Macedonia edges closer to peace deal

The ceasefire has allowed villagers to return home

By Nick Childs in Skopje

International mediators are holding further talks with political leaders from the divided communities in Macedonia, in an effort to end a five-month rebellion by guerrillas from the minority Albanian population.

The European Union envoy, Francois Leotard, and his US counterpart James Pardew, have presented the local leaders with a second draft of a political reform package.

The mediators are working on a plan to bolster rights for ethnic Albanians

Talks have been going on against the background of a fragile Nato-brokered ceasefire between the guerrillas and Macedonian Government forces.

After a week of intensive talks and international pressure, there have been reports that the two sides are close to a deal.

Sunday has become an unofficial deadline for agreement, as there are important EU and Nato meetings next week.

The international mediators have said the differences are being narrowed.

Difficulties

One Western diplomatic source said the fundamentals of a deal were in place. But he cautioned against euphoria and added there are very difficult issues still to be resolved.

Macedonia key moments

26 February
Clashes between ethnic Albanians and Macedonian army begin

11 May
Government of national unity formed

11 June
Rebels threaten capital, Skopje

24 June
Nato-backed truce sparks riots outside parliament

5 July
Government and rebels sign Nato-brokered ceasefire

There are some 14 amendments to the Macedonian constitution on the negotiating table.

Key sticking points remain - the use of Albanian as an official language, the appointment of local police and veto rights for minorities in parliament.

The responses of the Albanian leadership and more particularly, the guerrillas in the hills and villages, will be crucial.

As the talks have continued, Western diplomats have also been working hard to maintain the fragile ceasefire.

The next few days are likely to be crucial in deciding whether the country descends into all-out civil war.