The Albanian leadership in Pristina might give up the Serb-populated north in exchange for immediate recognition and streamlined governance without international supervision.

Diplomats here said Kosovo's Albanian leadership also needed to prove it can govern alongside Serbs before talks on the province's status can go ahead.

Yearlong negotiations between leaders of Kosovo's ethnic Albanian leadership and Serbian government officials ended earlier this month with no agreement.

At the same time, Kosovo's ethnic Albanian leadership is trying to make the case that an independent Kosovo would protect and nurture its minorities.

In an effort to keep Albania in the Soviet sphere, increased aid was given but the Albanian leadership continued to move closer towards China.

Washington has been pressing President Milosevic to open talks with the Albanian leadership in Kosovo and restore autonomy to the province.

The United States and Europe must insist that the Belgrade Government end repression and enter unconditional negotiations with the nonviolent Albanian leadership.

The area's ethnic Albanian leadership refused to bury the latest victims until international forensic teams were permitted to carry out autopsies.

The diplomats are also seeking the opening of unconditional dialogue with the ethnic Albanian leadership.

The tough stance by Belgrade has stiffened the resolve of the ethnic Albanian leadership and moved it closer toward endorsing armed rebellion.