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Voice of America, 99-06-22

Voice of America: Selected Articles Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Voice of America <gopher://gopher.voa.gov>


CONTENTS

  • [01] BALKANS ENVIRONMENT (L ONLY) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)
  • [02] BRITAIN/SERBIA (L-ONLY) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (LONDON)
  • [03] CLINTON / MACEDONIA (S) BY DEBORAH TATE (SKOPJE)
  • [04] CLINTON / MACEDONIA (S) BY DEBORAH TATE (SKOPJE)
  • [05] CLINTON MACEDONIA ON'ITE (S-ONLY) BY DEBORAH TATE (LJUBLJANA)
  • [06] CLINTON MACEDONIA ON'ITE (S-ONLY) BY DEBORAH TATE (LJUBLJANA)
  • [07] EDITORIAL:TIME FOR TRUTH IN KOSOVO
  • [08] EDITORIAL:TIME FOR TRUTH IN KOSOVO
  • [09] FUTURE OF THE K-L-A BY ED WARNER (WASHINGTON)
  • [10] KOSOVO / MINES (L-ONLY) BY JIM RANDLE (PENTAGON)
  • [11] KOSOVO / MINES (S) BY JIM RANDLE (PENTAGON)
  • [12] KOSOVO ACCIDENT (S) BY TIM BELAY (PRISTINA)
  • [13] KOSOVO ACCIDENT (S) BY TIM BELAY (PRISTINA)
  • [14] KOSOVO DISARM (L-ONLY) BY EVE CONANT (PEC, KOSOVO)
  • [15] KOSOVO: POLICY NOW BY RALPH A. ECKHARDT (WASHINGTON)
  • [16] N-Y ECON WRAP (S & L) BY BRECK ARDERY (NEW YORK)
  • [17] OCALAN TRIAL / PREVIEW (L ONLY) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (MUDANYA, TURKEY)
  • [18] TUESDAY'S EDITORIALS BY RALPH A. ECKHARDT (WASHINGTON)
  • [19] UNHCR KOSOVO REFUGEES (L-ONLY) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)

  • [01] BALKANS ENVIRONMENT (L ONLY) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)

    DATE=6/22/99
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-250962
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERTS SAY THEY HAVE FOUND NO OBVIOUS IMMEDIATE RISKS TO HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT FROM NATO'S BOMBING CAMPAIGN IN YUGOSLAVIA. BUT -- AS LISA SCHLEIN REPORTS FROM GENEVA -- THE EXPERTS DO NOT RULE OUT THE POSSIBILITY THERE MAY BE SOME POTENTIAL LONG-RANGE CONSEQUENCES.

    TEXT: THE U-N EXPERTS SAYS THEY HAVE IDENTIFIED AT LEAST 80 CIVILIAN INDUSTRIAL SITES IN YUGOSLAVIA WHICH WERE DESTROYED IN THE NATO AIR CAMPAIGN. THESE INCLUDE OIL REFINERIES, FUEL DUMPS, AND CHEMICAL AND FERTILIZER FACTORIES.

    THE EXPERTS VISITED SIX OF THE SITES IN SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE U-N'S BALKANS TASK FORCE, PEKKA HAAVISTO, SAYS THAT IN TWO OF THESE PLACES, NOVI SAD AND PANCEVO, NATO TARGETTED OIL REFINERIES NEAR THE DANUBE RIVER. AND, IN PANCEVO, HE SAYS CHEMICAL FACTORIES ALSO WERE DESTROYED.

    /// HAAVISTO ACT ONE ///

    AND IT SEEMS THAT MAYBE THE WORST ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES AT THE MOMENT ARE IN PANCEVO WITH ALL THOSE CHEMICALS WHICH PROBABLY HAD POLLUTED THE SOIL AND, WHICH MIGHT HAVE CONNECTION TO THE RIVER DANUBE IN THE FUTURE.

    /// END ACT ///

    A U-N REPORT IN MAY SAID MANY OF THE COMPOUNDS RELEASED IN THE BOMBING OF CHEMICAL FACILITIES COULD CAUSE CANCER, MISCARRIAGES, AND BIRTH DEFECTS. OTHERS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH FATAL NERVE AND LIVER DISEASES. BUT, MR. HAAVISTO SAYS, IT IS TOO SOON TO KNOW IF THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE WAR WILL CREATE SUCH SERIOUS HEALTH EFFECTS.

    MANY QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN RAISED ABOUT THE POSSIBLE ECOLOGICAL IMPACT FROM UNEXPLODED BOMBS WHICH WERE DROPPED INTO THE ADRIATIC SEA. MR. HAAVISTO SAYS THAT FOR NOW, THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ANY IMMEDIATE RISK. BUT HE SAYS MORE INVESTIGATION IS NEEDED.

    CONCERNS HAVE ALSO BEEN RAISED ABOUT POSSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS FROM THE RELEASE OF DEPLETED URANIUM INTO THE ATMOSPHERE DURING THE BOMBING CAMPAIGN. ONCE AGAIN, MR. HAAVISTO SAYS IT IS TOO SOON TO HAVE ANY DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. BUT, HE SAYS THE EXPERTS MADE SOME PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENTS.

    /// HAAVISTO ACT TWO ///

    AND, AT THIS MOMENT, ACCORDING TO MY INFORMATION, THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY HIGHER LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVITY IN THESE SITES WHICH HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE TO VISIT. BUT, ANYHOW, IT'S CLEAR THAT ALL THESE SITES, INCLUDING IN KOSOVO HAVE TO BE LOOKED AT AND MEASURED IF SOME RADIOACTIVITY IN SOME PLACES APPEAR.

    /// END ACT ///

    MR. HAAVISTO SAYS THE UNITED NATIONS WILL SEND SCIENTISTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERTS TO THE AREA TO MAKE CAREFUL MEASUREMENTS AND COLLECT DATA. HE SAYS A FINAL REPORT ON THE POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS WILL BE READY IN ABOUT SIX MONTHS. (SIGNED)
    NEB/LS/JWH/KL
    22-Jun-99 1:02 PM EDT (1702 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [02] BRITAIN/SERBIA (L-ONLY) BY LAURIE KASSMAN (LONDON)

    DATE=6/22/99
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-250957
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: A LEADING SERB OPPOSITION POLITICIAN IS IN LONDON TO SEEK BACKING FROM BRITISH OFFICIALS FOR SERBIANS OPPOSED TO THE GOVERNMENT OF SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC. CORRESPONDENT LAURIE KASSMAN HAS THE STORY.

    TEXT: THE HEAD OF SERBIA'S DEMOCRATIC PARTY ZORAN DJINDJIC IS SEEKING BRITISH SUPPORT FOR THE POLITICAL OPPOSITION IN SERBIA.

    AFTER A MEETING WITH FOREIGN SECRETARY ROBIN COOK, THE OPPOSITION LEADER TOLD REPORTERS HE DOES NOT EXPECT PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC TO LAST VERY MUCH LONGER IN POWER. EARLIER, HE TOLD BRITISH RADIO THE UMBRELLA OPPOSITION GROUP, KNOWN AS THE "ALLIANCE FOR CHANGE," WOULD TRY TO FORCE EARLY YUGOSLAV ELECTIONS.

    /// DJINDJIC ACT ///

    WE WILL TRY TO MAKE A WIDE OPPOSITION COALITION. ALL PARTIES AGAINST MR. MILOSEVIC MUST WORK TOGETHER. AND I BELIEVE WE CAN PUT ON PRESSURE FROM THE STREETS AND WITH COMMON, JOINED OPPOSITION WE CAN WIN THIS ELECTION

    /// END ACT //

    SINCE NATO LAUNCHED ITS AIR STRIKES LAST MARCH, THE FRACTURED SERB OPPOSITION HAS BEEN THWARTED BY BELGRADE'S EMERGENCY LAWS, WHICH INCLUDED THE SHUTDOWN OF YUGOSLAVIA'S INDEPENDENT MEDIA. MR. MILOSEVIC'S DEFIANCE OF NATO ATTACKS AND NATIONALIST ANGER OVER THE ATTACKS EFFECTIVELY SILENCED HIS OPPONENTS.

    MR. DJINDJIC NOW IS LOOKING FOR INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE OPPOSITION AND ALSO HELP TO RESTORE THE INDEPENDENT MEDIA IN SERBIA. SO FAR, NATO LEADERS SAY THEY ARE WILLING TO PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN HELP TO SERBS BUT NO RECONSTRUCTION AID UNTIL MR. MILOSEVIC IS OUT OF POWER. (SIGNED)
    NEB/LMK/PCF/KL
    22-Jun-99 11:22 AM EDT (1522 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [03] CLINTON / MACEDONIA (S) BY DEBORAH TATE (SKOPJE)

    DATE=6/22/99
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-250950
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON TUESDAY VISITED THE FRONT LINES OF THE BATTLE THE UNITED STATES AND ITS NATO ALLIES HELPED END WITH THEIR 11-WEEK BOMBING CAMPAIGN OVER YUGOSLAVIA. CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS MR. CLINTON IS IN MACEDONIA FOR MEETINGS WITH REGIONAL LEADERS AND ETHNIC ALBANIAN REFUGEES.

