Hope As Kosovo's 6Million Euro Image Makeover Starts

NGO Focus: Tackling Rising Levels of Drug Abuse

September 18 - October 1, 2009 Issue No. 23 prishtinainsight.com Free copy Exclusive: Pieter Feith OPINION and Roy Reeve on The World’s Third Most Beautiful EULEX-Serbia protocol Woman on After a tumultuous month of Kosovo and protests and negotiations over her Life the controversial policing proto- > page 13 col, the agreement was signed last Friday between EULEX and Serbia. Prishtina Insight brings you exclu- ARTE sive interviews with Pieter Feith, Film Festival Brings EU chief in Kosovo and ICO head, Stars to Prishtina and Roy Reeve, deputy head of EULEX, on the mistakes, success- > page 9 es and plans for future agreements with Serbia. GUIDE Turn to page 2 and 3 for the A Very Modern EULEX-Serbia protocol special Photo byPhoto Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit Turkish Delight Hope as Kosovo’s 6million Euro > page 8 FOOD & DRINK Collection: Seen but Image Makeover Starts... not Heard ...but the man who coined the phrase ‘nation brand’ tells Prishtina Insight that the > page 10 nation-branding campaign could be a waste of money NEIGHBORHOOD tious attempt to rebrand Kosovo. its new, 6 million euro campaign corrupt family networks.” By Lawrence Marzouk Kosovo declared independence will give Kosovo a makeover in the IKS reports that serious interna- Greek Poll Puts from Serbia in February last year, eyes of the world. tional publications from well- Macedonia ‘Name’ aatchi & Saatchi last weekend and has since been recognised by A recent report from Kosovar respected organisations have rein- embarked on perhaps its more than 60 countries, including think-tank IKS, Kosovo Stability forced this picture, sometimes with- Row on Hold Stoughest pitch yet - a 6 million most of the European Union and Initiative, laid bare the problems out providing substantial evidence euro plan to transform Kosovo’s the United States. faced by Saatchi & Saatchi in of its accuracy. > page 12 international image from “Europe’s It has also benefited from ten reforming the country’s interna- Saatchi & Saatchi will use the black hole” to “Europe’s fountain of years of relative stability, bar the tional persona. strapline “Kosovo: The Young youth”. inter-ethnic violence of March 2004. According to IKS: “Leading Europeans”, suggesting both its sta- In the forthcoming months, the But this small, landlocked corner European newspapers[…] describe tus as the world’s youngest country advertising firm Saatchi & Saatchi of the Balkans has struggled to Kosovo as a mafia state, a haven for and Europe’s most youthful nation. will blitz international television shake off its war-torn image.. criminals and drug traffickers, with channels and newspapers in an ambi- The government now hopes that weak institutions in the hands of continues on page 4

News Business Traffic Cameras to Cut Kosovo to Start Highway without Road deaths Land or Price Tag FEATURE Cameras are to be installed at key junc- Just two months ahead of the start of tions in Prishtina to tackle rising levels construction of the Vermice-Merdare The Secret Life of road accidents. highway,concerns are growing about the Digital traffic cameras will monitor government’s preparedness to build of Kosovo’s Gay five spots, and police have revealed that Kosovo’s biggest road project to date. Community drivers who jump red lights or commit Work on the highway that will connect other infringements... Vermice... page 6 page 5 > page 7

is supported by: 2 • September 18 - October 1, 2009 protocol special

Elections in Four New Kosovo Municipalities Kosovo EU

nternational Civilian Representative Pieter Feith Chief: Iannounced on Tuesday that Kosovo’s November local elections will also be held in four new, Serb-majority municipali- in brief News Protocol ties. New or enlarged local authorities are being created in Gracanica, Ranilug, Will Not Klokot/Vrbovc and Novo Brdo. According to Feith, more work is needed in North Mitrovica and Undermine Partes before they can be established as full local authorities. The elections there will be held no later then six months after the Sovereignty November poll.

Kosovo Hackers As the storm rages around EULEX’s Deface 15 Serbian decision to sign a policing agreement Websites with Serbia’s interior ministry, Jeta Xharra of BIRN’s Life in Kosovo show, group of hackers from Kosovo defaced 15 Serbian speaks to Pieter Feith, the EU special Awebsites on Tuesday representative in Pristina and head of night, including those of high the International Civilian Office, ICO. profile firms, government departments and museums. there were objections from the govern- problem that Serbia will not engage in any Xharra: When did you first know about The hackers, known as Kosova ment, saying they did not accept this pro- negotiations with Kosovo. the protocol between EULEX and Serbia? Hackers Group, posted the same, tocol, while the speaker of parliament, Feith: I don’t know the exact date but… it from the same party, was saying the proto- Q: And has EULEX signed cooperation Albanian double-headed eagle was in July. and message on each website, col was all right and the government had agreements with these countries as well? been rushing out declarations. What PF: It has signed them, or there have been calling for justice for those miss- Q: When do you think our government should the public make of this? arrangements. Yves de Kermabon [head of ing from the conflict with Serbia learned about the protocol? PF: It is clear what the government has stat- EULEX] has been visiting the capitals in the in the 90s. The targets included PF: You will have to ask EULEX. I was not ed – that this is a technical document that region, so these arrangements are in place, the Serbian Ministry of Defence. involved, because this is a technical matter EULEX has signed on behalf of EULEX, and and they also need to be in place with Serbia, The group also hacked into the and I was not involved since I am providing therefore the government is not involved. I and since there is no official contact between only political guidance. As long as this was website of EULEX, the European think that is an important clarification. Serbia and Kosovo this is the arrangement seen as a technical, relatively low-level effort, I rule-of-law mission in Kosovo, that we have in consultation with the authori- was not that informed. last month in protest against Q: What about the information from the ties. plans to sign a policing protocol Kosovo police which is needed to imple- Q: But have you asked EULEX whether with Serbia’s interior ministry. ment this protocol? they consulted the Kosovo government at PF: The Serbs in the Kosovo Police will be the same time they were consulting Feith: perhaps we should have done fully involved in the implementation of this. Mothers of Missing Serbia? better in terms of explanations PF: I have, and the answer was that there Q: But the Kosovo government will be End Protest were contacts with the government, so I involved because the Kosovo ministry of Q: Some of the criticisms aired in the thought that things were moving in the right interior will be involved. recent demonstration against the protocol others whose sons have direction. been missing since the PF: Well, the involvement of the Kosovo were that the protocol was aimed at Police is beneficial and necessary and under- removing an obstacle blocking Serbia’s M1999 conflict in Kosovo Q: You met the Kosovo Prime Minister scores the point that the sovereignty of Kosovo plans for visa-free travel to Europe – a ended their protest on Tuesday. and President regarding the protocol. is not in jeopardy. We in the European Union process from which the EU has barred Six women, who spent more Where are their main objections? see regional cooperation as absolutely essen- Kosovo completely. Isn’t this unfair? than a fortnight in a tent outside PF: That it was seen as harming, or having a tial to bring the region closer to our institu- PF: I don’t think the EU bosses are speeding bearing on, Kosovo’s sovereignty. the Kosovo Forensic Institute in tions. That goes for both Kosovo and Serbia. up any process only to please Serbia and in Is that concern legitimate? We did a thor- Pristina, ended the protest after The problem is that Kosovo and Serbia have no order to give it visa liberalisation. Visa liberal- ough legal check-up with our legal advisors… promises from President Fatmir diplomatic relations because they don’t recog- isation depends on objective benchmarks and and our assessment was that this [protocol] is Sejdiu that the government will nise each other. In that situation, we have to we have seen over recent years that a country not harmful to Kosovo’s sovereignty. work to identify more than 400 find ways and arrangements to overcome the like Macedonia can make important strides, obstacle of that lack of contact. which was why it was among the first to obtain remains. Q: Although it mentions UN resolution visa liberalisation. 1244 [which refers to Kosovo as part of Kosovo is also in the process, but Kosovo Parties Make Election Serbia]? only started a year-and-a-half ago to develop PF: It does mention Resolution 1244, but Feith: We are talking about borders. its institutional structure in issuing passports, Deal Kosovo’s declaration of independence also Isn’t there something positive and and in working on border management togeth- refers to Resolution 1244. wo opposition parties, the beneficial in all of this, since it is in the er with EULEX. Kosovo is a little behind, but at some point, and this is the objective of the New Kosovo Alliance, Q: We signed up to Resolution 1244 even way implying that there is new reality European Union, we will hopefully profit from TAKR, and Democratic before this protocol? on the ground here? visa liberalisation in the regional aspect. This League of Dardania, LDD, have PF: I am saying the resolution can be inter- is not being done to please Serbia – it is to reached an agreement to cooper- preted in different ways. I can say that as ICR Q: Could the Kosovo government have make sure that borders are secured and over [International Civilian Representative], there ate in the November local elec- done better if it had officially delegated to time this will also help Kosovo. is not a contradiction between [Kosovo’s final] tions. EULEX a mandate to negotiate the proto- We are talking about borders. Isn’t there status and the resolution. The leaders of the two parties col? Did the government make a strategic something positive and beneficial in all of this, said on Monday that they were mistake in washing its hands of the proto- since it is in the way implying that there is Q: Was there a strategic approach joining forces because of their col while claiming it does not affect our new reality on the ground here? I think you behind the government’s position or did sovereignty? should reflect on this and not only look at the similar political orientations, you get an impression the government was PF: There are two considerations here: one negative side. programmes, and policies for out of its depth? is that we think that EULEX has the authority local government. PF: That’s up to you to judge but we had con- to establish contacts in the region and I would Q: The fear here is that the further along The two parties will run joint structive, consistent consultations with the like to refer to President Sejdiu’s letter to [EU the EU path Serbia gets, as with visa liber- candidates for mayoralties in 20 government and that ended in the situation Foreign Policy Chief] Solana in February 2008 alization, the more capacity Serbia is municipalities. Both parties will where we were at the end of last week. when it speaks of EULEX establishing pres- going to have to make life difficult for maintain separate municipal ences at local, central and regional level. The Kosovo and exclude us forever from the Q: But before you reached that stage, assembly slates. second point is that we are still faced with the EU. protocol special • September 18 - October 1, 2009 3

PF: As Jakup Krasniqi [Speaker of the Parliament] has said last week, we should not get obsessed with Serbia. It is true that there EULEX : ‘Lessons Editor’s word are still on-going legal battles and that life is complicated by non-recognition. But let’s not get obsessed and look in a positive way towards the European perspective. Need to be Learned’ Barazi Q: Can you give an honest description of what European leaders think of Kosovo’s leadership? PF: They look forward to working with the By Lawrence Marzouk Prime Minister and the President. There is no question about it.

