News: Limaj Case Strains Political and Diplomatic Ties

May 21 - June 3, 2010 Issue No. 40 www.prishtinainsight.com Price € 1

NEWS Demolition Threat to Prishtina Airport Splashes 30,000 Euro on Puff Piece Prishtina’s Ottoman Heritage > page 4 Prishtina Insight can reveal that one of the Kosovo capital’s last historic homes was removed from the list of protected buildings and was to be knocked down by the end of the month – before the intervention of the Minister of Culture yesterday

By Petrit Collaku

ast-minute protests by conservationists and Lintervention by this newspaper appear to have NEWS saved one of Prishtina’s few remaining Ottoman-era town EU Criticises houses from demolition. Kosovo’s Ministry of Culture Albania Over War had removed the so-called Hyniler House, located in the Old Crimes Probe Town, from the list of protected buildings, allowing the site to be > page 2 redeveloped. The Hyniler family, the owners CITY of the building, which is one of the few surviving Ottoman kon- World Gathers in aks in the capital, told Prishtina Insight that they hoped the build- Mitrovica for Cities ing would be knocked down by the end of the month. Conference However, following our inter- vention and other protests, > page 6 including a Facebook campaign which attracted 1,500 members, FOOD & DRINK the ministry sent a team of experts to the home yesterday. Green Villa: Lush And as Prishtina Insight went to press, the recently appointed Surroundings, culture minister, Lutfi Haziri, issued a ruling overturning the Rushed Food The Hyniler House in Prishtina’s Old Town has been under threat of demolition decisions of his predecessors to remove the building from the pro- monuments, including those on signed by the then Permanent decision. > page 10 tected list. the list and others currently not Secretary of the Ministry of The family said they had The case has raised fears about listed. Culture Mon Zhubi. reached an agreement with devel- the future of Prishtina’s remain- The Hyniler House, built in the The owner of the house, Minir opers to demolish the building FEATURE ing heritage and the Ministry of late 19th Century, was placed Hyniler, said the family had and erect a block of flats. Culture’s commitment to main- under a protection order in 1967. obtained two documents that The news has shocked conser- taining historic buildings. But Prishtina Insight has seen a gave them permission to knock it vationists in Prishtina who have School Conservation experts told document issued by the Ministry down, approved by two former called for the home to be put back Textbooks Prishtina Insight that the Hyniler of Culture, dated 2007, which says culture ministers, Astrit on the list of protected monu- house is just one of many threat- the house has been removed from Haraqija and Valton Beqiri. ments. Fail Accuracy ened buildings in the city and the “register of cultural monu- Prishtina Insight was able to con- called for greater protection of ments”. The document was firm that both men issued such a continues page 8-9 Test Where the Streets Have Stalled Reforms Delay > page 7 Many Names Kosovo Donations

Prishtina’s multiple street name Kosovo’s government has said it expects NGO FOCUS changes are already a postman’s night- to receive the full 1.2 billion euro, pledged mare. by international donors in July 2008. But Ideas Partnership: But last week the situation became even economic experts warn that 150 million More than Just a more confused with the arrival of a new euro promised by the European Union, as brand of guerilla street naming in the cap- well as other funds, could be at risk Second Thought ital... because ... city page 6 business page 5 > page 14

