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Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: Over 300 civilians evacuated

13-06-2001 News Release 01/23

Some 330 civilians from the Macedonian villages of Lipkovo and Otlja were taken to safety  by ICRC staff on Tuesday in the largest single evacuation carried out by the organization since the conflict between the Macedonian forces and ethnic Albanian armed groups began in March.

Most had previously fled to Lipkovo from nearby villages directly affected by the fighting. However, the encroaching hostilities had apparently persuaded many in recent days that it was necessary to move again to a safer place. The evacuees – mostly women, sick men, elderly people, and children – were taken to the larger centres of Kumanovo or Skopje to join relatives.

Tuesday’s operation followed one the previous day when ICRC teams visited Lipkovo, Slupcane and Otlja to deliver medical and hygiene supplies and evacuate 46 wounded and other particularly vulnerable civilians. The situation remains precarious for the civilians who remain in the area around Kumanovo owing to poor hygiene conditions and limited food supplies.

Thomas Jenatsch, who headed the ICRC’s evacuation team, said it was impossible to assess how many people wanted to leave Lipkovo. “But we have the strong impression that many no longer feel safe and that the psychological pressure of recent weeks is taking its toll. "

Meanwhile, relief distributions started yesterday for some 3,000 people who have registered with the Macedonian Red Cross branches of Ilinden, Sindjelic and Momin Potok over the last few days, after fleeing their homes in and around Aracinovo.