Q: What should we do right that we are osovo’s constitution doing wrong in order to talk to Brussels? enshrines equality, or PF: We can all accept different sort of opin- Barazi, among all its cit- ions and constructive debate and discussion. K What we find more difficult to accept is when izens. EULEX vehicles get damaged. I have not seen But while it is technically anybody brought to justice for doing this, which illegal to discriminate against is strange. We need to look at the big issues: the someone on the basis of their sovereignty of Kosovo is not at stake and issue sexual orientation, the every- has perhaps been misunderstood; perhaps we day experience is very differ- should have done better in terms of explana- ent. tions. But I think there are many issues where Prishtina Insight set out to the partnership between the EU and Kosovo will be of great benefit and importance. look into the problems faced by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Q: You’ve talked about the attack on In an exclusive interview with BIRN Kosovo, Roy Reeve, Deputy Head of EULEX, Transgender community in EULEX cars but not about the attack on the revealed that opposition from the government over the policing protocol only Kosovo, and was immediately inhabitants of Kroi i Vitakut, which seems struck at how reticent people like double standard to many Kosovars. emerged towards the end of negotiations, and that he believes his organisation were to talk, even under the PF: I have difficulty with such a statement. has lessons to learn on how the affair was handled. cover of anonymity. What we are trying to do in Kroi i Vitakut is two Barriers were immediately things: one is to uphold the principle of the Jeta Xharra: Mr. Reeve, thank you for what it is we’re trying to do, what is the actual right to return from south to north and from coming to Life in Kosovo. content of the kinds of agreements we’re com- put up in front of us, and no one north to south. So that means all Albanian citi- Roy Reeve: Please ing up with, we shouldn’t hide behind it as would dare speak on the record zens must be allowed to return to their proper- diplomatic protocol. This is something which about their own experiences of ties in the north, and the same goes for Serbs Q: First, can we start off by outlining, we consider as in the interest of Kosovo and the violence and intimidation. into the south. The second point is that we don’t when did EULEX first start negotiating the Kosovo police if we’re serious about restoring When we were invited to a want mass violence. We want to organise the protocol, or doing it, or compiling it? the rule of law, particularly in northern gay event, held in a secret loca- RR: It was in the context of a series of visits Kosovo. process so that people can return in peace and tion outside of Prishtina, we not with bloodshed. It is not true that we are which Yves de Kermabon, the head of mission, hoped to show how difficult life prohibiting people from returning to their paid together with his police justice and cus- Q: Which ministry was informed about property. That’s nonsense. toms component, first of all to Skopje then to the drafting of the text? The Interior is for Kosovo’s LGBT communi- Podgorica, Tirana. Belgrade we went to in Ministry? ty. Q: If the protocol will benefit Kosovo, March with an attempt to say “here, we’re the RR: By the time we got to late June, early We also hoped to illustrate because it will combat smuggling and cor- new voice on the ground in Kosovo”, that we July, when we had something down then clear- that despite the hardship and ruption on the northern border, what need to establish channels links, information, ly we were informing the interior ministry difficulties faced by the gay would you say to those who think that personal contacts in order that we can move what was going on. We were not sharing texts community, people somehow forward. So the discussions really began in and I think that was a mistake on our part and EULEX already has enough information managed to follow their life about the smuggling that is going on? Does March as the end of a regional process. this is something we need to address for any choices, even if they were it need any more information to know that future consultations we may have. forced to go underground. Albanian and Serb criminals are doing this Q: As you were consulting with Serbia’s smuggling together in the north? government, were you consulting with Q: So you’re saying to Kosovars, this time Unfortunately, the offer was PF: Well, this is the normal way of working Kosovo’s government? it is a done deal, you can’t change anything, withdrawn at the last moment among police organisations. They need points RR: In our view, we kept Kosovo’s institu- we’re sorry, we should’ve done it different- after the other invitees threat- of contact, they need to know to whom they can tions informed on the programmes. I mean, we ly? ened to pull out. release information. I think this is a normal were talking only in general terms from RR: No, I’m saying we could’ve done it better, This episode epitomised the April/May, and it wasn’t until later that we not differently because really,what we’re doing standard procedure between countries. fear that grips members of this began to put things down on paper, which we is we’re building upon something which has community,and how far Kosovo Q: EULEX has been here already for 18 of course need to clear with the legal counsel been there for eight, nine years. has to go before living up to its months, and June 2010 is the end of man- secretary in Brussels. During the course of date. In 18 months no big corruption case that, in our view, we thought we had, at least, Q: Could Kosovo’s government have constitutional promise. has been brought, even though the mission kept everyone up to speed with what was going reacted sooner, could they have expressed But what was, perhaps, the was set up precisely to fight that. Why on. their interest to influence that protocol, most worrying revelation in should we believe it will start fighting cor- would that be taken into the consideration Prishtina Insight’s investiga- Q: You say in your view, looking back, at that point? ruption now just because it signed a proto- tion into the gay community you think… what happened? RR: Well, we were not seeing any opposition col, when it hasn’t done so far in the rest of was the government’s seeming Kosovo? RR: I mean, let’s be honest, I mean all of us until we were getting in the final stages of this, indifference to the issue of gay PF: It took a while to deploy and to get the can learn from experiences. At the time, we so I mean we were proceeding on the basis that rights. mission properly started. As for the mission, I thought we were doing what we needed to do, we’re coming up with this purely operational am not going to prejudge decisions in Brussels, clearly that’s not the impression from the agreement in a very specific sector of our While it is true that Kosovo but it is most likely to be extended beyond the Kosovar government’s side, so I think we do whole mandate here in Kosovo. has many, many problems to summer of 2010, so there will be more time. learn lessons from this, we can always improve deal with, that is certainly no this kind of coordination and move forward on Q: Okay, so let’s talk about elsewhere in excuse to ignore the rights of it. Kosovo, where you don’t need the proto- Q: Can Kosovars expect EULEX to seri- any minority, even if they are cols, are you actually tackling these issues ously take on high profile corruption not able to shout about it. cases? Q: Can we articulate what are the lessons [smuggling, organized crime, corruption]. In fact, those without a voice PF: We have deployed 2,000 of the best police, learnt then? What high profile case has EULEX taken should be very high up on the judges, prosecutors and customs officials here. RR: You know, we will need to find some sort since its set up here? This is an important contribution and it’s of arrangement with Belgrade in the future, RR: Well, let’s take on smuggling first of all. government’s agenda. worth working towards success. But there must and there’s no date on this at all yet, when it Just the activities of our customs’ offices in Clearly, the government can- be some patience as well. comes to the issue of the full restoration of cus- gates 1 and 31 has increased the customs’ rev- not drop everything to legalise toms, on gates 1 and 31. Elsewhere, within enue in south Mitrovica Customs by 1.5 million same-sex marriages, but it can Kosovo, all customs administration is Kosovo euro a month. Now, that’s just by being there. Q: Last both not least. How do you feel help to tackle discrimination about being a “poster boy” this week in customs but for the time being we have gates 1 and 31 there. Q: When will we see a serious high pro- and ensure a safe environment Kosovo. To be on posters? for all citizens. PF: I must say I like the sense of humour file organised crime case being treated? Otherwise some citizens will, behind it. I was not terribly upset. I think this Q: But what’s your lesson learnt in rela- RR: I wish I could put a date on it, but, I was well done, without destroying property. It tion to the Kosovo government and Kosovo mean, all of these cases are complex investiga- as the expression goes, remain is a good way to discharge emotions and feel- people? tions. We want to be sure and prosecutors wish more equal than others. ings, and I hope it won’t go beyond this. RR: I think we have to explain more widely to be sure that we can get a conviction. 4 • September 18 - October 1, 2009 news

