Kosova Daily Report #1562, 98-09-24

Kosovo Information Center: Kosova Daily Report Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Kosova Information Center
KOSOVA DAILY REPORT #1562
Prishtina, 24 September 1998

First Edition: 15:00 CET
Second Edition: 18:00 CET

CONTENTS

[01] NATO Issues ACTWARN over Kosova

[02] UN Security Council Resolution Demands an End to Fighting in Kosova

[03] TEXT: UNSC Resolution Sept. 23 on Kosova

[04] Albright Praises Security Council Vote on Kosova

[05] Serb Forces Continue Burning Vushtrri Villages

[06] Latest Report: Serb Infantry Torches ^i^avica Villages, Separates Menfolks from Families

[07] Tens of Thousands of New Refugees, Police Turns Back Red Cross Delegation

[08] Several Obiliq Villages around ^i^avica under a Deadly Serb Siege

[09] Serb Police Shoots Dead Albanian Teenager in Malisheva

[10] Sixty Men, Residents of Prekaz Village, Being Held in Serb Station in Gllogovc

[11] Bodies of Two Killed U^K Fighters Found near Mitrovica

[12] Serb Chase and Kill Displaced Albanians at Camping Site in Drenica Hills

[13] Serb Forces Shell Two Suhareka Villages

[14] Serbs Crack Down on Albanian Homes in Two Suhareka Villages

[15] Albanians Flee Villages in Hasi Region as Serbs Threaten with Brutal Reprisals

[01] NATO Issues ACTWARN over Kosova

PRISHTINA, Sept 24 (KIC) - Just a few moments ago, the North Atlantic Council approved the issuing of an ACT WARN for both a limited air option and a phased air campaign in Kosovo, NATO Secretary General Javier Solana said in a statement today (Thursday) afternoon after a meeting in Vilamoura, Portugal, 24 Sept. 1998

Solana's statement reads further: "The ACTWARN will take NATO to an increased level of military preparedness.

In particular, the ACTWARN will allow NATO Commanders to identify the assets required for these NATO air operations.

Let me stress that the use of force will require further decisions by the North Atlantic Council. But today's decision is an important political signal of NATO's readiness to use force, if it becomes necessary to do so.

Finally, let me express the strong support of all Allies for firm Resolution that was adopted in New York last night by the UN Security Council. This Resolution makes it clear what President Milosevic must do: - he must stop his repressive actions against the population; - he must seek a political solution to the Kosovo crisis based on negotiations, as must the Kosovar Albanians; - and he must take immediate steps to alleviate the humanitarian situation.

- the Resolution and today's decision by NATO underline the unity of the international community and our resolve to find a solution to the Kosovo crisis."

[02] UN Security Council Resolution Demands an End to Fighting in Kosova

PRISHTINA, Sept 24 (KIC) - The UN Security Council September 23 2demanded that all hostilities in Kosova cease immediately and that Yugoslav and Kosovar leaders begin a political dialogue.

The Council passed a resolution, enacted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, sponsored by France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Sweden, Great Britain, and the United States, by a vote of 14-0 with China abstaining.

The lengthy preambular section of the five-page resolution clearly states that the main responsibility for the situation in Kosovo lies with the 'Federal Republic of Yugoslavia' and Serbian security forces and states that the situation "constitutes a threat to peace and security in the region", Judy Aita, USIA United Nations Correspondent, noted.

The resolution demands that "all parties, groups and individuals immediately cease hostilities and maintain a ceasefire in Kosovo" and calls on Yugoslavia and the Kosovo Albanian leadership "to enter immediately into a meaningful dialogue without preconditions and with international involvement."

US Charge d'Affaires Peter Burleigh called the vote a "profound and courageous step forward" that sends a "clear and unequivocal message to the authorities in Belgrade that the Council is demanding that they change their behavior and live up to their responsibilities with regard to the political and humanitarian situation in Kosovo".

