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Bi-monthly newsletter of Ministry of Foreign JUL/AUG 2013 Affairs of Republic of Kosovo. No.11 Year III. Croatia, special Special supplement: Kosovo’s Petrit attention to its relations with Kosovo Report from global Halilaj at the Five Questions for interfaith events Venice Biennale Croatian Ambassador Kosovan artist intertwines Zoran Vodopija in Kosovo personal and national histories

Kosovo’s

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EU Accession Kosovo starts the EU nEWS integration process The Government of the Republic of Kosovo welcomes the decision of the European Council to launch negotiations for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) between the Republic of Kosovo and the European Union. The decision presents the first official step on our path towards European Union membership. SAA is the first contractual agreement between Kosovo and the EU that provides a clear perspective towards full membership of Kosovo in EU, as well this is the most advanced form of association that a potential candidate country may have with the European Union. The Agree- Kosovo declared independence in 2008. In 5 years, the young republic is now recognised by 101 UN member states. (Photo: Arben Lapashtica, InstaKosovo competition) ment provides a strategic framework for the overall social, political and economic development of June, month of record recognitions aspiring country for EU membership. This agreement also presents Month of June brought a new record in global recognitions of Kosovo’s independence. a legal framework which provides stability and assurance for inves- Egypt, Tanzania, Yemen, El Salvador and Guyana recognised Kosovo as independent, tors, which in turn creates a sound basis for foreign direct investment while Kosovo was also admitted as sovereign member of Council of Europe and will lead to the generating of Development Bank. Kosovo also entered into contractual relations with European jobs. The launch of negotiations be- Union, starting formally EU Membership process tween Kosovo and the EU firmly anchors integration process of Kosovo and, as well further con- In June 2013 the Republic of as well as Kosovo’s partners a fund for support of social in- The wave of these impor- solidating the international legal Kosovo has seen a string of worldwide. The recognitions of clusion in European continent. tant recognitions of Kosovo’s status of our state. The SAA takes recognitions from different Kosovo come as Kosovo started In a meeting of the Board of statehood is a result of the com- Kosovo a step closer to achieving countries and continents. The normalizing it’s relations with Directors of CoE Bank in Malta, mitment of the Government of status of candidate country, which youngest European state has neighboring Serbia, in a process it was decided to grant Republic Kosovo towards the country’s will enable broader framework for been recognized by Egypt, that was called as «historic» by of Kosovo full membership as Euro-Atlantic integration, but financial assistance benefits from Tanzania, Yemen, El Salvador high EU, US and UN officials. the newest member of the bank. also thanks to the progress the EU. and Guyana. Accordingly, Bilateral recognitions in month This move was greeted in Pri- recorded in the talks with This decision for the opening Kosovo has been recognized by of June raised the total of reco- shtina as another confirmation Serbia. These recognitions have of SAA negotiations is to the merit more than half of the United gnitions to 101 UN members. of the increasing involvement a particular weight as it opens of the all the institutions of the Re- Nations member states. This Another positive development of Kosovo in the multilateral doors for the recognition of Ko- public of Kosovo and entire polit- is a result of the commitment in June was Kosovo’s accession world. Late in 2012, Kosovo sovo by influential countries of ical spectrum, and also confirms and continuous lobbying the to the Council of Europe Deve- was also admited to European Latin America, Asia and Africa, the progress of political, econom- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and lopment Bank. This bank that Bank for Reconstruction and as well as other multilateral ic and legal reform undertaken in other relevant actors in Kosovo was established decades ago as Development. organizations. page 3 Kosovo. 2 jun/aug 2013 Kosovo’s New Diplomat Diplomatic Bits & Pieces

5 quick questions shortnews Croatia, special attention from the embassies Foreign Ministers of Italy, Sweden, to its relations with Kosovo Lithuania visit Kosovo Croatia’s duty as a new member of EU, and the leading country The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, Enver Hoxhaj, has received several in the region for the moment, is to satisfy the expectations of European Ministers of Foreign Affairs who visited Prishtina to support the ongoing dialogue with Kosovo and other regional countries, and that task is corre- Serbia and the political progress achieved in Kosovo. sponding to the common intention of Croatia, EU and USA. Mrs. Bonino of ITaly, Mr. Bildt of Sweden as well as Mr Linkeviius of Lithuania. have all confirmed that the agreement between Kosovo and Serbia repre- What is the best thing about work- sents a significant achievement for Kosovo, and that ing and living in Kosovo? their respective countries strongly support the Euro- 1 The best thing about working in pean integration of Kosovo, including visa liberalisa- Kosovo is the attitude of the members of tion for kosovarcitizens. Minister Hoxhaj reaffirmed the Kosovo Government, the administra- Kosovo dedication to Euro-Atlantic integration. tion, leaders and members of political Ambassador parties and above all of the Kosovars when Zoran Vodopija Minister Çitaku marks the it concerns Croatia. The people of Kosovo are more than friendly to Croats. It is of first official visit of a Kosovo course a consequence of the common minister to Belgrade history we share, especially in the last of assistance to all the countries on their The Minister for European Integration of the Re- 23 years and even before that. Hundreds path to the European Union and NATO. public of Kosovo, Vlora Çitaku travelled to Belgrade of Kosovars studied in Zagreb and other We have in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the first official visit of a Kosovo Mminister to cities of Croatia in the seventies and eight- a Team of Excellency with great experi- the Serbian capital. Minister Çitaku attended the ies. Dozens of Kosovars helped Croatia ence in negotiation with the European a seminar entitled “Integration into the European in the liberation war against the JNA Union. They had the least eight years to Union and the process of normalization of relations and the paramilitary troops of Milosevi. learn and improve their skills in negotiat- between Kosovo and Serbia” which was organiszed We always again and again express our ing all the chapters and benchmarks that by the “Forum for Ethnic Relations” in Belgrade, gratitude to all of them. Actually two of EU prepared for Croatia on its pace to the Serbia. The visit was enabled by the mediation of the ministers in the Kosovo government institutions in Brussels. Some of them the European Union Office`s in Prishtina and Bel- have double citizenship: they are citizens already are posted in Montenegro; others grade. The visit was welcomed by the civil society of Kosovo and Croatia. I should mention are ready to give their knowledge to other in Serbia. their names: Agim Ceku and Besim Beqay. countries, especially to Kosovo. The fulfill- But a multitude of others are in the same ment of the requirements of the European Kosovo closer to visa liberalization. First Kosovo visa issued position and that is something that you Commission concerning the SAA or the can never forget or underestimate visa liberalisation in Kosovo is a battlefield Minister of Foreign Affairs of the safety; opening door to foreign visitors How big is the Croatian presence in where their skills can be more than useful. Republic of Kosovo, Enver Hoxhaj to visit Kosovo; and fulfillment of a Kosovo? Croatia’s duty as a new member of EU and took part in the ceremony of for the European requirement. 2 As a new member of the European the leading country in the region for the issuance issuing of the first visa of the After having submitted the first Union and even before that Croatia was in mo-10investigated thoroughly enough, Republic of Kosovo, in the General Kosova visa, Mr. Hoxhaj said: “Edem a position to attach special attention to its especially in the Prizren-Strpce area. Consulate of Kosovo in Istanbul, on Adzogenu, a Ghana citizen will enter relations with Kosovo. Both politically and What is your favorite part of July 1st.He added that the full func- Kosovo’s history as the first national in the economy. We have excellent coop- Kosovo?I must admit that Prizren tioning of the Visa Centre has a who obtained the first visa of the eration with Kosovo institutions. We had 4 and Peja have a more urban threefold significance for Kosovo: Republic of Kosovo”. more bilateral visits in both directions at image for me than Pristina. They share the highest levels than with almost all the important dates of Kosovo history and Kosovo Parliament other countries in the region put together! tradition and they have rivers and their ratifies EU-brokered normalization The visits were on the presidential, prime banks contoured with streets and houses ministerial, Speaker of the Parliament that I like very much. And the top destiny deal with Serbia and ministerial level. As a result we had, is close to Peja - the Rugova Valley that Kosovo’s parliament has overwhelmingly ratified among other results, a constant growth of you can be proud of and that I consider an EU-brokered agreement aimed at normaliszing trade exchange. In 2010 Croatia had an ex- as a pearl of Kosovo. Of course, cross- ties with Serbia. Lawmakers voted 84-3 in favour port of 45 million Euros, in 2011 55 million ing Brezovica and breathing the purest of the agreement, which was reached in April. and last year 65 millions. Unfortunately air that we lack in Pristina because of The agreement to normalisze ties was reached in the import from Kosovo is just between 1.5 Obilic is an unforgettable experience. You April after lengthy talks between the Serbian and and 2.5 million Euros. Me in Pristina and should pay more attention to ecology and the Kosovar Pprime Mministers, Ivica Dacic and my colleague the Ambassador of Kosovo preserve the beauties of your country Hashim Thaci, mediated by EU foreign policy in Zagreb are doing what we can to give a for the future generations.to my present chief Catherine Ashton. Thaci told lawmakers on momentum to Kosovo export. work. I just finished, for instance, a book June 27th that achieving normal relations with How do you see Croatian-Kosovar on Stalin during the German invasion in Serbia would be difficult and complicated, but relations developing? Our main 1941 and after that I now started reading said he would pursue talks with Belgrade. The 3 target in the region of South-East a book on Cairo, dated 2002, dealing with agreement is key to Serbia’s and Kosovo’s progress Europe is to offer and provide all kind the then rise of militant Islam. toward eventual EU membership.

