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KDOM Update
Released by the Bureau of European and Canadian Affairs, Office of South Central European Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC, February 3, 1999 |
(Editor's Note: With the progressive changeover of responsibility from KDOM to OSCE/KVM, the KDOM Daily Report has been replaced by this Update, which is published as material becomes available.)Compiled by EUR/SCE (202-647-5624) from daily reports of the U.S. element
of the Kosovo Diplomatic Observers Mission and other sourcesFebruary 3, 1999 Kosovo experienced an outwardly quiet and calm day yesterday, as politics rather than combat dominated everyone's attention. There was some sporadic shooting reported in the Podujevo area but no deaths from the conflict were reported anywhere in Kosovo.
Today, Serb authorities claim to have stopped a truckload of lethal supplies allegedly heading toward Pristina. The truck, with Macedonian registration, was coming from Bosnia and carried automatic weapons, KLA uniforms, and ammunition, according to the police.
The announcement by KLA spokesman Jakup Krasniqi that his organization will participate in the negotiations at Rambouillet was the major event of the day. Krasniqi, Rame Buja, Sokol Bashota, Hashim Thaqi, and Bardyl Mahmuti were named by the KLA General Staff as members of their delegation. The KLA statement also revealed that at the talks they will press for Kosovo's becoming an "international protectorate" for the next 3 years.
Pristina seems shaken and nervous after the spate of grenade attacks of recent days. Streets and restaurants are deserted earlier in the evening as both residents and "internationals" are staying home. With the KLA's announcement of yesterday, there is some optimism in the city that the Rambouillet talks may put Kosovo on the road to peace.
Tensions remain high in western Kosovo, Drenica, and Racak. In Malisevo, quiet prevails but observers predicted yesterday that VJ units might move into KLA-controlled territory today. There is concern that such action could rekindle fighting in the area. KVM is working today to prevent such developments.
NGOs are very active in the Podujevo and Racak areas with efforts to help the hundreds of IDPs created by recent fighting there. As snow and cold continue, the Mother Teresa Society (MTS) reports a serious shortfall of supplies for these IDPs. Medicines, snow boots, and clothing are in most urgent need. The MTS also is appealing for more doctors and medicines for war-trauma victims (both adults and children).
In Podujevo and the Majance Valley some small arms fire was heard yesterday. Serb police and VJ units remain in their positions in the area, despite VJ assurances to KVM 4 days ago that the battle group would return to barracks. A KDOM patrol was denied access to the Kisela Banja area where the VJ lost a bulldozer to the KLA. An angry VJ commander on the scene contended the loss was due to the presence of an OSCE/KVM vehicle and denied KDOM access to the village until the equipment is recovered. A VJ sentry outside the village told KDOM that the KLA had fired on VJ positions Monday evening.
KVM and USAID report seeing a company-sized VJ element, including T-55 tanks, moving between Komorane and Kosovo Polje yesterday.
Serb police reported yesterday that on the previous evening police and workers at a mine in Belacevac were attacked by individuals having automatic weapons and sniper rifles. One vehicle was badly damaged but no casualties were reported. Police were reportedly fired upon also in Rznic and Glogane (near Decane) on the same night.
[End of Document]
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