The Macedonian government said today that rebel ethnic Albanians fighting its army in the north of the country had at least 60,000 weapons.
Government spokesman Mr Antonio Milososki said the number of arms "is not less than 60,000, and that within the number among pistols and rifles there are also rockets, grenades and landmines."
NATO has begun deploying a 3,500-strong force to collect and destroy weapons held the rebel National Liberation Army (NLA), but the exact number of arms to be handed over is still being discussed by the government, the rebels and the alliance.
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Western officials have estimated that less than 3,000 weapons would have to be surrendered. Skopje had said in the past that the NLA had 6,000 to 8,000 light arms, while an interior ministry source gave the figure of 85,000.
The ministry has since officially rejected that number.
Earlier the German government decided to send up to 500 troops to participate in the NATO mission but the decision still requires parliamentary approval.
NATO Secretary General Mr George Robertson said: "We are taking an historic step forward also to provide stability and security in the whole Balkans region."
Mr Robertson admitted there were risks but said: "Members of the alliance have nevertheless agreed to send their troops because they know that the risks of not sending them are far greater."
The full international force is expected to be deployed within days. Weapons collection could start early next week and the entire operation, called Operation Essential Harvest, should finish by the end of next month.
AFP