Macedonia coalition deal clinched

At ease: Macedonian army calls a ceasefire

A new government is set to take power in Macedonia after an Albanian party finally agreed to join a broad coalition of national unity.

Negotiations to form the coalition had ground to a halt over demands by the Albanian opposition Party for Democratic Prosperity (PDP) for a government ceasefire in its offensive against ethnic Albanian rebels.

On Friday the government declared a 15-hour ceasefire, extending an initial lull in its bombardment to allow civilians to evacuate from rebel-held villages.

A coalition government, whose main aim is the isolation of the NLA, will not help to solve the problem

Rebel statement

The new government will aim to unite the country against the rebels, who have taken up positions in a number of villages in the north of the country, and make moves to satisfy the demands of the minority Albanian population.

Rebels undeterred

Macedonian Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski on Thursday ruled out a prolonged ceasefire saying it would allow the rebels to regroup.

But Western leaders hope the formation of a coalition could lead to an extended and internationally monitored ceasefire as well as the withdrawal of the militants.

However the rebel group, the National Liberation Army (NLA), says that the creation of a multi-ethnic coalition will not affect their campaign.

"A coalition government, whose main aim is the isolation of the NLA, will not help to solve the problem, but creates huge concerns for the NLA that viable conditions cannot be created for sincere dialogue," a statement by the rebels said.

Villagers terrified

The halt in the hostilities has allowed the Red Cross access to two villages, which it has until now been unable to visit.

While thousands have fled the attacks, many refuse to leave

There have been concerns over the situation of civilians in the rebel-held villages. The government says they are being used as human shields - an allegation denied by the militants.

The BBC's Nick Thorpe who visited one of the villages, Slupcane, said hundreds of people are sheltering in basements, too frightened to come out.

He said though their conditions are poor - the water supply is contaminated and they live mainly on bread - they refuse to heed government appeals to leave.

The streets are patrolled by guerrillas from the NLA.

Ethnic Albanians - both the politicians and the militants - are calling for improved rights and representation for their population, including representation in the constitution and increased recognition of the Albanian language.

But our correspondent says if the rebels do not now withdraw, their claim to have the same goals as the political parties will be exposed as a lie and backing for the Macedonian military could increase.