The State Department web site below is a permanent electronic archive of information released prior to January 20, 2001.  Please see www.state.gov for material released since President George W. Bush took office on that date.  This site is not updated so external links may no longer function.  Contact us with any questions about finding information. NOTE: External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.

KDOM Daily Report Released by the Bureau of European and Canadian Affairs, Office of South Central European Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC, October 17, 1998

Compiled by EUR/SCE (202-647-4850) from daily reports
of the U.S. element of the Kosovo Diplomatic Observer Mission

October 17, 1998

Four U.S. KDOM teams were in the field today, visiting Pec, Istok, Junik, and Djakovica in the west; Suva Reka, Musutiste and Stimlje in central Kosovo; and Podujevo in the north. KDOM's freedom of access and security were excellent throughout the day.

The situation on the ground was calm. Both Serb and KLA officials reported, however, that some skirmishing continued -- and perhaps increased in the past few days. Both sides blamed the other for starting the fights. Serbian forces reported they returned fire when provoked but did not pursue their attackers.

KDOM teams noted no significant change in military or police deployments from yesterday. They did, however, see a larger VJ presence in two areas of southern Kosovo. Teams also confirmed the departure from the Podujevo area of a VJ armored brigade and the departure from Urosevac of a military police battalion. Teams were unable to confirm whether or not the JSO special police unit had departed Istok.

KDOM saw a steady return of IDPs to villages throughout central and northern Kosovo. For the first time, KDOM personnel also reported signs of returnees in the Drenica area where a large Serbian police presence continues.

Life in most cities appears to have returned to normal. Also, KDOM observed many farmers harvesting crops in southern Kosovo today.

Freedom of movement for IDPs appeared to be poor along major routes where major VJ and police presence remains. Some villagers in Krusevac told KDOM they feared going to market in Pec due to harassment by police along the roads.

KDOM reports an 11-truck convoy of UNHCR and the World Food Program delivered 58 tons of wheat flour and other supplies to Pagarusa and Crnovrane today. Many other humanitarian agencies were also observed in the field. KDOM teams found the Serbian humanitarian supply centers in Junik and Malisevo closed.

[End of Document]

Previous reports

Special Section on Kosovo Home Page
Office of the Special Representative
Bureau of European Affairs Home Page.
DOSFAN Home Page.