    TEXT: UPON HIS ARRIVAL IN SKOPJE, MR. CLINTON MET WITH MACEDONIAN AND ALBANIAN LEADERS, WHOSE COUNTRIES ABSORBED MOST OF THE NEARLY ONE MILLION REFUGEES WHO FLED THE CONFLICT IN KOSOVO. THE PRESIDENT SAYS HE CAME HERE TO THANK BOTH NATIONS FOR DOING SO AND FOR BACKING NATO'S AIR CAMPAIGN. HE ALSO PLEDGED SUPPORT FOR REBUILDING THE BALKANS.

    // CLINTON ACTUALITY //

    WE MUST CREATE REAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ORDINARY CITIZENS THROUGHOUT SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE. THE UNITED STATES IS COMMITTED TO DOING THAT.

    // END ACT //

    LATER, MR. CLINTON VISITS THE STENKOVIC REFUGEE CAMP -- THE LARGEST IN MACEDONIA. HIS MESSAGE THERE: THAT ETHNIC ALBANIAN REFUGEES WILL RETURN HOME SAFELY UNDER PROTECTION OF NATO PEACEKEEPERS.

    ALTHOUGH THE REFUGEES AND THEIR FAMILIES MAY HAVE BEEN VICTIMS OF ATROCITIES AT THE HANDS OF SERBS, MR. CLINTON IS ALSO EXPECTED TO APPEAL TO THEM TO REFRAIN FROM REVENGE. (SIGNED)
    NEB/DAT/KL
    22-Jun-99 8:46 AM EDT (1246 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [04] CLINTON / MACEDONIA (S) BY DEBORAH TATE (SKOPJE)

    DATE=6/22/99
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-250950
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON TUESDAY VISITED THE FRONT LINES OF THE BATTLE THE UNITED STATES AND ITS NATO ALLIES HELPED END WITH THEIR 11-WEEK BOMBING CAMPAIGN OVER YUGOSLAVIA. CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS MR. CLINTON IS IN MACEDONIA FOR MEETINGS WITH REGIONAL LEADERS AND ETHNIC ALBANIAN REFUGEES.

    TEXT: UPON HIS ARRIVAL IN SKOPJE, MR. CLINTON MET WITH MACEDONIAN AND ALBANIAN LEADERS, WHOSE COUNTRIES ABSORBED MOST OF THE NEARLY ONE MILLION REFUGEES WHO FLED THE CONFLICT IN KOSOVO. THE PRESIDENT SAYS HE CAME HERE TO THANK BOTH NATIONS FOR DOING SO AND FOR BACKING NATO'S AIR CAMPAIGN. HE ALSO PLEDGED SUPPORT FOR REBUILDING THE BALKANS.

    // CLINTON ACTUALITY //

    WE MUST CREATE REAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ORDINARY CITIZENS THROUGHOUT SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE. THE UNITED STATES IS COMMITTED TO DOING THAT.

    // END ACT //

    LATER, MR. CLINTON VISITS THE STENKOVIC REFUGEE CAMP -- THE LARGEST IN MACEDONIA. HIS MESSAGE THERE: THAT ETHNIC ALBANIAN REFUGEES WILL RETURN HOME SAFELY UNDER PROTECTION OF NATO PEACEKEEPERS.

    ALTHOUGH THE REFUGEES AND THEIR FAMILIES MAY HAVE BEEN VICTIMS OF ATROCITIES AT THE HANDS OF SERBS, MR. CLINTON IS ALSO EXPECTED TO APPEAL TO THEM TO REFRAIN FROM REVENGE. (SIGNED)
    NEB/DAT/KL
    22-Jun-99 8:46 AM EDT (1246 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [05] CLINTON MACEDONIA ON'ITE (S-ONLY) BY DEBORAH TATE (LJUBLJANA)

    DATE=6/21/99
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-250939
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: AS HIS WEEK-LONG EUROPEAN TRIP WINDOWN, PRESIDENT CLINTON FLIES TO MACEDONIA TUESDAY TO MEET WITH THE COUNTRY'S LEADERS AND THOSE OF NEIGHBORING ALBANIA. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS FROM LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. TEXT : MACEDONIA AND ALBANIA BORE THE BRUNT OF THE FLOODED REFUGEES FROM WARTORN KOSOSO, MR CLINTON IS EXPECTED TO EXPRESS HIS GRATITUDE TO THE TWO COUNTRIES' LEADERS FOR TAKING IN SO MANY DISPLACED KOSOVARS AND HE WILL UNDERSCORE HIS COMMITMENT FOR HELPING BOTH NATIONS RECOVER FROM THE EXPERIENCE.

    WHILE IN SKOPJE, THE PRESIDENT WILL ALSO VISIT ETHNIC ALBANIAN REFUGEEES AT THE STENKOVIC REFUGEE CAMP AND PLEDGE THAT A NATO-LED PEACEPING FORCVE WILL WORK TO ENSURE THEIR SAFE RETURN TO KPOSOVO.

    MR. CLINTON CONCLUDES HIS TRIP WITH A STOP AT AVIANO AIRFORCE BASE IN ITALY TO MEET WITH U-S TROOPS WHO TOOK PART IN NATO'S BOMBING CAMPAIGN IN YUGOSLAVIA. HE RETURNS TO WASHINGTON EARLY WEDNESDAY. (SIGNED).
    NEB/PT
    21-Jun-99 8:43 PM EDT (0043 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [06] CLINTON MACEDONIA ON'ITE (S-ONLY) BY DEBORAH TATE (LJUBLJANA)

    DATE=6/21/99
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-250939
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: AS HIS WEEK-LONG EUROPEAN TRIP WINDOWN, PRESIDENT CLINTON FLIES TO MACEDONIA TUESDAY TO MEET WITH THE COUNTRY'S LEADERS AND THOSE OF NEIGHBORING ALBANIA. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS FROM LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. TEXT : MACEDONIA AND ALBANIA BORE THE BRUNT OF THE FLOODED REFUGEES FROM WARTORN KOSOSO, MR CLINTON IS EXPECTED TO EXPRESS HIS GRATITUDE TO THE TWO COUNTRIES' LEADERS FOR TAKING IN SO MANY DISPLACED KOSOVARS AND HE WILL UNDERSCORE HIS COMMITMENT FOR HELPING BOTH NATIONS RECOVER FROM THE EXPERIENCE.

    WHILE IN SKOPJE, THE PRESIDENT WILL ALSO VISIT ETHNIC ALBANIAN REFUGEEES AT THE STENKOVIC REFUGEE CAMP AND PLEDGE THAT A NATO-LED PEACEPING FORCVE WILL WORK TO ENSURE THEIR SAFE RETURN TO KPOSOVO.

    MR. CLINTON CONCLUDES HIS TRIP WITH A STOP AT AVIANO AIRFORCE BASE IN ITALY TO MEET WITH U-S TROOPS WHO TOOK PART IN NATO'S BOMBING CAMPAIGN IN YUGOSLAVIA. HE RETURNS TO WASHINGTON EARLY WEDNESDAY. (SIGNED).
    NEB/PT
    21-Jun-99 8:43 PM EDT (0043 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [07] EDITORIAL:TIME FOR TRUTH IN KOSOVO

    DATE= 06/23/99
    TYPE= EDITORIAL
    NUMBER= 0-08346
    CONTENT=THIS IS THE ONLY EDITORIAL BEING RELEASED FOR BROADCAST
    06/23/99.

    ANNCR: THE VOICE OF AMERICA PRESENTS DIFFERING POINTS OF VIEW ON A WIDE VARIETY OF ISSUES. NEXT, AN EDITORIAL EXPRESSING THE POLICIES OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT.

    VOICE:

    AS THOUSANDS OF ETHNIC ALBANIAN REFUGEES, PROTECTED BY AN INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEING FORCE, RETURN TO WHAT IS LEFT OF THEIR HOMES IN WAR-RAVAGED KOSOVO, THE FULL EXTENT OF THE HORRORS COMMITTED BY YUGOSLAV TROOPS, POLICE, AND PARAMILITARIES IS COMING TO LIGHT.

    MASS EXECUTIONS OF ETHNIC ALBANIAN CIVILIANS BY YUGOSLAV FORCES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN AT LEAST EIGHTY-FIVE TOWNS AND VILLAGES. THE NUMBER OF THOSE MURDERED IS UNKNOWN -- CERTAINLY THOUSANDS. THERE IS MUCH EVIDENCE THAT YUGOSLAV FORCES TOOK PAINS TO HIDE OR DESTROY EVIDENCE OF THEIR WAR CRIMES. ESTIMATES OF THE NUMBER OF ETHNIC ALBANIAN MEN MISSING IN KOSOVO RANGE FROM TWO-HUNDRED THOUSAND TO FOUR-HUNDRED THOUSAND. REFUGEES REPORT THAT THE DISAPPEARED -- MALES BETWEEN THE AGES OF FOURTEEN AND FIFTY-NINE -- WERE SYSTEMATICALLY SEPARATED FROM THEIR FAMILIES BY YUGOSLAV FORCES.

