Bi-monthly newsletter of Ministry of Foreign JAN/APR 2013 Affairs of Republic of Kosovo. Double Issue. No.8-9 Year III. Sweden is a firm Kosovo receives Kosovo joins advocate of Kosovo praise for its’ EBRD and RCC integration Digital Diplomacy Kosovo becomes full-fledged Five Questions for Swedish Strategy member in two important Ambassador Ingrid Johansson international bodies

Kosovo’s

NewDiplomatFollow our sites on Twitter: @MFAKosovo @InterfaithKosovo @germiahillconf

five years of Kosovo in independence dialogue with Long nEWS Road to EU Serbia over Kosovo is 5 years old this 17thof February. It’s as good time as any to recapitulate where are we in normalization of terms of state-building, institu- tions-building and trust-building between communities. Our path to relations statehood was not the easiest one. In the former Yugoslavia, EU is facilitating dialogue that intends to close the Kosovo was the remaining open chapters in the relations between two odd one out, a sovereign countries and former foes. World media are province of a following closely the dialogue facilitated by Baroness special history, with majority Ashton of EU, while deal is expected to open path for population hashim thaçi European integrations for both capitals not consisting Photo by Arben Llapashtica, one of the winners of InstaKosova Competition of south Slavs. Prime That representatives of Serbia and Such a step would be a landmark Serbia, which has long considered commander in the Kosovo Lib- After the fall of Minister Kosovo were sitting at the same ta- for the country and could help reju- Kosovo its medieval heartland, has eration Army, which fought the Ottoman Em- of Kosovo ble for talks was an achievement venate its struggling economy and refused to recognize the govern- Serbs during the bloody Balkan pire, we had in itself. But whether the two sides cement its links to the West. ment, arguing that its declaration wars of the 1990s. His Serb coun- the misfortune could reach an agreement to over- A central issue in the talks is of independence breached interna- terpart, Prime Minister Ivica of replacing one foreign rule, with come ethnic enmities in the former how much autonomy the Kosovo tional law while threatening to spur Dacic, was the wartime spokes- another – even harsher one. Atro- Serbian province — and clear the government is willing to grant to separatism elsewhere in the world. man for Mr. Milosevic, who was cities and domination were unfor- way for their eventual member- its Serbian minority. Belgrade has Even now, recognizing indepen- overthrown in a revolution in tunately used extensively by Serbia ship in the European Union — re- retained de facto control over a dence for Kosovo remains a step 2000 and died in jail in 2006 while and later Yugoslavia to suppress mained uncertain Tuesday. small Serb-majority area in north- too far, Serb representatives say. being tried for crimes against hu- Kosovars for a century. There was The talks were being medi- ern Kosovo, where until now the Meanwhile, Petrit Selimi, the manity. a period after 1974 and the extensive ated in Brussels by the Europe- Serbs have eked out a life in isolat- deputy minister of foreign affairs Mr. Selimi said the agree- decentralization of former Yugosla- an Union, which both Serbia and ed enclaves that do not recognize for Kosovo, said in an interview ment would benefit both Serbia via, when Kosovo started building Kosovo are eager to join. But the the Kosovo government. that his government was vehe- and Kosovo by clearing the way its won identity, when University Union is extremely wary of import- Under a potential agreement, mently opposed to any executive for their eventual E.U. member- was finally allowed to taught in ing a frozen conflict into the bloc, municipal structures in Serb-ma- body in the north that would con- ship, bringing regional stability Albanian, when fledgling middle and Brussels has made clear that jority northern Kosovo would at- stitute a state within a state. and encouraging foreign invest- class started to establish itself, but the former enemies must normal- tain greater autonomy in return for But the talks themselves were ment. But critics on both sides al- this progress proved to by a mi- ize relations. Belgrade’s improved cooperation an achievement, analysts said. so warned that an agreement also rage, quickly disappearing as soon If the talks are successful, they with the Kosovo government. The lead negotiator on the Koso- ran the risk of reinforcing rather as nationalist forces got foothold in would mark a seminal moment Both sides have red lines they vo side, Prime Minister Hashim than overcome ethnic hostility. neighbouring Serbia. for Serbia and Kosovo, which de- say they are unwilling to cross. Thaci, was a former guerrilla By Dan Bilefski, The New York Times Thus started our long road to clared independence from Serbia freedom. Firstly via peaceful resis- on Feb. 17, 2008, almost a decade af- tance which didn’t take us very far, ter NATO bombs helped push the International conference on public diplomacy and regional cooperation but did save Kosovo’s population at Serb former strongman Slobodan time when genocide was unfolding Milosevic out of Kosovo and end a Kosovo’s Foreign Ministry has director of FCO, Kosovo’s EU dern communications and public in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Later we brutal civil war against majority organized a conference «Public Minister Vlora Citaku, Tim Judah diplomacy projects can support started our rebellion, which I am ethnic Albanians. Diplomacy and reconciliation». of The Economist magazine, the ongoing efforts of increasing proud to have led. Young women In mid-April the Union’s foreign Many important guest speakers Arjeta Emra, Director of British cross-border cooperation in and men from Kosovo and around policy chief, Catherine Ashton, is such as Ambassador Adam Council, Besa Luzha Director of Balkans and improving Kosovo’s diaspora gathered to resist puni- scheduled to produce a report that Ereli, Principle Deputy Assistant Fridrich Ebbert Stiftung, Andrej outreach to the neighborhood by shing police campaigns. will determine whether to open Secretary of State Department, Nosov of Heartefact Foundation, means of culture, digital diploma- membership talks with Serbia. Adam Bye, the Digital Diplomacy etc will discuss the way how mo- cy, academic exchanges, etc. continues on page 5 2 jan/apr 2013 Kosovo’s New Diplomat Diplomatic Bits & Pieces

5 quick questions shortnews Sweden is a firm from the embassies President of Kosovo attends advocate of Kosovo’s global energy summit In January 2013, President of Kosovo Atifete Jahjaga took part in the proceedings of the World integration to Future Energy Summit, which was held in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, under the President Jahjaga patronage of HE Sheikh Mohammad bin Sayed. met President of President Jahjaga was accompanied to the sum- the European Union France, Mr. Fran- mit, by the Environment and Spatial Planning çois Hollande, Minister Dardan Gashi. Kosovo’s clean energy Queen Rania of investment opportunities were presented in this What is the best thing about work- Jordan, Prime event, that gathered too global leaders such as Minister of Mon- ing and living in Kosovo? President Hollande of France, President Fernan- tenegro, Mr. Milo 1 First and foremost, it is the inter- Ðukanovic, etc. dez de Kirchner of Argentina, President Grimsson action with all Kosovars. Wherever I go, Swedish of Iceland, Queen Rania of Jordan, etc. I am greeted in the warmest, friendli- Ambassador est manner. It is easy to live and work Ingrid in a place where one can easily contact Johansson Important Kosovo visits to people, both professionally and pri- Athens and Bratislava vately. I also enjoy the wonderful Kosovo outdoors! I take every opportunity to One of Kosovo’s priorities for diplomatic service explore historic sites and trek in the is advocating for the full recognition of Kosovo’s mountains. During my stay, I have noted based on conditionality and merit. In the independence by the 5 members of EU that have how people start to take an active interest coming years, we will make more efforts still not done so. In the first quarter of 2013, rela- in the environment and Kosovo’s rich to intensify our relations within busi- tionship with the 5 EU capitals thawed to the point cultural heritage and I can see the emer- ness, trade and investment. They are now of direct interaction. I beginning of the march, gence of a promising eco-tourism sector. much too modest. I believe there are a Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have collabo- few sectors, such as the environment, en- rated with British Council to ensure a high-level How big is the Swedish presence ergy, mining and forestry, where Swedish visit by 12 Kosovo MP’s to Slovakia within the in Kosovo?? industry could play a role in Kosovo in joint KSTALKSEU program, while few weeks 2 It varies but lies constantly in the the future. later Minister Enver Hoxhaj also visited Greece range of 150-200 officials on the ground for the first time ever for a Kosovo minister, where in different capacities. For Sweden, that agreement was reached for Kosovo to open a trade makes Kosovo one of the top countries in What is your favorite part of office in Athens. terms of presence and resources. There Kosovo? are also a number of individuals with 4 What first comes to mind is a dual Swedish-Kosovar citizenship resid- stone to rest on, high up in the mountains Prime Minister Thaci and FM Hoxhaj attend ing in Kosovo, which the Embassy serves on a sunny day with a cup of coffee in one inauguration of Pope Francis in different ways. Sweden has a substan- hand, sandwich in the other and a spec- tial, long-term development programme tacular view. I find more and more gems Prime Minister of Republic also had a in Kosovo. There are some 70-80 Swedes all around Kosovo, often where locals of Kosovo Hashim Thaci and bilateral serving in EULEX, another 60-70 in themselves have jointly renovated their Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj meeting KFOR. Swedes are also serving in other cultural sites with care. It could be the attend the inauguration of the with Vice international bodies. There are five Sharrmountains, Junik with surround- new Pope of Roman Catholic President Swedish NGOs with permanent presence ings, Gjakova, Gracanica and many other Church, Francis. The high- of US Joe in Kosovo. places. level state delegation was treated as a Biden where Kosov-Serbia talks were sovereign guest to the Holly See and PM discussed at length. VP Biden gave full How do you see Swedish-Kosovan What is your current reading list? Thaci had a private audition with Pope support to Kosovo government stance on relations developing? I tend to mix fiction with non- on the margins of ceremony. PM Thaci dialogue. 3 Through my 4 years in Kosovo, 5 fiction and keep several titles the formal relations between our coun- going at the same time. I just finished tries have deepened, through intensified the Swedish Jens Lapidus “Quick Cash” PM Thaci and FM Hoxhaj attend contact in a growing number of areas. – one of the most famous books coming Sweden has entered into bilateral agree- from Sweden currently and about to be- OIC summit in Cairo ments in many sectors where relations come a Hollywood movie. Currently, I am With the special invitation by the President of Egypt are particularly close, such as develop- at different stages of reading into a few Morsi, PM of Kosovo Hashin Thaci and FM Enver ment cooperation, police and customs different titles; Carsten Jensen “We, the Hoxhaj visited Cairo where they attended the global cooperation and migration. In addition, drowning”, FolkeSchimanski “Berlin – a summit of Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Sweden is a firm advocate of Kosovo inte- tale of a city” and Ma Jian “Red Dust - A This was PM’s first visit to Egypt. Separate bilateral gration to the European Union. We direct Journey through China”. All this is true meetings were held with the President of Egypt, our capacity-building support to Kosovo for when I am not making yet another while Kosovo delegation also greeted the OIC resolu- to areas of strategic importance to the EU hopeless attempt to get thought my pile of tion that called for its’ membership to recognize process. And we are active within the EU interesting reading of reports and papers Kosovo. to promote Kosovo’s gradual integration on Kosovo and the Balkans…

