kosovo 09. april 1999

RNN EXCLUSIVE :
BALKAN PROBLEMS HEAVY TO BEAR SERBIA

Kumanovo / MACEDONIA ( RNN Correspondent ), May the 11th, 1999

Ruined cities, victims from different nationalities, reason - misunderstandings of the politicians for peaceful solution.
Yugoslav citizens are facing very hard moments - reduced electric power, water and food supplies.
The air defense of Yugoslavia is giving strong resistance to NATO shooting many planes and missiles everyday.
According to the latest news from Roma people in Yugoslavia, this week was the hardest since the war began.
Roma organizations are sending appeal stop this crazy war, and asking for more humanitarian help.
Five Roma families (17 persons) were ready to leave Kosovo, but when they heard about the situation with the refugees in Macedonia they decided to stay there.
The plight of all citizens in Yugoslavia no matter what nationality they are is very very difficult.
There are reacts from Albanians against Nato on the Serbian Television.
It's very hard to establish communication with the families in Serbia.
Some unofficial information were about discriminations acts against Roma by the Albanians and Serbs in the cities where Albanian population is majority.
NATO bombings made the Serbs more revolving and loyal to their country.

MACEDONIA

Written and electronic media are full with information about the war crisis in Yugoslavia, but day by day more actual is the question how will go on the everyday life of the Macedonian citizens.
Macedonia accepted 10 times more refugees then its capacity, and now there are over 200000, foreign countries gave their promises but the help is not delivered yet.
Macedonia is facing hard days ; the trade is reduced, the economic power of the citizens is weakened.
Revolt of the people is getting stronger everyday. There are more and more refugees.
These in Macedonia are interested in going to some other European country.
People in Macedonia are frightened from the loud explosions of "accidentally" dropped bombs.
Macedonian political top is trying to work out the problems but they can't do it without the help of the foreign organizations.
The situation generally said is very hard but life must go on.

ROMA VIEWS

There are over 2000 Roma refugees from Kosovo and Serbia in Macedonia.
Most of them are accommodated in private houses. About their situation and the problems they are facing with inform the independent Roma TVs: BTR and SUTEL from Skopje.
Roma NGOs are taking care over the refugees Medicines are needed but the people can't buy it.
In the camps and most of the foreign NGOs like UNHCR work Macedonians and Albanians ,but there are no Roma.
The foreign media don't give any information about Roma refugees. It seems that Roma are not here and they do not exist.
They didn't start the war so why are they suffering.
The Roma people from Macedonia and the rest of citizens of R. Macedonia are in very bad position and they do not know whether this crisis will finish or not.
Every war takes victims, material and financial consequences. Everything that is built, and made to function is stopped or destroyed.

ROMA FROM KUMANOVO

In Kumanovo live round 6000 Roma, 97% of them are unemployed , young people live without any vision for better future.
They need long term projects and financial support for getting out of this nightmare.
Like in the past period Roma organizations do not receive financial help but it is given to the Macedonian foundations and Albanian organizations and they don't give nothing of it to Roma.
They don't trust the Roma.
Those in Kumanovo need help urgently to improve their living for some time.
Therefore Roma people appeal for peace, they need work not war. Or should they leave to some other countries.

Old people say: the rich does not believe to the hungry and ill.
The war is in Yugoslavia but the innocent victim is Macedonia, the consequences are here and it seems they gonna stay.

In my name and in the name of my colleagues RCC "DROM" I would like to express great thankfulness to all that contacted us and tried to help us.
If you want to send your help you may contact us on these address and possible ways.

Asmet Elezovski members of Roma National Congress
Kumanovo 11.05.1999

Donation Bank Account
Stopanska Banka a.d.Skopje
Broj na smetka:40100-620-42 – 20625
ZPP-Kumanovo- 40900-678-6121
Roma Community Center "DROM"Kumanovo
Lokalitet serava prizemje 7a, 91300 Kumanovo
Tel.fax:++38990127558

Asmet Elezovski
Ljube Gacev 6
91300 Kumanovo
Makedonija
Tel:++38990127558

Note from the editorial office:
Germany's Hotline on Kosovo Refugees in Germany, they said they will provide help in finding family members.
Telephone: + 49 911 943 77 77

[Main Page]