The rebels said they would maintain a ceasefire imposed over the weekend until Friday after consultation with NATO peacekeepers, but Kostunica insisted more must be done. Although the area has a substantial ethnic-Albanian population, the valley was not considered part of Kosovo and therefore was not included in the June 1999 agreement that sent NATO peacekeepers into the region. Kosovo is a province of Serbia, Yugoslavia's main republic, but has been under international control since last year and many residents want full independence. The president signed documents affirming his government's commitment to international values, but did not take up the offer of a private meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. On Sunday, Yugoslav army battle tanks and armoured personnel carriers could be seen manoeuvring near the three-mile buffer zone separating Kosovo from the rest of Serbia.
American troops patrol the Kosovo side.
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