"We hope this will have the desired impact...We are hoping the Belgrade authorities will respond appropriately," Burleigh said. He said that planning at NATO for military operations if the resolution is not heeded is nearing completion.

The resolution "increases pressure on Belgrade to negotiate seriously with the Kosovo Albanians to achieve a political settlement that provides for democratic self-government for the people of Kosovo and avoids the devastating consequences of continued conflict," Burleigh said. "The best way to stem this crisis is for Belgrade to heed our demands," he said.

"The international community will not stand idly by as the situation in Kosovo deteriorates," Burleigh said. "The Council will not tolerate the continued violence, lawlessness, repression, and violation of human rights in Kosovo."

British Ambassador Jeremy Greenstock said that, most importantly, the resolution "makes clear that the international community's patience is exhausted. President Milosevic bears responsibility. If he ignores the Council's demands, the international community will respond and respond vigorously."

Senior U.S. officials said that the U.S. is "past the period of sanctions, well past the period of sanctions." The intention of Albright and other American diplomats during the high level talks taking place during the opening of the General Assembly is to increase "the credibility of the threat to use force", USIA correspondent wrote.

The Security Council resolution sets out four specific steps that Belgrade must take immediately: order the withdrawal of security units repressing civilians, allow European Community monitors and diplomatic missions in Kosova, facilitate the return of refugees, and make rapid process on a timetable for agreeing to confidence-building measures and finding a political solution.

Slovenian Ambassador Danilo Turk, who was president of the Council in August, said that "everybody agrees that this is the time when the Security Council has to...explain that under the obligations of Chapter 7 things have to change. And that is essentially the message of the resolution".

[03] TEXT: UNSC Resolution Sept. 23 on Kosova

This would, the Council said, "enhance the prospects for a meaningful dialogue between the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Kosovo Albanian leadership and reduce the risks of a humanitarian catastrophe."

The Security Council also demanded "that the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Kosovo Albanian leadership take immediate steps to improve the humanitarian situation and to avert the impending humanitarian catastrophe."

It was also decided that "should the concrete measures demanded in this resolution and resolution 1160 (1998) not be taken," the resolution said, "to consider further action and additional measures to maintain or restore peace and stability in the region."

Following is the UNSC text, as provided by the Washington File, USIS- Prishtina Office:

(Begin text)

United Nations Security Council

23 September 1998

France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America: resolution #1199

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolution 1160 (1998) of 31 March 1998, Having considered the reports of the Secretary-General pursuant to that resolution, and in particular his report of 4 September 1998 (S/1998/834),

Noting with appreciation the statement of the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America (the Contact Group) of 12 June 1998 at the conclusion of the Contact Group's meeting with the Foreign Ministers of Canada and Japan (S/1998/567, annex), and the further statement of the Contact Group made in Bonn on 8 July 1998 (S/1998/657),

Noting also with appreciation the joint statement by the Presidents of the Russian Federation and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia of 16 June 1998 (5/1998/526)

Noting further the communication by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia to the Contact Group on 7 July 1998,

expressing the view that the situation in Kosovo represents an armed conflict within the terms of the-mandate of the Tribunal,

Gravely concerned at the recent intense fighting in Kosovo and in particular the excessive and indiscriminate use of force by Serbian security forces and the Yugoslav Army which have resulted in numerous civilian casualties and, according to the Secretary-General's estimate, the displacement of over 230,000 persons from their homes,

Deeply concerned by the flow of refugees into northern Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and other European countries as a result of the use of force in Kosovo, as well as by the increasing numbers of displaced persons within Kosovo, and other parts of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, up to 50,000 of whom the UNHCR has estimated are without shelter and other basic necessities,

Reaffirming the right of all refugees and displaced persons to return to their homes in safety, and underlining the responsibility of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia for creating the conditions which allow them to do so,

