Kosova Daily Report #1408, 98-04-23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[12] Peaceful Marches of Albanians into Fourteenth Day

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

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

They all reported back to the police station during the day, LDK sources reported.

[15] Twenty Refugees from Kosova Reach Northern Albania

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

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

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

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".

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