[ALBSA-Info] Chronology of Macedonia Conflict

[Gazhebo at aol.com]

Chronology of Macedonia Conflict


1991 - Macedonia declares independence from Yugoslavia and secedes, the only 
republic to do so peacefully. Members of the ethnic Albanian minority join 
the first government. Their first demands for equal rights are voiced - and 
generally ignored. 

1993 - A new government is formed, again with ethnic Albanian participation. 
Ethnic Albanians are appointed to the ministries of labor and welfare. But 
demands for equal rights are again ignored. Radicals start pushing for more: 
cultural and political autonomy. 

1994 - Police announce the discovery of an ``attempt ... to form an Albanian 
paramilitary,'' complete with bunkers, weapons depots, maps and other 
intelligence material. Twelve people are arrested in Tetovo and nine are 
sentenced to prison for conspiracy and related charges. 

1995 - Ethnic Albanians proclaim the formation of an Albanian-language 
university in Tetovo. The government declares it illegal, and clashes follow. 
Three Albanians are killed and 10 policemen wounded in a village close to 
Tetovo. President Kiro Gligorov survives an assassination attempt. One theory 
is that Albanian criminal elements were involved. 

1997 - Ethnic Albanians take down the Macedonian flag and raise the Albanian 
flag above public buildings in Tetovo and Gostivar. Police are sent in. 
Clashes ensue in Gostivar, and the mayors of the two cities are temporarily 
detained. 

1998 - A series of bomb attacks rocks Macedonian police stations and court 
buildings and the National Liberation Army makes its presence known for the 
first time by claiming responsibility. Six Albanians are arrested and 
sentenced to between five and 10 years in prison for terrorism. The Supreme 
Court later orders them retried. 

1999 - The Kosovo crisis sends 360,000 ethnic Albanians fleeing the Serbian 
province and into neighboring Macedonia. Ethnic tensions rise, with the 
Slavic majority fearing a huge increase in the ethnic Albanian population if 
the refugees stay. Most end up going to third countries or returning home. 

2000 - Isolated attacks on police continue. Fraud and violence mark local 
elections in western, ethnic Albanian parts of the country, leading to lack 
of final results in some areas, despite multiple reruns. 

2001 - Rebels attack police in the border village of Tanusevci on Feb. 18, 
triggering the conflict that is now in its fifth week.