Kosovo’s Kosovo’s New Diplomat is a bi-monthly publication of the Ministry of Foreign nos scimus, NewDiplomat Affairs of Republic of Kosovo / Publisher: Petrit Selimi / Editors of this issue: Astrit Zatriqi, Drilon Zogaj / This publication is supported by KS Talks EU non solum program of British Council Kosovo, sponsored by British Embassy in Prishtina and MFA Kosovo / Views expressed in the scribere publication do not necessarily reflect the views of sponsoring institutions or publisher / Contact: Government building, Mother Theresa str. PN, 10000 Republic of Kosovo; email: [email protected]; web: www.mfa-ks.net; Twitter: @MFAKosovo Kosovo’s New Diplomat jun/aug 2013 3 Diplomatic Bits & Pieces

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

Title: on social networks. Over 8000 villages, nature, etc) Dibra, Nëntor Oseku, Petrit InstaKosova/Instakosovo photos were posted on social - Kosovo people (youth, Daku, Nita Pallaska, Faredin Publisher: Ministry of Foreign networks, including Twitter, women, men, the elderly, Agaj, Rejhan Rexhaj, Trim Affairs of Kosovo Instagram, Flickr, Facebook, children, etc) Kabashi, Valon Majanci. Publication Date: 2013 with the #InstaKosova hash- - Events in Kosovo (celebra- Due to the enormous public tag. The competition became tions, concerts, public events, interest, the award budget was On the occasion of the 5th an- a popular and fitting tribute to etc). The winners of the best 5 increased. Accordingly, best niversary of the independence country’s 5th anniversary. The photos are: Arben Llapashtica, 15 photos were awarded with of Kosovo, the Ministry of Fo- competition organized under Beni Cufi, Besnik Hasanaj, Fis- 200 euro, while the winners reign Affairs of the Republic of the innovative Digital Diplo- nik Dobreci, Shkëlzen Rexha. of the five best photos in all Kosovo (MFA), in cooperation macy program of Kosovo’s The winners of the best 15 pho- categories received 600 euros. with the British Council and MFA, aimed to collect the best tos are: Abdurahim Abdushi, The best hundred photos were the Royal Norwegian Embassy, photos of Kosovo by Kosovars Besian Durmishi, Bujar Gashi, published in a special book launched the National Compe- into three categories: Dita Syla, Enis Abdullahu, Gent that has been sent to Kosovo tition for the best photography - Places in Kosovo (cities, Gjikolli, Ilir Llonçari, Linda embassies around the world. continued from page 1 June of recognitions Kosovo now recognised by 101 UN members. In June, Kosovo also became a sovereign member of Council of Europe Development Bank.

11 June 2013 29 June 2013 13 June 2013 26 June 2013 31 May 2013 Yemen recognizes Kosovo El Salvador recognizes Kosovo Guyana confirms Egypt recognizes Kosovo Tanzania recognizes Kosovo Yemen announced its recognition The Government of the Repub- recognition of Kosovo The Government of Egypt has Tanzania has recognized Kosovo’s of the Republic of Kosovo as an lic of El Salvador decided to The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of taken a decision to recognize independence. The news was con- independent and sovereign state. recognize the Republic of Kosovo. Republic of Kosovo has confirmed Kosovoas an independent and firmed to Kosovo General Consul- The recognition of the Republic Minister of Foreign Affairs of the recognition by Republic of sovereign state. The official deci- ate in New York by the authorities of Kosovo came in a statement Kosovo announce don Twitter the Guyana. The two countries signed sion of the recognition of Kosovo of Tanzania. The news was also issued by the Foreign Ministry.” forthcoing recognition by this a document establishing diplo- by Egypt was communicated to announced in Prishtina by Deputy Therefore, the Yemeni govern- country and it was ackowledged matic relations thus confirming in Kosovo’s Foreign Minister, Enver Prime Minister Behgjet Pacolli, ment will establish diplomatic subsequently that the Govern- writing the recognition of Kosovo Hoxhaj, by the Minister of Foreign in a press conference. According relations with the Republic of ment of El Salvador has taken the as sovereign by Guyana. Affairs of Egypt and by the Assis- to Deputy PM, this country has Kosovo in order to develop the official step of recognizing Kosovo tant to the President for Foreign been making efforts to recognize bilateral relations and serve the as sovereign and independent na- Relations and International Coop- Kosovo for four years and after common interests of the two tion. This recognition brought the eration, Essam Al-Haddad. some discussions in the parlia- brotherly countries and peoples total number to 101. ment, finally decided to recognize in all fields,” the Foreign Ministry Kosovo’s statehood. Agreement said. with Serbia on normalizing The statement expressed the relations paved the way for even government’s aspiration of the greater recognition of Kosovo by Republic of Kosovo to exercise its the rest of UN members. effective role as a new member of the international community to help underpin the security and stability in the Balkan region and the world.It also pinned hopes that friendly relations and mutual respect prevail between the two neighbors, Kosovo and Serbia, for the prosperity of their peoples and the security and stability of the region. The Foreign Minis- try urged Kosovo and Serbia to resolve all outstanding issues between them in accordance with the principles of the international law and the United Nations Charter. 4 may/jun 2013 Kosovo’s New Diplomat About Us & Our Events NEWDIPLOMATS Sami Kastrati What do you do, where are you based? image of our country, especially in formal I’m Minister-Counsellor at the Embassy and informal gatherings where you find of the Republic of Kosovo in The Hague/ many prejudices and a lack of first hand in- Kingdom of The Netherlands. I’m in charge formation about Kosovo. The part I like the of issues related to Economic Diplomacy, most most is the feeling of being the eyes Public Diplomacy and Consular Affairs. and ears of my country abroad. What What is the most you like about the job is the best thing about the city you live you do? Firstly, representing and defending in? Rising from the barren desert, with its Participants at the Kosovo-Montenegro Friendship forum in Prishtina. national interests of the Republic of Kosovo towering skyscrapers glittering in the fierce worldwide through diplomatic missions sun, futuristic buildings, glitzy shopping Strengthening of accredited to The Netherlands. Secondly, malls and sweeping highways, Riyadh is identifying, prioritising and boosting one of the most splendid and most attrac- the issues of common interests with the tive cities in the Middle East. Being located relations between Kosovo receiving state on bilateral basis. And last, in the middle of the desert, Riyadh was and Montenegro but not least, promoting and improving the described as “a jewel in the desert”. Prime Minister of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, Zana Rugova Speaker of Parliament, Jakup Krasniqi, and What do you do, where are you base- expression in the Inner City, which is not d?I am First Secretary at the Embassy of only visited by tourists but is also where the Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj greeted the Republic of Kosovo in Vienna, Austria the locals meet for coffee or shopping. the Montenegrin delegation to Kosovo What is the most you like about the The main characteristics of Vienna are the job you do? First of all, the part I like most ancient and stunning architecture and the about my job is representing my country Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, which is and contributing to advancing its interests known as one of the finest classical music On 3-4 June, 2013 the forum of relations. Mr. Demaci said that abroad. Secondly, I like travelling and orchestras in the world. Vienna’s archi- Kosovo-Montenegro Friendship the two countries should further learning about other cultures; and as a tecture is amazing and is highlighted by “Radovan Zogovic” was or- strengthen their ties. “First of result getting a much broader experience. museums, churches, theatres, palaces, and ganized by the Association of all, we are humans, and then we What is the best thing about the city many other ancient buildings. The other Montenegrins of Kosovo, sup- are Albanians or Montenegrins you live in? The natural beauty of Austria thing that has really impressed me is how ported by the Ministry of Foreign and therefore we must consider is spectacular. Vienna, the capital city is the arts are so well integrated into society Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo these human relations for good elegant, traditional and very vibrant. This here. In other words, this city has given me and the Ministry of Foreign Af- neighborly relations,” said the elegance and tradition find their greatest an amazing and unforgettable experience. fairs of Montenegro, as well as by writer and publicist, Demaci. the Ministries of Cultures of the The president of the Associa- respective countries. The forum tion of Montenegrins of Kosovo, Benjamin Nikoliqi gathered dozens of diplomats, Slobodan Vujicic, said that he is What do you do, where are you based? beautiful parks and gardens, and is also representatives of culture, acti- very proud of the initiative of the I am Consul at the Consulate of the Republic a home to the European headquarters of vists and tourism officials of both two countries for the establish- of Kosovo in Geneva. What is the most the UN and over twenty agencies dealing countries, including representa- ment of a forum that will support you like about the job you do? Apart from with human rights, training and education, tives of the Albanian community cultural activity and heritage the privilege of being appointed as the first humanitarian action, trade, the environment in Montenegro and of the Monte- of Kosovo Montenegrins and consul to Geneva, where I had thean utmost and sustainable development, meteorology, negrin community in Kosovo. will help deepen the friendship pleasure to open our Consulate, the part I intellectual property, health, nuclear re- The title of the forum that aims between the two countries. Mr. like most I like about my job is serving our search, telecommunications and labour., It is to become a permanent platform Vujicic expressed particular citizens, strengthening relationships with the also a host to over 170 permanent missions, for deepening relations between thanks to the Ministry of Forei- host authorities and establishing new onces including as many as 250 NGOs.. Whether the two neighboring countries gn Affairs of the Republic of Ko- with my fellow diplomats from both consular you call it “the smallest of the big cities”, “In- was dedicated to the famous sovo for the great help given to and diplomatic missions in Geneva. I’ve ternational Geneva”, “World Humanitarian Montenegrin poent Radovan the Forum, which was supported been truly blessed with serving my country Capital” or “The city of peace”, you’ll never Zogovic, who decades ago wrote by the Foreign Ministries of the by doing the work I love the most . What go wrong. As theThe place of multilateral about the atrocities and mas- two countries, Soros Foundation is the best thing about the city you live diplomacy it has been a setting to many his- sacres of Serb military exercised (KFOS) and the British Council. in? The birthplace of Dunant, Rousseau and toric negotiations, treaties and conventions. against Kosovo’s population and Deputy Foreign Minister of Ko- Gallatin, Geneva is located at the foot of the Rich architecture, museums and fine French Albanians following the Balkan sovo, Mr. Petrit Selimi said that the Alps and Jura mountains, around the Rhone cuisine are yet the another reason more to Wars. The Forum has worked Forum that was co-organized with riverRiver and Lake Leman. It has with many enjoy the city. over two days with the focus on the Montenegrin counterpart is an the cultural area, commercial ex- evidence that the Balkan states changes and the diplomatic coo- must cooperate with each other Zeenat Khanche peration between the two coun- because of the commercial, eco- What do you do, where are you based? I anniversary this year is a very interesting tries which seek membership nomic and diplomatic ties that we currently work as a Communications Advisor place to be! My colleagues have all made me in the European Union. During must build on a sound basis and at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kosovo, feel very welcome, and I certainly feel like I the five panels other topics were within the good neighborliness based in the capital city Pristina. I am a UK am also a diplomat on behalf of Kosovo, as also discussed, including road that is required from all of us who diplomat who first worked with the Ministry well as the UK. What is the best thing transport, cooperation between aspire to EU membership as a last year, on a short secondment via the about the city you live in? Well of course businesses. In addition, an exhi- common family. Mr. Selimi said British Embassy, during which time I wrote the wonderful Kosovar friends that I have bition of modern Montenengrin that “The fact that the ministries Kosovo’s National Digital Diplomacy Strate- made. But the coffee is pretty amazing - I and an evening of ethno-jazz mu- of the Governments of Kosovo and gy. I’m now back in Kosovo to work on im- wouldn’t hesitate to say that Kosovo has the sic from Montenegro. Montenegro cooperate closely in plementation of digital strategy and provide best macchiato in the world! I like nothing In the first day of the panel, the creation of new bridges, pro- support on wider communications. What better than doing as the locals do, catching among the special guests was ves once again that Kosovo has no is the most you like about the job you do? up with friends over a macchiato. The cafe the Head of the Kosovo Writers’ open issues with its neighbors, The people that I work with. I feel extremely culture is brilliant, the food is great and with League and famous political except with Serbia with whom it privileged to work closely with the Deputy all the young people here, there always dissident, Adem Demaci, who is working on the normalization Foreign Minister Petrit Selimi, as part of his seems to be something fun going on. From highly appreciated the creation of relations, and that Kosovo is a Cabinet. Having worked in the UK Foreign fashion shows to parties, there is a vibrant of the Forum and the commit- proven country of tolerance and & Commonwealth Ministry, it is fascinating scene in Pristina. And at weekends, it’s also Follow us on ment of both government in the it is a factor of peace and stability Twitter to be within the Ministry of another country very easy to just pop to the countryside for a deepening of good neighborly in the Balkans”. @MFAKosovo - and Kosovo having just celebrated its fifth lovely lunch with a view. Kosovo’s New Diplomat may/jun 2013 5

