Balkans: December 28, 2002

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Ethnic violence continues in Kosovo, with incidents occurring weekly. These are often just shots fired or a grenade tossed. Often there are no injuries, just shattered nerves. The peacekeepers have been unable to make it possible for many non-Albanian refugees to return (only 2,500 of the 230,000 who fled have come back.) The 100,000 non-Albanians live in 24 heavily guarded (by peacekeepers) communities or neighborhoods. The peacekeepers hold daily searches for illegal weapons, and are rarely disappointed. Dozens of illegal weapons are found and seized weekly. The economy is still in ruins, criminal gangs are the most powerful and influential organizations while government officials are