PRISHTINA, Nov 20 (KIC) - Xhemail Mustafa, President Ibrahim Rugova'a press advisor, presented the views of the

President of the Republic of Kosova in today's press conference in Prishtina.

The situation in Kosova continues to be grave, Mustafa said at the outset of his remarks, adding that the huge presence of

Serbian forces adds to the gravity of the situation.

The Serbian regime has embarked on a campaign of harassment and arrests of Albanian political activists, Mr. Mustafa

said, referring amongst others to the cases of senior LDK activists in Gjilan and Gjakova areas. "Serbian show, political trials

of young Albanians have continued", he added.

President Ibrahim Rugova's aide called for neither side to obstruct the work of the Verification Mission in Kosova. "The

Mission benefits Kosova and the entire region", Mr. Mustafa said.

Greater international security is needed for the displaced Albanian population to be able to return in safety to their homes,

Rugova's advisor said, praising the work of NGOs, which have been helping the people of Kosova.

The best solution is independence for Kosova, with all guarantees for local Serbs, and an interim stage international

protectorate pending a lasting solution, Mr. Xhemail Mustafa reaffirmed Rugova's longstanding position. He reiterated also

the call for the deployment of NATO ground troops in Kosova, "as a measure of security for Kosova and the entire region".

Mustafa thanked the French Government for according President Ibrahim Rugova of Kosova the Prize of the Defendants of

Human Rights. "This is an acknowledgment and recognition of the rightful policies pursued by President Rugova, and

support for the cause of the people of Kosova", Mr. Xhemail Mustafa concluded.

Negotiations to Be Held at Neutral Venue, with Significant International Involvement, Kosova Government Says

Ambassador Hill's Draft for a Settlement in Kosova cannot furnish the basis for

an agreement about the issue of Kosova, the Government maintains

PRISHTINA, Nov 19 (KIC) - The Government of the Republic of Kosova issued Thursday, 19 November 1998, a statement in

which it presented its views on the political initiatives for a negotiated process on the Kosova issue.

Following is the full text of the Kosova Government's statement"

(Begin text)

"With regard to speculative propaganda proposals and unilateral initiatives for talks in Prishtina on the situation in Kosova

with top Serbian officials from Belgrade, the Government of the Republic of Kosova wishes to make the following statement:

1. The Government of the Republic of Kosova reiterates its position that only international mediated negotiations can offer

the right framework for the settlement of the Kosova issue and its future status, in accordance with its statement of 3

November. It emphasizes its willingness to participate in such negotiations. However, the modalities, format, agenda and

location, etc., of such talks cannot be unilaterally determined by the Belgrade regime and especially by a subordinate entity

of rump Yugoslavia, such as the Serb republic authorities.

2. Before substantial talks can proceed, there must also have been

certification that the Belgrade regime is in substantive compliance with its obligations under the relevant UN Security Council

resolutions, in particular resolutions 1199 (1998) and 1160 (1998). The Government of the Republic of Kosova will fully

co-operate to ensure that genuine negotiations can be held in a climate of equality and security for all, at the earliest possible

moment. It will also entertain other constructive proposals which may be made soon to ensure that the mandatory demands

of the United Nations Security Council have been met in full, and negotiations can start following agreement of basic

principles and mandate. The Government of the Republic of Kosova is willing to entertain preliminary conversations to that

effect. No preconditions should be established by either party for these talks and negotiations, to be held at a neutral venue,

with significant international involvement.

3. The Government of the Republic of Kosova notes that the Belgrade regime continues to violate fundamental international

obligations in actively obstructing the implementation of United Nations Security Council mandate of the International

Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in relation to the Republic of Kosova. The refusal of access to the investigators

and prosecutorial teams of the Tribunal highlights the continued failure on the part of the Yugoslav regime to recognize even

the most fundamental humanitarian obligations in relation to the Republic of Kosova.

4. The Government of the Republic of Kosova has noted that a second draft of the Hill Proposal for a Settlement for Kosova

has been widely circulated.

The Government of the Republic of Kosova re-affirms that it is not engaged in negotiations on the basis of this draft, and that

this draft cannot furnish the basis for an agreement about the issue of Kosova. Instead, it reiterates its general views as to

the basis of a settlement which were issued on 3 November. These views were formulated in a constructive spirit and merit

serious consideration."

17h00 CET (End text)