Brussels, 30/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - Macedonians and Albanian Macedonians began their third day of negotiations on Monday under the chairmanship of President Boris Trajkovski, and in the presence of two "facilitators" Francois Leotard and James Pardew. The most difficult question remains that of the language. Macedonia's official news agency, MIA, wrote Monday morning that "the two sides are sticking firmly to their stances regarding the issue of languages". The Albanian side is insisting that its language become official, whereas the Macedonians are opposed to that. According to several agencies, including MIA, the Albanian side is said to be prepared to make concessions, but not on that issue. However, different sources are speaking of encouraging signs and members of the Albanian PDP Party are said to have believed that a solution was emerging. Generally-speaking, at the end of discussions, for Mr. Pardew, progress could be summarised as "in two words: not much".
1.5 million euro aid for refugees in Kosovo
On Monday, the European Commission decided to grant 1.5 million euro in emergency aid to some 60,000 people who have found refuge in Kosovo to flee the conflict in Macedonia. This aid will be channelled through the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and Unicef, over the next six months. Refugees being lodged with families, the aid will consist in giving money to these families, as well as different items (mattresses, blankets…) to refugees. Unicef should be launching a vaccination and health care campaign.