Kosovo’s Kosovo’s New Diplomat is a bi-monthly publication of the Ministry of Foreign Af- nos scimus, NewDiplomat fairs of Republic of Kosovo / Publisher: Petrit Selimi / Editors of this issue: Astrit Zatriqi, Drilon Zogaj / This publication is supported by KS Talks EU program of non solum British Council Kosovo, sponsored by British Embassy in Prishtina and MFA Kosovo / Views expressed in the publication do not scribere 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 jan/apr 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: Liberating Kosovo forces began airstrikes against of its inhabitants welcome its of Yugoslavia. He analyzes how Authors: David L. Phillips targets in Kosovo and Serbia in separation from Serbia. NATO, the United Nations, and Publisher: The MIT Press an effort to protect Kosovars In Liberating Kosovo, David the United States employed Publication Date: July 20, 2012 against persecution. The bom- Phillips offers a compelling ac- diplomacy, aerial bombing, and Source: Amazon bing campaign ended in June count of the negotiations and mi- peacekeeping forces to set in 1999, and Kosovo was placed litary actions that culminated in motion the process that led to Kosovo, after its incorporation under transitional UN adminis- Kosovo’s independence. Drawing independence for Kosovo. He also into the Serbian Republic of tration while negotiations on its on his own participation in the di- offers important insights into a Yugoslavia, became increasingly status ensued. Kosovo eventually plomatic process and interviews critical issue in contemporary restive during the 1990s as declared independence in 2008. with leading participants, Phillips international politics: how and Yugoslavia plunged into internal Despite internal political tension chronicles Slobodan Milosevic’s when the United States, other war and Kosovo’s ethnic Alba- and economic problems, the new rise to power, the sufferings of nations, and NGOs should act nian residents (Kosovars) sought nation has been recognized by the Kosovars, and the events to prevent ethnic cleansing and autonomy. In March 1999, NATO many other countries and most that led to the disintegration severe human-rights abuses. Kosovo Digital Diplomacy Strategy RecoGnmeter reviewed as one of the best in Europe

The Ministry of Foreign Af- Kosovo cemented fairs of the Republic of Ko- sovo has been selected as the author of the best National its international Strategy for the Digital Di- plomacy out of all the Balkan countries, from the presti- recognitions: Timor- gious Turkish journal on Pu- blic Diplomacy, “Yeni Diplo- masi”. The Digital Diplomacy Strategy of Kosovo is consi- Leste, Fiji, St.Kitts dered as one of the best after that of USA, the Great Britain and Israel by Turkish ex- and Dominica have perts, evaluating the content of strategies of dozen coun- tries and various actions that Foreign Ministries and world recognized Kosovo. Egypt diplomacies have launched for digital affirmation of its own countries. Announced decision too. Halil Ibrahim Izgi, a Turki- sh expert on public and digi- “Kosovo has become implemented even for 2013. tal diplomacy, in an authorial Starting in January we will writing in Yeni Sahat journal, one of the most active be launching an interesting 50 announces the findings of the states on the digital portal presenting Kosovo in analysis of “Yeni Diplomasi”, diplomacy” five languages. Arjeta Emra, a where it is noted that: “Koso- Director of the British Coun- vo has become one of the most cil says that “British Council active states on the digital di- is proud of cooperating with 98 plomacy. This is strongly asso- cy says that “Kosovo this year MFA of Kosovo and the digi- ciated with country’s attempts has scored an extraordinary tal community on establishing for more recognitions. Kosovo progress in communicating the content, trainings and diplomats have had also a hu- via digital means”. Initially, other actions in the field of di- 0 100 ge support from the dynamic we have gained support from gital diplomacy with a modest digital Diaspora representing experts of sisters ministries, assistance we have received. Kosovo’s biggest asset. This then asked for sponsorship With more resources, we shall Timor-Leste, Fiji, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica and Pakistan survey denotes Kosovo as the and we are pleased for the have more results and, in this have confirmed the recognition of the Republic of Kosovo. fourth country with the best support extended to our ac- context, we thank all the ac- Egyptian President Morsi also announced that recognition of Strategy in the internet, af- tions in the digital diplomacy tivists in the internet that Kosovo will take place soon, Egypt hence becoming first country ter the super-powers such as by the Norwegian and British helped Kosovo promote its di- in North Africa to do so. USA, the Great Britain and government. In accordance verse culture, sports, policy Israel. with the Strategy, we have in- and society via digital means. Every two months, Kosovo’s independent status by UN The Deputy Foreign Mi- vested in creation of mobile This appreciation from Tur- New Diplomat will report member states, international nister of Kosovo, Petrit Seli- phones apps, and are pre- key reveals that we are on the on the rate of recognitions institutions and sports and mi, responsible for initiating paring Wikipedia trainings, right path as far as the affir- of Kosovo’s sovereign and cultural organizations. design and implementation while having many other por- mation of Kosovo agenda is of Kosovo Digital Diploma- tal actions and projects to be concerned”. 4 jan/apr 2013 Kosovo’s New Diplomat About us

