Brussels, 20/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - Two members of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Macedonia and their interpreter were killed on Thursday. Their death was probably caused by the explosion of a mine, but other hypotheses are not to be ruled out, the spokesman for the Swedish Foreign Minister told the press. The two observers are said to be Norwegian and Slovakian, and the interpreter Albanian. Nearly 110 European observers are deployed in the Balkans, including 24 in Macedonia. They are entrusted with the task of monitoring, surveillance and analysis.
The EU High Representative for CFSP, Javier Solana, said in a press release: "I deeply regret the death yesterday of the two EUMM monitors and their interpreter. The men and women of the EUMM are carrying out a difficult but essential task with exemplary courage and dedication in the interest of peace and stability in the whole region". He went on to say: "The EU will not be deflected in its determination to help bring lasting peace and stability to the region"
Negotiation seems increasingly difficult and the ceasefire threatened, with the Albanian parties leaving the negotiation table on Thursday evening after a categorical refusal by the Prime Minister of proposals to considerably develop the use of the Albanian language in administrations, and to create local police forces.