    THE MURDER OF CIVILIANS IS NOT THE ONLY WAR CRIME COMMITTED BY YUGOSLAV TROOPS, POLICE, AND PARAMILITARIES IN KOSOVO. THOUSANDS OF ETHNIC ALBANIANS WERE RAPED, ROBBED, AND TORTURED. WELL OVER A MILLION PEOPLE WERE FORCED FROM THEIR HOMES. MANY WERE EXPELLED ACROSS INTERNATIONAL BORDERS, WHILE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS MORE FLED INTO THE HILLS, DESPERATELY SHORT OF FOOD, SHELTER, MEDICAL CARE, AND OTHER NECESSITIES.

    RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE FLAGRANT VIOLATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW AND THE RULES OF WAR WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL OF THE HAGUE. TEAMS OF INVESTIGATORS FROM THE HAGUE ARE SIFTING EVIDENCE, INTERVIEWING WITNESSES AND VICTIMS, AND BEGINNING THE DIFFICULT PROCESS OF IDENTIFYING THE GUILTY. INDICTMENTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN HANDED DOWN OF YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC AND FOUR OF HIS TOP MILITARY AND POLITICAL AIDES FOR THEIR PART IN THE ATROCITIES. THIS PROCESS IS NECESSARY TO BUILD A GENUINE PEACE IN KOSOVO. WHAT IS URGENTLY NEEDED IS TRUTH -- NOT VENGEANCE.

    ANNCR:

    THAT WAS AN EDITORIAL EXPRESSING THE POLICIES OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT. IF YOU HAVE A COMMENT, PLEASE WRITE TO EDITORIALS, V-O-A, WASHINGTON, D-C, 20547, U-S-A. YOU MAY ALSO COMMENT AT WWW-DOT-VOA-DOT-GOV-SLASH-EDITORIALS, OR FAX US AT (202) 619-1043.
    22-Jun-99 2:46 PM EDT (1846 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [08] EDITORIAL:TIME FOR TRUTH IN KOSOVO

    DATE= 06/23/99
    TYPE= EDITORIAL
    NUMBER= 0-08346
    CONTENT=THIS IS THE ONLY EDITORIAL BEING RELEASED FOR BROADCAST
    06/23/99.

    ANNCR: THE VOICE OF AMERICA PRESENTS DIFFERING POINTS OF VIEW ON A WIDE VARIETY OF ISSUES. NEXT, AN EDITORIAL EXPRESSING THE POLICIES OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT.

    VOICE:

    AS THOUSANDS OF ETHNIC ALBANIAN REFUGEES, PROTECTED BY AN INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEING FORCE, RETURN TO WHAT IS LEFT OF THEIR HOMES IN WAR-RAVAGED KOSOVO, THE FULL EXTENT OF THE HORRORS COMMITTED BY YUGOSLAV TROOPS, POLICE, AND PARAMILITARIES IS COMING TO LIGHT.

    MASS EXECUTIONS OF ETHNIC ALBANIAN CIVILIANS BY YUGOSLAV FORCES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN AT LEAST EIGHTY-FIVE TOWNS AND VILLAGES. THE NUMBER OF THOSE MURDERED IS UNKNOWN -- CERTAINLY THOUSANDS. THERE IS MUCH EVIDENCE THAT YUGOSLAV FORCES TOOK PAINS TO HIDE OR DESTROY EVIDENCE OF THEIR WAR CRIMES. ESTIMATES OF THE NUMBER OF ETHNIC ALBANIAN MEN MISSING IN KOSOVO RANGE FROM TWO-HUNDRED THOUSAND TO FOUR-HUNDRED THOUSAND. REFUGEES REPORT THAT THE DISAPPEARED -- MALES BETWEEN THE AGES OF FOURTEEN AND FIFTY-NINE -- WERE SYSTEMATICALLY SEPARATED FROM THEIR FAMILIES BY YUGOSLAV FORCES.

    THE MURDER OF CIVILIANS IS NOT THE ONLY WAR CRIME COMMITTED BY YUGOSLAV TROOPS, POLICE, AND PARAMILITARIES IN KOSOVO. THOUSANDS OF ETHNIC ALBANIANS WERE RAPED, ROBBED, AND TORTURED. WELL OVER A MILLION PEOPLE WERE FORCED FROM THEIR HOMES. MANY WERE EXPELLED ACROSS INTERNATIONAL BORDERS, WHILE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS MORE FLED INTO THE HILLS, DESPERATELY SHORT OF FOOD, SHELTER, MEDICAL CARE, AND OTHER NECESSITIES.

    RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE FLAGRANT VIOLATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW AND THE RULES OF WAR WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL OF THE HAGUE. TEAMS OF INVESTIGATORS FROM THE HAGUE ARE SIFTING EVIDENCE, INTERVIEWING WITNESSES AND VICTIMS, AND BEGINNING THE DIFFICULT PROCESS OF IDENTIFYING THE GUILTY. INDICTMENTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN HANDED DOWN OF YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC AND FOUR OF HIS TOP MILITARY AND POLITICAL AIDES FOR THEIR PART IN THE ATROCITIES. THIS PROCESS IS NECESSARY TO BUILD A GENUINE PEACE IN KOSOVO. WHAT IS URGENTLY NEEDED IS TRUTH -- NOT VENGEANCE.

    ANNCR:

    THAT WAS AN EDITORIAL EXPRESSING THE POLICIES OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT. IF YOU HAVE A COMMENT, PLEASE WRITE TO EDITORIALS, V-O-A, WASHINGTON, D-C, 20547, U-S-A. YOU MAY ALSO COMMENT AT WWW-DOT-VOA-DOT-GOV-SLASH-EDITORIALS, OR FAX US AT (202) 619-1043.
    22-Jun-99 2:46 PM EDT (1846 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [09] FUTURE OF THE K-L-A BY ED WARNER (WASHINGTON)

    DATE=6/22/99
    TYPE=BACKGROUND REPORT
    NUMBER=5-43704
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY HAS AGREED TO TURN OVER ALL ITS HEAVY WEAPONRY TO NATO WITHIN THE NEXT 30 DAYS, AND TO REFRAIN FROM ANY HOSTILE ACTS AGAINST SERBS. INDEED, A K-L-A POLITICAL LEADER HAS ASKED FLEEING SERBS TO RETURN AND HELP BUILD A DEMOCRATIC KOSOVO. EVEN SO, NATO REMAINS UNEASY ABOUT THE K-L-A, IN VIEW OF SOME HOSTILE ACTS IT HAS ALREADY COMMITTED AND ITS LONG-TERM GOAL OF CREATING AN ARMY FOR KOSOVO. V-O-A'S ED WARNER REPORTS SOME VIEWS OF THE K-L-A.

    TEXT: THE WEST IS LAYING PLANS FOR A DEMOCRATIC, MULTI-ETHNIC POST-WAR KOSOVO. YVES DOUTRIAUX, DEPUTY FRENCH REPRESENTATIVE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, DESCRIBES THE GOAL OF NATO AND THE UNITED NATIONS:

    /// DOUTRIAUX ACT ///

    WE HAVE TO ESTABLISH A HOME-RULE, SELF-RULE GOVERNMENT IN KOSOVO, BUT IN THE FRAMEWORK OF YUGOSLAVIA. WE HAVE TO WORK IN FAVOR OF PACIFIC CO-EXISTENCE OF ALL THE COMMUNITIES IN YUGOSLAVIA; THAT IS TO SAY, ALBANIANS AND SERBS. THAT IS THE REASON WHY IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO INVOLVE THE RUSSIANS IN THE SECURITY COUNCIL, BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE CAPACITY OF INFLUENCING THE MODERATE SERBS, I WOULD SAY.

    /// END ACT ///

    MODERATION IS NOT YET IN EVIDENCE IN THE AFTERMATH OF WAR. BOTH SERBS, AS THEY LEAVE KOSOVO, AND ETHNIC ALBANIANS, AS THEY RE-ENTER, TRADE INSULTS AND GUNFIRE. UNCERTAIN NATO FORCES REACT IN DIFFERENT WAYS TO THE VIOLENCE.

    A FRENCH PATROL CHOSE NOT TO INTERVENE WHEN ALBANIANS LOOTED AND BURNED THE SERBIAN VILLAGE OF GRACE AFTER ITS OCCUPANTS FLED. LATER, OTHER NATO TROOPS STOPPED THE PILLAGING.

    NATO HEADQUARTERS EXPRESSED REGRET FOR THE INCIDENT AND ESCORTED SOME TWO-THOUSAND SERBS BACK INTO KOSOVO. BUT SOME 50-THOUSAND SERBS HAVE LEFT THE PROVINCE, AND MANY SAY NATO DID NOT PROTECT THEM FROM KOSOVARS SEEKING REVENGE FOR THE ATROCITIES THEY HAD SUFFERED.

