Skopje, June 25 - The operations of the Macedonian security forces for retaking the territory occupied by the terrorists for 17 days in the Skopje's village of Aracinovo have yielded results. According to police-army sources, after yesterday's fierce action of the security forces, during the afternoon white flags were reported to be flying over the terrorist positions as a sign of surrender, after which followed a cease-fire.
The action for destroying the terrorist strongholds in Aracinovo included artillery weapon and tanks in the center of the village, extending the operation on houses in almost entire village. During the afternoon the action involved six helicopters. At first two helicopters "M-24" fired projectiles, immediately followed by another two "M-20" and "M-8", and only few minutes later another two "M-24" operated in the area. The intensive actions of the security forces continued for another 30 minutes with continuous fires from artillery until the moment when a temporary cease-fire was introduced.
After the cease-fire, the terrorists sent a demand to NATO representatives to enter the village and to enable them to withdraw laying down their weapon, along the corridor via Kumanovo and Slupcane to leave for Kosovo. After accepting the request, the OSCE and the International Red Cross observers entered the village, which teams are still there trying to realize the terrorists' evacuation.
The joint police-army units resumed early this morning the operation for cleaning the terrain from possible plated explosive devices.
Throughout the weekend, three members of the security forces lost their lives and 12 were injured during the action of the security forces carried out in Aracinovo.
Macedonia - Security
OCCASIONAL SHOOTINGS IN TETOVO REGION
Skopje, June 25 - Shootings and detonations coming from Sar Mountain were audible yesterday in the Tetovo region. According to police sources, the Albanian terrorists from the slopes of Sar Mountain, near the road Tetovo - Popova Sapka, from the locality of Sidol above Sipkovica were opening fire on the positions of the Macedonian security forces.
The Macedonian security forces responded adequately on the provocations from the Albanian terrorists.
Macedonia - Security
UNSUCCESSFUL TERRORISTS' ATTEMPT TO REGROUP
Skopje, June 25 - Occasional armed provocations coming from the region of the villages of Nikustak and Vistica, just few kilometers from the village of Aracinovo were reported yesterday in the Kumanovo-Lipkovo region.
The Albanian terrorists trying to reach Aracinovo by regrouping and dislocating, opened machinegun and mortar fire on the Macedonian security forces, on the police checkpoint near Grusino and near Umin Dol.
The Macedonian security forces responded appropriately.
Macedonia - Security
RESUMPTION OF THE POLITICAL DIALOGUE IN TRAJKOVSKI'S CABINET
Skopje, June 25 - The Cabinet of President of the Republic of Macedonia, Boris Trajkovski released an information that the great danger threatening the city of Skopje, the vital facilities in and around the city, as well as the communication links, used by Macedonia as well as NATO and KFOR, had been eliminated by the three-day action of the Macedonian security forces in the village of Aracinovo.
According to the information, yesterday's talks between President Trajkovski and EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana were focused on the political aspects of the crisis in the Republic of Macedonia. They agreed that the outcome of the three-day action in Aracinovo - capitulation of the terrorists, has created conditions for resuming the political dialogue.
In that context, a new meeting between President Trajkovski and the leaders of all the parliamentary parties in the country was scheduled for today. According to the information released by the President's Cabinet, the talks will be held in accordance with the Macedonian President's agenda for resolving of the crisis and strengthening of the civic character of the Republic of Macedonia.
Macedonia - Security
KFOR HAS NO MISSION CONNECTED WITH THE ACTIONS IN ARACINOVO
Skopje, June 25 - The KFOR Press - Center in Skopje rejected the reports of some media that KFOR will allegedly facilitate the movement of the Albanian terrorists, as a part of the cease-fire introduced in Aracinovo. The announcement reads that the KFOR does not plan to conduct any kind of mission regarding the actions in Aracinovo and does not have an authorization to provide units that would realize that, since such activity is not included within the frameworks of the KFOR mandate in the Republic of Macedonia.