Prishtina Pays 30 Times Too Much for Fire Engine

Opinion: Europe Must Stay the Course in North Kosovo

January 14 - 27, 2011 Issue No. 55 www.prishtinainsight.com Price € 1 Restorers NEWS Kosovo Parties Wreak Havoc Renew Calls for New Poll on Prishtina’s > page 4 Old Hamam NEWS Four years after Kosovo: Corruption renovation work Comes to the Fore started on Pristina’s > page 5 15th-century baths, NEWS experts say many Brezovica Ski original features have Centre Plans been destroyed. Remain on Ice See Page 12 Prishtina Pays 30 Times Too Much For Fire Engine > page 6 INSIDE PRISHTINA Prishtina Insight reveals a capital scandal: how the city ended up with a fire engine too dangerous to use - and for which Hamam – Raising it paid vastly over the odds. the Bar By Petrit Collaku, Lawrence The vastly overpriced vehicle, But documents obtained from attached the ladder and other Marzouk and Shengjyl Osmani which it is believed was adapted Kosovo’s Office of the Auditor equipment from the older engine. inside Kosovo with parts from an General, under freedom of infor- Prishtina Insight has handed its fire engine for which city old fire engine, is so unsafe that mation laws, show that All Zone dossier of documents to Kosovo’s hall in Prishtina paid firefighters have refused to use it. instead imported two vehicles Anticorruption Agency, which Aalmost 300,000 euro had an Following the tender process in from Germany, not Poland. said it was to launch an investiga- estimated worth of just 11,000 May 2009 for a fire engine pro- One was built in 1985 with a lad- tion into the matter. euro, documents obtained by duced in 2000 or later, with a 30- der that did not function. Kosovo > page 19 Prishtina Insight show. metre hydraulic ladder, the munic- customs valued this vehicle at Four bidders, or just one? Our investigation has revealed ipality agreed to purchase a vehi- only 10,000 euro. The other was a that the bidding process was a cle from the company All Zone. 2000 Mercedes transport vehicle, Four firms originally made bids farce; the four firms bidding to The Prishtina-based firm pro- purchased by All Zone for 11,000 to supply the fire engine for supply the fire engine had all been vided a letter from an established euro. Prishtina: All Zone, Fast NP, Ideal registered at the same time and Polish firm, ISS Wawrzaszek, say- According to the Auditor Solutions and Pro Trade, with Kosovo’s only English-language had common owners and staff. ing they would supply the vehicle General’s Office and sources with- prices ranging from 300,000 to newspaper is available: Three operated from the same and spare parts. There is no sug- in the fire service, it is believed 379,000 euro. office and two had the same tele- gestion that Wawrzaszek acted that All Zone used the more mod- Delivered to phone numbers. improperly. ern vehicle to which it then continues page 2-3 Your Door

Kosovo Loses EU Free Trade Kosovo’s Lost City Rises From Newsstands Agreement From Earthy Tomb across Kosovo

A ten-year-old agreement with the Two-and-a-half metres underground, Sent To European Union and Kosovo allowing covering the equivalent of 120 football Your Inbox duty-free exports into the economic zone pitches, the ancient city of Ulpiana is slow- has not been renewed because of argu- ly being unearthed by Kosovar and inter- ments over the country’s disputed status. national archaeologists. From From January 1, 2011, the preferential Although the location has long been our partners trade agreement between ... known as the country’s ... business page 7 guide page 14-15 see page 23 for more info

is supported by: 2 January 14 - 27, 2011 Investigation Prishtina Pays 30 Times Too Much For Fire Engine

“We were not able to find any explanation as to how the evaluation committee arrived at this amount [300,000 euro] in reference to the awarded contract,” said the Office of the Auditor General

from page 1

Documents obtained by Prishtina Insight listed Gazmend Kelmendi as the chief executive of All Zone but other documents related to All Zone were signed by another man, Valon Zymberi. Kelmendi also signed the bid for Fast NP, however, while Zymberi signed also on behalf of Pro Trade. Fitim Jetullahu signed the bid for Ideal Solutions. All four firms were registered at Kosovo’s Business Registration Agency on the same day, January 27, 2009, and three of the companies are listed with almost identical addresses in the were group of friends and we wanted to Prishtina neighbourhood of indeed use one office in order not to pay Dardania. based at as much rent, this was the rea- A landline phone number listed the All Zone son,” he said. for All Zone on a letter sent to office at the time of the tender. Kosovo’s Public Procurement Prishtina municipality is the same At the time, Gazmend Kelmendi Agency has said that it is illegal as one listed for Ideal Solutions in was signing on behalf of both All for firms owned by the same indi- a contract award for another ten- Zone and Fast NP for documents vidual to bid for one tender as it der. related to the tender. could lead to price fixing. Gazmend Kelmendi told the “The reason there is one “No single person can be paper that he is no longer involved address is because we were a involved in two companies when with the firm All Zone and refused to comment. “Talk to Valon Zymberi because I am not the right person to talk about the contract,” Kelmendi said. Zymberi told Prishtina Insight he did not believe there was a conflict of interests in the bidding, though he admitted that three of the four firms were based from his office at the time of the bid. “I cannot call it a conflict on interest because I have participat- ed with All Zone and my wife with Pro Trade, which is owned by her brother,” he said. According to records at Kosovo’s business reg- istry, verified by Prishtina Insight, his wife, Syzana Zymber, is listed as the owner. “He [her brother] found a vehicle there [in Germany] and I could not tell him not to participate [in the bidding],” he said. “I cannot say this is a conflict of interest. I have my own work, he has his own work, both of us had our own bid,” he added. Zymberi added that he had no knowledge of Fast NP but he admitted that Ideal Solutions and Pro Trade

Y M C +381 38 602042, +377 44 243367, +386 49 243367 K Investigation January 14 - 27, 2011 3

Editor’s Word New Born

By Lawrence Marzouk

ith last week’s vote in Southern Sudan on its Wseparation from the northern part of Africa’s biggest state, Kosovo’s looks set to lose its privileged status as ‘the world’s newest country’. While its place as number one on the youth league was always going to end at some point, it is a timely reminder that the world moves on quickly. The moniker was not just handy for journalists looking for a simple label in their headlines, it was also an indi- cation of Kosovo’s position in The fire engine purchased by Prishtina Municipality for 300,000 euro the world of international politics. applying for a public tender; it’s a ment listed the vehicle they had Insight. enced approach. Now two years As time passes, attention conflict of interest,” Mursel Racaj, received as a goods transporting Zeka denied receiving such com- have gone by and they have been will move on from Kosovo to head of the Public Procurement truck. plaints from staff, reiterating that trained and there are no problems other troubled areas and as Agency, said. Only weeks after the deal was the truck was functional but with the fire engine.” He said he such the commitment of the signed, the fire service was forced admitting it had never been used - possessed all the relevant certifi- European Union, the United Expensive - but dangerous: to send the vehicle back to All apparently because no fires had cates to vouch for the vehicle’s States and other key players Zone because the engine was los- broken out requiring such equip- safety. will also lessen. The head of the Prishtina fire ing air pressure, the stabilisers ment. “The engine was tested and In almost three years of used to secure the truck when the “I have tried it myself and approved by the technical faculty service, Latif Zeka, accepted the independence, Kosovo has makeshift fire engine in ladder was in operation were not worked with it for four hours and in Prishtina University, homologa- gained just 73 recognitions – September, 2010, declaring it met functioning, and oil was leaking. had no problems,” Zeka said. “I tion centre [where adapted vehi- well below what is needed to the technical requirements and Zeka said they complained to the don’t want to risk my staff ’s lives.” cles are tested] and technical test secure it a seat in the UN. was in working order. municipality, which ordered the He declined to speculate on centre. So, there were tests by These recognitions came The deal was signed off despite company to send the truck for serv- whether the vehicle represented three institutions,” he said. about as part of a concerted the fact that the customs docu- icing “and it is now functioning”. value for money. “Ask the munici- But he could not provide a letter pality, because they paid for it,” he High price a mystery: international effort and it is attesting that a qualified company said. fair to ask whether even this “I cannot call it a conflict on had carried out the service, as Zymberi maintained that the A report of the Office of the uninspiring rate can be sus- required by law. Meanwhile, a vehicle had passed all the relevant Auditor General earlier this year, tained. interest because I have par- source in Prishtina fire service tests and that the damage to the which also looked into the matter, Fraudulent elections, cor- ticipated with All Zone and said firefighters still refuse to use fire engine had been caused by said auditors were unable to ascer- rupt politicians and the adop- the vehicle because they consider inexperienced firefighters. tain how the evaluating committee tion of laws which do not my wife with Pro Trade, it unsafe. “During the training, beginners had arrived at the figure of 300,000 meet EU standards are but which is owned by her broth- “We have told the commander manhandled the vehicle, which euro. three areas which are testing that none of us will use the truck,” made the oil pipe explode and “The price paid is 27 times high- Kosovo’s supporters’ determi- er,” said Valon Zymberi a firefighter, who asked to remain caused other problems,” he said. er than customs estimated [its nation. anonymous, told Prishtina “The cause was their inexperi- value],” the auditors’ report said. On its current path, it is “We were not able to find any folly to believe that Prishtina explanation as to how the evalua- can make the progress it tion committee arrived at this needs to satisfy its backers, let amount [300,000 euro] in reference alone its detractors, on its to the awarded contract,” it con- current path. cluded. It is thus of the utmost Prishtina Municipality main- importance for Kosovo’s insti- tains that the fire engine was tutions to seize the little time obtained through an open tender available as a major focus of and that All Zone had offered a world attention to tackle these good price. really troublesome issues and “A new special vehicle with a Express yourself with flowers on: Birthday, Anniversary, Thank you, Congratulations, gain more recognitions. rescue ladder and all equipment Get well, I’m sorry, Just because…, New baby, Love and romance, Simpathy & To do this, it needs to com- BlaueBlume can cost around 700,000 euro,” a Funerals. florist brings the freshest flowers in town with widest variety. spokesman for the municipality pletely overhaul its previous Love for flowers is our tradition. Delivery to your destination. New location: Between said. approach to government – and Police Avenue and Mother Theresa street, Behind Hamam Bar, Hajdar Dushi The spokesman added that the governance. Street, Pristina. Mob. 044 313 278. Green plants for home and office and company had obtained the neces- Without doing so, Kosovo cut flowers from Holland and roses from Ecuador. sary certificate to modify the vehi- could find itself frozen out of cle into a fire engine. Auditors the international community, were not given these documents without a voice in the during their investigations. European Union or in the The spokesman said the vehicle United Nations. was received in good order and he It’s a future which few wish also blamed the firefighters’ to envisage but which “improper handling” of the becomes ever more likely as engine for subsequent technical time passes. problems. 4 November 26 - December 9, 2010 news Kosovo Parties Renew Calls for New Poll as Revote Fails Test recount is not yet known. "With the December 12 elections, “Another reason is that 12 per Kosovo did not pass the test of cent of general ballots are democracy," Konjufca told By Petrit Collaku invalid,” Gashi told Prishtina Prishtina Insight. He added that The result of the recounting of 40 per cent of the vote has yet to be released Insight. the expected revote in Mitrovica He added that the announce- proved that fraud was not only evi- Lunacek said the recent elections wrote. “These serious breaches of ment that new polls would be held dent in a few regions, but could be in Kosovo were “manipulated” and procedures were seemingly everal political parties in in the northern city of Mitrovica found countrywide. Kosovo say new elections called into question their legitima- accepted and there were no prove that there has been serious “The Self-determination move- cy. attempts by the polling station Sshould be held throughout election fraud throughout Kosovo. ment could not submit complaints BIRN monitors have made ten staff to stop irregular voting the country because of consider- Elections in Mitrovica are [to the CEC] in time because of the able election fraud committed dur- complaints to the Election behaviours.” scheduled to be held in January 23 short 24 hour deadline but certain- ing the polls held on December 12 Complaints and Appeals Panel “Furthermore, cases of intimi- after a court decision last Friday ly many municipalities would be and January 9. regarding breaches of the law dur- dation and pressure on domestic found irregularities in some 16 in the same situation,” he said. The renewed calls for fresh elec- ing the January 9 revote. observers have been reported to polling stations there. The revoting in five municipali- tions come as Kosovo held full ENEMO, the European Network ENEMO adding to other weakness- Vetevendosje, the Self-determi- ties on January 9 was observed by revotes in three constituencies on of Election Monitoring es during the process.” nation movement, also argues that a team from the European January 9 after instances of fraud Organizations, said that irregular- The January 9 revote cut the the December elections are illegit- Parliament led by Ulrike Lunacek were observed during the ities had damaged trust in the Democratic Party of Kosovo’s lead imate because of the numerous and Jutta Seinrisk. December poll. democratic process. from 33.5 per cent to 32 per cent instances of fraud and manipula- The EP team said that despite The Central Election “Breaching the secrecy of the after turnout in its stronghold of tion. the efforts of many activists and Commission, CEC, ordered the vote by family and group voting Drenas and Skenderaj dropped by Glauk Konjufca, an MP candi- individuals, some serious short- new votes to take place in was in many places the rule and 30,000 between the two rounds. date from Vetevendosje, said that comings underscored insufficient Skenderaj and Drenas after dubi- not the exception as reported by Some 20,000 of those votes were the new parliament would be political will during the elections ously high turnouts of 94 and 86 observers from 38 per cent of lost by the PDK. formed by people who had commit- of December 12 and January 9. per cent respectively were report- polling stations visited during the ted fraud and manipulated the European Parliament ed. January 9 repeat elections,” it process. Rapporteur for Kosovo Ulrike Kosovo’s second largest party, the Democratic League of Kosovo, LDK, has repeatedly pushed for new polls, arguing that the snap elections held in December were illegitimate. Arben Gashi, one of the party's candidates for parliament, said: “LDK has many reasons to call for new elections. There was massive fraud and as such the legitimacy of the elections was brought into question.” He said the results from the 40 per cent of polling stations recounted haven't yet been published, and the outcome of the