Kosovo’s 6million Euro Kosovo has struggled with its international image Inside Out Image Makeover Starts... since it emerged from conflict in 1999. Prishtina from page 1 kind of stuff you need to be sure that Insight asked four well-informed individuals who My self-inflicted the action you are taking is demon- have not visited Kosovo to give their impressions of The Israeli-branch of Saatchi & strably effective. the country. enclave Saatchi last weekend began filming “I do not think people change their its first television advert in the mind on the basis of an advert – this David Magradze, legal expert working on ‘nation rebranding’ campaign, which is just propaganda.” By Kreshnik Hoxha will portray Kosovo as a “a new coun- Mr Anholt told Prishtina Insight the regional development, Georgia try with a strong spirit of hope, amaz- that Croatia and Slovenia, held up as ing people, and, most of all, a new models of how to change a post-war or me it is hard to associate it sense of optimism about what is yet country’s image, were successful with a country, yet. Probably guess we all like to be thought of as to come”. because they had a product to sell – Fbecause I don’t want to. Europeans who deserve to be part of The advert will see Kosovars carry- tourism. Forced by-product of the US for- Ithe EU. At the end of the day, it is ing parts of a large jigsaw to a central He said: “If you look at countries eign policy and Martti Ahtisaari’s part of our reasoning as a nation to con- point where they will build their which have been successful in doing desire to finish up business. clude that we deserve most things we country in a map of Europe. this, it is because they have had a Today I talk more about Kosovo don’t posses. However, the recent devel- Speaking of their plans, Saatchi & wonderful product or service to sell as a precedent rather than Kosovo opments on the protocol crisis seem to Saatchi said: “We observed the coun- which people want to buy.” itself. And it does not make me have had an impact on our European try’s young people embracing the He added that another successful happy. I’m glad Georgia does not aspirations. The sore point this time is future with open arms and we were policy deployed by Slovenia was to recognise its independence, which over the signing of the protocol between inspired by this natural “fountain of quickly become a donor to other for- makes our friend the US not so EULEX and Serbia which led to protests youth” projecting the general belief mer Yugoslav countries. The move happy. in Prishtina earlier this week. of a bright tomorrow. caught the headlines and was seen as From what I read and hear Kosovo is a poor country without Puzzled by the aims of EULEX and But not everyone is convinced that proof that Slovenia was back on its its own development plan or strategy. How do I picture it? irritated by the reaction of our institu- the 5.7 million euro will be well spent. feet and significantly richer than its People are poor, roads are bad, buildings are ugly with occasion- tions, the protesters questioned the Simon Anholt, an independent pol- neighbours. al historical monuments (most probably disputed by Serbs) credibility and competence of our icy advisor specialising in national Mr Anholt believes that distinctive making sights appealing to the eye. Minarets. Beautiful nature, politicians. Though Kosovo leaders identity and reputation, coined the policies are far more effective than fantastic place for hiking. Concern for personal safety. claim that such a protocol would not phrases ‘nation brand’ and ‘place advertising. Corruption. Poor infrastructure. More corruption. More beauti- affect the sovereignty and territorial brand’ in the late 1990s. He said: “If they want to gain ful nature, maybe. integrity of Kosovo, the crucial point He believes that the current trend recognition, one in every 20 policies Yes, one more thing, from what I hear, bars and cafes are nice here is that even without our govern- of ‘nation branding’, involving glossy has to be remarkable.” and they make fantastic Turkish coffee there. ment’s approval, decisions are being adverts and big public relations firms But Memli Krasniqi, Kosovo gov- made and protocols are being signed. has little impact on a country’s ernment spokesperson, said there Andy Chiles, journalist, Brighton, UK One could argue that the protocol image. was evidence of adverts successfully serves EULEX as a means of softening the already softening position of Serbia He told Prishtina Insight: “I can rebranding through advertising. y knowledge of Kosovo is towards the EU and proving to the often think of 16 other things which I could He said: “There has been much evi- very limited, even though sceptical Serb public of the value of a do with the 6 million euro which dence from other campaigns of this MI’m a keen traveller. I pro-EU stance. But whatever the reason, would do Kosovo more good. nature, and there has been success. It couldn’t tell you much about the the approach by EULEX seriously “Focusing on youth is just not par- is a global trend that we are following geography of the country, other demonstrates that Kosovo is still not ticularly interesting other than and the concept of the campaign is to than that I know it is landlocked. I’d sovereign and generates anger among domestically.” increase the global identification of guess it was mountainous as well Kosovar Albanians. He added that Kosovo’s ‘youthful- Kosovo, create an image. because of where it is. Similar dissatisfaction among ness’ was common to most develop- “As a new country we need to For me the name Kosovo is asso- Kosovar Albanians arose when the news ing nations, and therefore not likely increase our position in global poli- ciated with war and destruction, about the visa liberalisation for Serbia to have any impact on the public. tics since we are still fighting for the Balkan conflict is the only thing and Macedonia was made public. The As the editor of an academic jour- recognitions. There is also the eco- I really know about it. news was digested with the paranoia nal covering issues of country identi- nomic factor and increasing foreign With that in mind, I’d expect it to be a tricky place to visit. I’d that Kosovo would soon become a ghetto ty and reputation, he said he had investment.” imagine the infrastructure probably isn’t the best and that it in the Balkans while our neighbours seen no proof that this type of brand- Yossi Lubaton, CEO of BBR still has some serious political tensions.. ing exercise works. Saatchi & Saatchi, said: “At Saatchi enjoy freedom of movement across the He said: “If you are spending tax- & Saatchi we appreciate that nation Garret Martin, university professor, EU. In a way, it can’t get any worse. We payers’ or donors’ money on this branding is one of the most complex are almost like an enclave in Europe! marketing challenges and one that Washington DC, USA But, one wonders how that feels for the cannot simply be achieved with a sin- Kosovar Serbs who are becoming citi- gle burst of advertising. n my humble view, Kosovo is a zens of an enclave within an enclave? “We believe that Kosovo has a great young nation struggling with its Surely, in order to acquire freedom of story to tell the world and are hon- Irecent war-torn past, struggling movement within the EU, you first have www.prishtinainsight.com oured to have been awarded a tender for independence against hostile to ensure that your citizens are free to that enables us to play our part in the neighbours, and struggling not to be move within their own country. Publisher: telling of this story. forgotten by the larger Western Yes, their own country, and yes I am BIRN “We do not know if Mr Anholt has community. referring to Serbs here. As far as I am Balkan Investigative Reporting Network visited Kosovo yet, but if he did he It remains a blip in the radar in aware, the Republic of Kosovo was cre- would be overwhelmed with the ener- the US, and it is likely to remain so, ated on the basis of multi-ethnic co- Mensa e Studenteve, first floor gy of youth flowing through the unless a conflict breaks out again. existence. This is what PM Hashim 10000, Prishtina streets. I regard Kosovo as in a state of Thaci read out in parliament while Kosovo “We are aware that by focusing on precarious stability: safe enough to declaring Kosovo’s independence. This visit, but not sure if it is safe enough to invest money. is also what the six shiny stars on our Phone: +381 (0) 38 24 33 58 this strategy we are doing something new and different in the arena of EU-like flag represent. Fax: +381 (0) 38 22 44 98 nation branding but we believe Alpa Bhattacharjee, internal communica- EULEX is in Kosovo because the EU [email protected] strongly that this is the right course believes Kosovo is not yet ready to run and one that will put the country ‘on tions manager, Sydney, Australia justice, customs and police by itself. If Editor-in-Chief: Kosovo had committed itself to the val- the map’. “There are a number of cre- he word that immediately Lawrence Marzouk ues which it laid out when declaring its ative layers to our campaign and we comes to mind when I think independence and if it had succeeded in [email protected] very much look forward to them of Kosovo is war-torn. I think T resolving its relations with Kosovar being launched in the near future.” the only thing many Australian peo- Serbs in enclaves, and improved rela- The campaign, covering local and ple know about it is that it’s been in Editorial Team: tions with Serbia, the government of international media, is scheduled to turmoil for so long and I’m not sure Ana Petruseva, Arif Muharremi, Kosovo would be well on the way to begin in October 2009 and continue the average Australian would know Gordana Igric, Jeta Xharra, Marcus avoiding international interference in over the next year. how to pin-point it on a map. Kosovo’s sovereign affairs. Tanner, Petrit Collaku and Shega A’Mula Mr Lubaton added: “One needs to If you asked most Australians if After all, the whole concept of the EU take a long term view in making the they would go there on holiday I is to eliminate borders and ensure free- Marketing, Sales & Distribution: journey to the status of a ‘Lovemark’ think they would question if it is dom of movement of people and capital. and of course to complement market- safe or not. Having said that it is [email protected] This being the case, Kosovo should first ing activities with the real positive quite an interesting place. I would go. ensure that this is achieved among its changes that are being made on the Kosovo is on television here but it is usually in relation to fighting. Design & Layout: “Rrjeti” diverse population. Only then would ground.” If you can demonstrate to the Aussie population that Kosovo Kosovo’s desire to join the EU marry Lovemark is a phrase created by has a unique selling point, that would help in terms of tourism. Printing: Interpress R. Company with the union’s mission of tolerance the firm to signify a brand which Croatia is getting really good reviews here because of its and co-existence between different “delivers beyond your expectations of beaches, when previously it has also been associated with vio- Copyright © BIRN nations without borders. great performance”. lence. business • September 18 - October 1, 2009 5 Kosovo to Start Highway without Land or Price Tag Opposition want project’s estimated cost made public - and wonders why authorities have still not bought the land through which this key transport link will run. to him, the government will nonetheless delay buying it up until the start of construction. By Lavdim Hamidi Work on the trans-Kosovo road in Prishtina link will start with the section running from Vermice to Prizren, link- ing the road to Albania’s new high- ust two months ahead of the way. start of construction of the While some 50 million euro has JVermice-Merdare highway, been set aside for expropriating the concerns are growing about the land and starting construction in government’s preparedness to build this part of the country, the Kosovo’s biggest road project to Ministry of Economy and Finance date. could not yet say how much it Work on the highway that will intends to pay per square metre of connect Vermice, on Kosovo’s bor- land. “The value of property that der with Albania, and Merdare, on will be subject to compulsory pur- the border with Serbia, is planned chase will be an issue for the to begin in November. experts,” deputy minister Bedri However, the exact cost of the Hamza said. project remains unknown and Kosovo’s government has decid- Photo byPhoto Erebara Gjergj much of the necessary land is still ed that construction of the high- The Morine to Durres highway in Albania, which will link with Kosovo’s planned road in the hands of private owners way will be a public-private part- Earlier calculations indicate that nership. The state will invest in the and the way it intends to finance priation of the land,” Selmani The ministry of transport has the highway will cost around 650 project with loans and the rest of the project. maintains. million euro but the Ministry of the money will come from a private “This is not a regional road – a Meanwhile, experts say that it is pre-selected seven international Transport, Post and investor, which will recoup its project this large needs to be difficult to envisage building work companies for the construction Telelcommunications has not money through tolls. analysed in a detailed way,” starting before early in 2010. released estimates of the total bill. One of several possible private Myzejene Selmani, head of the par- Shpend Ahmeti, from the think- of the highway. These are: Compulsory purchase of the partners currently under consider- liamentary transport commission tank Institute of Advanced land on which the future road lies ation is the American-Turkish con- and a member of the opposition Studies, known as GAP, explained Alpina of Austria has also not started. Progress sortium Bechtel and Enka, which Alliance for a New Kosovo, AKR, that some preparatory work might US-Turkish consortium Bechtel reports from the construction of constructed the Morine-Durres said. begin in November, but harsh win- the new Morine-Durres highway in highway in Albania. “Nothing has been transparent ter weather would most likely and Enka Albania, which opened in June, According to the Ministry of concerning this project until now,” delay construction until spring. Makioll of Turkey show this process can be difficult Transport, 686 hectares of private she added. Selmani said she “However, preparations can be and complex. property will need to be bought in believed compulsory land purchas- made during this time,” he said, Pizaroti of Italy Kosovo’s Minister of Transport, total. es should begin before any start is “including the expropriation of Por of Austria Fatmir Limaj, has admitted that Opposition parties in parliament made to construction. “Nowhere in property since, a major part of the Shtrabak of Hungary compulsory purchase of the land is have urged the government to clar- the world has construction of a land that the highway will pass not likely to be easy but, according ify the total cost, the precise route highway begun before the expro- through is private.” Terna of Greece Rise in Bankruptcies Raises Turmoil Fears few months, customers had withdrawn about one-fifth of their savings, a sum equivalent to a billion euros. By Suzana Bojadic Currently, about 14 per cent of the businesses in Serbia are believed to be more than 90 days in arrears when it comes to repaying he fast-rising rates of insolvency their loans, twice the figure at the end of last among companies in Serbia are strain- year. Ting the banking system and prompting Veroljub Dugalic, president of the worries about popular unrest. Association of Serbian Banks, says the bank- Serbia faces a growing crisis concerning ing system is not about to collapse in the companies whose banks accounts have been country but undoubtedly faces problems. frozen. The account of every fifth company in “If banks are unable to collect the loans the country has now been frozen and fears are they have made, this will damage their capi- growing that the government will not be able tal and reduce their lending potential, which to ease the problem, affecting about a thou- means fewer new loans for the economy,” sand new businesses every month. Dugalic says. In the space of only a year some 13,000 com- “There has been a significant increase in panies’ accounts have been blocked, bringing problematic loans,” Aleksandar Calovic, the total to around 63,000. The amount of deputy chair of Cacanska Bank’s executive money owed by these companies is estimated board, says. “It may get worse, though it’s to worth about 3 billion euros - twice the byPhoto Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit hard to guess when and to what extent.” Serbia’s Central Bank says the number of insolvent companies is increasing by 1,000 a month amount accumulated in the same period last Companies owe the government about 655 year. It is not only companies themselves that are According to Serbia’s Central Bank, the million euros in unpaid taxes of which about About 7,000 companies have so far taken being affected by this phenomenon. Banks number of insolvent companies is rising by 505 million is uncollectable because the com- advantage of a government-subsidized credit have seen profits decline, as insolvent firms about a 1,000 every month. As these firms go panies have been declared bankrupt. liquidity injection programme. But questions fail to repay bank loans, and with many com- into bankruptcy, creditors are being left with Asked whether the government has remain about whether the government will be pany employees facing long delays in getting outstanding unpaid debts worth millions of enough money to ease the liquidity crisis in able to continue supporting them in future. paid, the crisis could trigger social unrest. euros. the economy, Djordje Djukic, economics pro- Moreover, most economists are predicting The number of blocked company accounts The first real signs that the global econom- fessor at Belgrade University, says the gov- that the crisis will worsen in autumn when was already approximately 58,000 by early ic crisis was reaching Serbia appeared last ernment is borrowing money and issuing they say the number of frozen accounts will this year. By May, the number had climbed autumn, when nervous savers began with- treasury bills to do so – but this is not the grow. to 60,000. drawing their deposits from banks. In only a optimum solution. 6 • September 18 - October 1, 2009 city Inge Baanders of the Dutch Embassy in Kosovo Prishtina through the Eyes of: the Eyes through Prishtina Photo byPhoto Marzouk Lawrence Insight Prishtina for Around 1,000 people gathered in central Prishtina to protest against a deal signed between EULEX and Serbia