    THE K-L-A HAS QUICKLY FILLED A POLITICAL VOID, OCCUPYING MOST CITIES AND TOWNS IN KOSOVO AS SERBIAN FORCES WITHDREW. JEFFREY LAURENTI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE U-N ASSOCIATION OF THE U-S-A, SAYS THE THE K-L-A IS ORGANIZED AND ARMED:

    /// LAURENTI ACT ///

    WHILE THE NEW AGREEMENT IN WHICH THEY SUGGEST THEY WILL GIVE UP AT LEAST THEIR EASILY FINDABLE WEAPONS IS ENCOURAGING, THERE STILL ARE PROBLEMS OF INTIMIDATION OF THE SERBS, OF K-L-A PERSONNEL MOVING INTO POLICING FUNCTIONS BEFORE THE INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE ESTABLISHES ITSELF, AND, SIMILARLY, THEY ARE MOVING INTO ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS BEFORE THE U-N ADMINISTRATORS ARRIVE. THERE WILL BE THE INTERESTING QUESTION OF WHO WILL EVICT THEM IF THEY DO NOT CHOOSE TO LEAVE THOSE POSTS VOLUNTARILY.

    /// END ACT ///

    JAMES HOOPER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE BALKANS ACTION COUNCIL IN WASHINGTON, SAYS THE K-L-A HAS EVERYTHING TO GAIN FROM COOPERATING WITH NATO, INCLUDING THE POSSIBILITY OF FORMING ITS OWN SELF-DEFENSE FORCE. BUT IT MUST LIVE UP TO THE AGREEMENT WITH NATO:

    /// FIRST HOOPER ACT ///

    IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE K-L-A BE HELD TO HIGH STANDARDS OF ABIDING BY THE AGREEMENT THEY HAVE SIGNED, OF TURNING IN THEIR HEAVY AND LIGHT WEAPONS WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS THAT HAVE BEEN SPECIFIED, THAT THEY GIVE UP THEIR ROAD-BLOCKS, THEIR CHECK-POINTS, THEIR VARIOUS ENTRENCHMENTS, AND THAT THEY DEMONSTRATE THEY ARE COMMITTED TO DEMOCRATIC SELF-GOVERNMENT IN KOSOVO.

    /// END ACT ///

    SOME CRITICS OF THE K-L-A THINK IT WILL DO NO SUCH THING, AND THEY ACCUSE IT OF DRUG TRAFFICKING AND TERRORISM. MR. HOOPER SAYS THESE CHARGES ARE MUCH EXAGGERATED, THOUGH THERE ARE QUESTIONABLE ELEMENTS WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION:

    /// SECOND HOOPER ACT ///

    NATO AND THE UNITED STATES NEED TO WORK WITH MODERATES IN THE K-L-A TO VET OUT [IDENTIFY] THOSE WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION WHO ARE ON THE THUGGISH SIDE, OR WHO MAY HAVE INAPPROPRIATE TIES WITH INTERNATIONAL GROUPS THAT ARE HOSTILE TO THE UNITED STATES OR TO OUR ALLIES, OR WHO ARE ACTING WITHOUT RESTRAINT IN SETTLING SCORES WITH KOSOVAR SERBS.

    /// END ACT ///

    AS HE READIES PLANS FOR A FUTURE ARMY, GENERAL AGIM CEKU, CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF OF THE K-L-A, TOLD THE NEW YORK TIMES: "WE WILL RESPECT ALL THE STANDARDS OF NATO, AT THE SAME TIME STAYING LOYAL TO OUR NATIONAL AND HISTORICAL TRADITIONS." (SIGNED)
    NEB/EW/WTW
    22-Jun-99 2:47 PM EDT (1847 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [10] KOSOVO / MINES (L-ONLY) BY JIM RANDLE (PENTAGON)

    DATE=6/22/99
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-250971
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: PENTAGON OFFICIALS SAY THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF SMALL, UNEXPLODED BOMBS SCATTERED ACROSS YUGOSLAVIA AFTER NATO'S 78-DAY AIR ASSAULT ON SERB FORCES. OFFICIALS SAY MALFUNCTIONING CLUSTER BOMBS HAVE LEFT A DEADLY LEGACY -- ALREADY BLAMED FOR KILLING TWO BRITISH SOLDIERS ON MINE-CLEARING DUTY. V-O-A'S JIM RANDLE REPORTS FROM THE PENTAGON.

    TEXT: PENTAGON SPOKESMAN KEN BACON SAYS ABOUT 11-HUNDRED CLUSTER BOMBS WERE DROPPED ON YUGOSLAVIA DURING THE AIR CAMPAIGN. EACH CLUSTER BOMB EJECTS MORE THAN 200 GRENADE-LIKE "BOMBLETS" THAT SCATTER OVER A TARGET AREA AND EXPLODE.

    /// FIRST BACON ACT ///

    SINCE CLUSTER BOMBS ARE USEFUL AGAINST [OIL] REFINING FACILITIES, AIRPORTS -- THEY ARE VERY GOOD AT DESTROYING RUNWAYS, FOR INSTANCE -- THEY WERE DROPPED IN A NUMBER OF PLACES.

    /// END ACT ///

    ABOUT FIVE PERCENT OF THE BOMBLETS FAIL TO GO OFF AT THE TIME OF THE ATTACK, WHICH MEANS THERE ARE PROBABLY MORE THAN 11-THOUSAND UNEXPLODED WEAPONS SCATTERED ACROSS THE COUNTRY. IN SOME CASES, THE BOMBLETS WILL GO OFF IF THEY ARE BUMPED, HANDLED, OR STEPPED ON.

    MANY CLUSTER BOMBLETS ARE THE SIZE AND SHAPE OF SOFT-DRINK CANS, AND ARE COVERED IN BRIGHT ORANGE OR YELLOW PLASTIC. MINE EXPERTS SAY THE BRIGHT COLORS ARE SUPPOSED TO MAKE UNEXPLODED WEAPONS EASIER TO AVOID, BUT HUMAN-RIGHTS GROUPS SAY THE BRIGHT COLORS ALSO MAKE THE WEAPONS ATTRACTIVE TO CHILDREN, WHO SOMETIMES DIE WHEN THEY PICK UP WHAT THEY THINK IS A TOY.

    LEFTOVER CLUSTER BOMBLETS ARE ONE OF SEVERAL DEADLY PROBLEMS IN KOSOVO, WHERE MR. BACON SAYS SERB FORCES PLANTED "HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS" OF LAND MINES AND BOOBY TRAPS. HE SAYS THE AGREEMENT THAT SAW NATO END ITS AIR ATTACKS IN EXCHANGE FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF YUGOSLAV FORCES FROM KOSOVO, REQUIRES BELGRADE TO PROVIDE MAPS OF MINEFIELDS AND TECHNICIANS TO HELP CLEAR THEM. MR. BACON SAYS THE SERBS MAPPED ABOUT 80 PERCENT OF THEIR MINES AND HAVE, SO FAR, DONE LITTLE TO SHOW PEACEKEEPING TROOPS WHERE THEY ARE HIDDEN.

    /// SECOND BACON ACT ///

    THEY HAVE GIVEN US A TOTAL OF TWO MAPS, AND THE MAPS HAVE NOT BEEN PARTICULARLY ACCURATE.

    /// END ACT ///

    PENTAGON MINE EXPERT DAVE KINGSTON SAYS WITH PROPER TRAINING AND CARE, K-FOR PEACEKEEPERS WILL BE ABLE TO DO THEIR WORK IN KOSOVO. COLONEL KINGSTON, AN ARMY ENGINEER, SERVED IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, WHERE WARRING FACTIONS HID ABOUT FIVE-MILLION MINES.

    /// KINGSTON ACT ///

    THE U-S ARMY HAS PROVED IN BOSNIA THAT WE CAN WORK SUCCESSFULLY IN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT INCLUDES THE THREAT OF MINES. WE'VE NOW BEEN IN BOSNIA FOR OVER THREE YEARS. [IT IS] A VERY, VERY HIGH MINE-THREAT ENVIRONMENT, AND WE WERE VERY, VERY SUCCESSFUL IN SAVING SOLDIERS.

    /// END ACT ///

    // OPT //

    COLONEL KINGSTON SAYS U-S TROOPS IN BOSNIA USED OLD TANK CHASSIS FITTED WITH REMOTE CONTROLS AND LARGE ROLLERS TO DETONATE MINES. HE SAYS THE TANK DEVICES, AND SMALLER MACHINES THAT SLAP SUSPECTED MINEFIELDS WITH HEAVY CHAINS, ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO FORCES IN KOSOVO. // END OPT //

    BUT MINE EXPERTS SAY, EVEN WITH GOOD TOOLS AND HARD WORK, IT WILL PROBABLY BE YEARS BEFORE KOSOVO IS RID OF THE WAR'S DEADLY LEGACY. (SIGNED)
    NEB/JR/PHW/WTW
    22-Jun-99 4:56 PM EDT (2056 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [11] KOSOVO / MINES (S) BY JIM RANDLE (PENTAGON)

    DATE=6/22/99
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-250978
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: PENTAGON OFFICIALS SAY THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF SMALL, UNEXPLODED BOMBS SCATTERED ACROSS YUGOSLAVIA -- A DEADLY LEGACY OF NATO'S 78-DAY AIR ASSAULT ON SERB FORCES. MALFUNCTIONING CLUSTER BOMBS ARE BLAMED FOR KILLING TWO BRITISH SOLDIERS ON MINE-CLEARING DUTY IN KOSOVO. V-O-A'S JIM RANDLE REPORTS FROM THE PENTAGON.

