What is happening?
On June 9, 1999, NATO and the Yugoslav military reached an agreement to end the fighting in Kosovo and the rest of Yugoslavia. A cease-fire will be followed by a withdrawal of all Serb forces from Kosovo by June 20. Following the withdrawal, NATO peacekeeping forces, including American troops, will patrol Kosovo for an indefinite period of time.
Once the NATO troops are in place, the United Nations will oversee preparations for the refugees' return. Many houses, roads, schools, hospitals, churches, and stores have been serevely damaged in the fighting and will need to be rebuilt. The UN hopes to have all the refugees back home in warm houses before the weather turns cold in the fall.
How did this all start?
Kosovo is a province of Serbia, which is a republic of Yugoslavia. Belgrade is Yugoslavia's capital. Pristina is the capital of the province of Kosozo. About 90% of the Kosovars are of Albanian, not Serbian origin, and would like to see Kosovo become an independent country. The Serbs want it to remain part of Serbia.
In retaliation for the Kosovan push for independence, the Serbs have been waging a terrible war against the Kosovars for months. In February, 1999, both sides began a peace meeting. By March 19, the Kosovars agreed to sign a peace agreement. Serbia, led by President Slobodan Milosevic, refused. The talks were ended. On March 23, NATO called for air strikes against the Serbs, with the US providing much of the manpower and military force.
Where is Kosovo?
Map of the Balkans
How long has this been going on?
CNN's timeline of events, from 1389 to today
Hearing from the sources:
Kosovo Home Page
Serbia Info News
NATO Home Page
US State Department Kosovo Information Page
News coverage for kids:
Time for Kids
|
Pregnancy
