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UNMIK-KFOR-UNMIK Police-UNHCR Press briefing, 12 March 2001 UNMIK Spokeswoman Susan Manuel UNMIK Spokeswoman Susan Manuel SRSG SRSG Hans Haekkerup meets in Merdare today with FRY Deputy Prime Minister Nebojsa Covic and representatives of the northern Mitrovica Serbs to discuss issues pertaining to northern Mitrovica. On Wednesday, he travels to NY and will address the UN Security Council on Friday, giving an update on developments in Kosovo. He will also take to New York his concerns on the continuing closure of the border crossing points with FYROM and the effects on the Kosovo economy and livelihood. Legal Framework This past Saturday, the Working Group on the Legal Framework held its second meeting and the chairman Johan Van Lamoen issued a statement saying that the work was progressing well. "Initially, the Joint Working Group focused on the methodology by which its work would proceed," he said. " In addition to UNMIK's Working Paper, Kosovo Albanian and Bosniac members of the Working Group have submitted a series of key principles upon which the drafting of the text of the Legal Framework could be based. The bulk of the past two sessions has been spent reviewing these inputs". "Discussion has centered on such issues as the structure of parliamentary democracy and the importance of provisions designed to enshrine respect for human rights, as well as protection for all of Kosovo's communities. In addition, all members of the Joint Working Group made it clear that the Legal Framework itself should in no way prejudge issues of the final status, as stipulated in Security Council resolution 1244". He noted however, the absence of Mr. Aksic, who has withdrawn from the group, calling it a regrettable turn of events. "We would welcome the swift resumption of the Kosovo Serb community in the Joint Working Group. Nevertheless, the elaboration of the Legal Framework will continue as planned." SRSG Haekkerup is also urging the participation of the Kosovo Serb community in the work on the legal framework and that it is in the interests of all Kosovo Serbs to be actively represented in the group. The Legal Framework working group will meet this week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. After the last meeting the chairman will issue a statement on the progress of the week. SRSG Haekkerup also welcomed the return of 99 Kosovo Albanian prisoners on Saturday. This release makes a total of 148 who have been let go since passage of the federal amnesty law. We are anticipating further releases over the next several days. KFOR Spokesman Richard Heffer Today General Carlo Cabigiuso is continuing his discussions with Mr. Covic, the Serbian Deputy Primer Minister and other representatives of FRY military and political authorities. The meetings continue to be cordial and positive. Negotiations are ongoing not due to differences but because of details required for the return of FRY forces in the Ground Safety Zone are being carefully considered. It is necessary to insure that the phased and conditional return is viable. Media Event The Greek Force support Unit is organising a painting competition among the local school children of Pristina area. The 150 painting bus paintings are to be shown to the public on 17-18 March. The best prize paintings will be awarded with prize money from the Greek force support unit. A ceremony will take place at 17:00 on Saturday at the beginning of the exhibition. Another ceremony will take place on Sunday at 18:00 for the award to students. The exhibition of 150 best paintings will take place at the National Theatre of Pristina. It will be open to the public from10: 00 am on 17 March. The two ceremonies will also take place at the National Theatre of Pristina. The point of contact for further information is Sgt- Major Lambros who works here in the media ops in CIPIC. Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce the Commander Officer of the Duke of Wallington's regiment. They are replacing 45 Commando in Multinational Brigade Center. UNMIK Police Spokesman Derek Chappel Update on earlier reported cases On March 6 our police update contained information about an Albanian female who was struck and killed by a bus in Pec/Peja. Investigation Unit reviewed this case and the following was found. The female that was reported killed was actually a victim of an apparent abduction where two Kosovo Albanians forced her into a vehicle in Vitina. The suspects then drove the victim to Pec. In an effort to flee from the suspects she ran from their car and crossed the road where she was struck by a passing bus and killed. Two K- Albanian males were arrested in connection with the incident.