Y M is supported by: C K 2 May 21 - June 3, 2010 news EU Mission Criticises Albania Over War Crimes Probe EULEX says Tirana has not responded to requests for help in investigating claims about KLA-run detention camps in Albania in 1999 pending possible indictment. which is the second EULEX inves- Philip Alston, a law professor tigation for which they have who is the special rapporteur of requested assistance from the By Altin Raxhimi the UN Commission on Human Albanian authorities. Rights on Extrajudicial, Summary, In her 2008 memoir, Carla del or Arbitrary Executions - and who Ponte, former chief prosecutor of he European Union rule-of- urged Albania to cooperate with the International Tribunal for law mission in Kosovo, international investigating bodies Crimes in Former Yugoslavia, TEULEX, says its requests for last February - said on May 12 that ICTY, says that that the KLA might Albania to cooperate over alleged the Geci arrest was important. have kidnapped several hundred war crimes that took place in “It is a significant step forward Serb civilians in Kosovo in 1999 Albania in 1999 have fallen on deaf in efforts to obtain the truth and taken them to northern ears. around allegations that war crimes Albania, some of whom were sent EULEX says it has at least twice were committed in Albania in to Burrel and had their organs The prison allegedly used by the KLA in Kukes, Albania asked Albania’s Minister of KLA-run detention facilities,” he harvested. Albanian army barracks in to the Kosovo border and deeper Justice to assist investigators over told Prishtina Insight. Raatikainen has said he is skep- Cahan. inside Albania while maintaining two allegations. “Albania has been very reluctant tical of the allegations concerning An investigation by BIRN last support offices and bases in the These concern the alleged deten- to facilitate any recent investiga- KLA organ trafficking of captured year concluded that up to two capital Tirana and near the main tion of Kosovo Albanian and Roma tions on its territory and during Serbs: “Based on the intelligence I dozen people were detained in the Albanian port of Durres. civilians by the Kosovo Liberation my February 2010 mission to the have it is difficult to believe that it KLA base in Kukes of whom as The KLA then tried to fight its Army, KLA, in bases inside country the government was still happened.” But he added that the many as 18 appear to have disap- way from Albania into Kosovo Albania in 1999, and separate alle- insisting that there were no foun- case could not be considered peared, possibly killed. through two corridors, one in gations that the KLA detained and dations to [any of] these allega- closed until a proper investigation The detainees were all Kosovo Koshare, in the district of Tropoja killed Serbs in its camps in tions,” he added. had proved nothing of the sort had Albanians, apart from a few on Albania’s eastern border with Albania, trafficking their organs. “Geci’s arrest, the first related to happened. Roma, mostly suspected by the Kosovo, during the early stages of “We have been seeking coopera- war crimes in Albania, makes Tirana, meanwhile, says it is not KLA of collaborating with the the NATO bombing, and, to its tion from the Albanian authorities clear the need for the government aware of having received any Serbian regime. However, one west, on the mount Pashtrik, in for some time,” said Matti of Albania to follow through on its demands from EULEX to cooper- source from the former KLA the region of Has, towards the end Raatikainen, chief of war crimes recent commitment to cooperate ate in investigating either of the detention facility in Kukes told of the war. investigations with EULEX, fully and openly with all interna- allegations about KLA-run camps Prishtina Insight last year he The KLA bases in Kukes, just adding that the mission had not tional investigators, including in Albania. heard detainees shouting in east of Pashtrik, and at Cahan, at received an answer. EULEX, the Serbian war-crimes “I have not heard of such Serbian, a language the source the foot of Mt Pashtrik, where the EULEX still maintains responsi- prosecutor, and the Council of requests,” Arben Brace, head of said he was able to identify. makeshift jails were alleged to bility for war crimes investiga- Europe.” the justice ministry’s foreign rela- Spiro Butka, another retired have operated, served mainly as tions, such responsibilities having Geci left Kosovo for Albania tions, told Prishtina Insight. Albanian army officer formerly planning and logistics centre for not been transferred to the Kosovo after being injured in skirmishes Foreign Ministry spokesman Ralf attached to the KLA, told the KLA operation in Pashtrik. government. between the KLA and Serbian Gjoni said neither Justice Prishtina Insight he knew of two Allegations that a detention On May 12, Kosovo police work- forces in Kosovo in 1998 and then Minister Bujar Nishani nor Serbian soldiers seized in facility was also attached to the ing for EULEX raided the Kosovo served as KLA intelligence chief Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta Koshare, on the other side of the KLA base in Cahan surfaced in home of one man that the EU mis- in Albania until the end of the knew of the requests. border, who were brought to the the Kosovo press several years sion suspects of involvement in war, according to Dilaver Goxhaj, Gjoni said Albania was willing base. ago. Bota Sot, a Kosovo daily close these alleged crimes. a retired Albanian army officer to cooperate with its internation- But Butka told Prishtina to the Democratic League of Xhemshit Krasniqi, a former attached to the KLA during the al partners on judicial matters, Insight last year that they were Kosovo, LDK, carried an inter- regional KLA commander, was not conflict. including EULEX. Albanian pros- handed over to the International view in 2005 with man who at home during the raid. His Geci’s lawyers told Kosovo ecutors were currently engaged Red Cross and he denied both the claimed he had been among 17 whereabouts are unknown, though media that the accusations being in only one joint criminal investi- existence of a detention centre in Kosovo Albanian LDK sympathiz- he is reported to be in Albania. made against him were trumped- gation, but it was not about war Kukes or the detention of Serbian ers detained in Cahan, several of A week earlier, on May 5, under up, referring to claims by Serbia’s crimes, Kosta Mertiri, deputy civilians there, as did Hashim whom were detained and tortured, orders from EULEX, Kosovo police war-crimes prosecutor, Bruno chair of the Prosecution for Thaci, now Prime Minister of he said. Prishtina Insight has not arrested another former KLA com- Vekaric, that Geci’s arrest was Serious Crimes office in Tirana, Kosovo, in a BBC interview in verified the claims. mander, Sabit Geci, 51. The former related to the alleged detention said. 2009. If these or similar allegations KLA commander in the Drenica and murder of Serb civilians in Sources close to the EULEX The KLA maintained a strong are ever proven by the Kosovo region of central Kosovo was KLA camps in Albania. prosecutors say they suspect KLA presence in Albania in the run-up courts, they would cast fresh light seized near his home in Pristina’s However, EULEX spokesperson forces detained and tortured to and during the 1999 conflict in on the fierceness of the conflict Qyteza Pajton district. Kristiina Herodes in a statement dozens of people whom they Kosovo. During the NATO bomb- that emerged in the 1990s between Geci is reported in the Kosovo said there was no connection picked up among the masses of ing of Yugoslavia from March to the more moderate LDK and more media to have been linked by between Geci’s arrest and Kosovo Albanians fleeing the con- June, the KLA tried to open two radical ethnic Albanian groups EULEX to alleged war crimes in Vekaric’s allegations about the flict. corridors along the Albanian bor- that formed the backbone of the two KLA bases in northern existence of a so-called “yellow They believe that the detainees der with Kosovo into Kosovo. KLA – and which saw armed con- Albania. A court in the northern house” in northern Albania in were seized in different parts of It used abandoned army bar- flict as the only way to obtain Kosovo town of Mitrovica ordered which Serbs were held, tortured Albania and sent to a detention racks and industrial facilities in independence for Kosovo from his detention for 30 days and killed, and facility in Kukes and a former Albanian towns and villages close Serbia. egion? 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C ed by: K is support news May 21 - June 3, 2010 3

