News: Kosovo’s New Highway – The Most Expensive in Region?

January 29 - February 11, 2010 Issue No. 32 www.prishtinainsight.com Free copy Ski Season FEATURE Finally Gets off Kosovo Becomes to Flying Start Home to Migrants and Asylum- After one of the worst Seekers starts in 30 years, Brezovica's ski season has finally kicked off. > page 7 Skiers and snowboarders ARTE were out in force last Tim Judah’s New weekend, enjoying the fresh snow and blue skies. Book For more information on > page 9 the weather and events in GUIDE Brezonvica, visit njeri.net/snow. Kosovo’s Railways, Photo byPhoto Snow Njeri a Safe but Slow way to Travel New RTK Chief Prepares > page 8 FOOD & DRINK Enjoy Far-Flung for Pressure Food in a Homely As parliament approves a 5.3million euro emergency fund for cash-starved RTK, the public broadcaster’s board tells its Atmosphere at controversial new director general he is on a three-month trial period sources, then we will publish it.” were caught off guard by his latest Shaqiri’s position after a three- Home Restaurant By Petrit Collaku & Lawrence Marzouk The appointment of Shaqiri, who promotion to general director and month trial period. > page 10 was handed RTK’s top job this week had initially considered intervening Questions about Shaqiri’s appoint- TK’s newly appointed direc- by the broadcaster’s board, has sur- in the process. ment have also been raised by mem- tor general, Sylejman Shaqiri, prised some, including civil society One high ranking embassy official bers of civil society, who point to his CITY Rhas told Prishtina Insight that he expects pressure from ‘politi- and some in the international com- also told Prishtina Insight that there involvement in breaking the story on cians, businesses and organised munity. was concern that Shaqiri would now the collapse of the governing coali- EULEX Staff crime’ over the broadcaster’s editori- Shaqiri has 30 years of journalist bring all political broadcasting in tion of the Democratic Party of al policy. experience, starting his career work- house. An accusation he dismissed. Kosovo, PDK, and Democratic ‘Banned’ From But the new appointee said he ing on a local radio station for RTP, But contrary to newspaper articles League of Kosovo, LDK, in Parking in Street would not drop a well sourced story, Radio Television of Prishtina, before suggesting that International November. The story also alleged even if he is asked to do so by Prime rising to the position of acting edi- Civilian Representative Pieter Feith that the president and parliamentary > page 6 Minister Hashim Thaci. tor-in-chief for RTK. was to block Shaqiri’s appointment, speaker would be replaced. Shaqiri said: “If the story is based Prishtina Insight understands a spokesman for Feith said he would, on facts, unbiased, and from secure that senior international diplomats in line with RTK’s board, review continues on page 2 NGO FOCUS ‘A Soft Hand, Cold News Business Mind and Warm Olli Rehn: Visa-Free Travel Will PTK to be Sold by August, Advisors Heart’ – One2One Follow Reforms Recommend Kosova In an interview with BIRN’s Life in Kosovo’s publicly owned post and tele- Kosovo show, the EU enlargement com- phone company, PTK, is expected to be > page 14 missioner Olli Rehn discusses the condi- privatised by August this year. tions for visa liberalisation for Kosovo The government-hired transaction and how Kosovo’s leaders must work on advisors, led by Lichtenstein-based rule of law and tackle corrupition and Telco AG, revealed the timetable to the organised crime to progress towards the Ministry of Economy and Finance and European Union... PTK last Thursday. page 4 PTK is one of Kosovo’s... page 5

is supported by: 2 • January 29 - February 11, 2010 news

Third Round of Elections this Sunday

lection reruns will be held in two municipali- ties this Sunday. . E.The Central Election Commission, CEC, decided in December that the second-round mayoral race in Prizren and Lipjan must be held again. News in Brief News The move followed a recommendation from the Election Commission on Appeals and Complaints, which feared that widespread irregularities had taken place in these municipalities during the December 13 elections. The Commission had also recommended that the ballot in Gjilan be re-run, but the CEC ordered a recount instead. The fate of the election race in Gjilan is still unclear as the CEC secretariat has been unable to agree on whether to approve the election results. The race in Prizren, Lipjan and Gjilan is between

Photo byPhoto Insight Prishtina for Erebara Gjergj candidates from the Democratic Party of Kosovo, The Albanian section of the ‘Patriotic Highway’,which will link Tirana and Prishtina, during construction PDK, and Democratic League of Kosovo, LDK, which form the government coalition. Extremists Beat Kosovo Imam in Kosovo’s New Highway – The Mitrovica

n imam in Kosovo’s northern town of Most Expensive in Region? Mitrovica was ambushed in his mosque last AThursday after mid-day prayers and beaten Opposition parties and experts accuse the government of agreeing too high a price for the new Vermice- up by four people who said they did not like the Merdare highway and diverting the route to the benefit senior officials brand of Islam he preaches. Imam Hamit Kamberi told media he knows the has also supported the com- Myzejene Selmani, chair- es the criticism of the deal people who attacked him and their families, but did pany’s proposal to divert the woman of the parliamentary offered by Bechtel-Enka. not mention any names, nor did he specify their reli- highway away from a tricky commission on economy and He said: “The price offered gious background. 22km section around transport and a member of by the winning company was “I heard some people close the door of the mosque By Lavdim Hamidi Suhareke, in south west the opposition New Kosovo cheaper than other company. and they started beating me,” Kamberi was quoted Kosovo. Alliance, says that the price Perhaps the reason for the by the Prishtina daily Express as saying. “With the diversion of the per kilometre is ‘astronomi- cheap price is that this con- Kamberi said that these people have for some time he decision to appoint highway that the winning cal’. sortium has all the necessary been asking for his dismissal because they were not US-Turkish consor- company has proposed we “This price is astronomi- machinery in Albania, satisfied with the religious rituals he was conducting. Ttium Bechtel-Enka to will save about 400 million cal because it is not to build a where the highway is built, “I respect the rules of the Islamic Community, build Kosovo’s biggest ever euro,” said Adem Grabovci, highway through the Alps, so it does not have to spend according to Medh’hebit Hanefi,” Kamberi said. infrastructure project has deputy minister of trans- but through a flat country large amounts on transporta- “They want other rituals,” he added. drawn harsh criticism from port. and not at all difficult for tion.” Kosovo’s Islamic Community,BIK, condemned the opposition parties and But some representatives construction,” Selmani told Former minister of trans- attack. experts. of opposition parties ques- Prishtina Insight. port Qemajl Ahmeti revealed Kosovo’s ministry of tion why the road is being She said that while that an expert assessment transport announced last diverted to Malisheve, which Switzerland paid 5.6 million during his term estimated Call for Applicants for Balkan week that the firm behind is west of Prishtina and the euro a kilometre, in Kosovo the total cost of the highway, Reporters Programme the Albanian phase of the home of Minister of the cost averaged 8 million including expropriation, was ‘Patriotic Highway’ would Transport Fatmir Limaj. euro. 659 million euro. pplications are being accepted for the 2010 also build the 117km-route in “Why the diversion is Experts say that a kilome- He said the Bechtel-Enka programme ‘Economic and Political Kosovo at a cost of 7.5 to 8 being made through tre of highway in Macedonia deal is likely to cost Kosovo 1 AReporting from Southeast Europe’, jointly million euro a kilometre. Malisheve is unclear for us. costs 6 million euro, includ- billion euro. run by Robert Bosch Stiftung and Thomson Reuters But no overall cost has Is this diversion about ing expropriations, while in The Ministry of Transport Foundation. been agreed between the two attracting cheaper prices or Albania, because of the diffi- has said that the construc- To foster quality analysis and reporting on eco- parties, raising fears that the about going towards Fatmir cult mountainous terrain, tion of the highway will be nomic issues, enhance coverage on topics that are huge overspend which Limaj’s fields?” said Avni the cost of its new highway paid for through soft loans central to the region’s economic and political devel- occurred in Albania could be Arifi, a member of the oppo- was around 6.4 million euro from various international opment and encourage regional networking among repeated on the other side of sition Alliance for the per kilometre. financial institutions, but journalists, the Robert Bosch Stiftung and the the border. Future of Kosovo’s presiden- Deputy ministry of trans- have not provided any more Thomson Reuters Foundation initiated the pro- The Ministry of Transport cy. port Adem Grabovci dismiss- detail on the matter. gramme in 2007. Fifteen journalists from the Balkans are competi- tively chosen to participate in the programme, run by experienced ex-Reuters journalists. The pro- New RTK Chief Prepares for Pressure gramme includes two 10-day courses in the UK (10-24 April) and in Germany (20 September-2 October). from page 1 ment from members of the international does not speak English, but added that he Participants will also travel to Brussels and Berlin community, Shaqiri said: “I expect sup- does not see that as a hindrance. “I don’t to meet policy-makers and journalists covering It later transpired that while this was port for RTK because I know Feith’s sup- have a working knowledge of English and European financial and political affairs. PDK’s intention, no deal had been made, port for RTK. the test was not held,” Shaqiri added. and the coalition remains in place to “He has shown a positive attitude to On Thursday, Kosovo’s parliament Applicants must be able to speak English and be date. solving RTK’s problems.” approved a request of the parliament’s full-time professional journalists who have been Shaqiri has been attacked for running Rrahman Paqarizi, chairman of RTK’s committee for budget and finances to working for at least two years with a recognised pub- the story on the basis of one SMS from board, told Prishtina Insight: “We have allocate 5.3 million euro to RTK over a six lication, website, radio or television station. the PDK. His critiques say this demon- chosen Shaqiri because he has fulfilled month period. Applicants must have a portfolio that includes expe- strate that he is easily swayed by politi- all criteria for this position.” This has become essential because rience in economic journalism or must otherwise cal propaganda. When reminded that one of the RTK’s licence fee, collected through elec- demonstrate a strong interest in economic and polit- He admits that the case was not well requirements for this position was tricity bills, has been suspended while ical issues. handled, but said this was down to knowledge of English, something the Constitutional Court rules on its Applying journalists must be citizens of Albania, ‘heavy bureaucracy and tensions inside Shaqiri lacks, he said: “We haven’t held legality. Advertising has also been Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, RTK’. the English test.” banned during prime time, further Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, or He said: “I received that SMS from our Avni Abazi, a member of the board squeezing RTK’s resources. Slovenia. They must have permission from their journalist. Then I called PDK to confirm and the interview panel, said that the Shaqiri said that the parliament’s deci- employer to take part in the programme. The full whether it was true. most important element of the selection sion is good news but not the right long- Call for Applications as well as a downloadable “I am not a corrupt person. I will work process for the board was the applicant’s term solution. “Intervention from the application form is available on ReutersLink to bring back the image of RTK.” strategy to solve RTK’s funding crisis. government is not the right solution (www.reuterslink.org) and also at the Robert Bosch He added that he is not affiliated to any “Shaqiri’s strategy platform for RTK was because it is money from Kosovo’s budg- Stiftung website (www.bosch-stiftung.de/econom- political party and has strong ‘personal the best. And that was the main criteria,” et,” he said. He added that he will work to ic_reporting). and professional integrity’. he said. find a long-term solution in the form of a The deadline for receipt of applications is 14 On potential objections to his appoint- Shaqiri told Prishtina Insight that he licence fee. February 2010. news • January 29 - February 11, 2010 3 Serbia Slams ‘Destabilising’ Plan Editor’s word to Reintegrate North Kosovo Veriu Belgrade has rejected the ICO’s strategy for northern Mitrovica and the surrounding area north of the Ibar as a sop to Albanian opinion. By Lawrence Marzouk

