Tension escalates on Macedonian border

Heavy fighting between the security forces of Macedonia and armed Albanian extremists resumed in the Tetovo area at daybreak on Monday. The clashes continued over the night, and in some parts of the city fires broke out. Curfew was introduced in the city. Experts expect this day may become decisive in stopping the actions of terrorists who have been shelling the city for the fifth day now. The security forces are planning to use artillery fire and tanks to drive the terrorists out of the positions they have set up in the mountains in the direct vicinity of Tetovo. All attempts to do that with police units have so far not brought any tangible results. The ongoing clashes and the danger which the residents are exposed to have already resulted in refugees beginning to flee to the neighbouring countries. On the previous day, more than 400 Macedonians have already fled to Serbia. Several hundred citizens of Albanian nationality have crossed over to Albania. Although so far it is too early to speak of a massive exodus of refugees, Serbia has already begun to get ready to receive them. According to RIA Novosti, refugees are also going to Macedonia's hinterland, as well as to Skoplje, the country's capital. On Monday they announced that a protest meeting would be held near the government building to demand immediate actions to drive the terrorists out of the city and its environs. If the government is unable to do that, the participants in the meeting will demand its resignation and the formation of a new cabinet.