Thousand-Strong Anti-EULEX Protest Inge Baanders What surprised you most about round 1,000 people took to ners - referring to the UN mis- was changed. “Kosovo is sover- Prishtina? the streets of Pristina on sion in Kosovo and Prime eign only outside Kosovo, where The people; they are so warm, open, AMonday to protest against Minister Hashim Thaci. its embassies are, but not in the friendly and always up for a chat! Less By Petrit Collaku the signing of a policing protocol The head of Vetevendosje, north,” said Kurti. reserved than in so many other places. I between the EU rule-of-law mis- Albin Kurti, addressed the He also criticised EULEX for felt at home instantly. sion, EULEX, and Serbia. crowd outside the EULEX police not recognising Kosovo’s inde- The demonstration, organised headquarters, saying that pendence, adding that forthcom- What’s your favourite hangout? by self-determination movement Kosovo leaders want the privi- ing agreements with Serbia on I was amazed by the abundance of nice Vetevendosje, was brought for- leges of power but not the customs and the judiciary will bars and restaurants in Prishtina. I ward from Wednesday to Monday responsibilities. He accused bring greater harm to Kosovo. always love to go to Tingell or Sokoli e “Kosovo’s leaders do after EULEX signed the contro- Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu “EULEX sees us as a gang that versial pact with Serbia on Friday. and Thaci of giving up the fight- needs to be disciplined. That’s Mirusha and, naturally, end the night at not think about the The protest was followed by ing over the protocol. why they sent police and not eco- Xhoni’s. On Sundays, I like to renew my nation’s interests. Thaci several speeches from members “Kosovo’s leaders do not think nomic experts,” Kurti said. energy at Dit’ e Nat bookshop, enjoying a of some of the 20 NGOs which about the nation’s interests. In the policing protocol big cup of coffee. thinks only about votes had joined the protest, politi- Thaci thinks only about votes EULEX agreed with Serbia’s which bring him cians and Vetevendosje which bring him money,” Interior Ministry to exchange Do you do anything cultural? “Kosovo in EU, not under the claimed Kurti. information on serious cross- Actually,a week ago I visited the ethno- money,” EU” and “EULEX, UNMIK, take He alleged that after Kosovo’s border crime. The protocol was logical and archeological museums in Kurti Hashim and leave” were two of independence declaration in strongly opposed by Kosovo’s Prishtina. And I went on a wine tasting the slogans on placards and ban- February 2008, only the name government. tour last weekend, does that count?

What is the most annoying thing about Prishtina? Traffic Cameras to Cut Road deaths Perhaps not very surprising, but true nevertheless: the ubiquity of construc- ameras are to be installed He added that the municipali- tion works. In particular, the site adja- at key junctions in ty is looking for more funds to London – a city cent to my bedroom. CPrishtina to tackle rising install CCTV on Prishtina’s levels of road accidents. streets. of cameras If you were mayor of Prishtina for By Petrit Collaku Digital traffic cameras will The cameras are aimed at dis- the day what would you change? monitor five spots, and police suading drivers from speeding or ondon is covered by I would stop the seemingly random have revealed that drivers who jumping red lights. Police con- an estimated 500,000 construction of awful buildings that do jump red lights or commit other firmed that fines will be issued Exclusive: Police say Lcameras, or one not fit into the picture. I would recon- infringements could be issued for infringements. camera for every 14 inhab- struct the few historical buildings left cameras could be fines on the basis of the footage. Major Emin Beqiri, regional itants. and try to preserve Prishtina’s unique These cameras will be the first director of Prishtina, said: “By Just over 40 per cent of characteristics, which make the city dis- used to issue traffic monitoring the public space in using the cameras, we can reveal businesses are monitored tinguish itself. It would be such a pity if fines to motorists Kosovo. hit-and-run drivers, we will iden- Prishtina was to lose this. According to Kosovo police tify the drivers who do not by private CCTV. statistics for the Prishtina respect red lights, or reveal the The huge expansion of region, fatal road accidents are identity of those committing surveillance has raised How many macchiatos do you drink up 35 per cent while the number crimes. concerns about a ‘big a day? of other accidents is up 25 per “We still don’t have precise brother’ culture and Around five. cent so far this year, compared to information about who will mon- research by police sug- last year. It is estimated that itor the cameras,” said Beqiri. gests that evidence gath- What’s the tastiest Kosovar food? around 130,000 vehicles are reg- He added that the poor condi- ered by cameras solved A friend of mine prepared leqenik a istered in Prishtina alone. tion of vehicles is another factor just 3 per cent of crimes. while ago. Delicious! Prishtina municipality has set in road accidents. Nevertheless, footage aside 250,000 euro for digital traf- Prishtina police and communi- from cameras was crucial What landmark do you use to tell fic cameras to be installed and a ty police officers have recently in identifying the bombers taxi drivers where you live? tender is expected soon. finished the first phase of their I learned fairly quickly that it is of no Bajram Bujupi, head of public Month of Safety project. in the July 7, 2005, attack use to tell people the name of your street. services for Prishtina municipal- The second part, which started on London, and tracking I usually tell them to go to King Casino. ity,said: “First there will be cam- on September 15, features talks down the failed bombers When I lived in Sunny Hill, I would use eras in only five points in town by Kosovo police at schools in involved in the July 21 and monitored by one center.” the city. plot. the name of a nearby pizzeria as a landmark. feature • September 18 - October 1, 2009 7 The Secret Life of Kosovo’s Gay Community

By Shega A’Mula in Prishtina

As Albania prepares to legalise gay marriages, Kosovo’s government says such a move is not even on the radar. Photo byPhoto Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit Homosexuality remains a taboo in Kosovo