Condemning all acts of violence by any party, as well as terrorism in pursuit of political goals by any group or individual, and all external support for such activities in Kosovo, including the supply of arms and training for terrorist activities in Kosovo and expressing concern at the reports of continuing violations of the prohibitions imposed by resolution 1160,

Deeply concerned by the rapid deterioration in the humanitarian situation throughout Kosovo and alarmed at the impending humanitarian catastrophe as described in the report of the Secretary-General, and emphasizing the need to prevent this from happening,

Deeply concerned also by reports of increasing violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law, and emphasizing the need to ensure that the rights of all inhabitants of Kosovo are respected,

Reaffirming the objectives of resolution 1160 (1998), in which the Council expressed support for a peaceful resolution of the Kosovo problem which would include an enhanced status for Kosovo, a substantially greater degree of autonomy, and meaningful self-administration,

Reaffirming also the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia,

Affirming that the deterioration of the situation in Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, constitutes a threat to peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Demands that all parties, groups and individuals immediately cease hostilities and maintain a ceasefire in Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which would enhance the prospects for a meaningful dialogue between the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Kosovo Albanian leadership and reduce the risks of a humanitarian catastrophe;

2. Demands also that the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Kosovo Albanian leadership take immediate steps to improve the humanitarian situation and to avert the impending humanitarian catastrophe;

3. Calls upon the authorities in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Kosovo Albanian leadership to enter immediately into a meaningful dialogue without preconditions and with international involvement, and to a clear timetable, leading to an end of the crisis and to a negotiated political solution to the issue of Kosovo, and welcomes the current efforts aimed at facilitating such a dialogue;

4. Demands further that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, in addition to the measures called for under resolution 1160 (1998), implement immediately the following concrete measures towards achieving a political solution to the situation in Kosovo as contained in the Contact Group statement of 12 June 1998:

(a) cease all action by the security forces affecting the civilian population and order the withdrawal of security units used for civilian repression;

(b) enable effective and continuous international monitoring in Kosovo by the European Community Monitoring Mission (ECMM) and diplomatic missions accredited to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, including access and complete freedom of movement of such monitors to, from and within Kosovo unimpeded by government authorities, and expeditious issuance of appropriate travel documents to international personnel contributing to the monitoring;

(c) facilitate, in agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the safe return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes and allow free and unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations and supplies to Kosovo;

(d) make rapid progress to a clear timetable, in the dialogue referred to in paragraph 3 with the Kosovo Albanian community called for in resolution 1160 (1998), with the aim of agreeing confidence-building measures and finding a political solution to the problems of Kosovo;

5. Notes in this connection, the commitments of the President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, in his joint statement with the President of the Russian Federation of 16 June 1998:

(a) to resolve existing problems by political means on the basis of equality for all citizens and ethnic communities in Kosovo;

(b) not to carry out any repressive actions against the peaceful population;

(c) to provide full freedom of movement for and ensure that there will be no restrictions on representatives of foreign States and international institutions accredited to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia monitoring the situation in Kosovo;

(d) to ensure full and unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations, the ICRO and the UNHCP, and delivery of humanitarian supplies;

(e) to facilitate the unimpeded return of refugees and displaced persons under programmes agreed with the UNHCR and ICRO, providing State aid for the reconstruction of destroyed homes, and calls for the full implementation of these commitments;

6. Insists that the Kosovo Albanian leadership condemn all terrorist action, and emphasizes that all elements in the Kosovo Albanian community should pursue their goals by peaceful means only;

7. Recalls the obligations of all States to implement fully the prohibitions imposed by resolution 1160 (1998);

8. Endorses the steps taken to establish effective international monitoring of the situation in Kosovo, and in this connection welcomes the establishment of the Kosovo Diplomatic Observer Mission;

9. Urges States and international organizations represented in the Federal Republic of, Yugoslavia to make available personnel to fulfil the responsibility of carrying out effective and continuous international monitoring in Kosovo until the objectives of this resolution and those of resolution 1160 (1998) are achieved;

