Bi-monthly newsletter of Ministry of Foreign MAR/APR 2012 Affairs of Republic of . No.3. Year II. Germany and Restelica—The Time to Kosovo have Secret dreamy recognize always been close Corner of Kosovo Kosovo Five Questions for Kosovo’s best kept secret Yonatan Touval Ambassador Ernst Reichel NewDiplomatKosovo’s

Deal reached still nEWS boycotting meetings

In the very first weeks after the agreement was reached on regional and equal representation of Kosovo in regional for a, Serbia has continued to boycott regional meetings, claiming a hard- line interpretation of the deal. During the meetings of Regional Cooperation Coun- KOSOVO* cil in Sarajevo, as well as the “International Conference on LGBT rights” organized by the Government of Monte- negro in Budva, Kosovo rep- resentatives were active participants, Kosovo enters the multilateral stage without UNMIK by *Kosovo has agreed with Serbia an agreement that will enable Republic of Kosovo to participate fully their side, and with and equally in the inter-governmental organizations of regional character in . EU Foregn policy the Kosovo’s chief Baroness Ashton called the deal “historic” name in the nameplate marked with an asterisk. and Serbia, The compromise foresees that international guarantees were Füle described today’s deal as “a Serbia insisted that the name in a dialogue launched by the EU Kosovo’s name in diplomatic gath- provided by officials. Štefan Füle, major step forward”. They said of Kosovo in the nameplate after International Court of Jus- erings will contain a footnote mak- the European commissioner for that the agreement on regional should include the entire tice declared that independence of ing reference to Resolution 1244 of enlargement and neighbourhood representation will make Kosovo footnote, a request con- Kosovo is not contrary to Interna- the Security Coun- policy, pledged to launch prepa- “a full participant in its own right sidered impractical by the tional Law, have agreed how Koso- cil of 1999 and to a ruling by the In- rations for a pre-accession agree- in regional meetings and events organizers of the events and vo can present itself in diplomatic ternational Court of Justice from ment between the EU and Kosovo, and will allow for further prog- all other regional represen- meetings of the western Balkan 2010 on Declaration of Indepen- something that has eluded Koso- ress to contractual relations with tatives. Serbia decided to states. The deal was important as dence, as demanded by Kosovar vo because five member states do the EU”. boycott these meetings and it paves the way for both countries government. Kosovo will howev- not recognize its independence. “Kosovo will thus follow the instructed the diplomats to get closer to EU, enabling Eu- er have an equal voice and rights Secretary of State Hillary Clinton same European course as all oth- not to participate in any ropean Union to grant Serbia the at the regional gatherings, in line declared in the aftermath of the ers in the western Balkans, in line meetings in which Kosovo’s status of a candidate for member- with the status of other partici- agreement that: ”This is an impor- with its European perspective. In name in the nameplate is not ship next week and to launch with pants and represented by the Kos- tant step for Kosovo. These agree- this light, the Commission pro- completely altered and inte- Kosovo the preliminary process of ovar diplomats. ments are consistent with Kosovo’s poses to launch a feasibility study grated with the footnote. This Feasibility Study. The footnote to the name ‘Koso- independence, territorial integrity, for a Stabilisation and Association interpretation of the agree- The agreement was reached vo’ will read: “This designation is and sovereignty, and move Kosovo Agreement [SAA] between Koso- ment was not supported by on 24 February, after two-and-a- without prejudice to positions on closer toward full European inte- vo and the EU.” the EU facilitator Cooper and half days of talks in Brussels me- status, and is in line with UNSC gration, which the United States An SAA would be the first con- the agreement is currently diated by Robert Cooper, chief 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the continues to support. Kosovo will tractual link between the EU and being implemented only by diplomatic adviser to Catherine Kosovo Declaration of Indepen- now sit at the table in regional fora Kosovo, ensuring Kosovo’s com- the Kosovo side, in line with Ashton, the EU’s foreign policy dence.” as an equal partner, representing pletely independent path in its Kosovo’s desired wish to en- chief, with the presence of US The Kosovar side had objec- and speaking for itself.” drive to achieve European per- gage in regional cooperation State Department. tions to the compromise before In a statement, Ashton and spective. / From agencies in all forums and initiatives. 2 mar/apr 2012 Kosovo’s New Diplomat Diplomatic Bits & Pieces

