NATO peacekeepers and police arrested three people, including at least one official in Kosovo's governing coalition, after seizing a large weapons cache that included anti-tank mines and artillery rounds, officials said Thursday, according to AP. Tensions in the province have been increasing as U.N.-mediated negotiations are under way to resolve Kosovo's future status. The province's ethnic Albanian majority wants full independence, but Belgrade wants to retain some control over what it considers a crucial part of Serbia. The U.N. envoy facilitating months of so far inconclusive talks between the bitterly divided sides is due to make a final recommendation early next year on the province's future. Police raided a house and other locations in the Drenica area of central Kosovo after receiving information on weapons smuggling late Tuesday, said police spokesman Veton Elshani. Three suspects were arrested _ two in the central Drenica region and one more in eastern Kosovo, while two vans were confiscated as evidence. One of those arrested was a senior member of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, part of the province's ruling coalition government, said party spokesman Ernest Luma. The suspect was identified as Naim Bazaj, who was also an adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare. The identities of the other two suspects were not released. The ministry issued a statement saying it had fired Bazaj, while the party said it was «surprised» by his alleged involvement. Kosovo's government condemned the apparent involvement of an official. «Such acts are directed against fundamental interests of Kosovo and its future,» said President Fatmir Sejdiu. The confiscated weapons, which were being examined by NATO peacekeepers, included 116 artillery rounds and anti-tank mines, two automatic weapons, a 75mm recoilless rifle and 2,500 rounds of ammunition of different caliber, police said. Authorities also seized gas masks and military uniforms.
