Conflict between Albanian rebels and Macedonian armed forces has escalated and was on the brink of becoming a full-blown war until a cease-fire was reached June 11. Much of the northwestern part of the country has been affected by the hostilities, and the capital city of Skopje is being threatened. Travel should be avoided in the areas north of Skopje and Tetovo up to the Kosovo and Serbian borders, and to the north and west of Kumanovo to the Kosovo border. All nonessential travel to Macedonia should be deferred.