he north – or veriu in By Petrit Collaku Albanian – is the word Tthat divides Kosovo. osovo’s authorities have It has been splashed across the front pages of Kosovo’s taken steps in recent newspapers for almost two K months to sideline weeks now. Belgrade-funded structures in All the fuss is about a strate- Kosovo, holding elections in gy, initiated by the Serb-majority municipalities International Civilian Office, to that were generally deemed a bring this area, which has success in terms of turnout. acquired almost mythical sta- The new mayor of Strpce, tus, back under the control of Branislav Nikolic, elected in Prishtina. December in a poll held under But looking at its contents, I Kosovo’s auspices, took over the cannot help but feel surprised at offices of the so-called “parallel the brouhaha surrounding it. [ie Belgrade-sponsored] struc- The most controversial aspect tures” earlier this month. is the holding of new elections Following his inauguration, in the area north of the river Nikolic changed the locks on the Ibar and the creation of a new, doors of the municipal offices, Serb-majority municipality in preventing the Serb-funded north Mitrovica. structures from gaining access. This move has long been It was the first time since the trailed and discussed, so there elections of 2002 that an ethnic is hardly anything to get worked Photo byPhoto Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit Serb mayor had taken over stew- The bridge over the river Ibar in Mitrovica up about. ardship of a municipality fol- I’m not saying it’s a bad plan, lowing elections organized by The ICO, which was created which claims the strategy will openly hostile to the plans. just that it is hardly revolution- Prishtina. to oversee the implementation destabilise the region. Serbia’s President, Boris Tadic, ary. But while new, Serb mayors of the Ahtisaari package Mufail Limani, Prishtina last week warned the UN No, I believe the reason that have began running municipali- [named after the UN envoy to political commentator, says that Security Council, during its this is being hyped up in Kosovo ties south of the river Ibar fol- Kosovo], the blueprint for while it is essential to hold local regular discussion of Kosovo, and met with trenchant criti- lowing the elections in Kosovo’s independence, is now elections in the north of that the plan was a “dangerous cism by Belgrade, is the fact November and December 2009, finalising its strategy for the Mitrovica, he doubts Serbs provocation”, adding that that there is a strategy at all, the far northern part of Kosovo, north, which it hopes will there would be willing to take “those who announced this plan and the part it is playing in the including the northern half of break the status quo. part in any election run by will be held responsible for wider strategy to resolve the divided town of Mitrovica, Following a series of leaks to Kosovo. destabilising the situation”. Kosovo-Serbia relations. The north is the trump card remains out-of-bounds for bod- the Kosovo press, the head of “Whether Serbs will take part Serbia’s state secretary for in Serbia’s game to get Kosovo’s ies and officials loyal to the ICO, Pieter Feith, said the in the [government’s] decentral- Kosovo, Oliver Ivanovic, told future back onto the negotiating Prishtina. new draft strategy foresaw isation process in the north is Prishtina Insight that the strat- table. Serbs in the north boycotted “respect for the laws of Kosovo an open issue,” said Limani. “I egy was the joint creation of If the ICO’s strategy suc- the local elections. Plans to hold in the north and the formation don’t expect much from the Feith and the Kosovo govern- of the new municipality of Kosovo Serbs there because ceeds, it will drastically weaken a new vote in a new, Serb-major- ment and as such was unaccept- Belgrade’s hand. North Mitrovica in mid-2010.” Belgrade’s influence is stronger ity municipality in Northern able to the Serbian government But, realistically, Serbia’s The strategy notes that while there than in [central or south- Mitrovica were delayed until or Kosovo Serbs generally. grip on the north is far too Serbian parallel structures con- ern Serbian towns like] May 2010, as the International “This strategy, or any other strong for us to see any major tinue to wield influence in the Gracanica or Strpce.” Civilian Office, ICO, which is strategies that Serbs from shake-up of the power base on north, “recent political develop- Limani said the ICO strategy leading Kosovo’s decentralisa- Kosovo and Metohija are not the back of what is proposed by ments have created space for for the north differed little from tion process, struggled to create advised about, simply won’t the ICO. improvements in the rule-of-law other strategies that had been the preparatory team for the succeed,” Ivanovic said. You cannot break a ten-year- field”. tried in the past. “What is cru- new council. Now, elections in Belgrade would not accept the old status quo without a funda- The ICO plan envisages the cial is whether the internation- Northern Mitrovica look set to strategy because it was aimed mental change in the position of appointment of a preparatory al community has an agreement be delayed further, although the at satisfying only one section of one of the actors involved, and team to create the new Serb- with Belgrade to settle the rule ICO maintains that it is making the population, the ethnic for the moment we see no sign of dominated municipality in of law in the north,” he said. progress in appointing the team. Albanians, he added. that from Prishtina, Belgrade, Northern Mitrovica and the “If there is such an agree- the international institutions or Since 1999, when the conflict “The document is made for opening a “local community ment, then the strategy and the Serbs of northern Kosovo. ended in Kosovo, most of the one side, and it means the rein- office” in an ethnic Bosniak dis- decentralization are possible. This strategy, pronounce- area to the north of the river tegration of Serbs into an inde- trict of the town, which is seen But if there is no prior agree- ments by KFOR and EULEX Ibar has been under the de-facto pendent Kosovo. Serbs will not as the least dangerous area in ment, I’m not optimistic about about the illegitimacy of the authority of the Belgrade, let that pass,” Ivanovic insisted. which to open such a centre. the plan for northern Kosovo,” parallel institutions, the estab- which funds hospitals, universi- “There should be other options, The strategy also recommends Limani added. lishment of diplomatic rela- ties, schools and other public options that would bring both that EULEX continues to Feith told Voice of America tions between Montenegro and services there. sides together to co-operate, as improve the functioning of last weekend that consultations Kosovo, the ICJ case - all these This has not changed since this is very important.” courts in Northern Mitrovica. would be held with Serbia over factors seems to me just the Kosovo’s unilateral declaration Ivanovic said the status of After the successful deploy- the strategy and force would not warm up before the real action Kosovo also needed to be put of independence in February ment of EULEX in the north, be used to implement it. begins. back onto the negotiating table, 2008. Indeed, Belgrade’s grip on the EU’s influence on communi- “We have heard announce- Both sides are trying to gain because Kosovo’s declaration of the north has perhaps become ties could play an important ments that there is a plan for the upper hand, to eke out some independence was not accept- stronger since then. role in changing the status quo, integration, and that the plan strategic advantage, before they able to Serbia. Belgrade has set aside some 42 according to the report. The will not be imposed and force finally sit down for negotia- “We need a solution that million euros to fund its struc- strategy also recommended will not be used,” Limani con- tions. could somehow be acceptable to tures in the north in 2010 and it increasing the presence of tinued, “but if force is ruled Because, while some progress recently appointed judges to the Kosovo police in the north. out, the plan remains [hostage Kosovo Albanians but also to may be made with this strategy, court in Northern Mitrovica, The plan has been backed by to] the political will of Serbs in the Republic of Serbia and the ultimately a deal is needed though this drew a rebuke from the international community the north.” Kosovo Serbs too,” Ivanovic which goes far beyond the cre- the EU rule-of-law mission in and the government in In spite Feith’s attempts to said. Any such strategy that ation of a new municipality or Kosovo, EULEX, as well as from Prishtina but has met with a soothe Serbian fears, the was imposed by force “would be the opening of a new EU centre. embassies in Prishtina. furious reaction from Belgrade, Serbian government remains a dangerous move,” he declared. 4 • January 29 - February 11, 2010 news Interview Outside In Olli Rehn: Visa-Free Travel Will Kosovo’s Health Follow Reforms and Safety The EU enlargement commissioner discusses the conditions for visa liberalisation for Kosovo and highlights rule By Kreshnik Hoxha of law as a key area where improvement is needed. Q: While citizens of A: There is no specific time- Kosovo government and f you are mopping the floor, do you consider Macedonia, Serbia and line because for us quality is EULEX cooperate. There have that you could slip at any point? If you Montenegro are free to travel to more important then speed and been improvements but still drink a coffee, do you expect it to be piping Europe, Kosovars are not free to substance is more important there is plenty of room for I hot? If you are craving some chocolate, do you By Muhamet Hajrullahu travel using Kosovo documents than a schedule. Whenever any improvement and I trust this first need warning of the potential to choke on to Europe or within the Western country joins the European will be done in the near future. it? Balkans. Union it has to meet all the con- You don’t need a degree in rocket science to A: That it is related to the ditions. Therefore, this works Q: In many areas where figure out the answer to these questions. The question of Kosovo’s status. starts at home. We want to see Kosovo is lagging behind, the Q: Looking at the changes to the only prerequisite is a little common sense. Or Twenty-two EU member states Kosovo reinforcing its public European Union has offered European Union visa regime, and to so we think! have recognised Kosovo’s inde- administration, continues to financial and technical assis- liberalization, where is Kosovo on In Britain, there are ‘health and safety’ regu- pendence but five have not. In reform the judiciary so that a tance. How could this support be that process? lations for every shade of life, illustrating how this framework, the rule of law can genuinely func- better utilised? A: This process has started with the state successfully manages to interfere by Commission has proposed a tion in Kosovo, and intensify A: The programmes need to those countries that met the condi- over-regulating everything to the extent of structural approach, which, the fight against organised be carefully planned in view of tions on issuing biometric pass- causing major inconvenience, and yes, ulti- nevertheless, can be supported crime and corruption. These their potential benefit and ports and integrating their border mately offending the nation’s intelligence. by all EU member states. Now are critical issues; because the added value to the economic control systems for instance. This I’m pretty sure a country that once ruled it is up to Kosovo to show that it rule of law underpins every and social welfare of the people first materialized with the Former three-quarters of the world doesn’t need guid- can meet the conditions. open society, every European of Kosovo. Of course, it is diffi- Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, ance on how to handle school ties in order to Union society, and is therefore cult to talk in details about Serbia and Montenegro, which met avoid strangulation. Caution: strangulation Q: What must Kosovo do? the starting point. each programme or project these conditions, and will be fol- hazard! A: The conditions include because each one has its own lowed by other countries later on. In This paranoid obsession with ‘health and [tackling] organised crime and Q: Just after the publication specifics but they should serve Kosovo we have created a structural safety’, which is spreading at speed across the corruption, the future issue of of the Progress Report for 2009 economical and social welfare, approach, which will facilitate civilised world, first emerged in the US, which biometric passports and insur- for Kosovo, the Deputy Prime improve infrastructure and eventually visa liberalization once is, incidentally, also home to the compensation ing that border control systems Minister, Hajredin Kuçi, argued help reinforce the rule of law, Kosovo meets all the conditions. and litigation culture. work in reliable manner. that corruption and organised which is the foundation of a Many people in the Western world have, as a crime, the areas about which functional society. Q: Critics say you should have result of the overpowering nanny-state, decid- Q: Is there a practical exam- Kosovo was most criticized in made more demands of Serbia ed it is best to comply with nanny, and leave ple from other countries in the the report, are EULEX’s own Q: Finally, what would you regarding its [policy towards its] their common sense in a safe place – possibly world that could serve as a responsibility. want to tell the people of Kosovo neighbours before you allowed it into tucked away in a draw or under the mattress – model so that Serbia could con- A: EULEX has its role to play concerning their European the visa free regime. How would you and rely on the gospel of health and safety. tinue to retain the policy of not in the rule of law, but frankly,if Union perspective? respond? Your slightly nasal, balding, British health recognising Kosovo but allow any leader says something like A: Kosovo has a European A: Visa-free travel, visa liberal- and safety officer would have a fit within min- Kosovars to cross the border? that, it is an evasion of respon- perspective, like the rest of the ization, is not conditional on the utes of arriving in Kosovo. A: Let’s work on the basis of sibility.All political leaders are region, so it’s important for the kind of issues that you referred to. What about the blackouts we are served up this decision that the European expected… to fight corruption people of Kosovo and the lead- Serbia has met all the conditions for by our holy KEK? A minor power cut in Union has made to Kosovo. Of and organised crime, and to ers to tackle those issues that visa-free travel. We respect our own England makes it onto the local evening news. course, it is important for the take such decisions that will are needed to materialise this rules and we play by the book and In Kosovo life continues to run smoothly and whole region that Serbia is also best enable an effective and European perspective – issues therefore Serbia and its citizens without panic, even when we are left in the going towards the European efficient fight against corrup- like the rule of law, and legisla- have been able to enjoy visa free dark for hours, because people have adjusted Union. tion and organised crime. tive and democratic reforms, travel as of December 19, 2009. their lives to this. and economic and structural What would happen if this paranoid culture Q: You have said Kosovo has Q: One year on, how do you reforms, so that Kosovo can landed in Kosovo? KEK would be branded a European perspectives. You see cooperation between EULEX become a more open society health hazard in itself with the pollution it repeated this after the publica- with Kosovo’s institutions, the and economy. This, of course, churns out from Kosova A and B. Those who tion of the Progress Report for government and other institu- will be to the benefit of the peo- rely on electrical heating would be faced with a Kosovo 2009. Does this perspec- tions working till now? ple of Kosovo in the first place ‘freezing hazard’ when the power went off. tive have a timeline? When will A: EULEX was originally but will also facilitate Kosovo’s www.prishtinainsight.com Those using candles would be left to the fate of Kosovo join the European invited in by Kosovo govern- integration into the European a potential fire hazard. Union? ment and it is essential that the Union. Publisher: Would the water shortages, especially over BIRN the summer and especially if you live in Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Prishtina’s Sunny Hill, be branded a ‘dehydra- Enthronement of New Serbian tion hazard’. No doubt our health and safety Mensa e Studenteve, first floor executive would quickly get to work on produc- 10000, Prishtina ing some lengthy guidelines on the complicated Kosovo Patriarch to Be Held in Kosovo procedure of filling bottles and buckets for water cuts. Phone: +381 (0) 38 24 33 58 the Assembly of the Serbian Tuesday, the patriarch said I don’t even want to imagine his – because it Fax: +381 (0) 38 22 44 98 Orthodox Church. that Serbs in Kosovo suffer is always a he – reaction to the pyrotechnic and [email protected] “The assembly will start more than ever. firework culture in Kosovo during the New By Bojana Barlovac there, and continue in “Unfortunately, with this Year period or Kosovo’s independence celebra- Editor-in-Chief: Belgrade. That will be a chance new situation, Kosovo finds tion. for our guests to attend, and I itself in the hardest position Lawrence Marzouk The people of Kosovo are, in the main, better he newly elected head of hope they will see for them- in its history. The Serbs who [email protected] off and more savvy for not having had their the Serbian Orthodox selves the situation in Kosovo,” stayed in Kosovo have endured lives blighted by endless health and safety reg- Editorial Team: TChurch, Patriarch Irinej told reporters in the town more pain, suffering and ulations – although, a bit of effort trying to stop Ana Petruseva, Arif Muharremi, Irinej, has announced that he of Nis, southern Serbia. destruction than ever before,” people, especially our international guests, Gordana Igric, Jeta Xharra, Marcus will be enthroned in the Speaking after the enthrone- said the Serbian Patriarch, from falling down uncovered manholes would Patriarchate of Pec, in Kosovo, ment in Belgrade, Patriarch pointing out that the “tragedy Tanner, Petrit Collaku and Shengjyl not go amiss. on April 25, following his Irinej vowed to defend Serbia’s is that the great powers are Osmani Everything, from the moment you wake up enthronement in Belgrade’s claim to Kosovo. aware of this but pretend not to the moment you go to bed, is a hazard in cathedral last Saturday. “Our first duty as a Church to see it”. Kosovo, so you might as well get used to it. Marketing, Sales & Distribution: According to tradition, the is to safeguard our Kosovo, a He added that great powers For me, the 3 o’clock news is a ‘mental break- [email protected] patriarch is supposed to be holy and martyred land, to have sided with those who per- down hazard’, the 5 o’clock news equates to enthroned in Pec as well as his help our state to defend it from secuted Serbs from Kosovo. ‘hypertension hazard’, 7 o’clock news to ‘verg- Design & Layout: “Rrjeti” official title is Archbishop of those who wish to seize it,” the The patriarch believes that ing on suicide hazard’ and finally the 11 o’clock Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade patriarch said. those Serbs who returned to news to ‘seeking asylum hazard’. Printing: Interpress R. Company and Karlovci. In an interview for the Kosovo have no security. If the electricity is on, will the last person to “The enthronement will be German-based Serbian lan- “The tragedy of this people leave Kosovo please turn off the lights, avoid- Copyright © BIRN on April 25, and that will also guage daily newspaper is the biggest tragedy in this ing the ‘electrocution hazard’, of course. mark the beginning of work of Frankfurtske Vesti on world,” he said. business • January 29 - February 11, 2010 5