Editor’s Word Mbrojtje

By Lawrence Marzouk

rishtina’s Ottoman past was rav- aged by the Yugoslav regime, Pintent on ‘modernising’ the city. Unfortunately, the remnants of Prishtina’s history are now facing another wave of destruction. After the fire that razed the grand Union Hotel, now the Hyniler House, one of Prishtina’s finest Ottoman homes, is under threat from the bull- dozers. This is truly dispiriting for those who are passionate about architecture and feel strongly about preserving the past, as I do. I understand that in developing EULEX head Yves de Kermabon and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci. Relations between EULEX and Kosovo’s government have been strained over the ‘Limaj Case’ economies there will be tension between the need for people to scrape together a living and the need to retain historic buildings. Limaj Case Strains Political It would be a cold-hearted man who would look down on an impoverished family which planned to sell their out- dated, rundown Ottoman home in order to survive. and Diplomatic Ties But the state must have an active role to play in these matters. The corruption probe into Transport Minister Fatmir Limaj is testing the government’s relationships with the EU Important structures need to be pro- mission, as well as prompting opposition demands for early elections. tected by law and if they are to be removed from a conservation list, this Mustafa said EULEX’s action job, not only in road infrastruc- Finnish negotiator who came up must be done transparently. against Ministry of Transport ture which is supported widely,” with the plan for Kosovo to gain It’s excellent news that the recently had compromised the image of a PDK press release read, refer- international recognition in appointed Minister of Culture Lutfi By Petrit Collaku the country and of the govern- ring to his ambitious road-build- exchange for agreeing to “super- Haziri looks set to reverse the decision ment, which had failed to fight ing activity. vised” independence. of his two predecessors and retain the corruption. In his first interview since the Kryeziu, of the LDK, said he Hyniler House on the protected list, The largest LDK branch in raids on Radio Television of was “happy that such actions osovo’s Minister of but the whole episodes raises worry- Prishtina is creating a special Kosovo, RTK, Limaj last week have started”, adding that no one Transport, Fatmir Limaj, ing questions about the state’s com- “solidarity’ fund, drawn from all insisted that he and his co-work- should be above the law. Kand the ministry’s head of mitment to heritage. LDK members’ contributions, to ers were not guilty of corruption, The largest opposition party, procurement, Nexhat Krasniqi, The government and its agencies could face up to 55 years in jail if support any ministers and and the truth about him and his Alliance for the Future of could play a role in preserving historic they are found guilty of corrup- deputy minister who leave the work would come to light. “I am Kosovo, AAK, strongly supported building by buying them up from fam- tion charges. Another six minis- coalition. The head of the as clean as a tear,” said Limaj, the EULEX raids. “EULEX has a ilies who are desperate to sell, or facil- ters are also under investigation branch, Sami Hamiti, is presi- who maintained that the actions mandate to do this, if Kosovo itating the work of NGOs who are for corruption. This was the dent of Prishtina’s municipal against him were principally cannot manage to fight corrup- looking to purchase them for restora- hard-hitting assessment of assembly. aimed at humiliating him and his tion,” Blerim Shala, vice-presi- tion. EULEX’s Chief Prosecutor, But high-ranking members of family. dent of the AAK, said. Certainly, a compromise between Johan van Vreeswijk, in an inter- the LDK were quick to dismiss “We can help them [EULEX] Another opposition party, New allowing people to sell their home and view with the Prishtina daily Mustafa’s claim that the coalition without delaying their work and Kosovo Alliance, AKR, went fur- conservation cannot be found if a Koha Ditore on May 7. was on the verge of breaking up. as for the others [my political ther. The investigations should home is surreptitiously removed from The front-page article was evi- Eqrem Kryeziu, vice-president of opponents] I would remind them expand to cover all the main gov- a preservation list and handed over to dence of the dramatic fallout of the LDK, told Prishtina Insight that they cannot politically lynch ernment ministries “in order to a developer, as was nearly the case the raids conducted by the EU there would be “no change at all people,” Limaj said. solve all suspected cases of cor- with the Hyniler House. rule-of-law mission on the with the governing coalition”. For the first time since the ruption”, Ibrahim Makolli, vice- If government institutions and min- Ministry of Transport and on While there were clear signs of raids, Thaci met with the head of president of the AKR, said. istries do not take a firmer and more properties connected to Limaj, a friction between the PDK and EULEX, Yves de Kermabon on “AKR considers that the only proactive role in this task then member of the Democratic Party EULEX and the head of the Monday. The Prime Minister’s solution to go forward with Prishtina’s past will be all but wiped of Kosovo, PDK. International Civilian Office, press office said the “Limaj case” Kosovo’s state-building is hold- out in the next decade. Vreeswijk’s reaction followed Pieter Feith, following the raids, was not a topic of discussion ing early elections early in For a city looking to attract tourists, government officials’ criticism of the government has taken a less between Thaci and Kermabon. autumn,” he added. this would be a disaster. the raids as a “media spectacle”. confrontational approach in Thaci struck a less critical However, political commenta- Kosovo’s capital is gaining a reputa- But EULEX has received strong recent days. tone towards EULEX after the tor Bardh Hamzaj noted that tion for its café culture and nightlife, support from civil society groups In an interview on May 6, meeting. “I am very satisfied other opposition parties were but you need more than macchiatos in Kosovo, which have joined Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Hashim with the cooperation between remaining quiet on the subject of and mojitos to draw in the tourist dol- forces to issue a statement in Thaci, claimed the EULEX raids Kosovo’s government and demanding early elections. lar. support of the mission’s crack- sent out a message that “Kosovo’s EULEX,” he said. “They’re staying silent for now Already, in beauty terms, Prishtina down. Meanwhile, some opposi- institutions were at war with the The Interior Minister, Bajram because they think that what is a hard sell, but it does still retain tion parties have taken advan- international institutions”. Rexhepi, a PDK member and for- EULEX has started will help enough history to complement its tage of the government’s embar- Thaci also questioned whether mer prime minister, told them,” he said. vibrant street life. rassment to call for early elec- Feith, the International Civilian Prishtina Insight that the EU Hamzaj said the relationship Protection, or Mbrojtje in Albanian, tions. Representative, had interfered in mission had a right to conduct between the Kosovo government may seem like a trivial issue today, Calls for the coalition between the judicial system. The speaker such probes. “They can start now and international community given the great problems Kosovo faces the PDK and the Democratic of parliament, Jakup Krasniqi, to investigate the times when I had been worrying, having in in terms of tackling poverty and the League of Kosovo, LDK, to be dis- meanwhile described the raids as was the prime minister too,” mind the initially strong state- rule of law, but with relatively little solved have come from within “a spectacle”, maintaining that Rexhepi said. ments of Thaci and Krasniqi. But effort Prishtina’s past can be properly the partnership. Isa Mustafa, EULEX could simply have asked Rexhepi said such investiga- matters had since settled down preserved. mayor of Prishtina, seen by for the necessary documents tions formed part of EULEX’s and it was clear that Krasniqi And, in the future, the past could be some as a future leader of the instead of raiding the ministry. mandate, noting that the mission had made his aggressive state- key to the country’s tourism appeal Y LDK, said that in the light of the Limaj received official backing had been invited to the country ments “for one single purpose”, and, perhaps more importantly, to its M raids, “It is time to break from from his party in a statement. under the terms of the so-called which was to soothe the anger of identity. C the coalition.” “Minister Limaj has done great Ahtisaari plan, named after the some frustrated PDK members. K 4 May 21 - June 3, 2010 news Hague Backs EU Expansion in Balkans