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Mensa e Studenteve, first floor 10000, Prishtina Kosovo Plans New Highway to Kosovo Phone: +381 (0) 38 24 33 58 Fax: +381 (0) 38 22 44 98 Macedonia [email protected] Prishtina has unveiled plans for its first toll highway, which will connect the capital to the Macedonian capital, Skopje. Editor-in-Chief: lion-euro cross-country highway highway will have three tunnels, the project's final costs will run Lawrence Marzouk from Vermice to Merdare. with a total length of 3.3 kilome- over the figure of 700 million euro, “The ministry has planned it tres, and four bridges. the price stated at the beginning. [email protected] By Petrit Collaku this way because we don’t want to The project is divided into two Bechtel & Enka is working on Editorial Team: overload the budget,” Xhevdet sections. The first will start from three sections simultaneously, Ana Petruseva, Gordana Igric, Pozhari, spokesperson at the min- Lipjan, near Prishtina, and run to where land has already been istry, told Prishtina Insight. Kacanik, 42 kilometres away. The expropriated. Jeta Xharra, Marcus Tanner, osovo's Ministry of He said the project was neces- second section, from Kacanik to Ela Ruci, a spokesperson, said Petrit Collaku, Inge Baanders and Transport said it will fund sary, creating another major new the actual border with Macedonia, work is going well and the compa- Shengjyl Osmani. Kthe 55-kilometre highway, connecting the two capitals, by transport corridor that would totals 13 kilometres. ny foresees completing the first offering the road as a concession have positive economic effects. In the meantime, Bechtel & part of the project this year. Marketing, Sales & Distribution: to a firm that will pay for the con- "It is too early to say when the Enka, the consortium building the “The first part runs up to the [email protected] struction and recoup the money project will start but whichever Vermice-Merdare highway, is con- outskirts of Suhareka," Ruci told through tolls. government comes in has the high- tinuing its work, which started in Prishtina Insight. Design & Layout: “Rrjeti” No date has been given for a way project ready and in details," May 2010. Last year, the Ministry "We will then be informed by the Y start of construction. The cash- Pozhari added. Kosovo has yet to of Transport was criticised for not government which route we M Printing: Lindi Printing Center strapped country's budget is form a new government following making the contract for the high- should continue. For the second C already under immense pressure elections in December 2010. way public. part of the highway, it is up to the Copyright © BIRN K from the cost of building a 700-mil- According to the ministry, the As a result, it is unclear whether government to decide," she added. review of the year January 14 - 27, 2011 5 Kosovo: Corruption Comes to the Fore The World Court ruling on independence, early general elections and waves of corruption arrests marked a year of political turbulence – but Hashim Thaci remained on top for the time being. 2010: A Year in Photos By Petrit Collaku

he year saw many protests in Kosovo about issues such Tas salary increases, EU visa arrangements and the government’s ban on Muslim head- scarves in schools. Widespread poverty and high unemployment remained the most critical problems for ordinary people. Unemployment rose to almost 45 per cent, the highest rate in Europe. With an estimated poverty rate also of 45 per cent, the need for economic improvement, especially of the labour market, was indis- putable. Meanwhile, work began on a costly project to build a highway to Albania. The exact price of the project remains unclear, with esti- mates ranging from 700 million euro to 1billion euro. Concessions to run Pristina airport were given to French and Turkish companies for 20 years. In January, Mauritania recog- nized Kosovo, becoming the 65th country to do so. The government promised recognitions over the year. In the event, seven more countries followed suit. The last came from Tuvalu, in November, raising the number to 72. In February, Kosovo celebrated the second anniversary of Independence. In April, the EU rule-of-law mission, EULEX raided the Ministry of Transport, acting on suspicions of corruption. The Minister, Fatmir Limaj, remains under investigation. The mission also performed other actions, raiding the customs office and Ministry of Finance, and arresting several persons accused of war crimes. The raids and arrests soured relations between the Kosovo government and EULEX. From top left clockwise: Kosovo celebrates its two year anniversary; public sector workers protest for better pay; EULEX raids the Ministry of Transport; the ICJ rules on Kosovo The same month also marked the start of a series of protests cion that he had abused his official Kosovo was embroiled in a polit- Preliminary figures put Hashim And as the trial began on over the banning of Muslim head- position, accepting bribes, evading ical crisis in September after the Thaci’s Democratic Party of December 14, Council of Europe scarves in some schools. Kosovo taxes, trading in influence and Constitutional Court ruled that Kosovo, PDK as the largest party Rapporteur Dick Marty unleashed law remains unclear about money laundering. He was the then President, Fatmir Sejdiu, with 34 per cent of the vote, the a bombshell by connecting the whether schools can stop students released in November but faced a could not also hold the position of Democratic League of Kosovo, Medicus case to allegations of wearing the veil, but some estab- number of restrictive measures as party leader. Sejdiu was also head LDK, on 24 per cent and organ harvesting during the lishments nonetheless introduced an alternative to detention as he of the Democratic League of Vetevendosje, a nationalist move- Kosovo conflict by elements of the a ban. awaits trial. Kosovo, LDK. ment turned political party, on 12 Kosovo Liberation Army, KLA. In The northern, Serb-run, part of The International Court of Shortly after, Sejdiu, who per cent. his lengthy report he detailed alle- Kosovo saw many incidents dur- Justice, ICJ, delivered its advisory remained leader of the LDK, In the last days of 2010, it gations that a makeshift clinic was ing the year, mainly attacks on per- opinion on Kosovo’s 2008 inde- decided to break the party’s coali- remained unclear whether a set up on the outskirts of Tirana sons working with Kosovo insitu- pendence declaration on 22 July. tion with Prime Minister Hashim viable coalition could be formed to in 1999 to remove the organs of tions. Levels of violence in last By 10 votes to four, the Hague Thaci’s PDK party, plunging the run the country. prisoners. quarter of the year were at a two- court declared that the declaration country deeper in political tur- In October, the Special Marty also fingered Hashim year high. December saw the mur- of did not violate general interna- moil. Prosecutor Office in Kosovo filed Thaci as the “mafia boss” of an der of a Bosniak member of elec- tional law. The ruling was a major Early national elections fol- an indictment against five defen- organised crime ring responsible tion team in the north who was setback for Serbia and for its cam- lowed on December 12. Observers dants accused of trafficking in for organ trafficking, and a host of shot dead and one person was paign against Kosovo’s independ- logged many complaints of irregu- human organs, related to the other offences. Thaci strenuously injured. ence. After the ICJ ruling, under larities and the Central Election Medicus case, which started in denied the allegations threatened In July, Kosovo police arrested international pressure, Kosovo Commission ordered a re-vote in 2008. Among the defendants are to sue Marty for defamation. the governor of Kosovo’s national began preparing for long-awaited three municipalities, held on doctors and a former senior offi- bank, Hashim Rexhepi, on suspi- talks with Serbia. January 9, 2011. cial in the Ministry of Health.

Nazim Bllaca, the self-confessed political assassin, told Pristhina dail: “If those (from the PDK) get any important position, for example in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, I do believe that they will find a job for me. I deserve it, Y Quote of the Fortnight because I have been a kind of criminal. I do believe that they will find a place for me. I’m not asking too much, M C only a small office.” K 6 January 14 - 27, 2011 news BrezovicaBrezovica SkiSki CentreCentre PlansPlans RemainRemain onon IceIce

Despite high hopes that 2010 would be a breakthrough year for rejuvenating Kosovo’s faded Brezovica ski resort, attempts to pour money into the creaking winter sports centre remain as contentious and intractable as ever.

to the ICG report. was later handed to the During its heyday in the 1980s, Privatisation Agency of Kosovo, End to Illegal Construction the resort hosted 120,000 overnight PAK, following Kosovo’s declara- Boom? By Besiana Xharra and stays, about half during the ski tion of independence in February Bojana Barlovac season and half in the summer, 2008. Failure to chart a route for when its alpine meadows and Under pressure from various Brezovica’s future has not only left streams are ideal for hiking. international sources, both Serbia the resort struggling, it has also he ski slopes of Brezovica Figures today are a fraction of and the KTA cancelled the bids paved the way for the construction are often held up as a beacon that. and in 2008, a company called Ski of hundreds of illegal buildings, Tof ethnic tolerance in a Up to 100 million will be Centar Brezovica Ltd was formed including villas, hotels and restau- divided Kosovo. And as the ski sea- required to bring the resort up to in Belgrade, with Serbian-state- son kicks off again, Serb and rants. standard, according to interna- owned Skijaliste Srbije holding an Albanian visitors will throng the The town hall has identified 270 that the master plan developed for tional experts. 18 per cent share and Fond Inex pistes, bars, restaurants and illegal buildings which have Brezovica will have a clear picture Strpce Deputy Mayor Beqir Interexport AD owning 82 per hotels, despite the resort’s aging sprung up in the ski centre and of the needs to be addressed in Fezullahu sees a bright future for cent. equipment and shabbiness. tourist village, of which only 70 order to attract investment and the resort if it is privatised. The Serbian government prom- But Brezovica, once the have a temporary permit. also of the interest for winter and “The delay of privatisation has ised 40 million euros of invest- favoured skiing destination of the Deputy Mayor Fejzullahu said summer recreation of the wider damaged the municipality’s budg- ment in the site, but the cash has Yugoslav elite, remains caught in a the municipality had now clamped public (in Kosovo and the region),” et and of course has damaged the never been delivered and, bitter dispute between Belgrade down on new illegal construction a spokeswoman said. citizens of Strpce and all citizens Prishtina Insight understands, the and Prishtina over ownership and had set property taxes for all “Brezovica could be considered of Kosovo. centre was forced to look for donor ahead of any privatisation. The buildings in the tourist area. as an unused treasure and we “After privatisation the number money in 2010 to maintain the dispute has so far thwarted plans “The municipality has managed expect quite a high interest,” she of visitors will grow even more as equipment. to transform Brezovica into a pre- to keep new illegal buildings added. we will have large investments and Vlada Radonjic, head of Ski mier snow destination in the under control, while for the exist- Ylli Kaloshi, PAK spokesman, so this ski centre will be the best Centar Brezovica, said that there Balkans and the number of func- ing ones an urban development said: “PAK, in cooperation with centre in the Balkans.” had been five subsequent attempts tioning lifts has plummeted from plan is being developed which is the municipality of Strpce and the by Prishtina authorities to priva- nine to two since the end of the being managed by a Swiss compa- European Commission Liaison A History of Discord tise the venue following the 1999 conflict. ny,” he said. Office in Kosovo, is preparing the abortive 2006 bid, but all had been The election of a Serb mayor in “After drafting this plan we will privatisation of Brezovica.” Privatisation of Brezovica has thwarted. Prishtina-run elections in look at the possibility that some of The master plan, he says, will been delayed for more than a “It is very logical why they November 2009 has not broken the these building will be legalised help transform the area into a decade because of question marks [Kosovo authorities] perceive it as deadlock, and local politicians and and some destroyed.” resort for all four seasons. over its ownership, and disputes a public enterprise - to benefit the centre’s employees remain In October 2010, the municipali- He could not say when it would between institutions in Kosovo from its sale,” he said. downbeat about a quick resolu- ty announced annual fees for all be published in 2011, however. and Serbia. “We’ll keep on sending them let- tion. buildings, including those illegally Berat Rukiqi, secretary of the Inex, the owner of the centre, ters as it seems to have worked out But, once again, this year is built, at the highest rates in Economic Chamber of Kosovo, ski lifts and a range of hotels and so far,” he told Prishtina Insight, being billed by some as the one Kosovo. said the EC’s involvement would restaurants, was registered as a adding that they haven’t received a which will finally lead to a break- “Now the tax rates are set annu- be key to finding a solution. socially owned enterprise in reply to a single one. through with the unveiling of a ally for the use of space in the “After the involvement of the Ferizaj/Urosevac in 1954. With the election of a Serb European Commission-funded resort area, under which the own- European Commission in this As a publicly owned company, mayor, Bratislav Nikolic, to the masterplan. ers of houses and villas will pay process, I believe that the privati- Inex should be subject to privatisa- municipality in 2009’s Prishtina- between two and 17 euro per cubic sation of Brezovica will finally tion in Kosovo, but authorities in run local elections, it was hoped Brezovica: A Bansko in the metre a year,” said Fejzullahu. succeed,” he said Serbia and Inex argue that the that local support would help Meanwhile, fearful of what the Making? firm also registered the Brezovica unblock the process. Hope for the future? future will bring, some 200 Kosovo resort as its own corporate proper- But PAK was forced to withdraw Serbs employed at the ski centre Brezovica was the alternative ty in a Belgrade court in 1973, facilities it planned to auction last PAK believes the publication of remain afraid for their jobs. venue during the 1984 Sarajevo which would give Serbia jurisdic- year under pressure and Nikolic a new master plan this year will “We are hostages of two bad Winter Olympics, and, according tion for its privatisation. has so far opposed PAK’s propos- help provide the basis for success- policies [of Belgrade and to a report by the International The Kosovo Trust Agency, KTA, als. ful privatisation. Prishtina],” a worker told Crisis Group, “its potential sur- the UN Mission in Kosovo’s organ- Zvonko Mihajlovic, mayor of the The EC-funded report, produced Prishtina Insight. “It is unbear- passes that of better-known isation responsible for privatisa- so-called parallel, Belgrade-run by international expert Ecosign able to work in such conditions regional competitors such as tion, attempted to launch an auc- structures in Stprce, said that and costing 400,000 euro, is expect- with such small salaries, but, on Bulgaria’s Bansko”. tion of the facility in 2006 but was Brezovica was not for sale. “It is ed to be published this year and the other hand, if PAK reaches its Brezovica is thought to have met by stiff opposition from the property of Serbia and these presented at an investors’ confer- goal [to privatise the company], we some of the best, longest and high- Serbia, which responded with its plans should not be carried out,” ence. will all end up on the streets,” the est ski runs in Europe, according own call for bids. Responsibility he said. “The EC Liaison Office hopes employee added. The Fortnight in Numbers