Made in Kosovo

Prizren City & Rahovec Winery; 2-Day Tour

Highlights Castle, which dates from the Ro- licious regional specialties for - Scenic drive through the pictu- man Empire, and the Ottoman lunch. Overnight at the newly resque Gorge of Caraleves era Sinan Pasha Mosque and renovated SHARRI Resort in the - Guided tour of Prizren’s historic Hamam (Turkish bath house). Sharri Mountains above Prizren. sights, which date from the Roman We will also visit a historic 200 Contact: Kosovo Tourism Group to Ottoman Empires year old tree, the League of Priz- - Traditional Kosovo dinner over- ren Monument which comme- looking the Sharri mountains morates Albanian nationalism Address: Mother Theresa Boule- - Wine tasting at Stone Castle Wine- in the Ottoman Empire, the 15th vard p.n. 10 000, Prishtinë ry, the largest in South East Europe century Catholic Cathedral, Phone: +381 (0) 38 220-201, Mobile: Stone Castle Winery – the lar- +377 (0) 44 241-035 (Alb) or +377 Departing from Pristina, we gest winery in the region, and (0) 45 294-199 (Eng) will drive through the beautiful the Daka family basement wi- Email: [email protected], Gorge of Caraleves and arrive in nery. The ”Te Syla” restaurant in Web: www.ks-tourismgroup.com Prizren for a guided tour around Prizren will introduce the group http://www.kosovoguide.com/?- the city. We will visit the Prizren to ”Prizreni Qofte” and other de- cid=2,166,192&view=all

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www.kosovoguide.com www.balkansgeotourism.travel 6 may/jun 2013 Kosovo’s New Diplomat Diplomatic Agenda

Kosovo participates at the 18th Central Europe Summit of Presidents

President of Republic of Koso- vo, Mrs. Atifete Jahjaga, took part at the18th Central Europe Summit of Heads of States, held in Bratislava. Among the heads of states present was Serbia’s President Tomis- lav Nikolic. President Jahja- ga said that Kosovo’s future lies in the EU and that Kosovo relations. I reiterate my gra- is committed to this vision. titude to the organisers and PM Thaçi received at the White House by the VP of the United States of America, Joe Biden. Jahjaga said that “Kosovo will the participating countries for continue to remain a factor helping the aspiring countries PM Thaçi and FM Hoxhaj meet of peace and stability and it a to be more closely aligned promoter of good neighbourly with the EU”. with U.S. Vice President, Joe Biden The UN Security Council meeting Prime Minister of Kosovo, ted in the Assembly, and that the TO membership, because KSF is Hashim Thaçi, was received at Kosovar side will not cause any also built under the supervision on the situation in Kosovo the White House by the Vice delay. Furthermore, in this re- and upon NATO standards. On President of the United States of gard the Prime Minister stressed this event, Prime Minister Tha- The Prime Minister of the Re- America, Joe Biden.The Prime that we the government isare çi thanked the Iowa National public of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, Minister thanked Vice President working hard to convey mes- Guard’s for the partnership and attended the UN Security Coun- Biden, on behalf of the govern- sages to the citizens of the nor- support it is providing to KSF. cil meeting on the situation in ment and the people of Kosovo, th, where, as part of the agree- U.S. Vice President, Mr. Joe Kosovo. for the continued support that ment, a development fund will Biden, welcoming the Prime Mi- Mr. Thaçi said that over the the Obama Administration, and be established for the nNorth in nister, expressingsed his high re- last three months, Kosovo has Mr. Biden has personally, have order to improve the life of its ci- gard the for vision and attitude had several historic develop- given to Kosovo in these mo- tizens in that part, who for the of the Prime Minister, consi- ments. the institutions of the Repu- mentsat this time of the consoli- past 14 years who have lived in dering describing him it as the He stressed that the most im- blic of Kosovo have maintained dation of the new state of Kosovo. fear for their future. Speaking of an undisputed statesman, who portant event was the signing, economic and political stability, Speaking on about the agree- about the European perspective takes took very important de- with the mediation of the Eu- they have continued to promote ment of normaliszing relations of Kosovo, Mr. Thaçi conveyed cisions in difficult times, but is ropean Union, of an inter-state and protect the rights and inte- between Kosovo and Serbia on to Mr. Biden that Kosovo does always working to in the benefit agreement for peace and nor- rests of all communities, they April 19th , 2013 in Brussels, the not seek its future to enter into of Kosovo and its citizens. “The malisation between Kosovo and have improved the socio-econo- Prime Minister said that this the EU by through just invoking historic agreement reached in Serbia. mic situation in the country, as agreement is not the end of nor- moral principles, but also by ful- Brussels paves the secure way of Prime Minister Thaçi added well as significantly advancing maliszation, but it is the begin- filling certain criteria. Kosovo’s for Kosovo towards to enter the that “in parallel with this event, our European perspective”. ning, and now the key word is citizens are the only ones in the EU and NATO. Your prudence the full implementation of this region who need visas to travel and leadership in overcoming agreement. Prime Minister Tha- to the EU, having which creates a ethnic divisions and animosi- çi thanked Vice President Biden sense of isolation. “However, Ko- ties of the bitter past is highly for the unconditional support sovo’s path towards the EU has valued by the U.S., therefore, in the U.S. has given to this pro- no alternative, and we will conti- this process, the U.S. support cess. “Without U.S. support, this nuously produce proofs for you will never be lacking for Kosovo agreement would not be pos- Mr. Vice President, so that we and for you,” stated said among sible. The U.S guarantees and can also facilitate your support others the U.S. Vice President, positions were decisive”, Thaçi for us”, stated Prime Minister Joe Biden. The Minister of Forei- said. Regarding the willingness Thaçi. In During his meeting gn Affairs of Kosovo, Mr. Enver of Prishtina to implement the with U.S. Vice President Biden, Hoxhaj, and the Minister of Eu- agreement, Thaçi said that le- Prime Minister Thaçi raised the ropean Integration, Ms. Çitaku gislative changes are in the final issue of the future of the Kosovo were also in attendance ing at in stage, and as soon as he returns Security Force, confirming Koso- the meeting with U.S. Vice Pre- from this visit, they will be adop- vo’s the vision of Kosovo for NA- sident , Joe Biden. The United Kingdom’s Foreign NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Secretary, Mr. William Hague hosts Rasmussen in an official visit to Kosovo Kosovo’s President Atifete Jahjaga President of the Republic of as well as the European inte- The Prime Minister of the special emphasis on imple- of relations with Serbia. Mr. Kosovo, Mrs. Atifete Jahjaga, gration process of Kosovo and Republic of Kosovo, Hashim menting the agreement nor- Rasmussen welcomed the upon arrival in London, met the region. UK Foreign Secre- Thaçi held a meeting with malising relations between agreement between Kosovo with the United Kingdom’s tary, Mr. Hague, praised the the NATO Secretary General, Kosovo and Serbia. Mr. Thaçi and Serbia and the increased Foreign Secretary, Mr. Wil- achievement of the agreement Anders Fogh Rasmussen, in expressed his gratefulness for cooperation that will come liam Hague, with whom she between Kosovo and Serbia July, at the KFOR headquar- NATO’s continued support from its implementation. Af- discussed the implementation and said that he expects its im- ters in Prishtina. In the mee- for the Kosovo Security Force ter this meeting, Prime Minis- of the agreement achieved in plementation in practice. Mr. ting they discussed the cur- and informed Mr. Rasmussen ter Thaçi also participated in Brussels on normalisation of Hague gave his support to Ko- rent political developments in about the achievements in the meeting of the NATO Nor- relations between Republic of sovo’s European integration Kosovo and the region, with the process of normalising th Atlantic Council. Kosovo and Republic of Serbia process. Kosovo’s New Diplomat may/jun 2013 7 Balkans in Europe Let Croatia lead the Balkans into the EU Serbia and Kosovo have been locked in a deep and bitter struggle – until now. Through dialogue, co-operation and painful compromise, prime ministers Ivica Dacic and Hashim Thaci have reached a historic agreement to normalise relations. The next steps will not be easy, but these leaders have given their citizens an unprecedented opportunity to build a future defined by respect for rights, shared prosperity and peaceful coexistence.