5 quick questions shortnews Germany and Kosovo from the embassies International Conference held have always been in Prishtina with scholars from Oxford, LSE, Cambridge particularly close University of Oxford’s Centre for International Studies and Kosovo based Research Insti- tute of Developmental and European Affairs Germany’s top diplomat in Kosovo, organized an international academic confer- Ambassador Ernst Reichel answers Five Quick ence that was well attended by some of the top scholarly names in the field of international Questions on how does he and his country view relations. Participants which included Profes- sors Richard Caplan from Oxford, Sumantra the progress in Kosovo, what is his favorite part of Bose from LSE, Bruno Sergi from Mesina University, Jean D’Aspremont from University Kosovo and what is he currently reading of Amsterdam and many others – gathered Participants in Kosovo to discuss issues pertaining to the gathered in “Consolidation of Kosovo’s Statehood” [see Kosovo to column of Prof. D’Aspremont in this issue on discuss issues What is the best thing about pertaining to the page 3] The conference was sponsored by the working and living in Kosovo? “Consolidation of KS TALKS EU program of the Kosovo MFA 1 What I clearly appreciate most Ernst Reichel, Kosovo’s State- and British Embassy in Kosovo which supports is the warmness and hospitality of peo- Ambassador, hood” public diplomacy efforts. ple in Kosovo. From the first day here, I Germany felt welcome, appreciated and respect- ed. I have the feeling that Kosovars are Ecumenical event bringing together experts in Prizren extremely welcoming to foreigners and generously open all doors for them, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of years ago). The conference is orga- without themselves being intrusive. In Republic of Kosovo is supporting nized by the American University in addition, I often encounter people who the organization of Kosovo in mid May and speak excellent German, who spent a regional seminar will gather top historians years of their lives in Germany, Swit- all-time high. The visit of Chancellor dedicate dto dialogue and figures of faith to zerland or Austria. Despite the difficult Merkel last December, in my view, was between the faiths discuss the heritage and times they may have gone through, a clear indication. She not only came to as well as academic the issues related to this they seem to keep warm memories and visit the German KFOR troops that are discussion about important anniversary in a positive attitude. putting their lives and health at risk Emperor Constantine the history of monothe- for Kosovo, but she also came well- and the forthcoming ism. The event will take How big is the German presence informed even about the financing of anniversary of legalization of Chris- place in the multi-confessional city in Kosovo? highway construction in this country. tianity in Roman Emppire (1700 of Prizren 2 Big, but how big exactly is dif- ficult to say. Evidently, Germany has What is your favourite part of the by far highest number of KFOR Kosovo? European Forum Alpbach troops, and German shares in EULEX, 4 The answer depends on what organizes its annual regional OSCE, ICO and other governmental you’re looking for. I much enjoy the gathering in Kosovo and non-governmental organisations youthful dynamism and joy of life in add to this. The German Embassy in Prishtina. If you want beautiful scen- One of the well known and oldest networks Prishtina is the largest in the West- ery, there always is the Prizren area of European leaders, Forum Alpbach based ern Balkans. Germany is the second or the West, for instance the in Austria since 1945, decided to organize its’ largest bilateral donor country, and valley. annual meeting in the beautiful city of Prizren. the second largest trading partner of The conference titled “Shaping the future of Kosovo. Proximity and the close hu- What is your current reading the SEE Countries” will gather EU represen- man ties I already mentioned are also list? tatives, members of EU parliament as well as important factors. The more important 5 Right now, I’m reading “Der participants from the entore Western Balkans and concrete Kosovo’s EU perspective kleine Bruder” (The little brother) to discuss the positives as well as challenges is becoming, the more also Germany by Sven Regener, a tongue-in-cheek ahead for the European path of the countries gains relevance for Kosovo and its story by a rock singer turned success- in Balkans. Keynote speech will be held by the people. ful writer about West Berlin’s student Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj and the Special subculture in the 1980’s. Before, I read The conference Reporter of EU Parliament on Kosovo, Mrs. How do you see German-Koso- Ismail Kadare’s “Broken April”, of is sponsored Ulrike Lunacek (EUMP), as well as Erhard by Ministry of van relations developing? course a must for anyone who is inter- Foreign Affairs Busek, one of the foremost Austrian diplomats 3 Germany and Kosovo have ested in Albanian culture and history. of Republic of engaged in South East Europe. The conference always been particularly close, but Next in line will likely be “Chronic Kosovo and Fo- is sponsored by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of I sense that today relations are at an City” by Jonathan Lethem. rum Alpbach. Republic of Kosovo and Forum Alpbach.

