Irresponsible acts by Kosovo Liberation Army increase tension

PRISTINA, 9 January 1999 - KVM wishes to state that irresponsible actions by the KLA since yesterday morning are the main reasons for a considerable increase of tension in Kosovo.

The KLA executed a meticulously planned ambush of a column of MUP vehicles, leading to three deaths and several casualties. The KLA also took prisoner eight VJ soldiers and up to now has refused to release them, although an undertaking to release them was given late on January 8^th, 1999.

These actions are in direct contradiction of solemn promises from the KLA of showing restraint and of maintaining the cease-fire agreement.

KVM wishes to make it clear that it finds the reaction by Yugoslavian authorities to these KLA provocations has been up to this point very restrained. The representatives of the Yugoslavian authorities have shown a willingness to co-operate in the present situation.