James Joyce wrote that “histo- Kosovo, Haiti and the Western ry is a nightmare from which Sahara. Croatia’s accession to I am trying to awake”. Twenty the EU also raises the stakes years ago, Croatians lived for neighbours who face a risk that nightmare, imprisoned of being left behind. by regio- Over time, the borders of nal hatreds the EU should unite the coun- and ravaged Joe tries of southeastern Europe by war. On Biden rather than divide them. We Monday hope that one day its citizens their country Vice-president will benefit from the Transa- became the of USA tlantic Trade and Investment 28th member Partnership we are negotiating of the EU. with the EU. Croatia has not merely But first, Croatia’s awakened from its tortured neighbours must make difficult history – it has realised the choices that will pave their own dream of a Euro-Atlantic fu- paths into Europe. ture. Croatia’s success was far It is in the interest of the US, from inevitable. In fact, it is Croatia and the rest of Europe a testament to the courage of that they succeed. History has its citizens and leaders who no greater monument to the Croatians celebrated their country’s accession to the European Union with a party in the capital city of Zagreb. overcame the temptations of idea that countries need not ultranationalism and resent- repeat the conflicts of the past Through dialogue, co-ope- interethnic tensions and, with No country can comple- ment. Letting go of the past is than the EU – and no grea- ration and painful compro- Greece, summon the courage tely leave behind its history or a daily struggle. And, day by ter mechanism than integra- mise, prime ministers Ivica to find a mutually acceptable forget its tragedies. And nor day, Croatians kept faith with tion to ensure they don’t. Eve- Dacic and Hashim Thaci have solution on its name. Unfor- should they. But countries an ambitious vision and built ry country that binds itself to reached a historic agreement tunately, there are still some can choose to put their fu- the democratic institutions the EU’s rules and institutions to normalise relations. The who cling to ethnic grievances, tures first and act for the well- that opened the doors to Nato brings us closer to the goal of next steps will not be easy, but personal rivalries and a ze- being of generations to come. and now the EU. This achieve- a Europe whole, free and at these leaders have given their ro-sum approach to politics That is what Croatia has done. ment belongs to the Croatian peace. Even during difficult citizens an unprecedented that holds back progress. Four And the result is that dreams people. But it is also speaks to economic times, a unified Eu- opportunity to build a future years ago, in Sarajevo, I stood that seemed inconceivable 20 the transformative power of rope is preferable to the threats defined by respect for rights, in parliament to tell politicians years ago today are wonder- the European project guiding of division and instability. That shared prosperity and peace- and officials that the door was fully, irreversibly real. That is countries toward the rule of is why Croatia is working to ful coexistence. Montenegro open for Bosnia-Herzegovina both a cause for celebration law, open markets, prospe- bring the very people it fought and Albania, too, have hard to become an integral part of and a reminder of what is pos- rity and peace. Croatia is fur- less than a generation ago in- work left to do, but they are Europe, and the US wanted to sible. We congratulate Croa- ther along that journey than to the European fold. In recent making progress toward Eu- help them get there. That re- tia and recommit ourselves to some may think. It has been months, I have met several lea- ropean integration, tackling quires agreement to eliminate the larger goal of welcoming a Nato ally since 2009 and a ders from the western Balk- economic and political re- constitutional provisions that the entire Balkans into a Eu- contributor to security around ans. I am confident that, if they forms, fighting corruption and discriminate against minori- rope that is whole, free and at the world, including Afgha- make the right choices, every strengthening the rule of law. ties and the decision to regis- peace. nistan. Once other countries one of Croatia’s neighbours can Montenegro is also on the ter defence properties as state sent peacekeepers to Croa- get there. Serbia and Kosovo path to join Albania inside Na- property. Neither has happe- This column was published in FT. The tia; now Croatia contributes have been locked in a deep and to. Macedonia must stay the ned, and the people of Bosnia writer is the vice-president of the to peacekeeping missions in bitter struggle – until now. course of reform, address its deserve better. United States Kosovo becomes a sovereign member of Council of Europe Bank

Prishtina, 15 June 2013 – The fairs of the Republic of Kosovo, full rights under Kosovo’s con- Enver Hoxhaj, and is the re- Republic of Kosovo has become Petrit Selimi, in a press confer- stitutional name. He said that sult of a long work of partner- a member of the Council of Eu- ence, has revealed details about Kosovo will benefit mainly in ing ministries. Membership in rope Development Bank (CEB). the great importance of the mem- social projects. “It is expected the Council of Europe Develop- The decision was taken on JUne bership of the Republic of Kosovo that 30 to 40 million euros per ment Bank, which comes just 15th, at a meeting of the Board of in to this important key financial year will be ready in very af- Kosovo became the new sovereign days after the recognition of Directors of the CEB in Malta, institution. fordable loans intended for so- member of the CoE Bank, which will Kosovo by some several coun- when with 31 out of the 39 mem- According to Selimi, Kosovo may cial projects dealing with the further support projects of social tries, is a great success for the bers voted to accept the applica- benefit up to 30 or to 40 million strengthening of social equality inclusion Foreign Ministry at this stage tion of the Republic of Kosovo for euros per a year from their mem- and projects on displaced per- of the strengthening of the in- full membership in this institu- bership to this bank, which is sons, homes for the destitute of the social component. Selimi ternational subjectivity of the tion, an autonomous branch of also the largest organization af- citizens,” Selimi said, adding also said that membership to in Republic of Kosovo, as well as the Council of Europe (CoE). The ter the EBRD, in which Kosovo that these projects will be main- the bank has been a priority of Kosovo’s interaction in the mul- Deputy Minister of Foreign Af- is who accepted Kosovo with ly aimed at the strengthening the Minister of Foreign Affairs, tilateral organizations. 8 may/jun 2013 Kosovo’s New Diplomat

Peace stone from Hiroshima presented to Kosovo

Prishtina — A Hiroshima-based citizens’ group has presented Kosovo with a stone from the 1945 atomic bombing engraved with an image of a Buddhist goddess of mercy. A ceremony to mark the donation of the “Stone for Peace,” one of the paving stones for Hiroshima streetcar tracks that were just 200 meters from ground zero, was held Monday at the National Museum in Pristina in the presence of around 120 people, including Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga and nonre- sident Japanese Ambassador Shigeo Iwatani, who is based in Austria. “By placing the Stone for Peace in the right place of the capital of the Republic of Kosovo, we symbolically join and become one, with all the people of goodwill, with free- KOSOVO GOVERNMENT / KYODO dom-loving nations, beyond Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga (left), racial, religious, linguistic and Stone for Peace Association Stone for Peace cermony Michio Umemoto, head of the Stone cultural differences,” Jahjaga of Hiroshima, referring to the 20 May 2013, Prishtina for Peace Association of Hiroshima said at the start of the cere- more than 100 nations that (second from left), and Japanese mony. have received the stones since Ambassador Shigeo Iwatani (right) Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi the donation campaign began unveil a ‘Stone for Peace’ on Monday Matsui sent a message to the in 1991. Stone for Peace in Kosovo marks start of the in Pristina during a ceremony to mark ceremony. “I am convinced The ceremony kicked off Week of Tolerance and Reconciliation its donation to Kosovo. that the people of the Republic Kosovo’s “Week of Tolerance of Kosovo . . . will understand and Reconciliation” that On 20 June 2013, Kosovo joined of Hiroshima was established and share the wish of Hiro- includes a series of events over 100 countries who have in 1991 to promote peace and Electric Railway Co. Academic shima better than anyone for the promotion of respect received the Stone for Peace, a build linkages around the world experts have determined that else,” Matsui said in the mes- and understanding between symbol of a determined desire by donating symbolic stones the stones are free of radioac- sage delivered to the president, communities, an important for peace. The event marked an taken from paving in the city of tivity. referring to the bloody ethnic priority for the country with a important moment in reaffir- Hiroshima, where the A-bomb As part of its efforts to pro- conflict that preceded Kosovo’s long history of religious diver- ming Kosovo’s commitment blasted in August 1945. Pristina mote world peace, the Hiro- declaration of independence sity and the recent historical to harmony amongst its own has now joined all those cities shima group has been pushing in 2008. legacy of conflict in the former diverse communities, with its that have honoured victims of the campaign in the belief that “We are reassured that the Yugoslavia. neighbours in the region and war with this dedicated symbol it would be “a good service to linkage through the countries The granite stone — around as a good global citizen.The to wish for a more peaceful mankind” if the leader of every that possess this stone will 50 sq. cm and weighing about Stone for Peace Association world. nation possesses one of the expand and get tighter,” said 50 kg — was one of some 200 stones as a symbol of world Michio Umemoto, head of the stones donated by Hiroshima peace, Umemoto said. ‘Stone of Peace’ given to Kosovo by Hiroshima citizen’s group

