The Institute of Crimes Committed During the War in Kosovo (IKKL) carried out another official visit to Skopje this week as part of its efforts to collect archival documents on the expulsion of Kosovo’s population during 1998–1999. The visit also aimed to identify new sources for the Institute’s research and documentation activities.

Some of the meetings were held at the Macedonian Radio Television (RTM), where IKKL representatives spoke with editor-in-chief Ms. Leunora Kaliqi and her colleagues. An official request to secure archival materials was submitted to the institution, which also expressed its willingness to cooperate institutionally in identifying and obtaining recordings documenting the expulsion of Kosovo’s population.

The Institute’s collection was further expanded with highly significant digital archival materials received from Ms. Merita Çoçoli. The documents contain authentic testimonies about the experiences of people expelled during the war.

During their stay in Skopje, IKKL staff also met with Nexhat Lika, chairman of the “Kalliri i Mirësisë” Humanitarian Organization. He presented the assistance provided by the organization for the treatment, shelter, and feeding of those expelled from Kosovo. The relevant handover record was signed for the delivery of the materials, while the organization undertook to prepare and scan them.

New information and important contacts were also shared by physician Mr. Eljasa Asipi. He stated that he was willing to document, through an interview, his experience treating those expelled during 1999.

The final meeting was held with Besnik Rameti of the Institute of Cultural and Spiritual Heritage in Skopje. Rameti expressed his willingness to make materials available and to help identify other sources related to the war in Kosovo and the expulsion of the civilian population.

The visit represents an important contribution to enriching the IKKL archive and preserving authentic evidence of the crimes and consequences of the war in Kosovo.

IKKL thanked all the institutions and partners for their readiness to help preserve collective memory and document the historical truth.

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A delegation from the Institute of Crimes Committed During the War in Kosovo (IKKL) made an official visit to Struga and Dibër in North Macedonia, with the aim of collecting and recording evidence documenting the forced displacement of Kosovo residents during the 1998–1999 period.

According to official data, during the meeting in Struga with members of the “Mother Teresa” Association, they entrusted the Institute with a collection of 1,600 archival units of special historical importance. Additionally, digital files and other testimonies were received from individuals and collaborators who have preserved them since the time of the conflict.

The agenda also included a meeting with Mendi Çyra, Mayor of Struga, as well as other prominent local figures, who confirmed their willingness to assist in protecting and recording the facts of the war.

The IKKL mission then continued in Dibër, where additional archival materials were secured and eyewitness accounts from the war years were recorded. There, representatives of the Institute held discussions with the municipal authorities of Dibër, as well as with representatives of the “Mother Teresa” Association, the humanitarian organization “Hëna”, the NGO “El Hilal”, and citizens who played an active role in hosting and supporting the expelled Kosovars during 1998–1999.

Finally, IKKL emphasized that this trip has significantly expanded its archive, and expressed gratitude to all parties – institutions, associations, and individuals – who contributed with documents and support to shed light on the crimes and ethnic cleansing of the Kosovo population during that period.

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