Kosovo’s Kosovo’s New Diplomat is a bi-monthly publication of the Ministry of nos scimus, NewDiplomat Foreign Affairs of Republic of Kosovo / For publisher: Petrit Selimi / Editor: Artan Behrami / This publication is supported by KS_Talks_EU non solum program of British Council Kosovo, sponsored by British Embassy in Prishtina and MFA Kosovo / Views expressed in the scribere publication do not necessarily reflect the views of sponsoring institutions or publisher / Contact: Government building, Mother Theresa str. PN, 10000 Republic of Kosovo; email: [email protected]; web: www.mfa-ks.net; Twitter: @ MFAKosovo Kosovo’s New Diplomat mar/apr 2012 3 Diplomatic Bits & Pieces

Every issue of New Diplomat we will recommend two books, reports or websites with interesting NewKosovoReadS and updated content on Kosovo.

Title: Grand Hotel Kosovo never regret that I have lived principle character, the author. how so many people gathered to Authors: Andreas Wittkowsky many years in Kosovo,» says the The book can be considered a experience the great feeling of Publisher: LIT Verlag Münster author of this book on Kosovo in collection of political essays. The independence, this feeling that Publication Date: 2011 conversation with those who had author uses language with much for Westerners, can be known come to promote the book that sarcasm, not saving at all local or only through confessions in the In Germany there are have been was organized at the premises of foreign politicians, under which historic books, because this quite some books published on the German Foreign Ministry in the author has served for many process of nation-building was Kosovo, the authors being those Berlin, where high-ranking diplo- years. In particular, there are finished centuries ago. The book who have lived and worked in mats took part. According to him, moments when describing the tries to presents Kosovo as a various international organiza- he would do it all over again, if he events of 2004. The scenes and country where many paradoxes tions after the war. This new book was granted the chance to repeat moments with seemingly absurd faced by the actions of external on Kosovo, published in Germany his last decade of activities. He situations, when those who had and domestic factors, but over and titled «Grand Hotel Kosovo», does not hide the pleasure that seats to govern the country were all as a state that has not failed, by Wittkowsky Andreas, is also comes with closely following the shy to voice disagreement with and causes as a country that has written by someone who has case of experiencing the growth violence used, and were not in European perspective, for sure. worked eight years in Kosovo. and development of Kosovo after the know of what was about to Author from the beginning to the Since early 2001 until late 2008 the war. The author spoke with happen. More positive chap- end trying to save the love for Wittkowsky worked in so called much love for Kosovo, for the ters were on the Declaration of country and people there, expres- Pillar Four of the international suffering of his people during Independence. For a politician, sing the sense of familiarity with The book has 189 pages and is pu- presence. He is known as an the apartheid. Book was written a western diplomat, it was so- them. Thus a chapter book has blished by LIT Verlag Münster, 2011 expert on economic issues. «I in the form of confessions of the mething extraordinary to witness titled «Pristina my homeland.»