The Stone for Peace Association one of the paving stones for the come one “with all the people of The ceremony was part of Ko- sured of a tighter link between of Hiroshima, a citizen’s group streetcar tracks just 200m from goodwill, with freedom-loving sovo’s “Week of Tolerance and these countries. The granite stone based in one of the only two ci- ground zero. nations, beyond racial, religious, Reconciliation” that had a series is one of 200 that were donated by ties in the world that were victi- The ceremony for the presen- linguistic and cultural diffe- of events to promote tolerance Hiroshima Electric Railway Co. mized by nuclear warfare, pre- tation of the “Stone for Peace” rences.” Hiroshima Mayor Ka- and diversity, something that is The 50kg stones have been de- sented the former Yugoslav au- was held on Monday at the Na- zumi Matsui said through a mes- close to the heart of this nation clared free of radioactivity by the tonomous region of Kosovo with tional Museum in Pristina, in sage that Kosovo understands the given its long history of religious academics who examined them a stone engraved with an image front of Kosovo President Ati- wish of their city for peace more and political conflict. Michio before being donated. The Hi- of the Buddhist goddess of mer- fete Jahjaga and Austria-based than anyone else because of the Umemoto, head of the Hiroshima roshima group’s goal is to give a cy. The stone is an actual rem- Japanese Ambassador to Koso- bloody ethnic war they had to go citizens group said now that more stone to all the leaders of every nant from the 1945 atomic bom- vo Shigeo Iwatani. Jahjaga said through to before achieving inde- than 100 nations have received free nation as a symbol of their bing that devastated Hiroshima, that Japan and Kosovo have be- pendence in 2008. the “Stone of Peace”, they are as- commitment to world peace. Kosovo’s New Diplomat may/jun 2013 9

Kosovo Revives Its Jewish Heritage

Recently, many Muslim countries of Jews, and authorization to de- and Muslim minority communi- port them, from the Albanian ties have fallen back into conflict. authorities, but were told that The U.S., Britain and France have jurisdiction over the Jewish com- experienced new terrorist attacks, munity belonged to the Albanian Turkey has seen spreading urban government alone. protests against its Islamist go- This action was recognized by vernment, and horrific bloodshed Yad Vashem in 1998. The place- continues in Syria. ment of the memorial to the lost sy- In the Balkan republic of Kosovo, nagogue of Pristina elicited some with a Muslim majority around 80 critical comments from Kosovar percent, a different spirit is visible. personalities. On May 23, during a week But nobody objected in prin- of events promoting «tolerance ciple to its installation. Leka and reconciliation,» the Kosovar Rezniqi, grandson of the afore- Albanian government dedicated mentioned Arsllan Rezniqi, and a20 monument of remembrance to 23 24-26 25 an activist in the Kosovo-Israel the nearly unknown place of Ko- Friendship Association, ques- sovoMay in Jewish history.The stone May tions whether the location of the slab was erected within the gated May Maysynagogue, demolished under courtyard facing the country’s Communism, has been correctly parliament, in the capital, Pristina. identified. It reads, «This is the place x Kosovo Assembly vice pre- where the last Synagogue [in] Ko- sident Glauk Konjufca of the sovo stood until 1963. This plaque ARMEND NIMANI/AFP/Getty Images «Self-Determination» movement, is raised in memory of Kosovo Jewish Heritage Plaque Members of the Kosovo Security Force which stands in opposition to Tha- Jews that perished in Nazi camps 23 May 2013, Pejë (KSF) honour guard place flowers in ci and the current administration during [the] Holocaust. [The] Pristina on May 23, 2013, during an of the country, found it unsatisfac- official ceremony of the Commemora- People of Kosovo will never forget tory that the memorial was set up tive Plaque remembering Kosovo Jews them.» that Perished in Holocaust, at the site in a space that is not visible to the The commemoration was at- Kosovo remembers Jews who where the last Synagogue of Kosovo public. Otherwise, however, Koso- tended by representatives of the stood until 1963. vo opinion expressed enthusiasm official Islamic Community ap- perished in the Holocaust as Pristina about the recovery of their small paratus and the Catholic Church unveils commemorative plaque part of Jewish memory. The Koso- -- Kosovo’s main Albanian reli- vo government has also pledged to gious minority -- joined by poli- Tolerance Week in Kosovo - their home. Many Jews were construct a Museum of Kosovo’s ticians and diplomats from many which takes place from 20 to 26 saved by the old code of honour, Jewish Heritage. countries. May - on 23 May 2013 marked known as “besa,” as they fled A vestigial Jewish presence Inauguration of the memorial the remembrance of Holocaust the Nazi regime through Kosovo long survived in the historic Ko- was carried out with great solem- victims as a permanent comme- to Albania during the Second sovo city of Prizren. nity by uniformed members of morative plaque was unveiled in World War. This code called Before the 1998-1999 NATO the Kosovo Guard, a ceremonial front of the Kosovo Parliament. specifically for taking responsi- intervention in Kosovo, the com- body, since the republic now has The Jewish community in Koso- bility for refugees. Sadly, many munity was headed by Nexhat no armed forces. Kosovo prime vo has a long history, contribu- Jews also perished as the Nazis Fetah, son of a Jewish mother and minister Hashim Thaci, a former ting much to the diversity of the reached Kosovo towards the Muslim father. The Kosovo Jews commander of the Kosovo Libe- country, as they made Kosovo end of the war. are led currently by Votim Demi- ration Army, delivered official ri, who participated in the activi- comments. ties surrounding the synagogue He referred to the Holocaust plaque. In most Muslim lands as an «inconceivable crime that commented on the coincidence as man, Arsllan Mustafa Rezniqi, and in many formerly Communist happened in Europe and which symbolic of interfaith harmony. has been honored as «Righteous countries, the Jewish legacy has changed the paths of our socie- He declared that Israel would not Among the Nations» by the Ho- been treated ambivalently at best. ties in the last six decades.» Thaci forget the rescue of several thou- locaust memorial center at Yad The Jewish people were de- pointed out that Kosovo had been a sand Jews by Albanians. Vashem in Israel. vastated by the Holocaust, and way-station for hundreds of Jewi- Rabbi Levi Matusof, a Euro- Rezniqi constructed a house then by the post-1948 expulsions sh refugees from the Balkans and pean Jewish leader, recited a psalm on his property to shelter Jewish of Arab-speaking Jews to Israel, other parts of Europe, who were and prayed in honor of the Ko- families. along with anti-Jewish discrimina- protected in Albania. sovars. Albanian scholar Saimir A handful of Jews were de- tion in Soviet Russia and Poland. He affirmed, «They found safe Lolja, in an article titled «The Res- ported from Kosovo after a Na- By contrast, in the Balkans, passage in our lands ... sadly few cue of Jews in Kosovo,» published zi-directed raid in mid-1944. Jews are prominent in Bosnian among the millions who peri- in the English-language weekly But most Jews who went to cultural and political affairs and shed.» Tirana Times, described how Kosovo and Albania were saved celebrated in Kosovo public life. During Thaci’s remarks the protection of Jews from the Na- by local officials who provided The moderate Muslims in these Muslim call to prayer was heard zis in the Albanian lands during them with false identity papers, countries deserve encouragement from a nearby Ottoman-era World War II was undertaken by or moved them from place to place. for their proven commitment to mosque. Following the prime mi- Muslims, Catholics and Orthodox The Germans, who occupied Follow us on mutual respect between differing nister, Israeli diplomat Yosef Levy Christians. One Kosovar Muslim Albania in 1943, demanded a list Twitter @MFAKosovo faiths. 10 may/jun 2013 Kosovo’s New Diplomat

Interfaith Conference considers the future of interfaith dialogue and how interfaith can contribute to interaction in Kosovo and around the world