Kosovo becomes a sovereign NEWDIPLOMATS member of EBRD

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hamza and Minister of Euro- Valëza Oruqi Kosovo announced that proce- pean Integration, “who for sev- What do you do, where are you from different countries based in New dures for the membership of the eral months have been engaged based? I am Consul at the Consulate York, serve Kosovo citizens that live in US Republic of Kosovo in the Euro- to collect the votes one by one to General of the Republic of Kosovo in New and represent my country to New York pean Bank for Reconstruction acquire the necessary number for York, USA, since 2010. Institutions and its citizens. and Development (EBRD) are membership into the EBRD”. What is the most you like about What is the best thing about the now complete and that Kosovo “The EBRD is a bank which the job you do? I am honored to be one city you live in? New York is one of the won majority votes for its inclu- was established to help compa- of the first diplomats to serve for my liveliest places in the world and one of sion to this important interna- nies and countries in transition, country in one of the greatest Kosovo’s the most diverse where every day I am tional institution. Deputy Minis- has investment capital of 10 bil- ally as it is United States. My job gives introduced to different cultures and ter Selimi during a press confer- lion euros annually and Koso- me the opportunity to meet diplomats traditions that enriches my world. ence said that Kosovo’s member- vo, with its membership in the ship in this institution is a great EBRD, will benefit from bilateral victory of the Kosovar diplomacy aid and low interest loans for vari- Pëllumb Kallaba and economy. ous businesses and initiatives. What do you do, where are you world, at the same time we have to deal “Firstly, Kosovo’s membership Prime Minister Thaci has also based? I am a Foreign Policy Adviser with many urgent issues on daily bases in the EBRD is of a great diplo- scheduled for next week meeting and the newest MFA cabinet member. My in a myriad of various situations, each matic and political importance, of the Economic Council and state primary responsibilities are focusing on EU seemingly—and often in fact—unique. as it is a result of a long struggle actors involved in the economy, affairs and security policy, international Regardless of geographical location, you of Kosovo with partner countries where participants will discuss crisis and speech writing. have to be ‘updated’ with all relevant and the EBRD itself to acquire a the modalities of establishing the What is the most you like about the developments. sufficient number of votes, given body which will help business- job you do? I feel privileged to be a part What is the best thing about the city the voting system in the EBRD, es in developing serious projects of an institution and a policy which is you live in? Once discovered, Prishtina which requires the obtainment of and forms and different meth- consolidating itself, with only 5 years expe- exposes its charm and vivid character – a two-thirds vote.” odologies that will enable the en- rience, in order to protect and promote the especially because of young people and In this context, he also noted try of capital and liquidity of the interests of our citizens. Indeed, along with international presence. In my opinion, it there was a very long effort by EBRD in the Kosovar economy its unpredictable nature the foreign policy is a city which tends to avoid its daily pro- the Prime Minister Thaci, Min- and enterprises as well as in vari- is a never-ending process, therefore it is a blems due to the former socialist heritage ister Hoxhaj, Minister of Finance ous banks. real challenge but also a rare opportunity and lack of urban planning after 1999. At to experience it. While the Europe is the the end of the day, it is an unavoidable part cornerstone of our engagement with the of my identity with all its Goods and Bads. Kosovo becomes full-fledged participant of Regional Cooperation Council Lendita Haxhitasim What do you do, where are you sitions. My job is to follow developments based? I am First Secretary at the Kosovo related to a set of dossiers on Kosovo’s EU A meeting of the Board of the Re- MIK’s reference and Kosovo to Embassy in Brussels. My role involves, agenda, without losing sight of the broa- gional Cooperation Council (RCC) enter as a participant in this pro- among others, external relations with Eu- der developments within Kosovo and EU. was held today in Sarajevo. RCC, cess, a completely new situation ropean institutions such as the European What is the best thing about the city the main umbrella organization was created, where Kosovo now Council and the European Parliament. My you live in? Far from being a European of regional cooperation in South- will have the vote and will be an primary responsibility is to represent the “quarter”, Brussels is a hub for numerous eastern Europe, numbering 46 independent participant. Today’s interests of my country in Belgium and international cultural events. Brussels’ Art members, welcomed Kosovo, by decision was welcomed by coun- within the European Union, while at the Nouveau and architectural gems further a unanimous decision, as a new ries like the United States, Turkey, same time being my country’s eyes and enrich Brussels’ creative spirit. The city’s participant with full powers in Albania, Sweden, representatives ears on developments in Brussels. vibrancy comes for the many people from this body, which is considered as of the EU, and so forth. What is the most you like about the all over the world who come to work or the main instrument of the EU Deputy Minister Petrit Se- job you do? What I enjoy the most is wor- visit Brussels, even for a short time in pre-accession and regional coop- limi thanked RCC’s new direc- king closely with the representatives of EU their life. Living in a “human size” city eration. Kosovo was represented tor, Goran Svilanovic, and all the Member States in Brussels, exchanging while enjoying the opportunities which by the Deputy Foreign Minister of countries which unanimously information on daily changes to the EU only big cities can offer is more than one Kosovo, Petrit Selimi. supported today’s decision stating Integration Process ad their evolving po- can wish for! As it was announced yester- that Kosovo’s regional coopera- day by the Minister of Foreign Af- tion and inter-neighbourly rela- fairs of Kosovo, Enver Hoxhaj, to- tions are a priority for the people Delfin Pllana day’s decision is historic because and government of Kosovo on the it opens doors to membership of path towards European integra- What do you do, where are you experiencing multi-polar dimensions in Kosovo into several dozens of ini- tion. Participation in RCC opens based? I am Minister-Counselor at the foreign policy. tiatives and funds, while the par- up new opportunities of member- Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in What is the best thing about the city ticipation of Kosovo is equal and ship and cooperation in various Hungary, being tasked with segments you live in? Being one of the most attrac- without discrimination vis-à-vis fields. Deputy Minister during his of political, commercial and consular tive cities in Europe, Budapest is also all participating countries. official visit to Sarajevo met with affairs. I am based in Budapest since called ‘the Paris of the East’. Budapest is Kosovo’s participation was Stefano Sannino, the Director- January 2010. famous for its extraordinary heritage and previously limited by the UN- General for Enlargement at the What is the most you like about the architecture, the existence of which dates MIK, while even after the agree- European Commission, Goran job you do? Beyond everything it is a big back to the Austro-Hungarian empire ment on Regional Representa- Svilanovic, director of the RCC pleasure to serve citizens of the Republic period and beyond. It is a charming city tion Agreement last year between and diplomats from Albania, Tur- of Kosovo and promote national interests with beautiful Danube river and islands Kosovo and Serbia, there were key, etc. in various areas as well as to contribute (Margaret, Csepel, Hajogyari etc.) that attempts of resistance to Kosovo’s RCC was founded after the to the strengthening of bilateral relations separate Pest and Buda, thermal spas full participation in the RCC by Thessaloniki Summit, and, along between the Republic of Kosovo and and the expressive and lively downtown claims of technical obstacles. with the IPA Fund of the EU, it Hungary. Further, i like the interaction areas. Moreover I commend very much With today’s decision of the is considered as a means of pre- with the officials and people from the re- the hospitality of the people, giving Board, which changed the statute accession and the umbrella or- ceiving country, as well as with diplomats merits also to the quality of life offered Follow us on of the organization and its found- ganization of many regional ini- Twitter from many countries of the world based versus the value of time and resources ing declaration, to withdraw UN- tiatives. @MFAKosovo in Budapest that generate possibilities of one spends while living in Budapest. Kosovo’s New Diplomat jan/feb 2013 5 five years of independence Photos of the month continued from page 1 Long Road to EU

This resistance led to ever- safest cities in Europe, with low more brutal attempts at ethnic levels of street-crime. Serbs living cleansing. World did not repeat in southern parts of Kosovo as the mistake from Bosnia or Rwan- well as other minorities have em- da. Genocide was prevented. Mi- braced the Ahtisaarian model of losevic was stopped and freedom decentralization and are making was obtained for Kosovo. full use of the newly found poli- A decade of UN rule followed tical leverage. My Deputy Prime during which institutions of Minister is a Serb as are many self-governance were created ministers and mayors. Constitu- and peace was cemented. UN tional Court is strong and inde- was good to establish and keep pendent and has made decisions peace, but not develop self-suffi- that were disliked by political cient economy or indeed a long- parties, but respected by all, in- term basis for development of a cluding dismissing 2 Presidents. society. Status-quo was the main Almost 100 countries reco- principle of operation. UN did gnized Kosovo as sovereign and appoint an envoy to complete the independent including over 2/3 Resolution 1244 which called for of EU member states, NATO UN arbitration in finding Koso- members, Council of Europe, etc. vo’s final solution. We became members of World After extensive rounds of ne- Bank, IMF, EBRD as well as regio- gotiations and almost 10 years of nal organizations and initiatives. administration which saw a Bra- Following the positive fin- zilian, French, German, Finnish, ding of International Court of Dane take turns in leading Koso- Justice, EU started negotiations vo’s UN and local state appara- that intend to normalize rela- tus, a plan was drafted by Finnish tions between two former foes President Ahtisaari that offered and new two countries insisting conditional independence. Koso- on their EU path of integrations. vo was to be fully unsupervised I have met Prime Minister of Ser- only if it can prove that it can build bia to find solutions to every-day a democratic system dedicated to problems of the people, caused democracy and committed to de- by Serbia’s less then forthcoming volve power from the capital to policies in the past. This stance is the municipalities. quickly changing and we agreed How did we fare in this pro- to recognize Kosovo diplomas, cess? car plates, to exchange liaison of- Despite the fact that Koso- ficers in each other capitals. We vo was born as a republic in the will soon find a solution to close midst of worse financial and eco- the illegall“parallel” structures nomic crisis that hit the region in north. and the continent in decades, we This enormous societal, eco- Source: www.kosovoguide.com had a consistent GDP growth of nomic and political progress was over 5% for 5 consecutive years. noted by friends of Kosovo and Vushtrri Castle Jazhinca’s Lake Conquering of Luboteni Peak Our GDP per capita doubled from world democracies. They gathe- The Vushtrri Castle is one of the Jazhinca’s Lake is located at the Luboteni peak is the highest 2007, the last year of UNMIK. We red in September 2012 to an- oldest monuments in the municipa- roots of Bistra 1 peak and the Lake’s peak in Sharri Moutains, at an eleva- have employed a Keynesian sti- nounce that Kosovo was to End lity of Vushtrri. Located at heighte- Peak. The lake has a dark green co- tion of 2498 above sea level. When mulus package and increased the International Supervision. Com- ning geographical coordinates, the lor, reminiscent of sapphire, and arrived at the top, one may see two salaries of public employees and missioner Stefan Fule regarded castle is classified as an ‘old castle’ is surrounded by big rocks. Ap- countries at the same time; as a re- started a campaign of reconstruc- this as the very first step to Ko- according to historical evidence. proximately the length of the lake sult of its location at the Kosovo – tion that included building 100 sovo’s full EU membership, and This signifies it has been through a reaches 120 m, while the width is Macedonian border. schools and a major highway to words were reciprocated with string of reconstructions from its ini- somewhere around 80 m. The water The glacial Lake of Livadica of- Adriatic coast and ports of Alba- start of Feasibility Study for SAA tial build. seems very deep but there is no ac- fers a rare impression, also, being nia and Montenegro. Through for Kosovo and the Roadmap of The castle is a blend of Illy- curate data. The lake’s water is very situated at an elevation of 2173 me- prudent financial policies, we re- Visa-Free travel to Eu for Kosovo rian and Dardanian architecture as cold, which makes it inappropriate ters. main the least indebted country citizens, two important instru- pointed by its construction mate- for swimming, although there are The arrangement includes a di- in European continent. We expect ments granted only to states wil- rial, the design type and other clues few audacious people who have the rect departure from Prishtina, to to finish this summer our Inter- ling to engage in reforms. presented by related scientific re- guts to try their luck. the spot from where the expedi- national Airport that will enable We, the leaders and people of search. The construction consists of tion starts. Along the mountainous over 1.4 million passengers (and Kosovo, made a promise 5 years formless stones which were assem- paths, climbing on the way to the growing) to fly to and from Koso- ago. I am happy to report we kept bled together by slaked lime. Its en- top peak in Luboteni, the group vo, making our capital most fre- it and we will continue to stay de- trance is on the southeastern part of stops beside the Lake of Livadica for quented city per capita in Balk- dicate in our long road to EU the complex. a rest and lunch. ans. We have also some of the membership.