    TEXT: PENTAGON SPOKESMAN KEN BACON SAYS ABOUT 11-HUNDRED CLUSTER BOMBS WERE DROPPED ON YUGOSLAVIA DURING THE AIR CAMPAIGN. EACH CLUSTER BOMB EJECTS MORE THAN 200 GRENADE-LIKE "BOMBLETS" THAT SCATTER OVER A TARGET AREA AND EXPLODE.

    /// BACON ACT ///

    SINCE CLUSTER BOMBS ARE USEFUL AGAINST [OIL] REFINING FACILITIES, AIRPORTS -- THEY ARE VERY GOOD AT DESTROYING RUNWAYS, FOR INSTANCE -- THEY WERE DROPPED IN A NUMBER OF PLACES.

    /// END ACT ///

    ABOUT FIVE PERCENT OF THE BOMBLETS FAIL TO GO OFF AT THE TIME OF ATTACK, ON AVERAGE. THIS MEANS MORE THAN 11-THOUSAND UNEXPLODED WEAPONS ARE LIKELY SCATTERED ACROSS YUGOSLAVIA. THE BOMBLETS CAN EXPLODE IF THEY ARE HANDLED OR STEPPED ON. MILITARY EXPERTS SAY THE CLUSTER BOMBS ARE AN ADDED HAZARD TO HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF LAND MINES PLANTED BY SERB FORCES. THEY SAY IT MAY TAKE YEARS TO CLEAR ALL HIDDEN EXPLOSIVES FROM KOSOVO. (SIGNED)
    NEB/JR/WTW
    22-Jun-99 5:51 PM EDT (2151 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [12] KOSOVO ACCIDENT (S) BY TIM BELAY (PRISTINA)

    DATE=6/22/99
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-250951
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: THE EXPLOSION WHICH KILLED FOUR PEOPLE -- INCLUDING TWO BRITISH K-FOR PEACEKEEPER SOLDIERS -- IN KOSOVO ON MONDAY HAS NOW BEEN OFFICIALLY LABELED AN ACCIDENT. TIM BELAY HAS DETAILS IN THIS REPORT FROM PRISTINA.

    TEXT: THE SOLDIERS WERE WORKING TO CLEAR SO-CALLED "CLUSTER BOMBS" AWAY FROM A VILLAGE SCHOOLHOUSE SOME 30 KILOMETERS WEST OF PRISTINA. TWO CIVILIANS WERE ALSO KILLED AND A THIRD WAS INJURED WHEN A PILE OF THE BOMBS EXPLODED.

    LIEUTENANT COLONEL NICK CLISSITT, SPOKESMAN FOR BRITISH MILITARY OPERATIONS IN KOSOVO, SAYS GURKHA FIELD ENGINEERS DECIDED TO MOVE THE CLUSTER BOMBS AWAY FROM THE SCHOOL HOUSE TO DETONATE THEM AFTER PLEAS FROM VILLAGERS THAT THEY DO SO IN ORDER TO SAVE THE BUILDING. THE EXPLOSION HAPPENED WHILE THE ENGINEERS WERE WIRING CHARGES TO THE MUNITIONS FOR A CONTROLLER, OR TIMED EXPLOSION.

    THE MUNITIONS WERE ORIGINALLY DROPPED BY NATO AS PART OF AN EFFORT TO DESTROY SERB FORCES IN WHAT THE BRITISH MILITARY SAID WAS A YUGOSLAV ARMY AND PARAMILITARY STRONGHOLD. (SIGNED)
    NEB/TB/PCF
    22-Jun-99 7:50 AM EDT (1150 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [13] KOSOVO ACCIDENT (S) BY TIM BELAY (PRISTINA)

    DATE=6/22/99
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-250951
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: THE EXPLOSION WHICH KILLED FOUR PEOPLE -- INCLUDING TWO BRITISH K-FOR PEACEKEEPER SOLDIERS -- IN KOSOVO ON MONDAY HAS NOW BEEN OFFICIALLY LABELED AN ACCIDENT. TIM BELAY HAS DETAILS IN THIS REPORT FROM PRISTINA.

    TEXT: THE SOLDIERS WERE WORKING TO CLEAR SO-CALLED "CLUSTER BOMBS" AWAY FROM A VILLAGE SCHOOLHOUSE SOME 30 KILOMETERS WEST OF PRISTINA. TWO CIVILIANS WERE ALSO KILLED AND A THIRD WAS INJURED WHEN A PILE OF THE BOMBS EXPLODED.

    LIEUTENANT COLONEL NICK CLISSITT, SPOKESMAN FOR BRITISH MILITARY OPERATIONS IN KOSOVO, SAYS GURKHA FIELD ENGINEERS DECIDED TO MOVE THE CLUSTER BOMBS AWAY FROM THE SCHOOL HOUSE TO DETONATE THEM AFTER PLEAS FROM VILLAGERS THAT THEY DO SO IN ORDER TO SAVE THE BUILDING. THE EXPLOSION HAPPENED WHILE THE ENGINEERS WERE WIRING CHARGES TO THE MUNITIONS FOR A CONTROLLER, OR TIMED EXPLOSION.

    THE MUNITIONS WERE ORIGINALLY DROPPED BY NATO AS PART OF AN EFFORT TO DESTROY SERB FORCES IN WHAT THE BRITISH MILITARY SAID WAS A YUGOSLAV ARMY AND PARAMILITARY STRONGHOLD. (SIGNED)
    NEB/TB/PCF
    22-Jun-99 7:50 AM EDT (1150 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [14] KOSOVO DISARM (L-ONLY) BY EVE CONANT (PEC, KOSOVO)

    DATE=6/22/99
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-250949
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: THE LEADERSHIP OF THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY HAS AGREED TO DISARM WITHIN 90 DAYS. BUT AS CORRESPONDENT EVE CONANT REPORTS FROM PEC, KOSOVO, LOCAL K-L-A COMMANDERS SAY THAT WITH SERB CIVILIANS STILL ARMED, IT'S TOO EARLY FOR THEM TO GIVE UP THEIR WEAPONS.

    TEXT: AN OFFICER OF THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY CAN BE FOUND EVERY FEW BLOCKS IN THE HEAVILY DAMAGED CITY OF PEC. HERE, THE K-L-A AND ITALIAN TROOPS ARE ALMOST THE ONLY PEOPLE IN SIGHT. LAST WEEK, EVERY OFFICER SPORTED (CARRIED) A KALASHNIKOV (AUTOMATIC WEAPON). THIS WEEK, THE SOLDIERS AT K-L-A CHECKPOINTS WEAR PISTOLS TUCKED INTO THEIR BELTS.

    BUT K-L-A BATTALION COMMANDER AZEM BYTYCI SAYS THEIR FIRST TASK IS TO DISARM SERB CIVILIANS.

    /// BYTYCI ACT IN ALBANIAN -- IN FULL AND UNDER ///

    HE SAYS "IT MAKES NO SENSE FOR ME TO DISARM UNTIL THEY DO. EVEN THOUGH THE SERBS ARE NOT IN UNIFORM, THEY ARE STILL CARRYING WEAPONS."

    COMMANDER BYTYCI REACHES INTO HIS CAR AND PULLS OUT A GUN.

    /// NAT SOUND OF BYTYCI COCKING GUN TRIGGER, SPEAKING ... ///

    HE COCKS THE PISTOL AND EXPLAINS HOW HE STOLE IT FROM A SERB. HE SAYS HE WILL FOLLOW ANY ORDERS FROM THE K-L-A HIGH COMMAND TO DISARM -- BUT THAT HE'S NOT BEEN GIVEN ANY SUCH ORDERS YET.

    COMMANDER BYTYCI ALSO SAYS HE DOES NOT THINK ITALIAN TROOPS WILL CONTROL THE TOWN. HE SAYS THE K-L-A MUST PROTECT THE CITIZENS OF PEC.

    /// SECOND BYTYCI ACT IN ALBANIAN -- ESTABLISH AND UNDER ///

    HE SAYS EVERY POLICE FORCE IN THE WORLD HAS WEAPONS. "HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO CONTROL THE TOWN IF WE DON'T HAVE GUNS?"

    BUT WHAT NEITHER THE K-L-A NOR THE ITALIAN TROOPS SEEM TO BE CONTROLLING IS THE LOOTING OF SERBIAN HOMES. ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF PEC, FOUR SERB HOUSES ARE BURNING. AS THE SMOKE RISES, TRACTORS DRIVE AWAY, LOADED UP WITH REFRIGERATORS, DOORS, WINDOWS AND DINING TABLES.

