123-Year-Old Woman Voted in Kosovo Election

Opinion: Kosovars Caught in Truman Show Now 24 pages

September 17 - 30, 2010 Issue No. 47 www.prishtinainsight.com Price € 1 Dude, Looks NEWS Rugova’s Party at Like George Crossroads Clooney > page 3

Kosovo and Serbia rarely see eye to eye with each other, but the battle between the two countries has now entered NEWS a new phase – whose Albania Complains, leader looks most like Kosovo Continues Hollywood’s official Power Project silver-haired fox, > page 4 George Clooney? BUSINESS See Page 5 Kosovo’s Tax Revenue Drops 123-Year-Old Woman Voted in by 10 per cent > page 6 Kosovo Election CITY Prishtina Insight has uncovered evidence that a 123-year-old woman and a 120-year-old man voted in both rounds of Architects, Artists November’s local elections in Kosovo, raising concerns about electoral abuse of the country’s outdated electoral roll Central Election Commission, tion of 11 NGOs which had more will not be used to update the list. Slam Grand Hotel By Prishtina Insight Team CEC, and Ministry of Internal than 2000 monitors in polling sta- Blerim Camaj, head of the Affairs, to update the electoral roll. tions in November, said that inac- agency for civilian status in the Makeover 123-year-old woman and a Xhemajl Pecani, head of the curacies in the electoral roll were Ministry of Internal Affairs, said 120-year-old man cast votes CEC, told Prishtina Insight that open to abuse. that the ministry was working to > page 8 Ain both rounds of Kosovo’s his organisation was aware of the He said: “The presence of those improve the accuracy of next local elections in November 2009, problem, but they would not be names is due to the non-registra- year’s planned general elections. Prishtina Insight has learnt. pushing for criminal investigation of deceased people and as a He said that the Ministry is According to sources close to the tions against those who fraudu- result of the lack of a campaign to working on creating a digital data- election process the two voters are lently voted on behalf of the cente- encourage people to do so. In our base of all civilian records which considered to be highly suspi- narians. tradition people hesitate to go the will be ready by the end of this cious, as the two individuals He said: “We are aware of dead competent authorities to year and will ensure that all rele- would, if alive, be the world’s old- people being on the voters’ list but announce the death of their family vant documents lodged at the est and second oldest persons. as the country has had continuous members.” municipal level will be included in Research carried out by elections up to recent months not He said the much awaited cen- the electoral roll. Prishtina Insight using the elec- much has been done until now.” sus may help to improve the accu- He added that the Law for toral roll has uncovered that He added that OSCE and IFES, racy of the list. Civilian Registry was approved by CULTURE almost 900 people over the age of a Intenational Foundation for But Majlinda Lulaj, spokesper- the Government this week and has Prishtina’s 100 remain on the voters’ list. Of Electoral Services, ‘will now help son for the Ministry of Public now been sent to the Kosovo’s those, 23 were born in the 1800s. the CEC with the voters’ registry’. Administration, said that Kosovo’s Assembly to be reviewed. Music Scene This is despite a major push in Ismet Kryeziu, the head of the census, which should be held in This law will make it a legal obli- the run-up to the elections, by the NGO Democracy in Action, a coali- 2011 for the first time in decades, gation to register births and deaths. ‘Comes of Age’ > page 11 Highway Costs Spark Kosovo EU Rewards Serbia for Budgetary Concerns Kosovo Climbdown FEATURE

The International Monetary Fund, IMF, Serbia’s drive to join the EU has taken a From 30 to 1: The is warning that Kosovo is facing a 5.5 per major step forward after the EU Council of cent budget deficit worth 63million euro, Ministers decided to forward the country’s Decline of Kosovo the first in its history following years of EU candidacy application to the European budget surpluses. Commission in October. Cinema Opposition parties and economists Many EU and Serbian officials see the blame a 700 million euro... move as being a reward... business page 6 news page 4 > page 14

Y M is supported by: C K 2 September 17 - 30, 2010 news Albania Complains, Kosovo Continues Hydroelectric Project Kosovo is pressing ahead with a project to build a new hydro-plant bordering Albania, despite complaints from its neighbour that this would hamper its plans to build five hydro-plants according to the Generation “Kosovo, in absence of this law, Investment Study, GIS, drawn up will use the law from the former by the Energy Community Treaty Yugoslavia that was signed with By Petrit Collaku to which Kosovo, Albania and Albania,” Krasniqi told Prishtina some other Balkan countries are Insight. parties. It would, according to esti- Minister Shiroka said that mates, generate 300 megawatt of Kosovo is ready to tackle the prob- osovo’s project HC Zhur 1 electricity. lem with Albania, taking into con- and Zhur 2 will use several “For the sake of truth, the sideration the existing agree- Krivers and water streams regional study GIS was prepared ments, referring to the agreement from the hills of Mountain Sharri, in consultation with Balkan coun- between Albania and Yugoslavia. in south east Kosovo, channelling tries, including Kosovo and “Kosovo would never violate down the waters and collecting them in two reservoirs. Albania. This has never been con- any treaty or international contested by Albania during the vention,” Shiroka said. “Kosovo But this water would usually Fierze Lake, the site of one of Albania’s hydroelectric plants flow into the river Drini i Bardhe, preparation phase and during the will respect all ratified agree- 300MW, or around 400 Gigawatts of Austria, a consortium of Palet which carries on its course into finalisation of the study. What is ments but also discuss and negoti- energy annually. In aat, Turkey, and Union D Albania, triggering Kosovo and written and said lately looks a bit ate with Albania, part of our “Very soon we will create the Energy System Development Albania’s first major row. strange,” Minister Shiroka told nation.” Albania complains that use of Prishtina Insight. The project was supported by unit for the management of the Corporation, UK, and Limak the water in Kosovo would dam- She added that both Prime the World Bank and European project and elect the transaction Group from Turkey. age the river Luma in Kukes, Ministers of Kosovo and Albania, Commission in 2005 and reviewed advisor,” said the energy minister The project will also involve the Albania, where they plan to build who met in Tirana early this in 2007-2008. Shiroka. demolition of some 200 houses in five small hydro-plants, generat- month, agreed to find a ‘political The strategy has been approved The Ministry plans to prepare Brezna village where the existing ing 25.3 megawatt. solution’ to the issue. by the Kosovo’s Assembly and the the tendering package by the end lake would be expanded, covering Minister Justina Pula-Shiroka Government spokesman Memli government is obliged to imple- of the year and deliver it to the an extra 2,000 hectares of the vil- said that the project was identi- Krasniqi could not confirm or ment it. short-listed investors and, if lage’s surface. fied decades ago in Yugoslav times deny that any agreement had been Kosovo’s Ministry of Energy everything goes according to plan, “Expropriations are not prefere- and remains one of the most reached during the meeting has already identified some poten- the investor will be selected by the able for many but the government promising generators of hydro- between PMs but said that Kosovo tial investors to build the new middle of 2011. will expropriate according to crite- electric power in the Balkans, and Albania will apply ‘the law on hydro-plant at Zhur, which will The short listed companies are ria and best practices,” Shiroka international waters’. cost 300 million euro and produce Kelag International GmbH, said. Serbian Mobile Firms Still in Business in Kosovo Despite tough words from Kosovo’s Telecommunication Regulatory Authority about dismantling the infrastructure of Belgrade-based mobile phone operators, these firms continue to operate in Kosovo since the operation, many of the cent each year in areas such as pre- damaged masts have been put back paid, roaming and postpaid,” said into action, one assembly member Abazi. By Besiana Xharra claimed. Officials from IPKO called for Kosovo’s two licensed operators, action to be taken. “We appeal to Vala and Ipko, complain their busi- the relevant authorities to elimi- Serbian mobile phone firms continue to provide their service in Kosovo ness is being damaged by the pres- nate illegal antennas, which con- espite repeated tough state- ence of unregulated, Serbian firms. tinually damage IPKO telecommu- will remove the masts as soon as the will to remove the masts, they ments from Kosovo’s Following the TRA action, Vala nication company,” company possible,” Hoxha told Pristina would have been removed in a few DTelecommunication Regulatory offered sim-cards to the affected spokesperson Alban Kastrati said. Insight. days.” Authority, TRA, that they will disman- Serbian users. The TRA told Prishtina Insight He said that the 23 antennas are Ahmet Isufi, vice president of the tle all illegal antennas of Serbian Menduh Abazi, spokesperson at that they will remove the remain- located in public areas and also in Alliance for the Future of Kosovo. mobile operators, these firms continue PTK, said that 10,000 Serbs took up ing antennas and were ‘cooperat- private homes. AAK, said that many disabled to provide mobile coverage in Kosovo. the offer and that their interest in ing with the international commu- On the other hand, opposition masts were now operating again. In April this year, the TRA Vala is increasing. nity in Kosovo’ to that end. parties complain that the TRA has “On top of the 23 masts that the launched an action to disable and But Abazi added that the compa- Ekrem Hoxha, head of the TRA done nothing to reach their stated TRA haven’t remove, some of those remove illegal masts across the ter- ny’s losses from illegal operators board, said that on July 30 the TRA aim. removed are back. The TRA’s action ritory, putting 30 antennas out of had not improved with the TRA’s identified 23 illegal antennas, some ”TRA has done almost nothing to has failed,” said Isufi. action. action. with a range of up to 30 kilometres, remove the illegal antennas and However, TRA board chairman But the move drew harsh rebukes “The damage caused to Vala con- operating in Kosovo. there are also the internationals Hoxha rejects the accusations. from local Serbs, who were left tinues to be almost identical to He refused to explain why the who also haven’t expressed an “The TRA did remove the masts without coverage overnight, from before the TRA’s action,” he said. TRA had not acted earlier on this interest to remove them,” said and they have not returned,” said Belgrade and criticism from the He added that illegal operators issue, but said that despite the Myzejene Selmani, chairman of the Hoxha. international community in during the past ten years had delays they will disable the masts. parliamentary commission on the On top of the 23 masts, an identi- Kosovo, concerned of the humani- ‘caused considerable material and “The situation might be delayed a economy, and a member of the fied number continue to function in tarian and diplomatic implications. technical damage to Vala’. bit, but their elimination is certain. opposition New Kosovo Alliance, the north of Kosovo, which is large- The action was halted with a fur- “The illegal operators under- For this, we are also collaborating AKR. ly controlled by Belgrade. ther 23 antennas still in place and, mine Vala’s revenue by 20 to 25 per with international partners and we “I do know that if there had been

Y M C K news September 17 - 30, 2010 3 Rugova’s Party at Crossroads Tolerancë As the Democratic League of Kosovo, LDK, gears up to select its leader, questions are being asked about what direction Kosovo’s second-largest party will take and whether rivalry for the top job could lead to another split. By Lawrence Marzouk

By Petrit Collaku rishtina has added a new landmark to its skyline – the Catholic Pcathedral. . Admittedly it will not win any architecture awards, even osovo’s second-biggest party, the when its concrete walls have been plas- Democratic League of Kosovo, LDK, tered over, but, in my view, it is a wel- Khas launched internal elections to come addition to the city, both in terms select officials from village representatives of giving Prishtina the sense of being a up to its leadership structure. capital and because of the message it But the battle which will dominate the embodies – tolerance. headlines until its conclusion in November I have often been told that Albanians are is the tussle for the presidency, the post cur- Albanians first and religious second – rently occupied by Fatmir Sejdiu. whether that is Islam, Catholicism, Greek Who will run and who will emerge victori- Orthodox or Zoroastrian. ous is far from clear as Sejdiu is facing a But I have noticed a distinct lack of that Constitutional Court action because of his attitude among some inhabitants of dual position of LDK leader and Kosovo Prishtina since the cathedral was official- President. ly opened at the beginning of the month. The Constitutional Court is set to rule on Ibrahim Rugova, former leader of the LDK and president Allegations have been flying around whether it is legal for Sejdiu to remain head ward only when elections are over in the about how the opening was timed to rival of his political party and the country’s pres- Political Stagnation in Kosovo branches. The leadership will then set the with various Muslim festivities and the ident. He maintains that he has broken no criteria for presidential candidacies,” Haziri holy month of Ramadan. The fact that it laws in taking the two posts, but the court Political commentators and civil society told Prishtina Insight. was opened on the death day of Mother may soon force him to choose. leaders hold out little hope of radical He said that the LDK statute will be Teresa, the nun who will give her name to The worst-case scenario, some fear, changes in the make-up of the LDK or its changed as it does not provide instructions involves the party splitting as it did in 2007, policies. the building, seems to be not a strong on how to run presidential contests, when Sejdiu and Nexhat Daci both fought to Ramush Tahiri, a political commentator enough argument to dent the confidence of although some ad hoc rules were agreed take over from Ibrahim Rugova who had from Prishtina, said that after the death of those looking for a conspiracy. upon in 2007. passed away. Rugova, the LDK, which was then the I have heard said that the cathedral is “Last time [2007] we made rigorous crite- The party’s leadership has already taken biggest party in Kosovo, has remained with- the biggest in the Balkans. Well, I haven’t ria for candidates competing for the party’s action to avoid this by banning campaign- out an identity, leading to its drop in popu- been able to confirm whether that is the presidency. A candidate was supposed to ing, which they believe contributed to the larity. case or not as figures are pretty difficult to have 100 signatures from the delegates or break-up of the party in 2007 when Daci Tahiri said that the LDK, alongside all come by, but I strongly suspect that those roughly some 33 per cent of the LDK assem- formed the Democratic League of Dardania, political parties in Kosovo, lacked proper making the accusations have not verified bly,” Haziri said, adding that the criteria LDD, after losing the election. internal democratic mechanisms, allowing the claim as well. Bunkum. may be changed this year. But before the starter’s gun for the race the leadership to maintain control, while Some suggest it is a move by the Vatican was fired last Friday, senior members of the others from “beneath” have not been able to to convert Muslims. Well you could argue party were already positioning themselves. Revolution in the LDK? move up the ladder. that about any church. Minister of Health Bujar Bukoshi “My opinion is that the LDK is a clannish Others say that there is no need for such Haziri told Prishtina Insight that the elec- revealed earlier this month his candidacy for party,” Tahiri told Prishtina Insight. “What a big church in Prishtina, where relatively tions are necessary as the party must the president’s position. I can see now is that the LDK [leadership] is few Catholics live, and argue that the change, adding that “reforms are unstop- Bukoshi, who was Kosovo’s Prime trying to enforce its power and, as such, no scheme, supported by former president pable.” Minister in exile during the 1990s, said that one else can reform the party as the leader- Rugova, was allowed to be built because it He added, however, that the course of the he had the support of Prishtina’s popular ship sets the criteria [for presidential candi- would please the mostly Christian race will be decided when the Constitutional mayor, Isa Mustafa, and Uke Rugova, the son dates],” he said. “That’s why I am saying European Union and assuage the unwar- Court rules on Sejdiu’s status. of Ibrahim Rugova, who recently said he that the party is clannish and oligarchic. ranted fears about Kosovo being some sort “The competition would then be easier for was to engage in politics. This is the structure of this party.” of sleeper cell in the Balkan. the aspirers,” said Haziri, adding that Isa Some LDK officials, however, have been All the parties in Kosovo, he went on, are Of all these arguments, the very last Mustafa would be the favourite in that situa- quick to pour cold water on Bukoshi’s lead- led by one, strong leader, leaving little room appears to be most reasonable, but my tion. ership challenge, suggesting that he is no for others. “Look at the AAK, look at the response to these concerns is: “So what?” Haziri refused to be drawn on other names real rival for Sejdiu who commands much PDK, they are run by just one, dominant Kosovo has an image problem – I read of potential leaders. “This is a big process wider support. leader,” Tahiri said. absolutely rubbish printed about Islamic for LDK and the LDK must not face a situa- Others however have accused Sejdiu of He said that such a situation benefited radicals in Kosovo ready to attack tion similar to 2007 when a number of dele- putting the interests of the party in the servile party members, while Kosovo des- Christian Europe every day. gates left the party, establishing a new party hands of their governing coalition partner, perately needed independent intellectuals And while it is never worth devising and thus taking some eight per cent of the the Democratic Party of Kosovo, led by and a new generation of politicians. policies aimed at the deluded of this votes from the LDK,” he said. Prime Minister Hashim Thaci. Ismet Kryeziu, from the NGO Kosova world, it is worth noting the surprise of Since 2007, the LDK has been the junior Lutfi Haziri, vice-president of LDK and Democratic Institute, KDI, said the parties the guests I have invited to Kosovo at how partner in the governing coalition with the the Minister of Culture, said the first stage are having internal elections only to fulfil liberal and tolerant it is. PDK. of the electoral process involves the selec- their legal obligation and not because their Such an obvious sign of interethnic tol- But this relationship was strained to rup- tion of local candidates, adding that Bukoshi leadership wants the party to move forward. erance in the heart of Kosovo, at no ture following the November 2009 local elec- was the only person so far to put forward his “There has been little change during the expense to the taxpayer, is surely a win- tions. name. past 10 years in terms win situation for the country. After an evening in the Prishtina watering “In fact, the of the leadership of So what if the church isn’t full for mass? hole, Zanzibar, PDK top officials announced election process political par- If the Catholics of Kosovo want to build a they were breaking the coalition, only to allows a can- ties,” said huge cathedral, let them build it. change their minds the next morning. didate to KryeziIu. What would be totally unacceptable Mustafa, who consistently criticised the put its “There are would be if Kosovo’s Christian values PDK during his re-election campaign, has name also few were being promoted ahead of Muslim however continued to voice concerns over for- changes in ones. his party’s coalition partners. their pro- I cannot see any evidence of this, but I If elected head of the LDK, he grammes or do think it is perfectly reasonable for the could precipitate the collapse of the plat- Muslims of Prishtina to be asking for a the coalition, leading to new forms of all new mosque and questioning the merits of elections. parties.” a headscarf ban in schools. The authorities should do everything they can to facil- itate the first and resolve the second. This particular problem, however, has no bearing on the cathedral or its merits. So, people of Prishtina, remember that you live in the land of the free, celebrate the cathedral, build a mosque, wear a Y headscarf, but please do not act like those M bigots in New York. C President Fatmir Sejdiu (left) and Bujar Bukoshi, MInister of Health K 4 September 17 - 30, 2010 news EU Rewards Serbia for Kosovo Climbdown The EU’s decision to accelerate Serbia’s membership bid after Belgrade dropped its hard- line UN resolution has been applauded, but some ask if Serbia is simply being rewarded for conceding ground over Kosovo’s independence. new stage in Serbia’s European towards Serbia in the recent integration. past,” Dereta told Prishtina “Serbia has shown that it is a Insight. By Bojana Barlovac mature and responsible partner “[But] I am now wondering which has been persistent in the whether Serbia could have got this implementation of reforms which reward earlier if it hadn’t rushed erbia’s drive to join the EU lead to the EU,” he said in a writ- to submit its draft resolution on Flags of the European Union has taken a major step for- ten statement. Kosovo to the UN General Sward after the EU Council of “Consensus within the EU Assembly before consultations partnership and constructive rela- taining 1,000 questions. Ministers decided to forward the regarding integration of new with its EU partners,” he added. tionship, helping Serbia to Once Belgrade returns the com- members is being built step by Dereta said that a key measure country’s EU candidacy applica- achieve its goals,” Delevic added. pleted document, a response to the step, and internal reforms and of Serbia’s foreign policy towards tion to the European Commission Marko Blagojevic, operations candidacy application will be building a partnership of trust the EU is the level of resistance in October. director of the Center for Free issued. with the EU can only accelerate the policy raises inside the Many EU and Serbian officials Elections and Democracy, CESID, Two unresolved issues which see the move as being a reward for that process,” Kacin added. Democratic Party of Serbia, DSS, told Prishtina Insight the country could potentially halt Serbia’s Belgrade’s co-operation with the Tanja Miscevic, a political scien- considering the party has been had not got anything in advance progress, irrespective of the appli- EU on the Kosovo Resolution tist and former director of vocal in its condemnation of the from the EU. cation process, are the arrest of which was approved by the UN Serbia’s EU Integration Office, resolution. “Serbia deserved to have its EU Ratko Mladic and Goran Hadzic, General Assembly last week, open- expressed hope that the adoption DSS leader Vojislav Kostunica candidacy application discussed the two key fugitives from justice ing up new opportunities for the of the resolution would mean a said in a written statement: [at the EU Council of Ministers] a sought by the International country to progress in Europe. new beginning of a “hopefully “Serbia has lost some battles in while ago,” Blagojevic said, Criminal Tribunal for the Former But some dissenting analysts accelerated integration of Serbia Kosovo in history, but Kosovo explaining that Serbia’s experi- Yugoslavia, ICTY, in The Hague point out that the Kosovo issue and into the EU”. itself has never been lost. ence with the EU was charac- and Belgrade’s continued refusal EU integration process should be “By submitting the resolution, “This government is on track to terised by “a dose of unpre- to recognise Kosovo’s independ- treated as two separate strands of which has been agreed upon with enter into history as the first and Serbian foreign policy and that the EU, Serbia has sent a clear the only one that did everything to dictability”. ence. Belgrade has long deserved to have sign on its European future, as really lose Kosovo.” “Sometimes we get something Serbian President Boris Tadic, its candidacy application exam- agreements are the only way to European Integration Office after a long time and other times asked whether the government ined. achieve something,” Miscevic told chief Milica Delevic sees no in advance of a deadline, such as could be faced with conditions Steven Vanackere, the foreign Prishtina Insight. weight behind the view that the the visa-free regime,” he contin- requiring Serbia to recognise the minister of Belgium, the current “A good signal has come from EU offered to accelerate integra- ued. independence of Kosovo, said that chair of the European Union, the side of the EU as well, saying tion in return for an agreement “It is too early to see how the no one had put such a condition promised to formally put Serbia’s that the resolution has been from Belgrade to adjust the text of adoption of the UN resolution has before him. EU application on the agenda in agreed by 28 EU member-states,” the resolution. affected Serbian nationals but, Tadic told reporters in Estonia October. Miscevic added referring to the 27 “If we keep saying that some- from my experience, I can only on September 13: “As a predictable “Many EU countries have existing EU countries plus Serbia. thing blocking our integration is conclude that optimism regarding partner, I always tell my interlocu- emphasised that the constructive Miljenko Dereta, the head of the result of a political trade, or Serbia’s EU integration has signif- tors from the EU that Serbia will stance of Serbia cannot remain Civic Initiatives, an NGO, sees the that Europe is tired of enlarge- icantly increased,” he added. never recognise Kosovo’s inde- without reward,” Vanackere said. latest EU move as being a reward ment, those who are responsible Serbia officially submitted its pendence ... however, I want to The Vice-President of the for Serbia. are given an alibi not to do their application to join the EU on open a dialogue to resolve the his- European Parliament Delegation “This is a good time for such a jobs and not reform the country,” December 22 last year. torical conflict between Serbs and for South Eastern Europe and rap- reward from the EU, as trust Belgrade daily Blic quoted her as Once the EU Council of Albanians. porteur for Serbia, Jelko Kacin, among Serbians in the EU has saying. Ministers forward the application “It is my political goal, because I believes the time has come for a decreased after a lack of positive “I would rather say that the to the EC, the EC is expected to know that we cannot bring such movement from the EU side agreement on the resolution was a send Serbia a questionnaire con- problems into the EU.”