PTK to be Sold by August Nabucco Pipeline Future Uncertain One of Kosovo’s most profitable companies look set to for a quick privatisation he future of the Nabucco pipeline project is still not certain, an execu- Ttive of Austrian energy giant OMV told reporters on Wednesday. By Lawrence Marzouk Between July and October 2010, an open season bidding process for transport capacity in the planned pipeline will be osovo’s publicly owned held. The future of the project will then be post and telephone com- assessed against the resulting forecasted Kpany, PTK, is expected to demand, Novinite reported. be privatised by August this “We will start the open season process year. this year, then we will either get enough Business News in Brief Business News The government-hired trans- demand or we won’t,” said Werner Auli, action advisors, led by OMV’s head of oil and gas, speaking at the Lichtenstein-based Telco AG, annual European Gas Conference in revealed the timetable to the Vienna. He added that he was optimistic Ministry of Economy and about the level of demand. Finance and PTK last However, pointing out that he represent- Thursday. ed a commercial organisation, and not an PTK is one of Kosovo’s most institution, Auli said the decision would be profitable companies with made on pragmatic business terms. If the around 1.1 million mobile and demand turned out to be insufficient, the 100,000 land line phone cus- project would be terminated, he said. tomers. It also runs the postal The pipeline, skirting around Russian service. soil, would bring gas from the Middle East According to a document pre- and the Caspian region to Europe. Russian gas pipeline export monopoly Gazprom sented by the consortium, the byPhoto Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit privatisation process is expect- PTK’s head office in Prishtina also has a rival project, South Stream, with several international cooperation memo- ed start in June and a success- now review the plan before the firm, promising a transpar- company vary from around 800 randa already signed. ful bidder will be selected in deciding whether to press ent process and that funds from million euro according to the August. ahead with the privatisation. the sale would go towards government to more than 2bil- The Minister of Economy The government has consis- major infrastructure projects. lion euro, according to some IMF to Resume Aid to and Finance Ahmet Shala will tently backed privatisation of Estimates on the value of the experts. Romania

omania on Wednesday got news of the unblocking of the 20 billion euro Power Plant Conference RInternational Monetary Fund and European Commission-led aid package, two weeks after the crisis-hit country passed an austerity budget. Attracts International Investors “The fiscal tensions in Romania have diminished and the government is now able to finance the budget at lower costs,” IMF mission chief Jeffrey Franks told reporters. The Fund will present a document to its executive board in February that will allow it to proceed with the next disburse- ments which will combine the second and third tranches. The IMF will unblock 2.3 billion euro in February while the EU will unblock 1 bil- lion euro. The IMF representative added that the worse for Romania seems to have passed and that its perspectives are positive, but that it is crucial the authorities carry on with reforms. The IMF and European Commission had agreed to freeze further disbursements of aid following the government’s collapse in November. Since then, a new government headed by Prime Minister Emil Boc has been formed. Bosnia’s Trade Gap Narrows as Imports Shrink

osnia’s trade deficit narrowed to 3.5 billion euro in 2009 as the level of Bimports from the country’s trading

Photo byPhoto Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit partners fell faster than the level of its Kosovo’s government hopes to drum up new interest from foreign investors in the construction of a power plant exports. Bosnia’s statistics agency said that the conference to relaunch block of 500 MW will be con- sions on the construction of the But the financial crisis forced trade gap narrowed by 28.8 per cent in 2009 the search for a firm to structed with the option of new power plant on time and in a number of interested parties compared to a year earlier. Abuild a major new power building a facility with the same cooperation with investors.” to pull out of the tender process The reduction in the deficit was due to a station in Kosovo attracted capacity later. The project is backed by the and others to call for the scheme drop in imports to 6.3 billion euro or 24.2 more than 50 firms. Prime Minister Hashim Thaci World Bank, Thaci added. to be downsized. percent less than in 2008. After plans for a 2,000 told the international confer- Kosovo plans to select a com- Pollution from the ageing Compared to 2008, last year’s exports fell megawatt power plant, Kosova e ence of investors in Prishtina pany for the construction of the power plants Kosovo A and B by 17.6 per cent to 2.8 billion euro. Re, failed last year because of a that the government would offer new power plant by September pose environmental and health The statistics agency said that Croatia lack of interest from business- full support for ‘investments, 2010. problem to the 700,000 residents was Bosnia’s main trading partner. es, Kosovo’s ministry of energy production and export of elec- The country sits on the who live in the densely populat- In 2009, Bosnia’s exports to Croatia stood said it would put a smaller tricity’. world’s fifth largest reserve of ed region surrounding the two at 484 million euro, accounting for 17.1 per- scheme back out to tender. He said: “We will offer to the lignite, also called brown coal, lignite-fired power plants, 10 cent of its total exports while its imports According to Kosovo’s minis- private investors the possibility and had hoped that a 2,000MW kilometres from Pristina. from Croatia were at 948 million euro or 15 ter of energy and mines, to also export energy from facility would allow it to become It is hoped that Kosovo A will percent of its total imports. Justina Shiroka-Pula, a first Kosovo and we will take deci- a major exporter of energy. be closed by 2014. 6 • January 29 - February 11, 2010 city EULEX Cars ‘Banned’ From the Olivier Roadside Out of Hours Germain A consultant for charity WaterAid in Ethiopia, who he recently holidayed in Kosovo. By Lawrence Marzouk

he EU rule of law mis- sion, EULEX, has told its Tstaff to stop leaving cars

parked on the road outside of of: the Eyes through Prishtina work hours following a spate of vandalism against its vehicles. While staff have always been responsible for the safe-keep- ing of their cars, they have recently been reminded of this duty because of the deliberate damage caused to vehicles in recent months. As a result, the roadsides of Prishtina are now virtually bereft of the once omnipresent blue and white four-by-fours, byPhoto Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit emblazoned with the European EULEX vehicles have been the target of vandals in recent months stars. The move has also led to com- During the furore over the “It is normal in all missions to “One very positive aspect of signing of the agreement, a have a policy in place which this policy is that the parking plaints from staff, who feel that Olivier Germain the change no longer makes it number of other EULEX cars addresses the security of mis- of EULEX cars on pavements practical to use their vehicles. had tyres slashed and were sion assets including vehicles and other areas which should The most striking attack on tagged. and EULEX has now fully preferably be used for pedestri- What was your first impression of Fears of more damage have adopted this policy. ans have decreased significant- EULEX’s cars took place in Prishtina? August last year, when led EULEX to call for a ‘full “Even if not directly linked, ly.” adoption of the policy’ of keep- the criminal attack on the She added that this has been Vetevendosje activists over- I was amazed by the vibrancy of the ing cars in secure locations out EULEX vehicles on August 26 the policy of the OSCE since turned almost 30 vehicles in place. It really has a great buzz to it. protest at plans for the mission of hours. 2009 showed that there is unfor- 1999 and that other organisa- EULEX spokeswoman Karin tunately a general need to look tions also make similar to sign a protocol with Serbia’s If you were mayor of Prishtina for interior ministry. Limdal told Prishtina Insight: after our assets. requests of their staff. the day what would you change?

