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KLA names talks team

The list would give the rebels a far stronger role in the ethnic Albanian team than originally envisaged. International mediators had suggested no more than four seats for KLA representatives.

The more moderate leaders of the two main ethnic Albanian civilian parties will attend the talks alongside the KLA negotiators.

The KLA list includes people described by diplomats as overtly military - which could be seen as provocative by the Serb delegation.

The KLA team includes spokesman Jakup Krasniqi but not the rebels' political representative, Adem Demaci.

On Tuesday, Mr Demaci said that the KLA should not attend the peace talks on the grounds that the Yugoslav Government had consistently refused to negotiate in good faith or live up to agreements.

But the guerrilla organisation said the peace plan on offer - which would give Kosovo extensive autonomy for a three-year period - was better than previous proposals.

Mr Krasniqi confirmed on Tuesday that the KLA would "definitely" attend the talks.

The KLA delegation is also reported to comprise: Hashim Taci, Xhavid Haliti, Ram Buja and Azem Syla.

The Yugoslav Government is expected to decide on Thursday whether to attend the talks.

The international contact group last week ordered the warring sides to attend peace talks or face military action.

The KLA is fighting for the independence of Kosovo, where the population is predominantly ethnic Albanian.

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Internet Links

Serbian Information Ministry
Yugoslav Federal Government
Kosovo Information Centre
International Crisis Group
OSCE
Nato

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