a view from outside RecoGnmeter Agreement in Brussels—a useful concession for reinforcing Since last issue was published, 4 more the independence countries have acknowledged Kosovo. “Footnote agreement does well in terms of international Count is at 89, soon approaching half not hinder the effectivité of acceptance. Kosovo. On the contrary it may of the UN members! Also – Kosovo now well enhance it” – says Jean 2) How do you think Agree- d’Aspremont, Professor of ment reached in Brussels International Law and Adjunct on regional representation becoming member of many regional Director of Research - Faculty affects Kosovo’s legal posi- of Law at University of Ams- tion? Is the reference to 1244 and European union forums. terdam. After participating weakening the position? in ICJ proceedings in 2010, he I believe that the footnote visited Prishtina recently to agreement does not hinder the participate in the international effectivité of Kosovo. On the academic conference organized contrary it may well enhance 50 by Oxford University and a it, for it may well buoy the local research institute Ridea. participation and representa- New Diplomat used the oppor- tion of Kosovo in diverse fora. It tunity to meet him for a short cannot be excluded that it could interview. even lead some other States to recognize Kosovo. It may thus 89 1) Kosovo is now recognized have been a useful political Jean d’Aspremont. by 89 states, there were 65 concession. This being said, re- recognitions at the time of although the Court was very solution 1244 remains an issue ICJ. Do you think the legal careful and has adopted a very to address and it would be wise 0 100 strength of ICJ opinion has minimalistic approach, the AO to start envisaging a strategy & not been adequately trans- can be seen as reinforcing the a narrative whereby 1244 is said Every two months. Kosovo’s New Diplomat will report lated into the recognition of international legal narrative to be terminated by exhaustion the state as independent? in favor of the emergence of of its object. on the rate of recognitions of Kosovo’s sovereign and The ICJ advisory opinion is Kosovo as a new State. This independent status by UN member states, internatio- rather agnostic on the question being said, the impact of such 3) What should next legal nal institutions and sports and cultural organizations. of Statehood, for it espoused a a ruling on the recognitions steps for Kosovo be? Focus very minimalistic reading of has remained modest. It is not on bilateral recognitions, Last two months have been as Ghana, Haiti and Sao Tome the question submitted to the certain that all those States that UN seat or something else? filled with joyous news on the and Principe, while Uganda Court. However, because it is came to recognize Kosovo since The best and wisest step to recognition front. Kosovo has also notified the Office of agnostic, it is in very much in July 2010 were really embolde- be pursued by Kosovo now now received formal letters Deputy Prime Minister Pacolli favor of Kosovo. In that sense, it ned by the AO. In that sense, would be an attempt to secure of recognition of its indepen- of its’ recognition of the new has reinforced the support that I deem the impact of the AO observer status as a State at the dence by countries as diverse reality in Balkans. Kosovo could find in interna- to have been modest, though UN (so not UN seat directly tional law. This means that, Kosovo has progressed rather because this will not work). 4 mar/apr 2012 Kosovo’s New Diplomat About us independence day NEWDIPLOMATS Shkendije Sherifi What do you do, where are you based? I am the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Hungary. I am based in Budapest. What is the most you like about the job you do? I like the interaction with the receiving country’s interlocutors who are highly supportive of Kosovo as well as the interaction with representatives of diplomatic missions from all over the world. Above all, I like the opportunity not only to show the but also represent and promote my country in different international conferences and fora that Hungary organizes or hosts. What is the best thing about the city you live in? Budapest is saudi arabia cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, it has a very rich history with extensive World Heritage Sites. With the striking Danube separating Buda from Pest, Budapest provides one of the most charming European metropolitan panorama. What fascinates me the most is the wide variety of music that Budapest offers starting from the classics of Bartók and Kodály, Liszt to the contemporary fusion of folk, klezmer, rock and jazz culminating with the beautiful sounds of 100 violins of the Budapest Gipsy Orchestra. !

Gjylymsere Kundja

What do you do, where are you based? I am a student of the VI semester of Political Science and germany currently working as Assistant to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. I am based in Prishtina, Govern- ment building. What is the most you like about the job you do? What I like most about my job is governmental responsibilities diplomatic issues diplomatic contacts, challenges and cooperation. What is the best thing about the city you live in? Best thing about city i live in is the youth of Kosovo.

london japan Mirjeta Behluli What do you do, where are you based? My post within MFA is a Director of the Department for Budget and Finance, and my whole work is based on the legal basis on the Management of the Public Finance including LPFMA instructions and other governmental regulations on management and internal control on the expenditure of the public money. What is the most you like about the job you do? The management of finance on diplo- matic/consular missions brings me special joy and at the same time it is a challenge for my professio- nal capacity building, a new field in our country. What is the best thing about the city you live in? The opportunity of being part of my country processes towards the European integrations.