Y • 13,000 The number of votes government • 21747 The number of votes the PDK actually • 73 The number of countries to have recog- M spokesman Memli Krasniqi claimed the PDK lost lost between the December 12 and January 9 nised Kosovo after Qatar’s decision to C between the December 12 and January 9 elections. elections. establish relations. K business January 14 - 27, 2011 7 Kosovo Loses EU Free Trade Agreement

By Inge Baanders

ten-year-old agreement with the European Union Aand Kosovo allowing duty- free exports into the economic zone has not been renewed because of arguments over the country’s disputed status. From January 1, 2011, the preferential trade agreement between the EU and Kosovo expired, creating another obstacle in Kosovo’s attempts to export goods and attract foreign investment. In an effort to support economic integration of the Western Balkans in the European Union and foster political stability in the region, the EU established trade agreements with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo in 2000. The measures allowed for duty- free and unlimited access to the EU-market for nearly all products, Exports from Kosovo have been hit by the EU’s failure to extend its trade agreement with the young country with the exception of wine, calf European Commission Liaison Liaison Office in Kosovo acknowl- rently are not subject to the prefer- Kosovo’s trade agreements with and certain fishery products. Office in Kosovo said that prob- edged that “the discussions in the ential trade agreement. the European Union have been a In 2005, the preferential trade lems had emerged within the Council among the member states But according to the European major plank of campaigns to measures were renewed for a peri- European Council, which is com- were not conclusive and the Commission, the impact of this attract foreign investment into the od of five years, and expired on posed of representatives from regime expired”. will be low as it is the importer country. December 31, 2010. member state governments. “However, the legislative proce- which will be forced to pay the Exports from the country have On February 22, 2010, the A source at the Ministry of dure, on the basis of the duty, not Kosovo producers. “Since suffered greatly since its declara- European Commission adopted a Trade and Industry confirmed to Commission’s proposal, is still on- Kosovo exports are very low, this is tion of independence because of a proposal to extend the measures Prishtina Insight that “Kosovo had going and all sides are attempting not a very big economic problem,” blockade by Serbia on products for Kosovo until 2015. completed all administrative pro- to find a mutually acceptable way she said. marked from the ‘Republic of But the extended agreement did cedures” for the extension. to extend the measures,” the ECLO also confirmed that the Kosovo’. not receive the necessary approval According to the source, the delay spokeswoman added. agreement will be in place retroac- As a result, exporters have been from other EU institutions because is due to internal differences Although the European tively, ensuring that importers will forced to use more expensive five out of the 27 members do not among EU Member States on the Commission expects the agree- be repaid the duties they’ve paid routes to the European Union recognise Kosovo’s independence. status of Kosovo. ment to be renewed in the coming once the renewed regulation rather than pass through Serbia, A spokeswoman for the The European Commission weeks, imports into the EU cur- enters into force. pushing up the price of products. Kosovo Mulls 'Gymnich Model' For CEFTA Meetings Prishtina likely to compromise over use of state symbols at meetings rather than lose an important opportunity to chair a regional body. place. The country held general impact on us,” Safet Gerxhaliu, elections in December but does not president of the Chamber, told yet have a new administration. Prishtina Insight. By Petrit Collaku "We haven’t yet decided but the Serbia and Bosnia have dam- Gymnich model is one of the aged Kosovo's exporters by block- options," Keqa told Prishtina ing imports of products stamped Insight. "This way I don’t see why with Kosovo Customs, he recalled. osovo is likely to use the so- Serbia should not be present," Aside from holding up Kosovo- called "Gymnich model" Keqa added. stamped imports, Serbia did not Kwhile chairing meetings The Gymnich model is designed allow them to pass in transit this year of the Central European to meet objections from Serbia, through Serbia to other countries Free Trade Agreement, CEFTA. which does not recognise Kosovo's either, prompting fears that Under this formula, no state sym- independence and which will not Kosovo businesses could lose key bols will be used at meetings. sit at the table if Kosovo is repre- trading partners in Western Flamur Keqa, head of the trade sented as an independent state. Europe. department in Kosovo's Ministry Belgrade insists that Kosovo Gerxhaliu said Kosovo should of Trade and Industry, said mat- must be represented by the party not waste time blaming others for ters would become clearer once a that signed the CEFTA deal on the dispute over CEFTA and new government in Kosovo was in Kosovo's behalf, which was the UN should instead use the opportuni- mission in Kosovo, UNMIK. ty to improve the situation. "We Kosovo’s Economic Chamber have to be very careful […] and said that the country needed to be Kosovo has to present reality, well prepared for its CEFTA role which is on its side,” Gerxhaliu this year in order to make up for said. its absence last year, when Serbia As of May 1 2007, the parties to chaired the body. the CEFTA agreement are Y “Kosovo was not represented at Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, M all last year while Serbia was in Croatia, Macedonia, Moldova, C charge, which had a big negative Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo. Kosovo took over the chairmanship of CEFTA at the beginning of the year K 8 January 14 - 27, 2011 neighbourhood news Albania Opposition Calls for Minister's Resignation After Corruption Claims

asking the former Minister activity on Meta’s part and of Economy Dritan Prifti to file an official request in par- intervene in a hydropower liament, which would even- By Besar Likmeta plant concession tender, tually open or close the door naming an alleged recom- to an investigation. pense by a businessman of a In the past, Albanian lbania's Socialist seven per cent stake and politicians have shown no opposition has called 700,000 euro bribe. remorse in using the protec- Aon Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta to resign, In a press conference on tion that their immunity following the publication of Wednesday, Meta, who also grants them to escape a video allegedly showing serves as minister of econo- charges. him and former Minister of my, denied any wrongdoing In September 2009, the Economy Dritan Prifti dis- and said that he had no plans Supreme Court closed the cussing corrupt deals. to resign. case against Minister of “In any country, even in Meta declared that he had Environment Fatmir Mediu, Albania a few years ago, forfeited his parliamentary charged with abuse of power even in the government of immunity through a letter to over his role in a deadly Prime Minister Sali Berisha, parliament speaker Jozefina ammunition depot explosion this episode would have pro- Topalli, a symbolic act that in March 2008 that killed 26 voked at least the resigna- does not have any legal effect people and wounded over tion of a member of govern- on his vested protection, 300. ment,” Socialist leader Edi which can only be removed The charges against Rama said in a press confer- with a parliamentary vote. Mediu related to his role as ence. Before Meta’s immunity Minister of Defense in the The transcripts of the can be lifted, the general previous government of videotape, the authenticity prosecutor’s office must col- Prime Minister Sali Berisha. of which has not been veri- lect enough evidence to show He has repeatedly denied fied, allegedly show Meta probable cause of criminal any wrongdoing. EU Urged to Take Strong Role Serbia and in Bosnia Croatia Discuss War Crimes Lists By Prishtina Insight dent weighing in on the arrest, and threatened to damage relations between Belgrade and Zagreb. The Purda case also raised the he lead international role in By Prishtina Insight issue of lists of war crimes sus- Bosnia-Herzegovina should Tshift from the Office of the pects and convicts sought by the two countries. High Representative to a rein- everal days after the contro- At the meeting, the justice min- forced EU delegation in 2011, a versial arrest of a Croatian isters concluded that Zagreb leading think tank says. Scharged with war crimes in The Office of the High Serbia, the two countries' justice would receive, within a week's Representative, OHR, "should ministers met on Wednesday in time, data that has been collected withdraw from domestic politics Zagreb. so far on Croatian citizens who and, unless a threat to peace Serbian Justice Minister were tried or convicted by former emerges, focus on reviewing past Snezana Malovic and her Croatian Yugoslav military courts before The EU should take a tougher line on Sarajevo, a think-tank argues decisions", the International counterpart Drazen Bosnjakovic 2003 as well as on those under Crisis Group, ICG, wrote in its nical assistance and political "State institutions have full use agreed that all problems should be investigation in Serbia for war most recent report on Bosnia. guidance to become a credible of the property they need, despite resolved jointly in both countries' crimes for whom international or The ICG has called upon candidate for EU membership, lack of clear ownership status... interest. national arrest warrants have Brussels “to name, without not an international overseer to Ownership will have to be estab- At the meeting, held with a view been issued. extending what is already a six- legislate for it or maintain securi- lished sooner or later, to allow for of resuming dialogue and solving In addition, Croatia has for- month delay, a strong ambassador ty." re-sale and investment, but this is outstanding issues regarding war warded to Serbia updated lists of to head the EU delegation in The OHR, established in 1995, not urgent,” the report reads. crimes, the two sides agreed that persons it is seeking, Malovic said. Sarajevo, ideally a former mem- was granted wide powers to make The think tank explains that copies of documents regarding the She explained that updating the ber state senior official with solid and shape the country’s laws and the OHR staff is “frustrated” over case of Tihomir Purda should be lists was of crucial importance for EU experience in, particularly, to remove officials it deems the present situation and their handed over to the Croatian judici- the legal security of both coun- enlargement issues”. obstructive. inability to influence political ary, Malovic said. tries’ citizens. “Reform is urgently needed to Despite many setbacks, Bosnia developments. Purda, a Croatian citizen, was Proceedings against Serbian cit- avert a political and economic cri- has made progress in governing “In the event of a threat to ter- arrested in Bosnia last week on an izens sentenced in absentia should sis, but the OHR is no longer the itself, the think tank writes. ritorial integrity and advised by Interpol warrant issued by Serbia, be reopened in Croatia, the two entity that can cajole Bosniak, “Bosnians do manage their their on-the-ground ambassadors, which suspects him of committing ministers agreed. Serb and Croat leaders into affairs without significant help. the EU, the U.S. and others in the war crimes against 'infirm and The meeting was also attended change,” the International Crisis While the Peace Implementation international community could wounded people" in Vukovar in by the Croatian State Attorney Y Group pointed out in the report. Council (PIC) and Bosnian elites muster the political will and mili- 1991. Mladen Bajic, Serbian War Crimes M The think tank argues that have debated OHR’s fate, much of tary means to act, whether OHR The case has prompted much Prosecutor Vladimir Vukcevic, C Bosnia has "outgrown" the OHR. the transition to domestic respon- remains or not,” the report con- reaction from Croatia, with both and the two countries' ambassa- K "Today the country needs EU tech- sibility has quietly happened. cluded. the prime minister and the presi- dors. neighbourhood business January 14 - 27, 2011 9 Call Centres Boom in Cut-Price Albania Cheap labour costs and low taxes are luring more and more investors in this sector to the country amidst the global economic downturn. The reasons why they choose hour. His Albanian counterpart Albania range from the cheap makes an average of only 1.1 euro labour force to the lower tax rates per hour – less than one-tenth of By Fatjon Kodra and the widespread knowledge of the former amount. Italian in Albania, which reflects Today, Tele-Performance has the strong cultural ties between 1,400 employees in Albania and the near-neighbours on either side Sheldija says Albania’s tax system Hello, my name is Bruno and I of the Adriatic. is generally friendly toward such Call-centre workers in Albania earn a fraction of what they would do in the EU am calling from Milan. I Marin Sheldija, project manager enterprises. “In Italy, these compa- opened branch in the port of associate call centres with fraud- “would like to introduce you to at Tele-Performance Albania, nies have to pay much more,” he Durres, Tregi Marketing employs sters who in the past used televi- our company’s products. Are you which established its first sub- said. interested?” almost 1,400 young Albanians, gen- sion quizzes or erotic hot-lines to sidiary in Albania in 2008, says the Nertila Macaj, administrator of It’s a common phone call of a erally of college age. dupe people out of their money. competitive workforce and cheap- Tregi Marketing Group, says lower kind that most Italians receive Working in Albania has its chal- These precedents created a bad er taxes lured his company to the tax burdens and the cheaper nearly every day. However, lenges. “Most of our employees image for call centres until the country. labour costs are not the only rea- “Bruno” is really Kujtim and he is are students and their lives are not first serious investors came from “We first set up a subsidiary in sons why call centres are coming not calling from Milan but from a stable,” Macaj explained. Italy to rebuild the sector in 2005. Tirana with 150 employees but as to Albania. booth at a call centre in Tirana, “They often quit after a few Although the companies are we realised how much cheaper it “The workers here are more Albania. months because of their studies, pleased with the development in was to do this kind of business eager to succeed, while most The last two years have seen a so we have to find other staff con- the industry, economic experts here than in Italy we opened Italians now consider this kind of boom in foreign call-centre compa- tinuously.” still question the value of their another branch in Durres,” he job a second-class profession,” nies located in Albania, especially Although Macaj admits that contribution to Albania’s local said. Macaj said. companies from Italy. They offer starting salaries are low, she says economy. The gap in wages on either side The German-based company services such as telecommunica- that the company offers incentives “The overall effect of this busi- of the Adriatic is drastic. An came to Tirana 18 months ago and tions, online sales, polls and infor- to retain their young employees ness is inconsiderable because it Italian call-centre operator can offers services to clients in Italy, mation, publicity and banking long-term. doesn’t generate a lot of money for expect to earn 12 to 16 euro per Germany and Spain. With a newly services. “Usually, new hires start on a our economy,” Sejdarasi said. low fixed salary but they can get While they create flexible job rewards or bonuses for each prod- opportunities for college-age uct they sell, or for other achieve- Albanians, Sejdarasi believes a ments,” she explains. firmer legal framework is needed According to Albania’s National to create a transparent business Statistics Institute, around 4,000 framework so that the mistakes of people officially work in call cen- the past with the TV quizzes are tres in Tirana. not repeated. Industry observers believe the “There is a legal gap in this real figure may be far higher area, which may be a good thing because some companies, usually for companies,” he said. “But the small ones, conceal the full num- government should intervene to ber of their employees from the regulate things in this sector, cre- tax office in order to skip paying ating new laws and putting things their social security contribu- in the right place in the market,” tions. he said. Other towns and cities where “We don’t know clearly how call centres have set up shop these companies operate, or on include Vlora, Elbasan and what basis they work and pay peo- Shkodra. ple,” Sejdarasi added. Economic analyst Bardhi Nertila Macaj, from Tregi Sejdarasi believes the global eco- Marketing, says companies like nomic downturn has played a role hers would welcome a revised in attracting call-centre compa- legal framework, as its absence nies to Albania in search of lower has caused companies problems in overhead costs. the past. “It’s obvious that with the crisis “They didn’t know how to classi- around, companies are searching fy a call centre because such a for unexplored places and Albania term didn’t exist,” says Macaj, of is attractive to them,” Sejdarasi Albanian officialdom, recalling said. the problems that occurred when While these companies are they initially registered their com- steadily gaining ground, their rep- pany. utation has still to be fully estab- Fatjon Kodra is a reporter for Italy has been outsourcing its call centres to Albania lished because Albanians still the daily newspaper Integrimi. Bosses Say Long Breaks Hurt Serbia Economy The tradition of extending the Christmas holiday from the end of December through most of January is costing companies millions, employers union says. Serbia has only eight official from the Gregorian Calendar "We are not in a position to allow and May 1, with people connecting days off a year, which puts it at the Christmas Day on December 25 all ourselves so many days off," he the two public holidays into one bottom of the European table in the way through to Serbian said, noting the economic crisis extended break. terms of the number of public hol- Orthodox New Year on January 14 from which Serbia has yet to Serbs seem reluctant to break By Bojana Barlovac idays. Italians get 16, Icelanders 15 to January 20, when many Serbs escape. the habit of a lifetime, however. and the Spanish 14. celebrate the "slava", or name day, Biljana Stepanovic, from the "January has always been a syn- But many Serbs get round this of St John. group Business Info, said it was onym for rest with friends and he Union of Employers in by joining up various public holi- Nebojsa Atanackovic, president strange that "in such a crisis, when family and eating lots of food," Serbia says overextended days in January, resulting in many of the employers union, said the we should all be doing our utmost, said Milan Obradovic, 30. Account TJanuary breaks are costing people working barely 16 days of extended holidays cause delays in we are celebrating on this scale". manager Jelena Vasiljevic, 31, said companies millions of euros in the month. payments, among other matters, She said that many employees she used the extended January lost earnings. Some take the whole time off adding to firms' liquidity problems. would do the same between Easter holiday to go skiing. 10 January 14 - 27, 2011 neighbourhood Albania Trash Poses Hazard to Adriatic Beaches As Tirana pushes plans to import waste from EU, Albania’s own garbage is flowing into the sea and onto neighbouring lands.