www.prishtinainsight.com Extra Police Patrol North Publisher: BIRN Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Mitrovica After Clashes olice patrols have been increased in the north Kosovo Serbs who were watching the match in a Molotov cocktails were also thrown. One Kosovo Mensa e Studenteve, first floor Kosovo town of Mitrovica after seven people cafe started throwing rocks at Kosovo Police Officer was also slightly injured.” 10000, Prishtina Pwere injured amid clashes between Albanians. Goran Bogdanovic, the Serbian Minister for Albanians and Kosovo Serbs following a basketball Kosovo EULEX forces and the Kosovo Police used tear Kosovo and Metohija, said the riots were further match. gas and shock bombs to disperse the rival proof that a dialogue between Serbs and Phone: +381 (0) 38 24 33 58 On Monday, extra officers were patrolling the groups. Albanians was necessary and should be Fax: +381 (0) 38 22 44 98 main bridge dividing Kosovo Serbs in north EULEX officials said in a press release: arranged as soon as possible. [email protected] Mitrovica from Albanians living in the south. “EULEX strongly condemns the perpetrators of Fatmir Sejdiu, Kosovo’s President, con- Officials said the situation was “calm” after the violent clashes...In an attempt to restore demned the incident, saying such events dam- Editor-in-Chief: the clashes on Saturday evening which erupted order, one EULEX police officer was wounded aged Kosovo’s image and only served those who after Serbia lost to Turkey in the semi-finals of when shots were fired in the direction of the were against peace, stability and the welfare of Lawrence Marzouk the FIBA World Championships. EULEX Formed [Special] Police Units and all people, regardless of ethnicity or belief. [email protected] Five Kosovo Serbs, a Kosovo Albanian and a Editorial Team: member of the EULEX police were injured as Ana Petruseva, Gordana Igric, guns were fired and petrol bombs and rocks hurled after a large group of Kosovo Albanians Jeta Xharra, Marcus Tanner, crossed the bridge to celebrate Turkey’s victory. Petrit Collaku, Inge Baanders, Shengjyl Yves De Kermabon, head of the EU rule-of-law Osmani and Belinda Vrapi mission in Kosovo, said that “acts of senseless hooliganism” had no place in a democratic soci- Marketing, Sales & Distribution: ety and needed to be condemned by all. “EULEX will not tolerate such unlawful [email protected] behaviour and in conjunction with the Kosovo Police and KFOR, is ready to take whatever Design & Layout: “Rrjeti” measures are required to ensure that any repeti- Y tion of such events will be vigorously dealt M Printing: Lindi Printing Center with,” he said. C Copyright © BIRN Witnesses said the violence erupted after K Saturday night’s clashes in Mitrovica news September 17 - 30, 2010 5 The Hague Denies Haradinaj Release retrial on 21 July by the Appellate Chamber at the ICTY, following claims prosecution witnesses had By Petrit Collaku been intimidated. Haradinaj was a commander of the KLA during the conflict in Kosovo, while Balaj was the com- request by Ramush mander of the Black Eagles Unit Haradinaj, the former within the organisation, and APrime Minister of Kosovo, Brahimaj a KLA member sta- to be provisionally released ahead tioned in the force’s Jabllanice of his retrial at The Hague has headquarters in Gjakove munici- been denied. pality The Trial Chamber of the The indictment alleged that International Criminal Court for under the three men, the KLA per- the former Yugoslavia, ICTY, secuted and abducted Serb, declared that, although there was Albanian and Roma civilians who no evidence Haradinaj posed a were perceived to be collaborating danger to witnesses, his release with Serbian forces in the would have a ‘cumulative effect on Dukagjin area in 1998, in a bid to the atmosphere that would be consolidate KLA control there. unfavourable to witnesses’. Haradinaj was ordered to face a retrial in July after witnesses said they had been intimidated into not giving evidence at his original trial in which he was found not An EULEX office stands guard in an earlier raid guilty of war crimes charges. The Trial Chamber added that although it was difficult to foresee Five Held in KFOR Fuel the length of the pre-trial phase, there was no indication it would be lengthy. Smuggling Raids Prior to the decision, the EU rule-of-law mission in Kosovo, Five people have been arrested in the biggest investigation into fuel smuggling launched EULEX, offered guarantees over in Kosovo by EULEX to date. Haradinaj’s release, saying he would not leave Kosovo. A EULEX statement read: Kosovo, who were suspected of Haradinaj’s opposition party, “Following the searches, the involvement in the alleged smug- the Alliance for the Future of EULEX prosecutor from Pristina gling operation, are believed to be Kosovo, AAK, on Monday criti- By Petrit Collaku District Court authorised the out of the country. cised the Kosovo government for arrest and police detention of five KFOR said in a statement the not providing support for his suspects. EULEX investigations were car- he five were detained after release. “The remaining two suspects are ried after the mission began to sus- raids at company premises AAK said that Haradinaj will currently abroad.” pect some of its soldiers were and private homes were car- prove his innocence as he did in T During 2008 and 2009, members ried by officers from EULEX, the involved in fuel smuggling. the first trial. of KFOR are suspected of selling EU rule-of-law mission in Kosovo, “KFOR welcomes the thorough Haradinaj and Brahimaj, along three million litres of fuel - stolen investigation and, in the case of with a third man, Idriz Balaj, orig- and Kosovo customs officials, EULEX reported on Wednesday. from the mission in Kosovo - to clear evidence, that the criminals inally faced trial on war crimes Another suspect, Kosovo Serb three private petrol stations; AS to be brought to justice. This refers charges in 2008. Dimitrije Davidovic, who EULEX Graniti in Stime owned by Agim to both suspects of Kosovo or of Haradinaj and Balaj were found had been searching for in north Beqaj, Alb Petrol in Podujevo any nation,” a KFOR press release not guilty, while Brahimaj was Mitrovica, was later discovered to owned by Idriz Ejupi and Onazis read. sentenced to six years for crimes be in a Belgrade prison where he in Pristina owned by brothers EULEX said the operation, the against civilians in Kosovo. has been held since May on drug Nazmi and Nexhmi Kastrati. largest fuel smuggling investiga- But Haradinaj and Lahi Photo by Petrit Rrahmani Rrahmani Petrit by Photo trafficking charges. KFOR troops, part of the French tion it has launched, was part of Brahimaj were ordered to face Ramush Haradinaj Police are still searching for one and Ukrainian contingents of the its fight against corruption in other suspect. NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo launched last June. Dude, Looks Like George Clooney

Speaking with the owner of a said. Los Angeles restaurant, Dan In an interview with the By Lawrence Marzouk Tana, who was born in Serbia, Prishtina daily Express last week, Clooney was reported to have said Kosovo’s Prime Minister Hashim “he [Tadic] is actually more hand- Thaci staked his claim. some than I am, but luckily I’m a “You know, one day when we osovo and Serbia rarely see better actor”. finished my meeting at the UN eye to eye with each other, In an interview with the headquarters in New York, I went Kbut the battle between the Serbian daily Glas Javnosti in to a restaurant alongside the two countries has now entered a February, Tana said that Clooney river,” he said. new phase – whose leader looks didn’t mind having the lookalike. “Suddenly some girls most like Hollywood’s official sil- “He met him once and said it was approached me and started shout- ver-haired fox, George Clooney? like looking in a mirror,” the daily ing: “Here’s George, here is Serbian President Boris Tadic quoted Dan Tana as saying. George Clooney.” I tried to tell has long been dubbed a George The similarity between the two them that I was not, but they con- Clooney lookalike by fans. has also been recognised by oth- tinued to shout ‘George’.” Now Kosovo’s Prime Minister, ers. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Prishtina Insight approached Hashim Thaci, has laid down his Berlusconi has noticed it as well, George Clooney for a comment on claim to be the true Balkan looka- Clooney reportedly told Tana. whether he was aware of the like. “George told me that Italian debate and if he cared to com- Y Earlier this year it emerged that Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi ment on which leader one looks M even Mr Clooney had noted the often teases him about looking most like him but received no C similarity with Tadic. like the Serbian president,” Tana response. K 6 September 17 - 30, 2010 business