Anton Marku

What do you do, where are you based? I am Counsellor at the Embassy of Republic of Kosovo to Austria, based since end 2009 in Vienna. What is the most you like about the job you do? Interaction with diplomats, promotion of our national interests as well as the possibility to offer personal and professional commitment toward strengthening ties between our two countries. What is the best thing about the city Captions from top to bottom: Ambassador Rexhep Boja with the members of Saudi royal you live in? PI appreciate in particular cultural heritage family in Riyadh; Ambassador Vilson Ahmeti and Christian Shwartz-Schilling with spouses; and architectural patrimony of city of Vienna, specially Human rights activist Bianca Jagger with Kosovo diplomat Bejtullah Destani; Ambassador the Stephansdom Cathedral, Schonburn Palace, Giant Sami Ukelli with guests from Fukushima prefecture; Deputy Prime Ministers Bukoshi and Ferris Wheel, Donau Tower and similar. I also like artistic Pacolli, Ministers Hoxhaj and Citaku in the reception launching new Embassy building in live offered at numerous museums, theatre and opera Tirana houses. Kosovo’s New Diplomat mar/apr 2012 5

Restelica in short Mountain shepherds, enormous Sharr Dogs, free roaming horses, pristine babbling Feature of the month streams and dramatic mountains are just a small taste of what awaits you in Dragash.

The peak of Brezovica resort in souther Kosovo reaches 2,500 metres. foto ermal meta

daily mail Restelica—The Secret Dreamy Village of Kosovo One of Kosovo’s best kept natural secrets is the village of Restelica, hidden in the mountains of Dragash in southern Kosovo. Over 120 aromatic and healing plants grow in a small area that is being frequented by tourists only in the recent years

The village of Restelica is loca- mation one may receive from accustomed to people, du- religion is Islam. Its inhabi- shepherds, enormous Sharr ted in Kosovo’s southern mu- the touring specialist Hiking ring the summer months they tants lead a very traditional Dogs, free roaming horses, nicipality of Dragash (Dragaš) Njeri or kosovoguide.com spend their time near human way of life and have managed pristine babbling streams and and is the largest village in that Hiker’s curiosity made habitats and can often be seen to preserve many aspects of dramatic mountains are just area. The canyon of Restelica this village a «must see» spot at sunset pasturing in the hi- their rich culture: from their a small taste of what awaits lies behind and above the vil- for many a travelers. The ca- ghlands. Goelm Kamen (The renowned cheeses and lamb you in Dragash. Located in the lage, and ranges in elevation nyon is known for its flora— Grand Rock) is the source of dishes to their breeding of the southern end of Kosovo, Dra- between 1,492 meters (4,895 some 120 aromatic and healing Restelica’s river—a river in enormous Sharr sheep dogs, gash is an oasis of untouched feet) and 1,972 meters (6,470 plants grow there. The spring which trout, chub and barbel native to Kosovo since the an- natural beauty and traditional feet). It is not difficult to reach and summer seasons bring out can be found in abundance. cient Illyrian times. The area’s villages sandwiched between this village and its nearby ca- a profusion of mountain cran- Its waters are clean and can be economy has forced many of the borders of Macedonia and nyon—Restelica is located berries, blackberries and mus- used for drinking. its people to move abroad, but Albania. Ignored by the Yugos- about a 3 hours drive southwest hrooms. For those obsessed Years of isolation have kept the community is well known lav government, the area never of Prishtina (Priština) on roads with birds and birding, there this area known only to its vil- across former Yugoslavia for received development money that are in relatively good is a unique species of eagles lagers. Just in the last decade famous pastry shops managed for tourism despite its wealth shape. However, the canyon that can be observed roaming have travelers begun to visit by the Gorani bakers. During of flora, fauna and cultural tra- itself is very steep and slippe- the sky. And for the patient, as and explore its wonders. the summer, however, they of- ditions. Luckily, this also spa- ry, so it’s important to careful- well as brave at heart, bears, History. Restelica is popu- ten return for visits and tradi- red the region the communist ly plan your route there. There wolfs, foxes, wild cats and goats lated by the Gorani commu- tional wedding ceremonies. era concrete hotels and restau- are several possibilities for tour can sometimes be seen roaming nity who speak a combination Others on Restelica. Todd’s rants that mar similar regions guides though the best infor- the canyon. As goats are more of Slavic languages and whose Travels Website: Mountain in Kosovo.