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Geotourism MapGuide Land of Discovery

www.kosovoguide.com www.balkansgeotourism.travel 6 jan/apr 2013 Kosovo’s New Diplomat Kosovo in 2012

“Kosovo Calling” conference

President Ahtisaari giving a Nathan Coley’s exhibition “A Place Beyond Belief” in Kosovo speech at the End of Supervised Independence conference Kosovo

in 2012 Former U. S. Ambassador to Kosovo, christopher Hill

Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi’s address to the Kosovo Assembly on the occasion of the End of Supervised Independence

Kosovo President Atifeta Jahjaga’s address at the annual Germia Hill conference Participants at Germia Hill Conference

Former U. S. Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, speech Kosovo President Atifeta Jahjaga opening the International Women’s Summit in Minister for European Integration of Kosovo, Vlora Çitaku at at the International Women’s Summit in Kosovo Kosovo the Germia Hill conference Kosovo’s New Diplomat jan/apr 2013 7 Opinions and Editorials From the Chains of the Past to our Bright Future After the violent disintegration of Yugoslavia, Kosovo sought to create a strong state governed democratically by the will of its people.

As we commemorate the anniver- uphold all international obliga- uting part of the international no minorities, only varied com- international experts and digni- sary of the Balkan Wars, we look tions and its desire to contribute community as a member in good munities. Many worry about the taries to further our shared goals. back at the past hundred years to the international community. standing in many international or- integration of Kosovo’s Serb popu- Kosovo continues to meet the with great heartache and distress We clearly hold a European agen- ganizations, such as the Interna- lation, but Kosovo already has an world where it can with strong to realize that our region has yet to da and stand for all the European tional Monetary Fund, the World integration plan that has been suc- public and digital diplomacy, uti- find a sense of accord and create Union upholds such as free move- Bank, the European Bank for Re- cessfully implemented for 100,000 lizing conferences and technology, amiable relations. Today, it is not ment of goods, people, ideas, and construction and Development, Serbs who live peacefully in the such as instagram, to work with an invading army, but those who friendly neighborly relations. 2012 and many other regional organiza- south. The northern Kosovo will the people who make democracy should be our neighbors and al- marked a new phase in the EU- tions. This is a testimony of Koso- see the same exemplary results so successful. This praiseworthy lies for democracy who present the Kosovo rela- vo’s statehood, sovereignty and that demonstrate that all people of work led to 12 new recognitions in greatest hindrance to peace in the tionship, with progress toward becoming fully Kosovo may live in harmony. Koso- 2012. Kosovo is recognized by over Balkans. The Republic of Kosovo a rich agenda integrated into the global commu- vo is their homeland and they are half of UN member states to date. has a legitimate, democratic gov- that includes nity of free nations. its citizens. We have 21 embassies and 15 con- ernment that meets highest inter- a roadmap for Kosovo’s efforts to work with Unfortunately, Kosovo’s desire sular missions around the world national standards and provides visa liberaliza- the international community to live peacefully is not entirely which seek to further Kosovo’s freedom and security for its peo- tion, a positive enver stem from Kosovo’s great success reciprocated by Serbia. Our two ability to augment the efforts of ple. outcome on hoxhaj strengthening community rights, countries have had nine rounds the international community as a After the violent disintegra- our feasibil- economic development, and rule of technical dialogue where seven strong contributing member. tion of Yugoslavia, Kosovo sought ity study for a Foreign of law. Many World Reports mark agreements were reached. Koso- The most effective way to mend to create a strong state governed Stability and Minister this improvement, such as Trans- vo implemented all its agreements difficulties is to move forward democratically by the will of its Association parency International’s Corrup- in good faith, but Serbia has yet to from past burdens and recognize people. The Declaration of Inde- Agreement. tion Perceptions index. The World fulfill theirs. As the goal of the di- the bright future ahead. Kosovo is pendence came only after having Kosovo looks to continue to use Bank’s “Doing Business’ report in- alogue is to normalize relations, a responsible member of the inter- exhausted all other avenues for a this process for genuine transfor- creases Kosovo’s rank by 28 from we expect that Serbia will play a national community but can only negotiated settlement with Serbia. mation. All proposed legislation 126t o 96 in only one year. Koso- contributing role to find a peace- fully bring those benefits to its peo- The United States and 22 of 27 EU is evaluated against EU require- vo’s growth rate was steady even ful way to coexist and that Serbia ple and the world once the world members and many other coun- ments before it is passed in Par- as the world sees major economic will join us as we seek a mutually recognizes the reality of Koso- tries recognized Kosovo quickly liament. EU Accession will con- turmoil. better future. vo’s sovereignty. The Republic of and established diplomatic rela- stitute a win-win outcome for the Kosovo is also making great so- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kosovo continues to seek ways to tions. EU as well as Kosovo. cial strides within the country as of the Republic of Kosovo has a move away from the bitterness of In the past five years, Kosovo Kosovo also shows its willing- well. Our nation was built on the dedicated staff that has made ad- the past and forward to a better fu- has demonstrated its ability to ness and desire to be a contrib- principle of citizenship. We have mirable progress working with ture where all truly find peace. Many challenges for Kosovo—but not religion Kosovo’s independence confirmed the country’s desire to become democratic, open - and secular society