EU Hands Over 30 million Euro Highway Costs Spark Kosovo Support he European Commission has transferred 30 million euro to Kosovo’s budget, the first tranche Budgetary Concerns Tof a 50million aid package. Some 50 million euro in total has been approved for Kosovo is facing its first-ever budgetary deficit as it pours 700 million euro into the Vermice- macro-financial assistance after an agreement was News in Brief News reached between the International Monetary Fund Merdare highway. and Kosovo’s government over its spending programme. The release of the second tranche depends on Kosovo’s continuing implementation of the agreement with the IMF and on progress in fulfilling a set of spe- By Besiana Xharra cific conditions related to statistics, fiscal transparen- cy and sustainability, procurement, privatisation, restructuring and liquidation of publicly- and socially- he International Monetary owned enterprises. Fund, IMF, is warning that The EU macro-financial assistance to Kosovo is part TKosovo is facing a 5.5 per cent of the pledges made at the July 2008 Donors’ budget deficit worth 63million euro, Conference for Kosovo to address financing needs the first in its history following identified in Kosovo. years of budget surpluses. Opposition parties and economists blame a 700 million euro project to build a highway from Vermice- Merdare, being built by Turkish-US consortium Bechtel Enka, for the shortfall and warn it could lead to other capital projects being cut. The IMF’s July report it said that the budgetary deficit this year will be 3.4 per cent of GDP, reaching 5.5 per cent in 2011. Ahmet Shala, the minister of economy and finance, said he was not concerned that Kosovo was facing its first budgetary deficit as The Albanian section of the ‘Patriotic Highway’, now completed Kosovo’s spending programme had by an IMF statement issued in July. Albanian countries, and the Serbian been agreed by the IMF, unlocking a Murilo Portugal, deputy managing border at Merdare, providing access 108million dollar loan from the inter- director and acting chairman, said to major European transport routes. national fund and cash from the that the IMF had agreed to provide Further funds will be raised Indian Coal Firm in Power Plant Race European Commission. the loan because of a government through the sale of Post and ndian coal giant Adani Power is among the four He added that in the past few programme to limit other capital Telecommunications of Kosovo, PTK, shortlisted firms to build a 500 megawatt power weeks, Kosovo has received its first investments. He called for the govern- this year which is expected to make direct budgetary grant of 30 million Iplant in Kosovo. ment to “exercise restraint in current between 300 million and 600 million euro from the EC, which promised a Adani Power along with PT Adani Global is among spending and raise revenues to con- euro. total of 150 million euro at a donors’ the four consortiums that have been selected by the tain the impact of their large capital Economic expert Muhamet Sadiku conference in Brussels in July 2008. Kosovo government to bid for two coal-fired units. investment program on the overall warned that the deficit could be fol- But the head of the commission for The first will be 560 megawatt, with a possible 678 fiscal deficit”. lowed by tax rises. supervision of public finances in megawatt plant being built afterwards. According to the Ministry of “The budget deficit is bad news for Kosovo’s Assembly, Haki Shatri, of Kosovo sits on the world’s fifth-largest reserve of Economy and Finance, capital expen- our institutions because it has to do the opposition Alliance for the Future brown coal, known as lignite. of Kosovo, told Prishtina Insight that diture for the first six months of 2010 with ineffective institutions,” he said. the growing budget deficit could lead reached 110 million euro, an increase “This deficit may be followed by Privatised Textile Factory Starts to other capital projects being of 30 million euro on last year. Of the significant fiscal increases and this is Production slashed. 110 million euro, 78.6 million euro not what Kosovo needs.” He believes the IMF will pressure was spent on road building. In the past 10 years Kosovo has he privatised firm Kosovatex in Prishtina has the government to cut spending in The building of the highway start- faced a yearly budgetary surplus as a began to produce textiles and jeans with a work- order to limit the shortfall. ed this summer with funds from result of the inability of its institu- Kosovo’s budget and is likely to be tions to carry out all planned proj- Tforce of more than 300 workers. “The IMF does not trust the gov- The company says it will cooperate with interna- ernment a lot regarding the spending completed in 2013. ects. tional clients, including world-known brands such as of public money, therefore we have The road will connect with Sadiku added that a budgetary Hugo Boss, Diesel, Levi‘s, Replay, Otto Kern, Mustang continually lost its support,” said Albania’s mostly completed highway, deficit of 5.5 per cent would not be and Pierre Cardin. Shatri. dubbed the ‘Patriotic Highway’ allowed in eurozone countries where This view appears to be supported because it links the two ethnic- this is set at 2.8-3 per cent. Kosovo’s Tax Revenue Drops by 10 per cent Tax Administration of Kosovo, TAK, has been criticised by the Auditor General for its falling revenue and 2009’s 90 million euro tax write-off tion fell by 10 per cent in 2009 com- of collected revenues lower than pared to the previous year. 2008.” In 2009, TAK collected just over “Concerning is the fact that TAK By Lawrence Marzouk 200million euro and refunded 25mil- liabilities had an ongoing growth lion euro, making its total revenue from year to year, therefore the total for the year 181million euro. amount of liabilities has reached ax Administration of Kosovo, The figure was 10 per cent lower 269,155,190 euro.” TAK, has written off more than 2008, or 19million euro down. The report went on to criticise the Tthan 90million euro at the end The yearly growth in TAK liabili- tax administration for its “lack of of 2009 because the debts are now ties is described as ‘concerning’ in activities when it comes to collection more than six years old. the Auditor General’s report. of revenues”. A further 270 million euro in taxes “As a result of reducing the tax In a bid to increase tax collection, Y is owed to the organisation, accord- rates on certain categories of rev- TAK is attempting to roll out new M ing to the Auditor General’s yearly enues […] and the small number of ‘fiscal’ cash registers to all business- C report looking at Kosovo’s active businesses declaring their es but the take up has been much K Consolidated Budget, and tax collec- income, TAK has ended up at a level lower than hoped. neighbourhood business September 17 - 30, 2010 7

Macedonia Suffers Trade Deficit Albania Cell Phone Firms acedonia suffered a trade deficit of 900 million during the first six months of the year, official Mdata indicates. The volume of Macedonia’s trade with other states rose by 9.4 per cent between January and July, compared Seek More 3G Licences to the same period last year. The value of exported goods was 1.36 billion, while News in Brief News lbania’s four major cell phone companies have “The four cell operators see with regret imports stood at 2.27 billion, leaving a net deficit. called on the government to issue four 3G licences the price tag of 12.5 million which, Macedonia’s main export goods were iron and steel Ainstead of only one to ensure competition in the coupled with the extra invest- products, clothes, ferro-nickel and petroleum oil products. telecoms market. ment for the installation Crude petroleum oil, passenger vehicles and electrici- AMC, Vodafone Albania, Eagle Mobile and the of the network, makes ty topped the list of imported goods. newly created Plus Mobile said in a joint state- the venture in 3G tech- Macedonia’s main export partner in the period was ment on Wednesday that awarding a single nology unreasonable,” the EU, comprising 61.8 per cent of trade, with Western licence through a proposed public tender the statement read. Balkan countries at 31.1 per cent. could create a monopoly in the sector. 3G, the third-generation Import partners also included the EU at 52.8 per cent, “The 3G internet service should standard for mobile phones, with developing countries at 28.3 per cent. be supplied by four companies enables the simultaneous use The main partners for international commodity trad- and not one ... because it [not of speech and data services ing with Macedonia were Germany, Greece, Serbia, Italy only] increases government on a cell network, while also and Russia. revenue, but also competition providing mobile broadband and offers consumers cheaper access to laptop computers and prices,” the statement added. smartphones. Auction of Bulgaria Steel Giant Fails The operators also urged Vodafone Albania is a subsidiary of the government to set the Vodafone, while AMC is part of the Greece- n auction of the Bulgarian steel maker licences at a lower price than based COSMOTE Group. Kremikovtzi has failed after no bidders showed planned in order to help them Eagle Mobile is owned by the Turkish group Ainterest in the insolvent plant. meet the growing demand inside Calik Holding, while Plus Mobile is owned by a consor- The sale, scheduled for Monday, aimed to sell that com- the country for broadband internet. tium of local businesses and Kosovo Telecom. pany’s assets at a starting price of nearly 566 million lev ( 283 million), but no companies registered to take part in the bidding, said Tsvetan Bankov, the factory’s receiver. The only condition for potential buyers was to pay a 10 per cent deposit in advance. Doctors and Nurses A second auction is to be organised in about two months time, but the state will be forced to lower the starting price by 20 per cent. The steel maker, which has debts of about 2 billion lev ( 1 billion), was declared bankrupt in May. ‘Deserting Bulgaria’ Previously, Kremikovtzi was owned by Indian busi- nessman Pramod Mittal.

EBRD ‘to Invest €300m a Year in Croatia’

he European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD, is ready to invest up to 300 Tmillion euro a year in Croatia in the coming years, as the country readies itself for membership in the European Union, according to the Croatian Times. The EBRD’s director for Croatia, Zsuzsanna Hargitai, said the institution was looking for projects that would benefit from the investments, adding: “The amount is not fixed and ... will depend on the quality of the projects.” She said the energy sector was one of the most attrac- tive for the bank. “We wish to contribute to the strengthening of energy security and increasing the use of renewable sources of energy,” Hargitai told the newspaper. The EBRD was also looking at improving the production of energy from conventional sources such as coal ‘but with a higher level of technology and in a more eco- logically acceptable way’. Improving regional networks for energy transport was another area of interest for the bank, along with sectors such as tourism, transportation, infrastructure and supporting small and medium-sized firms that may need help in becoming more competitive before the country enters the EU. Former Macedonian PM Denies

n increasing number of doc- The situation with nurses was ly in Western Europe. Telecoms Scam Claims tors and nurses are leaving even worse, he said. “All the governments have been ormer Macedonian prime minister Vlado ABulgaria to seek better jobs Over the last 20 years the number neglecting this problem for years,” Buckovski has denied being involved in an alleged abroad, local observers have said. of the nurses in Bulgaria has Lenkov told Prishtina Insight, Fbribery scandal involving Deutsche Telecom and About 440 doctors left the country dropped by 50 per cent and there are adding that some specialties like Macedonian and Montenegrin officials. last year - 80 more than in 2008, currently only about 30,000 left. anaesthesiology and anatomic His comments came a day after German media report- according to statistics from the “On average, around 1,000 nurses pathology were severely under- ed that eight executives from the German telecommuni- Bulgarian Medical Association. leave Bulgaria every year,” said staffed. cations company were being investigated on suspicion of By the end of August this year, a Stanka Markova, chairman of the He said the number of anaesthesi- bribing influential politicians from Macedonia and total of 350 doctors had asked for a local Association of Health Montenegro. ologists had fallen from 1,500 to 800 certificate to allow them to practice Professionals in Nursing. Macedonia sold 51 per cent of the former state-owned people over the last three years, abroad. Both Lenkov and Markov agree telecom Matav, to Deutsche Telekom in 2000. The busi- while the number of anatomic Dr. Dimitar Lenkov, a secretary on the flight of medical specialists from ness is now operated as a division of Magyar Telecom. the association’s managing board, the country poses a serious problem pathologists was now below 90, three Buckovski told local A1 TV: “I am not corrupted by predicted up to 600 doctors would to the local healthcare system, which times fewer than the number that money from Telecom nor were there any such attempts leave by the end of 2010. badly needs to be reformed. Bulgaria needs. while I was minister.” “For the last three years the num- Low pay, a lack of motivation and “Soon, some surgeries could be Officials from local MakTel - majority owned by Y ber of doctors who go work abroad bad working conditions are among postponed because there will be no Magyar Telekom, the Hungarian unit of Deutsche M has been gradually increasing,” he the main reasons why medical spe- one to administer the anaesthesia,” Telekom, were muted in their response. Deutsche C told Prishtina Insight. cialists prefer to work abroad, main- Lenkov warned. Telecom declined to comment. K 8 September 17 - 30, 2010 city June Kashio of the United Nations Development Programme Prishtina through the Eyes of: the Eyes through Prishtina Architects, Artists Slam ‘Offensive’ Grand Hotel Makeover Kosovo’s most famous, and most criticised hotel, The Grand, has unveiled its new wing. Prishtina Insight asked architects, artists and members of the public what they think about the new, modern design. Imagine if a painting, after many years, around the building, which gives warmth instead of being restored, it is changes a in comparison with the surrounding cold bit. buildings composed of communist resi- What surprised you most about dential architecture.” Prishtina? By Shengjyl Osmani Sali Shoshi, Good quality food! director of Culture Shenaj Rexhepi, Heritage without Teacher: What’s your favourite hangout? Vala Osmani, Borders: architect: The new look of the Lunch at Basilico The new facade of Grand Hotel is very inter- In the given context, I Hotel Grand looks more esting and impressive, Do you do anything cultural? think it is more impor- like an experiment with which tant to know why the building materials rather than a recon- attracts your attention Explore local eateries (I love to eat!) solid façade of the Grand struction of an identifying building of the every time you pass by, but the problem is Hotel Prishtina is being centre of Prishtina. that they should have not privatised it and What is the most annoying thing covered. Covering buildings with new Despite the fact that the architecture in maintained it as it deserves as the best about Prishtina? facades, new looks, and Grand Hotel the communist system had monotone hotel in town. Prishtina is not the only building that has shades, however, Hotel Grand was an icon Running car engines when temporarily endured this treatment, is a practice that of Prishtina for more than 30 years. Bajram Kinolli, parked, cars that stop in the middle of the has little to do with aesthetical issues. Situated in the centre of the capital, the independent artist: road to chat with other cars and passers-by hotel was a meeting point for the citizens Alban Nuhiu, of Prishtina and for the visitors who had For the moment the If you were mayor of Prishtina for artist: visited Prishtina. Hotel Grand has also style is very contrasting. the day what would you change? been a meeting place for many important Even though they are try- Usually people ruin political meetings, youth entertainment ing to make it look new, it Build an Olympic size swimming pool buildings identities, as events, student parties, a meeting point is still very communistic and host swimming competitions for the they did with Hotel for artists, businesses, international looking, and it doesn’t Balkans. Grand, by changing com- organisations and many other groups deserve to be a five-star hotel. They need pletely their exterior. important for Kosovo. Therefore, as such, to take down two stars at least, even after How many macchiatos do you drink a They think that they are the decision for its reconstruction should the reconstruction, because it won’t make day? decorating them, and they forget that in had passed through a public debate, a big change. fact they are destroying architectural val- where not only experts but also ordinary One per day ues. citizens would have had the chance to Gembiana Shyti, This is very offensive for the architect express their opinion. student: What’s the tastiest Kosovar food? who designs a building and someone else With any renovation that was needed to comes and changes the outside of it, be done to Grand - and I don’t doubt that it Grand Hotel is not a Sarma, Qofte which destroys the values and changes had to have a renovation because of its building that differs a lot totally its identity. poor condition - the building should have from the other building What landmark do you use to tell taxi This is done by people without values, saved its functional character and its around. Even the new drivers where you live? without identity. It is better if it was total- building identity should have been saved. look doesn’t makes much ly destroyed then its look changed. A characteristic of its look is the stones a difference. Swiss Embassy Multimillion Euro Upgrade for Prishtina’s Water Supply phases to improve water and sanitation initiative of the European Commission, services for the citizens of Prishtina, who the European Investment Bank, the suffer regular water cuts. European Bank for Reconstruction and The first phase 11 million euro phase Development and the Council of Europe By Lawrence Marzouk includes improvements to the existing Development Bank, to support investments water and sanitation networks, while the in the region. second phase of 5 million euro, once Kjartan Björnsson, Chargé d’affaires at approved, will support new production the EC Liaison Office in Kosovo, said: he European Commission has agreed capacities for the Regional Water Company “These investments are critical to ensure Y to a 11 million euro loan to upgrade of Pristina. an improved supply of good quality water M Tthe supply and quality of Prishtina’s The project is part of the Western and sanitation services for the citizens of C drinking water. Balkans Investment Framework, a joint Kosovo.” K The EU will loan 16 million euro in two neighbourhood news September 17 - 30, 2010 9 EU Funding for Roma in Romania “Not Enough” Lack of financing impedes efforts to integrate Romania’s Roma population, advocates say.

