(20 Jun 1999) Eng/Albanian/Nat
Despite warnings by the United Nations refugee agency U-N-H-C-R, refugees continued to flood across the Albanian border into Kosovo on Sunday.
The United Nations has continually warned against individuals returning independently because of the landmines, and suggest that people wait a couple more weeks to go home.
In some camps in Kukes only the old and infirm remain.
Refugee camp number one is already deserted by the people it sheltered.
Just two weeks after K-FOR troops moved into Kosovo, the ethnic Albanians have left it to start their treacherous journey home through unpredictable territory.
They have ignored U-N-H-C-R warnings to wait until the roads have been cleared of mines and unexploded ordnances.
In other Kukes camps, Medicins Sans Frontieres cares for many who cannot make their own way home and have become separated from their families.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The persons here are elderly people. They are in our nursing home. They have come to Kukes alone and are unable to care for themselves and have been abandoned by their families."
SUPER CAPTION: Ysabel Fougery, Worker, Medicins Sans Frontieres
Many expect to be taken home by NATO.
It is more likely, however, that the U-N-H-C-R will be in charge of their repatriation.
U-N-H-C-R will be moving refugees who cannot help themselves beginning on the first of July.
SOUNDBITE: (Albanian)
"We are expecting NATO trucks. Will they come or not?"
(Question: What do you think?)
"If you want, you can bring them. If not, I will remain here and be eaten by Albanian dogs (laughs)."
SUPER CAPTION: Hatixhe Zeqire, Ethnic Albanian Refugee
U-N-H-C-R does admit that the first flood of refugees took them by surprise.
They had warned individuals not to try the journey independently.
They have even begun a landmine awareness programme in some camps.
The U-N-H-C-R estimates that 500-thousand people will seek to return home in the next three to four months.
The organisation plans to offer organised returns by bus to key areas of Kosovo, with the International Organisation for Migration providing transport.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Now, we have 15 thousand refugees a day that go back to their homeland."
(Question: What problems do that cause?)
"Initially, we had a big traffic jam. And we were not immediately ready to give a departure package, which we are now doing. So, on the first day people just rushed in."
SUPER CAPTION: Daniel Endres, Emergency Team Leader, UNHCR
Cars continue to cross the border at Morini.
The drivers believe that they are safe because NATO troops have entered Kosovo.
They pass by landmine warnings without giving them a second glance.
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