News in Brief News Albania’s Thirre Tunnel to Kosovo to Reopen By Bojana Barlovac he Thirre tunnel, part of the newly built Rreshen- Kalimash road that links Kosovo with the TAlbanian seaport of Durres, will be reopened on May 21 following an eight month closure for repair ritain’s new Foreign work. Secretary, William Hague, The Albanian Ministry of Transportation and Public Bhas renewed his country’s Works announced on Tuesday that one lane of the tun- support for the expansion of the nel, which is the centrepiece of the estimated one billion European Union into the Western euro highway project, will be opened. Balkans and Turkey. The tunnel was inaugurated in early June 2009 with a In a comment piece for the mag- celebration ceremony attended by Kosovo Prime azine Europe’s World, he said the Minister Hashim Thaci and Albanian Prime Minister Conservative Party was ‘con- Sali Berisha. vinced of the merits of further EU The milestone, which was transformed into an elec- enlargement’. toral rally by the Albanian leader ahead of the June 28 Hague, former leader of the parliamentary poll, saw deputies from both countries Conservatives, became the UK’s and hundreds of supporters congregate in the tunnel in new Foreign Secretary after his a show of unity between the two sister nations. party took the largest number of The Rreshen-Kalimash road, although it was not yet seats in the May 6 election, but not completed, was also inaugurated in an electoral stunt on enough to form a majority govern- June 26 by Prime Minister Berisha and his Turkish ment. The Tories have now formed counterpart, Receep Tayyip Erdogan. a coalition with Britain’s third Albania’s largest public works project in decades, the largest party, the Liberal four-lane highway is expected to strengthen the already Democrats. deep ties between Albania and Kosovo, where more than Hague wrote in his editorial: 90 per cent of the population of 2 million is of Albanian “The prospect of membership is descent. crucial in entrenching stability in the western Balkans, where so 15cm of Snow in Brezovica much European blood has already been shed. The western Balkans ome 15cm of snow has fallen in Brezovica in the are the backyard of the EU, and its William Hague - Britain’s new Foreign Secretary past week, as temperatures plunged in Kosovo. credibility in foreign affairs SWhile May appeared to usher in summer, with tem- moral anathema – but would also risk excessively interfering with Bosnian depends on the effectiveness of its peratures reaching the late 20s, the last week has the creation of a failed state in the affairs”, calling on Hague “to show policy there.” brought heavy rain to Prishtina and snow to the moun- heart of Europe. A robust approach muscle somewhere else”. He added that ‘a more muscular tains. should focus on a single goal: a central “I would like to see what kind of and demanding European policy’ The ski season is Brezovica has lasted up until early government in Bosnia effective muscle he has…(but) we do not need was needed in Bosnia. May in previous years, but closed this year in early enough to meet the responsibilities of such bullies who are trying to solve He wrote: “The consequences of April. both EU and NATO membership. problems here by using muscle,” Bosnia’s disintegration would be “Success in attaining that aim Dodik added. catastrophic. The breakdown of Republic of Somalia Recognises would be proof to the world of the the country into independent eth- EU’s seriousness as a regional actor.” nic statelets would not only William Hague on Turkey Kosovo His comments were criticised by the reward ethnic cleansing – surely a omalia has become the 69th Country to recognise leader of Republika Srpska, who “The case for Turkey’s accession to Kosovo. In a diplomatic note addressed to the called Hague a ‘bully’. the EU is as strong as ever. As well as Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo, Somalia Milorad Dodik sharply attacked the S offering considerable mutual econom- confirmed on May 19 the decision to recognise Kosovo’s new British Foreign Secretary, advis- ic benefits and profoundly strengthen- declaration of independence. ing him to stay away from Bosnia. ing the EU’s security of energy supply, The diplomatic note stated that the decision was taken “I see that this new British foreign Turkey’s membership would refute www.prishtinainsight.com based on the official request for recognition signed by minister, who said that Bosnia should those who claim that there is a clash of the President Fatmir Sejdiu. be shown some muscle, acts like a civilisations between the West and The note said that the government of Somalia was Publisher: bully,” Dodik told journalists on Islam, and would make Turkey an aware of the vital contribution that the Republic of BIRN Tuesday. ideal interlocutor between Europe and Kosovo has made for stability and peace in the Balkans. Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Dodik said that “foreigners are the Middle East.”

