Macedonian weapons collection continues
NATO is continuing to collect weapons from ethnic Albanian rebels despite opposition to proposed constitutional changes by conservative members of Government.
President Boris Trajkovski emphasised the importance that the changes be ratified, yet also pledged that if the insurgents continue their armed struggle once their constitutional demands are met, the “terrorists shall be destroyed.
” 200 rebels fighter turned out in Radusa, near the Kosovan border, to hand in arms yesterday, singing, “We are the Albanian heroes”.
NATO claims to have destroyed one of two T-55 tanks captured from the Macedonian army.
Journalists were not allowed to witness the destruction of the tank, although a large detonation was heard.
The Macedonian Government is under huge international pressure to adhere to the reforms agreed under the peace deal signed last month.
Ethnic Albanians have agreed to surrender their arsenal – about 3,300 weapons, in return for legislation amendments giving ethnic Albanians better rights.
Those 36 amendments are due to be voted on after NATO completes this, the second phase of weapons collection.
Hardliners have already voted against some of the 36 changes, a move which may derail the fragile process.