Investigation continues. KPS Officer arrests a suspect in Attempted Kidnapping and Rape Obilic Police Station reported an Attempted Kidnapping and Rape case. On March 10 a K-Albanian male was handcuffed and brought to Police station by an off duty KPS Officer. The neighbors called this officer to the scene after they heard screams of a young female. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was following the victim in his car from a bus stop to her house offering her several times a ride home and after she refused the suspect assaulted and tried to rape the victim. Investigation continues. Shooting incident in Gracanica On the same date in Gracanica a K-Serbian man was arrested after he shot another K-Serbian man four times. The victim was taken to the Greek Hospital and was reported to be in a serious condition. The motive and other circumstances of the case are currently under investigation. KPS lead fight against Drug Abuse We would like to highlight the initiative being shown in the Gnjilane Region against the use and trafficking of illegal drugs. Although there has been speculation about the smuggling of drugs through Kosovo, the existence of a domestic drug problem has been largely overlooked. Responding to community concerns Gnjilane Region established a dedicated Drug Squad 5 months ago. Composed entirely of Kosovo Police Service officers, this unit has effected 29 arrests for trafficking in heroin over 5 month. While most of the quantities seized have been small, they amount to a total of approximately 1 ¼ pounds of heroin, with a street value of 23,000DM. This initiative is a direct result of local KPS being given the freedom and responsibility to act against problems in their own community. The arrests have been made as a result of the local knowledge of the KPS and, increasingly, information supplied to the Police from the community. Enforcement has been combined with an extensive program of education targeted at school age children. International and KPS officers are in the Gnjilane schools every day over the past 4 months, educating children about drug abuse. To date over 2000 students, mainly between 12 to 16 have been spoken to. This program is enjoying wide community sup[port and shows the partnerships between KPS, the International Police and the local population that we are building. Weapons Seizure UNMIK Police continue to search for and seize illegal weapons,
sometimes with surprising results. Last week you were told of a house
search that disclosed an anti-aircraft cannon. Trafficking Arrests On February 12 a Moldavian female got a message to the Regional Investigations Unit that she had been sold by bar owner in Prizren to another bar owner, who was compelling her to work as a prostitute. An investigation was started, disclosing that the female had been sold for 3000 DM by the owner of the Romantika bar to the owner of the BENI bar in Prizren. A joint enquiry by RIU - TPIU has led to the arrest of Ymri KRASNIQI, the owner of the ROMANTIKA bar, on charges of trafficking in women. A second arrest was made on Arber ELEZAJ, for suspicion of involvement in kidnapping. Both men are charged and awaiting trial. Finally, on the 9 March we reported on our Press Update of an assault and an attack on a K-Albanian residence in North Mitrovica. Further to that I can explain that the incident developed when 5 K-Albanians decides to walk across the bridge near the "Three Tower", rather than to wait for an escorted KFOR convoy. K-Serbs reacted in retaliation by attacking the home of a K-Albanian family. The flat was attacked by a group throwing petrol bombs. Extensive damage was causes and the two occupants, a 62-year-old female and a 67-year-old male were seriously injured. The crowd then attacked and burned a car and a shop nearby belonging to a K-Turkish Muslim. The two victims are in intensive care with serious injuries. Overview Last week Kosovo recorded 3 murders. The 3 victims were Albanian. In each case the murder was committed by a fellow Albanian. In one case, during the night of Fire celebrations on March 7th, the heavy indiscriminate firing of illegal weapons as a celebration, resulted in one person being accidentally shot in the head. Another murder was the result of a dispute between 2 men who each picked up weapons. One male threatened the other with an axe and was shot by his intended victim. The third murder involved a security guard at a bar who ejected a customer. The customer returned with a gun and shot the victim. During the last week major crime activity decreased to 58 from 67. Six attempted murders, three aggravated assaults, one kidnapping, no rapes and 1 arson were reported. A total of 100 suspects were arrested last week, almost half in Pristina. 17 of those arrests were for major crimes.
Southern Serbia The security situation remains volatile in and around GSZ . Reports from the area indicate that fighting positions have not changed this week. FO Gnilane interviewed some villagers travelling through Breznica checkpoint, they reported no people leaving their houses with the exception of some unconfirmed reports regarding some movements from the village of Turija. Villagers report that some people took refuge in Breznica and Tėrnovc while some others moved to Kosovo. UNHCR Gnilane so far did not register any new arrivals from southern Serbia. UNHCR is closely monitoring the situation and is in close contact with WFP, ICRC and other main international organisations on the ground to discuss contingency planning for the area. The FYROM Border Crises The situation in the border area has been tense during the week with exchange of fire taking place every day. Refugee movement As of 11March over 1000 people have been registered as refugees in Kosovo. The refugees are presently in Viti/Vitina, Kacanik and Ferizaj/Urosevac municipality. More than 350 are from Malina Mala where fighting took place earlier during this reporting period after Macedonian soldiers were killed in the mine accident on 4 March. According to the refugees, most of the villagers from Brest and Gushince fled to the direction of Skopje and Kumanovo, not to Kosovo. Despite the heavy fighting which took place in Brest area on the night of 8/9 March, UNHCR Kosovo has not identified many arrivals from Brest and Gushince . FYROM update As of 9th March, UNHCR is aware of a total of 295 persons who have moved from villages in the mountainous area of FYROM bordering Kosovo (FRY) and to villages in the lowland of the country. In co-ordination with other agencies, UNHCR is presently working to consolidate the number of arrivals recorded since 5th March. UNHCR has carried out interviews with persons who have moved