PAGE SPONSORED BY 6 mar/apr 2012 Kosovo’s New Diplomat àpropos column Becoming a Part of Community of Nations Kosovo’s FMA has established a working group that will seek to upgrade Kosovo’s interaction with multilateral organizations and other regional initiatives, giving Kosovo an own voice.

One of the biggest developments countries are yet to recognize over 100 agreements, institutions, Hence the focus of EU organizations with whom in 2012 on diplomatic front has the sovereignty and indepen- agencies, forums of regional mediator Robert Cooper Kosovo wishes to upgrade been the agreement reached dence of Kosovo. On the other importance without UNMIK but communication, even if outright between Belgrade and Prishtina hand, it was becoming clear that with a nametag that bears a small was to instigate a dialogue membership is not possible in on the regional representation. isolating Kosovo and disabling asterisk and a footnote explaining between Prishtina and 2012 such as Council of Eu- The problem in the last it from participation with its that «This designation is without Belgrade that would not rope or various sports and UN years of post-independence own voice and other rights such prejudice to positions on status, organizations. A working group regional landscape has been as having signatory powers on and is in line with UNSC 1244 and only enable Kosovo to has been established between that Republic of Kosovo had regional level, is hindering the the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo De- have its own voice and departments in Government limited options of meaningful progress in Balkans and cross- claration of Independence.» The participate equally in the dealing with foreign policy and participation in regional forums. border cooperation. footnote enables non-recognizers EU integrations and a working It could either participate with Hence to continue formally with a policy regional fora, but also plan is being implemented to UNMIK, due to the veto powers the focus of that is not supported by majority help Kosovo enter a for- send applications and finish the of non-recognizers such as EU media- of regional powers (Kosovo is mal relationship with EU procedures on membership. Russia or others who would tor Robert recognized by over two/thirds on a completely separate Kosovo’s compromise on not accept Kosovo’s denomi- Cooper was to of EU and Council of Europe accepting the footnote was nation and equal status in the instigate a dia- members) but that allows Kosovo and independent track refused by the opposition parties regional context. This refusal PETRIT logue between to function as a sovereign state in from Serbia. and a section of civil society in to accept Kosovo in multilateral SELIMI Prishtina and the multilateral context. Kosovo, fearing it might lead to a organizations led to blockade Belgrade that Kosovo is now focused in weakening of the argumentation in the advancement of regional Deputy would not only three groups of organizations to for Kosovo to be accepted as a cooperation between the Wes- Minister enable Kosovo obtain the membership: Firstly, young republic. These fears will tern Balkan countries. In few to have its own strictly Western Balkans initia- only be alleviated when Kosovo initiatives where Kosovo was voice and tives in which various coopera- does start slowly but surely to invited, participate equally in the regional tive projects and agreements are take its own rightful place in the boycotted the organizers by fora, but also help Kosovo enter a discussed on trade, politics, heal- community of nations, initially not showing up in the meetings formal relationship with EU on a thcare, transport, environment, in the context of regional coope- where Kosovars were present. completely separate and indepen- etc.; Secondly, EU agencies and ration, and secondly in the wider This situation had to be dent track from Serbia. This was other bodies with whom Kosovo international landscape where resolved somehow. EU could not made possible with an agreement is now allowed and encouraged Kosovo’s legal ID is being cemen- insist for Kosovo to be fully re- that was both elegant and breaks by EU Commission to enter into ted through increased interac- cognized in multilateral forums the status-quo on Kosovo. Now contractual relationship and Follow us on tion on bilateral and multilateral named as a Republic, as five EU Kosovo will start participating in thirdly a wider group of regional Twitter @MFAKosovo basis. MFA establishes a Diplomatic Academy Government of Kosovo has decided to support creation of Kosovo’s own institution for continuous education and trainings within the diplomatic service. The Diplomatic Academy will become focal point for research and development of foreign policy in Kosovo.

