The following chronology traces the roots of the war in Kosovo from Slobodan
Milosevic's rise to power in the late 1980s and through the diplomatic gambles
and military threats that failed to head off the conflict. It charts the
escalation of the air war with Serbia and the steps that finally led to NATO's
victory in early June 1999.
NOTE: This chronology also notes the contexts in which important decisions were
made -- including President Clinton's impeachment scandal and U.S. military strikes against Iraq
and Osama bin Laden.
|
1987
|
Slobodan
Milosevic's power grows with trip to Kosovo. At large public rallies, Serb
nationalists embrace him when he dramatically promises to defend their
interests in the province.
|
|
1989
|
Milosevic
engineers changes in the Serbian constitution that vastly reduce the provincial
autonomy Kosovo has enjoyed since 1974. Other measures put tens of thousands of
Kosovar Albanians out of work and restrict the activities of their cultural
organizations. Rioting and protests by Kosovo Albanians ensue.
|
|
1991
|
The
bloody break-up of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) begins as Slovenia
and Croatia declare their independence. After a secret vote, ethnic Albanians
proclaim the creation of their own Republic of Kosovo, though it earns little
international recognition.
|
|
1992
|
War
breaks out in Bosnia, after it too moves for independence. Several months
after Europe, USA extends diplomatic recognition to the three major breakaway
Yugoslav republics, but not Kosovo. In May, Kosovar Albanians elect literary
scholar and pacifist Ibrahim Rugova president in unofficial elections. Rugova
begins creating a shadow government.
|
|
Dec.
1992
|
In
a secret "Christmas Warning," U.S. President George Bush informs Milosevic that
Serbian aggression in Kosovo will bring unilateral US military response.
Clinton administration reiterates the threat on several occasions through 1998.
|
|
1993
|
War
in Bosnia continues, as "ethnic cleansing" spreads. NATO threatens airstrikes
to defend "safe areas" created to protect Muslims.
|
|
1994
|
In
April, NATO carries out first airstrikes in its history -- against Bosnian Serbs.
|
|
1995
|
More
NATO airstrikes - along with a successful Croat/Muslim ground offensive - bring
Bosnian Serbs to the negotiating table. On 21 Nov., the Dayton Accord ends war
in Bosnia. Milosevic emerges as the region's power broker and NATO sees a
lesson in its use of force. Kosovo issues, however, are left unresolved.
|
|
1996
|
The
Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) appears, and begins sporadic attacks against Serb
authorities in Kosovo. Serbs ratchet up repression of student and ethnic
movements in Kosovo.
|
|
Late
1996
|
Madeleine
Albright named first female US Secretary of State. As UN ambassador, Albright
had argued in favor of early military intervention in Bosnia.
|
|
1997
|
In
October, violence escalates in Kosovo as Serbian security forces clamp down
further on resistance and KLA steps up its attacks.
|
|
13
Jan. 1998
|
Renewed
crisis in Iraq as President Saddam Hussein bans weapons team led by US inspector.
|
|
19-21
Jan. 1998
|
First
Monica Lewinsky scandal stories appear in the press. Several days later
Clinton denies affair with Lewinsky, saying "I did not have sexual relations
with that woman....I never told anybody to lie."
|
|
23
Feb. 1998
|
US
diplomat Robert Gelbard publicly calls KLA "without any question a terrorist
group" -- a comment which some observers say Milosevic interprets as a green
light to continue repression.
|
|
1
Mar. 1998
|
Rugova's
shadow government reportedly urges Kosovar Albanians to defend themselves
against the Serbs.
|
|
5-7
Mar. 1998
|
After
KLA attacks on police, Serb security forces massacre over 50 members of the
Jashari family in the village of Prekaz. In following weeks, tens of thousands
rally in Pristina to protest massacre. Serbs respond with
counter-demonstrations.
|
|
7
Mar. 1998
|
In
Rome, Madeleine Albright declares "We are not going to stand by and watch the
Serbian authorities do in Kosovo what they can no longer get away with doing in
Bosnia."