rian is an attractive young the government’s margins of was at private parties, organised by her sexual orientation, they have This issue is not man who lives in Prishtina. importance, unless we consider close friends or the Elysium organi- used it against her by creating hurt- relevant for Kosovo’s social AHis phone rings during our looking at the law on marriage,” he sation. ful rumours. context.“ It does not exist as a coffee break and he insists he must said. “I can mingle and reveal that I am “People think I just want to be take it since it is his partner. As far as gay rights are con- gay only at parties organised by interesting and seem sexier to men primary, secondary or tertiary However, most do not know that his cerned, Krasniqi said that “the gov- Elysium or behind closed doors of if I’m with a woman, or they think issue to focus on. It is not in partner is not a woman, but a man. ernment supports the law against other private gatherings and par- I’m into threesomes and all I want “Sorry, he gets mad when I don’t discrimination, which includes dis- ties,” admitted Arian. to do is experiment,” she explained. government’s margins of pick up the phone, you know the crimination against them”. Nehu stated that Elysium is the Vlora has accepted that she can- importance, unless the law on way relationships go,” he says. However, Arber Nuhiu from the only organisation in the country not live an open lesbian life in marriage is considered to be Young men and woman constant- human rights organisation that directly provides support to Prishtina because of all the preju- ly stroll down the streets hand in Elysium, which protects the rights gays and lesbians. dice surrounding the gay communi- looked at, hand, share intimate dinners at the of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and “We organise small parties, and ty. city’s many restaurants, and openly Transgender individuals, told we have a drop in centre with a tele- “I imagine falling in love with a flirt at many of its bars and cafes. Prishtina Insight that despite the vision and the internet where gay girl, but when I know that I can’t ” But when Arian goes out for a drink law against discrimination on the people can feel free to talk about hold her hand out in public or kiss with his boyfriend, they are forced basis of sexual orientation, many their problems and be open about her and say ‘this is my girl!’, I try to to act as platonic friends – no cud- gays and lesbians face abuse and their feelings,” he said, adding that avoid it,” she said, adding that dling or intimacy, no hand holding prejudice. there were no gay pubs or clubs although she considers herself a or suggestive teasing. This is “The constitution thankfully has anywhere in the country. lesbian, she is forced to be a bisexu- because homosexuality remains a a law against the discrimination of “Elysium is also an environment al in order to date men, and be per- taboo in Kosovo. people according to their sexual ori- where they can connect, make ceived as normal. “Our religion outlaws homosexu- entation, but the government does friends and sometimes begin a rela- Vlora is one of many young peo- ality, and extremists hurt gays. I’ve not directly support or fund this tionship,” he added. ple who have used the services of been physically abused, but emo- cause. They haven’t financially sup- As far as lesbians are concerned, the Elysium organisation, seeking a tionally abused as well, forcing me ported our organisation at all,” he Nehu admits that the number of safe environment to discuss their to keep the fact that I am gay to said. females who come to the drop in life. myself,” Arian tells Prishtina Kosovo Police said they have had centre is very small, which he “I have many friends I’ve met at Insight. many cases of abuse against gay blames on the added inequality the organisation, but not one of With the Albanian government’s individuals reported to them. Sabrie between genders in the Kosovo. them is openly gay.I don’t know one latest proposal for legalising same- Kamberi, an official from Kosovo “Lesbians are more hidden person who admits that they are sex marriages, and gay pride Police’s information office, told because of double discrimination. gay to anyone other than their close Lesbians are more planned in Belgrade this weekend, Prishtina Insight that there have Society already discriminates friends,” she said. hidden because of double gay rights have been a hot topic been cases involving physical abuse. against them because of their gen- Prishtina Insight attempted to across the Balkans in recent “Every so often we have cases of der, let alone their sexual orienta- attend one of the many parties discrimination.“ Society months. But the debate has been violence against homosexual indi- tion,” he said. organised by Elysium. But when already discriminates against strangely muted in Kosovo. viduals. But we do assure them that Vlora, a young bisexual from the guests found out that a straight them because of their And Kosovo’s government has no they are offered the same protection Prishtina, is an example of this dou- person would be visiting, they can- plans to open up the issue. as any other citizen, and we support ble discrimination. Vlora is current- celled the event. gender, let alone their sexual Government spokesperson the rights that they have,” she said. ly dating a man she says she cares It seems that much work remains orientation, Memli Krasniqi told Prishtina Due to the fear of violence and about, but she admits that if she to be done before people in this mar- Insight that this issue doesn’t fall discrimination that the gay commu- could, she would be with a woman. ginalised community feel comfort- into the government’s current or nity lives with, the vast majority of “I feel like society forces me to able revealing their true identity, ” even future priorities. people interviewed by Prishtina date men, even though I get butter- even when anonymity is promised. “This issue is not relevant for Insight said they chose not to dis- flies in my stomach when an attrac- Kosovo’s social context. It does not close their sexual orientation. tive women passes by, I can’t help The names used in this story have exist as a primary,secondary or ter- They said that the only time they it,” she said. been changed to protect the identity tiary issue to focus on. It is not in reveavled their sexual orientation When Vlora has told people about of those interviewed. • September 18 - October 1, 2009 8 Guide A Very Modern Turkish Delight Istanbul’s buzzing nightlife, cutting-edge galleries and sublime shopping make it the perfect Autumn get-away

stanbul’s awe-inspiring architecture and insight into the world of Turkish modern history need no introduction. But art, which is rich and varied. ITurkey’s biggest city is far more than a A personal favourite is the sculpture of a museum piece. boy carrying boxes of eggs. He is frozen as This buzzing metropolis offers arm- he trips and his eggs are suspended across lengthening shopping opportunities, the room. effortlessly cool bars and fascinating mod- Istanbul Modern also offers the perfect ern art galleries. setting to take the weight off your feet and With direct flights from Pristhina taking digest the oeuvres you have been contem- just under one-and-a-half hours, and leav- plating. ing at convenient times, Istanbul offers the With views across the Bosphorus towards perfect weekend break for this autumn. the Topaki Palace, Blue Mosque and Aya Accorded just a few lines in most guide- Sofya, its café and restaurant should surely books, the Asian district of Kadikoy be in the running for the prize of the should be high on all travellers’ priorities, world’s best museum view. especially if you are looking for Istanbul’s Other museum options include the Elgiz coolest bars, tourist-free restaurants and a Museum of Modern Art, which has just flavour of the real city. moved to a new venue in Istanbul’s finan- Just up from the water’s edge is a maze cial district and offers a fine collection of of cobbled streets, brimming with cafés, Turkish and international modern art, and bars, restaurants and taverns. the Pera Museum, housed in a beautiful While you’ll not find any stand-out historic building, which offers Orientalist, tourist attractions in this area – apart, and European artists inspired by the perhaps, from the neoclassical Haydarpasa Ottoman world from the 17th to the early Train Station – an evening stroll along 19th Century. these lively streets, taking time to admire the shops overflowing with fruit, vegeta- Shop to you pop bles, nuts, dried spices and other exotic goods, is an enchanting experience. While the Spice Bazaar is increasingly If it’s hip bars you are searching for, geared towards tourists, the roads sur- ignore the tourist traps of Sultanahmet, rounding this covered market brim with hawking hookahs and expensive beer, and reasonably priced and delicious goods. head to the roads surrounding Kadife You can pick up dried fruits, Turkish Sokak in Kadikoy. delights, cheese, nuts, olives and a host of The streets are lined with uber-trendy other delectable items from this area. watering holes lodged in grand Ottoman Just a short walk away is another buildings, getting old disgracefully. It’s a Istanbul institution which should not be far cry from the flashy, select superclubs missed – the fish sandwich. along the Bosphorus. Boats moored next to the Galata Bridge Pick one of the outdoor seats, grab a serve up fresh piscine delights to the beer or cocktail and soak in the atmos- hordes which gather there every meal phere. This is how Istanbul’s cool, but not time. necessarily moneyed, party at the week- The skilled chefs grill the fish and ends. ensemble the sandwiches to the sometimes The area also offers alternative bou- violent rocking of their floating kitchens, tiques and an independent cinema. adding a touch of drama to your lunchtime If, like most tourists, you are based in treat. the Sultanahmet area of the city, catch the Just across the Galata Bridge, you’ll find last boat home at 11pm and enjoy the spec- one of Istanbul’s best purveyors of bakla- tacular view over Istanbul’s minarets and va, Karakoy Gulluoglu at Rihtim Caddesi. palaces for a few Turkish Lira. Why not sample a few of the dizzying Photo byPhoto Marzouk Lawrence array of cakes on offer alongside a cup of Boats moored next to the Galata Bridge, Istanbul, serve up fresh fish sandwiches Galleries Galore tea, before getting your favourite sweets thanks to the beneficence of its wealthy Turkish Art, a good programme of tempo- packaged up for the trip home? If it’s fine art you are looking for, business community. rary exhibitions, cutting edge curation and Istanbul also delivers. Perhaps the pick of the bunch is Istanbul a stylish museum shop. Visit Turkish Airlines’s website, www.turk- In recent years, Istanbul has been Modern in Tophane – which has an excel- From Turkish Impressionism to baffling ishairlines.com, for information on flights to bestowed with a handful of new museums, lent permanent collection of 20th Century art films, this museum offers a fascinating Istanbul. Something for the weekend…Gazivoda

at the Plaza restaurant. The restaurant is within spitting dis- tance of Gate 31 - you need to wind your By Lawrence Marzouk way through concrete KFOR barriers before taking a steep left towards the lake, so don’t be put off. azivoda, or Ujemire, Lake is one of Plaza serves up hearty pork dishes of the most beautiful parts of all shapes and sizes – although the por- G Kosovo, but remains relatively tions are mostly gargantuan – as well as under-visited because of the perceived fresh fish and fruit. security problems in the north. Take one of the wooden tables near the The lake stretches for 24kms from lake and enjoy the tranquility of the set- north of Zubin Potok to Gate 31, and is ting and some fine food. steeped in the green, Rogozna If you want to build up an appetite or Mountains. work off a few calories after the meal, While there is excellent walking, boat- there are a number of tracks leading off ing and fishing opportunities, many peo- both sides of the road which make for a ple make the journey to this corner of pleasant stroll through the forest or the far north to sample the excellent food along one of the lakes tributaries. byPhoto Marzouk Lawrence Grab a coffee or meal at Plaza and enjoy the tranquil Gazivoda lake By Arif Muharremi • September 18 - October 1, 2009 9 in Prishtina Art & Culture FilmFilm FestivalFestival BringsBrings The Films: Competing movies: StarsStars toto PrishtinaPrishtina East West East - Albania (Opening Premiere) The living and the dead - On September 22, PriFilmFest begins - another cultural event attempting to attract atten- Croatia tion to world’s newest country. Culture, they say, is the key. I am from Titov Veles -

