OSCE ACCUSES KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY OF AGGRAVATING SITUATION

ZAGREB, Jan 9 (Hina) - The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) stated on Saturday that "irresponsible actions by the KLA (Kosovo Liberation Army) since yesterday morning are the main reasons for a considerable increase of tension in Kosovo." According to a statement issued in Pristina by the OSCE Verification Mission, the KLA took prisoner eight soldiers of the Yugoslav Army on Friday and refused to release them to the Yugoslav authorities. The soldiers were taken captive in a planned ambush executed by the KLA "leading to three deaths and several casualties", read the OSCE statement. "These actions are in direct contradiction of solemn promises from the KLA of showing restraint and of maintaining the cease-fire agreement," the OSCE said. After the expiry of a deadline set by Belgrade for the soldiers' release, the Yugoslav Army launched a military operation in the north of Kosovo to set them free. The OSCE Verification Mission said on Saturday that "the reaction by Yugoslav authorities to these KLA provocations has been up to this point very restrained." "The representatives of the Yugoslav authorities have shown willingness to cooperate in the present situation," the OSCE statement concluded. (hina) ms