ardous waste. It includes 55 types Albania’s Deputy Minister of of biodegradable rubbish, from Environment, Taulant Bino, says agricultural waste to metal, that following the complaints, glass, leather and plastics. the government has set up a task- Rubbish on an Albanian beach By Elira Çanga The government says that force to indentify Albania’s importing foreign waste will give responsibilities. ing the way that locally produced “There is no risk to the envi- a boost to the country’s nascent However, as the government garbage is managed, Albania is ronment in recycling paper,” he once popular sandy recycling industry, which has tries to assess how Albanian clearly not ready to handle extra said Bardhyl Balltuza, owner of beach of Hamallaj, in the been struggling because local garbage made it as far as waste coming from abroad. a paper mill on the outskirts of Tbay of Lalzi close to the city municipalities have not intro- Dubrovnik, local environmental- “If Tirana has two landfills, Tirana. “The problem is that peo- of Durres, barely sees tourists duced differentiated waste collec- ists are calling on the authorities other smaller cities have even ple mostly simply burn it, and anymore. The umbrellas that tion – food waste in one box, to reconsider their decision to less capacity to handle waste,” then it harms the environment.” once lined the beach have given paper in another, glass in a third, import foreign garbage. Ferruni said. “In this situation, A similar plan in 2004 to way to piles of plastic bags, bot- and so on. They say that the country it seems incomprehensible for us import millions of tons of tles and cartons, washed down- According to a 2005 UN survey needs to take care of its own to be taking it upon ourselves to Italian garbage for processing stream into the Adriatic by manage waste coming from the and incineration, proposed by Albania’s rivers. on environmental performance, garbage problem before opening EU,” he added. the former Socialist government, With holiday-goers long gone, only about 50 to 70 per cent of the door to waste coming from Deputy Minister Bino admits sparked protests from a coalition the beach has been forgotten by urban waste in Albania is taken abroad. that Albania faces an uphill bat- of civil society groups and busi- the local authorities as well. for disposal at all. The rest is sim- “If Albania has the capacity to tle to manage the locally pro- nesses. Ideally, they should keep up the ply dumped illegally. recycle a certain amount of duced waste, but he insists that Bino was then a civil society environment by cleaning away Litter washed by the Buna waste, such capacities should be imports from the EU won’t harm activist and one of the plan’s the waste that washes onto the river in northern Albania into directed at the waste that’s being the environment and will help most vociferous opponents. But beach and pollutes the area. the Adriatic in November made it produced locally,” said Anisa local industries. now he says that Albania is a dif- Local environmental groups as far as the Dalmatian coast of Xhitoni, from the Eden “For all the problems that ferent country. The agreement have been calling for action for Croatia, prompting complaints Environmental Centre. Albania faces in this direction, with the Italian company and the the better part of a decade, warn- from Zagreb. The government should try the decision to import waste will plans for the incinerator were ing that Albania’s coast is becom- Croatia's Administration for harder to dispose of what is serve as a lifeline for the recy- eventually dropped. ing a casualty of the country’s Protection and Rescue, DUSZ, being produced at home, which cling industry,” Bino said. Today, he maintains, “There increasing consumerist society. says the amount of waste from often ends up in rivers or being Businesses involved in recy- are more controls.” However, However, instead of acting to Albania washing up in the Mljet dumped on the side of the road, cling have indeed welcomed the judging from the piles of garbage reduce the amount of waste in area of the Adriatic grows each Xhitoni added. decision, arguing that imports sprawled over the white sand the country, Albania looks set to year. The Croats want to main- Xhemal Mato, executive direc- will help safeguard the 100 mil- beach in Hamallaj, it seems pre- receive still more. tain the island as a pristine tor of Ekolëvizja, an umbrella lion euro already invested in the mature to take this assurance for The government recently nature reserve. group of environmental NGOs, industry. granted. approved a plan to import Port of Dubrovnik official says that although Albania has garbage from European Union Nikola Beusan told the online passed laws harmonising its countries. The decision, adopted portal Index.hr that the waste waste management with EU in mid-October, will allow was mostly non-organic, and standards, they are seldom put garbage on the so-called “green therefore not biodegradable. into force. list” to be imported into Albania "We're talking about bottles, “The amount of funds allocat- for recycling. needles and catheters while the ed to manage waste is just not The “green list” is based on rest is organic, such as animal enough,” he added. the 1992 Basel Convention on the carcasses, wood and so forth," Lavdosh Ferruni, an environ- movement and disposal of haz- Beusan was quoted as saying. mental activist agrees. After see- Kosovo's only real Irish Pub...

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Y M C K Litter spoils this view near Butrint, southern Albania neighbourhood January 14 - 27, 2011 11

Balkan Bloodshed is a Blank for Young Serbs Total amnesia about the Balkans wars is all too common in Serbia – but some youngsters are breaking through the wall of silence.

Serbs know about the past. history is also linked to the diffi- of Social Sciences in Belgrade, Andrija explains that when he According to this survey, rough- culty of handling it with objectivi- says the media “are not an ade- went to Srebrenica, he was amazed ly 50 per cent of 16 to 23-year-old ty. quate source for learning about by the interest that young By Celine Antonini Serbs were aware that Serbian A few months ago, a group of the other countries in the region Bosniaks showed in Belgrade, a Belgrade snipers killed many civilians in historians published a history because they largely disregard city they had never visited but the siege of Sarajevo and only 27 book that was written by 60 histo- them”. which intrigued them. per cent knew about the rape of rians from 11 countries in He became good friends with the Srebrenica? I’ve heard of it, women by Serbian forces in Foca, Southeast Europe. “News about Montenegro disap- Bosniaks he met, and says they but I’m not really sure what eastern Bosnia, in 1992. Although the project was peared after it divorced Serbia,” might even come to Belgrade to “happened there.” Almost a quarter of the same already a big step forward in han- she notes, referring to the dissolu- visit him. Standing in front of his high age group had never heard of the dling the history of the region, the tion of the former State Union of The chance to travel and to meet school in the centre of Belgrade, massacre in Srebrenica in July book didn’t mention the controver- Serbia and Montenegro in 2006. other young people in the Balkans smoking a cigarette, wearing Nike 1995, even though this remains one sial events of the 1990s. Even though media and schools is fundamental, says Jovanka shoes and a black jacket, Dejan of the most notorious events of Nikola points out that most peo- do little to enable people to get a Matic. looks much like any other 17-year- the Balkan wars. ple his age aren’t as curious as he better understanding of the past “Young people in the Balkans old in Europe. Srebrenica is remembered for is about the past. “Most young peo- and of neighbouring countries, share common interests and have However, in some way, he is different: he grew up while the massacre that took place on ple simply aren’t interested,” he some youngsters are nonetheless a common cultural heritage, along Yugoslavia was falling apart and July 11, 1995 when Bosnian Serb says. trying to gain it. with languages that can be easily he was six years old when NATO troops killed over 8,000 Muslim This doesn’t stop many young- Andrija, 21, a student of politi- understood,” she says. bombed Serbia. men and boys, throwing their bod- sters from bearing negative feel- cal science, believes ethnic ten- However, the political elite Today, he rarely mentions the ies into mass graves. ings about their neighbours, how- sions still exist, but are slowly fad- seems to prefer to look forward events that marked his childhood. Media silence and poor history ever. “Even though my friends ing as people travel more. rather than solving issues linked “I don’t discuss these times with education is behind the lack of know little about the past, it is not “Travelling in the region is fun- to the past, Matic adds: “There is a my friends much. We try to put knowledge, experts say. uncommon to hear them express damental, as it enables youngsters general climate in Serbia that soci- those times behind us and be just Andrej Nosov, head of the Youth hatred for Croats, Bosniaks or to abandon their prejudices about ety should be preoccupied with the like any other European Initiative for Human Rights, wor- Albanians,” he says. other countries,” he says. future rather than the past”. teenagers, enjoying life and look- ries that young Serbs “have almost The roots of such feelings can Last summer, Andrija partici- Many young people emulate the ing for fun”, Dejan explains. no idea of what happened in the often be connected to families. pated in a work camp for young politicians’ attitudes, simply seek- Dejan belongs to a generation Western Balkans in the 1990s”. “Most young people adopt their people organised by Emmaus ing a better future and trying not that is split between those who Too young to truly understand parents’ attitude about other Europe in Srebrenica. Even to look back. aren’t interested in facing the past, what was happening during the Balkan countries,” Andrej Nosov though this camp has been taking This trend is demonstrated by a those who still feel hate towards wars, youngsters today don’t learn notes. place for many years, he was the survey conducted in 2008 by the other ethnic groups, and those much about this terrible decade, Parents’ opinions were strongly first Serb ever to take part. Institute of Psychology in the who are trying to overcome the and the educational system seems influenced by the quality of infor- He also travelled to Kosovo in Philosophy Faculty in Belgrade past by finding out more about partly responsible for this. mation during the 1990s, when order to gain a better understand- and CeSID, the Center for Free neighbouring countries. Sixteen-year-old Nikola explains Serbia was isolated from the rest ing of this mainly Albanian land. Elections and Democracy. However, none of these groups that little contemporary history is of the region, “and the only infor- More commonly, young Serbs According to the survey, young appear well informed about what taught in school. “We learn almost mation people got in that period are increasingly travelling to Serbs’ main preoccupations are happened during the nineties, nothing about recent history. The was from [Slobodan] Milosevic’s Croatia during the summer, which day-to-day issues such as condi- when the Balkan region went furthest we get is World War II,” he media”, Nosov comments. is helping to ease relations tions for employment or raising through a number of wars that led says. Even today, the media do little to between the two countries. the standard of living. to the fall of Yugoslavia. Since he doesn’t get information contribute to a better understand- Much of the remaining preju- Stefan, a 23-year-old Belgrader, A 2009 survey conducted by in school, he must learn by him- ing of the past and of neighbour- dice appears to come from the fact explains: “We try to put the past IPSOS, the Belgrade Centre for self. “I look up information on the ing countries. that young people from Balkan behind us because it is a heavy Human Rights, and the OSCE, internet”, he explains. Jovanka Matic, research fellow countries know very little about burden, dragging us down from demonstrates how little young The choice not to teach recent in media studies at the University one another. the path of progress. 12 January 14 - 27, 2011 culture Restorers Wreak Havoc Four years after renovation work started on Prishtina’s 15th-century baths, experts say many original features have been destroyed.

