Lib Dem Leader Paddy Ashdown Visits Albania to Meet Kosovo Liberation Army Leaders

Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown traveled to Albania to assess the military capability of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) ahead of potential NATO ground troop deployment. Ashdown emphasized that while ground troops are essential, the KLA cannot be used as proxy UN soldiers. He gathered information on behalf of Prime Minister Tony Blair, receiving overwhelming support for NATO's bombing campaign from refugees in Albania. Ashdown's visit contrasts with that of Labour backbencher Alice Mahon, who visited the Serb capital Belgrade over the weekend, sparking debate on the effectiveness of NATO's air raids.

Key Takeaways:

• Paddy Ashdown, leader of the Liberal Democrats, traveled to Albania to meet leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) to assess their military capability.
• Ashdown stated that ground troops are necessary, but the KLA cannot be used as proxy UN soldiers, carrying out NATO's "dirty work."
• He toured refugee camps in Albania, receiving overwhelming support for NATO's bombing campaign.
• Alice Mahon, a Labour backbencher, visited Belgrade over the weekend, drawing criticism from some MPs for her stance on NATO's air raids.
• Mahon argued that the bombardment was hitting civilian targets and strengthening Yugoslav resolve.
• America's First Lady, Hillary Clinton, is considering a visit to Albania to meet with Kosovar refugees and assess the situation in the war-torn region.

Statistics:

• Three Serb soldiers were reportedly captured by the KLA and are planned to be handed over to NATO on the day of Ashdown's visit.
• Hillary Clinton's potential Senate campaign has led to a crowded schedule, including a meeting with foundation heads to discuss fundraising for Kosovar refugees.
• The UK's Labour backbencher, Alice Mahon, is the first British politician to visit Belgrade since NATO commenced its bombing campaign.

Sources:

• 'Lib Dem leader plays down Kosovo conflict role', by The Times (no date provided)
• 'Clinton to visit refugees', by The Times (no date provided)