FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Aferdita Rakipi

April 10, 1999 (202) 955-1428

SOS:PEOPLE ARE DYING IN KOSOVA

DROP FOOD AND MEDICINE ASAP

Washington - As reported by James Rubin State Department spokesman, who maintains on-going contact with Hashim Thaci, appointed Prime Minister is reporting that Albanians trapped by Serb soldiers in the Drenica region are beginning to die of starvation.

It is important to remember that there are over 1 million people within Kosova who are on the constant run from Serb paramilitary forces with no food, water or shelter. Although we understand the concern that food may fall into the hands of Serb soldiers, the more important immediate risk is that tens of thousands of people will die very soon if we do not act.

Also, it was reported that Serb soldiers are capturing and raping Albanian women. In one incident 20 Albanian women were raped and killed.

Therefore, we call on NATO to save the people of Kosova by dropping food and medicine immediately and to send in ground forces to protect the lives of innocent women and children.