osovo’s capital is to give Macedonia birth to another film festi- Correction - Greece Kval, and, according to Storm - Germany organisers, PriFilmFest is not just about the silver screen, it aims to Opium War - Afganistan rebrand the country as well. Snow - Bosnia Vjosa Berisha, the festival director, says Kosovo still doesn’t have an Time of the comet - Albania event which can drag the attention Hush your mouth - UK of the media away from politics. “Prishtina and Kosovo will wel- Look at me - Montenegro come the cultures of the world for seven days and this is very important for the brand of a new coun- Winners programme: try because we will be able to show that our life is not all about poli- Milk of sorrow - Peru/Spain tics,” she said. According to her, famous British Katyn - Poland actress, and Oscar and Golden The white ribbon - Austria Globe winner, Vanessa Redgrave has confirmed she will be the pres- Three monkeys - ident of the board of PriFilmFest. Turkey/France/Italy She will support the festival through her network of contacts Man on wire - USA in the world of film. By bringing good films and Kosovan competing prominent names in the world of film to Kosovo, the festival is also movies: seen as another opportunity for Kosovar film-makers to meet with the international film industry Përtej rrugës - Yll Citaku and promote their projects. Kulla e sahatit - Arzana “This year marks the beginning of a very enthusiastic initiative, Kraja (short film) long thought through and wished E kuqja - Gazmend Nela for by many people from the artis- tic community, the beginning of a (short film) beautiful friendship, the begin- Shneta - Arsim Haliti ning of our festival,” said Berisha. (short film) PriFilmFest’s mission is to open Kosovo’s doors to different cultures of the world through cinema, Post-war cinema: using it as a medium to promote open dialogue between cultures and nations, according to organis- Kukumi - Isa Qosja ers. The festival also aims to encourage development of local Anatema - Agim Sopi culture. Etjet e Kosovës - Synaj “PriFilmFest aims to put a brand to our city, Prishtina. It Raca aims to open doors to world cine- Ama dorën - Ismet Sijarina ma and make the guests that visit E kam pas një titull... - this festival know us better, understand our culture better and Arben Kastrati appreciate what we have to offer,” Berisha said. “It aims to help the Prishtina, the goddess on the United States of America. September 22 with a glamorous development of the Kosovar cine- throne. PriFilmFest is also planning to opening night, and will close on Pre-war cinema: matography.” Among the countries that will organise tours for the guests to pro- September 30 with the prize-giving The statue of the festival, The present films at the festival are: mote the cultural and historic her- ceremony. The detailed programme Golden Goddess, is a piece created Germany, France, Turkey, Kosovo, itage and landscape of Kosovo, of the festival will be made avail- Era dhe Lisi - Besim by well known sculptor Luan Albania, Great Britain, organisers said. able soon. For more information Sahatciu Mulliqi, and reflects the symbol of Afghanistan, Bosnia and the The festival will start on visit: www.prifilmfest.org/english/ Gjurmët e bardha - Ekrem Kryeziu Lepuri me pesë këmbë - Vjosa Berisha, the festival director Islajl Ymeri “Prishtina and Kosovo will welcome the cultures of the Njeriu prej dheu - world for seven days and this is very important for the Agim Sopi brand of a new country, because we will be able to show Proka - Isa Qosja that our life is not all about politics,” she said. Pikniku - Emin Halili • September 18 - October 1, 2009 10 Food & Drink

Photo byPhoto Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit Collection is housed in an impressive, modern building

he name “collection” is a fairly common yogurt dressing, which adds a well-needed For dessert, we went with a lemon-torte, choice for venue-christening around the boost of flavour. which was refreshingly sweet but not over- Collection: Tworld, and Prishtina is no exception. The last entree, the ‘special buftek’ was a powering. This bar-restaurant definitely provides a var- favourite, and by far the most savoury dish of The food was for the most part very satisfy- ied collection of seating options and dining the evening. The steak was alluringly fragrant ing, but the ambience was sorely lacking. In areas and a few original meal options. But with herbs, tender when cut and cooked to my fact, I went in the next day just to see if lunch Seen but where is the collection of people? exact request. The special part was the sauce – was a busier – but was met with the same scene. A skip away from the neighbourhood of a red wine gravy which enriched the already Collection is on Fushe Kosova Road, opposite Dardania, Collection is a modern and quite scrumptious piece of meat. the BoBowling. impressive two-storey venue, conveying an not Heard aura of refinement. A stone-embedded path surrounded by a luxurious lawn and blossom- ing fruit trees leads you to the front entrance, which is hemmed in by floor-to-ceiling windows, promising a bright an airy interior. As my dining partner and I entered this impressive piece of architecture, which I had-

By Maneater at Collection n’t visited for over a year, we were becalmed by Marketing the soothing lounge-like surround-sound bal- lades, but not so comfortable with the clien- tele. I looked around the ground floor, noticing two tables of suited men, definitely discussing The last entree, the some sort of “business”. As we made our way upstairs, seeking a more desirable atmos- ‘special buftek’was a phere, we were again disappointed by two cou- ples obviously seeking discretion over ambi- favourite, and by far ence. We decided to seat ourselves downstairs by the fireplace and bar, enveloped in calming the most savoury low-lighting, so as to not disturb any sort of courting taking place upstairs. The table was dish of the evening perfectly set, and our waiter arrived promptly to take our orders. After reviewing the menu, which included some of my utmost annoyances – spelling errors and gaudy Italian titles – I called on the waiter to elaborate on what each dish actually comprised. We went with a ‘kull mozzarella’ appetizer, chicken salad and ‘special buftek’. Before the arrival of our dishes, a plateful of hot crispy and herbaceous bread sticks were presented, accompanied by a perfectly pungent olive puree and thick sour cream dip. Delightful. The ‘kull mozzarella’, however, didn’t live up to expectations. Although beautifully presented – a slice of center-placed French bread, topped with roasted aubergine, red peppers and courgette, cloaked in melted cheese and drizzled with balsamic sauce – the mozzarella was not top-notch and possessed the texture of cheese that was once melted, but had unpleas- antly cooled. Minutes later, our chicken salad arrived, again nicely, and unconventionally plated. Loads of colourful vegetables from red peppers to lettuce formed a rainbow across the plate, with a serving of sliced chicken on top. The salad is accompanied by a rosemary- By Shega A’Mula • September 18 - October 1, 2009 11 in Prishtina Inside Prishtina

Building Review: Prishtina’s Very Own Wisteria Lane Photo byPhoto Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit

Homes at the International Village in Prishtina

esperate Housewives appears to have uninspiringly named A, B and C. Model A is Insight that owners can choose from a vari- down the street, wives waving goodbye to landed in Kosovo’s capital. the largest, model B slightly smaller, and ety of kitchen and bathroom models, railing their suited husbands, joggers plodding down D model C is a classic townhouse. Only mini- options, and other small decorative compo- the sidewalks and shiny new vehicles being On a large parcel of land off the main mal options are available for customisation. nents to personalise their space. Other than driven out of their driveways. Think Wisteria Prishtina to Gjilan highway, a new A friendly architect took us on a tour that, the exteriors remain a staple of success- Lane prior to any neighbourly tittle-tattle, American-inspired slice of suburbia is being through each of the model houses, which are ful urban planning, where every residential which will obviously turn up sooner or later. created. fully furnished to depict life in an space complements the other. Nevertheless, beyond the boundaries of In stark contrast to the messy streets, dead- International Village home. The houses offer A stroll through the neighbourhood is the perfect village lies the rest of suburban ends and carbuncle like buildings offered by an open kitchen, a family room, a separate quite calming. The streets are nicely paved Prishtina, which has sorely lacked urban the city, Prishtina’s International Village is a living room, large windows, wall closets and and lit; sidewalks wind, uninterupted along planning and licensed development. model of ordered urban planning. more. the road; and beautiful trees and shrubbery With any luck, Prishtina’s urban planners Flags and a large security junction wel- Each model’s master bedroom has a walk- have just been planted around the whole com- will use the village as inspiration to clean up come visitors to the new village. Behind the in wardrobe and a master bathroom, and plex, creating a peaceful landscape. the city’s neighbourhoods, and make them security gate is a hardworking team, striving storage is abundant in the garage and base- Approximately 10,000 trees will be planted on citizen friendly and community spirited. to create what looks like the perfect neigh- ment, which can me finished to every the grounds. House prices begin at around 200,000 euro, bourhood, untouched by conflict and gaudy owner’s preference. The architect pointed out where the and reach around 500,000 euro. However, the post-war architecture. Other luxuries include separate laundry planned tennis court, basketball court, fit- majority of homes have already been sold, so As is often the case in suburbia, no partic- rooms, a fireplace, second floor balconies, an ness club, community centre swimming pool interested buyers should hurry and see if ular home outshines any other. The outdoor patio area and a driveway for each and playground will be located, along with a anything at this model community is avail- International Village team created three dis- home. plaza of stores, banks and cafés. able for purchase. tinct home models for buyers to choose from, Our architect tour-guide told Prishtina All that is missing is kids racing their bikes Call 038 767 141 for more information. Shop Review: Bar Review: Sultan he Qafa neighbourhood of Prishtina has welcomed a new shop embracing the sweet tooth of the Ottoman Turks, who Tleft behind a range of sugary desserts that have been embed- BoBowling ded into Balkan cuisine. Sultan Dessert Shop is far more upscale than any other shop of its kind in the city, with a contemporary interior and plenty of enjoyable seating to enjoy freshly made desserts crafted by the hands of a Turkish pastry chef. Biscuits with various toppings, three types of baklava, cakes and other pastries await you at the f you took away the lanes and annoying sound counter. of pins dropping, you would end up with one of I ordered a serving of sheqerpare, or Turkish sugar cookies. I the trendiest bars in town. They can be best described as dumplings in sugar syrup and are Stylish lounge areas, good looking bar tenders truly addictive. These particular ones were some of the best I have and ultra-sexy music scream Saturday night fever, ever tasted. as opposed to Tuesday night bowling. But I must Next, I moved away from Turkish delicacies and ordered a admit that the bowling option does give the venue French creation called the éclair, which I surprisingly finished off an appeal - it ensures that the snobby crowds at in a heartbeat, even after the sheqerpare. bars located downtown are kept at bay. Those of you who need custom-made sweets for events can also On my visit, I sat and exchanged warm greetings summon Sultan to bake cakes to your preference. A vast catalogue with the waiters, who are aware of my usual non- is available, with prices ranging from 7 to 50 euro. bowling visits, which include an order of my The owner of Sultan told Prishtina Insight that the client-base favourite cocktail and many requests to play my is rapidly growing, including many internationals who want to favourite tunes. discover the taste of Balkan pastries – a curiosity which has kept “One ‘Bobowling’ and a ‘Red Dragon’ coming up, them coming back. while Madonna plays in the background,” my Other than that, freshly brewed Turkish coffee and non-alco- friend Valon said with a wink as he started to pre- Photo byPhoto Insight Prishtina for Rrahmani Petrit holic refreshments are available for your enjoyment. Take-away is pare our drinks. BoBowing: Stylish cocktails and bowling combine also an option. The cocktails at BoBowling’s bar are truly excep- Sultan is on UCK Street, opposite De Rada restaurant. tional. The bartenders learnt their skills from the garnish of crushed cranberry add excitement. owners, who lived and worked in London’s luxuri- The other, equally yummy and much-loved con- ous nightlife scene for a while. Rare liquors and coctions include Amaretto Sour, Red Dragon (a original mélanges are available, without the inflat- mixture of fruit flavoured vodkas and strawberry ed prices. and lemon juice), and any surprises the barmen The Bobowling, my personal favourite, is a mix- may have in store for you. ture of grapefruit liquor, amoretto, and other liq- For evening stomach-growlers, an array of sweet uids I don’t really bother to remember because the or salty crepe options are available for quick dining. cocktail tastes so, very good and refreshing. BoBowling is on the Fushe Kosove Road. Crushed iced adds a nice texture, and mint and a Call 044 241 251 for more information. 12 • September 18 - October 1, 2009 neighbourhood

Albanian Blast Case Fizzles

Greek Poll Puts Macedonia lbania’s Supreme Court has suspended the case against Environment AMinister Fatmir Mediu, indicted on abuse of power charges over a blast at an ‘Name’ Row on Hold army depot. The March 15, 2008, explosion killed 26 people and wounded over 300.