Anders Breivik, the infamous municated him from the Church, depicts in a rather disingenuous beautiful and rich Balkan corner. place of the political mainstream. Norwegian mass murderer, clai- declaring him a heretic. terms the situation in Balkans. When Serbian dictator Milose- Our societies are very secular. We med in his manifesto to be wor- Some of these statements do co- Truth is that Kosovo conflict is vic occupied Kosovo and stripped produce wine for millennia (pri- king for the benefit of Europe me from the fringes of political and not religious and has never been so. the province from its’ extensive mitive sort of grapes, so beloved in against the so-called “Islamic faith discourse. From evangelists Prishtina is a capital with a majo- autonomy, his initial impulses Kosovo, origins from the Roman danger”. He mentioned Kosovo in US who are not as well-versed rity Muslim population, but as you were based on communism, but times) and today the modern ur- in his Manifesto many times. He on global drive from Prishtina International he soon shifted discourse to natio- ban bars produce best mojitos in was not the only one, though he is events, to the Airport to the city, you must pass nalism and religious fanaticism as Balkans. the most extreme and dangerous mainstream through Bill Clinton Avenue, cross he found allies in Serbian lands- Hence it’s important that the one ever to have made a propa- politicians in Bob Dole street, arrive at Mother cape to wage wars against Croats, Kosovars don’t fall into trap of the gandistic claim that Kosovo’s Serbia, to the Theresa Boulevard, only to see the Bosniaks and Kosovars. Religion recent spread of political interpre- Islamic heritage is of danger for pockets of re- great new Catholic cathedral built became a tool in gathering support tation of religion and the attempts rest of Europe. Even US politician ligiously-ins- with money fundraised by Ame- and explaining wars. Over 300 Ko- for faith to be the basis of political Rick Santorum, who almost be- pired journa- PETRIT rican-Jewish Senator from New sovo mosques were burned and considerations. The state is stric- came a Republican candidate at lists in Europe, SELIMI York Chuck Schumer. Albanians destroyed by the Serbian forces tly separated from the faith; one US elections, earlier wrote a letter there has been are of three religions and many during 1998-1999 war, some of belongs to the public, the other to the former Orthodox Bishop a consistent Deputy Catholics were in the forefront of them being the oldest in Balkans. one to the personal domain. I am Artemije stating that he always stream of news Foreign battles for Kosovo’s independence Islamic Library in Prishtina was happy to see that the tolerance that “warned about the dangers of ra- and items for Minister from fellow Christians from Ser- razed to the ground and oldest was cherished for centuries is not dical Islamic violence in Kosovo. many years bia. Except that Christianity had Qurans and manuscripts vani- threatened in Kosovo so much by Jihad terror in Kosovo is a mortal that try to nothing to do with it. shed forever. Some subsequent the war and I do hope that pro- danger not only to the Christian paint the Kosovo picture and Kosovo is very rich and diverse and unfortunate revenge attacks jects such as www.interfaithko- Serb community there, but to the conflict in religious terms. area as it was in epicentre of many by Albanians also were focused sovo.org can help highlight some rest of Europe and to America”. Mind you, Serbian official pro- moving armies and Empires. Illy- on the churches, but only because of the enormous wealth we have These are rather strong words paganda does this deliberately. rians and Romans, Dardans and Churches were seen as represen- inherited from past generations, coming from someone who al- Even some of the more progres- Celts, Byzantines and Serbs, Al- tatives of the Serbian political sys- from UNESCO-protected Ser- most came to the mainstream of sive politicians in Serbia are fond banians of first ever Balkan Sufi tem rather than due to religious bion Orthodox monasteries, to the US politics. Even Bishop Artemi- of falsely comparing Kosovo with orders, medieval Hungarians and hatred. Church was never hated beautiful and rare urban mosques je himself became so radical and Jerusalem. Former President Ta- Croats, Romas and Spanish Jews, among Kosovars (how could it in Prishtina, Prizren, Gjakova, to extremist that his own Orthodox dic once stated that “Serbia is the Vlachs and Turks, many diverse be, when Mother Theresa’s own the other vernacular and religious Church of Serbia decided to let last barrier to Islam in Europe” – a people came to Kosovo settled of father was born in the beautiful buildings that dot Kosovo’s beauti- him go and subsequently excom- statement that is blatantly false and waged wars in the plains of this Prizren). Nor was mosque ever the ful landscape. 8 jan/apr 2013 Kosovo’s New Diplomat Digital Diplomacy The winners of #InstaKosova competition announced, amid thousands of photos sent “The national competition #InstaKosova has proven in the best way that our Kosova is beautiful” - says Adriatik Kelmendi, the head of the jury that selected the best Kosovo photos on social networks

’#InstaKosova”, a competition ini- contestants have been selected: tiated by the Ministry of Foreign Abdurahim Abdushi, Agata Cet- Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo ta, Alban Dragoshi, Albert Hasani, (MFA), in which thousands of Ko- Amir Selmani, Arben Llapashtica, sovars sent photos for the best pho- Arber Berisha, Arber Nushi, Arian tos with the theme of Kosovo, in the Selmani, Armend Krasniqi, Art fifth year of its existence as a Repu- Navakazi, Atdhe Kollçaku, Bekim MFA launches blic, has come to an end. Kqiku, Beni Cufi, Berat Murina, The contest called InstaKo- Berin Hasi, Besnik Hasanaj, Bu- Interfaith sova was organized within the di- jar Gashi, Demokrat Dervishaj, gital diplomacy of the MFA, sup- Denis Baruti, Dita Syla, Enis Abu- Kosovo portal ported by a joint project with the dallhu, Erjon Halili, Eroll Bilibani, Norwegian Embassy, the British Fahredin Spahija, Fisnik Dobreci, Embassy and the British Council. Fisnik Halilosmani, Florent Mar- The portal Interfaith Kosovo Over 8000 photos were posted on mullaku, Gent Gjikolli, Hazir Reka, is established as a follow up social networks with InstaKosova Ilir Llonçari, Kushtrim Krasniqi, activitz from the Milvian Bridge hashtag. He purpose was to encou- Linda Dibra, Liridona Ponosheci, Conference organized by the rage citizens to take photographs Llukman Ibrahimi, Mili Grabov- American University of Kosovo, many beautiful sites of Kosovo and ci, Mimoza Miftari, Naim Grabo- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of to post them in social networks. vci, Nedih Limani, Nentor Oseku, Kosovo with participation of The national competition for Nita Pallaska, Petrit Daku, Rama- many ecumenical organizations best picture was opened in Janua- dan Gagica, Rejhana Rexhaj, Rinor from around the world. In this ry 2013. The professional jury eva- Ajeti, Sharr Rezniqi, Sherif Ahme- multi-language portal you will luated the best photos in three cate- taj, Shkodran Hajdini, Shkumbin be able to read content related gories: “Places in Kosovo”, “People Saneja, Trim Kabashi, Valon Bali- to tolerance and dialogue of Kosovo” and “Events in Kosovo”. demaj, Xhemail Shabani dhe Ve- between the religions of Kosovo Due to the enormous interest, Photo by Shkëlzen Rexha, one of the winners of InstaKosova Competition sa Deva. and the region. We hope that the fund for the awards increased, InstaKosova is the third project this is a small contribution to hence best 15 photos received a 200 contest has proven that will and a sive job. MFA has initiated this idea, conducted in recent months aimed promoting peace in our socie- euro award, whereas the winners only a little effort is needed, such believing that the random citizens at enriching content about Kosovo ties. of best 5 photos in each category as the effort to make a picture, to are often more decent diplomats in on the internet. The contest was The Interfaith Conference will receive 600 euro. 100 best pho- reveal its true beauty”. terms of promoting our country. preceded by AppCamp Kosovo will continue in May, 2013, with tos will be published in a special Arjeta Emra from the British The winners of best 5 photos and Wiki Kosovo Academy com- another session of global gathe- edition that will be sent to the em- Council who is also a partner of are: Arben Llapashtica, Beni Cu- petitions aimed at increasing the ring of inter-faith leaders, while bassies and diplomatic missions of the MFA of Kosovo in the imple- fi, Besnik Hasanaj, Fisnik Dobre- presence of mobile application on activists will continue work on the Republic o Kosovo. mentation of projects of public di- ci, Shkëlzen Rexha.While the win- Kosovo as well as the largest ency- this portal and workshops on To ensure the fairness of the plomacy, said that “the race attrac- ners of best 15 photos are: Abdura- clopedia, Wikipedia. The Public inter-faith diplomacy. competition, the jury has selected ted more interest than we expected him Abdushi, Besian Durmishi, Diplomacy project of the Ministry The team behind the portal the best photos after verifying their which proves that the best way of Bujar Gashi, Dita Syla, Enis Ab- of Foreign Affairs of the Republic consists of a group of students authenticity through signed state- communication was reached. Pho- dullahu, Gent Gjikolli, Ilir Lloncari, of Kosovo with the British Coun- and researchers led by editors: ments by the contestants. tos will remain forever on the inter- Linda Dibra, Nëntor Oseku, Petrit cil has recently been mentioned an Geneva Garland and Astrit Jury chairman, publisher and net. I congratulate the MFA for the Daku, Nita Pallaska, Faredin Agaj, example of cooperation between Zatriqi. The site is sponsored by editor Adriatic Kelmendi said that valuable and the ideas developed in Rejhana Rexhaj, Trim Kabashi, Va- Kosovo and Great Britain by Ba- British Council Kosovo, Kosovo “the national competition #Insta- the context of Digital Diplomacy”. lon Majanci. roness Warsi, the British Foreign Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kosova has proven in the best way Petrit Selimi, deputy foreign mi- In the InstaKosova book cate- Minister, at a session of the British Norwegian Embassy Prishtina, that our Kosova is beautiful. The nister “thanks the jury for a mas- gory, the photos of the following Parliament. British Embassy Prishtina. Foreign Ministry’s competition enriches Wikipedia with information on Kosovo