Pehlivanoglu, a leading expert “It is true that it has not been on this type of renovation from of good quality and much harm Istanbul Technical University. has been done to the building, By Shengjyl Osmani Sali Shoshi, director of which is not repairable,” Hoxha Cultural Heritage Without said. “Original elements have Borders for Kosovo, who led the been demolished.” team of experts, told Prishtina Pehlivanoglu of Istanbul egend has that the Ottoman Insight that the organisation University condemned the pro- Sultan Mehmet II ordered withdrew from the project when ject’s execution in a report in Lthe construction workers of the damage being done to the site June 2009. perhaps Prishtina’s finest building, the Fatih Mosque, to wash became clear. “On our last trip to the site in daily in the neighbouring public “Culture Heritage without May 2009 we have seen that the baths, the Grand Hamam. Borders has not been a partner construction that has been car- Once central to life in Kosovo’s in this project since July 2009 ried out has no intention of fol- capital, today it lies in disrepair, because of the incompetence of lowing the instructions of the despite half-a-million euro of local partners,” Shoshi told accepted project for the monu- investment over four years. The Prishtina Insight. ment,” he wrote. only construction workers to “For two years we tried to have According to his report, visit the site have been accused the project, drafted by two well- obtained by Prishtina Insight, of causing irreparable damage known architects from Turkey the original 15th-century “dog- in the name of restoration. and Sweden, implemented so the tooth” cornices, discovered dur- Prishtina Insight has learned Great Hamam would get the ing the cleaning process, were that the project to restore the infrastructure it deserved, but destroyed by contractors. hamam to its former glory, unfortunately local people didn’t Modern bricks were used Poor workmanship on Prishtina’s hamam devised by some of the world’s see it as convenient for the proj- instead of the original mortar is expected this year. project so far,” he noted. foremost experts on Ottoman ect to be implemented according recipe devised by Istanbul Mustaf Halili, from the cul- Halili said that the first phase architecture, was ignored by to the project proposal,” Shoshi University. ture department of the of work was led by the Agrare those implementing the scheme. added. “As we stated earlier, we are Municipality of Prishtina, said company, which was later In January 2009, a board of Gjejlane Hoxha, an architec- extremely worried about the experts approved the detailed tural engineer who was a mem- destruction of the monument in the cultural landmark had seen replaced by another firm, plan, but the Municipality of ber of the board of experts that the name of construction,” he a great deal of investment and Valoni, following complaints. Prishtina, the Institute of approved the plan, told Prishtina concluded. he was looking forward to its One option now being weighed Kosovo for Protection of Insight that she felt disappointed Despite these concerns, work completion. up by the municipality is to Monuments and builders with the work that had been car- continued on the project and a “The municipality has invest- transform the site into a gallery. ignored the proposals of Mustafa ried out. third round of renovation work ed around 490,000 euro in the Baki Svirca, director of the

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Y M C K culture January 14 - 27, 2011 13 on Kosovo’s Old Hamam

Institute of Kosovo for were among the first buildings Protection of Monuments at the that Ottomans erected in cities time of the first renovation work throughout the Ottoman Empire. declined to comment on the com- But very few example of this plaints. remarkable form of architecture Agim Gerguri, head of the remain in the Balkans, or in Institute since July 2010, told Kosovo. Prishtina Insight that he also Prishtina’s hamam was built in did not want to comment on ear- the second half of the 15th centu- lier problems. ry. According to the little informa- Prishtina Insight was unable tion and documentation available, to contact either construction it was built in 1461 as a facility for firm involved in the renovation. the Fatih Mosque and its local Vjollca Aliu, head of cultural community. heritage at the Ministry of As a public bath, the public used Culture, Youth and Sports, told it for generations until its original Prishtina Insight that the min- function was abandoned in the istry had set up a committee to 1960s. review all cultural heritage proj- From then on, the building suf- ects, and completing the fered much damage and since 1989 hamam’s restoration would be a has received no maintenance priority. work, despite the building’s status “We are in the process of eval- as one of the oldest Ottoman struc- uating all the cultural projects tures in Prishtina. that will be implemented during The building has since been 2011, and the hamam will be one used as a place to store construc- of these,” she said. tion materials, while the main “The process of restoration entrance halls were turned into and conservation of the monu- shops. ment will continue through 2011 In 1995, the shops in the eastern but we believe that by the end of part of the building burned down, 2011, or the beginning of 2012, causing extensive damage. the hamam will be in use,” she Other parts of the building con- said. tinued to be used for shops until the first conservation activities From landmark to wreck: started in 2007, while the other part of the building was left in Hamams, or Turkish Baths, ruins. Cultural Heritage without Borders withdrew from the renovation of Prishtina’s hamam after a detailed plan was ignored

Y M C K 14 January 14 - 27, 2011 guide Kosovo’s Lost City Earthy Tomb The long-buried lllyrian and Roman city of Ulpiana is slowly revealing its secrets, thanks to archaeologists.

land or fields, sown with wheat thought that an older Illyrian set- Although most of the Ulpiana for Protection and Monuments of and corn. tlement was refounded by the site is private property, because Prishtina, along with archaeolo- But in 2010, the Ministry of Romans as Ulpiana. the site is of historical impor- gists from Germany, scanned 45 By Besiana Xharra Culture began funding major In 2010, the excavation stepped tance it has been a designated pro- hectares of the site. excavation work at the site, nine up a gear when the Ministry of tected area since 1954, Kemajl "This involved scanning the kilometres south of the capital, Culture entered into cooperation Luci, an archaeologist at the whole area down to a depth of wo-and-a-half metres Prishtina, near the town of with the German Archaeological Museum of Kosovo, told Prishtina two-and-a half-metres,” he said. underground, covering the Gracanica. Institute, the National Insight. “According to our calculations, Tequivalent of 120 football From 1950 to 1999, when the Archaeological Institute of This means that no house or the ancient city covered a total of pitches, the ancient city of Kosovo conflict ended, almost no Kosovo and the National Museum industrial facility can be built on 120 hectares of which we have Ulpiana is slowly being unearthed work was carried out on the site. of Kosovo. it, Luci explained. recorded 45 hectares so far. In 2011 by Kosovar and international Following the end of the hostili- Kosovo’s government has allo- "Research began in 1954 in this and 2012 we expect to record the archaeologists. ties, however, archaeologists cated 300,000 euro for the project, locality but 2010 was different entire area.” Although the location has long began digging, uncovering sec- which includes the building of a from all other years because this Enver Rexha, director of the been known as the country’s most tions of the city walls, defensive visitors’ centre. was when research began on a Archaeological Institute of promising archaeological site, it towers, glass containers, ceramic But of the estimated 120 large scale,” he added. Kosovo, said that once the study is only now being properly pots, coins, a gold pendant, hectares of the site, the govern- In the summer of 2010, a team of was completed in 2012, and once explored. human remains and Illyrian ment owns less than one hectare. archaeologists from the National several excavations were made, a A mere fraction of the area has graves. The finds date back to the Local Serbian farmers own most Museum of Kosovo, the archaeo- museum for visitors would be cre- been explored and most of the 1st Century AD, when it is of the rest. logical institute and the Institute ated. land remains covered with grass-

Y M C K A Roman slab at Ulpiana, on the outskirts of Prishtina guide January 14 - 27, 2011 15 New York Times Names Kosovo as Rises From Top 2011 Destination In its guide to the top 41 places to visit in 2011, the New York Times has placed Kosovo at number 36, among the beaches of Mexico and the wilds of Kurdistan.

and the airport now welcomes the Kosovo European budget carrier EasyJet. Travelers will be greeted by Mountains, medieval architec- rugged mountains and pine ture and unexpected night life. forests. They’ll also find that An excavation site at Ulpiana. Only a fraction of the ancient town has been unearthed Just over a decade ago, this Europe’s youngest nation boasts Albanian enclave was a troubled the Continent’s youngest popula- "We will open paths for visitors, Culture, Lirije Kajtazi, told wider region. province of Serbia; Slobodan tion, with about half of the people fix the infrastructure, asphalt the Prishtina Insight: "We will devise But it was not until the Romans Milosevic’s Serbian forces under 25. That statistic comes to roads and get ready for visitors,” a plan on how to fix Ulpiana’s arrived in the 1st century that the destroyed myriad towns and cities life in Pristina, the capital. Thanks Rexha said. ownership.” town developed into a city. In the and killed thousands in their pur- in part to the return of enterpris- But for Ulpiana to meet its full 4th Century, Ulpiana was given suit of independence fighters. ing young Kosovars living abroad, potential, Kosovo’s government From Illyrian to Roman the title of municipium, the sec- NATO ended the fighting, but the city is filling with cafes, night- must be ready to buy up more pri- City: ond-highest class of Roman cities. flare-ups continued. clubs and restaurants. vate land, he added. ”When this One of the key findings of the The last few years have seen But remnants of Kosovo’s Slavic happens, then the whole Ulpiana Archaeologists have uncovered research so far has been the 1st- Kosovo — which declared inde- and Ottoman past are the marquee can surface.” evidence suggesting the site may century Illyrian graves. Two pendence in 2008 — attempt to rise attractions. Once the seat of the Some local Serbian owners in have been inhabited as far back as skeletons found at the site have from the ashes. Despite problems Serbian Orthodox Church, the city the area told Prishtina Insight the 7th century BC. been sent to Germany for analy- and controversies, there is of Peja contains the Patriarchate they would be willing to sell land As a major Illyrian settlement, sis. progress on the travel front: a $1 of Pec, a complex of medieval to the government if the price Ulpiana is of huge cultural Ulpiana decayed as a result of billion highway project is under churches overlooking a jagged was right. importance for Albanians, as barbarian attacks during the fall way, government-owned hotels gorge, with interiors that glow "It all depends on how much many historians believe of the Roman Empire. In 500 AD, have been privatized and refur- with frescoes, and the Decani they offer, so that we can buy land Albanians descend from this for example, Goths destroyed bished, various historic sites have Monastery, filled with vivid bibli- somewhere else," said Vladimir ancient tribe. much of the city. In 518, Ulpiana won Unesco World Heritage status, cal scenes. Milic, from the village of Laplje “Ulpiana was one of the most was badly hit by an earthquake. Selo where the site is located. He populous settlements in ancient Ulpiana was rebuilt in the 6th owns 50 acres, some of which cov- Illyria, so its exploration is very century during the reign of the ers the site of Ulpiana. important,” Rexha said. Emperor Justinian. But the 7th Ibisa Petrovic, owner of anoth- According to Milot Berisha, century spelt the end of Ulpiana er plot, said he would sell land for from the Institute of Archaeology, as a great city when it was its market value. Ulpiana is one of the most inter- destroyed by the conquering Kosovo’s Deputy of Minster of esting sites in Kosovo and the Slavs.

