The arrival in Kosovo of Russia's first troops to join the NATO peacekeeping force has been welcomed by the KFOR leader. The party of thirty-nine paratroopers and technical staff will prepare for three thousand more Russian soldiers. Lieutenant General Sir Michael Jackson said that their contribution will help the people of Kosovo rebuild their lives.
Russian and French aircraft, carrying technicians and paratroopers for the Kosovo peacekeeping force, began arriving in Slatina airport near the Kosovan capital Pristina this afternoon. These were first planes to enter the province since NATO forces arrived in the region. The Russian soldiers will be stationed in the American, German and French sectors, where it is hoped that their presence will reassure Serbs. Russia has warned of a robust riposte if their forces face attacks from KLA guerrillas. The Russian troops' departure came after President Boris Yeltsin signed a decree authorising the deployment.
Yugoslav Army reservists, who had been protesting across central Serbia for four days, have removed roadblocks and taken their armoured vehicles back to their barracks. Hundreds of soldiers had blocked bridges and roads in various towns in central Serbia since late on Wednesday. After intervention by army officers, they reached an agreement and the soldiers have removed armoured vehicles blocking a bridge in the centre of Kraljevo south of Belgrade. The protest began as a demand for unpaid wages and daily allowances for time served in Kosovo during the 11-week NATO bombing campaign.
The state of war, which Belgrade imposed throughout Yugoslavia three months ago, is due to be lifted today. Mr. Clinton has said that NATO will increase protection for the Serb population, which is fleeing Kosovo in fear of reprisals. Speaking in Washington, Mr. Clinton said that NATO was making provisions to ensure safety for the Serbs, in the light of recent clashes with returning ethic Albanian refugees. He said that he was concerned about the level of violence against the Serbs, but not surprised.