10. Reminds the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia that it has the primary responsibility for the security of all diplomatic personnel accredited to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia as well as the safety and security of all international and non-governmental humanitarian personnel in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and calls upon the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and all others concerned in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to take all appropriate steps to ensure that monitoring personnel performing functions under this resolution are not subject to the threat or use of force or interference of any kind;

11. Reguests States to pursue all means consistent with their domestic legislation and relevant international law to prevent funds collected on their territory being used to contravene resolution 1160 (1998);

12. Calls upon Member States and others concerned to provide adequate resources for humanitarian assistance in the region and to respond promptly and generously to the United Nations Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Humanitarian Assistance Related to the Kosovo Crisis;

13. Calls upon the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the leaders of the Kosovo Albanian community and all others concerned to cooperate fully with the prosecutor of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in the investigation of possible violations within the jurisdiction of the Tribunal;

14. Underlines also the need for the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to bring to justice those members of the security forces who have been involved in the mistreatment of civilians and the deliberate destruction of property;

15. Reguests the Secretary-General to provide regular reports to the Council as necessary on his assessment of compliance with this resolution by the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and all elements in the Kosovo Albanian community, including through his regular reports on compliance with resolution 1160 (1998);

16. Decides, should the concrete measures demanded in this resolution and resolution 1160 (1998) not be taken, to consider further action and additional measures to maintain or restore peace and stability in the region;

17. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

(End text)

[04] Albright Praises Security Council Vote on Kosova

In a statement issued after the Security Council overwhelmingly adopted a resolution demanding that "Federal Republic of Yugoslavia" President Slobodan Milosevic end the offensive and repression in Kosovo, Albright said that "Belgrade should know that we have the will and unity" to intervene.

"We will not be fooled by another round of empty promises from Belgrade," Albright said, adding that "if we do not see rapid, significant progress, we will be prepared to respond."

Following is the text of the Secretary's statement, provided by the Washington File, USIS-Prishtina Office:

(Begin text)

Statement by Secretary of State Madeleine Albright New York

September 23, 1998

The passage of a strong Security Council resolution today on Kosovo reflects the stark reality we face there: President Milosevic's flouting of UN resolutions and international norms has led Kosovo to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe. The region's stability is threatened. And neighboring governments are under tremendous strain.

In framing this resolution under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, the international community says with one voice that, if Belgrade does not now choose to end offensive operations in Kosovo, it must be compelled to do so. President Milosevic is well aware that the international community has the means to take that step. After today's vote, Belgrade should know that we have the will and unity as well - for thousands of lives are at stake.

A quarter-million people have been displaced as a result of fighting in Kosovo. Tens of thousands are without shelter, stranded in the open or hidden in the hills. And winter is approaching, temperatures in the mountains are dropping toward freezing.

Belgrade has claimed to be instituting a program of returns.

Indeed, some refugees have been forced back to their homes, counter to any standard of decent behavior. But at the same time, security forces continue their offensive operations - creating thousands of newly-displaced persons.

UNHCR and other aid agencies are making tremendous efforts to care for displaced persons in the region. Yet Milosevic has never lived up to his promise to allow the agencies unfettered access to those in need.

The situation of displaced persons threatens to deteriorate rapidly - and soon. At the same time, we have grave concerns about reports of summary executions and of men of military age being singled out and taken away. Belgrade has consistently prevented international forensic investigators from following up such reports in Kosovo. We can only conclude that crimes against humanity are occurring.

Belgrade's obligations are clear. The resolution just passed by the Security Council spells them out in detail. We will not be fooled by another round of empty promises from Belgrade. We will look for an end to the destruction of villages and the targeting of non-combatants. We will demand real cooperation with aid agencies and human rights investigators. We will expect serious progress in the talks being conducted by Ambassador Chris Hill. If we do not see rapid, significant progress, we will be prepared to respond.

