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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 4, 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(Editor's Note: With the progressive changeover of responsibility from KDOM to OSCE/KVM, the KDOM Daily Report has been replaced by this Update, which is published as material becomes available.)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 sources

February 4, 1999

Kosovo has had another quiet night and the general calm continues today. KVM and KDOM are investigating reports of the deaths of a Serb policeman in Piskote (near Djakovica), and of a Serb civilian in Decane. Also, in the Decane area KVM reports that three unidentified bodies have been discovered in a car.

To update yesterday's report, the KLA has now announced a modified list of its representatives to the Rambouillet talks which are scheduled to convene on Saturday. The delegation will be led by Hashim Thaqi. The other delegates will be: Jakup Krasniqi, Rame Buja, Azem Sula, and Xhavit Haliti. Bardyl Mahmuti will accompany the delegation as an adviser.

Pristina is calm today with everyone focused on the expected decision from Belgrade on F.R.Y. participation at Rambouillet. The atmosphere is described as a mixture of hope and skepticism over what the talks in France may produce.

Podujevo also remains quiet despite indications that the VJ is preparing to move into the Majance Valley to retrieve a bulldozer which fell into KLA hands several days ago. KVM continues to do what it can to defuse this explosive situation.

KLA troops in the southern Drenica village of Mlecane complained to KDOM of daily harassment fire from Serb police positions 500 meters south of the village. The fire, the KLA says, is directed against civilian villagers, one of whom was shot in the arm. A KDOM patrol in the village heard automatic weapons fire from undetermined positions.

In the Stimlje/Racak area villagers remain concerned for their safety as police continue harassment. Stimlje residents report an increase in police presence in their village and some Racak villagers who returned to feed their animals expressed anxiety over remaining in their homes without a KDOM presence in the village. They also are concerned about the pending burial of the 45 villagers killed in the January 15 massacre. Since the cemetery is full, villagers say they must bury these dead only 100 meters from where the Serbian police have stationed themselves. Villagers say the burial will take place soon, although as of today the Racak bodies have not been released by the Pristina morgue.

Stimlje villagers report that KVM patrols in the area have produced definite benefits, including safe access by villagers to the Mother Teresa Society (MTS) clinic. Villagers note, however, that when the KVM personnel leave in the late afternoons the Serb police "come out in force". They hope KVM can extend its hours in the town.

The Stimlje MTS clinic reports that it is very low on medicines, blankets, and clothing for the estimated 5,000 IDPs in the region. The clinic treats up to 120 patients (70% children) each day.

Police report today that on February 2 its personnel were attacked with rifle-propelled grenades in the village of Supkovac along the Pristina-Mitrovica road. The police suffered no casualties and did not return fire according to the report. Another attack was reported on police near Malisevo.

[End of Document]

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