YUGOSLAVIA: KOSOVO: BRITISH COMMANDER JACKSON UPDATE

(12 Jun 1999) English/Nat The commander of NATO’s peacekeeping force arrived at Pristina’s airport on Saturday, to find it under the control of Russian forces who had reached it earlier that day. Lt. Gen. Mike Jackson said he was determined to ensure peace in Kosovo and get along with Russian forces, that beat his troops into the city after confusing signals from Moscow. Leaving his helicopter in driving rain, Jackson said he welcomed the Russian troops. He said he planned to hold talks with the Russian commander. In a short press conference, Jackson pledged to secure a safe environment for all the people of Kosovo. After an 11-hour march from Macedonia the advance guard reached Pristina’s airport, only to be denied entry by Russian and Serb forces. Following a brief standoff, British troops were allowed into the airport but the Russians remained in control. Serb forces were also seen withdrawing from the airport on their way back to Serbia. It was expected that Jackson would make t