Mensa e Studenteve, first floor 10000, Prishtina Prishtina Airport Splashes 30,000 Kosovo Phone: +381 (0) 38 24 33 58 Fax: +381 (0) 38 22 44 98 Euro on Puff Piece [email protected] rishtina’s International Airport appeared on Monday, January 18, Editor-in-Chief: spent almost 30,000 euro on placing according to the website. Lawrence Marzouk Pan interview in a business maga- Altin Ahmeti, spokesman for the zine, after the shortlist of bidders for its airport, told Prishtina Insight that [email protected] privatisation had been selected. 30,000 euro was not a large sum of Editorial Team: Prishtina Insight can reveal that money compared to offers it Ana Petruseva, Gordana Igric, in November 2009, the airport received from other international Jeta Xharra, Marcus Tanner, awarded a tender to the British- magazines when it was seeking to based European CEO magazine for advertise the airport’s privatisa- Petrit Collaku, Shengjyl Osmani and 25,000 pounds for an article to tion. Belinda Vrapi appear. But the interview with Mustafa The tender for “publication in came after the shortlist for the pri- Marketing, Sales & Distribution: European CEO magazine” unsur- vatisation had been announced. In The news emerged as the row ICTAS and the Bouygues Batiment- [email protected] prisingly received just one bid, from the interview, Mustafa lists the over the award of the 20-year con- Egis-PAIC international consor- European CEO magazine. firms which were shortlisted for the cession for the airport rumbled on. tium. Allegations from business- The 1,300 word piece cost the air- Design & Layout: “Rrjeti” bid. Last Friday, Kosovo’s government men and opposition politicians that Y port more than 20 euro per word. According to European CEO, the announced that the French-Turkish the deal was not transparent have The interview with chief execu- M magazine reaches the desks of more consortium Limak – Aeroport de been strongly criticised by the Printing: Lindi Printing Center tive Agron Mustafa was accompa- C than 50,000 chief executive officers Lyon had won the deal ahead of American Ambassador to Kosovo, Copyright © BIRN nied by a front page photo and K and decision-making executives. Turkish-German group Fraport- Christopher Dell. business May 21 - June 3, 2010 5

Kosovo Attends World Financial Crisis and Stalled Islamic Economic Forum Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu was among the leaders and represen- Reforms Delay Kosovo Donations tatives to attend the sixth World Islamic Economic Forum. Back in 2008, international donors pledged 1.2 billion euros for Kosovo but the financial crisis and lack of eco- During a speech to the forum he nomic reform have held up a significant slice of the cash. said Kosovo represented excellent investment opporutunities. The largest sum at risk is the He said: “Kosovo, as well as our 150 million earmarked for entire region presents an attractive Kosovo by the EU as “Macro- area for your investment in various By Besiana Xharra Financial Assistance”. Delivery fields of economy.”