News in brief News The charges related to Mediu’s term as defence minister in the previous right-wing government of Prime Minister Sali Berisha. His case was suspended because he enjoys parliamentary immunity, having secured a seat in parliament in the June 28 parliamentary elections. Photo byPhoto Insight Balkan Boy looks on at army depot blast Serbia Seeks EU Candidacy in 2009

erbia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry is completely devoted to securing the Scountry’s EU candidacy later this year. Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt told

Photo byPhoto Insight Balkan the Belgrade daily Blic that the implemen- Milososki and Bakoyiannis at a meeting to discuss the Macedonia name row tation of the Serbia-EU Interim Trade ior official in PASOK, said a new left-wing the EU, stated recently in Skopje. Agreement is a precondition for Serbia government would try to take a different The NATO ministers’ summit set for applying for EU membership. course in the name dispute if it won the early next year has been mentioned as an The Serbian government expects the EU to By Sinisa-Jakov Marusic election. informal deadline for a solution. If implement the Stabilisation and Association “When PASOK comes to power we will Macedonia has solved the dispute by then, Agreement, SAA, in November, the newspa- solve the issue. We will be sending a mes- it would be a good opportunity to enter the per learned from government sources. he early general election called in sage of reconciliation and not of confronta- Alliance. Blic reports that the European Greece has dampened hopes of an tion,” Loverdos told the Greek news portal, On September 1, Macedonia’s Foreign Commission plans to discuss unblocking the Timminent end to a row that is holding Newstime.gr. Minister, Antonio Milososki, said he felt SAA in late October, to facilitate an EU up Macedonia’s NATO and EU accession The former Greek deputy foreign minis- that Greece, if anything, was toughening its Council decision on the issue in November, bids. ter accused the current foreign minister, stance in the name dispute, making it more when Serbia can also expect a ruling on Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis Dora Bakoyannis, of making a mistake by likely that Athens would indeed block inclusion in the EU’s visa free travel scheme. has called an early general election to be not engaging in direct talks with Skopje and Macedonia’s EU membership bid. held on October 4. In a bid to win a fresh instead, leaving the matter to the UN medi- “The only shift in Greece’s attitude has ICTY Spokeswoman Guilty of mandate, to solve the country’s daunting ator, Matthew Nimetz. been for the worse,” he said. “They have Contempt economic problems, he has decided to test Loverdos said one likely good-will ges- toughened their position. We are concerned the popularity of his centre-right New ture by a PASOK government would be an [at the] possibility of a second Greek block- lorence Hartmann, former spokes- Democracy party against that of the opposi- end to the ban preventing “Slav- ade, related to our opening EU accession woman for the International Criminal tion Panhellenic Socialist Party,PASOK, six Macedonian” refugees from returning talks.” FTribunal for the former Yugoslavia, months before the end of his mandate. home to Greece. Macedonia has been an EU candidate has been convicted of contempt of court for The election will inevitably delay any “Slav-Macedonians” is the term Greek country since 2005 and officials in Skopje disclosing confidential information. progress in the UN-mediated talks on neigh- officialdom often uses to refer to have said they hope an EU progress report The ICTY’s Specially Appointed Chamber bouring Macedonia’s name until a new gov- Macedonians who fought on the due in November, will recommend a formal found that Hartmann, who served as ernment is elected. Communist side in the Greek civil war of start to accession talks. spokesperson for Meanwhile, most observers doubt the 1946-49, and who fled to Yugoslavia after the Critics of the Macedonian Prime former Tribunal election of a new government in Athens will Communists lost. Minister, Nikola Gruevski, meanwhile, say prosecutor Carla del ease the way to a solution on the dispute that Professor Stevo Pendarovski, former the Greek elections may offer him an Ponte, had disclosed is blocking Macedonia’s plans to join NATO. advisor to former Macedonian presidents excuse to stick with his own hard-line posi- the confidential con- At the alliance’s Bucharest summit last Boris Trajkovski and Branko Crvenkovski, tion. “The elections in Greece will serve as tents of two Appeals spring, Greece vetoed the issue of an invita- agrees that no breakthrough looks likely an alibi for Gruevski as well [as for the Chamber Decisions tion to Macedonia. after the Greek elections. Greeks],” the Macedonian political analyst in the Slobodan “Time is not working to Macedonia’s “It is true that Athens-Skopje bilateral Sefer Tahiri said. Milosevic case in a advantage,” former Macedonian foreign relations have come to a catastrophic halt Tahiri says the Macedonian leader will book and an article minister Aleksandar Dimitrov told Balkan since the row escalated last year [in now face little pressure to soften his own she wrote in 2007 Insight. “This election will further delay the Bucharest],” he said. “The two countries “rigid stance” in the dispute. and 2008. country from its strategic goal of becoming have cut cooperation in every field, no mat- Gruevski recently reiterated that She has been a NATO and EU member country,” he added, ter how unrelated to the name dispute they Macedonia still sought a so-called “double fined 7,000 euro. referring to the Greek veto on Macedonia’s might be. name” formula as a solution to the dispute. NATO membership and its threat to do the “But all that Loverdos is trying to say is This means a mutually acceptable name for same with regard to Macedonia’s EU plans. that this cooperation should be renewed – use with Greece alone, and retention of the Brussels Welcomes Dimitrov said he expects no “substantial but as for the ongoing name talks, he does name “Republic of Macedonia” for interna- change” to the Greek position over the not say anything radically new”, tional use. Greece has rejected this. Slovenia-Croatia Agreement name issue, regardless of which party wins Pendarovski noted. The Prime Minister’s critics accuse him the election. He believes Athens will contin- Meanwhile the UN mediator, Matthew of deliberately postponing any possible he European Union has reiterated its ue to insist on a new compound name for Nimetz, has placed a new set of ideas, which compromise out of a fear that it might dent support for the Slovenia-Croatia bor- Macedonia, including a geographical quali- he did not reveal to the public, on the table his currently high popularity ratings. Tder settlement, which allows the con- fier sharply underlining the difference with for both sides to consider. Tahiri warned that continuing stalemate tinuation of accession talks between Zagreb the northern Greek province also called This summer he visited Skopje and on Macedonia’s accession to NATO, and and Brussels. Macedonia. Athens in an attempt to bring the two sides potentially over the EU, is already taking its Last Friday, Slovenian Prime Minister “There is a clear consensus in Greece closer to a solution, while several senior toll on the economy and on relations with Borut Pahor and his Croatian counterpart, over this issue. The tactics might change Western officials urged both parties to com- the large ethnic Albanian minority. Jadranka Kosor, settled their countries’ bor- but not the strategy,” the former minister promise. “If the name issue is not resolved by the der dispute in a meeting in Ljubljana. said. “This is the right time for a solution,” end of the year, I’m afraid that there may be The two leaders agreed to finalise remain- Last Wednesday, a former Greek deputy Javier Solana, the High Representative for a prolongation of the status quo,” Tahiri ing details with the help of the EU. foreign minister, Andreas Loverdos, a sen- the Common Foreign and Security Policy of said. opinion • September 18 - October 1, 2009 13 EULEX Made in Kosova! Dear Teta Mia... be other times when we will gain more the point that we are not a good place to than we will lose. do business. Read the international By Liridon Latifi, Graduate of The reality that we have to become press nowadays and you will be amazed the London School of accustomed to is that the European how many articles there are against European Political Economy. Union has to be friends with both Serbia Kosovo. Teta Mia solves your problems and Kosovo. I do not think that the Now, back to the basic proposition of n what follows I shall not attempt to European Union loves Serbia more than EULEX’s work: EULEX is a rule-of-law exalt the virtues of the EULEX mis- they love us. And no, I do not think that mission. I cannot think of any other Ision (and the European Union in gen- we were left out of the visa liberalisation more important element in state build- eral) but to note that the current politi- process just because we happen to be (I ing than the rule of law. Rule of law mat- Why can’t I get a good chicken in Kosovo? cal discontent among Kosovo Albanians should note carefully) - nominally prac- ters also for economic development. We Eggs-asperated, Prishtina is at best utterly democratic and at worse ticing Muslims. The European Union are not a colony of the European Union. against their very national interest. has clear political and economic criteria Kosovo authorities invited EULEX them- share your frustration, Eggs-asperated. Since I Kosovo has one major problem in rela- that have to be fulfilled. selves. The claim of the Vetevendosja arrived here, I have been hen-pecking my friends tion to its desire to join the European Kosovo’s politicians would be doing leader, Albin Kurti, that the European Ifor grains of information on where I can get a Union. It is not recognized as a sovereign their citizens a favour by acknowledging Union instead of sending police, judges, fresh, free-range Kosovar chicken. state by five European Union member and accepting the fact that our country prosecutors, and custom officers should Why, oh why, is it so difficult to find such a simple states ( Spain , Greece, Cyprus, Romania is behind everyone else in reforms. have sent doctors and scientist is an ele- foodstuff ? 85 per cent of eggs bought in Kosovo are and Slovakia). The European Union has contributed gant one. But the fact is, as the history of produced domestically, so there’s clearly no lack of This makes life difficult for Kosovo greatly to Kosovo’s wellbeing and pros- development aid shows, doctors and sci- birds. In fact, there are around two and a half million authorities because the European Union perity in the last ten years. The massive entists are in few and far between and chickens scratching out a living in this country – and will not enter into contractual agree- financial assistance received should tend to stay in their home countries. It is that’s more than the population (at least until a cen- ments with Kosovo institutions. make the Kosovars grateful at the very one thing to engage in wishful thinking sus tells us otherwise). We are not formally part of the least. Without it, Kosovo’s development and another to dismiss the role of If you chicken-foot it to one of the supermarkets, Stabilisation and Association Process would be unthinkable! Unthinkable! In European policemen, judges, and custom you’ll find the deep-freezes packed with Brazilian and were not included in the recent principle, that is why I am no fan of officers as irrelevant for our develop- corpses, shipped 10,000km across the world. That’s European Commission visa liberalisa- protests against EULEX or international ment. After all, our state budget (around about 18 kg of CO2 released into the atmosphere for a tion programme. missions in Kosovo. 