Serbia claimed victory over ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo yesterday and said its forces would return to barracks, but Albanian sources warned Belgrade's offensive was not over.
The Prime Minister, Mr Mirko Marjanovic, told parliament: "Peace reigns in Kosovo today . . . As of today all anti-terrorist activities have ended. They will be renewed only if any new bandit and terrorist activity reappears."
His announcement followed heavy Serb attacks on ethnic Albanian villages south of Pristina, the Kosovo capital, on Sunday when Western journalists saw homes burning and civilians fleeing under artillery bombardments.
Mr Enver Maloku, head of the ethnic Albanian information centre in Pristina, said: "It would be a great mistake to believe the Serbian Prime Minister because every time there is such a declaration, the offensive goes on, dozens more Albanians are killed and thousands forced from their homes." A member of the ethnic Albanian team for peace negotiations added: "We want the international community to view the situation in real terms. Unless the aggressive activities of Serbia are stopped, there will be no successful negotiating process."
The US and its allies have threatened Belgrade with NATO air strikes if it does not call a ceasefire and open peace talks.
The government called the parliament session to condemn international "pressures, threats and blackmail" and lay out its own proposals for a settlement.
Mr Marjanovic proposed setting up an executive council led by Serbian government ministers to take responsibility for the administration of Kosovo.