(End text)

[05] Serb Forces Continue Burning Vushtrri Villages

Serbian forces have burned down the villages of Be^uk, Pantin&, Okrashtic&, as well as a number of farmhouses in Shtitaric&.

Yesterday and today (Thursday), virtually all the villages on the eastern side of the ^i^avica mountains have been burned and destroyed by Serb troops, LDK sources said.

A fifteen-year-old Albanian, Faton Syla, was killed during the Serb shelling of the village of Be^uk yesterday.

The two Albanians killed in Oshlan two days ago were identified yesterday as Hajrullah Gjaka (63) and Bislim Brahimi (32).

Another killed person was suspected lying along the Sitnica river, but nobody dared go and establish the facts because of Serb forces have been stationed there.

A number of Albanians, including Hajriz M. Islami (24), Enver M.

Islami (33), residents of Taraxh& village, and Safet Shala, native of Leqina village of Skenderaj, were reported arrested and ill- treated in Serb police station in Vushtrri yesterday. Enver and Safet were eventually released, Hajriz is still in custody.

Likewise yesterday, police illtreated severely Xhevdet Zhusgi (22), from Mihaliq village.

[06] Latest Report: Serb Infantry Torches ^i^avica Villages, Separates Menfolks from Families

PRISHTINA, Sept 24 (KIC) 17:00 - Serbian forces have continued their campaign of burning villages at the foot of the ^i^avica mountains, north-west of Prishtina.

LDK sources in Skenderaj ('Srbica') said Serb infantry units have entered several villages and set them ablaze.

The villages of Klin& e Ep&rme and T&rrnafc could be seen burning The number of killed and wounded is feared to be high.

Thousands of Albanian residents were entrapped in the villages which came under Serb attack or burned today.

Serb forces have sent a group of women and children in eight tractors in the direction of Skenderaj today.

Meanwhile, Serb police took a lorryload of some 50 young Albanian men to the Serb police station in Mitrovica at 16:30 hrs, local sources said.

[07] Tens of Thousands of New Refugees, Police Turns Back Red Cross Delegation

LDK sources in Vushtrri ('Vucitrn') some 30,000 Albanians who fled the attacked villages have been camping out in Reznik village alone.

There are many wounded people amongst the refugees, reports said.

Meanwhile, sources said the local population has been driven from homes in the village of Shallc, too. Serb paramilitary police troops have occupied farmhouses in village.

A delegation of the International Red Cross has not been allowed to visit the attacked and burning villages of Vushtrri. The Serb police turned back the delegation at Ura e Sitnic&s (Sitnica bridge), LDK sources said.

[08] Several Obiliq Villages around ^i^avica under a Deadly Serb Siege

A source told the KIC scores of Serb tanks and armored vehicles were positioned yesterday at a location called "Maja e Zez&" (the Black Peak), a strategic point from where the above-mentioned villages are being shelled.

Serb infantry entered the village of Shipitull& on Tuesday, looted all the Albanian farmhouses and set them ablaze eventually, sources said.

Meanwhile, reports said at 10 a.m yesterday (Wednesday), after having torched the Albanian houses in Dobroshec village of Gllogovc, Serb forces advanced into the village of Grabovc i Ep&rm of Obiliq.

From "Maja e Zez&" Serb forces shelled Grabovc and other villages for hours.

Thousands of Albanian civilians have been entrapped in the attacked villages, and there is fear of Serb forces' massacres there.

Meanwhile, two Albanian parents, Nafije and Musa Kelmendi from Sibovc village of Obiliq, have reported that they know nothing about the fate of their four children since 22 September, when Serb troops launched their offensive against the villages near ^i^avica.

They suspect their children - Tomor (13), Art& (f,15), Arb&resh& (f,10) and Dukagjin Kelmendi (7) - have been taken hostage by Serb forces.

[09] Serb Police Shoots Dead Albanian Teenager in Malisheva

Lulzim Gashi, resident of V&rnica village of Malisheva, was gunned down near the local primary school in Llazica village at around 2 p.m. yesterday, the LDK chapter in Malisheva said.