of this money is conditioned on in brief Business news Trade between Muslim countries Kosovo government’s “commit- osovo’s government has will account for nearly 17 per cent of ment to the sound and efficient global trade this year, according to the said it expects to receive management of donated funds Kthe full 1.2 billion euro, conference organisers. and the implementation of pledged by international donors The sixth annual WIEF meeting, agreed policy reforms”, accord- in July 2008. But economic which took place in Kuala Lumpur, ing to a statement issued after experts warn that 150 million Malaysia, on 19 and 20 May. euro promised by the European the conference, as well as agree- Issues tackled included climate Union, as well as other funds, ment on reforms with the IMF. change and the impact of the global could be at risk because of the These include reforms to public financial crisis on already scarce administration and improving government’s failure to imple- Olli Rehn, the then EC Commissioner for Enlargement, in 2008 water resources. ment economic reform. macroeconomic policies. At the international confer- Despite a number of visits by donations. “The government is Chamber of Commerce, called ence in Brussels, the EU IMF officials to Prishtina no working on the recommenda- the reforms “necessary to pre- Macedonia Govt Denies pledged 508 million euro for deal has yet been signed and the tions of the IMF and will soon vent an economic crisis” and Kosovo between 2009 and 2011. European Commission Liaison be signing the agreement with said the government should Eurobond Postponement This included 358 million euro Office, ECLO, in Kosovo has the IMF,” he said. implement the desired changes he Macedonian Finance warned that the cash may be at But economic experts are con- quickly. as part of the yearly Ministry has said that media risk. cerned that Kosovo not only According to Pleurat Sejdiu, Instrument for Pre-Accession Toutlets misunderstood remarks risks losing the 150 million the integration ministry has pot and 150 million in Macro- The ECLO spokeswoman, made by Finance Minister Zoran Financial Assistance. EU mem- Maja Pavlovic, said the sum of euro, but also other donations received only 56 million euros Ztavreski, and noted that the govern- ber states promised another 285 150 million euro would be divid- from the 1.2 billion euro pool if from individual countries in ment does not plan to postpone the million euro and the United ed in two parts. “The first part, faster progress is not made. donations in 2009. If that sum issuance of Eurobonds. States agreed to 250 million 50 million euro, will not be dis- “If we don’t put these reforms was repeated over the three According to the Ministry, in euro. bursed this year if an agree- in place, countries that have years, Kosovo would have Stavreski’s interview for Reuters, Almost two years on, ment is not reached [with the promised donations for Kosovo received just 168 of the 285 mil- which was covered heavily by the Prishtina Insight has estab- IMF] and the money will be sent will withdraw, as no country lion promised in bilateral con- media this week, the finance minister lished that donations have been back to the EU budget,” she cau- wants to give money if Kosovo tributions from EU states alone. meant to say that the country will delayed because of the global tioned. The remaining 100 mil- has not reformed its financial The figures for 2010 are not closely monitor the situation in the economic crisis and Kosovo’s lion will also not be handed management,” said Lumir known yet, according to Sejdiu. market and choose the most favorable failure to implement economic over unless the deal is signed, Abdixhiku, from Riinvest “The money that the EU allo- moment for the planned move. reform she added. Institute. cated for Kosovo at the donor’s But the Ministry insists this will According to him, the govern- conference is being spent on Pleurat Sejdiu, head of coor- Kosovo’s Deputy Minister of happen within the previously deter- Economy and Finance, Bedri ment is responsible for the projects,” Pavlovic said. dination and strategy at the mined dates, that is by the end of next Hamza, said the requisite delays partly because it has Sejdiu said the creation of a month. Ministry of European reforms were in progress and entered into infrastructure proj- committee to coordinate dona- “We will be patient because there is Integration, said: “We must the government was in negotia- ects without first planning the tions earlier this month, bring- no urgent need for these funds, so accept that there is stagnation tions with the IMF. “Through finance. The 700-million-euro ing together the international whenever the market is ready we will [with donations] and factors these conversations, a more highway from Vermice to community and government be there,” Stavreski said in the inter- behind this may be the global suitable programme for Kosovo Merdare is one example of a actors, was playing an impor- view for Reuters at the EBRD’s annu- financial crisis and delays to will be reached,” Hamza said. major project for which funds tant role in “aligning and har- al meeting in Zagreb. the preparation of several proj- Government spokesman were not found before the con- monizing” donors’ require- Almost all Macedonian media out- ects by several ministries and Memli Krasniqi added there tract was inked. ments with the development lets interpreted the statement as a con- municipalities.” was no risk of Kosovo losing Berat Rukiqi, of Kosovo’s priorities of the government. firmation that Skopje is planning to postpone the issuance of Eurobonds, which is one of the means by which Rising Crime Forces Kosovo the government has chosen to inject money into the struggling economy. Firms to Hire Security IKEA to Break Ground in Bulgaria in June court system could also be contributing to the prevalence of crime.” onstruction works on the first According to the same report, the average IKEA hypermarket in Sofia, By Lavdim Hamidi amount spent on security in Kosovo, 10 per CBulgaria, will officially be cent of companies’ annual turnover, is also launched on June 3. well above the regional average of 4 per cent. Vassilis Fourlis, chairman of the rime, theft, and disorder pose a signif- In 2006, only six out of 10 firms indicated Board of Directors of Fourlis Group, icant challenge to Kosovo firms corruption as a problem for doing business in IKEA’s franchise holder for the Caccording to a report released last Kosovo. But by 2009 this number had region, announced the news and week by the World Bank. The study, increased by 46 per cent. Between 2005 and invited media to the groundbreaking Unlocking Growth Potential: Strategies, 2008, the number of convictions for theft event, which is scheduled to be Policies, Actions, also reveals that the propor- more than tripled. attended by Prime Minister Boyko tion of companies using private security The World Bank report adds: “Although Borisov, Novinite reports. firms in Kosovo is much higher than the The project is expected to create 800 some of the increase in convictions could be Rising crime has forced firms to hire private security average for Southeast Europe and Central new jobs. a result of the improved efficiency of the Asia. economic issues, said the World Bank data During his visit to Greece at the court system, the massive increase in proper- Some nine out of 10 firms in Kosovo pay for highlighted the grave economic environment end of last year, Bulgaria’s Regional ty-related crimes should be of great con- security, compared to six out of 10 firms in in which Kosovo businesses operate. Development and Public Works cern.” the region. The report reads: “The payment According to him, high levels of crime and Minister Rosen Plevneliev announced Kosovo Police admits robberies are on the for security services is a widespread practice lack of security in carrying out business that IKEA would have its first that emerged gradually after the conflict. rise in Kosovo this year, but argues that the activities have increased business costs, Bulgarian store in 2011. The company “Now, even though the Kosovo police has number of arrests is also up. Arber Beka, diminishing businesses’ chances to invest in has announced plans to build two over 9,000 employees, 60 per cent more than police spokesperson, added: “With the arrival other areas. It would be far better if this more stores in the country - in Varna in the late 1980s, crime seems to be on the of the new director at Kosovo Police, Behar money were invested in boosting production and Plovdiv. rise. Selimi, our approach will change and police rather than in “such banal activities” such as The Swedish company IKEA, “This could be partially attributed to the will be nearer to citizens, doing more on foot security, he said. known for its cheap range of home Y very high unemployment and widespread patrols.” He added that the perceived lack of securi- furnishings, has 301 stores in 37 coun- M poverty, especially among the youth. Lumir Abdixhiku, executive director of ty projects a negative image on Kosovo and tries. C Perceived weaknesses and corruption in the the Riinvest Institute, which specialises in discourages foreign investment. K 6 May 21 - June 3, 2010 city Gwyneth Where the Streets Have Letherbarrow Many Names Field Presence Coordinator for ICO/EUSR in Prishtina The debate over EULEX’s raids on the Ministry of Transport spilled over in a fight over road names last week