By Marian Chiriac

s the controversy heats up surrounding France’s poli- Acy of deporting Roma living in illegal encampments, drawing harsh criticism from the European Union, local experts say that EU funding in Romania is not enough to help Roma find jobs and integrate in their home countries. “I wasn’t interested in going abroad to work as my family is in Romania and I have to feed them,” says Costel Apostol, 43, who is one of the approximately 45 people who found employment last year with the help of an EU-funded programme for Roma people. But Apostol, who was trained to work as a mason, is now jobless as EU newcomer Romania continues to feel the effects of the global economic crisis. “I wanted to prove that we, Roma people, can work hard too. But after six months working on a construction site I was told that I had been dismissed as there was no money for wages,” Apostol explains. He now lives in a small apartment in an old four-storey building in one of the suburbs of Bucharest, where the neighbourhood features a few warehouses, a couple of dubious pubs, one small park which looks more grey than green and many stray dogs who scour the heaps of garbage. Costel Apostol’s situation is not unique, some experts say, as most of the programmes aiming to improve the plight of Romania’s Gypsy/Roma people in Romania have ended without clear results. Two Roma women in Sighisoara, Romania This year alone local Romanian authorities have submitted 26 proof the funding for the projects, is Local analysts also say that the actual number is about 2 million. handout rather than wait for a grammes to the European Union, often late in delivering its contri- amount of money spent in the last Discussions on how to better judge to rule on their deportation. all aimed at improving Roma inte- bution. decade on the social integration of evaluate European funding for More than 1,000 Roma have been gration, which has unblocked 85 Furthermore, while 60 per cent Roma people was insufficient. programmes aimed at aiding the expelled since French President million in funding. of Roma in Romania live in rural There are no official statistics on Roma population are not new, but Nicolas Sarkozy in late July “But allotting the money is not parts of the country, only a small this type of funding, but Roma they have resurfaced in recent announced a clampdown on ille- enough, because the funds have to amount of money coming from activists who did not want to be days following EU reactions to gal encampments, a move that has be spent quickly and efficiently,” the EU is directed to non-urban named told Prishtina Insight that France’s decision to expel Roma been widely criticised. says David Mark, president of the areas. around 250 million in EU funding living in the country in illegal On Tuesday the European Civic Alliance of Roma, ACRR. “Most programmes are had been spent over the past ten encampments. Commission issued a harsh criti- “And this is very difficult in designed for developing organisa- years for the almost 2 million French authorities sent over 200 cism against France over its practice, as NGOs, institutions or tional skills, better communica- Roma people in Romania. Roma back to Romania on crackdown, threatening legal local authorities have to wait a tion among NGOs, social cohesion “This means that for every Tuesday, the same day that action and drawing a parallel long time for money to come or and the like, and not for creating Roma person less than 15 were Brussels threatened legal action between the government’s treat- have to spend too much time and jobs, building houses or improv- spent per year. This is not enough, over the clampdown on the minor- ment of Roma and World War II- energy on complying with EU ing the daily life of Roma,” says that much is sure,” the activists ity. A specially chartered plane era deportations. requirements and strict adminis- Mark. In his opinion, no more said. left Marseille for Bucharest on A total of 8,313 Romanian and trative procedures.” than 10 per cent of EU money pro- According to official statistics, Tuesday with 69 of the Roma on Bulgarian Roma have been In addition, the Romanian gov- duces clear results in Roma com- there are 535,000 Roma people in board; they had agreed to be repa- expelled from France so far this ernment, which must provide part munities. Romania, but Roma NGOs say the triated in exchange for a cash year, up from 7,875 in 2009. Serb Basketball Player Kovacevic Agrees Plea Bargain Belgrade prison. pronounce his sentence of two tures and a severe brain injury. Kovacevic because the country’s Tomo Zoric, the Serbian years and three months,” Zoric Kovacevic fled from the US laws do not allow for the extradi- Prosecutor’s office spokesperson, explained. with the help of two Serbian tion of Serbian citizens, while By Bojana Barlovac confirmed the agreement had Kovacevic and Bryan diplomats who allegedly gave US Senator Charles Schumer of been reached, but he said it Steinhauer, an American citi- him a false passport after the New York threatened to have the would have to be approved by the zen, exchanged harsh words incident. US reassess its aid to Serbia and First Municipal Court in after Steinhauer danced with the He faces charges of obtaining former Senator Hillary Clinton iladin Kovacevic, a former Serbian college basketball Belgrade. girlfriend of one of Kovacevic’s a fake passport, along with the warned of “serious conse- Mplayer charged with beat- “If the agreement is accepted, friends in May 2008. two men who helped him. quences” if Serbia failed to co- ing an American student into a the court will make a decision Kovacevic then allegedly The case caused a significant operate in the case. coma, has accepted a plea bargain on acceptance, followed by con- kicked Steinhauer in the chest amount of controversy between Serbia has paid $900,000 under which he would serve two viction in which Miladin and head numerous times, leav- the US and Serbia. ( 618,768) in compensation to the years and three months in a Kovacevic will plead guilty, and ing Steinhauer with skull frac- Belgrade refused to extradite Steinhauer family. 10 September 17 - 30, 2010 Neighbourhood Montenegro Says Farewell to With the official introduction of a new Montenegrin dictionary and grammar, the country has taken further steps to consolidate its own language – much to the annoyance of the Serbian community. Montenegrin. One conducted in will be the last in which language 2010 showed 41.6 per cent of students study “Mother Tongue”. respondents claiming Serbian as The involvement of a Croat in By Mirko Boskovic their native language and 38.2 per the newly published grammar cent, Montenegrin. meanwhile has further fuelled Before the collapse of Serbian suspicions that there is a Yugoslavia, four of the six con- political agenda behind the lan- ontenegro’s pro-Serbian stituent republics, Serbia, Croatia, guage drive, which is to push opposition parties are Bosnia and Montenegro, shared a Serbia and Montenegro further Mthreatening to appeal to common language, then known as apart. the Constitutional Court over the Serbo-Croatian. Work on the grammar, which government’s drive to establish After independence, however, lasted two years, was led by the official language of the coun- Croatia made strong efforts to Montenegrin linguist Adnan try as “Montenegrin”. highlight the distinct aspects of its Cirgic and a Croats Ivo Pranjkovic They claim the recent adoption language, which was now called and Josip Silic. of official Montenegrin Grammar “Croatian”. Bosnian Muslims Cirgic defended their involve- discriminates against the large have made similar efforts in ment, saying Croats were estab- Serbian minority and against the Bosnia Herzegovina, promoting lished experts in the field of Slavic majority who until recently official use of a codified “Bosniak” languages, as is Ljudmila claimed Serbian as their native language. Vasiljeva from Ukraine, who co- language. At the time, Montenegro, which authored the lexicon along with “The authorities… have started remained in a state union with Milenko Perovic and Jelena a project to delete the Serbian peo- Serbia until 2006, appeared con- Susanj. ple from the Montenegrin map,” tent not to have its own separate But some locals have continued Ranko Kadic, head of the language. to object, criticising what they call Democratic Serbian Party, But as the movement for inde- artificial revivals of archaic forms declared. “This is the beginning of pendence gathered strength, the and an excessive reliance on our extinction.” authorities started to promote lin- Croatian grammatical forms. Following the adoption of a new guistic changes. In 2004, the gov- The new grammar “takes us education law, the government ernment changed the school cur- back several centuries,” the socio- approved The Grammar of the riculum, so that mandatory lan- linguist Slavica Perovic scoffed in Montenegrin Language as the guage classes were no longer the opposition newspaper DAN. country’s official grammatical labelled “Serbian” but “Mother “It’s hard to imagine a modern code last month. Tongue (Serbian, Montenegrin, speaker, talking about business, The first edition of the book Croatian, Bosnian).” clothing or car brands, using the appeared in bookstores on Later, following the independ- same words as his great-grandfa- September 4. A lexicon of the ence referendum, a new constitu- ther.” Montenegrin language was pub- tion on October 22, 2007 named the Perovic dismissed the new lished days later. official language as Montenegrin. grammar – and the two new letters Linguistic developments have Its orthography was not estab- - as forced attempts to create dif- always had the potential to raise lished until July, 2009, with the ferences to other languages in the hackles in the small multi-ethnic addition of two letters (see box) to region. The new Montenegrin alphabet complete with two new letters at numbers 26 and 33 republic. replace the digraphs ‹sj› and ‹zj›. “To merit being called a lan- As recently as 2003, an outright Montenegrin was “an artificial “This is just propaganda con- Using the old 30-letter alphabet, guage requires greater differences majority claimed Serbian as their creation and a political decision”. ducted to prevent the use of the the word for tomorrow was spelled than those represented in the native language. According to the Cirgic denies the charge of new spelling,” he continued. “sjutra”. The correct form is now Grammar of Montenegrin,” said most recent census, in that year, reviving archaic forms, saying the “Similarities with Croatian do “ utra”, for example. The new Perovic, a professor of philosophy only 21.53 per cent of the popula- new grammar includes only words exist, but it’s the same with alphabet has 32 letters. at the University of Montenegro. tion declared “Montenegrin” as that are still in use. “There are no Serbian and Bosnian.” After the government’s Council Those arguments are supported their native language, whilst 59.67 archaisms,” he said. “The archaic On the street, feelings about for Education adopted the over the border in Serbia. The per cent named Serbian. forms that local ‘experts’ have the whole project are mixed. Grammar of the Montenegrin respected linguist Ivan Klein told More recent polls have shown a quoted in the media haven’t been Pero Kaludjerovic, a third-year Language last month, this year Belgrade’s Blic newspaper that slight shift in favour of included. student of Serbian and South Albania Minister Denies Corruption Claims in Privatisation Row lbania’s Minister of Ruli, who was Minister of Economy site left in the centre of the Albanian Agriculture, Genc Ruli, has in the previous government of Prime capital. Adenied allegations of corrup- Minister Sali Berisha at the time of the The privatisation of the exhibition tion linked to the privatisation of sale, has rejected the claims, saying site was particularly controversial as property in the capital, Tirana. they were politically motivated. the government unilaterally dissolved a Socialist MPs have accused Ruli of “The sale of part of the land that was series of long-term rental contracts selling state-owned land at three times publicly owned to the buyers of the with local businesses housed there, below its market value as part of a deal building that owned 70 per cent of the including one with broadcaster Top- to privatise the “Albania Today” indus- land, is legal,” he told reporters in a Channel TV. trial exhibition centre. press conference on Tuesday. Remaining family members of the More than 70 per cent of the land used He said that he would be open to former proprietors of the site, whose for building was privately owned and launching a parliamentary investiga- land was confiscated by the Albanian the remainder public. tion if the opposition wanted to take up communist regime after 1946, recently “We ask Minister Ruli what has hap- the case. regained ownership of it. pened with 2,900 square metres of the Built in the 1970s during an era of Under Albanian law, property owners Y site which was public property,” close ties between communist Albania are favoured in the privatisation of pub- M Socialist MP Eduard Shalsi said on TV, and Maoist China, the property is lic assets, paying only for the costs of C while standing in front of the ‘Albania regarded as the last remaining large- building on land previously owned by K Today’ building. scale potential property development the state. 11 Neighbourhood September 17 - 30, 2010 ‘Mother Tongue’

A view over Budva, Montenegro, where Montenegrins have been enjoying the use of two extra letters since September 4 Slavic literature at the University of claims the language question is abused by changes. Blazo Marinovic, a student of stood by everyone.” Montenegro, said he used the new politicians who are trying to avoid more political science, conceded that there are Adnan Cirgic says Montenegro has phonemes privately but would not use important topics and problems in the no major differences in the “new” lan- seized the opportunity to reject its inferi- them in formal speech or writing. country. guage, but said it was good that expres- ority complex and linguistic subordina- “In private speech I would say ‘ e si, što Montenegrin, Serbian, Croatian and sions which form part of Montenegro’s tion to other cultural centres that guided iniš?’ [‘Hi, what’s up?’], but in formal Bosnian were all virtually the same and national identity and culture now had language policy in Montenegro in the speech, during exams and lectures, I there were more important issues in official approval. past. “The adoption of the first official would say ‘Gdje si, šta radiš?’,” he said, Montenegro than the language, he main- “From now on, we’ll be able to write and spelling of the Montenegrin language is the latter being the standard Serbo-Croat tained. The creation of a separate lan- speak officially as we always used to,” he an historic event,” he said. “No matter form. “You can’t call this informal speech guage was “a political decision” he said. said. “Our formal language is being what some ‘experts’ and politicians claim, an official language.” “We should be focusing on our economy, enriched with many beautiful, pictur- it is designed to strengthen the multi-eth- Milos Marovic, an advanced student of industry, education and living standards.” esque and powerful words, phrases and nic harmony [in Montenegro] that English at the University of Montenegro, Others are more welcoming towards the expressions, which can be easily under- already exists here.” Bosnian Serb Parliament Snubs Administrator Over Property Law he Bosnian Serb Parliament Muslim) Federation - has long for even just debating this issue, property is one of the key condi- The Serb position is in sharp has passed a controversial been a subject of dispute. because it is clearly outside the tions that have to be resolved contrast with that of Bosnia’s Tlaw allowing the seizure of Srdjan Mazalica, a deputy of the competences of the Republika before the powerful international Muslim and Croat communities former state-owned property - in strongest Bosnian Serb party, the Srpska Parliament.” envoy’s office, the Office of the who want the OHR to remain until defiance of a ban on the move by Alliance of Independent Social- Officials from the Croat- High Representative, OHR, in an agreement is reached on how to the country’s international admin- Democrats, SNSD, said: “Bosnia- Bosniak Federation have vehe- Bosnia currently headed by revamp Bosnia’s constitution and istrator. Herzegovina is like a limited lia- mently rejected dividing state Valentin Inzko, is cleared to close make the country more functional. The Parliament of Bosnia’s bility company and the two enti- assets along territorial grounds, down. Under the Dayton Peace Serb-dominated part, Republika ties have the right to resolve arguing such a move would weak- The OHR, which was created Agreement, Bosnia was split into Srpska, adopted the law on issues related to their shared com- en the state. under the 1995 Dayton Peace two highly independent parts – Tuesday, allowing it to take owner- petences.” The adoption of the law also Agreement for Bosnia, has broad the Serb-dominated Republika ship of all property on its territory The law was strongly rejected defies a ban set in 2005 by the powers to make and shape the Srpska (RS) and Croat-Bosniak which had belonged to the Bosnian by eight Bosniak (Bosnian international community’s then- country’s laws and to remove (Bosnian Muslim) Federation, state prior to the 1992-1995 war. Muslim) deputies in the 83 mem- High Representative to the coun- obstructive officials. each with its own government, But the issue of how land should ber-strong Parliament. try, Paddy Ashdown, barring the But it has repeatedly failed to parliament and president. be divided between the two enti- Bosniak MP Muharem use of state property until the act over the past couple of years The two are linked by weak cen- ties that comprise Bosnia - the Murselovic said during the issue has been resolved at state as Bosnian Serbs defied its tral institutions whose strengthen- Serb-dominated Republika Srpska debate: “We are one step closer to level. authority, requesting that it be ing continues to be opposed by (RS) and Croat-Bosniak (Bosnian provoking a constitutional crisis Resolving the issue of state vanquished. Bosnian Serbs. 12 September 17 - 30, 2010 Culture Prishtina’s Music Scene He played a key role in bringing the biggest band to date to Prishtina this summer as part of the SURF festival, and has lined up another top name in the world of music for this autumn. Prishtina Insight talks to Petrit Selimi about Morcheeba, the upcoming Nouvelle Vague gig, as well as plans to bring Hot Chip, Air and Stephen Marley to the capital.

By Shengjyl Osmai

rishtina Insight: What were your overall impres- Psions as an organiser of the Morcheeba concert this August and how happy was the band with the Kosovo public?

Petrit Selimi: Until the concert actually happens, organising events in Kosovo is a real roller- coaster of challenges and opportunities. We had planned in February for the concert to happen in July in a nice stadium in Prizren and then the band changed the date to August, and due to logistical and other consid- erations we had to shift the venue to Prishtina in an untested venue – a parking lot in the centre of the city. We faced some skepticism of sponsors as well since an earlier concert of Ramazzoti, organised by some private organisers, failed – and it’s difficult to fundraise in the country for cultural events of an alternative kind like comic exhibitions or concerts of trip-hop icons like Morcheeba. The French band Nouvelle Vague is set to play Prishtina in the autumn The band was very happy Comment: Serbia’s Arts Since then, however, an enor- BELEF used to put on a large num- For the first time, the visual pro- Arts festivals mous number of film, music, liter- ber of shows and performances gramme presented an “Open ary and theatre festivals has during the vacation. Bringing in Cinema”, including film pro- grown up in the region, which has artists from all over the world and grammes from several alternative, flourished when By Dragan Jovicevic made the cultural scene far more involving theatre, visual and musi- indie and documentary film festi- complex than before. cal productions, BELEF was a vals. But the heads and directors According to official data, major contributor to Serbia’s cul- were not in Belgrade when their Serbia was in Serbia annually hands out about tural scene during the summer. films were shown. 500 literary awards. There are But now BELEF is also suffering In brief, during only the three crisis seems ever more visi- sometimes more film festivals per an identity crisis. The concept of weeks of its duration, this year’s ble in Serbia’s cultural year than films entered into some this year’s festival, “On The New BELEF was a festival without a crisis in the Ascene. This year, along with competition programmes. Wave”, represented an attempt “to concept, criteria, or artistic con- a chronic lack of funds there was a This year, two acclaimed cinema present Belgrade as the cultural tent. low level of productions at many directors, Srdjan Karanovic and centre of the region, a city that The question now arising is summer festivals, which original- 1990s. Ironically, Goran Paskaljevic, withdrew their offers an exceptional cultural whether all these festivals should ly were designed to revive cultural life in the region during the latest films from the competition scene and a tolerant, communica- be maintained at a time of eco- in today’s freer hottest part of the year. programmes of many film festi- tive, urban essence”, Vladan nomic crisis and whether the cri- In the nineties, following the ex- vals. According to Karanovic, Cerovic, the director, said. sis in the festival scene is solely Yugoslav wars and the isolation of director of the war melodrama In reality, the programme con- the result of a lack of funds. Serbian society in general, the cul- Besa, the huge number of cinema- sisted mainly of performances of Judging by the current state of climate, the arts tural scene was marked by the related festival events meant that well-known musicians and bands, BELEF, it is not. BELEF was exceptional level of involvement the awards and the festivals had some of which had to be cancelled founded to add a necessary wave of on the part of artists and by a care- lost most of their meaning. due to the weather. The abiding creativity to cultural policy in are in crisis, fully and accurately gauged cul- Meanwhile, festivals with no impression was that the concept of Serbia, but that surely didn’t hap- tural strategy. artistic content at all, such as this year’s musical programme pen this year. Both Belgrade and the provinces Beerfest, are drawing ever-bigger had failed to attract audiences in We cannot blame the weather while the festival offered high-quality productions, audiences, especially among for- sufficient numbers. for audiences staying away. The especially in the areas of theatre, eigners and youngsters, overshad- In the field of visual arts and problem goes deeper. A crisis of music and cinema. Serbia was vis- owing what was once one of the theatre, results were equally dire. the mind and of strategy may concept has ited by many artistic companies, biggest summer events - the Except for Urban Rabbits, a the- prove harder to resolve than a cri- which delivered unforgettable per- Belgrade Summer Festival, atre circus, most appeared ill- cho- sis of capital. Y formances. It was as if art provid- BELEF. sen and the festival itself did not This article is funded under the M lost its way. ed a form of comfort for the crisis As one of the most important produce any theatre shows, as it BICCED project, supported by the C that society was then enduring. cultural events of the summer, did before. Swiss Cultural Programme. K Culture September 17 - 30, 2010 13 ‘Comes of Age’

though. Ross, the founder and gui- in past years. very nice concert for 700 people tarist of Morcheeba, had tweeted with the award-winning Kosovan at 5am on the morning after the Question: Why does IPKO guitarist Petrit Ceku, the first concert: “Kosovans are the best sponsor large music events? exhibition ever of comic strip people in the world.” What’s the benefit? original drawings by a published They enjoyed the nightlife and Kosovan comics author, Gani the people, and they were engaged Answer: Well, now – none of us Jakupi, who lives and works in in discussions and the crowd reac- at SURF are actually working for Spain. We also financed two con- tions. It’s a special pleasure to see IPKO but we have a long history of temporary art exhibitions in your country leave a positive co-operation with them. They Tetris arts center, so Morcheeba impression with guests. fully backed the organisation of was the icing on the cake. the first ever stadium-concert in At no moment did we really try Question: Why did you actu- Kosovo, with hip-hop icon 50 Cent to save money on quality. We also ally choose Morcheeba to come in 2007, and later brought the believe in a progressive agenda to Prishtina? They are well- Buena Vista Social Club spin-off and the need for Kosovo youth to known, but not very present in to the city of Mitrovica in a mem- open their minds and hearts. the media? orable event. On the other hand we want to They didn’t have to do that, but put Kosovo on the cultural map of Answer: Well, my partner, Mr they are among the few business- Europe. It’s a very modest attempt Shkelzen Maliqi, and many of the es that understand how important from ourselves, but maybe with artists and friends involved in it is for Kosovans to be part of the other similar initiatives we can this Summer Urban Festival and normal world, with a normal life jump-start the music and art the SURF collective had brain- and normal services. scene here. stormed a lot. Initially we thought This summer, we were in the we had booked the Chemical front seat, and IPKO helped us as Question: Well, the crowd Brothers but they proved to be a general sponsor. reactions were definitely posi- very, very expensive. We looked at The relationship with them is tive, so will you organise some- dozens of smaller and bigger important and I guess they under- thing else soon? The public is stars. stood from the beginning the need so thirsty for such events? Morcheeba was touring and I to have ties to the community and had seen them live at the end of youth. That’s why we click. Answer: Well, I’ll give you news Petrit Selimi the 1990s in Oslo and I know quite that we haven’t told the rest yet. a few people who like them. Question: But you probably We are also quite pleased with seasonal concerts with some of awesome with their Bossa Nova Now the band was back with could have chosen other bands, crowd reactions and are definitely the most important music stars and New Wave covers of punk Skye, the famous singer, and that with more radio hits, was keen to organise a Summer Urban in their respective fields. music. Washington Post actually was another reason to try to bring Morcheeba a commercial suc- Festival edition next year as We have confirmed a concert called them “fabulous”, so we them here. cess for your organisation? well, so we will start from now to by French music collective expect a good public reaction. After negotiations, they agreed. contact friends who can support Nouvelle Vague this fall, and are We are convinced Prishtina is It helped that we could point out Answer: Morcheeba was one of us. negotiating with Hot Chip, Air coming of age in music and this that we organised concerts of 50 the many events that we held dur- But even more important, we and Stephen Marley for dates in will be the rock-and-roll year to Cent and Buena Vista Social club ing the Summer Urban. We had a are soon launching a series of winter and spring. The band is mark the occasion. Festivals Have Lost Their Way