60-70 percent) is filled from taxes that are 1.5kg chicken. Coupled with economic problems, EULEX’s staff of around 3,000 (1,900 collected at our borders. Around 90 per cent of Kosovo’s chicken is South these are more important challenges for international, 1,100 local) and its budget In short, in relation to the European American. They wait, you see, in Rio or Buenos Aires Kosovar authorities to direct their atten- of 205 million euro is not something to Union, politics in the Western Balkans or wherever, until the price of chicken plummets, tion to, rather than technical issues such ignore. It is true that EULEX’s contribu- should not resemble a zero-sum game. then they buy it all up and stick it under ice for a few as the protocol between EULEX and tion to Kosovo’s GDP is not enormous, Serbia’s progress should not make us years until the price rises again. And then they sell it Serbia for cooperation in police matters. yet, in financial terms, we are better off angry and disillusioned with the whole over here. The trivial importance of the protocol with them than without them. Think of integration process. We should applaud Perhaps this is why Kosovo’s current account is lost when one looks at the bigger pic- all the restaurants, coffee places, apart- their progress and hope that soon we deficit is so fat – over 900 million euro so far this year: ture. The bigger picture is this: when ments and other services that are needed will ourselves be in a position to enter We look to another hemisphere for basic food instead Kosovo eventually joins the EU, the pro- to support this mission. the visa liberalisation programme. of in our own backyard (literally, as I was soon to dis- tocol will have long been forgotten. Recent Vetvendosja movement action Serbia in the European Union (together cover). The protocol should be seen as a tech- against EULEX vehicles and protests with Kosovo) will send a positive signal But you have prompted me finally to do some prop- nical issue which should be overcome for heavily damage Kosovo’s image in the that the region has left the past behind. er research. It seems a few organisations are hatching the sake of joining the European Union eyes of the EU public and policy-makers, Why can we not enter an era of calm, plans to stimulate broiler production, including the in the future. The very nature of politics and more importantly in the eyes of for- stability, and economic progress in the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, USAID’s private enter- and negotiations is about giving and tak- eign investors. No company will think of years to come? Can we not learn from the prise programme, and CARE International. However, ing. And if we feel (even if we are right opening its offices here if they do not post-Second World War German and the incubation period is long, particularly when the in our belief) that we are giving too much feel that it is safe. By demolishing French experience and their subsequent lack of licensed slaughter houses creates a potential this time, well then too bad! There will EULEX’s cars we are only reinforcing cooperation? bottleneck in the supply chain. Instead, I ventured out of Prishtina in my quest for a succulent roast. Several people had advised me to try Gracanica market, which turned out to be a sorry The World’s Third Most Beautiful affair selling multicoloured peppers and little else. So over a coffee in one of Gracanica’s few cafes, I did what any self-respecting poultry researcher would do Woman Speaks of Her New Life in Kosovo: I asked the waiter. “Come back at four o’clock. I can get you a chicken Shega A’Mula: How does it feel Sejdiu go and what did you dis- arigona Dragusha,18, is from my family,” Milos promised. to win such a prize? cuss? Several hours and another chicken later (from a vil- Miss Kosova and last Marigona Dragusha: I feel very Marigona Dragusha: He wanted to lage near Novoberdo – in the spirit of not counting month came third, or sec- privileged and thankful that I was know more about me, my family and M chickens before they hatch), I was following Milos’ ond runner-up, in the Miss Universe able to be part of such an event such the Miss Universe organisation. He Polo dodging potholes a few kilometres out of as Miss Universe. I feel great. People asked me where I live, what plans I Gracanica. I still hadn’t established what state this competition. She spoke to Shega may think it isn’t hard work or that have for my future and in the end gave bird would be in. A’Mula about the impact the prize it’s a joke, but it is an achievement I me all his respect and moral support. Alive, it transpired, and running round Milos’ fam- worked towards obtaining. Q: Have you been going out at all has had on her life and her hopes ily’s yard. Q: What did others think about in Prishtina since your return? After a scene from a Kusturica remake of Rocky for the future. Kosovo and what interested them Marigona Dragusha: I have tried to and two dull thuds from an axe, I had a headless about the country? go out but everyone constantly looks chicken in the boot of the car. Marigona Dragusha: No one really at me, people always come up to me My urban flat is not wholly adapted for rustic cook- knew a lot about Kosovo. I think I and give me compliments and its diffi- ing, and I was obliged to truss the carcass up to the spoke more about Kosovo than I did cult to go through that every time I go bath taps with a USB cable in order to pluck it. about myself. They would ask me out, so I don’t do it very often any- Extracting the still warm innards was tricky, but what we do for fun and other ques- more. worth it – how often can you find giblets in free-range tions, and I would always say it is a Q: How do you plan yo contribute Western European chickens? great country. positively to your country other We ate it roasted, with garlic, lemon and an obscene Q: Did you feel like a sort of than through your beauty? Are amount of butter. ambassador for your country or there any issues that are close to So, Eggs-asperated, I have some sound advice for did you want to take up the role? your heart? you if you are serious in your search for a juicy native Marigona Dragusha: There were Marigona Dragusha: I want to help chicken: Lobby the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry moments I felt like it, and moments the children, the orphans. and Rural Development to support domestic poultry where I liked talking about my coun- Q: What else do you plan on production with a sector development strategy and try. doing in New York? carefully targeted subsidies, and the Ministry of Q: Are you planning on continu- Marigona Dragusha: I definitely Trade and Industry to discourage imports of substan- ing a career in modelling? want to study design while I’m in the dard products which could easily be produced locally Marigona Dragusha: I’m waiting United States. and at a much lower cost to the environment. for different contracts in New York, Q: How do you define your style But if you’re hungry in the meantime, it’s quite and in the process of deciding what and what are our favourite labels? simple: Ask the waiter. company I want to sign with. I believe Marigona Dragusha: I think my Email Teta Mia with your questions at I will sign with a company by the end style is more elegant and classic. [email protected] of the month and I’m very excited. There really isn’t a specific label I like. PS Researching this column on the internet, I found Q: How did your much publicised But I don’t like sportswear, that’s for a novel use for boiled eggs: http://bit.ly/egg007 Marigona Dragusha meeting with President Fatmir sure. 14 • September 18 - October 1, 2009 NGO Focus: Fun & NGOs Making a Difference Labyrinth: Tackling Rising Levels of Drug Abuse have a project for schools. We can do that by taking samples from inside the schools. We can confirm exactly By Petrit Collaku what kind of drugs are used in schools,” said Blakaj. “The youngest client of ours is here are no accurate statis- around twelve-and-a-half years old. tics for drug abuse in Kosovo, This is serious issue,” said Blakaj. Tbut it is believed that the Blakaj said that the centre will number of addicts is increasing, soon start the ‘Methadone particularly among young people. Maintenance Programme’ around Luckily, the medical and psycho- December this year with donations therapeutic centre Labyrinth in from Global Fund. Prishtina is providing pioneering He said there was huge resistance projects to tackle drug abuse – from to this idea initially, with people needle exchanges to testing school claiming that the programme just property for traces of drugs. substitutes one drug with another. This NGO deals mainly with “The heroin abusers will be pro- heroin abusers and has 640 persons vided with methadone once a day. registered. The clients can have This way we can decrease crime, meetings with doctors, psycholo- abusers and make people even gists and psychiatrists. think about quitting,” said Blakaj. “The majority of the clients are The centre is also planning to middle aged, ” Safet Blakaj, execu- start a needle exchange pro- tive director of Labyrinth, told Prishtina Insight. gramme. More then 50 clients are Kosovo “Heroin abusers are already in a Serbs and around 9 per cent of the bad situation. With this pro- clients are women. gramme, we can prevent them also Blakaj claimed that the number becoming infected,” said Blakaj. Photo byPhoto Besar Likmeta One man, now a ‘clean client’ at of drug users in Kosovo, compared Drug abuse is on the rise in Kosovo, it has been claimed to last year, had slightly increased. the center, told Prishtina Insight: “I “One of the reasons is that access ons. drug usage in schools, and But he said that the situation was very young when I started with to drugs is very easy,” said Blakaj. “They have returned to Kosovo Labyrinth said that Kosovo institu- changed for the better two months Marijuana. I was in the first grade He added that the number of but no one dealt with them. Kosovo tions need to understand this issue ago – the National Drug Strategy of secondary school and I used it for drug dealers is also on the rise. One institutions should be prepared in better to fight drugs. was approved by Kosovo’s parlia- many years, everyday. I quit three reason for this, he says, is the repa- such cases to offer these people Blakaj said that the Ministry of ment. The strategy is divided into years ago now.” triation of Kosovo citizens, jailed social services or keep them busy Education had rejected Labyrinth’s two pillars: decreasing demand and If you would like to feature in for drug-dealing, from foreign pris- with something,” Blakaj said. idea to educate primary and second- decreasing supply. NGO Focus please contact There is no research yet about ary school pupils about drug risks. “Our work is in the first pillar. We Prishtina Insight.

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KKULT Caffe azz night with a live performance on sax and guitar at Kkult JCaffe on Septemer 18, at te kafet e vogla. Happy hour between 21.00 and 00:00 Vodka and gin cocktails only 1.49 euro. For reservations call 044900999 16 • September 18 - October 1, 2009 marketing