The next day things took a slightly more sinister turn when signs appeared nearby Rexhep By Lawrence Marzouk Luci under the name “UDBA Street – Veton and Flaka Surroi”,

in reference to the former of: the Eyes through Prishtina rishtina’s multiple street Serbian secret police, known as name changes are already a the UDBA, and the current and Ppostman’s nightmare. former editors of Koha Ditore, But last week the situation who are siblings. became even more confused with The second sign has been con- the arrival of a new brand of demned by Kosovo’s govern- guerilla street naming in the cap- ment, the US Ambassador to the The joke road sign which appeared on Mother Teresa Street last Wednesday ital. country and Reporters without Prishtina’s main pedestri- Borders. support the prosecutor Johannes He also revealed that six other anised thoroughfare, Mother Ambassador Christopher Dell Van Vreeswijk’. government ministers are also Teresa Street, was ‘renamed’ last called the stunt a ‘cowardly act’. According to the text accom- under investigation for corrup- Wednesday after EULEX prose- He said: “The Surrois are long- panying the photos of the signs, tion. cutor Johannes Van Vreeswijk, standing friends of the United posted on the webpage, ‘citizens The comments follow a series who is leading the investigation States, and more importantly, of Pristina, symbolically (illegal- of EULEX raids on Wednesday, into corruption at Kosovo’s true patriots of Kosovo. ly) have honoured Van Vreeswijk April 28, on the Ministry of What surprised you most about Ministry of Transport. “Threatening language that with the new road name’. Transport and properties con- Prishtina? The unofficial signs appeared aims to intimidate or incite vio- In a frank interview with nected to Limaj. The action is in along the main road on lence against an individual or Prishtina daily Koha Ditore, Mr connection with a corruption Every day brings new surprises but Wednesday and form part of a political opponent is unaccept- van Vreeswijk revealed that the probe linked to road tenders if I had to choose the greatest it would citizens’ campaign to support able.” Minister of Transport Fatmir issued between 2007 and 2009. be my landlord’s green lawn (grass) the Dutch prosecutor, who The ‘Johannes Van Vreeswijk Limaj and the ministry’s head of Fatmir Limaj has denied all and garden, it is immaculate; followed revealed details of the EU mis- Street’ on the other hand was procurement face charges of wrongdoing. closely by the number of times our sion’s fight against corruption in given a more positive reception, money laundering, organised No one has claimed responsi- road is dug up/repaired throughout the daily newspaper Koha especially among the 4000 mem- crime, fraud in office and solicit- bility for the signs and both have the year. Ditore. bers of the Facebook group ‘We ing bribes. now been removed. What’s your favorite hangout?

It’s not easy to have one favourite hangout when there are so many, but I World Gathers in Mitrovica for have two specials: Odyssea Bistro for lunch on a Friday and Cosmopolitan cocktails any night of the week, and Cities Conference the Green Villa (close to Hajvali) for a relaxed dinner with friends in beauti- divides Kosovo Serb and ful surroundings. Albanian communities. The Forum for Cities in Do you do anything cultural? By Petrit Collaku Transition was established in Boston in April 2009 by repre- I used to sing in a choir if that sentatives from Kirkuk, counts, trying out new wines now and Nicosia, Derry/Londonderry again perhaps? Hmm, how do you epresentatives from ten and Mitrovicë/Kosovska define cultural? cities from across the Mitrovica. Rworld, each grappling It is an initiative of Unive- What is the most annoying thing with divisions, will gather in rsity Massachusetts, Boston. the Mitrovica next week for the about Prishtina? The University and Northern inaugural conference of the Ireland Foundation, Belfast, are Forum for Cities in Transition. The roundabouts! the Secretariat. Mayors, councillors, police Professor Padraig O’Malley, If you were mayor of Prishtina chiefs, business representatives, Marzouk Lawrence by Photo director of the forum, said the media and civil society from the A clean-up of Mitrovica trailed the conference in Mitrovica for the day what would you conference will be an historic cities will focus on how to change? event for the city. Two NGOs from the city, the donors and political stakehold- improve the lives of citizens He said: “When the Forum for Centre for Civil Society ers alone. while putting political differ- Not so much change, but I would run Cities in Transition was creat- Development, CCSD, and “This Forum is not burdened ences to one side. a public information campaign on ed, few cities really believed Community-Building with high-politics, but instead The conference will bring what the traffic rules are for round- that Mitrovice/Kosovska Mitrovica, CBM, are providing encourages technical dialogue together Mitrovica, Beirut, abouts. Mitrovica could rise to the occa- technical co-ordination for the and inter-community coopera- Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, sion. Mitrovica Forum. tion. Our citizens need this Haifa, Jerusalem, Kaduna, How many macchiatos do you “Mitrovice/Kosovska Momcilo Arlov, from CCSD, Forum.” Kirkuk, Mostar and Nicosia drink a day? Mitrovica has not only risen to said: “Opportunities are too few Valdete Idrizi, of CBM, said: between May 24 and 28. the occasion, it has surpassed for representatives of cities “As a citizen of Delegates will be discussing Er, I’m a tea drinker. Give me all expectations. burdened with post-conflict sen- Mitrovice/Kosovska Mitrovica, challenges and successes of Twinings English Breakfast or “This will truly put this glob- sitivities to share experiences I am very excited to be part of municipal administration in Lapsang Souchong any day. al Forum on the map – but it of improving the quality of such a special, important event. cities in transition from con- will put Mitrovice/Kosovska everyday life of citizens. The “With so many people coming flict. A panel of experts will What’s the tastiest Kosovar food? Mitrovica on the map as well.” Forum of Cities in Transition from different parts of the join specialists from the cities The Mitrovica Forum, com- provides us with this exact world, our city has a real oppor- to discuss housing, business Dukagjini peppers - at least I think prising nine members from opportunity. tunity to exchange experiences development, citizens’ engage- that’s what they’re called - the hot pep- both south and north “We need vision rather than and opinions on how we can ment and policing. pers in cream (Pinocchio’s are the best) Mitrovice/Kosovska Mitrovica, gutless political statements, make citizens’ daily lives better. Representatives will stay in, is hosting the conference, with and courage to initiate genuine “This is also a great chance to Y eat at, visit and learn from both What landmark do you use to tell the support of the University of change to address urgent com- begin inter-city co-operation M the areas north and south of the taxi drivers where you live? Massachusetts and the munity priorities - not artificial with cities from four different C River Ibar, the line which initiatives serving the needs of continents.” K Northern Ireland Foundation. Anita in Arberia/Dragodan feature May 21 - June 3, 2010 7 Kosovo School Textbooks Fail Accuracy Test As the Education Ministry orders textbooks for around 300,000 pupils, a nine-month investigation by Balkan Investigative Reporting Network has uncovered a worrying number of mistakes.