Y M C Serbia’s Exit festival is one of the biggest in Europe and still going strong, but according to Dragan Jovicevic many other events in the country are losing their sparkle K If you would like your NGO to appear in 14 September 17 - 30, 2010 our Making a Difference feature, please Feature email [email protected] From 30 to 1: The Decline of

From 30 cinemas before the war, there is now just one left in Kosovo, Kosovo Cinema struggling to survive against the flood of cheap pirated DVDs and a dis- interested public. But with a growing number of film festivals and some forceful lobbying, supporters of the art believe that it’s not yet time for the credits to roll

By Belinda Vrapi

inemas used to grace almost every city in Kosovo. With 30 dotted around Cthe then province, films on the silver screen were widely available and watched. Today, just one permanent cinema oper- ates in the country, from the ABC Cinema in the heart of Prishtina. Since 2000, Genci Company has been the only firm buying in movies for the Kosovar to watch. The company is also behind the ABC Cinema, called Cinema Brotherhood in the Yugoslav era. Manager Miradije Vllahiu told Prishina ABC manager Miradije Vllahiu Insight that her firm has been fighting hard mented. to bring to Kosovo Hollywood blockbusters, Genci Company, however, has, together European premiers and host festivals. with the Kosovo Cinematography Center In 2004, Genci Company established a and the Union of Kosovo’s Artists, signed a second cinema, ABC1, which was screening deal with the Privatisation Agency of films for four years but it too was forced to Kosovo to guarantee that state-owned cine- close because of the small number of cus- mas will remain cinemas after privatisa- tomers. tion. Vllahiu said a lot of investment was Despite the decline of cinema’s in needed to bring life back to Kosovo’s cine- Kosovo, the post-war period has seen an ma, but that there was little support from explosion of film festivals, including Skena institutions and entrepreneurs. Up, Rolling Film Festival, Prishtina Film Vllahiu added: “This lack of infrastruc- Festival, International Film Festival for ture makes our work even more difficult as Human Rights, and many others. Genci Company pays thousands of dollars The most successful of these, Dokufest, for the right to distribute the movie across has been attracting more and more people the whole of Kosovo’s territory; however to the city of Prizren each year to watch its with one cinema functioning, revenues suf- impressive selection of documentaries. fer greatly”. This year, 6,000 people paid to Cinema ABC shows movies watch films, a record-breaking which the company buys from figure and up 30 per cent on Continental Film in Zagreb, 2009. Croatia and Imperial “People have never Cinema in Tirana, Albania, stopped coming because but it is forced to forgo the of the atmosphere and rights to distribute some the programme, which of the most popular films is highly entertaining because of costs. and the movies are “ABC has since its greatly appreciated,” beginning strived to bring said Aliriza Arenliu, to the Kosovar public real executive director of cinematography value and Dokufest. has never allowed financial set- “Our motive has since the backs to stop this,” she added. “It’s beginning been the revival of the always there welcoming the Kosovar pub- cinema in the city,” he said, “and it still lic, since it believes cinema can make a remains to be our main goal.” major contribution to the culture of a coun- “We try to do what we can and every try and its people” Monday documentary films are shown for Vllahiu said that Prishtina’s abundant high school students in the House of youthful population was more interested in Culture in Prizren. spending their money in bars and clubs, But despite the efforts, and Dokufest now rather than paying the 3 euro ticket to being considered one of the best documen- watch a film. tary film festivals in the world, Prizren “Cultural values, such as cinematogra- remains without a permanent cinema. phy, are not appreciated in Kosovo, and “The institutions need to rehabilitate that’s the problem,” she said. cinematic venues,” he said. She firmly pins the blame for this at the Until then, he fears, and the opening of door of pirated DVDs, available for 1.5 euro new cinemas, cinematography will not in shops across the country. develop. Y Two laws, one on cinematography and “Culture is not being exposed [to the pub- M the other on copyright, were introduced in lic] and of course this is not an incentive C 2004 and 2006 but have never been imple- for young artists to produce,” he concluded. K 15 Guide September 17 - 30, 2010 New Book Reveals Prizren’s Unexplored Gems From stunning, Ottoman-era private homes to horse-and-cart rides around the city, you can delve deeper into the history and life of Kosovo’s second city with a new guidebook, Prizren In Your Pocket

and street kiosks. Companies, institutions Church of Our Lady of Ljevis and hotels can order complimentary copies for staff and visitors via prizren@ inyour- Just west of the city centre, Prizren’s old- pocket. com. By Lawrence Marzouk est and most spectacular Byzantine church - Here, Prishtina Insight brings you a hand- a UNESCO World Heritage Site - dates back ful of tasters from the guidebook, courtesy to the 9th-11th centuries. The Byzantine of In Your Pocket. cathedral built on this spot, first mentioned f you think you’ve ‘done Prizren’ after visiting the fortress, enjoying a hearty in a charter by Emperor Basil II in 1018, was Kaderi the Kurila Tekke remodelled and expanded in 1307 by King Iportion of Qebapi on Shadervan Square and poking your nose round the League of (Teqja Kaderi e Kurilës), Rr. Kurila, Milutin of Serbia, but this location has an Prizren building, then think again. even more complex history, as this predeces- sor was also built on the remains of an early This Ottoman-infused city offers far, far The Qadiriyyah Sufi order is one of the Christian basilica. With a unique architec- more than that, including sticky treats at oldest and most widespread in the Islamic In Your Pocket’s guide to Prizren tural design of alternating layers of brink traditional sweet shops, Dervish ceremonies world, arriving in Prizren around 1500 when original two-storey ‘citizen houses’ (shtëpi in Tekkes and a host of architectural high- and limestone, the present-day structure is Horosanli Sheh Hasan Baba built this tekke qytetare) dating from the 18th and 19th cen- lights. one of the best surviving examples of late north of the city centre. turies. Different from the stone-constructed Now Prizren in Your Pocket, a collabora- Byzantine architecture anywhere in The semahane ceremony room holds the kulla tower houses of western Kosovo, citi- tion between the excellent In Your Pocket Europe. symbolic stones that were used by first sheh zen houses are distinct in a number of ways, series and the inspiring NGO Cultural Inside, the wall frescoes are of high quali- to determine the building’s location, some most notably in that they feature a ground Heritage without Borders, pinpoints these ty and depict scenes such as the Wedding at ancient weapons, musical instruments and floor made of stone and an upper level of hidden gems for you – and also includes tips Canaa, the Healing of the Blind, and the flags of various shehs with Arabic texts. clay. There are two types of citizen houses, about sights in the surroundings, Gjakova Most Holy Mother of God with Christ the The semahane is flanked by two smaller the first built onto the street with a court- and Brezovica. Guardian. The church was converted into a yard at the back and the other set away from The guide, released last week, is now rooms, and two courtyards, one with an mosque by the Ottomans, who placed a the street with the courtyard at the front. available online at: www. prizren. inyour- ancient fountain that’s decorated with minaret on top of the tower, but when the High walls surround the complexes, allow- pocket.com, as a free PDF download and Arabic script. Visitors are welcome and can Ottomans departed in 1912 this was ing the men to conduct business while fami- later this year as an iPhone app too. watch the two-hour ziker ceremony accom- reversed, with the minaret being removed Hard copies are on sale for 2 euro at panied by prayers and ilahi music every in 1923. ly life took place in strictly segregated areas. Dukagjini bookstore, Dit e Nat, the airport Friday at 5pm. Prizren has many characteristic houses, For the Sweet-Toothed including the Musa Shehzade House, Grazhdo House and Adem Aga Gjoni House, Prizrenites are real sweet lovers, and are but we list the three most interesting houses rightly proud of the excellent confectionery here, all of which are found in varying made locally. If you’re peckish between states of repair and all still in daily use. meals, there’s a number of sweet local deli- Some are still owned by the same families cacies you can try. Baklava is the famous that had them built hundreds of years ago. pan-Balkan dense filo pastry with nuts and Privacy should be respected, although visi- sugar water; tullumba is a dense filo pastry tors with a genuine interest are encouraged with sugar water; an ekler is a cake filled to knock and speak to the owners. If they’re with vanilla cream, and revani is a tradi- not busy they might just let you in, a treat tional type of ‘wet’ cake with sugar water. that really makes a visit to Prizren complete. Else, you could try asking the IPM or Extra, Rr. Adem Jashari 18. the Albanian League Museum for a formal The small confectionery opposite the Gazi tour. Mehmet Pasha Hamam is the place to drop by for traditional sweets and boza, a deli- Horse Cart Rides cious sweet-sour local drink made of corn flour. Sheshi Shadërvan, tel. +377 44 55 94 43. In the best of Prizren traditions, the shop A lovely way to see the city is to clippity- and the secret boza recipe have been handed clop around the streets in Kadri Palla’s cart, down from father to son for generations. pulled by Rubin the horse. The original Open 08:00 – 22:00, Sun closed. antique cart has been on Prizren’s streets for over 70 years, starting off as a taxi serv- Citizen Houses ice, later switching to the tourism and wedding day trade. A 20-minute ride for five peo- Although you need to keep your eyes wide ple costs 5euro. Find Kadri waiting on Grab a horse-and-cart ride around the streets of Prizren with this chap open to spot them, Prizren has a number of Sheshi Shadërvan, or call for a pick-up. The Renaissance of Sveti Stefan veti Stefan is set to re-establish breathe new life into this iconic site. in 1960, when the few remaining vil- itself as one of the world’s most “We are in the soft opening period lagers moved to the mainland and the Sluxurious destinations. where we have a series of accommoda- island opened as a high-profile hotel for Although still not fully open to the tions available, a cliff side pool, cliff bar, VIPs such as Sophia Loren and Britain’s public, the presque-isle is already a piazza featuring a number of dining Princess Margaret. attracting plaudits and was voted among venues including a Taverna, an Enoteca, Adrian Zecha, founder of the top ten luxury holiday retreats by a Pasticceria, an Antipasti Bar and a Amanresorts, said: “Apart from the Lonely Planet last week. Cigar Room,” he said. usual challenges which are involved in According to the reputed guidebook, “The main swimming pool and the the restoration of any historic and pro- the former fishing village, which later main restaurant will be opened later in tected building, the biggest challenge became a haunt for the Jet-set, is ‘impos- this year. The accommodations are com- with Aman Sveti Stefan was the pres- sible picturesque’. ing on in stages. We are presently wel- sure of expectations of timing to get the Anjali Nihalchand, media communi- coming friends and family to enjoy the job done. Y cations manager for the destination’s island and its facilities.” “It is infinitely easier to build some- M new owner Amanresorts, told Prishtina Sveti Stefan’s fortunes dwindled over thing from scratch because there are no C Insight that the firm was thrilled to the centuries, but it saw its renaissance surprises.” Sveti Stefan has recently reopened K 16 September 17 - 30, 2010 Food & Drink Masterful Pizzas at Margarita

By Hannibal

izzas are almost as ubiquitous in Prishtina as potholes. . PEvery restaurant you seem to visit offers up some form of baked dough with a meat, fresh salad and a smooth yoghurt standard selection of toppings. A few are dressing. very good, most are pretty bog-standard, The Primavera Salad was also a decent stomach liners. find, offering tuna, eggs, beans and the usual I was, therefore, excited to hear a friend vegetable accompaniments. suggest I discover ‘Prishtina’s best pizzeria’ Both would make excellent light lunches at Margarita. and were modestly priced at around 2 euro. This small eatery is tucked away off the But, as predicted, the stars of the show only dead-end leading off Mother Teresa, a were the pizzas. pretty unfortunate location for passing The calzone, my favourite variety of piz- trade. zas, did not disappoint. The dough was per- While the interior is pretty uninspiring – fectly cooked, which very, very rarely hap- it’s reminiscent of many of the men-only pens. cafés dotted around town – the garden is It’s a much more difficult dish to pull off large and pleasant, and well furnished. than the usual pizza as the dough must be The menu was as expected: a selection of Enjoy great pizzas at Margarita cooked hard enough to avoid it becoming a the usual salads, pastas and pizzas. stodgy mess, while if it is overdone you’re The tuna pizza was also a success: the And while the weather is still fine, I can Fortunately, the quality of the pizzas and faced with a cardboard casing to your filling. ingredients were flavoursome and crisply heartily recommend it for lunch-time meals salads was more inspiring than the menu let This particularly calzone hit all the right cooked and the base provided just enough and takeaways. on. notes, with the warm, cheesy interior oozing bite. Margarita Our starters of salads arrived with speed, out of its flour-based cover at the touch of a Whether Margarita is the best purveyor of Rruga Hajdar Dushi, Prishtina and a smile. The chicken version was excel- fork. pizzas in town is up for debate, but it is cer- 044110664 lent, combing well grilled slices of tainly up there with the best. Three stars Where to pick up Prishtina Insight? Prishtina Insight has teamed up with these five excellent venues to offer a limited number of complimentary copies of Kosovo’s only English-language newspaper. Grab a copy of the publication and settle down with a drink or a meal to read it.

