When you have time, let us discuss Racak. What facts do you know of where the dead Albanians that were found in that village came from for starters.
Oh oh, you said th "R" word, Hoplite gonna be mad!
Merry Christmas....to you...I'll have to gather the info....on Racak....
I just got back from being in N.C......Have a ass kicking New Year and watch the Balkans this Spring......
I found several good sources on Racak...and will complete a "report" per se, this week.....
Tom
From my sources, for starters I'll just start writing from the beginning. Wraith can fill in or correct if I am off to some degree. OK? It's hard to say what is the most accurate as deception is the name of the game.
On or around January 1999, the media center in Pristina (Serb controlled at that time)..reported that the Serbian police with support fromt the Yugoslav Army, attempted to arrest a terrorist group that killed a police officer. It was reported to be in the area of "Racak" and about 15 miles or so from Pristina. The Officer was Svetislav Przic. The Serbs also reported that this group killed three policemen in September and October, two policeman from Gnjilane in August and October, and two "Albanian" civilians on December 1998 and January 1999. I could get the details of these attacks if I were to research more.
Now, the final report stated that while the forces approached the village, the members attacked the police officers from covered positions with auto wpns. Police reported that they used firearms and killed several dozen terrorist. Most they claim were wearing KLA uniforms. Interestingly enough, the KVM had given the green light to conduct the operation and actually arrived at the scene afterwards..........
From reports the first encounter did not result in control of the situation. It is reported that the OSCE (KVM) could not conduct investigations due to being fired upon...by KLA members. Also reported from sources that the Serbian forces withdrew due to the continuing threat. Even as late at January 16, on site investigations were prevented.......The evidence was not protected and the Serb forces withdrew. The reason for the withdrawal is not known.......for sure. After Ambassador Walker arrived the OSCE and Serbian reports do not report the same thing.
Walker and group reportedly found 45 bodies....37 men, one woman and one child. Now, the KLA reported that it had counted 51 bodies...to include 9 KLA members. I might add that without any investigation Walker declared a massacre. Also, Ms. Marinkovic wanted to view the site in on Jan 16, 1999, but, but............was told that she should proceed to the site without police protection. Since she is not the star of "Tomb Raider", I understand she refused....:) The KVM had insisted that she proceed alone....:)) can you imagine?
I have more details but this is the initial reports......more to follow....
Tom