Wiki Academy Kosovo 2013 has This contest was organized new article on Kosovo archaeo- mote Kosovo positively with ac- gaps in online portals for Koso- ended, a youth training project in the framework of the Strate- logy by Atdhe Prelvukaj. In ad- curate encyclopedic information. vo. IPKO Foundation will conti- for the use of the world’s largest gy for Digital Diplomacy of the dition, best photos on Kosovo on Norwegian Ambassador Jan nue to support such projects encyclopedia, Wikipedia, which Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Wikipedia were selected, where Braathu said that this is among that encourage the development was aimed at increasing the in- has enabled the participation of 23 winners were announced: the most welcomed projects that of online content and for Kosovo formation about Kosovo in this over 200 contestants who have Bujar Gashi, Arben Llapashtica the embassy has co-financed, in general. valuable information resource. been awarded with a total fund and Arben Islami. encouraging the participants to Wiki Academy project aims to Ministry of Foreign Affairs of of 10,000 euro prize. Petrit Selimi, Deputy Minister stay in Wikipedia for a long time become an annual commitment the Republic of Kosovo, in coo- Fifty-seven (57) new articles of Foreign Affairs and the initia- to counter propagandists who do to increase as much as possible peration with the IPKO Founda- on Kosovo and its features were tor of the project, said that one of not wish well for Kosovo. information from Kosovo, while tion, the Free Libre Open Source submitted. The three main win- the main problems facing Kosovo Theresa Crawford from IP- the Digital Diplomacy Strategy Software Kosova (FLOSSK) and ners include article on the Ko- diplomacy is the lack of informa- KO Foundation said that Wiki of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Royal Norwegian Embassy sovo Information Technology tion from Kosovo and not only Academy Kosovo is a project of Kosovo, drafted in cooperation in Kosovo have completed the by Dardan Ahmeti, the Classi- political, but also information that is organized in a series of with the British Foreign Office national competition and the cal Music in Kosovo by Liburn on the culture, arts, economy innovative projects such as Ap- (FCO), was recently selected as Wiki Academy Kosovo 2013 Jupolli, Edona Vatoci and Mic and everyday life of Kosovars to pCamp Kosovo and InstaKosova the 4th best by the magazine “Ye- training cycle. Sokoli, while the winner is the break prejudices but also to pro- designed to meet the identified ni Diplomasi”. Kosovo’s New Diplomat jan/apr 2013 9 Cultural Diplomacy Finding New Ways to Connect in Kosovo In June, Kosovo will make its pavilion debut at the Venice Biennale. The exhibition is sponsored by MInistry of CUlture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo, and will be the first such presentation in world’s biggest art event

Petrit Halilaj, a 26-year-old art- ist whose artistic talent of draw- ing simultaneously with both hands was first spotted at a refu- gee camp in Albania, will be rep- resenting Kosovo in a solo exhibi- tion. He creates large-scale instal- lations that combine piles of earth and rubble, live chickens and his intricate drawings. It’s a major coup for both Mr. Halilaj and the Kosovo contempo- rary art scene, but it doesn’t come without controversy. Everything to do with Kosovo boils down to politics, and the contemporary art scene is no exception. Countries like Russia, China and Spain do not recognize Koso- vo, which declared independence from Serbia five years ago. Koso- vo’s participation as a country pa- vilion at one of the world’s premier art events is certain to ruffle some feathers. Representing Kosovo “is a beautiful challenge, which has Petrit Halilaj (2010), Installation view, 6 Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art lots of layers,” said Mr. Halilaj, who splits his time among Berlin, scene functions without any prop- few art collectors and no auction people watched 33 performances 40 a year — more and more Kos- Pristina and Mantova, Italy. De- erly trained art historians or cura- houses, meaning the market for — some by artists and others by ovar Albanians are coming to have spite the tricky political aspects of tors,” said Dren Maliqi, an artist art is limited. Travel is also an is- members of the public. a look. his participation, however, many who now works in arts manage- sue for artists: People in Kosovo “We wanted to do something “We had a vision for this place involved in the art scene here see ment. need visas to travel almost any- different, beyond anything that to not just be for the Serb artistic Venice as an important step. One of the positive things hap- where, making it challenging for was done before,” said Astrit Is- community but as a drop-in place “When you think of Venice you pening in the artistic community artists to take part in internation- maili, one of the young artists for all different people,” said Ne- think of it as a dream,” said Erzen of Kosovo is the re-emergence of al shows. who organized the event and the nad Maksimovic, who co-found- Shkololli, an artist who is also the the National Gallery of Kosovo, “I was taking part in a show in 2011 winner of the Kosova Art Gal- ed the culture center in 2011. “It director of the National Gallery of formerly known as the Kosova Art Russia but I could not go,” said lery’s Artist of Tomorrow Award. is not just an artistic space but it Kosovo in Pristina. “So it’s amaz- Gallery, which was established as the artist Alban Muja. “But it was “If you want to do something here, has an important societal compo- ing that we have the chance, for the the main state gallery in 1979. not even about getting a visa, they you have to invent your own path. nent too. So we are pushing people first time, to really be a part of this The shows it produced in the didn’t recognize my passport.” So maybe that is what makes this to see what we are doing, that we event.” past decade mostly focused on Surviving as an artist in Pristina is city interesting,” he said, adding are an effective part of society that The problems that artists in Kosovar Albanian artists. Mr. a difficult proposition, with many that “it’s always shifting.” contributes to the entire art and Kosovo face go beyond interna- Shkololli, the gallery’s director having to take jobs in art manage- One of those shifts has been cultural scene.” tional politics, however; first and — whose work will be featured in ment or teaching to pay the bills. some tentative steps by Kosovar The center has also recently foremost, the schism between a small solo show at the Van Ab- “It’s Darwinian because it Serb and Kosovar Albanian art- wrapped filming the “Kosovo Re- Kosovar Serbs and Kosovar Al- bemuseum in Eindhoven, Neth- throws out the people who do not ists to learn more about each oth- ality Show” — a four part series fo- banians remains a formidable erlands, beginning April 6 — was want to do it for real,” said Bril- er. While in recent years some cused on artistic projects, includ- barrier. appointed by the culture minister ant Pireva, 19, an award-winning Kosovar Albanian artists have ing street art, and conversations Since the war ended in 1999 to take over the gallery in late 2011. artist who spent a large chunk of worked with their counterparts between Albanian and Serb artists there have been almost no collab- During his short tenure, he has his childhood as a refugee in New who live in Serbia, it’s been more in and around Pristina, Prizren orative projects between Kosovar set about modernizing the gallery, Zealand. “You live poorly and you rare to find collaborations involv- and Gracanica. There were some Serb and Kosovar Albanian art- inviting international curators to cannot afford anything, so the only ing Kosovar Serbs, who complain problems when it came to film- ists. organize shows, and holding exhi- reason you are doing it is because that they have not been incorpo- ing the show. Some of the artists After the war, most Kosovar bitions that highlight local and in- you either love it or you need to. I rated into the Pristina contempo- did not have cellphones, making Serbs fled the city and Kosovar ternational contemporary artists. wish I was born loving economics rary art scene. it hard to track them down, and Albanians began running the art The gallery has also benefited or computer programming but art But there are hints that things a few of the Albanian and Roma institutions — including the art from the fact that Kosovo went is my thing.” are starting to change. In Decem- participants dropped out when academy at the University of Pris- against the current trend in Eu- Despite these issues and the ber, a three-day contemporary art photos of them being involved in tina and the National Gallery — rope and increased its funding lack of exhibition spaces, artists training project brought together the project appeared on Facebook. that they had been kicked out of for cultural institutions last year. have “a lot of energy and enthusi- artists from Gracanica — a Serb- But, over all, the series reflects during the regime of the Serbian As a result, the gallery’s budget asm,” said Shkelzen Maliqi, a phi- dominated suburb of the capital — a positive step. “I do not know a leader Slobodan Milosevic. That increased by 20 percent for 2013. losopher who sits on the board of and Pristina. lot about the scene there,” the art- meant not only starting over with There are also plans for a Museum the Kosova Art Gallery. One suc- The project was organized by ist Astrit Ismaili said of Gracani- those institutions but also trying of Contemporary Art; the money cessful example of this was, the Alternative Culture Center ca. “But I will go there and visit. I to create a new arts infrastructure. is earmarked but the ministry is “Prishtine — Mon Amour,” an Gracanica and the noncommer- think they have to get involved in Only this year, the art academy still in negotiations with the city evening of performance art held cial Stacion Center of Contempo- the art scene here. It is such a small introduced a conceptual art mod- government for a space. last September in the burned out rary Art. Lately, when the center scene so it should be presented to- ule, yet it offers no courses in art But the Pristina art scene still Boro Ramiz exhibition hall in the in Gracanica opens a new exhibi- gether.” history or curatorial studies. “The faces the fact that there are very center of town. More than 2,500 tion or program — it holds 30 to The New York Times 10 jan/apr 2013 Kosovo’s New Diplomat Cultural Diplomacy How did London see Balkans and Kosovo 100 years ago Two separate art events were organized in Kosovo to mark the 5th anniversary of the Kosovo independence. In one exhibi- tion, old documents and drawings from UK were exhibited, while the National gallery presented its’ best graphics, including works by Andy Warhol and Henry Moore