|
|
9
Mar. 1998
|
"Contact
Group" countries (US, UK, France, Germany, Italy and Russia) meet in London to
discuss Kosovo. In a tense meeting, Gelbard meets with Milosevic in Belgrade.
|
|
23
Mar. 1998
|
Ibrahim
Rugova re-elected "president" of Kosovo with 99% of vote in controversial
elections boycotted by increasingly popular Kosovar Albanian hard-liners.
|
|
31
Mar. 1998
|
UN
Security Council resolution 1160 condemns Yugoslavia's excessive use of force,
imposes economic sanctions, and bans arms sales to Serbia.
|
|
1
Apr. 1998
|
Judge
Susan Webber Wright dismisses Paula Jones's lawsuit.
|
|
21
Apr. 1998
|
FRY
closes borders with Albania and Macedonia.
|
|
23
Apr. 1998
|
In
national referendum, 95% of Serbs reject foreign mediation to solve the Kosovo
crisis.
|
|
May
1998
|
Gelbard
meets with KLA officials in Switzerland. Amb. Christopher Hill named US
Special Envoy to Kosovo. Dayton Accord negotiator Richard Holbrooke travels to
Belgrade. Talks lead to first-ever meeting between Rugova and Milosevic on May
15, though dialogue quickly breaks down.
|
|
28
May 1998
|
Rugova
and other Kosovar Albanian officials arrive in Washington to meet with Clinton,
Gore, Albright and advisors. In 29 May meeting in Oval Office, Rugova seeks
Clinton's support for the Kosovar Albanians' cause.
|
|
31
May 1998
|
As
many as 20 Kosovar Albanians killed in retaliation for death of a Serb
policeman near Glogovac.
|
|
1
Jun. 1998
|
Rugova
meets UN Sec. Gen. Kofi Annan in New York, requests UN/NATO intervention.
|
|
11
Jun. 1998
|
At
NATO ministerial meeting, U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen urges NATO defense ministers to begin
conceptual planning for potential intervention in Kosovo. Ministers decide to
"send a signal" to Milosevic by conducting air exercises in the region.
|
|
12
Jun. 1998
|
Foreign
ministers of Contact Group, plus Canada and Japan, meet in London and level
more economic sanctions on FRY.
|
|
15
Jun. 1998
|
In
the "Balkan Air Show," 85 NATO warplanes fly over Albania and Macedonia in
show of force aimed at Milosevic.
|
|
16
Jun. 1998
|
Milosevic
and Yeltsin meet in Moscow, issue joint statement approving idea of diplomatic
observers in Kosovo.
|
|
23-24
Jun. 1998
|
Holbrooke
meets with Milosevic. Travels to Kosovo, to talk directly with KLA
commanders.
|
|
6
Jul. 1998
|
Kosovo
Diplomatic Observer Mission begins monitoring operations in the province.
|
|
Early
Aug. 1998
|
Serbian
forces intensify their summer offensive, attack KLA and Kosovo Albanian
villages in Drenica region, driving thousands into the hills.
|
|
5
Aug. 1998
|
Iraq
ceases cooperation with UN inspectors.
|
|
7
Aug. 1998
|
Bombing
of US embassies in Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam, apparently by operatives working
for Osama Bin Laden.
|
|
17
Aug. 1998
|
After
completing four hours of grand jury testimony, Clinton offers nationally
televised admission of his "inappropriate relationship" with Lewinsky.
|
|
20
Aug. 1998
|
US
launches cruise missile attack on Afghanistan and Sudan in response to Bin
Laden's embassy bombings. In polls, significant numbers of Americans say they
believe the attacks were staged to divert attention from the Lewinsky scandal.
|
|
1-2
Sept. 1998
|
At
Clinton-Yeltsin summit in Moscow, Albright & Foreign Minister Ivanov
together call for negotiations and an end to Serb offensive.
|
|
5
Sept. 1998
|
Former
Senator Bob Dole (R-KS) and Asst. Sec. of State John Shattuck travel to Kosovo
& Belgrade.
|
|
9
Sept. 1998
|
Independent
Counsel Starr dramatically delivers 36 boxes of impeachment information to
Congress.