Y M C A tomb uncovered during excavation of Ulpiana K 16 January 14 - 27, 2011 Food & Drink Creperie Leaves you Flat as Pancake

It is fair to say that the crepe itself is never really going to be the crowd pleaser of the dish – it’s more of the support act. It is there to stock out the dish, provide a bit of a consistency. At best, you could By Hannibal marvel at its texture. No, it is the selection of toppings and fillings that will transform the meal into something tasty. repes are a pretty basic affair: flour, eggs, milk, Creperie fails on both accounts – no support and cer- butter, and a pinch of salt, the kind of ingredi- tainly no roof-raiser. Cents you have lurking around the cupboard. Pick between sweet – jam, nuts or Nutella – or It is, probably, for this very reason that the prelude to savoury – ham and cheese – and off you go – that’s if Lent is Shrove Tuesday, better known today as the waiter can hear you over the din of the euro- Pancake Day. techno music blaring out. Bar the beefiness of your batter, there is really only I had a taste of pretty much all the options, which a spatula’s width difference between a pancake, a wasn’t difficult admittedly, and could not have been crepe or the many other variations on the same basic more underwhelmed. theme. The crepes were tough and arrived one by one One is claimed by the Dutch, the other by the because the restaurant has but one pancake pan. The French. The Belgians, who are confused about toppings were tasteless and uninspiring. whether they are Dutch or French, like to assert Overall, it is difficult to find any redeeming features their right to both. about the creperie, bar, perhaps ,the pleasant, pastel- Given the simplicity of its components and cooking coloured decor. method, you would think that it was pretty difficult If you are desperate for crepe, then try somewhere to go wrong with such a simple recipe. else which offers palacinka, as it is called in the Unfortunately, the latest edition to Prishtina’s din- Balkans. ing scene would prove you incorrect, despite the fact that it does little else apart from provide you a measly selection of crepes. La Creperie, Rexhep Luci (Near ABC Cinema) A sweet crepe fails to deliver at La Creperie Where to pick up Prishtina Insight? Prishtina Insight has teamed up with these six excellent venues to offer a limited number of complimentary copies of Kosovo’s only English-language newspaper. Grab a copy of the publication and settle down with a drink or a meal to read it.

Jinglebells Cavallero Mexican Restaurant If your soul is affected by the grey season then pay a visit to You can almost transport yourself to the Mexican coast, with Jinglebells, where you will find all the colours that you’ve been soaring palm trees and an immaculate five star resort, while dining missing. at Cavallero Mexican Cantina. Mouth-watering appetizers and Jinglebells is a perfect one-stop-shop for internationals offering a savoury main dishes are nicely washed down with countless cock- selection of books in various tail options and even imported Mexican beer. Skopje-based ‘Los languages and the quickest Ritmos’ entertain diners every Friday and Saturday with their latin supply of international news- beats. For more information, papers in town. It also offers visit their facebook page, or con- souvenirs and gifts, such as tact them. local handicrafts. Paddy O’Brien’s Cavallero, Located next to the ex-UNMIK Jinglebells. Bookstore and The staff at Paddy O’Brien’s building more. have a saying: “It’s easy to walk Prishtina Ernest Koliqi 12, opposite in, but very hard to leave.” +386 49 619 375 EULEX HQ And with its warm atmosphere, Facebook page +386(0)49 741 170 fantastic range of drinks and excellent food, it is easy to see why. Cantina am-pm Restaurant Hotel AFA Te Komiteti There have been many attempts to establish a proper Irish pub in Cantina AM-PM, formerly known as Located in a quiet neighbourhood just Te Komiteti’s large trees and a beauti- Prishtina, but this is the only one Mexican Cantina, recently went through a outside the city centre, Hotel Afa can guar- fully garden, which surround the small to hit the spot. transfer to new management, and although antee guests a peaceful night while being outdoor terrace, give you an impression From classic coffees to cock- hardly noticeable from a distance, the new within walking distance of all the action. of an exclusive place for ordinary peo- tails, via, of course, Guinness, owners have transformed the venue into a The venue has won a host of awards for its ple. And this is exactly what it is. From you really wont find it difficult to more grown-up affair with good, cheap food. excellent service to customers and offers a brunch to lunch-time snacks and special select the perfect drink. Cantina offers Mexican dishes at reasonable good range of facilities, from an exclusive evening meals, this restaurant offers A mouth-watering menu of prices, starting from less than 5 euro. Although restaurant and VIP dishes comprising quality, varied ingre- Irish specialties is also on offer, the majority of the food is Mexican-influenced, bar to pretty, tranquil dients, combined to perfection. spanning from all-day breakfasts Cesar salad and pizza have been included too. garden. Rooms start at Alongside one of Prishtina’s best ‘mod- to Irish stews at night. Mexican favourites 45 euro for a single, ern European’ Options include shepherd’s pie, served up at Cantina and luxury rooms and style menus, bangers and mash, fish ‘n chips, include tortilla, thicker apartments are avail- you’ll also find a and whopping great burgers. pan-friend tortilla, able. The hotel’s rooms good selection of Thursday is pub quiz night, but nacho chips and burri- are well appointed and wine, and great there is always something going to. Cantina’s also offers comfortable. sangria and cock- on at the pub, whether it is sport a very pleasant area for 15, Rr Ali Kelmendi, tails . screenings or just a good shindig. al fresco dining. Sunny Hill, Te Komiteti Paddy O’Brien’s Cantina AM-PM Prishtina Qamil Hoxha Tringe Smajli Street, by the Rr Qamil Hoxha +381 38/225 226 Street Illyria Hotel Y Prishtina www.hotelafa.com Prishtina Prishtina M +377 49 710 710 +381 38 24 96 63 045-420900 C K By Shengjyl Osmani January 14 - 27, 2011 17 in Prishtina Timeout Contact Prishtina Insight if you would like your event to feature or to advertise your venue. Email [email protected]

Theatre Schedule - National Theatre of Kosovo

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 The National Theatre of Kosovo Monday, January 17, 2011 hosts the play “Rock’n’Roll”, the Sharon Pollock’s "Lidhje Gjaku" latest play of Czech-born British [bloodlink] marks a shift of playwright Tom Stoppard. The attention to individual dramatist play is directed by the succesful in the context of family and Albanian-Bosnian director Dino social connections. Mustafic. “Rock’n’Roll” is set in Prague Wednesday, January 19, 2011 and Cambridge and tells about The play “Heshtje” [Silence] by the legacy of the late 1960s, end- Rafet Abazi is directed by Arta ing with the 1989 Velvet Kallaba. This great play repre- Revolution. sens social problems. The pro- While Stoppard is not known for duction has won audience’s his soft side, you might want to hearts, thus will be also staged designed web page bring along a handkerchief for on January 22, 2011, starting http://www.teatrikombetar.eu/c this triumphantly sentimental from 8 pm. m/programi-janar-2011/, call at play 044 430 693, or send an email at .”Rock’n’Roll will be shown on For a complete schedule of the [email protected]. Friday, January 14, and Saturday plays and more detailed informa- January 15, starting from 8 pm. tion, visit the theatre’s newly ABC Cinema shows Takers everyday from 6, 8, and 10 pm. TAKERS takes you into the world of a notorious group of criminals (Idris Elba, Paul Walker, T.I., Chris Brown, Hayden Christensen and Michael Ealy) who continue to baffle police by pulling off perfectly “Beselem pse me flijojne” written by executed bank robberies. They are in and out like clockwork, leaving no evidence behind and laying low between heists. But when they Rexhep Qosja and directed by Fatos attempt to pull off one last job with more money at stake than ever Berisha will be staged on Tuesday, before, the crew may find their plans interrupted by a hardened detec- January 18, 2011, at 8 pm. tive (Matt Dillon) who is hell-bent on solving the case.

Sharon Pollock’s “ Lidhje Gjaku” [blood ABC Cinema shows ‘The Tourist” every day at 8 and 10 pm, starring link] is directed by Fadil Hysaj and Hollywood’s fabulous Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. stars many prominent actors, including During a trip to Europe, Frank meets Elise. She is a wonderful woman, who meets Frank on purpose. Soon they both are involved in Irena Cahani, Hazir Myftari, Aurita a chasing game through beautiful Paris and Venice. Agushi, Lumnije Sopi, Bislim Muçaj, Lirak Celaj and Shpetim Kastrati. For ticket reservations or additional information contact ABC Cinema The play’s scenography is done by at 038 243 117 or visit their web page www.kinoabc.info Austrian stylist Sylvia Weber. Vesa Kraja has designed the costumes, and Valton Beqiri has arranged the music. The play is directed iby Kastriot Saqipi. will be staged on January 17.

Friday, January 14, 2011 Prishtina diary: Crème de la Crème, bass drive! @ Friday, January 14, 2011 Starting at: 20:00, Filikaqa, Karaoke night. Like every music by Korab Etemi Friday, Filikaqa will hold its famous Karaoke night, where all talents are Friday, January 14, 2011 invited to perform. Maroon Pub, Zanzi Band performing For reservations call 038 244 288, or live from 10 pm. write to [email protected] Friday, January 14, 2011 Duplex Club, from Zurich - DJ DeVito - Playing the best of House Music & Local DJ with a mixture of Hip Hop & RnB DJ DeVito (ZURICH). Local Dj at Magic Dance Club & Beach Club. DJ-ing followed in various Clubs :He also performed at the Ibiza party season in various clubs.

Saturday, January 15, 2011 Duplex Club - The Best of Hip Hop n RnB with DJ PAMONI with DJ PAMONI All u can expect is the very Best tunes Y Of Hip Hop n RnB! M C K 18 January 14 - 27, 2011 Inside Prishtina Unpaid Bills Leave Thousands Cold in

