For immediate release

Communique

The migration of Serbs from Kosova, the uncivil actions of a number of

persons from different ethnic backgrounds against the life and the

property of some citizens of Kosova, as well as attacks on various

buildings have been represented as actions committed by individuals and

persons affiliated with the KLA and it has been insinuated that these

actions have been committed by the KLA itself. Once again we wish to

affirm our conviction that those individuals that have committed these

crimes are not soldiers of th KLA. Regretfully, there are individuals

who, taking advantage from the current situation, attack the life and

the property of other individuals.

In many cases, such actions have been committed to distract the

attention of the international community from what is really happening

in Kosova. Such actions are intended to throw a shadow over the

extraordinary efforts of the people of Kosova to build a normal life and

a democratic and a multiethnic society. Also, due to such uncivil

actions, the serious and continuous efforts of all the KLA effective to

become a part of these processes have not been properly appreciated.

While the KLA rejects these accusations and forcefully condemns these

a the human rights and the

international conventions that regulate them even in peace time.

The KLA invites all the citizens of Kosova, regardless of their ethnic

background to stay in Kosova so that they can contribute to the building

of free and democratic society based on respect for human rights,

tolerance, and diversity. The General Staff of the KLA assures all the

citizens of Kosova that the KLA is an institution that belongs to all

the people of Kosova, that its soldiers and officers are committed to

the establishment of peace and ethnic harmony in Kosova. The KLA will do

whatever is necessary so that the cooperation with the international

authorities in their mission is fruitful and contributes to the peace

and security in Kosova.

Gen. Agim eku

Chief of General Staff

Prishtin , August 18, 1999