed in an area between the villages of Budisalc and Krushev& e Madhe.

The funeral of Arben Halilaj will take place today (Friday).

[14] Albanian Houses Burning at Grabanic& Village - Four Albanians abducted by Serb forces in Klina villages

The LDK Information Commission in Klina said Serbian forces, which have been deployed close by the village, have been setting houses on fire alongside local Serbs.

The number of burning houses is not known.

Meanwhile, Serb forces have kidnapped four Albanians of the Klina villages today.

LDK sources said four Albanians were abducted at noon today, and reported taken to the premises of the Nora motel, which has been housing Serb forces and Serb refugees.

[15] Thousands March in Prishtina for 43rd Straight Day

The calm half-hour marches, beginning at noon, have been held under the motto: "Kosova, the largest prison in Europe".

Serb civilians provoked Albanian protesters in Prishtina, including a car wading into the crowd.

Similar protest marches were held in other towns in Kosova.

In Ferizaj ('Urosevac') thousands chanted slogans for freedom and independence for Kosova, but also the name of President Rugova, then Drenica, De^an, "U^K", etc. The manifestation was held under the watchful eye of Serb police and security.

[16] Fresh Serbian Forces Deployed to Klina Region

The convoy consisted of 30 APCs, LDK sources in Peja reported.

The situation in the municipality of Klina has been extremely grave and dramatic in the wake of attacks launched by Serb forces against several village since Wednesday.

[17] Albanian Physician Arrested for Assisting Wounded Albanians

He was also accused of having given medical assistance to Artan Imeraj, an Albanian youth wounded by Serbian forces at a check- point at Rakosh village Monday.

Dr. Xhavit Avdiaj is reported also accused of having assisted several Albanians after a Serb forces crackdown on a peaceful protest in Istog on March 9th.

[18] Police Robs Albanian Passengers Off Large Sums of Money

The police ordered the bus driver to drive to the police station in Skenderaj for searching.

During the search, the police plundered DM 11.840 from passengers, and DM 610 DM and 13.560.00 Austrian Schillings from the owner of the bus.

The police seized also 60 litters of cooking oil belonging to passengers.

The bus was coming from Vienna, Austria, to the town of Peja ('Pec') in Kosova.

[19] Several Klina Villages under Grenade Attack

These villages were likewise attacked by Serb forces on Wednesday and Thursday.

Arben Aziz Halilaj, resident of Jashanica e Ep&rme village, was killed during Serb attacks Thursday.

Serb forces abducted four Albanians at a garage at Zajm village today, which is opposite the Nora motel, used by Serb police forces and refugees.

Mahir Gashi (from Peja), owner of the garage, Arbon Desku, Bedri Manaj from Klina, and a fourth person were kidnapped.

[20] Serb Forces Burn Albanian Houses at Zajm Village of Klina

The Information Commission of the LDK said Serb forces have advanced into the village and are setting houses on fire. Flames and columns of smoke are evidence to this.

The local residents - mostly women, children and elderly - have left the village in terrible weather today and reached the town of Klina.

The village of Zajm has been surrounded by Serb snipers, sources said.

It is virtually impossible to know what the consequences of the Serb attack are, because Zajm and other villages have been sealed off by huge Serb military and police forces.

[21] Serb Attack on Llausha Continues

The Gecaj family compound in the village has been targeted continuously by Serb fire.

The house of Halil Geci, member of the LDK General Council, was reported hit several times with grenades today.

Llausha has been under Serbian siege since 5 March 1998, when scores of Albanians, including women and children, were slain by Serb paramilitary police forces in Prekaz village of Skenderaj.

Meanwhile, convoys of Serbian forces have been reported leaving Mitrovica for Skenderaj in the morning and in the afternoon today.

Two Albanian youths, Ilir Zeka and Bekim Gashi, were severely maltreated at a Serb police check-point in the Shipol suburbs of Mitrovica today merely because of being residents of two Drenica villages. They were taken off the bus and beaten up by police.

[22] Border Villages Attacked Overnight and Morning Today

Serbs attacked from their positions near the village of Ponoshec, local sources said, adding that the three villages were attacked during the past night, too.

There were reports on material damage, but not on possible casualties.

The town of Gjakova itself is reported under a virtual curfew. Serb police obstructs the distribution of humanitarian relief.

Agim Sara^i, an activist with the Mother Teresa charity, was held in police custody for a couple of hours today. He was reported ordered to report back to the Serb police/security on Monday for further questioning regarding his activities.

[23] Protesters Clash with Riot Police in Gjilan Friday

Two dozen thousands of people who turned out to protest peacefully for half- an-hour in downtown Gjilan were prevented by a hundred Serbian riot policemen from entering the main street in town.

The protestors were heading towards the town center, but were stopped by the Serbian riot police at the Varosh street at Ramiz Sadiku quarter. The protestors, most of whom young and schoolchildren, began chanting for some 20 minutes in front of the police cordon.

