by Metë Dura and Metush Zenuni.

Summary

On February 8, LPK Coordinator Emrush Xhemajl visited Mitrovica to assess the local situation. During his trip, he met with General Major Rrahman Rama, head of the IV and TMK units, and visited the family of political prisoner Gani Baliu. Xhemajl criticized French KFOR for prioritizing the protection of bridges and the Ibar River while neglecting the safety of the local population. He called for KFOR to take more responsibility and for Albanians to organize for their own protection, highlighting the failure of KFOR to protect citizens and address the security needs of Mitrovica.

LPK Coordinator Visits Mitrovica

French KFOR protects the Ibar River, but not the people

On February 8, the LPK Coordinator, Mr. Emrush Xhemajl, along with associates, visited Mitrovica, where he was informed about the situation in the city. After surveying the area, Coordinator Emrush Xhemajl made a visit to the headquarters of the IV and TMK units, during which he spoke with General Major Rrahman Rama, the commander of this area.

During his stay in Mitrovica, he also visited the family of a political prisoner from Mitrovica, Mr. Gani Baliu, imprisoned in 1993, who is currently in prison in Niš.

Regarding his stance in Mitrovica, Mr. Xhemajl gave a brief statement in which he said: “In Mitrovica, French KFOR protects the Ibar River, the bridges, but not the people. Ethnic division in the north of Mitrovica is not separated by the Ibar River. Why should the village of Suhodoll and the Bosniak neighborhoods be protected, when Albanians live on both sides of the river, but the homes of residents are not protected, as is being attempted in Prishtina for the protection of Serbs?”

Furthermore, regarding security and the situation in Mitrovica, Mr. Xhemajl said: “French KFOR is unable to carry out its duties; it must expel state forces and other forces present and assume command over the troops present. Furthermore, KFOR must show that it can protect the citizens; Albanians must self-organize to protect their lives.”

Metush Zenuni

ZËRI I KOSOVËS, February 11, 2000