The Kosovo Week of Tolerance and Reconciliation saw the opening of the Interfaith Conference in Peja, taking place from 24-26 May. Bringing together representatives of key religions in the region, and the international interfaith community, this is the largest such event to take place in Kosovo and the region. Whilst this conference examines the centrality of religion to Kosovo’s past, present and future - it also confronts debate on the future of interfaith dialogue. Over 160 faith leaders, community leaders and experts from 42 countries will discuss reconciliation and how faith can be a unifying force, both regionally and globally. The Inferfaith Conference was opened by the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga. The delegates attended a dinner hosted by the Major of Peja/ Discussions during the Interfaith Kosovo Conference. Pec Ali Berisha, HE Norwegian Ambassador to Kosovo Jan Braa- Interfaith Conference ging peace in Kosovo. The em- by Professor Bill Wechsler have thu and HE British Ambassador 24-25 May 2013, Prishtina phasis of his message was about co-ordinated the implementation to Kosovo, Ian Cliff. the need for religious literacy if of the conference. The Govern- A photo exhibition from the there is to be respect and unders- ment of Kosovo, British Embassy, book “Besa - Muslims who sa- tanding between faiths. Norwegian Embassy, Tony Blair ved Jews in World War II” by Kosovo Interfaith Conference brings key regional Speaking at the conference, Faith Foundation, UNDP and Norman H Gershman opens as and international faith representatives together Professor Ian Linden, Senior the British Council are sponsors part of the Interfaith Conference. for vital dialogue and reconciliation Adviser at the Tony Blair Faith of the event. However, this is not Foundation talked about cur- a political or governmental event, Interfaith Conference consi- The Kosovo Week of Tolerance will discuss reconciliation and rent challenges both in Kosovo as gathered guests represent di- ders the future of interfaith dia- and Reconciliation saw the how faith can be a unifying and around the world. He ela- verse groups of people of various logue and how interfaith can opening of the Interfaith Confe- force, both regionally and glo- borated on work currently un- affiliations. contribute to interaction in Ko- rence in Peja, taking place from bally. The Inferfaith Conference derway to increase religious lite- sovo and around the world 24-26 May. Bringing together was opened by the President racy as part of the Faith Founda- Kosovo Interfaith Conference Participants from around Ko- representatives of key religions of the Republic of Kosovo, Ati- tion global education programme brings faith and community lea- sovo and the world, gathered for in the region, and the interna- feteJahjaga. The delegates at- - in 20 countries including Pakis- ders from around the world to- the main plenary session of the tional interfaith community, tended a dinner hosted by the tan and Indonesia - which begins gether to agree principles to build Interfaith Conference taking this is the largest such event to Major of Peja/Pec Ali Berisha, on 31 May in Faik Konica school mutual understanding place in Peja/Pec from 24-26 May, take place in Kosovo and the HE Norwegian Ambassador pairing with a school in Italy, as Sunday, 26 May 2013, 2013. region. Whilst this conference to Kosovo Jan Braathu and HE well as with five more schools. concluded the final day of the In- The day was opened by The examines the centrality of reli- British Ambassador to Kosovo, During the panel session which terfaith Conference taking place Reverend Donald Reeves, Foun- gion to Kosovo’s past, present Ian Cliff. A photo exhibition followed, and lively discussion in Peja from 24-26 May 2013. der of the Soul of Europe, who set and future - it also confronts from the book “Besa - Muslims under Chatham House rules, Some nearly 200 participants out that achieving peace requires debate on the future of inter- who saved Jews in World War participants considered a range from around the region and the talking not just to one’s friends, faith dialogue. Over 160 faith II” by Norman H Gershman of themes including theory and world have taken part in discus- but also to one’s enemies. He as- leaders, community leaders opens as part of the Interfaith practice of dialogue; dialogue in sions on how to enhance dialogue ked all participants to share their and experts from 42 countries Conference. public space and shared space. and understanding between reli- wisdom and to give one just mes- The full list of panel speakers gious communities. This confe- sage to future generations; these at each of the sessions can be rence has been recognised as an will be collected and published found on the Interfaith Kosovo important landmark for the glo- into a Little Book of Wisdom to nister and the Founder of the to bring an end to the conflict in website: www.interfaithkosovo. bal interfaith community - with be shared with the conference Tony Blair Faith Foundation set Northern Ireland where religious org . participants from countries as participants and beyond. out his hope that faith can be a differences were mapped on two British-based charity “Soul of far and wide as the UK, the US, A video message from Tony force for good. Drawing in part opposing nationalisms, he has Europe” led by Reverend Donald Georgia, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia Blair, former British Prime Mi- from his experience in trying played a significant role in brin- Reeves and Balkan Institute led and Qatar. Opening the procee- Kosovo’s New Diplomat may/jun 2013 11

The Peja Principles

1. We reiterate the willingness of all parties to work together, in Kosovo and wider world, dings, Kosovo Deputy Foreign towards better interfaith understanding. Opening the proceedings, Minister Petrit Selimi thanked Kosovo Deputy Foreign Min- the participants for coming to 2. We recognize that inter-religious dialogue is enriched by appreciation of compassion, ister Petrit Selimi thanked forgiveness, tolerance, and the quest for justice and peace enshrined in the Abrahamic the participants for coming Kosovo and expressed his hope traditions and faiths others than their own. that the outcome of this impor- to Kosovo and expressed his tant conference would be cap- 3. We confirm our willingness to learn from the Sacred Texts of traditions other than their own. hope that the outcome of this tured in the «Peja Principles», important conference would a set of commitments capturing 4. We stress the necessity of taking as much time as is needed in working for the common be captured in the «Peja Prin- good of humanity through dialogue. ciples», a set of commitments discussions from the conference. capturing discussions from the A lively panel discussion on 5. We confirm the commitment of all parties to work together toward a more peaceful and conference. the issue of «old media, social me- tolerant future. dia and interfaith relations» was 6. We reiterate the understanding that inter-religious dialogue is not only the preserve of chaired by Noori Bibi, director of scholars but includes all members of mosques, churches, temples, synagogues, and other the organisation Young Muslim faith communities – including particularly the voices of women, young people and children. Voices in the UK. It considered how developments in media and 7. We stress the importance of international stakeholders such as donor community, international multilateral organizations and others to make available resources for ensuring technology can assist in helpful open channels of dialogue and communication. dialogue, and how it can also be a barrier when used by extremists 8. The participants of the Interfaith Conference in Kosovo, as people who strongly believe and religious fundamentalists. in dialogue and reconciliation, want to express our sincere hope that the forthcoming processes aimed at ending of the conflict in Syria, will demonstrate the will of all parties Panelists included Rabbi Jo- to listen to, understand, and work to live in peace with each other. This must lead to shua Stanton, Associate Director implementation of a peace agreement to immediately end the conflict to the benefit of all the of the Center for Global Judaism people of Syria and across the region. at Hebrew College in the US, who 9. Where inter-religious dialogue works, trust between the different parties grows, self- said: «Social media is here to stay, criticism begins to emerge, and solidarity between the parties flourishes. Faith works to the question in my mind is what build tolerance and mutual respect among disparate communities. we do?» He gave examples of how he has used social media effec- 10. Building sustainable peace among people of faith starts with the kind of interfaith dialogue was strongly reinforced in the Peja/Pec Conference. Fulfillment requires continued dialogue, tively in his own work to create enhanced understanding, increased tolerance, and sustained commitment toward learning online communities. from one another, openness, and recognition of common goals among faith communities. Other panelists included Ste- phen Suleyman Schwartz, a co- lumnist at the widely read website Huffington Post; Rizwan Ministria e Punëve të Jashtme e Republikës së Kosovës Ministarstvo Inostranih Poslova Kosova Hussein, founder of UK organi- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo sation working with Pakistani youth Jawaab, Omer Karabeg, Editor of Radio Free Europe, with headquarters in Prague; and Dr Anna Di Lellio, who currently teaches at the New School 10th Anniversary of South East European in New York City. Themes raised during the discussion included how real-time information over- Gathering - Breakfast Prayer Ceremony load can distort accuracy and the role of individuals; there were concerns that some internet fo- This event was organized by the Par- rums have become a platform for liament of Kosovo and was inspired disinformation and hate speech, by the National Prayer Breakfast in as individuals were able to hide the United States – a gathering of behind their computer screens. world leaders in the fields of poli- However, the power of social me- tics, diplomacy, and economics that dia means that it is important for is held every year in United States religious and community leaders in order to forge bonds between the to engage to ensure that positive United States and other world lea- discussion is also present online. ders through the promotion of va- Following lunchtime speeches lues of peace, belief, and tolerance. from Imam Sabri Bajgora of the The Breakfast Prayer Ceremony in Kosovo Islamic Community and Kosovo was held this May with the Bishop Andrej of the Serbian intention of promoting the same Orthodox Church, participants values. Since 2003, Balkan govern- went on a tour of Peja. They vi- ments have hosted events modeled sited historic and religious sites on and supported by these orga- Gathering of world leaders at the Breakfast Prayer Ceremony in Prishtina. including the Peja Ethnologi- nizers from the United States. This cal Museum, the Old Bazaar, year, Kosovo had the honor of hos- ceremony was held on the 25th of the Balkans, it is especially impor- Bajrakli Mosque and the Pec Pa- ting the 10th Anniversary of the May at the Emerald Hotel in Prishti- tant to note that this year’s gathering triachate. South East European Gathering na, and the attendees had additional was organized against the important Many of the international par- Breakfast Prayer Ceremony – an opportunities to meet and network backdrop of the Kosovo-Serbia dia- ticipants left Kosovo on 23 May event that assembled a range of law- with leaders from all political parties logue – one whose goal is to bring re- 2013, though a number are plan- makers, diplomats, and executives and communities within Kosovo. In conciliation between the two coun- Follow us ning to travel further around Ko- on Twitter from South East Europe, the United order to continue to promote the po- tries on their road to Euro-Atlantic sovo and the Balkans region. @MFAKosovo States, and the rest of the world. The sitive agenda and reconciliation in integration. 12 jul/aug 2013 Kosovo’s New Diplomat Photo Collage