I’d create some more pedestrian friend- ly zones. At the moment the town is total- ‘Thaci’s’ Plaque Removed ly dominated by the car, leaving little quality space for those on foot. From New Arts Centre What’s the tastiest Kosovar food? The Academy for Science and Arts opens, or is it the ‘Academy for Science and Dangerous Situations’? I enjoyed almost all the Kosovar food during my stay and was surprised at the breadth of the cuisine. I am a big fan of Sugjuk and really enjoyed the pastries, from burek to mantija. By Petrit Collaku How many macchiatos do you drink a day? he inauguration of I tried to squeeze in as many as possi- Prishtina’s new Academy Tfor Science and Arts has ble. Living in Ethiopia, I’m used to excel- proved controversial after a lent coffee, but the Kosovars certainly plaque supposedly quoting the know how to make an excellent macchia- prime minister Hashim Thaci to. I would say,on average, I knocked back was removed shortly after the around four or five a day. opening and another in Latin was taken down because of a What is the most annoying thing spelling mistake. about Prishtina? “Temples of knowledge and science are the beams of light Across Kosovo, the most annoying for the nation and humankind,” thing is the rubbish, particularly plastic were the words attributed to bags. Kosovo has stunning scenery, but it Thaci on the gold plaque placed is spoilt slightly by the site of fly-tipping outside the new, modern build- by the side of the road and rivers clogged ing in Agim Ramadani, byPhoto Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit The new Academy for Science and Arts has won praise for its design, but not for its spelling up with plastic. Prishtina. But the inscription was quiet- at the inauguration, gave the situation or short supply. A new, “The issue has been very What’s your favourite hangout? ly removed not long after the name of the academy in corrected, plaque is now in much overexposed by the opening ceremony, and govern- Albanian and Latin. place. media, therefore the ministry I enjoyed Te Gjoni for the late night ment spokesman Memli Unfortunately, a misspelling Prishtina Insight contacted has decided not to comment on Krasniqi says the prime minis- in Latin renamed the centre ‘ the academy to attempt to this anymore,” said Majlinda rakija drinking, Dite e Nat for a civilised ter’s office knew nothing of the Academy of Science and resolve the riddle of Thaci’s Lulaj, the ministry’s spokesper- coffee and Tingell Tangell for the vibe. inscription before it was Dangerous Situations’. ‘plaque’ but received no reply. son. unveiled. The engraving included the The Ministry of Public The finishing touches are Will you be coming back? He said: “We do not know why word ‘Artum’ when it should Services, which manages gov- now being made to the building the inscription was there or why have read ‘Artium’. ernment buildings, refused to and soon Kosovo’s top intellec- I very much hope so. I’d love to experi- it was removed.” ‘Artum’ in Latin means nar- outline why the plaques had tuals are expected to move into ence the café culture in the summer and Another plaque, also unveiled row, limited space, a dangerous been removed. the new, 5 million euro offices. take some walks in the mountains. feature • January 29 - February 11, 2010 7

Second Serb Official Kicked Out of Kosovo

erbian Deputy Minister for Kosovo Branislav Ristic was detained on Tuesday Sin the municipality of Klina, along with four other officials, because they were carrying News in Brief News out political activity, Kosovo police reported. Ristic was interrogated by police in Klina together with Borislav Tajic of the Ministry for Kosovo and Metohija, Miladin Djurovic, direc- tor of the Centre for Social Work in Mitrovica, Svetislav Dabizljevic, parallel mayor of Klina, and a representative of returnees in the village of Dolac, Boza Markovic. “With no prior permission from Kosovo’s government for official visits in Kosovo, police will escort all persons entering Kosovo for such purposes back to the border,” Baki Kelani, Kosovo police spokesperson told Prishtina Insight. Earlier this month, Kosovo police interrupt- ed the visit of Serbian Minister for Kosovo Goran Bogdanovic when he and his team were in the town of Strpce, and escorted him to the border. Kurti Trial to Restart

he EU rule-of-law mission, EULEX, will in February restart a trial of the contro-

Photo byPhoto FoNet Tversial but hugely popular Vetevendosje, or self-determination, movement leader, Albin Kurti. Kosovo Becomes Home to “The trial is scheduled to re-start on February 15 in Prishtina District Court with scheduled hearings in February and March,” Kristiina Herodes, EULEX justice spokesper- Migrants and Asylum-Seekers son, told Prishtina Insight. The case started in 2007 when the UN’s inter- Kosovo’s position as Europe’s poorest country hasn’t stopped a small number of foreigners from trying to im administration presided over Kosovo, and was later transferred to EULEX. Herodes said start a new life here the trial was stopped in February 2008 as no Kosovo citizenship. interested in becoming a citizen say how many. defense lawyer could be found to defend Kurti. Ming decided to come to of Kosovo. The Interior Rexhepi said these new Kurti is accused of participating in a Kosovo five years ago, following Ministry said that during 2009 it nationals had met the main cri- Vetevendosje protest, against the UN’s plan for in the footsteps of his cousin received 30 such requests, teria, having lived and worked the future of Kosovo in February 2007, in which By Besiana Xharra who had reported back home including some asylum seekers in Kosovo for at least five years two people were killed by Romanian forces and that business opportunities and economic migrants. without committing a criminal approximately 80 were injured. He is accused of were good. The process of obtaining citi- offence. Foreigners married to obstructing officials from performing their lbanians left the then Today, Ming owns a three- zenship remains relatively Kosovars can obtain nationali- duties during the protest, held in Prishtina. Serbian province of storey building and runs a thriv- untested in Kosovo, however. ty after only three years. On its website, Vetevendosje complains that AKosovo in their droves in ing shop. Just over a year ago, he Twelve months on, Ming has During 2009, according to the EULEX took over 1,200 files of special cases the 1990s, seeking refuge from decided to apply for citizenship. received no response to his ministry spokesman, a number from the UN, including high-level corruption, persecution and the chance to “Five years ago, when I first request. When he submitted it, of individuals were refused cit- but has instead decided to press ahead with the start a better life in the West. came to Kosovo, I had no idea Kosovo’s parliament had not yet izenship, although he could not prosecution of Kurti. Now their newborn country that I would apply for citizen- adopted its law on foreigners, say why. has become a destination for ship, but after some years, and which regulates the procedures There are no exact figures on Local NGO the Council for Protection of migrants and asylum seekers seeing that business and life are for non-residents living and the number of foreigners liv- Human Rights and Freedoms in Kosovo claims from other parts of the world as good, I decided to apply to working in the country. ing in the country but the that ‘the re-start of the trial against Albin far away as Afghanistan and become a citizen,” he told Fisnik Rexhepi, media advis- largest contingent is believed Kurti is political due to the fear of a worsening China. Prishtina Insight. “If I can get er at the Interior Ministry, says to come from China. About 370 situation as a consequence of poverty and the Lian Ming, 35, from China, is citizenship, I won’t have any that since the law on foreigners businesses in Kosovo are corruption of local and international politi- one of a few dozen foreigners problems in future in staying was adopted some applicants owned by people from China. cians’. that have journeyed thousands here.” had received citizenship Meanwhile, some Indians, of miles and are now seeking Ming is not the only foreigner papers, although he could not Afghans and Turks have EULEX’s Complaints sought asylum in the country. The police previously sent asy- Commission to ‘Start Soon’ lum-seekers to hotels but a tem- he European rule of law mission, porary centre has now been EULEX, has revealed that an independ- opened for them in the ent panel to review human rights’ abuses Taukbashqe neighbourhood of T Prishtina. by its staff will start dealing with complaints “The European Commission soon. in Kosovo has allocated 2 mil- The news comes after the international pres- lion euro to build a permanent sure group Human Rights Watch criticised the centre for asylum seekers in European Union Council for having not Lipjan,” Rexhepi said. approved ‘an independent review mechanism Lipjan was chosen for its for EULEX’, 12 months after the mission proximity to Prishtina and the became operational. international airport. HRW said this called into question ‘the EU’s Construction of the centre is commitment to accountability for potential expected to begin in February. abuses arising from the exercise of the execu- Despite the small number of tive mandate of a flagship European Security asylum seekers in Kosovo, the and Defence Policy mission’. government believes the con- But EULEX told Prishtina Insight that the struction of this centre is nec- EU Council had decided to establish the Human essary. Such a facility is “part Rights Review Panel back in November. of the criteria for the Spokeswoman Karin Limdal said: “The [European] integration recruitment of the panel members and staff for process,” Memli Krasniqi, the secretariat is ongoing as we speak.”