Filikaqa Sports Bar Cavallero Mexican Restaurant

Prishtina’s best sports bar offers the perfect setting to watch a You can almost transport yourself to the Mexican coast, with game on over a dozen HDTV screens, guzzle down a metre of beer soaring palm trees and an immaculate five star resort, while dining and tuck in to some delicious food. There is enough space to at Cavallero Mexican Cantina. Mouth-watering appetizers and accommodate large crowds and still maintain enough legroom savoury main dishes are nicely washed down with countless cock- It could be you? and breathing space between rival supporters, or those wanting tail options and even imported Mexican beer. Gather you’re friends Prishtina Insight is looking to watch different games, whether it is a Liverpool match, NFL and bring on the fiesta. Cavallero has a great terrace where you can game, or cycling race. Filikaqa’s menu includes spicy chicken enjoy the summer breeze. For for a small number of addition- wings, beef nachos, cheese-stuffed pizza, fried chicken, burgers more information, visit their al partners to offer complimen- and fries. Every Friday, join facebook page, or contact them. tary copies of the newspaper. Filikaqa for karaoke nights. Cavallero, And for a small fee, you will Filikaqa Located next to the ex-UNMIK also be included in our listings Rr. Mujo Ulqinaku BL 4/1 building ‘where to pick up Prishtina Pejton, Prishtina Prishtina Insight’. Contact Prishtina www.filikaqa.com +377 44 508 980 Insight on +381 38 24 33 58 for +381 38 244 288 Facebook page more information. Prishtina Insight

Cantina am-pm Restaurant Hotel AFA Te Komiteti Prishtina Insight is Kosovo’s only English-language newspa- Cantina AM-PM, formerly known as Located in a quiet neighbourhood just Te Komiteti’s large trees and a beauti- per. It is available: Mexican Cantina, recently went through a outside the city centre, Hotel Afa can guar- fully garden, which surround the small transfer to new management, and although antee guests a peaceful night while being outdoor terrace, give you an impression On its publication date, hardly noticeable from a distance, the new within walking distance of all the action. of an exclusive place for ordinary peo- every other Friday, delivered to owners have transformed the venue into a The venue has won a host of awards for its ple. And this is exactly what it is. From your door or your inbox for as more grown-up affair with good, cheap food. excellent service to customers and offers a brunch to lunch-time snacks and special little as 10euro for six months. Cantina offers Mexican dishes at reasonable good range of facilities, from an exclusive evening meals, this restaurant offers Visit www. prishtinain- prices, starting from less than 5 euro. Although restaurant and VIP dishes comprising quality, varied ingre- sight.com for more details. the majority of the food is Mexican-influenced, bar to pretty, tranquil dients, combined to perfection. Cesar salad and pizza have been included too. garden. Rooms start at Alongside one of Prishtina’s best ‘mod- From news-stands in Mexican favourites 45 euro for a single, ern European’ Prishtina, Prizren, Peja, served up at Cantina and luxury rooms and style menus, Mitrovica, Gjakova, Gjilan and include tortilla, thicker apartments are avail- you’ll also find a Ferizaj on Saturdays for just pan-friend tortilla, able. The hotel’s rooms good selection of one euro. nacho chips and burri- are well appointed and wine, and great to. Cantina’s also offers comfortable. sangria and cock- From one of our partner a very pleasant area for 15, Rr Ali Kelmendi, tails . organisations (see above). al fresco dining. Sunny Hill, Te Komiteti Grab a drink, meal or a bed for Cantina AM-PM Prishtina Qamil Hoxha the night and enjoy a compli- Rr Qamil Hoxha +381 38/225 226 Street Y mentary copy from Mondays Prishtina www.hotelafa.com Prishtina after publication. M +377 49 710 710 +381 38 24 96 63 C K By Shengjyl Osmani September 17 - 30, 2010 17 in Prishtina Timeout Contact Prishtina Insight if you would like your event to feature or to advertise your venue. Email [email protected] Prishtina Diary Parties EXHIBITIONS Friday, September 17, 2010 Friday, September 17, 2010 ‘Dynamic Function’ exhibition at the Art Gallery of Filikaqa Karaoke Night, from 8.30 Kosovo from the great German architect, Erich pm – Saturday 1 am. For reservations Mendelsohn (1887-1953). The exhibition starts at 12 call 044 788 748 am on Friday, until September 26 (Sunday) 2010. Tel. & Fax: 00 381 38/225 627, 227 833, Friday, E-mail: [email protected] www:kosovaart.com September 17, 2010 Str. “Agim Ramadani”, No. 60. Prishtinë - Kosovë DUPLEX Club, starting from 9 Friday, September 17, 2010 pm – Saturday 3 Rron Qena exhibition in Tetris. From Wednesday am September 15, until September 24, 2010, from 5 – 8 pm, Special Event: at Tetris you can find the personal exhibition of the World Star great Kosovar artist, Rron Qena. Production in cor- Tetris poration with DK. Str. Mark Isaku 24, Prishtine REALIZADORES from ARGENTI- Friday, September 24, 2010 NA Spring/Summer 2011 Men’s and Women’s wear: LABORATORY SORRA TRIPODROM project is a Present: Special Performance by the 1 three day exhibition of ready to wear clothes. The n only DAFINA ZEQIRI & Video main is to become an experimental approach in the Promotion - EGO AGUSTINA LA PORTE fashion scene in Prishtina. It will be presented in the & Nexhat Behrami. Dafina Zeqiri will installation form as a non purchasable “guerrilla perform live; with hew new material, store” in the Ethnological Museum in Prishtina. The like the songs ‘Rock this club,’ ‘vibe’ and exhibition it will be open from September 24 -26, 2010, more. at 5 pm. “The Karate Kid” Friday, September Starting September 2nd 17, 2010 Time: 5 pm and 7:30 pm Creme de la PriFilmFest Creme, he Cinema ABC continues broadcasting the movie ‘The Karate ’Stop dhë bagers’ Prishtina’s biggest film festival Kid.’ Action and adventure in 2 hours by the producer Harald party at Creme de la kicks off on September 22 and TZwart, and a cast of Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, Tarji P.Henson, Creme, a DJ set by etc. Dre Parker, 12 years old, and his mother leave for China for her Isah Mustafa, lasts until September 29. work. There, he falls in love with a roommate but the cultural differ- Rock’n’Roll Hits For more information visit www.prifilmfest.org ences make their relationship difficult. Dre starts having trouble with Chengu. Dre knows some karate, but the most popular sport is Kung Fu and Cheng was a champion in this sport. Dre is left to learn Kung Fu from an old master and fights Chengu. FESTIVAL: 4 Tuned Cities Film Festival 2010 4 Cities: Pristina // Amsterdam // Sarajevo // Skopje 4 independent film and visual arts festivals. Co-programmed by 4 cultural organisations: Dit’ ect. The 4 Tuned Cities programme structure e Nat’ // Balkan Buro // Kriterion Sarajevo // results from the continuous and intensive collabo- Lokomotiva. ration between project partners. After two years of project development, 4 Tuned he 4 Tuned Cities project resulted from the Cities will reach its public this year. 4 Tuned Cities need for creation of conditions for continual will be implemented as a joint cultural event com- Texchange of information and knowledge for posed of four festivals dedicated to young independ- the newest artistic and cultural creations in the ent filmmakers and visual artists which will be Balkans and Western Europe in the domain of inde- organised in 4 cities (Pristina, Amsterdam, pendent film and visual arts. In addition, the project is creating conditions for the development of Sarajevo and Skopje). Starting from September necessary structural and human capacities that 2010, each subsequent month until the end of the will bring different cultural contexts and local art year, each city will host a festival: scenes together in the creation of a common Pristina // Kosovo // Festival: 1,2,3 October @ European cultural capital. Tetris, Prishtina & Dit' e Nat' Prishtina // 4 Tuned Cities was initiated in 2008 by two NGOs Exhibition: 27 September until 4 October @ active in the domain of contemporary art and cul- National Gallery, Prishtina ture, Balkan Buro from Amsterdam and Amsterdam // Netherlands // Festival: 27 until 30 Lokomotiva from Skopje. The crucial need to create October @ Schijnheilig & OT301 // Exhibition: 30 a strong, dynamic and open platform for collabora- October until 5 November @ Schijnheilig tion between progressive young filmmakers, visual Sarajevo // Bosnia and Herzegovina // Festival artists and cultural workers from the Balkans and 24 until 27 November // Exhibition: 24 until 30 Western Europe, was additionally recognized by the November two other NGOs, Kriterion Sarajevo and Dit' e Nat Skopje // Macedonia // Festival: 15 until 18 “Salt” from Pristina, which joined as partners in the proj- December // Exhibition: 15 until 21 December Ongoing Time: 10 pm

ction, Adventure and Thriller in a movie by Phillip Noyce star- ring the best paid Hollywood actress Angeline Jolie. Before Tour de Culture 2010 becoming a CIA official Eveline Salt had pledged to work for Sunday September 19, 2010 from 10 am – 5 pm A another country. She has the chance to keep her word when a defector After the experience and success of the past two years, this year ‘Tour de from the Russian spies accuses her of being a Russian spy. Salt escapes Culture’ will be organized in the framework of European Heritage Days and Y and using her experience manages to leave and defend herself and her European Mobility Week in Kosovo. The start of the Tour will be marked at M husband. ‘The League of Prizren’ continuing Mamusa, Velika Hoca and Rahovec. C K 18 September 17 - 30, 2010 Inside Prishtina Ecosovo Green offices The first shoots of green are starting to show in Kosovo’s offices but much work still needs to be done

Morina, executive director of IKS. They published their report Bar Review: By Elizabeth Gowing on recycled paper with recycled ink. And, since its publication, IKS has started a programme of small actions in Lou Lou Bar undreds of thousands their own workplace – chang- of us in Kosovo pile in ing to energy-efficient light n a city with so many bars, it is Prishtina. sportsman, all the matches will Hto them every day, bulbs, as well as recycling surprising how few provide The venue has a relaxing front- also be screened to keep you occu- switch on the lights, the air paper and plastic. Ientertainment to clients and backyard, with comfortable pied. conditioning, and the com- “We have now ordered beyond a chair, a drink and some sofas and chair, which provide a Prices are pretty much standard puter, print stuff, throw stuff music. away - and in between per- Ecofont software to install on perfect setting to do some people for the city – with Peja beer and haps do some work. How can all computers in the office,” Lou Lou Bar is hoping to make watching and soak up the last rays Skopsko costing around 1 euro and we make sure that we don’t says Engjellushe, referring to amends for that with a range of of summer sun. Tuborg 1.5 euro. do unnecessary damage software that uses less ink indoor ‘sporting’ activities to keep But the owners are hoping that If you want to splash out on while we’re at it? when you print.A you busy while you sup on the the bar will keep on attracting its something a little more ‘exotic’, The first shoots of green are “At the end of the working amber nectar. clientele well into the cold winter Guinness will set you back 4euro a starting to show in Kosovo’s day we make sure that we Ping pong, darts and pool will with the bar’s stylish, wood-clad bottle. offices. The UN, the American switch off all computers, print- soon be on offer at the former loca- interior with shining chande- Lou Lou Bar University in Kosovo and the ers and lights.” tion of the Cana qebapatore, a liers. Rr. Rexhep Luci, 21 International Civilian Office/ The organisation is also selection of games unrivalled in If you are more of an armchair 049 126 988 European Union Special thinking about ways that it can Representative (ICO/EUSR) influence others by its exam- are all examples of organisa- ple. “We held our most recent tions which have implemented away-day at the restored kulla a workplace recycling scheme. in Dranoc, rather than travel- Paper, aluminium and plastic ling out of Kosovo. At our can all be recycled through events we don’t serve bottled these office schemes, and there water, we only serve tap water are bins for separating and col- in jugs, also at our events we lecting recyclable waste in don’t give out folders with every office and corridor. notebooks and unnecessary “In the end, though, it’s all printed documents – we only down to individuals - the indi- print our publication (if we viduals who lobbied for this have one for the event) and the scheme to start up, and the agenda for the day.” individuals who use it,” says However, these examples are Carl Freeland, head of logis- notable as exceptions to the tics, transport and building general lack of policy or prac- management at ICO/EUSR. “If tice to make working life in people throw a drinks can into Prishtina more earth-friendly. the mixed bin instead of the Anyone would think that recycling bin it will go to land- organisations in Kosovo have fill.” money to spare – since green But he acknowledges that initiatives are usually cost-free the scheme makes sense for the organisation as well as for the or cost-saving. environment - the contractors Why is there no recycling at who collect the separated your workplace? Why no elec- paper, metal and plastic from tricity-saving? No thinking ICO/EUSR headquarters and through of transport, and its the four regional offices don’t cost to the environment and to charge for collecting, because the budget line? Do you oper- they can make money selling ate a carpooling or cycle-to- on the waste. work scheme, use teleconfer- Shop Review: Beyond recycling, other encing technology rather than organisations in Kosovo have face-to-face meetings? Have taken a wider look at the you, like IKS, installed ecofont impact they have. on your office computers? Do Decorative Home The Kosovar Stability you have a company policy Initiative (IKS) last year pro- about not printing out emails? ant to add a bit of class ture in different colours and sizes drop in if you are looking to duced a paper, Thinking Use recycled printer ink or to your home? Searching and decorative patterns, are avail- redesign your office or home. Green, on the state of environ- paper? Wfor quirky designer able. The design period can last ment in Kosovo. If you do, then tell us! And goods for a present? Decorative The prices of wallpapers are between two weeks to one month, Their study reports that tell your friends. Tell the Home might just be your best bet from 14 euro up to 33 euro for depending on the size of the apart- when the KEK plants in Obilic world – it’s waiting to hear in Prishtina. 5metre squared. ment, office or bar. produce at full capacity they from Kosovo’s workplaces. The shop offers an impressive The floor lamps cost from 40 euro The basic cost of interior design- emit approximately 25 tons of range of home accessories, wallpa- to 70 euro, with the most expensive ing is 20 euro per metre, although dust and ash per hour, 74 times Elizabeth Gowing is a per, floor lamps, gifts and interior reaching a still modest 149 euro. this can rise substantially if the what is allowed by European founder member of The Ideas design services. Clocks cost from 60 euro to 133 project is more complex. standards. Partnership, a Kosovan NGO Think top brands from the world euro and frames, cups, and differ- The working hours are Monday “Following that report we working on educational, cul- of design in Germany, Belgium, ent gift options won’t cost you more to Saturday from 9am to 9 pm, and wanted to identify what we tural and environmental proj- Spain, the Netherlands, and than 20 euro. Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. France. Y could do in our own office to ects. Responses or suggestions Located in front of the main Decorative Home Wallpaper, ranging from classics M reduce the amount of electrici- for inclusion in future columns police station along Rr Luan Rr. Luan Haradinaj 17/1 to ultra modern, and decorative C ty used, the amount of pollu- will find her at theideaspart- Haradinaj, Decorative Home’s (Next to Pizzeria Arte) wall stickers, representing furni- K tion caused,” says Engjellushe [email protected] small office is also a good place to 044 888 333 19 Inside Prishtina September 17 - 30, 2010 Outside In Could Kosovo support Serbia in a basketball match?

