[Via... http://www.egroups.com/group/Communist-Internet ] . . ----- Original Message ----- From: Miroslav Antic <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: News <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; BALKAN <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; SNN <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: NATO <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2001 10:32 PM Subject: Russia urges declaration of war, WND, 5/9/01 [STOPNATO.ORG.UK] STOP NATO: NO PASARAN! - HTTP://WWW.STOPNATO.ORG.UK --------------------------- ListBot Sponsor -------------------------- Start Your Own FREE Email List at http://www.listbot.com/links/joinlb ---------------------------------------------------------------------- THE BALKANS QUAGMIRE Russia urges declaration of war Says Macedonia should take aggressive step in struggle with rebels By Toby Westerman 2001 WorldNetDaily.com 5/9/01 Russia is offering its support for a declaration of war by the government of Macedonia against rebel separatists, as it ridicules NATO and European Union peace efforts, according to official Russian sources. Referring to recent statements of Macedonian Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski, Moscow acknowledged that Macedonian police and military "could control the situation," but that the Macedonian forces "would have more opportunities if a state of war was declared." NATO and EU opposition to such a declaration is, "in effect, limiting . offensive action against the separatists," according to Russian sources. The remarks were carried by the Voice of Russia World Service, the official broadcasting service of the Russian government. Macedonia shares a border with NATO-controlled Kosovo. The frontier between the two is the site of extensive illicit traffic of all kinds. "The Albanian separatists," Moscow declared, "enjoy the support of NATO and the European Union in the drive to split Macedonia." The National Liberation Army, in the words of the broadcast, "receives ever more weapons and mercenaries from Albanian extremists in Kosovo," across a border NATO could close "if it wished to." Moscow lashed out at NATO control of Kosovo, stating that "local Albanians have transformed the demarcation area into a hotbed of terrorism and aggression in the Balkans." The solution to NATO's perceived errors, according to Moscow, is the recommendation that Macedonia turn for assistance to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which comprises Serbia and a reluctant Montenegro. Relations between Russia and Yugoslavia are again warming following the ouster of Moscow's former ally, Slobodan Milosevic. "Given NATO's attitude," Moscow said, "Macedonia can only rely upon Yugoslavia to help. . According to reports, a representative of the Yugoslavian army staff" will consult with Macedonian military authorities, the broadcast added. NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson and EU foreign policy and security chief Javier Solana are urging the Macedonian government to refrain from a declaration of war, particularly since the current Macedonian ruling coalition could collapse following such a declaration. According to Deutsche Welle, the official broadcasting service of the German government, The Democratic Party of Albanians, a partner in the current Macedonian coalition government, will walk out if war is declared. The fate of Macedonia's coalition government remains in doubt, since ethnic Albanian politicians support greater independence for the nation's Albanian minority -- a position hotly contested by the Macedonian majority. Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski recently described Albanian separatists as a "criminal element," but he also called for "a reform program which will unite this country" against the separatist movement. Trajkovski described the rebels fighting the government as an "external threat," indicating his belief that support for separatism lies beyond his nation's borders. International observers, including those from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, have raised the possibility that separatist guerrillas are not allowing refugees to flee from the battle zone and instead are using the civilian population as a human shield. To aid those attempting to flee from the fighting, Macedonian forces have announced that they will have a cease-fire for several hours each morning and will supply transportation out of the contested area for refugees. According to observers, some civilians in the battle zone elect to remain in their homes, rather than flee into the unknown. Related stories: Putin to use force in Macedonia? Moscow warns of chaos in Balkans Balkan conflict 'all about money'? I.J. Toby Westerman, is a contributing reporter for WorldNetDaily who focuses on current events in the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Balkans. ______________________________________________________________________ To unsubscribe, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