    /// SOUND OF TRACTORS AND MAN'S VOICE -- ESTABLISH AND UNDER ///

    THIS MAN SAYS HE'S SIMPLY TAKING BACK WHAT THE SERBS STOLE FROM HIM, AND THAT THIS WAY HE'LL REBUILD HIS HOUSE.

    THE K-L-A SAY THEY WANT TO BECOME A SOLID POLICE FORCE IN ORDER TO GUARANTEE PEACE FOR ALL, AND THAT THEY NEED WEAPONS TO DO IT. BUT IN KOSOVO, FEAR AND MISTRUST ARE THE ORDER OF THE DAY, AND IT MAY TAKE YEARS BEFORE ANY POLICE FORCE IS TRUSTED HERE. (SIGNED)
    NEB/EC/PCF/KL
    22-Jun-99 6:49 AM EDT (1049 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [15] KOSOVO: POLICY NOW BY RALPH A. ECKHARDT (WASHINGTON)

    DATE=06/22/99
    TYPE=U-S OPINION ROUNDUP
    NUMBER=6-11347
    TELEPHONE=619-2702
    EDITOR=ASSIGNMENTS
    CONTENT=

    INTRO: SERBIA'S ARMED FORCES HAVE WITHDRAWN FROM KOSOVO. THE TASK OF REBUILDING THE WAR-TORN BALKAN REGION IS TO BEGIN SOON. SEVERAL TASKS MUST BE PERFORMED BEFORE A PERMANENT PEACE CAN BE ESTABLISHED. HOW TO BEGIN HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF MUCH EDITORIAL COMMENT, AND WE HAVE A SAMPLING FROM _________________ IN TODAY'S U-S OPINION ROUNDUP.

    TEXT: AS PRESIDENT CLINTON VISITED THE REGION (TUESDAY) EDITORIAL WRITERS WERE LOOKING AT WHERE THE OPERATION FOR KOSOVO IS HEADED. THE "BALTIMORE SUN" SAYS;

    VOICE THE PEACEKEEPING OPERATION IN KOSOVO BEGAN WELL. THE AGREEMENT (TO DEMILITARIZE THAT WAS) WRUNG OUT OF THE KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY REMOVES THE FEAR THAT IT MIGHT TURN ON NATO FORCES. ... MOST OF THE HARSH CRITICISMS OF CLINTON ADMINISTRATION POLICY ARE BEING PROVEN UNTRUE WITHIN DAYS OF THEIR UTTERANCE. MEANWHILE, THE ATROCITIES COMMITTED BY SERBIAN AUTHORITIES AGAINST ETHNIC ALBANIANS THAT ARE BEING DISCOVERED EXCEED THE PREDICTIONS AND VINDICATE THE NATO BOMBING THAT MADE SERBIA STOP. THE PEACEKEEPING WILL NOT END SOON. MUCH COULD STILL GO WRONG. MANY KOSOVARS REMAIN ARMED AND DISTRUSTFUL. THE FIRST PRIORITY MUST BE THE SAFETY OF ALL PEOPLE.

    TEXT: THE "LOS ANGELES TIMES" ALSO ACKNOWLEDGES THE DIFFICULTY OF PROTECTING PEOPLE ON ALL SIDES OF THE CONFLICT AND BRINGING TO JUSTICE WAR CRIMINALS.

    VOICE THE LAST SERBIAN SOLDIER HAS LEFT KOSOVO, AND NOW NATO FEARS THAT THE LAST SERBIAN CIVILIAN MIGHT NOT BE FAR BEHIND. NEITHER NATO'S ASSURANCES OF PROTECTION FOR ALL PEOPLE IN THE PROVINCE NOR THE WELL-PUBLICIZED RETURN OF SEVERAL HUNDRED SERBS ... SEEMS TO HAVE STEMMED THE EXODUS. ABOUT ONE-FOURTH OF KOSOVO'S 200-THOUSAND SERBS ARE THOUGHT TO HAVE FLED, FEARING THE WRATH OF ETHNIC-ALBANIAN REFUGEES COMING HOME... RESPONSIBILITY FOR CIVIL ADMINISTRATION NOW FALLS TO THE UNITED NATIONS. A NEW KOSOVAR POLICE FORCE MUST BE RECRUITED AND TRAINED, COURTS INDEPENDENT OF POLITICAL CONTROL SET UP, A TAX COLLECTION SYSTEM PUT IN PLACE. SINCE KOSOVO IS TO REGAIN A LARGE MEASURE OF AUTONOMY, LOCAL ELECTIONS WILL HAVE TO BE HELD. ...NATO'S JOB IS TO ESTABLISH A SECURE CLIMATE FOR REBUILDING. HOW LONG ITS PROTECTORATE WILL LAST IS NOT CLEAR, BUT WHATEVER THE DURATION IT IS A JOB THE EUROPEANS HAVE THE MEANS TO HANDLE...

    TEXT: THE "WASHINGTON POST" SAYS SERBIA MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE SITUATION IN KOSOVO, BUT FOR LASTING STABILITY IT MUST BE BROUGHT INTO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY. IT SAYS PRESIDENT CLINTON IS RIGHT TO SAY THE UNITED STATES WILL NOT HELP REBUILD SERBIA UNTIL YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC IS REMOVED FROM POWER.

    VOICE: THE LINE BETWEEN HUMANITARIAN AID AND RECONSTRUCTION IS FUZZY...IT IS POINTED OUT THAT NO BALKAN RECONSTRUCTION IGNORING SERBIA IS LIKELY TO SUCCEED. KEY TRADE ROUTES RUN THROUGH SERBIA; AND AN EMBITTERED, IMPOVERISHED SERBIAN POPULATION WILL DESTABILIZE THE ENTIRE REGION. IT IS COMPELLINGLY ARGUED THAT INNOCENT PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE LEFT TO SUFFER ON ACCOUNT OF MR. MILOSEVIC'S ILLS. ...BUT...THE WAR IN KOSOVO WAS NOT REALLY THE WORK OF ONE MAN. ...SERBS NEED TO AT LEAST BEGIN TO COME TO TERMS WITH THE TERRIBLE THINGS THEIR ARMED FORCES AND PARAMILITARIES HAVE DONE IN THIS DECADE, TO THE APPROVAL OR SILENCE OF MOST OF THEM. THE WAY TO HELP SERBIA IS TO MAKE CLEAR THAT ITS BEST HOPE IS TO REJECT ... EVERYTHING ... MR. MILOSEVIC ... STANDS FOR AND EMBRACE THE PATH OF DEMOCRACY AND EUROPEAN INTEGRATION.

    TEXT: THOSE COMMENTS CONCLUDE THIS SAMPLING OF U-S EDITORIAL OPINION ABOUT THE FUTURE OF KOSOVO.
    NEB/RAE/KL
    22-Jun-99 1:26 PM EDT (1726 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [16] N-Y ECON WRAP (S & L) BY BRECK ARDERY (NEW YORK)

    DATE=6/22/99
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-250975
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: STOCK PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE DOWN TODAY (TUESDAY) AS INTEREST RATE CONCERNS RESURFACED ON WALL STREET. V-O-A BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT BRECK ARDERY REPORTS FROM NEW YORK.

    TEXT: THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE CLOSED AT 10-THOUSAND-721, DOWN 94 POINTS, ALMOST ONE PERCENT. THE STANDARD AND POOR'S 500 INDEX CLOSED AT 13-HUNDRED-36, DOWN 13 POINTS. THE NASDAQ INDEX LOST ALMOST TWO PERCENT.

    TRADERS WERE AGAIN CONCERNED ABOUT RISING INTEREST RATES AS THE YIELD ON THE 30-YEAR U-S GOVERNMENT BOND REMAINED ABOVE SIX PERCENT. ANALYSTS SAY THERE IS SOME WORRY ON WALL STREET THAT THE U-S CENTRAL BANK MAY BEGIN A SERIES OF SHORT-TERM INTEREST RATES HIKES AT ITS MEETING NEXT WEEK.

    /// BEGIN OPT ///

    TED WEISSBERG OF THE SEAPORT SECURITIES COMPANY SAYS EVEN STRONG CORPORATE EARNINGS WILL NOT BE ENOUGH TO OVERCOME A STEADY AND SUSTAINED RISE IN INTEREST RATES.

    /// WEISSBERG ACT ///

    MY SENSE IS THAT, WITH THE STOCK MARKET AT THESE LEVELS, IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO HAVE A PROLONGED, POSITIVE REACTION TO EARNINGS IF WE GET INTO AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE WE HAVE STEADILY RISING INTEREST RATES.

    /// END ACT ///

    /// END OPT ///

    IN BUSINESS NEWS, ABBOTT LABORATORIES WILL PAY MORE THAN SEVEN BILLION DOLLARS TO ACQUIRE ALZA, ANOTHER DRUG COMPANY WHICH SPECIALIZES IN CANCER THERAPIES AND DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS.

    GENERAL DYNAMICS, THE U-S DEFENSE CONTRACTOR, WILL PAY ONE BILLION DOLLARS IN CASH FOR THREE INFORMATION SERVICES UNITS OF THE G-T-E TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY.

