(20 Feb 1999) Serbo-Croat/Nat
Tension is rising on the streets of the provincial capital of Kosovo, as the deadline for a peace deal on the restless province approaches.
With the threat of NATO airstrikes looming, large numbers of people have left the city of Pristina, saying it is too dangerous.
However, others are staying out, determined to face whatever comes.
There is an ominous silence on the streets of Pristina.
Large numbers of people have already caught buses back to their native villages, saying the city is too dangerous.
Although threatened NATO airstrikes would concentrate on military targets, the residents are concerned about what will happen if the two sides fail to reach an agreement in Rambouillet, France.
There, international representatives are trying to negotiate a settlement between Serb officials and ethnic Albanian separatists over the future of the province.
Newspaper headlines were dominated by the talks.
Most simply heralded Saturday's midday deadline, making no guess on the outcome.
With Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic showing no signs of compromise, few expect a deal to be reached by the noon (1200 gmt ) deadline.
Declaring he would not surrender Kosovo «even at the price of bombing,» Milosevic refused on Friday to see a U-S envoy sent to urge him to accept a peace accord.
NATO has threatened to launch crippling airstrikes if Serbs and ethnic Albanians fail to accept an internationally-sponsored peace plan by noon Saturday.
Milosevic's refusal to meet U-S Envoy Christopher Hill makes those attacks more likely.
However, some Pristina residents said they were determined not to be driven out of their city.
SOUNDBITE: (Serbian)
"Yes we are going to stay. I was born here and so were my father and grandfather. I will stay till I die"
SUPERCAPTION: Vox-pop
Others were still hoping for a last minute deal.
SOUNDBITE: (Serbian)
"If they are rational (Serbs and Kosovars) they will be a solution and things will calm down. otherwise, anything can happen."
SUPERCAPTION: Vox-pop
SOUNDBITE: (Serbian)
"There is no reason to be afraid anymore. Whatever happens, happens. Either way I'm staying"
SUPERCAPTION: Vox-pop
SOUNDBITE: (Albanian in Serbian)
"I want peace. If anything does happen it will be a disaster for the people. No I'm not afraid. I'm 71 years old. I'm afraid for my children and neighbours."
SUPERCAPTION: Vox-pop
While some people tried to carry on life as normal, there is fear that this apparent calm could soon be shattered.
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