|
|
9
Sept. 1998
|
Serb
police begin to pull bodies of Kosovar Albanians and Serbs from a canal near
the village of Glodjane. At least thirty-four bodies are eventually
discovered, and suspicion falls on the KLA.
|
|
23
Sept. 1998
|
UN
Security Council approves Resolution 1199 demanding cease-fire, Serb withdrawal
and refugee return and calling for unspecified "additional measures" if Serbia
refuses to comply.
|
|
24
Sept. 1998
|
In
Vilamoura, Portugal, NATO Defense Ministers give NATO's Supreme Commander
permission to issue an activation warning (ACTWARN) -- the first real step in
preparation for airstrikes.
|
|
26
Sept. 1998
|
After
more than a dozen Serb police are killed in fighting with the KLA, Serb
security forces kill 35 villagers - including 21 members of a single family -
in and around Gornje Obrinje.
|
|
30 Sept. 1998
|
At principals committee meeting, US
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright pushes for airstrikes against Serbia.
Administration briefs Capitol Hill on the plan. Meeting Congressional resistance, the Administration notes it has no plans to send ground troops to Kosovo, even as peacekeepers.
|
|
5
Oct. 1998
|
UN
Sec. Gen. Kofi Annan reports FRY violations of UNSCR 1199.
|
|
5
Oct. 1998
|
House
Judiciary Committee votes on party lines to recommend Clinton impeachment
inquiry.
|
|
12
Oct. 1998
|
NATO
approves an "activation order" (ACTORD) authorizing preparations for a limited
bombing campaign.
|
|
13
Oct. 1998
|
After
more than a week of negotiations, Holbrooke secures the "October Agreement."
Agreement calls for Serbian compliance with UN Resolution 1199, a cease-fire,
troop withdrawals, elections, substantial autonomy for Kosovo and other
confidence-building measures. NATO temporarily suspends - but does not rescind
- its ACTORD to allow for Serbian compliance.
|
|
16
Oct. 1998
|
Milosevic
agrees to allow unarmed OSCE cease-fire monitors - the Kosovo Verification
Mission (KVM) -- into Kosovo. NATO extends ACTORD deadline until 27 October.
|
|
24
Oct. 1998
|
NATO
Supreme Commander Gen. Wesley Clark and Chairman of the NATO Military Committee
Gen. Klaus Naumann travel to Belgrade. Milosevic agrees to reduce FRY forces
in Kosovo to pre-March 1998 levels.
|
|
27
Oct. 1998
|
In
what appears to be a vindication of NATO's strategy, Serbia withdraws thousands
of Serb security forces from Kosovo. Thousands of Kosovar Albanians begin to
descend from the hills as winter threatens.
|
|
31
Oct. 1998
|
Iraq
halts all cooperation with UN arms inspection team.
|
|
Nov.1998
|
Unarmed
international KVM monitors under American Ambassador William Walker begin
deploying in Kosovo.
|
|
5
Nov. 1998
|
In
US, Democrats make surprising gains in Congress, through Republicans maintain
control.
|
|
11
Nov. 1998
|
UN
staff evacuated from Baghdad as US rushes aircraft carriers to the region and
threatens strikes against Iraq.
|
|
13
Nov. 1998
|
Serbia
warns Macedonia against allowing NATO to position troops on its territory.
|
|
19
Nov. 1998
|
Independent
Counsel Kenneth Starr testifies before Congress for 12 hours. The following
day, Judiciary Committee chairman Henry Hyde issues new subpoenas and signals
committee may widen its probe of impeachable offenses.
|
|
Early
Dec. 1998
|
The
House of Representatives prepares, approves and begins debate on articles of
impeachment.
|
|
Dec.