    /// REST OPT ///

    U-S WEST, A REGIONAL TELEPHONE COMPANY, HAS REJECTED A 33-BILLION DOLLAR TAKEOVER BID FROM QWEST (KWEST) COMMUNICATIONS. U-S WEST REAFFIRMED ITS DECISION TO BE ACQUIRED BY THE GLOBAL CROSSING LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE COMPANY IN A DEAL WORTH ALMOST 31-BILLION DOLLARS.

    LEHMAN BROTHERS, A LEADING U-S INVESTMENT BANK, REPORTED RECORD QUARTERLY EARNINGS OF 330-MILLION DOLLARS, LARGELY BECAUSE OF STRONG TRADING PROFITS.

    ALSO REPORTING RECORD EARNINGS WAS KAUFMAN AND BROAD (BROWD), ONE OF THE LARGEST HOMEBUILDERS IN THE UNITED STATES. THE COMPANY SAYS THE RECENT INCREASE IN MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES HAS NOT COOLED DEMAND FOR NEW HOUSING.

    MORE INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES ARE FORMING STRATEGIC ALLIANCES. AMERICAN AIRLINES ANNOUNCED JOINT MARKETING DEALS WITH SWISSAIR AND SABENA AIRLINES OF BELGIUM. AND DELTA AIRLINES OF THE UNITED STATES HAS REACHED AGREEMENT WITH AIR FRANCE IN A DEAL THAT WILL GIVE BOTH AIRLINES ACCESS TO EACH OTHERS PASSENGERS.

    SOME INVESTORS ARE WARY OF REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST COMPANIES BECAUSE OF DIFFICULTY IN UNDERSTANDING THE VARIOUS WAYS THEY CALCULATE THEIR FINANCIAL RESULTS. NOW, THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS IS PROPOSING A UNIFORM ACCOUNTING METHOD FOR THE INDUSTRY WHICH SHOULD MAKE IT EASIER TO COMPARE ONE COMPANY WITH ANOTHER. (SIGNED) NEB/NY/BA/LSF/GM
    22-Jun-99 5:06 PM EDT (2106 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [17] OCALAN TRIAL / PREVIEW (L ONLY) BY AMBERIN ZAMAN (MUDANYA, TURKEY)

    DATE=6/22/99
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-250960
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: THE TREASON TRIAL OF KURDISH REBEL LEADER ABDULLAH OCALAN RESUMES WEDNESDAY ON A PRISON ISLAND SOUTH OF ISTANBUL. AS AMBERIN ZAMAN REPORTS FROM MUDANYA, THE PORT NEAREST THE ISLAND, MR. OCALAN'S LAWYERS WILL BE PRESENTING THEIR CASE TO DEFEND THE MAN TURKEY BLAMES FOR THE DEATHS OF MORE THAN 30-THOUSAND OF ITS CITIZENS.

    TEXT: THE HEARING WEDNESDAY MARKS THE FIRST TIME A MILITARY OFFICER WILL NOT BE ON THE PANEL OF JUDGES HEARING MR. OCALAN'S CASE.

    TURKEY'S PARLIAMENT LAST WEEK APPROVED A LAW THAT EFFECTIVELY ABOLISHES THE MILITARY OFFICIAL'S INCLUSION IN THE TEAM OF PROSECUTORS AT A SPECIAL STATE SECURITY COURT THAT IS HEARING MR. OCALAN'S CASE.

    THE MOVE IS WIDELY BELIEVED TO BE AIMED AT STIFLING CRITICISM FROM WESTERN LEGAL INSTITUTIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS WHICH SAY THE PRESENCE OF AN ARMY OFFICER UNDERMINES THE IMPARTIALITY OF THE COURT.

    BUT MR. OCALAN'S LAWYERS DESCRIBE THE MOVE AS PURELY COSMETIC, AND THEY INSIST THE TRIAL HAS BEEN RIDDLED WITH LEGAL IMPROPRIETIES FROM THE VERY START. THEY CITE THE KURDISH REBEL LEADER'S DETENTION FOR NINE DAYS FOLLOWING HIS ARREST IN FEBRUARY WITHOUT ACCESS TO LEGAL COUNSEL.

    PROSECUTORS ARE SEEKING THE DEATH PENALTY FOR THE LEADER OF THE OUTLAWED KURDISTAN WORKERS PARTY (P-K-K-) FOR LEADING THE REBELS' 15-YEAR ARMED CAMPAIGN FOR KURDISH SELF-RULE IN TURKEY'S SOUTHEASTERN REGION. TURKEY BLAMES MR. OCALAN FOR THE DEATHS OF MORE THAN 30-THOUSAND OF ITS CITIZENS IN AN INSURGENCY THAT COSTS THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT MORE THAN SEVEN-BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR TO CONTAIN.

    THOUSANDS OF UNARMED CIVILIANS --.INCLUDING TEACHERS, POSTAL WORKERS, AND ENGINEERS -- ARE COUNTED AMONG THE P-K-K'S VICTIMS.

    MR. OCALAN -- WHO IS WIDELY EXPECTED TO CONDUCT HIS OWN DEFENSE, RATHER THAN DEPEND ON HIS LAWYERS -- HAS APPEALED TO THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT TO SPARE HIS LIFE. IN EXCHANGE, HE HAS PLEDGED TO BRING HIS MEN DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAINS WITHIN THREE MONTHS. BUT FEW ANLAYSTS BELIEVE MR. OCALAN CAN FULFILL THAT PLEDGE.

    THE P-K-K HAS ENDORSED MR. OCALAN'S CALL FOR PEACE, BUT AT THE SAME TIME THE REBELS HAVE MADE CLEAR THAT SPARING MR. OCALAN'S LIFE IS NOT A SUFFICIENT CONDITION FOR THE VIOLENCE TO CEASE. RATHER, IT WOULD ONLY PREVENT IT FROM ESCALATING FURTHER. (SIGNED)
    NEB/AZ/JWH
    22-Jun-99 11:43 AM EDT (1543 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [18] TUESDAY'S EDITORIALS BY RALPH A. ECKHARDT (WASHINGTON)

    DATE=06/22/99
    TYPE=U-S EDITORIAL DIGEST
    NUMBER=6-11346
    TELEPHONE=619-3335
    EDITOR=ASSIGNMENTS
    CONTENT=

    //// EDS: MATERIAL DATED AFTER 10 P-M E-D-T ////

    INTRO: A RESETTLEMENT PROJECT IN CHINA, THE KOSOVO CRISIS, AND A CONTINUING DEBATE ABOUT GUN CONTROL TOP EDITORIAL COMMENT IN U-S NEWSPAPERS. NOW, HERE IS _________________ WITH A CLOSER LOOK AND SOME EXCERPTS IN TODAY'S EDITORIAL DIGEST.

    TEXT: THE WORLD BANK BOARD IS TO VOTE (TUESDAY) ON A 160-MILLION DOLLAR LOAN TO CHINA FOR A PROJECT THAT WOULD RESETTLE NEARLY 60-THOUSAND ETHNIC-HAN AND CHINESE MUSLIM FARMERS IN TRADITIONALLY TIBETAN TERRITORY. "THE WASHINGTON TIMES" SAYS THE BANK SHOULD NOT APPROVE THE PROJECT, WHICH IT SAYS WOULD UNDERCUT TIBETAN TERRITORY AND DILUTE THE TIBETAN CULTURE.

    VOICE: IT SEEMS INCONCEIVABLE THAT IN THE WAKE OF NATO'S AIR CAMPAIGN TO ENFORCE HUMAN RIGHTS IN YUGOSLAVIA THE WORLD BANK WOULD FUND AN ETHNIC CLEANSING INITIATIVE IN CHINA. THAT IS WHAT THE WORLD BANK PROJECT WOULD AMOUNT TO IF APPROVED, HOWEVER. ...60 CONGRESSMEN SAID IN A LETTER TO WORLD BANK PRESIDENT JAMES WOLFENSOHN. THE PROJECT WOULD "FACILITATE THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT'S DESTRUCTIVE TRANSFER POLICY."

    TEXT: THE "WASHINGTON POST" ALSO SAYS THE WORLD BANK BOARD SHOULD NOT FUND THE RESETTLEMENT PROJECT. IT SAYS THE BANK ACTED SLOWLY IN EXAMINING THE PROJECT'S POLITICAL ASPECT.

    VOICE: IT BECOMES A POLITICAL EMBARRASSMENT TO DEAL WITH THE PROJECT NOW. ... THE WORLD BANK CAN NOT ACCIDENTALLY BECOME THE INSTRUMENT OF A CHINESE POLICY THAT AFFECTS THE SURVIVAL OF TIBETANS AS A DISTINCT PEOPLE AND CULTURE.

    TEXT: WITH THE LAST SERBIAN SOLDIERS OUT OF KOSOVO, THE "WASHINGTON POST" ADDRESSES THE TASK OF REBUILDING THE WAR-TORN REGION. IT SAYS SERBIA SHOULD NOT RECEIVE RECONSTRUCTION AID AS LONG AS YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC IS IN POWER. IT SAYS PRESIDENT CLINTON IS RIGHT TO OFFER ONLY HUMANITARIAN AID.