The Ministry of Education and the Kosovo Academy of Arts and Science are among thousands of customers whose heating has been cut off. By Petrit Collaku struggling to cope with the discon- The chimney of Prishtina’s chimney was built to that height ing their heating bills – a debt nections. Termokos district heating compa- to eject hazardous fumes further which according to Termokos has Ramize, who lives in the city's ny has no trouble competing with away from living things. Usually reached 15 million euro. ermokos, the sole heating Ulpiana district, said her building the rest of the city’s quirky struc- these types of flues are also In turn, Termokos has incurred supplier in Kosovo's capital, had been cut off for one month. “I tures that make up the city’s puz- equipped with filters in order to their own debts with their suppli- TPrishtina, is continuing its paid all my bills last summer but zling post-socialist skyline. For limit atmospheric pollution. ers of mazut, a low quality fuel oil tough policy of disconnecting cus- most people in this block did not one, it stands at 80 metres tall, Termokos does not have one. the company uses to heat the city. tomers who have not paid their pay, so now we all face the same with an eye-catching star-shaped The absence of filters can large- The debt and fluctuations in the bills. restrictions,” Ramize told base reaching a diameter of three ly be blamed on the public compa- price of mazut ignited concerns On Thursday, the firm discon- Prishtina Insight. metres. ny’s financial woes. Since the end that Termokos would not be able nected the Ministry of Education The city hospital, which is The height has nothing to do of the 1998-99 conflict, citizens and to provide heat to city residents and the Academy of Arts and served by the same network and with aesthetic ambitions. The institutions alike have put off pay- just a couple of weeks ago. Science, saying the two institu- also faced the possibility of being tions owed 115,000 euro in unpaid cut off, reached an agreement with fees. the company on Thursday. Zana Efendiu, the company As Termokos has begun cutting spokesperson, said consumers had off central heating, many families racked up 15 million euro in debts have turned to electric bar since 1999, and "we will no longer heaters, which has placed a major tolerate this". strain on the country's troubled Termokos says it is facing a electrical power company, Kosovo financial crisis because of the Energy Corporation, KEK. unpaid bills and as a result is not “Since the reductions from able to buy Mazut, the low quality Termokos started, there has been fuel used in the plant. an increase of 25 per cent in elec- Over the last two seasons alone, tricity consumption, which has fresh debts had reached 4,780,000 overloaded the system,” KEK's euro, Efendiu said, adding that the Viktor Buzhala told Prishtina average daily payments received Insight. from customers were worth only He said KEK had been forced to 5,000 euro. order temporary power cuts in “Termokos needs to receive some areas of Prishtina owing to 60,000 euro a day in payments in excessive consumption. “We have order to meet its daily obliga- to do this to protect our assets," he tions,” she said. said. The company began disconnecting customers in the capital in the Termokos beginning of the winter, after warning people to pay their bills. Termokos’ chimney is undoubt- “We ‘froze' the debts of con- edly a Prishtina landmark, but it sumers up to December 2005 and is also part of a plant which sup- urged everyone to start paying plies heat to 13,000 homes in the from 2006 onwards but that didn’t city. This week, with unpaid bills work,” Efendiu recalled. and debts mounting, it cut of sup- Consumers, meanwhile, are plies to dozens of flats. Termokos is turning off the heat on customers who have not paid their bills Keep those New Year’s Life Fitness. need extra motivation to get Life Fitness opened in June themselves out there, the gym By Inge Baanders 2010 and is a welcome addition to does not offer any group lessons. Prishtina’s work-out possibili- But after a tiring work-out or a ties. stressful day, you treat yourself The gym has a stylish and to a relaxing sauna for a reason- ooking for an entertaining colourful interior. The character- able 5 euro. way to beat the effects of istic loud music and TV-screens A 10 to 20 minute sauna session Lthe holiday season? Getting tuned in on Eurosport or MTV - provides the same results as a fit as a New Year’s resolution or this somehow seems to be obliga- brisk walk; hence, no need to feel simply fed up with jogging tory in gyms - attempt to inspire guilty for skipping an extra half around the same old block? people to indulge into enthusias- an hour on the treadmill. Prishtina offers several mod- tic training sessions. Enjoy a well-deserved drink at ern, well-equipped gyms, so Life Fitness has a large cardio the small bar before stepping out- throw those excuses overboard section, offering a variety of side. In summer, the gym’s mod- and get moving. Y treadmills, cross trainers and the est terrace is opened. Located on Rrustem Statovci, M like, and a modest weightlifting The rather small dressing opposite Prishtina’s city park, C section. rooms are completely new and you will find the modern gym K Unfortunately for those who equipped with lockers and two 19 Inside Prishtina January 14 - 27, 2011 Todd Wassel Travel writer Prishtina through the Eyes of: the Eyes through Prishtina Hamam – Raising the Bar Hamam Jazz Bar is setting new standards for venues in Prishtina’s competitive nightlife scene demonstrating that great crafts- manship still exists in the country if you know where to find it. -What surprised you most By Lawrence Marzouk Of particular note is the ceil- about Prishtina? ing made up of hanging slabs of That there were traffic rules. mud, which is both original and I can from Sri Lanka where the provides a warmer sound to the driving was much crazier. dingy car park which music. backs onto Rr Luan Nightly jazz performances -What's your favourite AHaradinaj isn’t a promis- hangout? start at 10pm, bringing to the ing location for an upscale bar. Select on a Sunday morning stage a wealth of local talent, But as you sweep down the for brunch. Well not morn- which has been starved of a stairs to Hamam through enor- ing...1 pm feels like morning on good venue to entertain music mous, heavy, wooden doors, it is a Sunday. immediately apparent that this lovers. Dardan Islami, the bar’s isn’t just another Prishtina -Do you do anything cul- owner, says that Kosovo-based watering hall. tural? artists will be supplemented Before entering the bar, you I love hiking but I'm not sure with top quality international are greeted by staff who will if you would consider this cul- performers in the near future. take your coat with a smile. tural. I'm often in the moun- The well stocked and tended And then, the second set of tains of Dragash exploring the heavy doors swing open to bar can serve up pretty much shephard paths and avoiding reveal a large, exquisitely any cocktail you chose, as well Shar dogs. designed interior. as a good range of wine, beer Hamam is the city’s first real and champagnes. -What is the most anmnoy- jazz offering, but goes well And if you are looking for a ing thing about Prishtina? beyond just serving up some off- bite to eat, the innovative finger That the police and govern- beat music. food menu provides welcome ment do not do anything to help Its decor of stressed concrete, respite from the usual fare on the street children who are beg- leather and mud-slab ceiling offer in Kosovo. ging everywhere, or washing scene, as the new and trendy Hamam Jazz Bar would be cutting edge anywhere Seafood with wasabi mayon- windows at the stop lights. in the world. In Prishtina, it is naise and mango with crab are becomes the old and worn, but Off Luan Haradinaj Hamam is set to stay. revolutionary. just two of the delicate combina- Open 5pm – 12pm. -If you were mayor of And, hopefully, it will provide All the furniture and fittings tions on offer to entertain your 3 euro after 11pm. Prishtina for the day, what inspiration to other venues to up were designed by a Kosovo palate. +377 (0)44 22 22 89, +381(0)38 22 would you change? their game in terms of decor, Albanian based in London and Bars come and go in 22 89. email Obviously I deal with the music, drinks and food. made in Kosovo to high quality, Prishtina’s fickle nightlife [email protected]. child labor issue. But if I only had one day I'd prevent parking on sidewalks, and change the timing of the traffic light near the Ombusman's office. At the Resolutions, Join a Gym moment cars take a left on a green arrow right into crossing separate showers. week. euro for a 30-minute massage. coin, as you will need it to use pedestrians. Someone will get Getting fit at Life Fitness will The gym offers a large and Alternatively, opt for one of the shower. hit sooner or later. cost you a mere 30euro per light work-out space. Gym 24/7 the various body and facial A monthly membership will month. The gym is opened from is well-equipped and offers a treatments offered, ranging cost you 38 euro. -How many macchiatos do 8 am to 11 pm from Monday to wide variety of choices in from 5 euro for an eyebrow If you are not a true fitness you drink a day? Saturday. On Sunday, you can machines, from regular cardio treatment to 65 euro for a full fiend but still determined to None. I was getting fat from work off your weekend from 4 and weightlifting to aerobics ‘detox’ treatment. carry out your New Year’s reso- all the milk. Now I just drink 3- pm until 10 pm. and kickboxing. To complete the self indul- lution at least for a few weeks, 4 Americanos per day. For more information, call Needless to say, pumping gence, enjoy the solarium for 3 you can opt for a 5 euro daily +377(0)44-197257/+386(0)49- music and several TV-screens euro per 4-minute session. You membership. Special offers are -What's the tastiest 666654 or simply stop by and are present to both motivate will walk out refreshed with a available for groups and young- Kosovar food? talk to one of the friendly staff. you and prevent you from miss- spring in your step! sters. Fresh bread with yogart dip- For those true exercise ing your favourite football The dressing rooms, on the ping sauce. I just can't get diehards and for those that only match. first floor, are simple rooms Gym24/7 is centrally located enough of it. come to life at night, Gym24/7 Gym24/7 understands that with a large shower area and behind Rilindja, next to Sheshi offers, yes you guessed rightly, there is more to health than seem to have been left behind in 21, and has a private -What landmark do you Y the opportunity to indulge exercise; to relax after a train- maintenance with the rest of parking lot. use to tell taxi drivers where M yourself in the world of fitness ing session, try one of the the building. For more information, visit you live? C 24 hours a day, seven days a gym’s massages, starting at 15 Make sure to bring a 50 cent www.gym-ks.com. Viva Fresh on Sunny Hill. K If you would like your NGO to appear in 20 January 14 - 27, 2011 our Making a Difference feature, please opinion email [email protected] Europe Must Stay the Outside In Kosovo in 2010: Course in North Kosovo Spermatozoa Elections The recent past shows EU pressure on Belgrade can deliver results in northern Kosovo. The question is whether Europe has the will to keep it up. And in Macedonia, although Serbia, including high-level visits relations between the majority and from key member states, to get it to By Kreshnik Hoxha the Albanian minority have agree to technical talks. By Peter Palmer improved since the 2001 conflict, Whether such contacts go ahead the relationship of the latter to the has been complicated by the ith all its political parties, comedy value gaffes of politicians, Macedonian state is far from set- Council of Europe report naming Hollywood-style EULEX raids, outrageous elections promises, tled. And, if we accept an ethnic Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Hashim Wdodgy tender offers, a Lucky-Luke-style Gani Geci, a George- mong the recent WikiLeaks Clooney-wannabe Prime Minister, a self-overthrown government, a consti- disclosures, cables from redrawing of borders between Thaci, as an organised crime boss. tution-breaching President and a passport that takes you to destination iso- ABelgrade and Prishtina Kosovo and Serbia, why not else- But questions about high-level lation, Kosovo in 2010 has been a hub of cross-fertilisation between the lives confirmed the unease US diplo- where, in the Caucasus, or in crime and corruption in Kosovo of locals, internationals, wannabes, self-proclaimed geniuses, opinion mak- mats felt about the support of offi- Moldova? Some would welcome the are separate from the issue of rela- ers, bloody foreigners and all the dead ones that voted in the last elections. cials in Belgrade for the partition precedent. tions with Serbia. Throughout the year Outside In has been looking at Kosovo’s meta- of Kosovo. Since the break-up of EU pressure will need to be morphosis from the ghastly and rainy environments of Hull, UK, where Frustration with the lack of Yugoslavia, the international com- stepped up anew, both to ensure finding inspiration to write this column has been quite a challenge at progress in integrating the mainly munity has insisted that minority the talks proceed, and to make sure Serb-inhabited north has led some rights should be respected within they have meaningful content. times. Blame the weather! Although, they say it’s never dull in Hull! international commentators to existing borders. Serbia and Brussels should not allow its mis- But, I say it’s never normal in Kosovo! advocate Kosovo’s partition, per- Kosovo are both multinational sion to continue to be humiliated. Yes, they have a Queen over in Britain but we have Hashim Thaci haps as part of a mutually agreed states. If Serbs in the north cannot If Belgrade were pressurised over here, who had three dreams in his life – albeit he is still stuck on territorial swap with Serbia’s live in Kosovo, what place does that into taking a more accommodating his first one – the aspiration to become a good politician. Albanian-inhabited Presevo valley leave for the Serbs in the south? approach, there is no reason why With his attempts to guide Kosovo towards a functioning state the going to Kosovo in exchange. And what about the Albanians who things should not change in the odds are that the most frequently used words throughout the year were: But what are the prospects for live in the north of Kosovo and eth- north. In more than a decade since democracy and elections. November’s column, “An election a year, such a solution, and is it necessary, nically cleansed Albanians who the UN mandate in Kosovo began, keeps the nation in gear”, said that we, as a nation, love democracy so or desirable? would like to return there? the pattern has been one of grad- much that we can’t even wait a full mandate before we start to salivate Partition or territorial Then there are the practicalities. ual progress, with occasional set- and yearn for voting in the next round. Now, it turns out that we love exchanges are not publicly stated If Prishtina won’t give up the backs, as things that had once democracy to the extent of delivering an-over-100-per-cent turnout in policy in either Belgrade or north without compensation in appeared impossible became possi- general elections in which you don’t need to be over 18 or alive to vote. Prishtina. When Serbia’s southern Serbia, would Belgrade ble. As far as Kosovo’s modern constitution is concerned, you can be a sper- President, Boris Tadic, raised par- accept such a swap? If it would, Who would have thought three matozoon and still cast your ballot. The geezers in Skenderaj, Drenas tition as a possible solution in where would the new boundary be years ago that one would see the and Decan know what I am talking about! September 2008, he faced condem- drawn? As when discussing border level of Serb participation in Speaking of elections, I must say it’s been a year of hell for Valdete nation in both capitals, leading changes anywhere in former Kosovo’s institutions in the south Daka. For some reason she ends up cleaning the mess created by others. him to reaffirm the official Serbian Yugoslavia, there is no clean ethnic seen today? That was possible Initially it was Nesrin Lushta’s mess she had to sort out and now she line that the whole of Kosovo boundary. because Belgrade did not have the has to deal with the industrial-scale fraud from the latest elections. But, remains part of Serbia. Of the three southern Serbian means to control Serbs in the someone urgently needs to tell her that counting votes is not rocket sci- Nevertheless, as the WikiLeaks municipalities in question, south, whose daily reality is that ence and thus there is no need for all this bloody delay in delivering the documents show, some Serbian Presevo is almost entirely they live among Albanians and results. officials are interested in partition. Albanian-inhabited, but unavoidably come into contact I know we are all fed up with our politicians and I’ve given up with While acknowledging that most of Bujanovac and Medvedja are ethni- with Kosovo’s authorities. them. Yes, if their uselessness was measured as a quality, we’d be the Kosovo is lost, they assert that the cally mixed. Wherever the line And in the north, while Kosovo top in Incompetence International, unlike