Kosovo’s Hope for Interfaith Collaboration

I had never felt like a rock star until I walked around down- town Peja with a yarmulke on last week. People on the street, and sometimes even from across the street, would come up to me and inquire if I was “Israelien”? (presumably “Israeli”?). They would then shake my hand and welcome me to Peja. When I would respond “No, I’m American,” often with a happy sense of confusion apparent on my face, I would be greeted with even wider smiles and kinder words. To put it mildly, this contrasted with the kind of reception I’ve received as an American Jew while visiting other countries. In this predominately Muslim city, in the predominately Muslim and “newborn” country of Kosovo, Jews are not only considered exotic and interesting but of key importance to the nation’s history. Many Kosovars cite Jewi- Religious leaders visiting holy sites in Peja region. sh members of President Bill Clinton’s cabinet as key to the engage in dialogue, but also conference with an invoca- me and discuss what could American decision to inter- Rabbi to come to know each other tion of the country’s aims and be done to connect Kosovo’s vene in 1999 and protect Ko- Joshua Stanton more informally and gain a the gathering’s implicit focus: small Jewish community with sovars from the possibility of deeper sense of empathy for “We are building a multicul- its larger American counter- ethnic cleansing. Others re- Associate Director, each other’s communities. tural society, a strong and part. Mr. Hoxhaj then intro- late to the Jewish narrative of Center for Global Judaism These leaders held the po- prosperous state, for every ci- duced me to the leader of Ko- profound pain, followed by tential to alleviate inter-com- tizen of our country, a nation sovo’s Jewish community and the birth of a state intended munal tension and prevent where religions are consi- suggested that more could, to protect the unique reli- Yet the conference future strains. Most poignant dered our greatest wealth, should and would be done to gious-national community. for me was watching Ser- where religious freedom is recognize this third religious Still more evoke the impor- also looked well bian Orthodox leaders vi- our main value.” community present in Ko- tant (if complicated) history sit a mosque that had been Matching President sovo and honor its longstan- in which a number of brave beyond the scope torched by Serbian soldiers Jahgaha’s words with action ding history. I was truly im- Muslims in the Balkans sa- of inter-religious during the war and then, just was Kosovo’s Foreign Mi- pressed. Sitting in a city that ved Jews during World War an hour later, seeing Muslim nistry. In addition to facili- had known inter-religious II. All three are a source of conflict and leaders visit the seat of the tating many of the prepara- strife less than 15 years be- pride and connection for Ko- Orthodox Patriarchate in Pe- tions for the interfaith confe- fore, a Muslim foreign minis- sovars to Jewish visitors such regional unrest ja, which resides in a beau- rence, and affording it key ter was introducing me to a as myself. More challenging tiful monastery surrounded diplomatic support, Foreign Jewish colleague with whom than Muslim-Jewish rela- to the potential by military barricades for Minister Enver Hoxhaj and he wanted me to build ties. tions in the region has been for religious and protection. The looks of sym- Deputy Foreign Minister Pe- Even while I was seated with Muslim-Christian relations. pathy and even outright pain trit Selimi actively partook Mr. Hoxhaj, leaders from Yet a concerted effort on the social leaders to on the faces of Muslim and in and helped lead meaning- different religious communi- part of Kosovo’s government, Orthodox clergy reflected ful portions of the interfaith ties approached our table. It and its partners throughout build together their new understanding of conference. While it is not was clear that Kosovo’s politi- Europe, is set on creating new the suffering that each com- uncommon to have dignita- cal leaders sought not only to dynamics. anew munity has endured. ries address and even provi- connect with Jewish, Chris- The recent international Yet the conference also de support for such interfaith tian and Muslim clergy, but Interfaith Conference in Peja looked well beyond the scope gatherings, the Foreign Mi- also to help them meaning- made clear that Kosovo could of inter-religious conflict and nistry’s direct involvement in fully connect with each other. in time become a center for of Serbian Orthodox-Catho- regional unrest to the po- religious diplomacy took me Interfaith and intra-faith col- interfaith collaboration. lic-Muslim relations. It was tential for religious and so- by surprise. During the se- laboration may well become a Much of the conference of great import to bring re- cial leaders to build together cond afternoon of the confe- hallmark of the country once focused on the key geopo- ligious leaders of different anew. Kosovo’s President, rence, Foreign Minister Hox- known as a place of religious litical issue for the Balkans groups together, not only to Atifete Jahjaga, opened the haj took time to meet with unrest. Kosovo’s New Diplomat jul/aug 2013 13 ConsularPhoto CollageAffairs Interview with Edem Adzogenu from Ghana, the recipient of first Kosovo visa

1) What are you impressions of Kosovo? It is a very resilient country, full of young people who are open to ideas, managing their affairs and determined to establish a country on proper values. Kosovo’s population, as one of the youngest in Europe, represents thea potential and energy for development. Ko- sovars are a particularly friendly and hospitable people. 2) How do you see Ghana/Ko- sovan relations developing? Ghana stands strong for with Kosovo in line with the father of nation, Kwame Nkrumah, who led the way to, and guaranteed, Africa’s self-determination and prosperity. Naturally, Ghana recogniszed Kosovo without hesitation. I see possibilities for the deepening of socio-economic ties at the bilateral level. There is also potential forin tourism sector cooperation. Ghana and Kosovo should Minister Hoxhaj and Mr. Adzogenu during the ceremony of receiving of the first visa. absorb each others’ strengths. Ghana is a hub in Western Afri- West African countries? vements with the countries in country that must be visited to the major countries in the ca, with its natural resources Ghana blazed the trail for in- West Africa. and that it has an address on world. and a strong middle-upper dependence in Sub-Saharan 4) How do yYou feel as the the map of the world. It is an What the world needs is a hu- class. Kosovo is strong in itshas Africa;, it is a beacon of hope first foreign citizen to have incredible feeling. mane society. This implies ena- strong human resources, with and light for democracy in West been given the first visa of Ko- 5) How do You see Kosovo in bling people to live in peace and manyas many young people Africa, pursuing the tenets of sovo, the youngest country in the future? harmony, to be able to share have who studied and worked the Non-Aligned Movement Europe? Kosovo is a small country each others’ strengths and to abroad since the wartime when (NAM), mainly self-determi- I am truly blessed and ho- with a small population. Mar- united in principles, to provi- they were forced to leave their nation. nored to have received the tin Luther King, Jr. once said: de food, clothing, shelter and country during the war. Based on Ghana-Kosovo re- first Kosovo visa. There are “The ultimate measure of a dignity. Other areas of cooperation lations and their tangible out- 193 countries in the United man is not where he stands Kosovo should serve as a mo- include agriculture, health, and comes, other countries in the Nations. For any person to in moments of comfort and del for the European countries the environment. Kosovo can region will be encouraged to re- become the first recipient of convenience, but where he to fashion themselves after. also bring expertise in techno- cognisze Kosovo. a country’s visa is a 1 to 7 bil- stands at times of challenge This is achieved by growing at logy and , architecture. Hence, It is encouraging that Kosovo lion chance. I am one of those and controversy.” its own peace, creating a sustai- the countries will share each and Serbia have made impor- privileged ones to who can Kosovo personifies a country nable development model and others’ strengths. tant steps toward normaliszed send the message to the wor- with character in the midst of a proper value system. Koso- 3) How can the recognition relations. Ghana will share this ld, through the sticker on my adversity. It is a model for the vo should not follow the West’s of Kosova by Ghana affect the and other Kosovo’s other achie- passport, that Kosovo is a values it continues to convey tale, it should rather move it. The design of Kosovo visa presented

The design of the official visa approved earlier last year. Forei- The Kosovar Shpend Berbatov- of the Republic of Kosovo was gn Minister Enver Hoxhaj deci came second, and Norik Rizaj presented on 5 June 2013 in the clared that, in conformity with came third. premises of the Government of legal deadlines, the system will Minister Vlora CItaku of Kosovo. Following a national be launched as a pilot project in European Integrations an- competition organized by the the General Consulate in Istan- nounced the winner who won Norwegian contractor that is res- bul, through which many travel- the prize. Designer Kurti de- ponsible for delivering the visa lers from Africa and Asia arrive clared that he is very happy system for Kosovo, a winner of to Kosovo. By the end of the year, and proud that his design was the project was announced. Kosovo will entirely implement selected among many who ap- The introduction of visas the visa regime, thus introdu- plied. The design of Kosovo vi- for the citizens of 87 countries cing a safe system of arrivals sa will be printed with secure is an obligation of the Ministry and departures in Kosovo. The features against counterfitting, of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo, winner of the design competi- while the design incorporates following the Roadmap for Vi- tion is Antuan Kurti, a Kosovar elements of traditional images sa-Free Travel to EU that was designer who lives in Belgium. from Kosovo 14 jul/aug 2013 Kosovo’s New Diplomat World Press New York Times profile on Kosovo Prime Minister Thaçi “Mr. Thaci is being hailed in Washington and Brussels as the Gerry Adams of the Balkans, his country on the road toward Europe, his name even invoked, however improbably, as a possible Nobel Peace Prize candidate.” - NY Times Saturday Profile