1998
|
Border
clashes and skirmishes in Kosovo draw new US condemnations. NATO approves and
begins deploying in Macedonia an "extraction force" (XFOR) to defend
peacekeepers in Kosovo.
|
|
17
Dec. 1998
|
US
and Britain begin four days of limited airstrikes against Iraq.
|
|
19
Dec. 1998
|
President
Clinton impeached by House of Representatives.
|
|
23-27
Dec. 1998
|
FRY
security forces battle KLA and attack villages near Podujevo.
|
|
14
Jan. 1999
|
Senate
trial phase of impeachment begins.
|
|
15
Jan. 1999
|
At
meeting of top US foreign policy advisers -- the "Principals Committee" --
Albright pushes for US/NATO military ultimatum, but is frustrated by
colleagues's resistance.
|
|
15
Jan. 1999
|
The
Racak Massacre. In retaliation for KLA attack on 4 policemen, Serb security
forces kill 45 Kosovo Albanians. KVM Director William Walker arrives on scene
following day, forcefully blames Serbia in front of television cameras.
Milosevic refuses to allow war crimes prosecutor Judge Louise Arbour to visit
Racak.
|
|
18
Jan. 1999
|
Milosevic
orders Walker out of the country, though he retracts the expulsion order under
international pressure 21 Jan.
|
|
19
Jan. 1999
|
In
light of Racak massacre, National Security Adviser Sandy Berger reconvenes
Principals Committee. Albright's push for military ultimatum
wins the day. At same time, NATO SACEUR Wesley Clark and NATO military council
chairman Gen. Klaus Naumann meet with Milosevic in Serbia in tense seven-hour
meeting. Milosevic claims Racak was staged by the KLA, calls Clark a war
criminal.
|
|
27
Jan. 1999
|
Joint
statement on Kosovo by Albright and Russia's Ivanov. Clinton meets with foreign
policy team to discuss post-Racak strategy.
|
|
29
Jan. 1999
|
In
London, Contact Group foreign ministers issues ultimatum to Kosovo Albanians
and Serbs, calling them to begin peace talks at in France at Rambouillet on
Feb. 6.
|
|
30
Jan. 1999
|
NATO
renews its military threat, reapproves its ACTORD (force activation order).
|
|
Early
Feb. 1999
|
Senate
trial of Clinton continues.
|
|
1
Feb. 1999
|
Kosovo
Albanians announce they will participate in talks in France; KLA agrees to
participate following day.
|
|
6
Feb. 1999
|
Rambouillet
peace talks begin in France, though Milosevic refuses to attend.
|
|
11
Feb. 1999
|
Clinton
meets with foreign policy team to discuss "NATO planning, US costs and KFOR
exit strategy."
|
|
12
Feb. 1999
|
Impeachment
effort fails, Clinton acquitted in the Senate.
|
|
13
Feb. 1999
|
The
day after his impeachment drama ends, Clinton calls Congressional leaders to
discuss Rambouillet, possible US role in NATO-led Kosovo force. In a radio address, Clinton notes his intention to send 4,000 U.S. peacekeepers to Kosovo after a cease-fire and a Serb withdrawal have been won.
|
|
20
Feb. 1999
|
Madeleine
Albright arrives in France for last days of talks, attempts to salvage
negotiations. Albanian delegation continues to refuse to sign agreement.
|
|
23
Feb. 1999
|
Amidst
great allied frustration, Rambouillet talks pause to allow Albanian delegation
to return home for consultations. Clinton meets with Congressional leaders to
discuss Rambouillet, US KFOR role.
|
|
8
Mar. 1999
|
Senator
Dole returns to Macedonia to lobby KLA to sign Rambouillet agreement.
|
|
10
Mar. 1999
|
Holbrooke
and Hill meet with Milosevic to urge him to accept NATO settlement.
|
|
12
Mar. 1999
|
KLA
reportedly ready to sign a peace pact. However Hill reports to Albright, Cohen,
Berger, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Hugh Shelton that there is "zero point zero
percent" chance of a deal on the Serb side.
|
|
14
Mar. 1999
|
Delegation
led by Deputy Sec. of State Strobe Talbott travels to European capitals to
confer on Kosovo.
|
|
15
Mar. 1999
|
Peace
talks begun at Rambouillet reconvene at Avenue Kléber conference center
in Paris.
|
|
16
Mar. 1999
|
CIA
warns of imminent Serbian offensive. FRY asks Interpol to arrest KLA leader
Hashim Thaci.
|
|
18
Mar. 1999
|
In
Paris, Kosovo Albanian delegates finally cave in and sign autonomy plan. Serbs
refuse, and begin "winter live fire" exercises in Kosovo the next day.
