GERMANY: IBRAHIM RUGOVA MEETS FOREIGN MINISTER FISCHER

(12 May 1999) Albanian/Nat

Kosovo's ethnic Albanian leader Ibrahim Rugova has expressed his backing for a proposed peace plan worked out by western powers and Russia to resolve the crisis over Kosovo.

He said that the main goal should be the return of refugees.

Ibrahim Rugova, who was unexpectedly allowed to leave Yugoslavia last week, met with Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer shortly after arriving in Germany where he will take up a new temporary residence.

In a brief statement, he repeated his call for Yugoslavia to withdraw its forces from Kosovo and accept an international force, including NATO troops, to supervise the return of refugees to Kosovo.

SOUNDBITE: (Albanian)
"This is an important moment for me and my family. As the minister already said we talked about the situation in Kosovo. I am very saddened that Kosovo is virtually empty and agree with the opinion that the main task is the return of the Kosovo refugees"
SUPER CAPTION: Ibrahim Rugova, Kosovo ethnic Albanian leader

He expressed support for the principles worked out for a peace plan last week in Bonn by the seven leading industrial nations and Russia, under which Kosovo remain part of Yugoslavia.

Over the past week, Rugova, a lifelong pacifist, has urged Yugoslavia to accept an international security force so refugees can return home, but declined to say specifically whether he supported NATO's air campaign.

SOUNDBITE: (Albanian
"It is also important to have international troops in Kosovo to provide security and it is also important that the Serbs leave Kosovo and the refugees return. These are the most important tasks"
SUPER CAPTION: Ibrahim Rugova, Kosovo ethnic Albanian leader

Rugova and his family had been under what Western officials described as house arrest in Kosovo since the NATO bombing campaign started on March 24.

His sentiments were echoed by the German Foreign Minister.

SOUNDBITE: (German)
"For us the return of all the refugees is the most important task. For that to be possible we will need international forces and the withdrawal of the Yugoslav and Serb forces"
SUPER CAPTION: Joschka Fischer, German Foreign Minister

Rugova said he planned to meet with French and British officials this week and go to Brussels on Monday.

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