The political leaders of Kosovo's overwhelmingly ethnic-Albanian population have been demanding that President Slobodan Milosevic of Yugoslavia restores the local autonomy which he rescinded while he was still President of Serbia.

Western countries imposed sanctions on Serbia after Mr Milosevic continued to refuse international mediation in the conflict.

Correspondents say the lack of progress is fuelling support for the separatist Kosovo Liberation Army, and there's concern that the fighting will worsen, spilling over into neighbouring countries.