National and University Library of Kosovo has opened the ex- hibition “How did London see Balkans 100 years ago”, where photographs, paintings, do- cuments, maps, cartoons and other materials were presented, through which the British press has represented the events that occurred in Kosovo, Albania and in the Balkans. In the hall of the respective library were exposed writings, photographs, maps, documents and paintings ofAlbania andAl - banians published in the British press. The exhibition “How did London see Balkans 100 years ago”, on the joint occasion of the 100th anniversary or indepen- dence of Albania and the 5th anniversary of the declaration of independence of Kosovo, was organized by the Centre forAlba - nian Studies in London and the Ministry of ForeignAffairs of the Republic of Kosovo. Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Enver Hoxhaj, said that during his studies in Vienna and Prishtina he has the chance to see a part of these mate- and status of Albanians in the that “Great Britain, along with gor, First Secretary of the Em- nature and educational nature, rials published in various books, Balkans, but above all, having Austria-Hungary were the two bassy of Great Britain, whereas including various cartography but never had the opportunity to in focus the establishment of the crucial states that have enabled the Republic of Albania was re- and cartoon, which reflect the see them in the form that they Albanian state, shaping of the the creation of theAlbanian state presented byAmbassador Islam history of Albania, Kosovo and were offered in this event. “This Albanian state, the Balkan wars in the early 20th century and Ko- Lauka. the region. exhibition offers views, images and it is clear that the opening sovo state in 2008, I say this with The researcher Bejtullah Des- The exhibition was attended and content from the 17th cen- of this exhibition from me as fo- great historic competent”. tani said that in recent years he by the public and was acitivity or- tury, 18th, 19th and especially reign minister has a p political Great Britain was represented engaged himself to bring some ganized in teh context of celebra- 20th century, describing the fate message”, said Hoxhaj. He added in the event by Myrna MacGre- images which are of historical ting Kosovo’s 5th Anniversary. Graphics art exhibition marks the 5th anniversary of Kosovo’s statehood

National Gallery of Kosovo, to The inclusion of internation- of contemporary visual arts”, mark the fifth anniversary of al artists, including those from said Maliqi. the statehood of Kosovo, has the region, has put the exhibi- The director of the National presented to the public 93 from tion in a global context and has Art Gallery of Kosovo, Shko- 897 artworks of its collection, provided the public with an op- lolli, talked about plans for the brought in graphics, includ- portunity to the public to see preservation of the collection. He ing names like Shyqri Nimani, the influence of foreign artist in said he will engage this year to Franco Gentilini, Andy Worhol, Kosovo scene and how the latter make a selection about the fund Fatmir Krypa, Jim Cave and 15 has been developed during the of the gallery for the preserva- other artists. This was the first 70s-80s. While Shkëlzen Maliqi, tion of works. “We will create the exhibition for this year that was a member of the Board of the Na- conditions for the preservation organized by this gallery, entitled tional Gallery, who also wrote a of the collection and then start “Graphics” and curated by its text for the exhibition which was to think about increasing the director, Erzen Shkololli. The published in the publication of number of artworks. The Minis- latter has revealed that the Art the exhibition of the collection, try of Culture, Youth and Sports Gallery, now National Gallery, spoke about the importance of has plans to build the Museum has a rich fund of works and a maintaining a collection of the of Contemporary Art where the good part of it consists of work in Gallery. collection will be transferred”, graphics. “From the day that we were The exhibition included works from the 70’s and 80’s said Shkololli. The exhibition included works appointed to our positions, the In the end, Shkololli an- from the 70’s and 80’s and was Board of the National Gallery for exhibition and put them in relation to the collection, to im- nounced that he intends to pres- focused on the graphic collection has been engaged to better pro- frames. With this exhibition we prove the conditions, to create ent the “Graphis” exhibition in of the National Gallery, which is tect the collection and one of the have sensitized the public that tools to enrich it and to invest in other cities in Kosovo, starting quite rich. ways is to draw collection works the something should be done in heritage conservation in the field with Prizren and Peje. Kosovo’s New Diplomat jan/apr 2013 11 Opinions and Editorials

Editorials published in Macedonia’s leading diplomatic newspaper “Macedonian Diplomatic Bulletin”

Personal integrity proves vital Kosovo is significant trade in diplomacy and communication partner to Macedonia

The end of this year is usually a time of will surely contribute to the very momen- One more year filled with the tant trade partner to the Repub- combined emotions; everyone is in a rush tum of understanding and cooperation in usual dynamics typical for the lic of Macedonia. The upward to perform as much work as it is left in or- the region. situation in Kosovo is behind trend in trade is a result of the der to leave room for enjoying the holidays I must say that neither of these coun- us. The race against time is long-standing traditional rela- and at the same time to recap as it happens tries (Greece and Serbia) has yet recog- something one has to become tions clearly marked by mutual whenever a process ends. nized my country Kosovo, the younger accustomed to in order to stay trust and the legal framework Writing for the Macedonian Diplomat- country in Europe, which has already present in the political life in closely defining all aspects of ic Bulletin means to share these thoughts been recognized by almost 100 countries, which situation often change at the bilateral relations. and feelings with your colleagues. Indeed, 22 of which are in the European Union, of an incomprehensible rate. In this context, I would like my diary is dedicated to them, or it is bet- which Greece has been a long-time mem- Some of them leave a longer to single out the meeting of the ter to say, some of them, who will not be ber and which Serbia and Kosovo seek to trail as others only occasion- Mixed Committee for Econom- anymore with us here in Skopje. join. ally upset the spirits of another ic Cooperation held in Sko- December 12, 2012, with all its symbol- Both our colleagues time before being conceded to pje, at which, ism carefully chosen by the dean of our have shown how, de- oblivion. The diary of the Em- with a very diplomatic corps, Albanian Ambassador spite the political diffi- bassy says: serious ap- Arben Çejku, was the day of bidding fare- culties and diplomatic We commenced the year that proach, the well to two honored colleagues: Alexan- relations, with the per- passed with the first official vis- shared in- dra Papadopoulou and Tomislav Djurin. sonal role and integrity, it of Trajko Veljanoski, Speaker terests in the Both of our colleagues are distinguished the most necessary and of the Macedonian Parliament, field of en- by outstanding careers. Mrs. Papadopou- ylber fundamental in diplo- to Kosovo – the first of its kind Stojan ergy and in- hysa Karajanov lou has served at many important posi- macy – personal com- since the establishment of dip- frastructure, tions, from the United Nations to the Bal- Ambassador munication – can be lomatic relations – as nine oth- particularly kans, and is now preparing to take up a of the Republic achieved! ers at ministerial level imme- the construc- of Kosovo to tion of the position of interest to Athens at the Euro- This human value is diately followed. Each of them Ambassador of pean department important for the Euro- the Republic of very important in di- had its own objective and con- Skopje-Pris- Macedonia the Republic of pean integration policy, especially for the plomacy and its mis- tributed to the strengthening of Macedonia to tina highway, countries of our region that aspire to be sion which entails un- the relations between the two Kosovo the repairs of part of the great family of European val- derstanding and peace. neighbors. the 400 KV ues. I have no doubt that our former col- Moreover, we are about to begin a high- However, in the past year, a power line league, Mrs. Papadopoulou, with all her ly expected dialogue that must produce a priority was given to the eco- and the possibility of connect- knowledge about this region will be a great solution with which we must live by ad- nomic cooperation, which, even ing Kosovo to the South Stream asset when Greece takes over the EU Pres- dressing in this way not only bilateral is- in aggravated conditions for do- gas pipeline through the Re- idency in early 2014. sues but the awareness of stability in the ing business, yielded some pos- public of Macedonia, were Mrs. Papadopoulou is the first diplomat region in the light of the aspirations of be- itive results. agreed upon. who opened a Greek office in Prishtina, for ing part of the European values. Instead of a summary, we are The possibilities for coopera- which I once again publicly express my All of this is always easier when repre- going to underline that in the tion are immense. The priori- gratitude. Mr. Djurin is a very valuable sented with dignity and professionalism year that has remained behind ties, to the realization of which colleague liked by the entire diplomatic as both our former colleagues, Papado- us the export of Macedonian there are no barriers, have been corps. His sense of professionalism, col- poulou and Djurin, did. products to Kosovo exceeded differentiated. legiality and sincerity made him loved and To them, and to all of us, I wish happy Follow us on 300 million euros, which con- The new page of our diary Twitter accepted by all. His departure to Belgrade holidays, and an even greater year, 2013. @MFAKosovo firms that Kosovo is an impor- has already been turned. Facing the truth aids the process of reconciliation Youth from the region meet in Belgrade to break prejudices about each other

