Macedonia: Policeman Hit As Rebels Attack Tetovo Precinct

Ethnic Albanian rebels were shooting at a police station in Tetovo, Macedonia, in the small hours today. An officer was hit, says Radio Skopje. Shots broke the curfew quiet to be heard in other parts of the town, which stays in control of the rebel National Liberation Army even after it was disarmed and officially disbanded. Armed provocations were reported from villages near Tetovo. Despite persisting tensions, Macedonian troops are withdrawing from crisis-ridden areas round Tetovo and Kumanovo. As the General Staff points out, it is not a pullout proper but regrouping on presidential order to take new strategic positions. If any problem arises, it will find soldiers battle-ready as vacated army positions are taken over by the police who are from now on to maintain local stability.