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KDOM Update Released by the Bureau of European Affairs, Office of South Central European Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC, February 12, 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(Editor's Note: With the progressive changeover of responsibility from KDOM to OSCE/KVM, the KDOM Daily Report has been replaced by this Update, which is published as material becomes available.)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 12, 1999

The funeral and burial of the 40 ethnic Albanians killed at Racak last month took place in the village yesterday without incident. The 40 were mourned by an estimated 10,000 who crowded into Racak for the ceremonies. Ambassador William Walker, head of the OSCE Kosovo Verification Mission (KVM), spoke briefly at the ceremony which was closely monitored by Serb police. Following the funeral the KLA reportedly detained 10 Albanians apparently for questioning. All were later released.

The focus of most in Kosovo remains on developments in Rambouillet where the peace talks proceed. A delegation from the U.S. Congress, including Congresswoman Sue Kelly (R-NY) and Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY) departed yesterday for France where they plan to visit the talks. The lawmakers are accompanied on the trip by members of the National Albanian American Council.

The KLA General Staff informed KDOM yesterday that their organization is holding the two Serb Special Police who were kidnaped February 9 in Novo Selo. Both KDOM and KVM are working with the KLA and the Serb authorities to effect the release of the two men.

The extensive VJ troop and equipment movements we reported yesterday resulted in about 50 villagers (mostly women and children) fleeing their homes near Lapusnik. In what the VJ labeled an "exercise," the troops moved into the village firing weapons mounted on tracked vehicles. Those who fled have taken refuge in a nearby settlement.

KDOM reports "light shelling" taking place today near Glogovac. The origin and target of the shelling are unclear from initial reports. KDOM is investigating further.

Two bodies were found today in the Pec area. Both were Albanian males (ages 32 and 52) and both died of shots to the head, according to police reports.

KVM sent a patrol to the Kosovo-Albania border today to view the F.R.Y border guards in action.

KVM Chief Walker is in Moscow today meeting with Russian officials concerning OSCE/KVM activities and security.

[End of Document]

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