PRESS RELEASE - FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA

3 June 1999

Kosovo journalists fight back: alliance of journalists relaunched

SOURCE: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Brussels

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an IFJ press release:

Media Release

Kosovo Journalists Fight Back: Alliance of Journalists Relaunched

• Headquarters in Exile Established in London
• Regional Sections in Albania and Republic of Macedonia
• International Appeal for Support of Displaced Media Staff

JOURNALISTS of Kosovo who have been scattered around Europe following expulsion from their homes and offices have relaunched their professional group in preparation for an early return to Kosovo by journalists and media staff.

The Alliance of Kosova Journalists, a member of the International Federation of Journalists, has opened headquarters in exile in London at the offices of the National Union of Journalists of Great Britain and Ireland. At the same time a committee of Alliance members has been set up in Albania. A similar group has been founded in the Republic of Macedonia.

The Alliance President Zeke Gegaj has authorised former Alliance President Hamide Latifi to establish the headquarters with the support of the NUJ and the IFJ. The office number in London is 0044 171 843 3705.

"The journalists of Kosovo are fighting back," says the International Federation of Journalists which has launched a world-wide appeal for support for journalists and media staff ."They are determined to return to Kosovo as a solid and united professional force. In the meanwhile they need solidarity and support from journalists and trades unionists everywhere."

The IFJ is issuing international press cards as accreditation for Alliance members to assist them in travelling within the region. Humanitarian aid is being distributed through special committees set up in Tirana and Skopje. Four IFJ missions to the region in recent weeks have established a network of support for journalists and independent media in Kosovo and Serbia.

Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary, announcing the relaunch of the Alliance said: "Kosovo journalists are determined to remain together despite the crisis. The Alliance will ensure that when the peace comes, journalists and independent media will be in the forefront of the campaign to bring democracy and respect for human rights back into Kosovo." The IFJ international appeal for Kosovo is being organised through the IFJ International Safety Fund. Donations to: Safety Fund, Deutsche Bank, 17 Ave Marnix, Brussels 1000 Account Number: 611-0122022-66.

The IFJ is the world's largest organisation of journalists with members in 101 countries.

For further information, contact Cailin Mackenzie at the IFJ,
Rue Royale, 266,
B-1210 Brussels,
Belgium ,
tel: +322 223 2265 or +322 219 7780, fax: +322 219 2976,
e-mail: ifj.safety@pophost.eunet.be, Internet: http://www.ifj.org/

The information contained in this press release is the sole responsibility of IFJ. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit IFJ.

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