About 10,000 civilians are estimated to remain in the villages, where they have been huddled in basements with few provisions. Peace 'near' The political crisis centres on an agreement signed with the rebels by the leaders of the two Albanian parties participating in the government. No details have been confirmed, but the deal is believed to include a call for the rebels to withdraw and an offer of amnesty in return a veto for the Albanian community in the Macedonian parliament. This has infuriated the Macedonian leaders, who say they will not talk to the rebels. Mr Trajkovski has already demanded that the two leaders renounce the deal.
Peace is very near.
Western diplomats are also trying to persuade the Albanian leaders to invalidate the agreement and salvage the coalition government. The clandestine deal was allegedly made under the auspices of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and its ambassador to Macedonia, retired US diplomat Robert Frowick. Mr Frowick has now left the country without comment. The European Union, Nato and the United States have issued strong statements opposing the talks. Ethnic Albanians are demanding increased rights and representation, including their recognition in the Macedonian constitution.