Photo byPhoto Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit spokesman for the govern- She added that the panel would soon start its Asylum seekers arriving at Prishtina airport will be taken to a new centre in Lipjan ment, explained. work dealing with complaints. • January 29 - February 11, 2010 By Shengjyl Osmani 8 Guide Kosovo’s Railways, a Safe but Slow way to Travel

s I arrived at Prishtina’s The railways of train station at 7am last Aweek, I was greeted with a Kosovo have seen closed door and an air of disre- pair. falling passenger Time appears to have stopped at the station, in more ways than one. Not only does the building numbers following look like it hasn’t been used or repaired for decades, the only Goods are more likely to be transported by train in Kosovo than passengers the country’s decla- clock visible from the platform is stuck with the big-hand over Today the train can’t even make cannot invest all its budget in this train is more romantic and com- ration of independ- ‘eleven’. it to Skopje, and while you can sector, but if it allows foreign fortable than by almost any other In the ‘ticket office’, the only travel all around Europe with companies to do that instead of means, but my trip to Macedonia ence in February employee at the station lit a ciga- only one InterRail ticket, you them, or offers a concession for was blighted by the cold. rette before offering me a ticket to need two tickets to travel between the railways, we strongly believe On the way to Hani i Elezit, the 2008, but this Hani I Elezit, in southern Kosovo. the capitals of Kosovo and that the overall picture will train was pumping out heat into I then discover that it is impossi- Macedonia. change a lot.” the carriages, although the con- ble to pay for the fare all the way Passenger numbers have Kosovo Railway has survived in stant opening of doors meant that underused means of to Skopje, but am pleased when he dropped from 400,000 a year recent years through donations it was still a pretty chilly trip. offers me a student ticket for 1.30 before independence, when the from countries such as Germany, Worse was, however, to come, as transport remains a euro to the Macedonian border. trains were run by UNMIK, to Italy and Sweden, which have pro- the locomotive which was con- Despite the slightly shambolic 200,000, partly due to the carving vided locomotives for free. For nected at the Macedonian border viable, if a little slow, start to the day, the train was on up of the railroad between example, in August 2009, Austria to take us to Skopje, didn’t pro- time and the guard promised me a Belgrade and Prishtina run com- handed over seven carriages to vide any heating. way of getting comfortable, warm journey, panies. The line between Peja and the service. On the return trip, I was treated despite the sub-zero tempatures Prishtina is now the most widely One of the main projects cur- in Kosovo to a train which looked around. Shengjyl outside. used route. rently being funded by the straight out of the Soviet Union Unfortunately, his promise was But Refet Citaku, spokesperson Ministry of Transport and and which also didn’t heat the not delivered as I shivered my for Kosovo Railways, believes that Telecommunication, is the pro- carriages. Amusingly, we were Osmani takes a ride way to the border in a virtually customers will return and train tection of steel bridges with anti- told that they used this older heat-free carriage, where I waited transport has a bright future in corrosive paint on the line train because the newer one does- on the train from for an hour before connecting the country. between Hani i Elezit and south n’t have functioning lights in the with the Macedonian Railway He is calling on the government Mitrovica. carriages. Prishtina to Skopje train, another sign that Kosovo’s to open the railways up to more One promising sector for the The lack of heating and rela- train transport continues to suf- private, foreign investment, so countries economic growth is the tively long journey time – three to find out more. fer because of the country’s con- that it can reach its potential. transport of freight, which hours compared to two on the bus tested status. Until then, plans to reopen the Citaku says is functioning more – certainly didn’t convince me to Currently, Kosovo Railways do line to Prizren and then connect efficiently than the passenger switch my regular use of the road not operate trains outside its bor- this with Albania’s railway net- service. to rail, certainly in the winter. ders and do not even cover the work will remain on the drawing Many goods from China arrive But travelling by train gives whole territory, as Serbian board due to a lack of funds. in Kosovo on trains and lignite you an opportunity to look out Railways run the service in the Citaku said: “By maintaining from South East Asia is trans- onto the beauty of Kosovo’s north of the country since the good railway infrastructure we ported to the Ferronikeli plant in nature, which you certainly don’t declaration of independence. will be able to have international Drenas on the railroads. get by bus, and provides a real This means that it is possible to trains crossing onto our lines, But the spokesman argues that sense of being able to travel any- catch a train from north which is a promising develop- the passenger service remains a where in Europe – once you have Mitrovica to Belgrade, but not ment for our economy and our practical and comfortable means reached Skopje anyway. from Prishtina. passengers. of transport. I certainly enjoyed the trip This is a far cry from the “A foreign investor must invest On my journey to Skopje the enough to give the train another Yugoslav era, when Fushe Kosove in this industry because a lot of carriages were clean, roomy and try in the spring or summer, hope- was a central hub in internation- capital is needed in order to make pleasant, and the views impres- fully looking out onto green fields al trains running from Belgrade any improvements. sive. and mountains, rather than to Thessaloniki, in Greece. “The Government currently Fundamentally, travelling by frozen earth.

Time Table: International Trains from Skopje:

Prishtina 7.10am - Skopje 10.20 Skopje - Thessaloniki Skopje 4.25pm - Prishtina 7.30pm 7.40 am and 5.30 pm (Travel time is around five hours) Price List: Skopje - Belgrade Prishtina - Hani i Elezit 2.50 € 9.00am and 8.45 pm (For students and elder people 1.30 euro) (Travel time is around nine hours) Hani i Elezit - Skopje 1.50 € • January 29 - February 11, 2010 9 Arte The Serbs: History, Myth and the Destruction of Yugoslavia Tim Judah’s third edition of this seminal work has been updated to include the conflict in Kosovo, the fall of Milosevic, the assassination of Zoran Djindjic, the independence referendum in Montenegro, Kosovo’s declaration of independence and the arrest of Radovan Karadzic. Tim Judah

His recent development of the the disintegration of the Judah adopted a more balanced modern day, he offers a succinct concept of the “Yugosphere”, Yugoslav state, The Serbs is both approach, placing events within a and incisive interpretation of By Kenneth Morrison written during his spell as a bold and balanced. wider historical context whilst how national myths were born, research fellow at London School While so many of the books not shrinking from strong, objec- how they survived throughout of Economics, is testament to which emerged in the mid to late tive criticism. the period of Ottoman occupa- im Judah, the Economist’s this. 1990s tended to offer a simplistic, Tracing Serbian history from tion, how they were, to an extent, Balkan’s Correspondent, Unlike so many books written one-dimensional, even biased, the arrival of the Slavs in the neutralised by the Yugoslav com- Tand regular Balkan Insight about the history of Serbia and interpretation of the conflicts, Balkans in the 6th century to the munist doctrine of “Brotherhood contributor, has fully updated one and Unity”, and how they were of the seminal works on the mod- rekindled by political elites in ern history of Serbia, bringing the late 1980s. the narrative through to the pres- But the real strength of the ent day. book lies in the subsequent chap- In the past two decades there ters, which focus on the rise of has emerged a plethora of litera- Serb nationalism and the Serbs’ ture that has dealt with the myri- role in the Yugoslav wars of suc- ad and complex reasons for cession. Yugoslavia’s collapse and the sub- As a witness to many of the sequent wars that scarred first events discussed, Judah has Croatia from 1991 to 1995, then avoided being trapped by the Bosnia, 1992-95, and finally emotive nature of events. Kosovo, 1998-99. Instead, he blends the immedi- Within this extensive body of acy of journalistic reportage literature there exists a number with the sharp observations of of concise and illuminating the seasoned analyst and fast- scholarly and journalistic works moving narrative; the crisp and that have become worthy addi- vivid description of the political tions to the field. Lamentably, ambience which prevailed in however, the market was also Serbia during the late 1980s and awash with works of sub-stan- early 1990s, and his evocation of dard journalism, some of which the dark days of the war in lacked substance and were char- Bosnia, makes for an engaging acterised by subjectivity. read. The authors themselves often The latest (third) edition of lacked the depth of knowledge The Serbs, originally published required to understand, decode in 1997, has been fully revised and articulate the nuances of and updated to include the war in Yugoslav politics and society and Kosovo, the fall of Milosevic, the the multi-faceted character of the assassination of Zoran Djindjic, disintegrative process. the independence referendum in Thankfully, Tim Judah’s The Montenegro, Kosovo’s declara- Serbs: History, Myth and the tion of independence and the Destruction of Yugoslavia, belongs firmly in the former cate- arrest of Radovan Karadzic. gory. Unlike the previous two edi- Judah is currently the tions, it brings the story full cir- Economist’s Balkans correspon- cle (the first edition, for example, dent, and is also the author of essentially ended with the imme- Kosovo: What Everyone Needs to diate aftermath of the Bosnian Know and Kosovo: War and war) and ends on a positive note, Revenge. with Serbia on the cusp of a He has diversified into other brighter future. areas, such as covering wars in The third edition is, therefore, Africa and Georgia, and, most a more substantial body of work recently, writing Bikila, a biogra- than the pre-existing editions. phy of the Ethiopian marathon Concise, balanced, and (most runner, Abebe Bikila, who won importantly) accessible, The the 1960 Rome Olympic marathon Serbs remains a definitive, and running barefoot. relevant, text for students, schol- But he has spent the majority of ars and lay readers alike. his professional life focusing on the former Yugoslavia. Judah cov- The Serbs: History, Myth and ered the wars in Croatia, Bosnia the Destruction of Yugoslavia, and Kosovo and became an By Tim Judah authority on the history and poli- Yale University Press, 3rd tics of the region. Edition, 2009 He has continued to consolidate his reputation since, and is one of Kenneth Morrison is a Senior the few journalists who under- Lecturer in Modern European stands the social, political and History at De Montfort University, economic dynamics of the region Leicester, UK, and the author of and, more importantly can convey Montenegro: A Modern History, those complexities with clarity. IB Tauris, 2009. • January 29 - February 11, 2010 10 Food & Drink Enjoy Far-Flung Food in a Homely Atmosphere at Home Restaurant tional eavesdropping. Nevertheless, the non-smoking area (another luxury in Prishtina) is surrounded by large windows, bring- By Maneater in Prishtina ing the outdoors in and instantly swelling the amount of breathing any restaurants choose to space. It’s quite a nice area to enjoy a associate themselves with solo meal, because of the lack of a Mwhat has now become large intimidating setting. known as a luxury – a home-cooked The extensive menu can accom- meal. And with the countless num- modate even the pickiest of eaters. ber of very reasonably priced din- In addition, the chef prepares a ing options available in this city, it daily specials’ menu. If you’re in a isn’t a surprise that many people rush, these options usually arrive choose to eat out on a regular basis. much faster. Home restaurant, located next to Out of an array of fairly atypical the OSCE building in downtown, sounding starters, my dining part- embraced the ‘home-cooked’ craze ner and I went with the hummus when it first opened, applying it to and flatbread. The flatbread is an internationally inspired menu, warm and crispy, while the hum- which pokes at various popularised mus could use a touch more lemon The interior also plays its rustic role well cuisines, from Japanese to Greek, juice for an added bit of acidity. Mexican to Hawaiian. Keeping in line with North The second main we chose was include their swanky fillet- any meal. Also, remember that The interior also plays its rustic African flavours, we ordered the the sesame chicken special, which mignon gyros, served with a tangy bread options are freshly prepared role well with butter-coloured walls, Moroccan chicken as our first arrived with a serving of crispy Greek-style tzatziki yogurt sauce, and a great additions to any meal. adorned with large slabs of rock, main. Pieces of barbecued chicken, potato slices, and a buttery sauce and their tuna and salmon cakes Dessert choices vary according wooden beams, a fireplace, lantern- clearly marinated and spiced to topped with fresh parsley. Again, laid on a bed of fresh greens – a to the specials menu, so make sure like light fixtures and meals served mimick Moroccan custom, was far the chicken was nicely dressed, very reasonably priced fish to ask the waiter for available on mismatched plates. However, from bland, and went well the with suggesting that the other Indian, option. options. More importantly waiters because of the awkward dining cold couscous salad, combined with Mexican and Italian poultry Their additional side options are very attentive and do not hesi- area divided into three small cavi- cucumbers, tomatoes and onions. options would produce similarly are quite convenient, providing a tate to offer suggestions. ties, tables are positioned close to A refreshing yogurt sauce success- adequate results. choice of salad, rice, couscous or Home Restaurant, one another, allowing for uninten- fully combines the two together. Other favourites at Home potato variations to combine with 044 336 336,Rr.Migjeni 1 Marketing Amélie – A New, Light Style of Eating for Kosovo

