March 11, 1981

Huge demonstrations by students turned out to be bloody. Serbian sources admit killing of at least 300 Albanians. Massive arrests are made, especially among the youth. In Macedonia, local Albanians joined in demonstrations of solidarity. From April 1-7, 1981, a curfew was imposed. Clashes with the Serbian police left at least 22 dead, and several hundred wounded. The arrests were in the thousands.

1981 - 1987

A process of systematic dismantling of the Kosova autonomy

continued unabated. By the end of 1987 over 600,000 Albanians had

passed through the hands of the police (incredibly about 1/3 of the

Albanian population

1987

Yugoslav police clashes in Kosova. Serbs cheer Slobodan Milosevic who promises to deliver Kosova to Serbian minority. Albanians are accused of terrorism. On Aucust 24th. senator Dole and Senator Paul Simon sponsor a Resolution asserting that Albanians are persecuted . In October, Yugoslavia sends special police forces to strife—torn Kosova.

1988

In July, Yugoslav leadership threatens to take tougher actions against Albanians demanding greater autonomy. In August, huge Serbian demonstrations threaten to take arms against Albanians. Franc Setinc of Slovenia and Bosko Krunic of Voivodina resign to protest Serbian agitation against Albanians. Communist leadership protests Serbian rallies against Albanians. U.S. officials express concern and fear that Serbia’s Nilosevic could create unbridgeable antagonisms in reaching for national power.

October 17, 1988

Vice President Bush sends letter of concern about situation of ethnic Albanians in Yugoslavia to Congressman Joseph DioGuardi. Yugoslav leadership accuses Serbia of fanning flames of nationalism.

October 23, 1988

The Yugoslav Parliament approves changes giving Serbia more control on Kosova. Four Albanian leaders resign under pressure from Serbia. About 500,000 Albanians demonstrate defying the Serbian authorities trying to regain total control of Kosova. Serbia calls for the arrest of Albanian leaders.

November 23, 1988

Kosova is placed under state of emergency.

February 25, 1989

Yugoslavia sends paramilitary police reinforcement to Kosova after leaders fail to break the strike, including an 8 day hunger strike of the miners in Trepoha mine complex.

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