|
|
19
Mar. 1999
|
In
light of failure of peace talks and massing of Serb troops of Kosovo's border,
Clinton meets with foreign policy team to review NATO plans & strategy.
|
|
20
Mar. 1999
|
Kosovo
Verification Mission leaves Kosovo. Serbian forces quickly move in, begin a
new offensive in northeastern and north-central Kosovo. Western embassies
begin withdrawing dependents and non-essential staff from Belgrade.
|
|
22
Mar. 1999
|
In
a last ditch effort to avoid airstrikes, Holbrooke is sent to Serbia to deliver
a final ultimatum. Meeting fails to draw any concessions from an embittered
Milosevic.
|
|
24
Mar. 1999
|
The
Kosovo air war begins. In televised address, Clinton rules out the use of
ground troops to fight a war in Kosovo. Officials hope for a quick resolution,
in line with their experience in Bosnia prior to the Dayton Agreement. To
signal Russia's displeasure, Prime Minister Primakov cancels trip to Washington
in mid-flight.
|
|
25
Mar. 1999
|
Serbian
forces reportedly kill more than 60 Kosovar Albanian men near the village of
Bela Crvka. FRY breaks off diplomatic relations with United States, Germany,
Great Britain and France.
|
|
27
Mar. 1999
|
Russian
Duma condemns NATO attack, postpones Start II treaty vote. A US F-117 Stealth
bomber is shot down, raising concerns about the vulnerability of even the US's
most advanced aircraft. Kosovar Albanians are loaded on special "refugee
trains" and sent to the border with Macedonia.
|
|
1
Apr. 1999
|
Serbian
television broadcasts images of three US soldiers taken while on patrol in
Macedonia, feeding fears about the use of ground troops.
|
|
3
Apr. 1999
|
Central
Belgrade hit by NATO missiles for first time. Air commanders bomb FRY and
Serbian Interior Ministries as they seek to make clear their determination to
"go after the head of the snake" in Serbia.
|
|
4
Apr. 1999
|
With
much fanfare, officials decide to deploy 24 Apache attack helicopters (Task
Force Hawk) and 2,000 protecting troops in Albania, ostensibly within 8 to ten
days. Delays ensue, as policymakers debate whether the helicopters move the US
closer to ground war and engineers scramble to build them a base.
|
|
6
Apr. 1999
|
First
major NATO mishap: three missiles hit a residential neighborhood in the mining
town of Aleksinac, killing several civilians. Milosevic calls for an
(Orthodox) Easter cease-fire and willingness to guarantee "substantial
autonomy" for Kosovo. NATO, State Dept. reject offer, and spokesman James
Rubin announces conditions for end to NATO bombing.
|
|
8
Apr. 1999
|
German
Defense Minister Rudolf Scharping publicizes the existence of a document
several pages long detailing the Serbian "Potkova" (Horseshoe) Operation --
allegedly a detailed plan to expel ethnic Albanians months in the making.
|
|
9
Apr. 1999
|
Russian
President Yeltsin speaks out against bombing and possibility of a NATO ground
war against Serbia, warns that Russia could be forced into a European or
worldwide war. Gennadi Seleznev, President of the Duma, claims that Yeltsin
has ordered nuclear missiles to target Serbia's attackers -- a charge that
Yeltsin's spokesman later denies.
|
|
10
Apr. 1999
|
NATO
approves "Allied Harbor" deployment of 8,000 men in Albania, ostensibly to aid
humanitarian and refugee efforts.
|
|
14
Apr. 1999
|
Yeltsin
appoints Chernomyrdin as special envoy to the Balkans. Move appears to herald
a Russian shift on Kosovo, and desire to salvage relationship with the West.