our rank in Transparency government in Prishtina will would be drawn, some would be left institutions are present only to a International. And, I would wager, the departing government would no never rule the north. on the wrong side. Such playing very limited extent, pragmatic doubt blame civil society for writing that too. Could Prishtina be persuaded to with maps does not provide solu- accommodation by some Serbs I think concentrating on our economy is our last hope because there accept such a loss of territory? The tions. It just creates more disputes. there is already greater than many are still few things we can do to ensure our economy picks up. And, seri- answer would seem to be “no”, By sanctioning partition, the prob- in Belgrade realise. From the con- ously, Fatmir Limaj should not get any ideas from this; otherwise we unless Kosovo were offered some- lem of the north would not be tacts between Kosovo Serb police will start eating tarmac in the near future. thing in return. It is here that the solved. More likely, it would ignite and their counterparts in the But instead of tarmac, the answer is our Sharr Cheese, which, if trad- idea of a territorial exchange the tinderbox of frustration felt by south, to the acceptance by many ed internationally, would set the wheels of our economy in motion. comes into play. While it is certain- many Albanians. northern municipal officials of Those who remember my article on “The Sharr Cheese Scandal” will ly not official Kosovo policy, some The premise that partition is the Kosovo salaries, some northern definitely know what I am yakking about. Sharr Cheese should have officials in Prishtina are prepared only possible solution for the north Serbs already balance between accompanied Skender Hyseni on his flights across the world while lob- to entertain the idea. of Kosovo is flawed. The main Serbia and Kosovo. bying for the 100 recognitions that never came. However, when considering a point is that the north’s non-inte- Such pragmatism should be One thing, however, is crystal clear! Unlike the rip-off money paid to territorial exchange, problems of gration in Kosovo is only sustained encouraged. But the prerequisite Saatchi & Saatchi to promote the Young Europeans, Sharr Cheese can be principle and practicality present by institutional and financial sup- is that Belgrade cease shoring up advertised by Nexhat Daci and his Parliament-“funded” porcelain teeth. themselves. International accept- port from Belgrade. That Serbia the hard-line, obstructionist On the other hand, we really need to find something that would help ance of the break-up of Yugoslavia provides funding for Kosovo’s holdovers from Slobodan us bear our politicians. Seeking help from the egg industry could be an has since 1991 been based on two would be fine, if its purpose was Milosevic’s era . option. In fact, it’s the best option. principles, affirmed throughout legitimate support for Serbian cul- It is no time to despair about the We had previously outlined the cost benefit analysis of pumping the wars of the Yugoslav succes- tural, educational, social and integration of the north into some money in this industry in “Egg a politician: Thaci Omelette”. sion and the peace implementation healthcare needs. But not when it Kosovo, nor to look for the type of Given the lack of accountability of our politicians this will definite- process that followed. is used as a political tool to under- solution that has rightly been ly change our reputation from Thaci’s Banana Repulic to Thaci’s Egg One is no change to the former mine Kosovo’s integration. rejected elsewhere in the Balkans. Republic – and that would still be a lot more than his endeavours to take internal boundaries between Belgrade’s obstructionist tactics The EU has the means to secure a the country forwards. Yugoslavia’s federal units. The include enfeebling the EU’s rule of change of policy from Belgrade. It So, there we are, bitter or sweet, here goes another year for the other is no acceptance of the logic law mission in Kosovo, EULEX. is true that the EU is divided over youngest country in the world, which should have added to our maturi- Belgrade’s consent in December Kosovo’s independence but the five of ethnic cleansing, or of the idea ty as a state. That is, if we weren’t sui generis on everything – which is 2008 to EULEX’s deployment in the non-recognisers have all lined up that multinational states are probably why the departing-returning PM’s hair has gone grey; even north followed EU pressure and its behind the call for technical talks. unworkable. though his to-do-list of promises is barely ticked! insistence that if Serbia wanted to None opposes EULEX’s mission in These principles remain valid Finally, this article would definitely fall short if it wasn’t to acknowl- proceed with EU integration, it the north. Spain and Greece have and important, not least for Bosnia edge the personality of the year in Kosovo! should not undermine EULEX’s taken a pragmatic line of late, Ladies and gentlemen, for his unwavering contributions to Kosovo’s and Herzegovina, whose unity con- mission. EULEX is now present in making a more robust EU tinues to be questioned. After the deepest institutional crisis the prize goes to Fatmir Sejdiu, whose lega- the north but is barely able to approach realistic, if the same will cy, along with most of Kosovo’s current political elite, should serve as a International Court of Justice’s carry out its mandate. that was evident following the ICJ prime example why the likes of these people should be kept well away opinion in July on the legality of Given Serbia’s EU aspirations, opinion is sustained. from any of our institutions. Kosovo’s independence declara- the European Union holds leverage If Malcolm Tucker, the foul-mouthed government press advisor from Y tion, the Republika Srpska Prime over Belgrade to insist that it stop Peter Palmer is a former Kosovo the recent BBC political comedy The Thick of It, worked in Kosovo, he M Minister [now President], Milorad its obstructionism in the north. Project Director and Balkans may have said: “Even a left bollock with a smiley face drawn on it can C Dodik, drew a parallel with the Following the ICJ’s opinion in July, Project Director of the do a better job than this lot.” K Serbian position in Bosnia. the EU put huge pressure on International Crisis Group. January 14 - 27, 2011 21 Community Focus If you would like your NGO to appear in our Making a Difference feature, please email [email protected] Ecosovo HLC: Chronicling Victims of War Why we should keep the The Humanitarian Law Centre has been at the forefront of compiling a list of victims from the wars of the 90s. In March, it will release the first part of its Memory Book, containing January feeling going information on about 2,000 victims. human rights, regardless of ethnic their relatives and are hesitant to background. cooperate. In 1997, the HLC Kosovo office was As part of an ICTY outreach pro- By Elizabeth Gowing By Inge Baanders opened in Prishtina. The organisa- gramme, HLC visited 15 high schools tion focuses on a transitional justice throughout Kosovo. Mr. Blakaj said: programme, including three main “I was surprised to find that not t’s an occasion for making resolutions (I look back at the giddy components. many children know about their days of January 2010 when I thought I was on the road to a lthough the 1999 peace agree- Islimmer me – yet again – and can only smile), but more impor- The NGO attempts to document all recent past, but they were eager to tantly a new year is also a time for looking long term. We might ment ended the violent con- victims that were killed or went learn.” spend February to mid-December battling one day at a time in our Aflict in Kosovo, suffering from missing during 1998-2000 in Kosovo HLC Kosovo is also engaged in diaries, but as the end of the year approaches, my gaze lifts to a the war’s consequences is far from in a Memory Book. Collecting infor- monitoring of war crimes trials in over; according to figures from the further horizon. Through January, I manage to keep something of mation from, among others, witness Kosovo. Blakaj is cautiously opti- International Committee for the Red that perspective – like making the first footprints in fresh snow, I and family member testimonies, mistic: “Although we can see some Cross, some 1,870 people are still take each step mindfully, wondering whether this is the kind of ICTY transcripts and death certifi- improvements, we should not be sat- missing and many thousands of fam- trail I want to be making across virgin country, considering how cates, HLC Kosovo has so far com- isfied with the progress. So far, only ilies are waiting for justice to be my path will appear when I look back. Without such looking served. piled information on 14,000 victims. fourteen cases have been closed.” ahead, sustainable living makes no sense. In an attempt to move the past The first part of the Memory Book In this regard, he stresses the The only reason we would buy a more expensive, but energy-effi- away from political manipulation, will be published in March of this importance of the RECOM initiative; cient light-bulb (available now in most electrical shops and super- the Humanitarian Law Centre (HLC) year, containing information on a coalition of regional NGOs striving markets in Kosovo, by the way – no excuse if you’ve not already fit- was established in Serbia in 1992. more than 2,000 victims. to disclose the truth about human ted them in your house) would be because we are looking long- HLC works to document human Director of HLC Kosovo, Mr. rights violations whilst offering vic- term. We know that the up-front payment will be balanced by the rights violations across the territo- Bekim Blakaj, explains that some tims a public platform to speak up. eventual savings as the bulb lasts longer, uses less power. ries of the former Yugoslavia, with people are reluctant to cooperate: “RECOM is the first step to reconcil- Organizing our food shopping in advance means we don’t end up the aim of helping people and gov- “some people object to Serbian and iation, as there can be no reconcilia- grabbing the cheapest import, the poorest quality; bothering to ernments coming to terms with their Albanian victims’ names being inter- tion without information” Blakaj turn the television off stand-by involves a short-term grunt on get- past and to ensure accountability of mingled. Also, some families have explained. ting up from the sofa but we know there is a long-term impact on those responsible for violations of individually identified victims as HLC Kosovo focuses on the often our electricity bill and on the use of the earth’s resources. dire situation of minority rights as a So keeping and encouraging a long-term perspective is essential legacy of the region’s recent past. for an earth-friendly lifestyle. But how do you imagine the future? In Kosovo, HLC monitors the Not what do you imagine the future to be – we can all trade visions establishment of new municipalities of communities living in silver space suits on hydroponically and the impact of decentralisation grown algae, or, alternatively, hair-shirted camps of low-carbon on human rights and minority rights organic farmers. I mean how do you imagine the future? As a in particular. To stimulate communi- slave to my diary, if you ask me about the future, I can see it ty groups to speak up for themselves, rolling out before me in a series of MTWThFSS blocks. My visu- HLC educates these groups on their alization of time ahead is captured in that little notebook (so rights through awareness raising much so that I missed an appointment recently because my 2011 projects. week-to-view diary has Thursday on the bottom left hand corner, HLC Kosovo is supported by while my 2010 week-to-view diary had it on the top right hand cor- KFOS, CCFD, Open Society Institute ner, I live my life as if I am crawling across that paper representa- in Budapest and Civil Rights tion). Ask me what’s going to be happening this year and I’ll men- Defenders. tally whip through those pages, seeing the blank spaces, and the For more information visit inked-in plans, and the pencil scribbles. http://www.hlc-rdc.org/ Visual images of the future are culturally-specific. The An event organised by HLC Japanese, I am told, typically ‘see’ the future coming at them from behind their heads, making a fundamental connection between the past and the future. My hunch is that people in Kosovo see the future as something less connected, less knowable. One of the BIRN Wins Prizes For Corruption things I love about Kosovo is the sense of opportunity, and I think that’s connected with not knowing – like driving through the recent Prishtina fog, you can see what is just in front of you, but Journalism in Kosovo beyond that, anything is possible. There is a fundamental truth in IRN investigative journalists, this understanding of time to come – however inked-in are my Alban Selimi, Lawrence travel plans and expectations, things will happen to derail them (I BMarzouk, and Petrit Collaku, came to Kosovo for six months and I’ve been here nearly five have been awarded first prizes for years). Kosovo’s history has encouraged this sense of not-know- anti-corruption in the category of ing – life has been unpredictable here, not just ruled from outside, television and print journalism. through repeated waves of violence and destruction, but also in In the best journalists' awards for the post-1999 period when UN missions and individual contracts reporting on combating and prevent- have lived in a six-month cycle. New reasons have confirmed a ing corruption in Kosovo, the mindset already present in Kosovo, and newcomers to the country Association of Professional – whether British, Japanese, or from any of the other tens of Journalists of Kosovo and Anti- countries represented here – have picked up some of these short- Corruption Agency, gave first term ways of living. prizes to three BIRN reporters. Collaku won first prize for written and relatives of the Minister of It’s a threat to Kosovo’s sustainability – politically, economical- Alban Selimi won first prize for investigative journalism, with Transport, Fatmir Limaj, won ten- ly, and environmentally. Talking to a Kosovar friend recently television investigative journalism their investigative report published ders that cost several millions," he about energy use in Kosovo he told me ‘people here can’t afford to with his investigative report into a in Prishtina Insight, a publication added. make energy savings’. In fact they can’t afford not to. lawyer and judge in Klina who of BIRN. "The story has shown that the How long-term are you thinking, as you riffle through your 2011 forged documents to make an ille- The winning report concerned problem with tenders issued by the diary, or speed the cursor through the Outlook calendar? Whether gal profit of 16,800 euro. "This misuse of government tenders for government continues to be a very you’re a long-term Kosovo resident, or here on a short-term con- award has a special significance, roads in Kosovo and allegations of serious one," he continued. tract, how would your actions be different if you lived today as if since it is the official revelation of corruption in the Kosovo's Ministry This is the fourth year that BIRN you were going to be here forever? How would we be less waste- corruption as an enemy," Selimi of Transport and Communications. has won major prizes for investiga- ful, more respectful? said. "This took several months of tive journalism in Kosovo. So my New Year’s resolution? To try to see the long-term impli- “This is an appreciation of my work into documents and tenders The winners said they hoped the cations – for the ecosystem and my place in it – of my short-term work and the work of my BIRN col- about road building in Kosovo and prizes would encourage journalists decisions. To try to keep something of my January perspective, as leagues who remain dedicated to our findings were really worrying," to continue reporting cases of cor- the virgin snow turns to slush, and eventually melts away. the elimination of corruption and Collaku said. ruption, abuse of official positions, Elizabeth Gowing is a founder member of The Ideas other negative phenomena in "This ministry was mostly inves- misuse of taxpayers’ money and Partnership, a Kosovar NGO working on educational, cultural Kosovo," he added. tigated because it had the largest provision of substandard public and environmental projects. She can be reached at theideaspart- Lawrence Marzouk and Petrit budget, from which lots of friends services for citizens of Kosovo. [email protected] 22 January 14 - 27, 2011 my kosovo My Kosovo

By Kushtrim Palushi

y name is Kushtrim Palushi. In these photos, MI show you how I celebrated New Year’s Eve. I have been active in civil society in Kosovo since 2005 and in 2010 joined BIRN as project coor- dinator.

We, at Prishtina Insight, would like you to send us your photos of Kosovo so we can share your special story with other readers on this page. Don’t be shy, just email them to: [email protected] The Motherwith Teresalights for square New decoratedYear

Me (far right) with my family on New Year's night, posing for a happy new year

A firework blasts at 12 o'clock as the New Y M Year celebration begins C K January 14 - 27, 2011 23 Classified Contact Prishtina Insight if you would like to advertise Email [email protected]

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