By Kreshnik Hoxha

Two of our enemies are playing basketball and we are supporting the old one. So, “does this imply one day we could support Serbia if it is playing a new enemy?” This was the Facebook status update of a respectable friend of mine relating to the Serbia vs. Turkey basketball match of last Saturday. Turkey’s victory or Serbia’s defeat yielded a series of jaw-dropping reactions in Kosovo’s capital Prishtina and Mitrovica as well as in Serbia’s Sandzak. An artist’s impression of how the Union Hotel would look if Benetton is allowed to renovate it But the ultimate question is: can Turkey and Serbia be tarred with the same brush when it comes to labelling them as enemies? Building Review And perhaps more importantly: could, some time in the future, Kosovo support Serbia in a basketball match? Union Hotel Prishtina – An Uncertain It is pivotal to acknowledge that history textbooks in Kosovo and the Balkans in general are nothing else but a means of spreading danger- Future for Prishtina Landmark ous nationalistic propaganda – the easiest thing to plant in the Balkans. Italian occupation and the decorations on because of its alleged negligence of the For decades, history textbooks in Kosovo the building’s façade were believed to building. have been teaching students that Albanians suf- resemble Skenderbeg’s face. A homeless man who appears to have fered 500 years of Ottoman oppression, which By Dana Landau Others remember it as Çor Ilazi café, been using the empty building was arrest- paralysed the national aims of prosperity and based on the name of an infamous murder- ed following the blaze in August 2009. development into a single Albanian state. er said to have killed a Serb inside the café. The municipality’s decision to withdraw However, the hypocrisy of the “authors” The name Union Hotel was adopted after planning permission drew criticism from kicks in when in the same books they mention t one end of Prishtina’s pedestrian the Second World War. In the 1980s the the Kosovo Architects’ Association, who the Albanian National Renaissance with most Mother Teresa Boulevard stands a building housed a self-service restaurant said that Prishtina had enough squares of its activists being intellectuals educated in burned out building covered in A on the ground floor. today’s Turkey and holding important leader- scaffolding. and not enough historic buildings, calling It was neglected during the 1990s and ship positions within the Ottoman Empire. Known as Union Hotel, it is one of the for the former Union Hotel to be protected. after the 1999 war housed a PTK office. Sami Frasheri is honoured as an important few examples of Austro-Hungarian style Benetton recently restated its plans to As a former public building, it was sold figure in the Albanian history, but no Albanian architecture in Kosovo. ‘return the building to the city in its origi- in 2007 during the privatisation process to history books written to date have ever men- Lining the thoroughfare, and across the nal shape’. As Benetton has done in other the Kosovar company QMI for 3.2 million tioned his contribution to the Ottoman litera- city, are posters promising the arrival of cities around the world, the Prishtina land- euro. ture and linguistics – simply because this does the clothing retail chain Benetton in mark is to be reconstructed as close as pos- In 2005, he Kosovo Trust Agency defined not flow with the nationalistic Albanian agen- Prishtina and the firm’s restoration of the sible to its original structure, using the that the new owner would have to respect da. And according to this thought process, Union Hotel, complete with an artistic brick wall that has survived the fire. and preserve the hotel’s façade and use The company has appealed the munici- Sami Frasheri would be labelled as a traitor impression of how the building will look. who served the Empire, if such claims materi- parts of the building as a cultural venue. pality’s decision to withdraw the planning But despite the offer of a 10million euro It was proposed that the top floor be used alised. permission and plans to invest ten million renovation project from one of the world’s by the National Writers’ Alliance of Those who try to draw parallels between the euro in the reconstruction. best known clothes chains, the future of Kosovo. violation of human rights by Milosevic’s If this is successful, work on the building this landmark remains unclear. However, controversy soon sparked over regime in 1990s and the Ottoman Era should is scheduled to take nine months. Following a fire that left most of the plans to demolish parts of the building to seriously consider realigning their lateral Mario Daleo, in charge of the project at building destroyed in the summer of 2009, make way for a new Ibrahim Rugova thinking. One size never fits all. Benetton, regrets not having heard back permission to renovate the building was square, named after the late president of Involvement in the Ottoman channels is from the authorities about the appeal in the withdrawn after the Ministry of Culture Kosovo, which last year encountered fierce something hidden from the audiences nowa- last two months, since ‘everything is in the ruled that it had lost all historical value. opposition from locals, led by a group of days by concentrating only on their national hands of the Ministry of Culture now’. Benetton has appealed, but has heard artists. contribution, whereas the involvement of According to Muhamet Gashi, spokesper- nothing in the two months since it peti- After purchasing the former hotel, QMI Albanians in the Yugoslav channels automati- son for the municipality of Prishtina, tioned to reverse the decision. and Benetton revealed plans to renovate cally labels the activists as traitors without The former hotel, designed by an the building and open a Benetton store Benetton’s complaint was filed and passed acknowledging their endeavours for national Austrian architect and built in 1927, has inside. on to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and contributions. long been a point of reference in Prishtina Italian architecture firm Arassociati Sports. This demonstrates that history should not be and features in the memories of genera- outlined the plans, which were to preserve Salih Morina, Permanent Secretary of digested as a one-dimensional projection. tions of Prishtina residents. Initially it the building’s historical character. the Ministry, however, states that the Similar policy was adopted by the Serb national stood next to a mosque, which was demol- However, after the damage suffered in the Ministry’s forum for cultural heritage had broadcaster, RTS, during the wars in former ished after the Second World War to make fire in August 2009, work on the site was not seen any complaint, but that he ‘might Yugoslavia by portraying Serbs as the victims space for the National Theatre as part of put on hold. meet’ with Prishtina municipality next and everyone else as the aggressors – a propa- the 1950s’ initiative to ‘destroy the old to In early June this year, Prishtina’s week to discuss the future of the Union ganda that shows one side of the story and build the new’. mayor Isa Mustafa decided to withdraw Hotel building. handicaps lateral thinking among Serbs. It was in those years that most of the planning permission for the renovation of Sali Shoshi, architect and director of Whether Kosovo would ever support Serbia city’s Ottoman heritage disappeared. The the building. The decision was based on a Cultural Heritage without Borders in in a basketball match is a trick question, Skenderbeg statue that stands opposite was report by a committee of experts on cultur- Kosovo, supports Benetton’s proposed because of the nature of the Serb regime com- erected in 2001 and designed after a similar al heritage within the Ministry of Culture, plans to restore and protect the building. pared to the Ottoman one. But, the bottom line statue of the medieval hero in Kruja, Youth and Sports, which concluded that “Unfortunately, the majority of the build- is that one-dimensional approaches to history Ablania. the building sustained 80 per cent damage ing is gone now,” he said. “Even when they are extremely malignant to societies with con- For many years the Union Hotel building in the conflagration and no longer present- restore it, it will not have the same value as flict backgrounds. Y housed a café. Some remember it as ed ‘any cultural or architectural value’. before. But at least it will be returned to the And this is why a more rounded, less partizan M Skenderbeg café, a name used during the The municipality also announced that it people of Prishtina as a reference point in approach to history, and to basketball games, C Second World War when Kosovo was under would begin legal proceedings against QMI the city, just as it was in the past.” could save us from many more battles. K If you would like your NGO to appear in 20 September 17 - 30, 2010 our Making a Difference feature, please NGO Focus email [email protected] Kosovo Thanks You – NGO Focus

recognise Kosovo as a newly established state. KosovoThanksYou.com is a vol- By Shengjyl Osmani untary project aimed at following up on international recognitions of the Republic of Kosovo and thanking these countries in the osovo Thanks You may be name of the Republic. the name of the website, Kbut it is Kosovars who are The organisation had been pro- thanking Kosovo Thanks You for viding up-to-date information on providing invaluable information which countries accepted Kosovar on who has recognised the inde- passports without recognising pendence of the world’s youngest Kosovo’s independence. country. This service has recently been nise the Republic of Kosovo. Established right after the discontinued to direct travellers to The verification process often Declaration of Independence in official sources, such as the takes a substantial amount of February 2008, the Kosovo Thanks Ministry of Foreign Affairs. time, Genc told Prishtina Insight. You team saw the need to create a Genc Kastrati, who set up the A ‘Wall of Independence’ has webpage to thank states who site with his friend Betim Deva, also allowed people from all told Prishtina Insight: “We started around the world to post their the project a few weeks prior to the thoughts and comments regarding declaration. The idea was simple: the declaration of the independ- maintain the count and thank the ence. countries that recognise our Genc Kastrati told Prishtina republic.” Insight that many positive KosovoThanksYou is not affiliat- remarks come from people in non- ed with the government of recognising countries. Republic of Kosovo and is run by a “Many of these comments in the team dotted across the globe, Wall of Independence come from ensuring that all time zones are countries such as China and other covered. non-recognizing states,” he added. The team receives information For example, ‘THN’ from Hong through various channels such as Kong, China, wrote: “I am a Hong diplomatic sources, volunteers, Kong people and the secondary media, journalists and automated school student [sic]. web crawlers. The team verifies “I would support Kosovo inde- all reports of recognitions by con- pendent, I think you can become a tacting the embassies, consulates, strong republic and your economy missions or foreign ministries. can be improve....I will support The countries appearing on the you in anything, congratula- ‘Thank You’ list and maps are sep- tions.” arated into countries, those that For any question or comment have formalised their recognition, you can contact the organization countries that have started the at [email protected] recognition process and countries or visit that have stated they will recog- www.kosovothanksyou.com

Roundtable on Regional Cooperation

by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund Kosovo Minister of European “The aim of the roundtable is region in light of the EU integra- in a bid to improve cooperation Integration Besim Beqaj, chair- to start a dialog among civil soci- tion processes,” a statement read. By Lawrence Marzouk between countries. man of the European ety and individuals in the The discussion was framed The roundtable in Prishtina on Parliament’s delegation for rela- Western Balkans who can work around a paper prepared by the September 9 brought together tions with the Western Balkans together and influence their deci- European Research Center and Y influential individuals from Eduard Kukan and Stephen sion makers in improving poli- aimed to identify current obsta- rominent figures from M Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Heintz, president of the cies for good neighbourly rela- cles and provide recommenda- across the Balkans were C Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro Rockefeller Brothers Fund, also tions and nurturing a different tions for solutions to improve Pbrought together last week and Serbia. spoke at the event. approach to each other in the regional cooperation. K opinion September 17 - 30, 2010 21 Kosovars Caught in Dear Teta Mia... Truman Show Teta Mia solves your problems Kosovars are caught in a Truman Show world, unable to break free of the scenario set down from KFOR’s base at the appropriately named Film City. I am an “international” living in Kosovo, but I don’t work bly the 20th time at the same ceremo- in Kosovo, especially the US’s. for any of the big intergovernmental organisations. How do ny, like actors in a film. Officials of some foreign embassy are I make myself legal? After the ceremony, the public continuously involved in different By Avni Zogiani broadcaster played roughly five min- debates over Kosovo society, often Immigrant, Prishtina utes of KFOR ads. The more I with their own leaning towards one watched The Truman Show the more political party or leader. ake a deep breath, Immigrant. Clear your diary for two I began to ask myself: why the hell, The main aim of KFOR in Kosovo weeks. Put on some comfortable shoes. Remember you love t was a coincidence that I saw the more than ten years after the war, is peace and stability. No one can Tthis country...And push open the glass door into the well known movie The Truman does the military still have a central downplay the importance of peace Gormenghast of Kosovo’s burgeoning bureaucracy. IShow on the same day I watched yet After my recent experience of renewing my Kosovo ID role in the life of Kosovo society? and stability, but the social debate is another KFOR change of command Peace is secured now and KFOR wider than this. Kosovo society card, I can provide some tips to the hapless immigrant ceremony. Something was rumbling says it is reducing troop numbers; deserves a real and genuine debate who comes without the immunities and exemptions of inside as I followed the perfect sce- International Acronym Soup (IAS) or embassy staff. nario of KFOR for maybe the 20th however, the presence of KFOR in without the interventions of such a the media is only increasing. Why powerful influencing voice. Is the Before you start, speak Albanian, or find someone who time. does. This process is not possible in English. This is the KFOR’s headquarters is called does KFOR persist in trying to shape maintenance of the peace and stabili- public opinion? One thing is for sure ty sufficient for a society? Are the Kosovar equivalent of Germany’s language exam for a Film City and is the former head- visa, or the UK’s English requirements for citizenship, quarters of the movie production out- – KFOR and NATO are the only needs of a society wider than the organisations in Kosovo that, for his- absence of armed conflict? Why is devised by a sadistic producer of reality TV gameshows. fit Kosova Film, which has been occu- Secondly, purchase a nice plastic folder. pied for more than ten years now. torical reasons, have the undisputed Kosovo the only ‘democratic’ country Next, get a contract from your landlord; buy some At the time I would have been loyalty of the people. But one can ask where the military has an unlimited health insurance (Sigal and Sigma are a tenth of the price unable to tell you what was wrong the question whether Kosovo is being sphere of influence on public opin- of some more well-known brands) for a year (your ID card with this live broadcast of KFOR’s built as a democratic nation or a ion? When will Kosovo’s Truman be will only last as long as your insurance policy); print out event. I wouldn’t have been able to nation where the military has the free to make his own choices? the last six months’ worth of your bank statements, say what was annoying me about it. final say. The pivotal moment of The preferably demonstrating you have some money; and get a But as the images were beamed out I often meet the so-called Liaison Truman Show is when the girl who contract from your employer. If you’re coming from a on Kosovo’s public television, rough- and Monitoring Office officers of once flirted with Truman tells the country with lots of diseases, you’ll also need a vaccina- ly the same political figures sat at KFOR, even though I know this is director: “You don’t have the right to tion certificate. roughly the same places, the same as very much like a meeting with monitor and determine his life.” That’s the easy part. For the next stage, consider getting the time before, and the time before Truman’s ‘close friend’ who wants to This coincides with Truman’s real- a cat or taking Valium to keep stress levels down. Take that, and so on. This event has been understand what will happen in the isation that something is wrong, lead- your apartment contract and your passport to the transmitted on public television next few weeks or months, just to ing to his attempt to escape by boat Bashkesia Lokale of your area. The elderly men staffing it under the logo ‘Special’ over and over make sure everything is following from his television-set prison. The may be the slowest writers you have ever encountered, but again for the past ten years. the designated scenario. director tells her that the problem they are sure to be friendly and may even offer you coffee. Something from the whole ritual The ‘close friend’ technique on The has never been the fault of those You need a certificate proving you live in that district, got stuck in my throat until I was Truman Show is used when the main directing the scenario, but that the and they will ask for a photocopy of your passport and watching The Truman Show later character goes through a crisis that blame should be attributed to some gossip in return. that day. can threaten the scenario. The per- Truman’s lack of courage. Finally, In Prishtina, you then need to take this certificate to the The Truman Show is a movie about ception from abroad is that Kosovo is Truman wrestles free of his imposed municipality (near Brotherhood and Unity statue), booth Truman, a man whose life is a the- going through a lot of crises at the scenario while fighting strong wind 16, to get it stamped. Arijeta, a lovely journalist going to atre. He is subtly followed by hidden moment. Once a month a high repre- and thunder. the same place as me, showed me the way. cameras throughout his life. He does- sentative of NATO makes a visit to When he reaches the door leading Armed with this certificate, head to the municipal court n’t know this, but the people who are Pristina and the whole scenario is him out of the set, he finds complete (in Prishtina, this is near the museum, off Agim living in his town are actors, filling in covered widely by the media. darkness on the other side. The dark- Ramadani street). the characters of a ‘normal’ life in a The messages given during these ness beyond the door means unpre- The very helpful security guard will give you a form in small American town. This ‘normali- visits consist of two sentences: dictability, something Truman is not Albanian and Serbian to fill in to request a certificate that ty’ is part of a wider scenario run by Kosovo is on the right path and used to. He gathers the courage and states you are not under police investigation. a supreme director from another Kosovars should be happy. steps out into the abyss where a new He may even give up his seat to ease the writing process. planet, the real world. The supreme Kosovars have been the world’s life is waiting for him: freedom. Take this form to office 7 (in Prishtina) and pay three supervisor takes care to bounce champions of optimism for the past It’s the lack of courage in Kosovo euros to the accommodating clerk there. Truman back into the predefined sce- ten years, although the standard of society, and especially its leadership, With your proof of payment, go to office 16 (for nario whenever he makes an unpre- life is continuously dropping with that has made Kosovo so close to its Prishtinali) and hand over your hard-won residence cer- dicted move. almost half of population now living international monitors and supervi- tificate and the form you just filled in. Sometimes the supervisor uses the in poverty. Considering the populari- sors for the past decade. Doors are They’ll need a day or so to provide you with your court ‘the best friend’, at other times he ty of NATO and KFOR among the open for Kosovo, but one cannot document. uses a road block or a tornado. people of Kosovo, they’re left with no expect someone to be there to illumi- Separately, you will need to go to the Ministry of Public Anything and everything is deployed option but to be happy and opti- nate the path. One has to walk alone. Administration to get the registration certificate of the to ward him off from the banned mistic. At the end of the day what’s No one can compel us to live in an NGO or business for whom you work and a request to the areas and prohibited moves. wrong with being happy and opti- eternal monitoring-and-tutoring Tax Administration, and then to the Tax Administration Time after time people appear com- mistic? But does the happiness regime. But we keep writing, think- itself to get a letter verifying your organisation is up-to- plaining about the violation of reflect the living conditions of the ing and doing what we are convinced date with tax payments to the Ministry of Public Truman’s basic rights but the super- people or is it the result of messages internationals want from us. It’s true Administration, whence you must return to get a confir- visor is quick to dismiss these con- from above? Do people have the right that internationals in Kosovo main- mation certificate. cerns. Truman’s rights are guaran- to be enraged and unhappy when tain the right to dismiss officials at Still with me? Stroke that cat. teed, like anyone else’s, by interna- things go wrong? And when a nation virtually any level. But until now You will also need to navigate your home country’s tional and national conventions, but becomes poorer as years pass is being Kosovo’s leadership has only com- bureaucracy to obtain a certificate saying that you are not the voices stressing these rights are unhappy and enraged a normal reac- plained off-the-record about this, not under police investigation there either; procedures vary few and far between – because the tion? Not in Kosovo. wanting to risk becoming the victim wildly from country to country. majority is enjoying the show too During KFOR’s ceremony, a uni- of the internationals’ undemocratic In the UK, your local police force should provide this much. formed speaker said Kosovo has still tool. under the Data Protection Act. A twist in the movie happens when a lot to do in terms of economic devel- Maybe internationals are enjoying Then take your nice plastic folder, by now plump with Truman begins to realise that some- opment. This cannot be ignored. But this superiority over Kosovo society, documents and battered with abuse, to the Ministry of thing is wrong. He sees a woman during the same speech he gave an but maybe, just like The Truman Internal Affairs Department for Migrants, Exiles, with a red bicycle, a man holding especially warm greeting to Kosovo’s Show, they are only waiting for the Asylum-Seekers, Foreigners, Refugees, Weirdos and the flowers and a yellow car repeatedly leadership for their ‘achievements’. courage of Kosovo society to disobey Undead (you will be the latter by this time, unless you got going round and round in his car’s KFOR’s messages have the power to them. a cat), get down on your knees and beg. mirror. shape public opinion and if KFOR When will the KFOR Film City The Homeric process will leave you exhausted. But then As Truman begins to question the says this or that leadership should be resume its role as Kosova Film? you can sit back with your cat on your lap, and wonder at authenticity of his life, I was starting supported, that will have a decisive the touching humanity of all the Kosovars you met on to realise the full meaning of Film influence on potential voters, thus Avni Zogiani is a civil society your journey through the administration, and your new City. I couldn’t help but think of rendering any critics irrelevant. activist in Kosovo with civil group experience of the rule of law. Kosovo’s leadership sitting for proba- The same goes for some embassies Cohu. To send a letter to Prishtina Insight, email [email protected]. 22 September 17 - 30, 2010 Justice in Kosovo Justice in Kosovo Balkan Investigative Reporting Network’s Court Monitoring Project’s first Monthly Newsletter reveals a series of shortcomings, including cases of nepotism and corruption the judicial system. No Standardisation for Court Prosecutor in Mitrovica, Vahide Bunjaku, At present, the project, which has expand- Certificates claims that the information provided vio- ed over time, consists of monitoring twenty lates human rights, as there should be a dis- By BIRN municipalities. BIRN has compared numerous certificates tinction between the certificates of whether So far, more than two thousand court issued by the various municipal courts in a person is under investigation or convicted. hearings have been monitored by law gradu- Kosovo, which are all subject to the same Even though there have been talks about a ates on a regular basis, and the findings authority, the Kosovo Judicial Council. standardisation of certificates, no agree- About the Monitoring Project reveal serious shortcomings, both in techni- Some of the certificates, needed, for ments have been reached so far. cal and ethical terms. example, for a visa, have serious faults as However, the head of Kosovo Supreme he court monitoring project of seven The severity of the shortcomings varies they provide sensitive information of Court, has promised a meeting in the com- municipalities in Kosovo commenced to a great extent, but the most serious cases whether a person has a criminal record. ing months. Tin March 2008, with the preliminary reveal among other things: aim of establishing a stable system of mon- This information should, in theory, only • Court hearings held without full trial be verified by the Police Department. Lawyers in Prishtina Operate with- itoring what is reported to be the most chal- panels lenging field in Kosovo, the Judiciary. Fejzullah Hasani, head of Kosovo out Compulsory Work Permit • A lack of translators for minority The project is, among other tasks, seeking Supreme Court, confirmed that the certifi- groups to identify the main factors that contribute cates are only supposed to indicate if a per- The law on Internal Trade and Public • Cases of nepotism and corruption to the low quality of services provided by son is under investigation and the nature of Finance requires every business entity in among the judges and prosecutors. the indictment. Furthermore, the Public Kosovo, such as companies, enterprises and law firms, to obtain work permits issued by their respected municipality. Currently, most lawyers operating in Prishtina only hold the licence issued by the Kosovo Chamber of Advocates, ignoring the work permit which is requested by Prishtina Municipality. While a number of authorities in other municipalities have taken action and shut down several offices, very little has been done in Prishtina so far. The Director of Prishtina Municipal Department of Economy and Development states that they are in the process of inform- ing the lawyers about the compulsory permit and that further legal action will be taken if necessary. BIRN conducts a research with Court’s officials, citizens and local stakeholders