No further details surrounding the killing of the young Albanian have been available to the KIC.

[10] Sixty Men, Residents of Prekaz Village, Being Held in Serb Station in Gllogovc

The Prishtina-based Council for the Defense of Human Rights and Freedoms (CDHRF) quoted witnesses as saying the Albanians were brought to the police station in Gllogovc in a very bad condition.

They had apparently been subjected to brutal torture.

The human rights council described the situation in a couple of villages in Gllogovc municipality as highly critical. Hundreds of residents of Terstenik and Verbovc villages who fled their homes two days ago in the wake of a Serb offensive are believed to be hiding in nearby hills.

[11] Bodies of Two Killed U^K Fighters Found near Mitrovica

The bodies of Sadullah Dibrani (47) and his nephew Avni Dibrani (20), both residents of Gradica village (Gllogovc), were found near Vaganica village of Mitrovica after the Serb troops had withdrawn from the area.

The body of Sadullah Dibrani was severely mutilated, the LDK Information Commission in Mitrovica said.

The Commission said it has learned the identity of another victim in Oshlan village, naming him as Bislim Brahimi (35). The mutilated body of another, still unidentified, man was found today in this village.

[12] Serb Chase and Kill Displaced Albanians at Camping Site in Drenica Hills

The local chapter of the Council for the Defense of Human Rights and Freedoms (CDHRF) in Skenderaj said heavy Serb troops cracked down yesterday on hundreds of displaced Albanians camping in the Fusha e Moll&s valley. Many of them, mostly young men and teenagers, were apprehended an taken to the police stations in Gllogovc and Mitrovica. Some detainees are believed to have been taken to the Ferrous-Nickel "Ferreonikeli" plant's premises near Gllogovc.

The human rights Council quoted witnesses as saying that four Albanian men were gunned down near Fusha e Moll&s location yesterday. They failed to tell their identity, noting that the Serb troops chased away all the refugees camping in that site.

[13] Serb Forces Shell Two Suhareka Villages

At 13:00 hrs, Serb forces started shelling the village of Krushic& e Ul&t. Smoke was reported billowing from the village. Serb forces have been shelling also in the direction of Budakova village, the LDK chapter in Suhareka said.

[14] Serbs Crack Down on Albanian Homes in Two Suhareka Villages

Residents of Leshan village and several others in the municipality have been issued repeated warnings by Serb forces to surrender their weapons, or risk having their villages razed.

The LDK chapter in Suhareka said Serb troops raided on several houses in Leshan yesterday, including the homes of Aziz Byty^i, Faik Kryeziu, G&zim Byty^i, Adnan Gashi, Ridvan Kryeziu, Selajdin Elshani. They, as well as their family members, were brutalized for hours, it said.

The same source said Serb troops with heavy armament have been garrisoned since Wednesday near the local school at Sllagrazhd& village. Serbs raided yesterday the homes of the following local Albanians: Muhamet Ahmetaj, Mehmedin Ahmetaj, Geg& Memaj, Frrok Memaj and ^un Memaj, who had their homes thoroughly searched under the hidden arms pretext.

[15] Albanians Flee Villages in Hasi Region as Serbs Threaten with Brutal Reprisals

Several villlages in the Hasi region have been issued ultimatums by Serb forces over the past days to deiver to them all the weapons they allegedly have, or else risk reprisals.

As the Serb deadline has expired and the local people claim they have no weapons, they began fleeing homes in panic, the LDK chapter in Prizren said. T he LDK appealed lately, though it seems in vain, on the population to stay at home in spite of the Serb campaigns of intimidation.

A local organization involved with catering for refugees in Prizren, the Council for Emergency Needs, said around 45,000 Albanians uprooted from the area have been sheltered in Prizren.

Kosova Information Center

Kosovo Information Center: Kosova Daily Report Directory - Previous Article - Next Article