from the villages Malina Maala, Lukare, Gushince and Brest. Only few inhabitants are reported to remain in Gushince. Villagers still remain in Lukare and Brest. Some are reported to have returned after having accompanied family members to their houses or relatives in the lowland. As reported before, people have also moved from the villages of Alashevce, Erkovac (Glaznija) and Presnica (Glaznija), and are accommodated with close relatives in the villages Aracinovo, Nikustak, Cherkeze, Romanovce, Lipkovo, Matejce, Cento and villages in the outskirts of Kumanova. Questions Q: Will Oliver Ivanovic be at the meeting with Mr. Haekkerup today in northern Mitrovica? SM: It is in Merdare, and yes, I understand he will be there. Q: And what exactly is going to be discussed? SM: In general they are going to discuss plans for improving the situation in Mitrovica. You could say it is a follow-up meeting from the last one. A month ago they had a declaration signed by the Kosovo Albanians regarding plans for improving the situation in Mitrovica. There was never really a successful follow up on that with the Serbs. I don't know if they will actually go over that declaration, but they will be discussing, basically how to improve the situation in Mitrovica. Q: But why the change of heart in asking Mr. Ivanovic to come? Last time they tried to have this meeting he wasn't there, right? SM: Yes, he wasn't invited the last time. I don't know exactly. I guess the political winds are shifted and it is determined now that he would be helpful. Q: Did the Serbs give any reason as to why they are pulling out of the discussions on the legal framework? SM: I believe Mr. Aksic's remarks were published in the Serb media. I have to paraphrase: he said that there would have to be more consultation with Belgrade on the legal framework. Our position is that the member of the legal framework must be a Kosovo Serb. Belgrade will be consulted on the developments of the work on the legal framework, and they are being consulted and he was nominated by the representative of the Yugoslav committee, Mr. Trajkovic. We are urging the Kosovo Serb community to participate, and that this constitutes active participation by the Serbs of Kosovo. That is how we are going to proceed. Q: We all know that General Cabigiosu refused to meet Oliver Ivanovic some weeks ago. How does it come that today he will meet this person on the border between Kosovo and Serbia? RJH: As far as I understand from what Susan is saying, General Cabigiosu is not meeting Mr. Ivanovic, he is meeting Mr. Covic, who is obviously a representative of the Serbian government. Q: But Mr. Ivanovic is a part of the delegation. Last time Cabigiosu refused to meet the delegation where Ivanovic was a part of it. RJH: I am afraid I don't know whether or not Mr. Ivanovic is part of the delegation. If he is, as you say, I need to go and look at that. Q: How does it come that UNMIK and KFOR are changing the policy from time to time. First, they refuse to meet one person, second they meet this person SM: But that is politics, Arber. That is life in the ever changing political situation in the Balkans. Q: Are you also making politics with the FYROM because of the closure of the borders? SM: We have nothing to do with the closing of the borders. We find it unacceptable, and Mr. Haekkerup is going to bring up his protests and concerns to the UN in New York when he goes there. His position is that we, as UNMIK, there is very little we can do about. But we do not accept it with the FYROM authorities. Q: The refugees that have been leaving: what have they been telling you in terms of; are they leaving in anticipation of further violence or have they been attacked? Can you give the general sense of what they are saying to you? AvGS: I can just give you of the ones earlier last week and the ones from Malina Mala. As I mentioned in the last week's briefings many have left because fighting and shooting started around Malina Mala - totally unexpected. They decided on the spot to go to the mountains and hide there and later in the evening they went back to collect their stuff and left. A lot of the refugees from Tanusevic left in anticipation. I've not seen any interviews from Gusince or Brest. I think a lot of them leave in anticipation. Q: You said that a 1,000 had come into Kosovo. It was 295 from before, so a total of about 1,300 overall from the conflict? AvGS: A total of 1,300 displaced, but the 1,000 are refugees because they crossed the border, and the additional 295 are internally displaced. Q: Tanjug last night quoted the Serbian prime minister, Zoran Djindjic on returning from Germany, as saying: it would not be fair to let Yugoslav and Serb forces into the buffer zone along the Macedonian border, because they would be caught in the crossfire, and I quote: KFOR should handle this hot potato? What does KFOR respond? RJH: I think you obviously have to talk to Mr. Djindjic or his staff about his statement. KFOR's main task is within Kosovo, so we are concerned about the environments on the boundaries and borders of Kosovo, because this will impinge upon our main task of bringing a safe and secure environment for the people of Kosovo. But obviously, it would be wrong of me to speak about matters outside Kosovo in other people's sovereign areas. Q: (.) say that it is wrong to speak about the areas which are outside of Kosovo. But you are dealing with this area, and you are letting the Serb forces come into the Ground Safety Zone, and in this triangle between Kosovo, Serbia and Macedonia. Don't you think you are in contradiction with yourself? RJH: KFOR has been authorised by the NAC to allow the FRY forces to re-enter the Ground Safety Zone. I think the main thing to say there is that this will be in a controlled and measured and conditional return of the FRY forces to the Ground Safety Zone. Q: Legal Framwork: If Mr. Aksic doesn't want to take part in a couple of months, and he will stop the road to the national elections: is this group going to continue working on this legal framework? SM: Yes, that is what I read in the Chairman's statement, that the legal framework will continue. Q: Back to Mr. Ivanovic: You just said that this is politics. I think that the Serbs are doing politics, not UNMIK, because they are pressing UNMIK to talk SM: I don't know what kind of diplomacy went on leading to today's meeting, but I know it is an important opportunity to discuss matters with the Kosovo Serb representatives along with Mr. Covic. We have to make some progress on Mitrovica. That is what the communities here are pressing us to do, so we are going to go ahead.
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