NATO abandons Kosovo
Solana against independence, the KLA as Rugova’s only support
The KLA, politics without Rugova
BY BLENDI FEVZIU
Rugova made it known yesterday in Tirana, through a hurried luncheon, that he intends to eliminate Kosovo from the list of possible conflicts for this summer. The idea he expressed, and later repeated in a lower tone between Tirana and Pristina, is that the conflict in Kosovo is secondary at a stage of local organizations and should be treated as such. Rugova’s position is undoubtedly worth taking into consideration. But the indifference shown so far by the North Atlantic Council toward Kosovo and the KLA does not make it any more acceptable. For this purpose, the clarity with which he said in Tirana that Kosovo’s independence is not a passing dream, but a long-term goal, and his insistence on unconditional talks with Milošević, make it equally clear that the doors of negotiations are not closed.
The KLA, on the other hand, does not seem able to split its stance, even though most voices do not suppress it with pressure and pretexts. The appearance of PKK representatives in Tirana at the most delicate moment (after 18 months), with the idea of creating a provisional government and, in retaliation, strengthening the KLA as the only force, was in reality explained as an attempt to remove Rugova from the political scene. Such a thing could also happen. In that case, it could be outlined more clearly, as always in those seasons and as usual it does not come when the children [?.]
The chairman of the PDK and at the same time spokesman for the KLA, Jakup Krasniqi, said last night to the BBC that Rugova’s statement about Kosovo’s autonomy within Serbia is incomprehensible. The KLA side, meanwhile, openly declared yesterday that it cannot in any way be split; it cannot place such a thing on its agenda. On the other hand. This on the other hand [?.]
In this foggy picture, where the KLA appears on the scene through certain names while Rugova stands as the sole political figure, E. Gelbard is requalified as a symbol of indecisive and stubborn American policy for a Kosovo within the so-called 100-year transitional state. As it delays in this picture, it is transformed into another factor. Now the dilemma is whether the luncheon hosted yesterday by the North Atlantic Council may bring closer or move away the need for any more active and faster policy.
In yesterday’s meeting held in Tirana on 22 June with NATO chief general Solana, President Rugova supported the idea of a political solution to the Kosovo issue. In a press conference organized after the meeting, he made it clear that Rugova supports the idea of an intermediate status for Kosovo and not its independence. The KLA reacted with disbelief, calling this proposal a major mistake. Meanwhile, in Pristina and Tirana the idea of creating a provisional government of Kosovo has been circulating.
More than 20 chiefs involved in smuggling and passport trafficking
The corrupted commissioners on trial
Minister Teta warns of a purge of the heads of local police
More than 20 chiefs involved in smuggling and passport trafficking
The Minister of Public Order, Arben Rakipi, said he has decided to discipline the corrupt police officers. Teta said that the acts of these police commissioners who took part in corruption and smuggling are grave. The Albanian high-ranking police officer who abused his duty will be held accountable. Attention has also been placed on several senior officials in Kosovo, who have made the overall situation worse. Regarding suspicions that some of these officials are involved in this affair, he said that the chief of the Vlora police station has been suspended. The KLA is facing a new and unclear situation in relation to the international factor and to Rugova himself.
Yesterday’s meeting between Solana and Rugova