Since the entry into force of institutional value which Ministers within the DA work together in building the and the Foreign Service as the Law on Foreign Service aims to convert into a tradi- scope; training program dedicated to defined under the Law on of the Republic of Kosovo, tion of involving holistically The Minister appoints the the Foreign Service officials. Foreign Service of the Repu- Nr.03/L-122, MFA has been all the actors dealing with Academic Board and leads The latter will be involved blic of Kosovo, Nr.03/L-122; obliged to establish the Di- foreign policy, including state with, while in the absence in organizing numerous MFA expects a real support plomatic Academy (DA). The institutions, academia, think- of the Minister, the Acade- international events in order by the international com- rationale behind establishing tanks and media. Overall, the mic Board will be headed by to influence the public diplo- munity in Kosovo, as well as this institution is based on idea is to have an epistemic default by the deputy Foreign macy activities where mostly by homologous institutions the idea that a contempo- community Minister. The Academic needed. in establishing cooperation rary foreign policy-ma- of knowle- Board, as a decision making It is envisaged that the DA and partnerships based on king cannot exist without dge-based body will provide strategic will be enriched with Inter- sustainable programmes. DA research component and experts who guidance to the DA and will national Honorary Members; will be a new home for young permanent capacity building will help contribute to raising the ove- The Academy will operate diplomats, researchers and of diplomats in the Foreign decision- rall professional quality of the under the Ministry of Foreign students committed to the Service – thus, this valuable ibrahim makers to Academy; MFA aims to create Affairs and will be entitled field of International Affairs institution will strengthen gashi define the an institution that would to have its budget line within and Diplomacy; the progress of foreign policy strategic res- bring a new spirit in foreign the budget of the Ministry, In order to implement formulation in order to gra- Deputy ponse of Ko- policy formulation through permanent address, other more effective training activi- dually merge what is called Minister sovo towards a credible Academic Board logistic services and its logo; ties, research and consulting - conjuncture of theory and strengthe- by having prominent figures The DA will remain autono- as well as other activities, the practice - in order to respond ning its in- from the fields of political mous in its programmatic Academy operates based on to numerous critical chal- ternational subjectivity. Ad- science and international re- framework, despite the fact these organizational units lenges that foreign policy of ditionally, it will provide the lations, ambassadors, repre- that institutionally it is under (divisions): Division for the Republic of Kosovo faces MFA with new skills when sentatives of civil society that the MFA structure; It will Training and Development of today. By establishing the it comes to public diplomacy have proved and manifested support the demands by the the Foreign Service and the DA, Kosovo MFA is highly projects and bringing various their state-building credenti- thematic and geographical Division for Research and interested to commence an important Foreign Affairs als. The Academic Board will departments of the Ministry publications; Kosovo’s New Diplomat mar/apr 2012 7 World Press Time to recognize Kosovo For the case of Kosovo is ultimately a moral and historical one, and Israel’s failure on this score, there- fore, is all the more regrettable.

