There has been fresh fighting between government troops and ethnic Albanian guerrillas in villages north of the Macedonian capital, Skopje.
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A Macedonian soldier
during a recent assault on a rebel stronghold |
The heaviest exchanges took place at Matejce which has been fiercely contested for several days.
Aidorganisations have raised serious concerns about the conditions for civilians caught in fighting. The Red Cross say they tryingto secure the safety guarantees they need to reach them.
The shelling of Matejce by tanks and artillery could be heard in villages all round the area and smoke from the explosions drifted into the sky.
Matejce remains the main battleground in the government's offensive and armoured vehicles can be been seen on the streets.
The Macedonian army says the rebels have taken up positions in a medieval monastery overlooking the town and are resisting.
The other guerrilla stronghold under fire was Slupcane has been shelled on an almost daily basis.
In the western hills above Tetevo, there has also been shooting between government troops and rebels.
While the crisis in the country continues, there are signs that Macedonian and ethnic Albanian political leaders may be ready to resumetalks.