he team behind Amélie cer- tainly knows how to turn on Tthe style. Not content with one of the trendiest restaurants in Prishtina – Bistro – they moved into the cof- fee bar market last year, once again delivering a stunning interior, great food, fresh juices and excel- lent coffee. In fact, the venue has been such a success that the management plan to open a new Amélie in a yet undisclosed location in Prishtina. The place buzzes at lunchtime as well-healed workers tuck into the extensive range of sandwiches, sal- ads, pastas and more. But despite the brisk custom, the light room, with floor-to-ceiling windows, never feels cramped. Amélie is also one of the first cafés in Prishtina to introduce self- service. While slightly confusing for customers used to table service, the process undoubtedly speeds up Photo byPhoto Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit your meal for those looking for a meal. comment. toes, green onions, mayonnaise waiters, with pride, offer a variety quick bite. When we arrived on a bright I then opted for a roast beef sand- and pickles. It was a textbook ver- of blends. You certainly get the Mercifully, Amélie also offers weekday for lunch, a lot of young, wich that comes with mustard, sion of this sandwich classic. impression that the owners have a fresh, healthy food and a good trendy twenty-somethings were tomatoes, mayonnaise, lettuce, fried If you are dieting or want to top passion for good brews. range of sandwiches, which are tucking into lunch. onions and mushrooms. The meat up your meal with a small morsel, The Amélie brand is 100 per cent surprisingly absent from the First our Zorba the Greek salad was flavoursome, the sauce added a Amélie is currently serving up Arabica and smelled and tasted Prishtina dining scene. arrived, well seasoned and fresh, little piquant edge to the dish, but bite-size sandwiches at the splendid. I, for one, was pleased to be able with tomatoes, black olives, feta the sandwich’s killer detail was the extremely reasonable price of 0.80 The venue is also a fine place for to take a break from the usual, cheese, croutons, lettuce and red fresh, delectable sesame bread, pro- euro. a weekend brunch, serving up heavy traditional food available in onions, all covered with olive oil. duced at the Odyssea bakery, a sis- For dessert, we had cheese cake, great omelets and fresh juices, most eateries. There are only so The manager told us that the ter venue to Amélie. Such a sand- chocolate cake and delicious ranging from apple to carrot, per- many bureks a man can eat. suppliers know if the quality of wich can keep you going all day valerone, a solid chocolate cake. fect that Sunday morning pick-you- And if you are a non-smoker, the vegetables don’t meet Amélie’s long. You can also find trifles, patis- up. there are six tables that you can requirements, then it will be My partner decided to go for the series and more. Desserts are a relax at without worrying about turned away. The taste of the salad classic Nicoise sandwich, which must at Amélie. Amelie, Fehmi Agani 10, second-hand smoke ruining your certainly testified to the manager’s came with tuna, boiled eggs, toma- When you ask for coffee, the Prishtina , Kosovo. By Shega A’Mula • January 29 - February 11, 2010 11 in Prishtina Inside Prishtina Building Review: Shop Review: Termokos Tom Tailor Termokos’ chimney is undoubtedly a Prishtina land- mark, but it is also part of a plant which supplies heat to 13,000 homes in the city. This week, with unpaid bills and debts mounting, it cut of supplies to dozen of flats.

he chimney of Termokos every year, Zana Prishtina’s Termokos Efendia, spokesperson and Tdistrict heating compa- manager of public relations, ny has no trouble competing told Prishtina Insight. with the rest of the city’s “Government subsidies are quirky structures that make 600,000 euro a year and are up the city’s puzzling post- used to purchase mazut, and socialist skyline. For one, it are not meant to go towards t some point in our day-to-day lives, the need for stands at 80 metres tall, with paying the debt,” she said. comfort exceeds the need to be trendy. At Tom an eye-catching star-shaped Instead, a system for repro- ATailor’s new downtown location, the casual life is base reaching a diameter of gramming customer debt was rewarded with pieces promoting a simple approach, some- three metres. initiated a year and a half ago, thing along the lines of hovering in the trend zone with- But the height has nothing and residents who have paid out making a fully-fledged landing. to do with aesthetic ambi- back the least have been cut And the shop is something of a rarity in Kosovo’s tions. The chimney was built off, Termokos announced on clothes market as it is an international chain. to that height to eject haz- Wednesday. Denim, the world’s universal casual staple, is available ardous fumes further away The facilities show signs of for both men and women. Rinses are overwhelmingly sim- from living things. Usually a lack of investment - win- ple – not too light, not too dark, with no added embellish- these types of flues are also dows of the main building are ments. equipped with filters in order broken, and Yugoslav-era Checkered, or tartan-covered dress shirts are the next to limit atmospheric pollu- machinery is still in use, most obvious fad at the store, again for both genders. tion. I say usually because according to one worker who However, the male variations stands out as slightly Termokos does not have one. has been with the company for more appealing, with more interesting patterns. Other The absence of filter can 30 years. men’s options include graphic t-shirts and hoodies. largely be blamed on the pub- The same conditions can be The women’s section includes a variety of long-sleeved lic companies financial woes. found at Kosovo’s other dis- t-shirts, v-neck knitwear and trousers you can get away Since the end of the 1998-99 trict heating systems in with wearing at the office. conflict, citizens and institu- Gjakova and Mitrovica. My favourite piece would have to be the slim-fitting tions alike have put off paying Efendia told Prishtina fleece zip-up sweaters, which are a hard find in the city. their heating bills – a debt Insight that the Mitrovica Other interesting finds include the leather options for which according to Termokos plant is barely functioning. both genders, which are currently on sale. Other winter has reached 15 million euro. However, a new European season items have also been discounted by 50 to 70 per- In turn, Termokos has Commission financial grant of cent. incurred their own debts with 14 million euro will be allocat- Options are not really suited for evening attire, and their suppliers of mazut, the ed to the three plants in order black garments are rare. low quality fuel the company to repair and revive the means Prices at Tom Tailor are slightly more inflated than at uses to heat the city. The debt of production and distribu- local boutiques, but the feel of fabrics suggests quality. and fluctuations in the price of tion. The brand, currently located in over 25 countries, con- mazut ignited concerns that Some 8.83 million euro will siders itself a premium label of the middle-market seg- Termokos would not be able to be used to repair Prishtina’s ment. provide heat to city residents current 60km long channel The spring collection hasn’t arrived yet, but is sched- just a couple of weeks ago. system, and elongate it in uled to sometime in February. Photo byPhoto Insight Prishtina for A’Mula Shega The government provides order to reach, and heat new Address: At the corner of Rexhep Luci Street and Mother Termokos’ landmark chimney subsidies of 600,000 euro to city neighbourhoods. Teresa Square. Bar Review: Lounge, a little The armchairs in the front are so comfortable that you may fall asleep while sitting there, if it wasn’t for a great view on the pedestrian side- By Gonzodiac walk that takes people in and out of the Pejton quarter. Little Lounge is cool in the summer and very, ie, sit or stand, in a relaxed way. This is the very warm in the winter. definition you will get for the word ‘lounge’ The décor qualifies as “fancy”, according to Lin most dictionaries of the English lan- Prishtina standards, but is given an edge by some guage and definitely applies to the “Lounge i strange paintings at the back of the bar. Vogel” or the Little Lounge, a café situated in Upon entering, on the right wall, there are between Bamboo and Apartment, by Central three cover stories of the daily Express that Room and many other cafés on the corner of defined Kosovo’s declaration of independence, Garibald and Justinian street in Pejton. with headlines reading “Tomorrow at 15:00” – Comfort is what Lounge offers first, while the “Fuck YU” and “Kosovo – Republic”. overall friendly spirit of the staff is the unique- Smoke can be a problem when it’s really crowd- ness of this standard hangout of locals, where ed, despite the good ventilation system. Lounge is internationals usually enter by mistake. a place to have coffee, read newspapers and gos- The small bar serves just as a warm-up while sip about business or politics up to 8pm. you wait for a spot at one of limited number of Then, smoothly, the staff change the lighting tables, and where you can use the free wireless to and turn off the espresso machine. Coffee is not check your emails before jumping into one of the served after 8pm, but beer and strong liquors Photo byPhoto Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit comfortable chairs. are. Lounge’s ‘fancy’ decor 12 • January 29 - February 11, 2010 neighbourhood