Four years ago this Friday, on Friday, February 17, 2008, the Republic of Kosovo declared its independence. This move, which followed years of failed international efforts to bro- ker a compromise settlement between Kosovo and Serbia, won wide international recog- nition by all the major West- ern powers, including the United States, Canada, Ger- many, the United Kingdom and France. Not, however, by Israel. Indeed, four years later, Israel has yet to recog- nize the Balkan republic. And while there are undoubtedly more pressing issues on Jeru- salem’s foreign policy agenda, its failure to recognize Kosovo constitutes not only a need- less diplomatic error, but a moral and historical failing as well. It is a needless diplomat- Image from a book by Ricardo Cabral. ic error because, contrary to what Jerusalem thinks, such the European Union: Spain, For one thing, as Jerusa- Yonatan Touval is a foreign policy main adamantly opposed to recognition will not under- , Cyprus, Slovakia and lem should know all too well, analyst and member of the board Kosovo’s independence, not mine its own strategic inter- Romania - all share the same international diplomacy is at Mitvim: The Israeli Institute least Russia and China, the ests. In fact, it might even anxiety.) primarily a function of high for Regional Foreign Policies. He main opponents of Kosovo’s participated in last year’s Germia Hill advance them. The source of • The validity of an inter- politics, not legal precedence. conference coorganized by ECFR and admission to the United Na- the error lies in a misplaced nationally imposed solution: As the past few months alone Kosovo MFA. tions in the Security Council. anxiety that, since Kosovo is Since Kosovo’s independence have demonstrated, the case Incidentally, this alone often compared to Palestine, was imposed on Serbia from of Kosovo has had no bear- should ring alarm bells in Je- the diplomatic standing of the the outside, Jerusalem is ap- ing on the Palestinian bid for rusalem: Although no West- former might have dangerous prehensive lest a perception of international recognition, not ern power is likely to bother implications for Jerusalem on success on Kosovo bolster the even in the wake of the Inter- to convey its “disgust” at the the latter. The most anxiety- resolve of the international national Court of Justice’s ad- failure of these nations to inducing implications con- community to try and impose visory opinion that Kosovo’s recognize Kosovo, Jerusalem cern the following: a solution to the Israeli-Pales- declaration of independence should be cognizant of the • A Palestinian unilateral tinian conflict. In this context, did not violate international camp it has joined. declaration of independence: Israel’s recognition of Koso- law. Israel’s leading friends in Yonatan For the case of Kosovo is The Palestinians have threat- vo might undermine its long- the international community Touval ultimately a moral and his- ened to declare their indepen- held resistance to such a dip- - which, incidentally, were al- torical one, and Jerusalem’s dence, and in the past year lomatic initiative. so the first to recognize Koso- failure on this score, there- have sought to obtain inter- There are other types of vo - opposed the Palestinian Published in Haaretz fore, is all the more regretta- national recognition for their anxieties as well, including bid at the United Nations Se- ble. Arising out of one of the statehood. Jerusalem fears the deeply phobic one that curity Council. worst genocidal atrocities that the case of Kosovo makes recognition of a predominant- Even Albania, whose com- on the European continent for a dangerous precedent, ly Muslim republic would mitment to Kosovo is rooted since World War II, Kosovo’s and that its own recognition boost the spread of global Is- in a shared ethnic identity demand for self-determina- of the Balkan republic would lam. As one right-wing mem- (Kosovo’s population is over- tion is one that Israel can- undercut its case against Pal- ber of Knesset argued in the whelmingly ethnically Alba- not afford to ignore. If any- estinian independence. Hebrew press following Koso- nian ) and which lobbies on thing, a country that never • Internal Palestinian seces- vo’s declaration in 2008, “The its behalf on the world stage, fails to invoke the Holocaust sion: Jerusalem worries that flag of Kosovo is that of Islam- has had no qualms about to justify its existence should recognition of Kosovo might ic proliferation and a source of coming out against the Pal- have been at the forefront of help establish a universal- serious anxiety to Europe.” estinian bid. The Albanian the international campaign ly applicable precedent for Jerusalem’s non-recognition prime minister publicly an- to recognize Kosovo’s inde- unilateral secession, one that of Kosovo, in other words, has nounced as much on a visit pendence. To mark Kosovo’s could encourage Israel’s in- not been a function of a simple to Israel this past November. fourth anniversary, Israel ternal Palestinian minority diplomatic lapse. It reflects The irrelevance of the Kosovo has an opportunity to right in, say, the Galilee, to secede. instead a deliberate decision, case for the Palestinian UN a wrong and to recognize (On this, Jerusalem is not one fueled by deep anxieties bid has gone in the opposite Kosovo. It is an act that Is- alone: Other countries that of various kinds. As it hap- direction as well. Some of the rael owes not only to Kosovo; have withheld recognition pens, these anxieties are en- very powers that supported Follow us on it owes it also to the Jewish from Kosovo - notably within tirely misplaced. Palestine’s statehood bid re- Twitter @MFAKosovo people. 8 mar/apr 2012 Kosovo’s New Diplomat Marketing