PRISTINA, Kosovo — vents himself as a liberal de- pragmatist, signing a com- This is where it all began. mocrat.” promise deal that fell short of On ¶ PRISTINA, Kosovo — In an interview, Mr. Tha- guaranteeing Kosovo’s inde- WHEN Hashim Thaci direc- ci rebuffed that characteriza- pendence. The talks eventual- ted a bloody guerrilla war tion, arguing forcefully that ly collapsed when Belgrade from the mountains of this he had been fighting a brutal refused to withdraw all of its poor and rugged country, he war against a violent enemy. military forces, prompting was so adept at evading cap- “I was fighting on the right NATO’s bombing campaign. ture that fellow fighters called side of history, liberating my AFTER the war, he has him the Snake.Now, Mr. Tha- people from tyranny against been credited with demilita- ci, 45, the former commander a ruthless enemy engaged in a rizing the rebel army, though of the Kosovo Liberation Ar- massive attempt at genocide,” thousands of Serbs were ne- my and the current prime mi- he said. vertheless forced to flee from nister of Kosovo, wants to be Yet the past keeps coming revenge attacks. He founded remembered as a statesman. back to haunt him. In 2010, the Democratic Party of Koso- In June he agreed to put in a Council of Europe report vo, or P.D.K., which was made place a landmark power-sha- accused Mr. Thaci of having up largely of former guerril- ring agreement with Serbia led a “mafialike” group that las. After the party lost two that is being hailed in Europe smuggled weapons, heroin consecutive elections — an and the United States as a and human organs during unexpected blow — he ove- triumph of peace and reconci- the war and its aftermath. Mr. rhauled its nationalist fighter liation in the region after the Thaci has rejected those ac- image, preaching closer ties Balkan wars of the 1990s, in cusations as well, and the Ko- with the West. He finally won which about 120,000 people sovo government at the time an election in November 2007. died, more than 10,000 of called them “despicable.” In Photo by New York Times He has also tried to revamp them in Kosovo. August 2011, the European his macho reputation and re- Mr. Thaci (pronounced Union set up a special task time spokesman of the former Army. While some, like Koso- cently startled even his closest THAH-chee) is being hailed force to investigate the ve- Serbian strongman Slobodan vo’s first president, Ibrahim advisers in this conservative in Washington and Brus- racity of organ-trafficking Milosevic, whose forces had Rugova, favored Gandhian country by championing ci- sels as the Gerry Adams of claims, including whether or tried, without success, to hunt passive resistance, Mr. Thaci vil rights for gay people. He the Balkans, his country on not Mr. Thaci was involved. down and kill Mr. Thaci. was a forceful advocate of ar- has developed a love for fine the road toward Europe, his It has not yet delivered its fin- “It wasn’t easy to sit oppo- med struggle. “The Serbian Italian wines, is an avid skier name even invoked, however dings. site one another at the table, regime would not be pacified and has long since traded in improbably, as a possible No- Asked about the accusa- two former sworn enemies,” by smiles and hugs,” he said. his camouflage gear for dark bel Peace Prize candidate. tions, including that Kosovar Mr. Thaci said, recalling his In the early 1990s, he pur- designer suits. But in Serbia, he remains a Albanians kidnapped Serbs first awkward handshake sued postgraduate studies in Although he has been wi- deeply reviled figure, a com- during the war and harvested with Mr. Dacic. But he said politics and history in Swit- dely credited with shepher- plication that underlines the their kidneys at a secret “yel- pragmatism had ultimately zerland. He is married and ding Kosovo toward inde- challenges to overcoming eth- low house” in Albania, Mr. prevailed. Being celebrated at has a son. pendence — Vice President nic enmities in a region where Thaci transformed his grin in- home as a former soldier also He is credited with transfor- Joseph R. Biden Jr. has called memories run deep. Former to a grimace. helped. ming the unwieldy and divided him the “George Washington K.L.A. commanders and Wes- “Something like that never An athletic and lanky man K.L.A. into a unified fighting of Kosovo” — his government tern diplomats say he was a happened; we have nothing with a vise-grip handshake, machine in the late 1990s, as has also faced repeated accu- ruthless and much-feared lea- to hide,” he said. “The earlier Mr. Thaci, the seventh of nine clashes with Serbian forces in- sations of rampant corrup- der during the 1998-99 Koso- the issue is clear, the better it children, comes from a family tensified. Colleagues recalled tion. In May, he suffered ano- vo war, who ordered arrests, is for Kosovo. It is really a very of farmers in the Drenica re- how during the war he walk- ther blow when a European assassinations and purges heavy burden for us, and we gion of Kosovo, the heartland ed the mountainous border Union court here ordered the within the rebel army’s ranks believe in truth and justice.” of Albanian resistance to the between Kosovo and Albania arrest of seven former K.L.A. to fend off potential rivals. Such demons hover over Serbs. more than 50 times, wearing commanders accused of war Mr. Thaci has strongly denied regional reconciliation, and He said fighting was in his a threadbare camouflage uni- crimes, including two former this. the success of the power-sha- blood. His paternal grand- form and evading Serbian sni- close aides. “Most people in Serbia ring accord would mark a re- father fought the Nazis, and pers, sometimes through snow Mr. Thaci insists that he consider Thaci to be an unin- habilitation of sorts for Mr. after the war his family be- several feet deep. and his fellow soldiers were dicted war criminal who per- Thaci and a turning point for came staunch anti-Commu- “He was viewed as charis- freedom fighters. He quoted sonifies the double standard his country, which has strug- nists who fought against Serb matic, tough, courageous and the lyrics of a favorite Sting of the victor’s justice,” said gled to gain full international forces in the Yugoslav Ar- brave,” recalled Petrit Selimi, song he said he had listened to Ljiljana Smajlovic, a pro- acceptance. my. Already an activist in his Kosovo’s deputy foreign mi- as a young guerrilla leader. minent Serbian commentator MR. THACI said his war- teens, he said, he became poli- nister. “Takes more than combat who is president of the Ser- time experience had taught ticized while visiting family in At the NATO-sponso- gear to make a man. Takes bian Journalists’ Association. him to keep his patience du- Vienna and Paris in the 1980s, red peace talks in Rambouil- more than a license for a gun. “He now wants to forget his ring six months of 12-hour-a- and glimpsed the possibility let, France, early in 1999, Mr. Confront your enemies, avoid past and go by the book, and day talks this year when he of a “normal” life away from Thaci made a strong impres- them when you can. A gentle- he is no doubt sincere in that faced his former foe, Prime Serbian police batons. sion on Madeleine K. Albri- man will walk but never run.” pursuit. But every warlord in Minister Ivica Dacic of Ser- He later went underground ght, the United States secreta- the former Yugoslavia rein- bia. Mr. Dacic was the war- to join the Kosovo Liberation ry of state. He proved to be a Dan Bilefsky for New York Times Kosovo’s New Diplomat jul/aug 2013 15 Cultural Diplomacy World Press Photo exhibition in Kosovo for the first time

rishtina has joined a better story than words many of the world’s themselves for certain his- P capital cities by hos- tories or human fates. “The ting the photographic exhibi- famous sentence ‘the photo tion World Press Photo 2013. tells more than a thousand Under the organisation of the words’, is true particularly Ministry of Culture, Youth when we refer to the journa- and Sports, the Ministry of listic photograph”, he said. Foreign Affairs, the World “This exhibition besides Press Photo Fund, and with being a documentation of support from Dutch Embassy many events all over the wor- in Prishtina and the Embas- ld, it also is a summary of sy of Kosovo in Amsterdam, photographs bearing high ar- the exhibition of photogra- tistic values”. phic reporters was opened Minister Krasniqi also on Wednesday evening in the stressed that MCYS is very Museum of Kosovo. The pho- much dedicated to enriching tos have been selected from the cultural calendar in Koso- all over the world from the vo by supporting many cultu- last year. ral activities. At the opening ceremony “We are highly prepared were the Minister of Culture, to support promotion of the Youth and Sports, Memli work of many of our repor- Photography by the Swedish photographer Paul Hansen who won the 56th World Press Photo. Krasniqi, representatives ters in Kosovo and abroad as from the Dutch Embassy in well”, Krasniqi said, while he Prishtina and the Embas- also added that Kosovo was Dutch Embassy in Prishti- the last time that World Press “Media has a great responsi- sy of Kosovo in Amsterdam, already honoured 13 years na, Carel Brands, expressed Photo opens an exhibition in bility, not only in the case of representatives from World ago when the photo-reporter that he feels honoured that Prishtina. which photo shall be publi- Press Photo, Deputy Foreign Afrim Hajrullahuwon won World Press Photo, esta- The coordinator of the ex- shed by them but they also Affairs Minister Petrit Seli- the prize in this great compe- blished in the Netherlands hibition World Press Photo, have responsibility for the mi, as well as artists and ci- tition. more than 60 years ago, has Famke van der Valk, said that one that they don’t publish”, tizens. The Minister also than- come for the first time to Pri- the initiative to bring this she said, further adding that In his speech, the Minis- ked the Ministry of Foreign shtina. He congratulated all exhibition to Prishtina was photo-reporters risk a lot and ter Krasniqi pointed out that Affairs, the Embassy of Ko- stakeholders who worked for launched two years ago and make extraordinary efforts the opening of such an ex- sovo in Amsterdam, the Dut- opening this exhibition, es- during this time great work to bring before us images hibition for the first time in ch Embassy in Prishtina, and timating that it is a very im- has been done. She further from important moments Kosovo constitutes a unique World Press Photo Fund for portant event not only for the added that it is a result of im- throughout the world. event in the whole cultural their cooperation in bringing culture but for journalism in mense engagement by all the The exhibition is open un- calendar. He further added this exhibition to Prishtina. general. Brands stressed that institutions who have wor- til 12 July 2013 in the National that a photograph often tells The representative of he hopes that it shall not be ked towards this exhibition. Museum of Kosovo.

Kosovo’s Petrit Halilaj at the Venice Biennale

Kosovo marked its first official participation at the Venice Biennale with Petrit Halilaj’s installations. Halilaj’s work consisted of intertwining branches, twigs and rods Simon Shiroka retrospective exhibition in Prishtina. that transform the exhibition space into an anomalous spec- Simon Shiroka retrospective tacle, directly inverting visitors’ expectations of contem- at the Kosovo Art Gallery porary art within a gallery setting. Taking up almost work by allowing two of his a structure, the artist amal- two-thirds of the space was a canaries to live within the ins- gamated the collective expe- A retrospective exhibition being the Engjëll Berisha gargantuan structure that is tallation itself, provoking the riences of his contributors to of works by renowned artist Retrospective. The Kosovo detached from the ground, re- viewer to contemplate the no- form multiple narratives on Simon Shiroka at the Koso- Art Gallery has collected 155 calling images of some kind of tion of art as habitat. As with the recent, painful history of vo Art Gallery opened on artworks made during the primordial shelter or space- previous projects, Halilaj pre- his country. At the same time, Friday, June 28th and will 60’s and 90’s, including fi- craft from the future. The ear- pared for this installation by his project is reminiscent of remain open until 28th Au- ligree and graphic work, as thy scent of the installation enlisting the involvement of a desire to restore the fragile gust. Curated by Erzen Sh- well as works which combine further intensified the sensa- his family, friends and other purity of nature to the wor- kololli, this is the second re- techniques of sculpture and tion of being within a tranquil people close to him. Inspired ld we reside in. The Kosovo trospective the gallery has drawing, made during the inner realm. Halilaj intro- by his mother’s suggestion Pavilion will be at the Venice exhibited this year, the first last years of the artist’s life. duced a personal touch to his to create a structure within Biennale until 24 November. 16 jul/aug 2013 Kosovo’s New Diplomat Events at the National Gallery of Kosovo