Albania Moves to Duels Over Bosnia Unlikely to Strengthen its Role in Region

lbania’s Foreign Minister Ilir Set Balkans Aflame Meta has announced that the Acountry will soon open an The common interest of Serbia and Croatia in pursuing EU membership diminishes the potential of their war of in Brief News embassy in Sarajevo, the latest sign words over Bosnia to develop into a serious conflict. that Tirana aims to take a larger regional role, following its entry into October’s planned general elec- NATO. tion. “Taking into account Albania’s “Mesic’s statement could be increasing role in the Western interpreted as an undiplomatic, Balkans, our government has decided By Sabina Niksic end-of-career warning to to soon open the Albanian embassy in Republika Srpska that by esca- Sarajevo,” said Meta during a recent lating the crisis in Bosnia they meeting with his Slovakian counter- ecent exchanges of could jeopardize the stability of part Miroslav Lajcak. inflammatory rhetoric in the entire region,” the diplomat “This step is a clear sign of the atten- Rthe Western Balkans over told Balkan Insight. tion that Albania pays to Bosnia- Bosnia have raised fears of pos- Herzegovina and its perspective for the sible new conflicts in the region, Croatian analyst Davor whole region,” Meta added. though most experts downplay Gjenero said he was not entirely Albania-Serbia relations have also such concerns, pointing to the convinced that Serbia would opt enjoyed a honeymoon of sorts in recent positive effects of ever-closer for a hands-off policy in Bosnia. ties to the European Union. He suggested that Serbia still months, despite holding completely Croatia’s outgoing President, saw itself as a kind of regional opposing views on Kosovo’s unilateral Stjepan Mesic, stole the spot- superpower, which was indicat- declaration of independence. light last week when he told ed by its stance towards those journalists at an informal brief- countries of the region that Macedonian Pubs Protest ing in Zagreb that he would send have recognised the independ- Stjepan Mesic (right), the outgoing Croatian president Anti-Smoking Law Croatian troops into Bosnia and ence of Kosovo. Herzegovina if Bosnian Serbs sacre by Bosnian Serb forces of to hold back the rest of the Serbia’s action in withdraw- afe, pub and restaurant owners made concrete moves towards some 8,000 Bosniaks (Bosnian region. ing its ambassadors from in Macedonia closed last Friday secession. Muslims) in the eastern The well-known Croatian Montenegro and Macedonia Cto voice their concern over the Mesic spoke in response to Bosnian town of Srebrenica. political analyst Zarko Puhovski after they recognised Kosovo impact of new strict anti-smoking leg- repeated announcements by At about the same time, agrees that Bosnia “has fortu- showed Belgrade still sees some islation, which they say is turning cus- Milorad Dodik, the Prime Croatian President-elect nately lost its potential as a fuse of former Yugoslav neighbours tomers away. Minister of the Bosnian Serb Josipovic announced that that can trigger…a new explo- as “part of its zone of influ- Owners say the ban on smoking, entity, Republika Srpska, that Croatia might withdraw the law- sion in the region”. ence”, Gjenero said. introduced in the New Year, is dealing a he may hold a referendum on suit it filed against Serbia at the Puhovski said Bosnia had However, analysts in Belgrade severe blow to their businesses. Most the entity’s future. International Court of Justice, been explosive in the past main- dismiss the idea that Serbia President Mesic’s statement ICJ, in 1999, accusing it of geno- ly because Croatia and Serbia might risk jeopardizing the sta- establishments will remain closed for drew angry reactions from the cide during the 1991-95 war in had fought their political battles bility of the region in order to the whole day. leaders of the Republika Srpska Croatia. over it. win concessions from the EU as “We warn that the anti-smoking law and Serbia itself. In January, Serbia filed a “But for the first time in a kind of regional kingmaker. is likely to result in the closure of pubs Boris Tadic, the President of countersuit against Croatia, recent history, relationships “Serbia has invested a lot of and restaurants, staff layoffs and utter Serbia, accused Mesic of “saber- also in the ICJ, accusing Croatia between these two countries are effort…to help Bosnia resolve collapse of the sector,” the head of the rattling” and of issuing “a call of having committed genocide not even relevant, Puhovski its problems,” said Ivan caterers’ association Darko Danilov to war” in his address to a ses- against the Croatian Serbs in added. Vejvoda, executive director of told press on Thursday. sion of the UN Security Council 1995. “The relationship with the US-sponsored Balkan Trust Official figures show that nearly half devoted to Kosovo last Friday. After Croatian troops overran Belgrade is nowhere near the for Democracy, in Belgrade. of all adults in Macedonia smoke. However, most analysts in the breakaway Serbian statelet top of Croatia’s list of priorities “Tadic was very clear when he The new law prohibits smoking in Bosnia and Croatia believe the in Croatia, the Republika while Slovenia has replaced said that Serbia considers virtually all enclosed public areas in latest spat is in danger of being Srpska Krajina, in 1995, up to Serbia in the role of Croatia’s Bosnia’s sovereignty to be invio- Macedonia. Even the open terraces of blown out of proportion. 200,000 Serbs fled the country enemy.” lable,” he told Balkan Insight. restaurants and bars are non smoking “Mesic’s statement does not and several hundred were Not everyone in Bosnia is con- Vejvoda said Bosnia’s prob- areas. deserve too much attention killed. fident that Bosnia’s unresolved lems were complex and could However, the main ruling VMRO because he is on the way out,” Tadic welcomed Josipovic’s problems can remain contained not be “fixed overnight” but the DPMNE party has already cracked the Banja Luka-based political announcement and said he was within its borders, however. international community as under public pressure from the smok- analyst Tanja Topic told Balkan in favour of withdrawing the Srecko Latal, a Sarajevo- well as the country’s neighbours ers and the hospitality industry, and Insight. mutual accusations of genocide. based analyst with the had “invested too much in its suggested amendments to the law that “The man who will replace Topic said these conciliatory International Crisis Group, stability to allow it to collapse”. would allow smoking in outdoor spaces him is a cultured leader without moves signaled a resolve by ICG, told Balkan Insight that a “The memories of the 1990s of cafes, terraces and other objects a taste for conflict who will do Croatia and Serbia to leave common interest in pursuing wars are still too fresh and we with no roofs during the spring and his best to calm the situation in behind their difficult past and EU membership was encourag- have all paid too high a price to summer months. the triangle between Bosnia, focus on their common ing Croatia and Serbia to “clear- be led into another conflict. We Croatia and Serbia,” Topic European aspirations. ly change their approach to understand the need to sit Serbia Wants to Turn New added. This meant both countries Bosnia, with the former being around the same table and talk,” She was referring to the backing away from Bosnia and particularly advanced in its he added. Page with Montenegro newly elected Social Democrat, Herzegovina and leaving its final disengagement from the Political analysts across the Ivo Josipovic, who is to replace bickering leaders to reach an Bosnian Croats”. region appear to share the belief erbia is ready to turn a new page Mesic as head of state on understanding on the future of However, Latal warned that that closer ties to the European in its relations with Montenegro, February 18. their ethnically divided country. regardless of the actual ques- Union offer the best “exit strate- Safter relations between the two Topic said Mesic’s statement “Both Serbia and Croatia are tion that citizens of Republika gy” from the kind of ethnic countries worsened following should not be allowed to over- rushing towards European Srpska might be invited to problems currently plaguing Podgorica’s decision to establish diplo- shadow recent positive develop- Union membership and they do answer, if Dodik sticks to his Bosnia and Herzegovina. matic links with Kosovo. ments in relation to Bosnia, not have time or energy to waste plan to organise a referendum, “Right now the European In an interview with Podgorica daily including President Tadic’s on arguments in the Balkans,” Bosniaks and Bosnian Croats Union holds the key to stability Dan on Tuesday, Serbian President forthright message to Dodik Topic said. would see this as a move in our region as we have unfor- Boris Tadic said that relations between that Serbia would not back any Croatia is tipped to be the towards de facto partition. tunately proven not intelligent Serbia and Montenegro are worse than moves to dismantle Bosnia. next former Yugoslav country to “That could set the stage for a enough to solve our problems on before and that both countries should In an interview for a Bosnian join the European Union follow- whole new ballgame and our own,” the Belgrade analyst work on their improvement. private television station earlier ing Slovenia, which joined in because of the strong hard-line Jovo Bakic told Balkan Insight. “Serbia is ready to turn a new page in January, Tadic said Serbia 2004. Serbia submitted a formal current in Serbia, Tadic might “Becoming part of a Europe in relations with Montenegro, which would never risk losing its application to join the 27-nation then find it much more difficult without borders is an aspiration means respecting the legitimate state international credibility by sup- bloc on December 23. to say no to Dodik,” he said. shared by all the countries in interests of both countries,” the daily porting “any act or referendum Topic said Bosnia was now A Western diplomat in Bosnia the region,” the Sarajevo ana- quoted him as saying. that would lead to the dissolu- being left on its own to make the who asked not to be named also lyst Emir Habul agreed. Relations between the two countries tion of Bosnia”. choice between “following in its expressed concern that lack of have been rocky since Montenegro Tadic’s words came less than neighbours’ footsteps or progress in Bosnia could pose a Sabina Niksic is a regular recognised Kosovo’s independence on 9 a week after he urged Serbia’s remaining in a state of painful threat to the whole region, espe- Balkan Insight contributor in October, 2008, prompting Belgrade to parliament to adopt a resolution stagnation for as long as it cially if, as expected, ethnic ten- Sarajevo. Balkan Insight is throw out Montenegro’s ambassador to condemning the July 1995 mas- wants” – but without the power sions mount in the run-up to BIRN`s online publication. Serbia. opinion • January 29 - February 11, 2010 13 A Judiciary in Limbo Dear Teta Mia...

really matter. What matters is dates such as Nerxhivane the fact that ten years after the Dauti and Arsim Bajrami. Teta Mia solves your problems war the citizens have their The inclusion of these people By Isa Gacaferi mouths full of rule-of-law would clearly be very benefi- words, but in practice no one is cial for the political parties as Where is Jerusalem? pushing ahead with the adop- it would enable them to decide Disoriented, Prishtina tion of these basic laws that who will be part of the judicial n most democratic states in would improve substantially system in the future. o wonder you’re disoriented, Disoriented! the world, there is a clear the “rule of law”. This push ‘to have my people’ A quick web search shows that Jerusalem division between executive, For sure, such a situation is I in the judicial system is anoth- Nis located around 31°46’02”N 35°12’49”E, legislative and judicial powers. suiting someone, but certainly er indicator that our political that is, on the border of central Israel and the The independent functioning it is not suiting the citizens parties are hoping to have the West Bank. But delving only slightly deeper, and I of these powers represents a who have been waiting for a Law on their side. But why discover that no, Jerusalem is in fact the original solid basis for a democratic decade now to solve their would you want to ensure that name for Istanbul (where Jesus, born in 1054 AD, state, rule of law and a state issues in the courts, leading you have justice on your side if lived and preached, according to that promotes and protects some plaintiffs to take the jus- you are clean? revisedhistory.org), or in Monroe County, Ohio, human rights, freedom of tice into their own hands. With all my naïvete, I under- with a population of 152. expression, property rights The tendency to control the stand that the parties in power Serbian foreign minister Vuk Jeremic added to and more. There is such a divi- judicial system is evident also I cannot but ask are for a judicial system in the confusion in a recent puff piece for the New sion in Kosovo too, but only on with the lack of a parliamen- limbo and not an independent York Times: “This place, Kosovo, is our myself, are we paper. tary committee to deal with the one. Jerusalem; you just can’t treat it any other way The interference of politics jurisprudence examinations. But I am not so naïve as to than our Jerusalem,” he said. really the in Kosovo’s judicial system, Two years have past now with think that only the Really? Mr Jeremic, you really want this? You absence of laws to reform and no new lawyer in Kosovo’s judi- Government is to blame here. really want to split Kosovo down the middle into “Young restructure the courts, lack of cial system. Part of the blame is also with two eternally contested and antagonistic halves? a committee to deal with the This, again, is the Oh, hang on a minute... Europeans”, the the new voiceless lawyers. jurisprudence examinations Government’s fault; respective- But then I heard that actually Prizren is where I can state this based on my and the existence of multiple ly the Ministry of Justice, Jerusalem is, at least according to our dear Prime people from the experience of when I wanted to laws for the same purpose have which is legally obliged to Minister Hashim Thaci. “Prizren is Jerusalem for interview young lawyers for already caused damage. make proposals for new us!” Initially, I thought this was a witty retort to advertising spot BIRN’s justice report, but And don’t you find it absurd lawyers to take the bar exam, Jeremic, referencing the founding of the League which cost the that the reforms to the judici- and the parliamentary commit- many turned down requests for of Prizren in 1878, often considered the birth of ary have included vetting can- tee for judiciary and legisla- their views to be heard. the Albanian quest for statehood. Government mil- didates, but that there is no tion, which should discuss the Most of the answers I got It seems I was far too flippant in assuming Thaci new blood being vetted, just the legality of the proposal for a went like this: “I can’t be open would debase the sacred icon of Jerusalem in tit- lions of Euros? same old judges and prosecu- commission on jurisprudence to speak as they may take for-tat banter. No, the “us” meant the PDK. A PDK tors? With an average age of examination. revenge when I get to the win in Jerusalem, sorry, I mean Prizren, on the 31 We are giving an around 50 years, many of these In a BIRN Report, Bahri jurisprudence examination.” January re-run surely merits the religious servants of justice participated Hyseni, head of the parliamen- I cannot but ask myself, per- metaphor... image to the in Serbian-run courts during tary committee for judiciary haps my colleagues, the But, Mr Thaci, do you really want this? Not the the jackboot years of 1989 to and legislation, said that most lawyers, who fail to raise their winning part, but the association with a city rent world, an image 1999, so it comes as no surprise of the candidates suggested for voices against this problem, asunder by inter-communal strife. Prizren had that citizens are distrustful of the parliamentary committee and all of us, as Kosovo citi- this in 2004, and the scars are still ghastly to of good-looking the judiciary. by the ministry do not fulfil the zens, deserve to be fooled by behold. Do you want the most beautiful city in and enthusiastic Who is guilty for these prob- legal requirements. On the the Government? Kosovo to be worshipped by the rest of the world lems? If the citizens are asked other side, Astrit Kolaj, the I cannot but ask myself, are but riven by the mutual hatred of those who live young people, they would probably respond: spokesperson for the MoJ, we really the “Young within? “The Government itself !” I blames the delays in forming Europeans”, the people from William Blake also had ideas about where ready “to build a agree with them. Here’s the the jurisprudence committee the advertising spot which cost Jerusalem should be: England. Writing sublime reason: The draft laws for the on the committee for legisla- the Government millions of poetry in the naive days of the early nineteenth reform of the judicial system state”, and on tion and judiciary, which he Euros? We are giving an image century,Blake pondered whether Jesus had in fact are gathering dust at the gov- been to England in his poem And did those feet in says is impeding the process. to the world, an image of good- ernment building of the long- ancient time, but resolved that it did not funda- the other hand If we take into account the looking and enthusiastic young awaited Republic of Kosovo. mentally matter; what we do today is what counts: proposed names of the candi- people, ready “to build a state”, Let me give you some exam- we feel sup- dates for this commission, it’s and on the other hand we feel ples of the legislation that is in I will not cease from Mental Fight, very obvious why the commis- suppressed and disciplined in pressed and dis- limbo: the draft law on courts, Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand: sion is not formed yet. The zeal front of the authorities who draft law on the organisation of and ego of the coalition parties Till we have built Jerusalem, ciplined in front the judicial council, draft law could spoil our careers “in case In Englands green & pleasant Land. to control everything by any we dare to speak”. on public prosecutions, draft means, regardless of the price The advertising spot and the of the authorities law on the organisation of the for the citizen, have been the Today’s job is to build a little bit of heaven right rhetoric of the rulers that “no prosecution councils and more. main reason for blocking the where we are. who could spoil one is above the law” are moti- These are some of the laws process. I was tempted, Disoriented, to preach to Messrs vating but it is also immoral to which are supposed to bring in Justice minister Kelmendi Jeremic and Thaci about the dangers of deploying our careers “in waste money to improve the a new, proper and better func- proposed Iliriana Islami, Vjosa metaphor for rhetorical effect. I had thought per- image to the world when the haps to educate them of where Jerusalem – or Al- tioning judiciary in Kosovo. Osmani and Ruzhdi Berisha as case we dare to apple is rotten from inside. Quds, or Yerushalayim – is, of the reverence in The reasons for not being candidates. The first two can- The youth is still considered which it is held by the world’s huge monotheistic speak”. processed and adopted in par- not be part of the commission the future of Kosovo. If we religions, of the daily agony of its citizens. liament are manifold, but the as Islami herself is a judge But on sober reflection, I think they may be onto real reasons in my opinion is with the Constitutional Court briefly analyse the situation something. I think that perhaps Mr Thaci and Mr as follows: apparently there and Osmani is the advisor to one may learn that we can only Jeremic may, in their twin though unrelated was no coordination within the President Sejdiu. Berisha on become judges and prosecutors speeches, have got it right. Jeremic was informing Government on the content of the other hand, according to when we get to our 30s to 50s. the world by the medium of the New York Times the legislation as these bills Bahri Hyseni, does not fulfil If we remain silent, tacitly that Serbia would strive to build a bit of heaven in have remained in the office of the criteria as he lacks ten con- approving an established gov- Kosovo, making the lives of the human beings that Prime Minister since last sistent years of experience ernance with the tendency to March, and secondly I believe inhabit this space just a little bit better. working as a judge. control everything, then we that interventions by the inter- And Thaci was agreeing – while being more spe- That the names are people cannot expect to have an inde- national community and the cific. Prizren after all would be a logical place to close to LDK is crystal clear, pendent judiciary. process of institutional organi- start. It has divine architecture, awesome scenery including Ruzhdi Berisha, who sation – such as decentralisa- and Dokufest. publicly declared on the pro- Isa Gacaferi is a researcher tion – have also had a direct So, Disoriented, I hope I have been of some spiri- gramme ‘Jeta në Kosovë’ that and journalist covering the jus- impact on the timetables. tual if not geographic assistance. And if you need he was a member of the LDK in tice system at BIRN. He is cur- At the end of the day, whatev- more banal advice, here it is: Jerusalem is not a the past. rently pursuing his masters at er the reasons, for us, as city anyway; it’s a type of sunflower, and its tubers The other axis in the coali- the Faculty of Justice at the Kosovo citizens, they don’t make delicious soup. tion - PDK - has its own candi- University of Prishtina.