During July and August, BIRN monitors attended 246 hearings. Of these, just 48.8 per cent were posted on the court’s notice board in advance, while 51.2 per cent were not posted. Some 63.5 per cent of these hearings started on time, while 36.5 per cent started with a delay. Of these, 8.8 per cent of the hearings started late because of the absence or the lateness of a judge, 10 per cent because of the absence or the lateness of the public prosecutor. The absence or delay to the parties accounted for 8.8 per cent of late starts and another 8.8 per cent because of the delay or absence of other participants. Just under half, 48.8 per cent, of the monitored hearings were held in the courtrooms, while 51.2 per cent were held in judge’s offices. Of the monitored hearings, 98.8 per cent of the trial panels were composed according to the rules set out by the law and procedures, while 1.2 per cent were not. In 58.2 per cent of the hearings, compulsory work uniforms were not worn, while in 41.2 per cent the uniforms were worn by the trial panel and in 0.6 per cent they were worn by the prosecutor. Audiovisual recording took place in just 0.6 per cent of hearings. Statements were properly taken from the parties in 97.6 per cent of the cases. In 98 per cent of the hearings, the parties were treated equally, while in 2 per cent they were not. Lay judges were active in 5.3 per cent of the monitored hearings, not active in 13 per cent, while there were no lay judges in 81.7 per cent. Telephones were not used in 89.4 per cent of cases, they were used by the trial panel in 2.4 per cent of hearings, by the prosecutor in Y 3.7 per cent and by the lawyer in 3.7 per cent M of the overall monitored hearings. The use C of a phone is illegal. K Many lawyers in Prishtina are operating without the correct permit, BIRN has found September 17 - 30, 2010 23 By Shengjyl Osmani Classified Contact Prishtina Insight if you would like to advertise in Prishtina Email [email protected]

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Y M C K 2 September 17 - 30, 2010 news Albania Complains, Kosovo Continues Hydroelectric Project Kosovo is pressing ahead with a project to build a new hydro-plant bordering Albania, despite complaints from its neighbour that this would hamper its plans to build five hydro-plants GIS, drawn up by the Energy will use the law from the former Community Treaty in which Yugoslavia that was signed with Kosovo, Albania and some other Albania,” Krasniqi told Prishtina By Petrit Collaku Balkan countries are parties. It Insight. would, according to estimates, Minister Shiroka said that generate 300 megawatt of electric- Kosovo is ready to tackle the prob- ity. lem with Albania, taking into con- osovo’s project HC Zhur 1 “For the sake of truth, the sideration the existing agree- and Zhur 2 will use several regional study GIS was prepared ments, referring to the agreement Krivers and water streams in consultation with Balkan coun- between Albania and Yugoslavia. from the hills of Mountain Sharri, tries, including Kosovo and “Kosovo would never violate any in south east Kosovo, channeling Albania. This was never contested treaty or international conven- down the waters and collecting by Albania during the preparation tion,” Shiroka said. “Kosovo will them in two reservoirs. phase and during the finalisation respect all ratified agreements but But this water would usually of the study. What is written and also discuss and negotiate with flow into the river Drini i Bardhe, Fierze Lake, the site of one of Albania’s hydroelectric plants said lately looks a bit strange,” Albania, part of our nation.” which carries on its course into Minister Shiroka told Prishtina The project is supported by the “Very soon we will create the In aat, Turkey and Union D Albania, triggering Kosovo and Insight. World Bank and European unit for the management of the Energy System Development Albania’s first major row. She added that both Prime Commission in 2005 and reviewed project and elect the transaction Corporation, UK, and Limak Albania complains that use of Ministers of Kosovo and Albania, in 2007-2008. advisor,” said the energy minister Group from Turkey. the water in Kosovo would damage who met in Tirana early this The strategy has been approved Shiroka. The project will also involve the the river Luma in Kukes, Albania, month, agreed to find a ‘political by Kosovo’s Assembly and the gov- The ministry plans to prepare demolition of some 200 houses in where they plan o build five small solution’ on the issue. ernment is obliged to implement the tendering package by the end Brezna village where the existing hydro-plants, generating 25.3 Government spokesman Memli it. of the year and deliver it to the lake would be expanded, covering Megawatt. Krasniqi could not confirm or Kosovo’s ministry of energy has short-listed investors and, if an extra 2,000 hectares of the vil- Minister Justina Pula-Shiroka deny that any agreement had been already identified some potential everything goes by the plan, the lage’s surface. said that the project was identified reached during the meeting investors to build the new hydro- investor will be selected by the “Expropriations are not prefer- decades ago in Yugoslav times and between PMs but said that Kosovo plant at Zhur, which will cost 300 middle of 2011. able for many but the government remains one of the most promis- and Albania will applying ‘the law million euro and produce 300MW, The short listed companies are will expropriate according to crite- ing generators of hydroelectric on international waters’. or around 400 Gigawatts of energy Kelag International GmbH, ria and best practices,” Shiroka power in the Balkans, according to “Kosovo, in absence of this law, annually. Austria, a consortium of Palet said. the Generation Investment Study, Serbian Mobile Operators Remain in Kosovo Despite tough words from Kosovo’s Telecommunication Regulatory Authority about dismantling the infrastructure of Belgrade-based mobile phone operators, these firms continue to operate in Kosovo since the operation, many of the “The illegal operators under- damaged masts have been put back mine Vala’s revenue by 20 to 25 per into action, one assembly member cent each year, in areas such as pre- claimed. paid, roaming and postpaid,” said By Besiana Xharra Kosovo’s two licensed operators, Abazi. Vala and Ipko, complain their busi- Officials from IPKO called for ness is being damaged by the pres- action to be taken. “We appeal to Serbian mobile phone firms continue to provide their service in Kosovo ence of unregulated, Serbian firms the concerned authorities to elimi- rating with international partners “I do know that if there had been espite repeated tough state- in their market. nate illegal antennas, which con- and we will remove the masts as the will to remove them, they ments from Kosovo’s During the TRA action, Vala tinually damage IPKO telecommu- DTelecommunication soon as possible,” Hoxha told would have been removed in a few offered sim-cards to the affected nication company,” company Regulatory Authority, TRA, that they Pristina Insight. days.” Serbian users. spokesperson Alban Kastrati said. will dismantle all illegal antennas of He said that the 23 antennas are Ahmet Isufi, vice president of Abazi said that 10,000 Serbs took The TRA told Prishtina Insight Serbian mobile operators, these firms located in public areas and also in the Alliance for the Future of up the offer and that their interest that they will remove the remain- continue to provide mobile coverage. private homes. Kosovo. AAK, said that many dis- In April this year, TRA launched in Vala is increasing. ing antennas and, as a result, were But Vala, a branch of the public ‘cooperating with the international On the other hand, opposition abled masts were operating again. an action to disable and remove parties complain that the TRA has “On top of the 23 masts that the illegal masts across the territory, PTK, told Prishtina Insight that the community in Kosovo’. company’s losses from illegal oper- Ekrem Hoxha, head of the TRA done nothing in this direction and TRA didn’t remove, some of those putting 30 antennas out of action. also is the international communi- removed are back. The TRA’s But the move drew harsh ators had not improved with the board, said that on July 30, the TRA ty who are included. action has failed,” said Isufi. rebukes from local Serbs, who TRA’s action. identified 23 illegal antennas, some ”TRA has done almost nothing to However, TRA board chairman were left without coverage “The damage caused to Vala con- with a range of up to 30 kilometres, remove the illegal antennas and Hoxha rejects the accusations. overnight, from Belgrade and criti- tinues to be almost identical to operating in Kosovo. there are also the internationals “The TRA did remove the masts cism from the international com- before the TRA’s action,” said He refused to explain why the who also haven’t expressed an and they have not returned,” said munity in Kosovo, concerned of Menduh Abazi, spokesperson at TRA had not acted earlier on this the humanitarian and diplomatic PTK. issue, but said that despite the interest to remove them,” said Hoxha. implications. He added that illegal operators delays they will disable the masts. Myzejene Selmani, chairman of On top of the 23 masts, an identi- The action was halted with a fur- during the past ten years have “The situation might be delayed the parliamentary commission on fied number continue to function ther 23 antennas still in place and ‘caused considerable material and a bit, but their elimination is cer- the economy, and a member of the in the north of Kosovo, which is technical damage to Vala’. tain. For this we are also collabo- New Kosovo Alliance, AKR. largely controlled by Belgrade. Rental of simultaneous translation equipment. Services for conferences, presentations and trainings. Y M [email protected] C For prices and booking call: +381 38 602042, +377 44 243376 [email protected] K 2 September 17 - 30, 2010 news Albania Complains, Kosovo Continues Hydroelectric Project Kosovo is pressing ahead with a project to build a new hydro-plant bordering Albania, despite complaints from its neighbour that this would hamper its plans to build five hydro-plants GIS, drawn up by the Energy will use the law from the former Community Treaty to which Yugoslavia that was signed with Kosovo, Albania and some other Albania,” Krasniqi told Prishtina By Petrit Collaku Balkan countries are parties. It Insight. would, according to estimates, Minister Shiroka said that generate 300 megawatt of electric- Kosovo is ready to tackle the prob- ity. lem with Albania, taking into con- osovo’s project HC Zhur 1 “For the sake of truth, the sideration the existing agree- and Zhur 2 will use several regional study GIS was prepared ments, referring to the agreement Krivers and water streams in consultation with Balkan coun- between Albania and Yugoslavia. from the hills of Mountain Sharri, tries, including Kosovo and “Kosovo would never violate any in south east Kosovo, channelling Albania. This has never been con- treaty or international conven- down the waters and collecting tested by Albania during the tion,” Shiroka said. “Kosovo will them in two reservoirs. preparation phase and during the respect all ratified agreements but But this water would usually finalisation of the study. What is also discuss and negotiate with flow into the river Drini i Bardhe, Fierze Lake, the site of one of Albania’s hydroelectric plants written and said lately looks a bit Albania, part of our nation.” which carries on its course into strange,” Minister Shiroka told The project was supported by “Very soon we will create the In aat, Turkey, and Union D Albania, triggering Kosovo and Prishtina Insight. the World Bank and European unit for the management of the Energy System Development Albania’s first major row. She added that both Prime Commission in 2005 and reviewed project and elect the transaction Corporation, UK, and Limak Albania complains that use of Ministers of Kosovo and Albania, in 2007-2008. advisor,” said the energy minister Group from Turkey. the water in Kosovo would damage who met in Tirana early this The strategy has been approved Shiroka. The project will also involve the the river Luma in Kukes, Albania, month, agreed to find a ‘political by the Kosovo’s Assembly and the The Ministry plans to prepare demolition of some 200 houses in where they plan to build five small solution’ to the issue. government is obliged to imple- the tendering package by the end Brezna village where the existing hydro-plants, generating 25.3 Government spokesman Memli ment it. of the year and deliver it to the lake would be expanded, covering megawatt. Krasniqi could not confirm or Kosovo’s Ministry of Energy short-listed investors and, if an extra 2,000 hectares of the vil- Minister Justina Pula-Shiroka deny that any agreement had been has already identified some poten- everything goes according to plan, lage’s surface. said that the project was identified reached during the meeting tial investors to build the new the investor will be selected by the “Expropriations are not prefere- decades ago in Yugoslav times and between PMs but said that Kosovo hydro-plant at Zhur, which will middle of 2011. able for many but the government remains one of the most promis- and Albania will apply ‘the law on cost 300 million euro and produce The short listed companies are will expropriate according to crite- ing generators of hydroelectric international waters’. 300MW, or around 400 Gigawatts of Kelag International GmbH, ria and best practices,” Shiroka power in the Balkans, according to “Kosovo, in absence of this law, energy annually. Austria, a consortium of Palet said. the Generation Investment Study, Serbian Mobile Operators Remain in Kosovo Despite tough words from Kosovo’s Telecommunication Regulatory Authority about dismantling the infrastructure of Belgrade-based mobile phone operators, these firms continue to operate in Kosovo further 23 antennas still in place mine Vala’s revenue by 20 to 25 per and, since the operation, many of cent each year in areas such as the damaged masts have been put prepaid, roaming and postpaid,” back into action, one assembly said Abazi. By Besiana Xharra member claimed. Officials from IPKO called for Kosovo’s two licensed operators, action to be taken. “We appeal to Vala and Ipko, complain their the relevant authorities to elimi- Serbian mobile phone firms continue to provide their service in Kosovo espite repeated tough state- business is being damaged by the nate illegal antennas, which con- and we will remove the masts as been the will to remove the masts, ments from Kosovo’s presence of unregulated, Serbian tinually damage IPKO telecommu- soon as possible,” Hoxha told they would have been removed in a DTelecommunication Regu- firms. nication company,” company Pristina Insight. few days.” latory Authority, TRA, that they Following the TRA action, Vala spokesperson Alban Kastrati said. He said that the 23 antennas are Ahmet Isufi, vice president of will dismantle all illegal antennas offered sim-cards to the affected The TRA told Prishtina Insight located in public areas and also in the Alliance for the Future of of Serbian mobile operators, these Serbian users. that they will remove the remain- private homes. Kosovo. AAK, said that many dis- firms continue to provide mobile Menduh Abazi, spokesperson at ing antennas and were ‘cooperat- coverage in Kosovo. PTK, said that 10,000 Serbs took up ing with the international commu- On the other hand, opposition abled masts were now operating In April this year, the TRA the offer and that their interest in nity in Kosovo’ to that end. parties complain that the TRA has again. launched an action to disable and Vala is increasing. Ekrem Hoxha, head of the TRA done nothing to reach their stated “On top of the 23 masts that the remove illegal masts across the But Abazi added that the compa- board, said that on July 30 the TRA aim. TRA haven’t remove, some of territory, putting 30 antennas out ny’s losses from illegal operators identified 23 illegal antennas, ”TRA has done almost nothing those removed are back. The TRA’s of action. had not improved with the TRA’s some with a range of up to 30 kilo- to remove the illegal antennas and action has failed,” said Isufi. But the move drew harsh action. metres, operating in Kosovo. there are also the internationals However, TRA board chairman rebukes from local Serbs, who “The damage caused to Vala He refused to explain why the who also haven’t expressed an Hoxha rejects the accusations. were left without coverage continues to be almost identical to TRA had not acted earlier on this interest to remove them,” said “The TRA did remove the masts overnight, from Belgrade and crit- before the TRA’s action,” he said. issue, but said that despite the Myzejene Selmani, chairman of and they have not returned,” said icism from the international com- He added that illegal operators delays they will disable the masts. the parliamentary commission on Hoxha. munity in Kosovo, concerned of during the past ten years had “The situation might be delayed the economy, and a member of the On top of the 23 masts, an iden- the humanitarian and diplomatic ‘caused considerable material and a bit, but their elimination is cer- opposition New Kosovo Alliance, tified number continue to function implications. technical damage to Vala’. tain. For this, we are also collabo- AKR. in the north of Kosovo, which is The action was halted with a “The illegal operators under- rating with international partners “I do know that if there had largely controlled by Belgrade. Rental of simultaneous translation equipment. Services for conferences, presentations and trainings. Y M [email protected] C For prices and booking call: +381 38 602042, +377 44 243376 [email protected] K