    VOICE: ...AS A PRACTICAL MATTER, IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO HELP ORDINARY SERBS IN ANY MEANINGFUL WAY AS LONG AS THEIR GOVERNMENT REMAINS DYSFUNCTIONAL, AUTOCRATIC AND CORRUPT. ANY FUNDS INTENDED TO REBUILD FACTORIES, FOR EXAMPLE, ARE AS LIKELY TO END UP IN BANK ACCOUNTS IN CYPRUS AS IN WORKERS' POCKETS. ...HUNDREDS, PERHAPS THOUSANDS OF KOSOVAR MEN ARE IMPRISONED INSIDE SERBIA, HAVING BEEN ILLEGALLY KIDNAPPED ACROSS THE BORDER. IT WOULD BE UNIMAGINABLE...TO BEGIN CHEERFULLY REBUILDING BRIDGES ACROSS THE DANUBE WHILE THEY REMAIN CAPTIVE.

    TEXT: THE "BALTIMORE SUN" AGREES WITH THE DECISION TO WITHHOLD RECONSTRUCTION AID WHILE MR. MILOSEVIC RULES. IT SAYS IT IS TIME TO START BUILDING A UNIFIED KOSOVO, WHERE ETHNIC ALBANIANS AND SERBS LIVE IN PEACE.

    VOICE: ...THE FIRST PRIORITY MUST BE THE SAFETY OF ALL PEOPLE. SECOND MUST BE THE PRESERVATION OF THE EVIDENCE OF CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY. IN THE LONGER TERM, THE INTENT MUST BE TO BRING THE PARTS OF THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA INTO MODERN EUROPE.

    TEXT: THE "BALTIMORE SUN" ALSO LOOKS AT THE ISSUE OF GUN CONTROL, WHICH IT SAYS HAS BECOME TOO POLITICIZED. IT SAYS LAST WEEK'S VOTES TO DEFEAT GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION, WHICH WOULD HAVE ADDED WEAK RESTRICTIONS ON GUN PURCHASES, WERE A NEW LOW IN THE POLITICS OF CYNICISM AND NULLIFICATION.

    VOICE: ...PRO-GUN MAJORITY WHIP, [REPUBLICAN] TOM DELAY,... WITH THE HELP OF A VETERAN DEMOCRAT, JOHN DINGELL - A FORMER NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBER...CONTRIVED A SET OF AMENDMENTS THAT GUN CONTROL OPPONENTS SAID WENT TOO FAR AND SUPPORTERS THOUGHT WERE A MIRAGE [TOO WEAK TO BE EFFECTIVE]. LAWMAKERS WHO WANT REAL ACTION - AND NOT JUST A NEW IMAGE - MUST RECOGNIZE THAT GUN CONTROL OPPONENTS WILL NEVER BE HAPPY WITH ANY EFFORT TO BUILD COMMON SENSE INTO THE EQUATION.

    TEXT: THE "WALL STREET JOURNAL" SAYS THE GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION IS IN REACTION TO RECENT SCHOOL SHOOTINGS, SPECIFICALLY THE DEATH OF 15 PEOPLE IN LITTLETON, COLORADO'S COLUMBINE HIGH SCHOOL. BUT THE NEWSPAPER SAYS THE POLITICAL DEBATE DOES NOT ADDRESS THE PROBLEM.

    VOICE: ...CHILDREN CAN NOT BUY GUNS LEGALLY...THE COLORADO KILLERS GOT THEIR GUNS ILLEGALLY, THE WAY MOST CRIMINALS DO. ...NONE OF [THE LEGISLATION] WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THOSE LITTLETON KILLINGS OR ANY SIMILAR KILLINGS IN THE FUTURE. IT SEEMS TO US THAT REGULATIONS OUGHT TO BEAR SOME RELEVANCE TO THE PROBLEM THEY PURPORT TO SOLVE. OR PERHAPS THAT IS TOO MUCH TO ASK IN THIS ERA OF SYNTHETIC POLITICAL SENTIMENT.

    TEXT: THAT CONCLUDES TODAY'S SAMPLING OF EDITORIAL COMMENT FROM U-S NEWSPAPERS.
    NEB/RAE
    22-Jun-99 12:15 PM EDT (1615 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


    [19] UNHCR KOSOVO REFUGEES (L-ONLY) BY LISA SCHLEIN (GENEVA)

    DATE=6/22/99
    TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
    NUMBER=2-250955
    CONTENT=
    VOICED AT:

    INTRO: THE UNITED NATIONS ESTIMATES MORE THAN 170-THOUSAND ETHNIC ALBANIAN REFUGEES HAVE RETURNED TO KOSOVO FROM ALBANIA, MACEDONIA AND MONTENEGRO. LISA SCHLEIN REPORTS THAT THE GENEVA-BASED U-N REFUGEE AGENCY -- THE U-N-H-C-R -- SAYS FEWER THAN 600-THOUSAND KOSOVAR REFUGEES REMAIN IN FIVE NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES, AND THE NUMBERS CONTINUE TO DECLINE.

    TEXT: THE U-N REFUGEE AGENCY SAYS THE STREAM OF REFUGEES INTO KOSOVO SHOWS NO SIGNS OF ABATING. MOST OF THE RETURNS, SO FAR, HAVE BEEN FROM NORTHERN ALBANIA.

    U-N-H-C-R SPOKESMAN, KRIS JANOWSKI SAYS THE ONCE OVERCROWDED REFUGEE CAMPS OF KUKES, ALBANIA ARE NOW PRACTICALLY EMPTY. HE NOTES JUST A WEEK AGO, THERE WERE 35-THOUSAND REFUGEES IN KUKES. NOW, ONLY A FEW HUNDRED ELDERLY PEOPLE REMAIN.

    MR. JANOWSKI SAYS AID WORKERS ON THE GROUND ARE TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH THE HUGE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE INSIDE KOSOVO AND THOSE RETURNING. ALTHOUGH FOOD REMAINS A BIG CONCERN, HE SAYS THE PRIMARY NEED RIGHT NOW SEEMS TO BE SHELTER.

    /// JANOWSKI ACT ///

    WE'RE BRINGING AS MUCH SHELTER MATERIAL -- WHICH MEANS PLASTIC SHEETING, WOOD, TENTS -- AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE THE PEOPLE ARE OFTEN GOING TO AREAS WHICH ARE QUITE DESTROYED. THIS VARIES, OF COURSE, FROM AREA TO AREA WITH SOME AREAS, VERY NOTICEABLY PEC OR PEJA AS IT IS CALLED IN ALBANIA, HAS VERY VERY BIG DESTRUCTION.

    ///END ACT///

    MR. JANOWSKI SAYS THE AGENCY IS SENDING A CONVOY OF TENTS ON TUESDAY DIRECTLY FROM SKOPJE, MACEDONIA TO PEC. HE SAYS U-N AND PRIVATE AID AGENCIES ARE RAPIDLY EXPANDING THEIR PRESENCE IN KOSOVO TO KEEP UP WITH THE GROWING DEMANDS. ON SUNDAY, THE U-N'S WORLD FOOD PROGRAM STARTED AN EMERGENCY HELICOPTER OPERATION TO REACH PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT ACCESSIBLE BY ROAD. W-F-P OFFICIAL, JEAN-LUC SIBLOT SAYS THE OPERATION IS BEING DONE IN COOPERATION WITH K-FOR, WHICH IDENTIFIES PLACES WHERE HELICOPTERS CAN LAND. HE SAYS EVERY DAY, THE HELICOPTERS ARE DELIVERING THOUSANDS OF FOOD RATIONS TO PEOPLE STUCK IN OUT-OF-THE-WAY AREAS. ON MONDAY, HE SAYS A TEAM FLEW TO AN AREA WHICH WAS VERY HEAVILY DESTROYED.

    ///SIBLOT ACT///

    THEY MET STRAIGHTFORWARD (I.E. IMMEDIATELY) A GROUP OF 30 PEOPLE WHO WERE COMING FROM THE MOUNTAIN AND WHO HAD BEEN HIDING IN THE MOUNTAIN FOR THE LAST TWO MONTHS. APPARENTLY, THEY WERE VISIBLY UNDERFED. OF COURSE TIRED, AND (THEY) APPRECIATED THE SUPPLY OF FOOD.

    ///END ACT///

    MR. SIBLOT SAYS W-F-P WILL CONTINUE ITS HELICOPTER FLIGHTS FOR ANOTHER TWO TO THREE WEEKS. BY THEN, HE SAYS, K-FOR WILL HAVE CLEARED THE ROADS OF LAND MINES AND THE AGENCY WILL BE ABLE TO DISTRIBUTE FOOD BY TRUCK. (SIGNED)
    NEB/LS/GE/KL
    22-Jun-99 10:32 AM EDT (1432 UTC)
    NNNN
    Source: Voice of America


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