To send a letter to Prishtina Insight, email [email protected]. 14 • January 29 - February 11, 2010 If you would like your NGO to appear in our Making a Difference feature, please NGO Focus email [email protected]

Embassies ‘A Soft Hand, Cold Mind and Warm and Liaison Offices in Heart’ – One2One Kosova Prishtina

child’s suffering from the identify the needs of these children American consequences of domestic and work alongside One2One Address: "Nazim Hikmet" no. 30 Aviolence or family break- Kosova and Hope and Home for Arbëria/Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina down is, unfortunately, stranger to Children to meet the requirements. Phone: +381 (0) 38 549 516 no country. But in Kosovo, the trau- The project also aims to improve Austrian ma of war sometimes intensifies the the conditions at the children’s shel- Address: "Ahmet Krasniqi" no. 22 psychological problems faced by ter run by Hope and Home for Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 those growing up in difficult home Children in Prizren, currently shel- Prishtina environments. tering some 20 children. Phone: +381 (0) 38 249 284 Belgian Since 1999, the non-governmental “Regardless if they are children Address: "Taslixhe" I, 23 A organisation One2One Kosova has with special needs or victims of 10000 Pristina been helping families suffering domestic violence, they still need to Phone: +381 (0) 38 734 734 from the stress and trauma of war play, to draw and be educated,” said British and, more recently, those dealing Merita Halitaj, head of One2One Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 6 with divorce and domestic violence. Kosova. Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 The centres in Prizren and Peja She said that many parents in the Prishtina provide individual, family and thralls of a messy break-up forget Phone: +381 (0) 38 254 700 group counselling to 150 clients about their children, and think Bulgarian every month, through approximate- more of revenge. Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 12 ly 500 consultation sessions, as well Halitaj added that when a couple Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina as offering outreach work in local decides to divorce, both sides come Phone: +381 (0) 038 245 540 schools and 50 villages in the two across many problems, but particu- Danish municipalities. larly women. Address: "Nene Teresa" no. 2 One2One Kosova has recently “There is a Family Law of Kosovo it is shared between so many family failed to communicate and coordi- members, mainly men,” Halitaj said. nate well together. 10000 Prishtina secured a grant from a European which claims that spouses are joint Phone: +381 (0) 38 249 995 “When a divorce procedure is initiat- “In every institutional chain Commission programme which sup- owners in equal shares of the joint Dutch ed, for a women, waiting for a month, there is a lack of a link, particularly ports civil society in Kosovo. property but in practice, this rarely Address:" Xhemal Berisha" no. 12 is like one hundred years. with the social institutions we deal During the two-year project, the happens,” Halitaj said. Velania, 10000 Prishtina NGO will work with children with She said that many women return “We had many cases when we told with.” Phone: +381 (0) 38 224 61 special needs and children who are to their ‘undesirable’ husbands a married couple that the best solu- But she added that the NGO has Finnish victims of domestic violence. because they don’t see any future as tion for them is divorce but we also an excellent relationship with social Str. Perandori Justinian No. 19 Pejton The project will be lead by an a divorcee. discuss with couples about how to workers from the social welfare cen- work on their relationship.” tres in Prizren and Peja. 10 000 Pristina association called Astra, which will “The property is usually small and Phone: +386 43 737 000 Halitaj said Kosovo institutions “There is a lack of multi-discipli- French nary experts in such centers,” Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 67 Halitaj claimed. “A social worker Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 has not enough time to deal with Prishtina families in depth and find out what Phone: +381 (0) 38 22 45 88 00 their real problem is,” she said. Greek “There are experts, but they deal Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 68 with such a bureaucracy that it Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina takes too much time.” Phone: +381 (0) 38 243 013 Awareness of domestic violence German is, generally,on the increase, accord- Adress: "Azem Jashanica" no. 17 ing to Halitaj. “For 2008, we had Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina some 2,800 cases. They are each dif- Phone: +381 (0) 38 254 500 ferent nature,” she said. Italian She stresses the fact that a child’s Address: "Azem Jashanica" no.5 physical and mental development is Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 244 925 the responsibility of their parents. Japanese “They cannot grow up normally if Address: "Rexhep Malaj" no. 43 they see insults, abuse and fights at 10000 Prishtina home every day between parents,” Phone: +381 (0) 38 249 995 Halitaj said. Luxemburg Address: "Metush Krasniqi" no. 14 “They always need a soft hand, Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina cold mind and warm heart,” Halitaj Phone: +381 (0) 38 226 787 said. Malaysian Address: "Bedri Shala" no. 48 For more information visit 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 243 467 Photo byPhoto Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit www.one2onekids.org One2One Kosova working with young people Norwegian Address: "Sejdi Kryeziu" no. 6 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 232 111 00 Easy Medium Hard Saudia Arabian Address: Dardania SU 7, building 2, #1 56 12 4 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 549 203 Slovenian 98 4 9 657 8 6 253 Address: "Anton Ceta" no. 6 10000 Prishtina 637 74162 43 9 Phone: +381 (0) 38 244 886 Swedish 945 4 9685Str. Perandori Justinian No. 19 Pejton 10 000 Pristina 47 23 87 53 Phone: +381 38 24 57 95 Swiss 82 9 3 1624 Address: "Adrian Krasniqi" no. 11 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 248 088 98 7 25743 827Turkish Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 59 263 823 6 57698Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina 38 64 9 Phone: +381 (0) 38 226 044 By Visar Hapçiu • January 29 - February 11, 2010 15 in Prishtina Timeout Contact Prishtina Insight if you would like your event to feature or to advertise your venue. Email [email protected] Prishtina Diary Cinema January 29, 10 PM Tetris Manipulative Space: Pop and Rock music will be played to entertain the crowd

January 29, 10 PM Duplex Club: Skopje’s DJ Babura will be playing the best of House/ Electro and Progressive and DJ Pamoni will continue with his Hip Hop mixes

January 29, 11 PM Peppermint Club: Black music night with DJ Akram from Switzerland

January 29, 9:30 PM Odyssea Bistro Bar: Zanzi band per- forming live all night long

January 29, 9 PM Swiss Bar: Friday night with Noizy and DJ D Master Cinema is currently screen- January 29, 9 PM ABCing ‘Did You Hear About the Filikaqa – Sports Bar: Karaoke night Morgans?’. This comedy directed by Mark (call 044 788 748 to reserve a table) Lawrence tells the story of a married cou- ple who are struggling to save their mar- January 29, 10 PM riage. Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh 212 Jazz Club: Etno Classic Band per- Grant are the main protagonists in this forming live movie which will be screened two times a day, starting from 8 PM and 10 PM. ABC January 30, 10 PM Cinema is also continuing to screen Duplex Club: Hip Hop night with DJ “Fame” each day from 4 and 6 PM. Goce from Skopje Ticket: 3 Euro Duration: 1h 45m January 30, 11 PM Reservation: 038 243 117 Peppermint Club: DJ AL will be closing January in style for Peppermint with Deep House music

January 30, 9:30 PM Odyssea Bistro Bar: Kthjellu band will be entertaining the guests for a special Saturday night Pristina In Your January 30, 10 PM Hard Rockers Club:A new band called Pocket city guide “The Sixies” will be bringing back the best of punk

January 30, 10 PM Tetris Manipulative Space: Rock n’ Roll New issue for sale at night with Genti and Guri Dukagjini and Dit e Nat January 30, 10 PM 212 Jazz Club: Latino Saturday with For more info tel. +38 649 173 447 Latino Band

February 1 to February 16 http://pristina.inyourpocket.com Gallery of Ministry of Culture: Personal Exhibition of Burim Arifi and Lirie Rrahmani 16 • January 29 - February 11, 2010 marketing