Hard-line Prime Minister Primakov fired from Prime Minister's position one
month later. News breaks of mistaken US/NATO strike on column of Kosovo
Albanian refugees, reportedly killing at least 60.
|
|
20
Apr. 1999
|
First
direct clash between Albanian and Serb armies. First Apache helicopters begin
to arrive in Albania, though officials seek to ratchet down expectations
regarding their use.
|
|
21
Apr. 1999
|
NATO
bombs Socialist Party headquarters in Belgrade. Attack destroys offices of
several companies with ties to Milosevic's inner circle, including television
operations run by Milosevic's daughter and wife. Bombs also strike one of
Milosevic's private residences. Targets had been subject of complex,
contentious negotiations between allies. On eve of NATO summit, Clinton and
Blair meet for three-hour White House dinner.
|
|
22
Apr. 1999
|
NATO's
50th anniversary celebrations begin in Washington. Though squabbling continues
in the wings, allies maintain public unity, and move for an intensification of
the air war.
|
|
23
Apr. 1999
|
NATO
attacks Serbian television in Belgrade, causing at least 10 deaths.
|
|
25
Apr. 1999
|
With
Summit underway, Yeltsin phones Clinton to discuss Kosovo, reopen contacts
between Gore and Chernomyrdin.
|
|
28
Apr. 1999
|
House
of Representatives votes largely along party lines to reject a resolution
supporting air war, demonstrating continuing mistrust of Clinton and his
Balkans policy.
|
|
28
Apr. 1999
|
NATO
missile lands near Sofia, in Bulgaria, though no one is killed.
|
|
29
Apr. 1999
|
At
the International Court of Justice in The Hague, the FRY files suit against the
NATO allies.
|
|
30
Apr. 1999
|
NATO
strikes on Belgrade continue, targeting FRY Defense and Army headquarters.
Chernomyrdin meets Milosevic for 6 hours in Belgrade. Jesse Jackson arrives in
Belgrade to discuss release of 3 captured US servicemen.
|
|
1
May 1999
|
NATO
accidentally bombs a civilian bus on bridge near Pristina.
|
|
2
May 1999
|
Jesse
Jackson secures freedom for 3 US soldiers captured in Macedonia. Milosevic
reportedly gives Jackson a letter calling for a face-to-face meeting with
Clinton. Late at night, NATO graphite bombs short-circuit electrical circuits
in Serbia. A US F-16 crashes in Serbia.
|
|
3
May 1999
|
Chernomyrdin
comes to Washington, meets with President, Gore and advisers. Endorses the
idea of enlisting Finnish President Ahtisaari to assist with negotiations.
NATO kills at least 17 in attack on civilian vehicles near Pec, in Kosovo. FRY
closes Montenegro's port of Bar, provoking fears of impending Serbian coup
there.
|
|
4
May 1999
|
Bulgaria
authorizes NATO to use its airspace for attacks.
|
|
5
May 1999
|
The
first NATO deaths occur when 2 US soldiers are killed in non-combat Apache
helicopter accident north of Tirana.
|
|
6
May 1999
|
At
the Group of Eight (G8) meeting in Germany, the Russians begin limited
cooperation with the allies. From Italy, Rugova calls for a NATO force in
Kosovo, and a Serb withdrawal.
|
|
7
May 1999
|
In
night of extensive bombing, NATO planes mistakenly target Chinese Embassy in
Belgrade, killing 3 and wounding 20. UN Security Council meets to discuss the
US's "terrible mistake" and violent demonstrations ensue in China. In a
separate incident, a NATO cluster bomb misses an airfield and strikes a market
and a hospital near Nis, reportedly killing 15.
|
|
10
May 1999
|
Milosevic
announces end to attacks on KLA, claims that some units of the army and police
being withdrawn. NATO denies any withdrawal underway. Chinese demonstrations
continue.
|
|
11
May 1999
|
Chernomyrdin
and Jiang Zemin confer in Beijing, criticize bombing.
|
|
14
May 1999
|
In
Korisa, NATO bombs kill as many as 87 Kosovar Albanians after Serb troops use
them as human shields.
|
|
18
May 1999
|
In
a reference to ground troops, Clinton notes that "we will not...take any option
off the table." However later the same day Clinton calls Blair, reportedly
angered by continued British public pressure for ground troops. In Helsinki,
Ahtisaari and Chernomyrdin meet Talbott in the first of four negotiating
sessions.
|
|
22
May 1999
|
NATO
mistakenly bombs a KLA position in Kosare, reportedly killing 67.
|
|
24
May 1999
|
NATO
aircraft destroy the Serbian power grids. Strikes earlier in the month had shut
off the power temporarily.
|
|
25
May 1999
|
NATO
votes to increase ground forces in neighboring Macedonia (FYROM) to 48,000.