Young people from the Re- to politicians. Among topics following compatriots: Allem Republic of Kosovo and the Re- public of Kosovo, including discussed were human rights, Isanoviq, Endrit Kadriu, Hadis public of Serbia, as a complex myself, participated in the war crimes, multi-perspective Karatashi, Rejhan Kurbashe- process, should be initially Youth Reconciliation Ambas- approach to the teaching of his- viq, Sanella Sadikoviq and preceded by an apology to the sadors Program, organized by Astrit Zatriqi tory, conflict prevention. The Violeta Hamza. people of Kosovo from the Ser- the Youth Education Com- participants also visited the Presentations by parti- bian state, and finally by the mittee, which aims to provide Public Prosecutor’s Office and cipants from Kosovo, in a mutual recognition between the young people from the program, funded by the British the Officer of the War Crimes private capacity, were of a the two states, such programs Republic of Kosovo, Bosnia Embassy in Belgrade, included Prosecutor, the Humanitarian particular importance given provide young people in both and Herzegovina and Republic lectures by speakers from Law Center, the Anti-Corrup- that the public in Serbia, as it countries the opportunity to of Serbia with an opportunity different spheres of society as tion Agency, and so forth. In is well known, did not have the exchange knowledge about to discuss and compare the well as visits to various institu- most cases, sufficient space adequate opportunities to ob- their countries and to shatter experiences of their societies tions. Accordingly, I found the was provided for the inclusion jective, impartial and well-in- prejudices. with the processes of recon- program very beneficial. of the participants in the lec- tentioned information on the All participants from ciliation and transition in the There were lectures by tures through questions, com- developments in Kosovo. the Republic of Kosovo, but region by using the European political scientists, histo- ments and debate in general. Although the normaliza- also young people from other integration as a tool. The rians, human rights experts, I was accompanied by the tion of relations between the regional countries cited the 12 jan/apr 2013 Kosovo’s New Diplomat Photo Collage Celebration of 5th anniversary of statehood in Kosovo embassies

Kosovo’s ambassador to Australia, Skender Durmishi, waving Kosovo’s flag on the 5th anniversary of Kosovo’s statehood

Celebration of the 5th anniversary of Kosovo’s statehood in Albania. Ambassador Sylejman Selimi addressing the guests.

Celebration of the 5th anniversary of Kosovo’s statehood in Brussels

Celebration of the 5th anniversary of Kosovo’s statehood in Turkey. Am- Celebration of the 5th anniversary of Kosovo’s statehood in Hungary, bassador Avni Spahiu. Ambassador Shkendije Geci Sherifi Kosovo’s New Diplomat jan/apr 2013 13 Photo Collage Celebration of 5th anniversary of statehood in Kosovo embassies

Celebration of the 5th anniversary of Kosovo’s statehood in Germany. Consul Astrit Zemaj

Celebration of the 5th anniversary of Kosovo’s statehood in Germany. Ambassa- dor Skender Xhakaliu and ministers Ibrahim Kadriu and Memli Krasniqi

Celebration of the 5th anniversary of Kosovo’s statehood in Albania.

(Top) Celebra- tion of the 5th anniversary of Kosovo’s state- hood in the United States. Ambassador Celebration of Akan Ismaili with the 5th anniver- Congressman sary of Kosovo’s Eliot Engel statehood in Netherlands. (Left) Celebra- Ambassador tion of the 5th Nexhmi Rexhepi. anniversary of Kosovo’s state- hood in the United Kingdom. Ambassador Lirim Greiçevci

(Bottom) Cel- ebration of the 5th anniversary of Kosovo’s state- hood in Slovenia. Ambassador Mimoza Ahmetaj 14 jan/feb 2013 Kosovo’s New Diplomat Interfaith Initiative

— Java e Tolerancës dhe Pajtimit · The Week of Tolerance and Reconciliation · Nedelja Tolerancije i 23 May Commemoration of the Pomirenja — victims of Holocaust in Kosovo - Prishtina – The 2 history of Jewish presence in 20-26 May Kosovo mirrors that of the Jews in rest of the Balkans. There were many Jewish families 20 May that settled in various cities in Stone for Peace Kosovo as they fled from Spain Ceremony in Kosovo - in 15th century, while the re- Prishtina – Ever since 1991, gion was still part of Ottoman 1 a Japanese NGO called The Empire. Although Albanians Stone for Peace Association have saved most of the Jews in of Hiroshima goes around the the territories occupied by the world to share cobble stones Italy and Germany during the from streets of Hiroshima WW2, there were still dozens of that witnessed the A-bomb Kosovo Jews that disappeared in blast in 1945. Presidents, the tragedy of the Holocaust or Prime Ministers and other Sho’ah. The war of 1999 further leaders of the world attend decimated the number of Jews in the ceremonies that are meant Kosovo as they shared the fate to promote peace and toler- of their Kosovo compatriots and ance around the globe. left the country on permanent Kosovo will be one of the basis to Israel. countries that will receive Prime Minister of Kosovo “The Stone for Peace”, which Hashim Thaçi with leaders of all is now considered to be a faith communities will inaugu- symbol of desire for peace rate a memorial plaque to com- around the world. memorate the Kosovo Jewish President Atifete Jahjaga of victims of Sho’ah, in the centre Kosovo, Japanese Ambas- of the capital city of Prishtina sador to Kosovo, representa- where the last remaining syna- tives of Hiroshima and The gogue used to stand, while the Stone for Peace Association famous Israeli Ron Arad will will attend the ceremony that present to the local public and will link Kosovo to over 100 guests the concept for the Jew- countries that have already ish Memorial Centre of Kosovo, mounted the stone in their cit- supported by the Ministry of ies. Culture of Republic of Kosovo. Kosovo’s New Diplomat jan/feb 2013 15 Interfaith Initiative

24 – 26 May 24-26 May International Conference 10th Anniversary of “Faith and reconcilia- South East European tion: What is the Future Gathering – Breakfast 3 of Interfaith Dialogue?” – 4 Prayer Ceremony – This Peja/Pec event is organized by the – Kosovo will host over 150 Parliament of Kosovo, tak- theologians, faith leaders, civil ing into account the National society activists and diplo- Prayer Breakfast in US, a mats that are engaged in the gathering of world leaders in issues of the global interfaith politics, diplomacy, economy dialogue. The conference is that is held every year in Unit- organized by an ecumenical ed States with the intention organization Soul of Europe of forging bonds between US with the support of Kosovo and world leaders to promote Ministry of Foreign Affairs, values of peace, belief and Norwegian Embassy, British tolerance. Embassy, British Council and Since 2003, Balkan govern- Tony Blair Faith Foundation ments have been hosting and intends to research con- events modeled and support- temporary issues connected to ed by the US organizers and the interfaith dialogue such as Kosovo is honored to host the role of social media in pro- 10th Anniversary of the South moting agenda of tolerance, East European Gathering that protection of physical places will assemble a range of law- of memory as important as- makers, diplomats, executives pect of interfaith dialogue, so- from South East Europe, US cial activism as a facet of the and the world. The ceremony interfaith dialogue, etj. Nobel is on 25th of May, however prize winners, global faith the special guests will have leaders and famus activists the opportunity to meet and will hold panel discussions in network with Kosovo lead- the beautiful city of Peja that ers from all parties and com- is also the headquarters of the munities in order to promote famous Patriarchate of Peja of the positive agenda and Serbian Orthodox Church. reconciliation in the Balkans. Its especially important that this year’s gathering will be organized with an important backdrop of the Kosovo-Ser- bia dialogue that is meant to bring reconciliation between • For more information on the events, two countries on their road to please contact: Euro-Atlantic integrations. [email protected] and [email protected]

• For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

• For news from Kosovo on interfaith dialogue please consult www.interfaithkosovo.org InterfaithKosovo 16 jan/feb 2013 Kosovo’s New Diplomat Promo

Ministria e Kulturës, Rinisë dhe Sportit Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Ministarstvo Kulture, Omladine i Sporta