Among the slogans chanted were freedom and independence for Kosova, then Drenica, (Ibrahim) Rugova, U^K, etc.

Groups of people chanted also slogans branding Milosevic and the Serb police "terrorists".

At around 12:30, the crowd of ralliers headed to the "Selami Hallaqi" elementary school which is on the main street of the "Ramiz Sadiku" neighborhood.

A group of young people run towards the Post Office No. 2 in town in a bid to break the police cordon.

Clashes with Serb police started, protesters throwing stones, whereas the police using tear-gas.

Two protesters were reported injures, whereas a child was injured while running away.

Today was the 43th straight day of peaceful marches in the main towns of Kosova.

The Protest Committee decided to halt further protest marches in Gjilan to avert further escalation of the situation in town.

[24] Kosovar and 'Yugoslav' Delegations Conclude Their First Meeting in Prishtina

President Rugova's delegation was headed by Prof. Fehmi Agani, whereas Milosevic's team by Prof. Ratko Markovic.

The meeting was held behind close doors. There was Albanian-Serbian interpretation.

After the meeting, representatives of both sides, as well as the U.S. Ambassador to FYROM, spoke to the press.

Mr. Blerim Shala, member of the Kosova negotiating team and its spokesman, told the press the negotiating delegations appointed by Dr. Ibrahim Rugova and Slobodan Milosevic met today within the framework of efforts by Ambassadors Holbrooke and Gelbard as well as along lines of the Rugova- Milosevic meeting.

"The framework for the modalities for proceeding with negotiations on the political status of Kosova, the security situation as well as confidence building measures were discussed in the meeting today", Mr. Shala said.

"Despite great differences about the situation in Kosova and the manner for its resolution, both sides expressed their willingness to create the precognitions conducive to a negotiating process,6" Mr. Blerim Shala concluded.

U.S. Ambassador Christopher Hill said he was monitoring the talks in the LDK building, "but not in the room."

He recalled that the Serbian side has rejected the idea of international mediation on Kosova.

These talks "were a good first step forward", Ambassador Hill, member of the Holbrooke-Gelbard team, said, adding that a lot of progress needs to be made.

The delegations "discussed the framework for proceeding with these talks, an the need to build up some confidence building measures", the U.S. envoy said.

Christopher Hill went on to say: "I think some of these measures are obvious, but one of the first obvious ways is to do something about the level of violence and the overall security situation. In order to have successful talks there can't be shooting at the same time that you are talking. So, I think everyone understands that those things need to be addressed very soon. I think it is very early in the process, and I don't think anyone should be raising their hopes right now. But it's very clear that people have things to say to each other. I think there is a lot of listening going on in the room, as obviously there was a lot of talking, and we hope this process can continue, and we hope that there will be an increase in the momentum as we go along through this."

Asked by reporters whether there would be a meeting next week, Mr, Hill said he was not in a position to tell when the next meeting will be. "I have to check and see what they have mutually agreed.

Meetings will continue regularly. These talks, I must stress, are in the framework of the meeting of Dr. Rugova and President Milosevic. And that framework which was announced by Ambassador Holbrooke and Ambassador Gelbard calls for talks to continue on a weekly basis", told reporters immediately after the meeting of the Kosova-'FRY' delegation was over.

Meanwhile, during a second briefing with reporters in the conference hall of the Kosova Presidency, Ambassador Hill repeated by and large the same things he had told reporters in front of the building a quarter of an hour earlier.

"Right now we are dealing with a very difficult and dangerous situation on the ground", he said, adding that security issues are very important to be discussed urgently.

Reiterating that today's meeting in Prishtina was "just a first step in a very difficult process", Ambassador Christopher Hill emphasized that substantial progress is "long, long away".

Asked by a questioner how he should describe himself, Hill said he was U.S. Ambassador to the FYROM, but at the same time a member of the Holbrooke- Gelbard delegation. "They asked me to stay behind to see what I can do. But, we have a tough situation in Kosova, so we don't need discussing titles or functions", he said.

Dr. Ratko Markovic, head of the 'FRY' delegation in today's talks in Prishtina, said in a written statement that the meeting today was the beginning of dialogue "on a political solution for problems in Kosovo and Metohija".

The meeting was held in an atmosphere of tolerance, in which different views were exchanged openly about the situation and ways to normalize the situation and relations in Kosova, Markovic said.

There was agreement on a need for a peaceful resolution of problems in Kosova, the 'FRY" representative said. All violence, especially terrorism, and all other practices which cause fear and insecurity should be eliminated, Markovic said.

The head of President Milosevic's delegation said that both sides agreed to undertake steps towards confidence building.

"The participants of the dialogue assumed responsibility and their obligation to respect what is agreed upon in good faith and not walk out or put it in doubt", Ratko Markovic said.

The next meeting will be held next week, as agreed upon, the statement of the head of 'FRY' delegation said.

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