Though the troops are officially labeled peacekeepers, they could be recast as
the core of an invasion force.
|
|
26
May 1999
|
KLA
launches important offensive to win a supply route into Kosovo. Within three
days the effort stalls, drawing NATO air support on Mt. Pastrik.
|
|
27
May 1999
|
In
secret Bonn meeting, US Defense Sec. Cohen meets with NATO defense ministers to
discuss possible invasion; allies conclude that governments must decide soon
whether to assemble ground troops. International War Crimes Tribunal announces
indictment of Milosevic and four other FRY and Serbian officials.
|
|
28
May 1999
|
NATO
spokesman announces work on Albanian road network. Officials cite humanitarian
reasons for the construction, but note the road's "dual-use" potential for
carrying NATO ground troops.
|
|
30
May 1999
|
NATO
bombs a bridge in Varvarin, reportedly killing 11 civilians.
|
|
31
May 1999
|
A
NATO missile goes off-course and strikes a residential neighborhood in
Surdulica, killing at least 20.
|
|
1
Jun. 1999
|
Final
round of talks between Talbott, Chernomyrdin and Ahtisaari begins. Discussion
continues up until negotiators depart for Belgrade two days later. FRY informs
Germany of its readiness to accept G8 principles for ending bombing.
|
|
3
Jun. 1999
|
Clinton
reportedly on brink of decision regarding the mobilization of ground troops in
preparation for an invasion. However, after mediators meet with Milosevic, the
outline of a new Kosovo peace deal is announced. Clinton, advisers and allies
greet the news cautiously.
|
|
7
Jun. 1999
|
NATO
bombing continues as talks falter over details of Serbian withdrawal. Two B-52
bombers come to aid of embattled KLA fighters on Mount Pastrik, supposedly
killing hundreds of Serbs -- though that figure is now disputed.
|
|
8
Jun. 1999
|
During
G8 talks in Cologne, allies and Russia reach agreement on possible UN
resolution to sanction the peace deal.
|
|
9
Jun. 1999
|
After
more discussions, NATO and FRY officials finally initial a Military Technical
Agreement to govern the Serb withdrawal.
|
|
10
Jun. 1999
|
UN
Sec. General Solana requests suspension of NATO bombing, and the Security
Council adopts resolution 1244 permitting the deployment of the international
civil and military authorities in Kosovo.
|
|
12
Jun. 1999
|
In
a move that surprises allied commanders, approximately 200 Russian troops leave
Bosnia, travel through Serbia and enter Kosovo before NATO, taking control of
Pristina airport.
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14
June 1999
|
Ethnic
Albanians beginning flooding back into Kosovo; within three weeks over 600,000
will return in one of the most rapid refugee returns in history. As many as
200,000 Serbs and Roma begin moving toward Serbia and Montenegro to escape
retribution.
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18
Jun. 1999
|
After
a week of tension, confusion and discussions, Albright, Cohen and Russians
reach preliminary agreement over Russian participation in peacekeeping force.
In all, over 20,000 international troops have moved into Kosovo.
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20
Jun. 1999
|
Serbs
complete withdrawal from Kosovo, and Secretary General Solana formally ends
NATO's bombing campaign.
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21
Jun. 1999
|
Under
NATO pressure, KLA agrees to disarm.
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4
Jul. 1999
|
Discussions
with Russians continue, and conclude the following day with resolution of final
details concerning Russian participation.
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23
Jul. 1999
|
In
a sign that tensions will continue, 14 Kosovo Serb farmers are killed in their
fields near Lipljan.
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29
Jul. 1999
|
US
Secretary of State Albright visits Kosovo, meets with KFOR Commander Michael
Jackson and Bernard Kouchner.
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20
Sept. 1999
|
KFOR
certifies that the KLA has completed demilitarization.
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