Macedonia - Security - Defense
Skopje, May 07 - Government's Spokesman Antonio Milososki, at the meeting with the press at the Informative Center in Kumanovo, stated that the Government seriously considers suggesting the Macedonian Parliament to declare a state of war as a result of the open aggression from Kosovo and of the operative information according which, new troops supported by the local terrorists would be infiltrated in the Tetovo area. According to him, if the Parliament reaches such decision the Government will be enabled to act faster and more efficiently in handling the crisis and the challenges. Milososki said Macedonia would bare in mind the suggestions from the international community regarding this solution, but added that is up to Macedonia, as an independent and sovereign state, to decide on the further steps.
Spokesman of the Ministry of Defense, Georgi Trendafilov informed that that due to disobeying the deadline, set by the Macedonian authorities in Vaksince and Slupcane in the Kumanovo region, the security forces started its offensive at 12.00. The operations were aimed against firmly selected targets and serious damages were caused on the terrorists' positions without any casualties. Trenfailov said there were no losses on the Macedonian side.
Spokesman of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Stevo Pendarovski informed that near the Stenkovec checkpoint, on Skopje - Blace road, four persons were detained in a vehicle, type "Subaru". During the regular search five pieces of trinitrotoluene (TNT), two hand grenades, one antitank mine, one camouflage rucksack, two hand bombs and several other items were found. The persons were taken into custody while the inquiry is underway.
The Spokesman informed that the body of 80-years old Alija Arifi was found the previous day in the village of Selce, near Tetovo. He was found in his home, shot with seven bullets in the head and in the back.
Pendarovski confirmed the information on movement of uniformed and armed persons and stated that around 50 - 60 civilians from Selce and Bozovce have moved into Tetovo.
The desertion of three Albanian terrorists was also confirmed, but it is yet to be confirmed whether they were villagers mobilized by force or were part of the so-called National Liberation Army.