Kosovo Refugees Face Uncertainty and Danger as Yugoslavia Declares Ceasefire

Thousands of ethnic Albanian refugees in Macedonia are skeptical about returning home after a unilateral ceasefire by Yugoslavia, citing past violence and ethnic cleansing. While Yugoslav authorities claim it is safe for refugees to return, many others remain trapped in squalid conditions on the border, awaiting a NATO guarantee for their safety.

Key Takeaways:

• Since March 24, over 400,000 ethnic Albanians have fled Kosovo, many under threat of violence and orders from Serbian police, military, and armed civilians.
• Yugoslav authorities declared a unilateral ceasefire on Tuesday, but it has been met with skepticism by refugees who have experienced violence and ethnic cleansing firsthand.
• The Stenkovec refugee center in Macedonia is overcrowded and lacks basic amenities, with many refugees forced to live in squalid conditions.
• Macedonia has deported over 3,500 refugees to Turkey, Norway, and other countries, with plans to send 15,000 more by train and boat.
• International humanitarian workers are concerned about the deportations and the lack of information provided by Macedonian officials, making it difficult to reunite families separated during the refugee crisis.
• Over 120,000 Kosovo refugees are currently in Macedonia, most of whom are still in the process of running from Kosovo and have no desire to return without NATO protection.

Statistics:

• Over 400,000 ethnic Albanians have fled Kosovo since March 24, with many facing violence and ethnic cleansing.
• The Stenkovec refugee center in Macedonia has over 120,000 refugees, with an average of 20,000 more arriving each day.
• Macedonia has deported over 3,500 refugees to Turkey, Norway, and other countries, with plans to send 15,000 more.
• The Yugoslav ceasefire declaration has been met with skepticism by refugees, with only a small percentage expected to immediately return to Kosovo.
• Over 60,000 refugees were trapped without toilets, shelter, or food in the Blace mud pit on the Macedonian border, but conditions have begun to ease with the arrival of NATO troops and aid.

Sources:

• _Sky News_ in Belgrade, interview with Yugoslav Deputy Prime Minister Vuk Draskovic
• Macedonian vice president Radmila Kiprijanova, statement regarding refugee deportations
• _United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees_ Paula Ghedini, statement regarding refugee family separation
• _Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services_ news article reporting on refugee conditions and Yugoslav ceasefire declaration
• Macedonian officials, statement regarding refugee camp conditions and aid arrival