One 6th-grade history book says inaccurately that “to par- ticipate in fighting the infidel” is one of the five Pillars of Islam, the most important rules given to Muslims in the By Shengjyl Osmani Koran, instead of the testimony of faith, or ‘Shahadah’

n analysis seven, for example. complains. conducted Pupils in 8th grade are taught that Arif Demolli, from the Ministry of Aby BIRN of America is one continent, the second Education, Science and Technology, 16 school textbooks largest, while later in the book Latin defended the amount of material in Kosovo has America is described as the world’s included in textbooks, saying they uncovered numer- “third largest territory” after Asia and were drafted to match the curricu- ous mistakes, from Africa. lum, “therefore, they are as over- old maps that do The confusion continues in history loaded as the study plan”. not include textbooks. When dealing with the Thaci said he began his research Kosovo to the Battle of Kosovo of 1389, the death of after coming across numerous com- wrong dates for the Ottoman Sultan is variously plaints from students, parents, and Napoleon’s birth. blamed on Milosh Kopili or Millosh teachers. The main problem in the The number of Kopiliqi, depending on what textbook textbooks is inaccuracies, he assert- mistakes, and the fact you study, while another claims the ed. that the textbooks are Sultan’s killer was from “the village of “The date given for the birth of overloaded with data, Kopiliq from Drenice”. This is just one Napoleon Bonaparte is incorrect, and could have a negative of many examples of a lack of consis- so are the dates for Alexander the impact on Kosovo’s strug- tency in textbooks between different Great, in the history textbooks,” he gling school system, the school years. noted. author of the investigation, One 6th-grade history book says Frasher Demaj, author of history Jusuf Thaci, concludes. inaccurately that “to participate in textbooks, said it was normal for text- The analysis showed that fighting the infidel” is one of the five books to contain some inaccuracies. two years after the declaration Pillars of Islam, the most important “I’m one of the persons who drafted of independence, many schools rules given to Muslims in the Koran, the curriculum and I’ve been told by still rely on geography books instead of the testimony of faith, or the Ministry of Education, Science containing maps that depict ‘Shahadah’. and Technology that it is appropriate Serbia and Montenegro as Jusuf Thaci, the report’s author, for students,” he added. one country with Kosovo said: “It can be easily noted that this Resmije Kryeziu, from the as a component. promotes hatred, which is not in accor- Albanological Institute of Prishtina, Inaccuracies in books dance with the law in Kosovo.” who has been involved in monitoring aimed at 12 to 16-year- Separately, Thaci’s report questions such studies since 2008, called for the olds were also found in the sheer amount of data included in textbooks to be revised. biology, history and Kosovo textbooks, noting that students She said the number of errors sug- civic education text- have to learn 60 to 70 dates or facts in gested they were not just “technical books. Some pupils each lecture. mistakes”. She added that history learn that there are “Overloading textbooks continues to textbooks presented a particular six conti- be another concern, with huge conse- problem as certain events were often nents, quences for students, lecturers, covered disproportionately. not and the overall education- “Many of the enemies of the al system,” Thaci Albanian nation are described at writes. length,” she said, “whereas other “The important events, battles and move- text- ments, are just noted briefly, without books giving the background information used about what led towards that event.” in the Nehat Mustafa, an advisor in pre- educa- university studies at the Ministry of tional Education, Science and Technology, system in thanked BIRN for its analysis. He said Kosovo the ministry would use the report encourage no when it came to revising the text- critical books. think- “We’ve been missing such an analy- ing, sis, which is needed … to monitor the have sci- textbooks used in our educational entific system and overcome the inaccura- inaccura- cies of the authors,” he said. cies and Mustafa admitted that matters between- might have gone better had the min- Y grades text- istry contacted a specialised company M books present con- “which would have had spotted the C tradictory data,” he inaccuracies found in your analysis”. K 8 May 21 - June 3, 2010 Culture Demolition Threat to Prishtina’s Ottoman Heritage from page 1 a dangerous condition. Following that decision, the The family first asked permis- family requested permission from sion to make changes to their the municipality to redevelop the home in 2004. The municipality site. After their request was again asked the Institute for Monuments denied, the family turned to the and Regional Museum of next minister of culture, Valton Prishtina, IMRM, which works Beqiri, who reissued the order under the Ministry of Culture, to supporting the removal of house advise them on whether the site from the list of protected monu- was protected. They also sought ments. advice on the house’s structural The department of Cultural soundness. Heritage, DCH, in the Ministry of “We noted the deficiencies of Culture confirmed that the the house [in the report] but there Ministry had violated the law by is not a single line from us that permitting the removal of the said the house could be taken off house from the list. the list of protected monuments,” “The ministry has ignored our Haxhi Mehmetaj, director of authority and they have violated IMRM, said. the law because such decision is A protected house on UCK Street demolished without permission Mehmetaj showed Prishtina not lawful,” Burbuqe Bakija-Deva, Before Insight their report, dated 2005. It head of the department told recommended urgent intervention Prishtina Insight. not,” Deva added. ters, she would try to halt the dem- municipality to redevelop the site. because of the poor condition of “I don’t blame the family for She said certain rules have to be olition of the house. “If the family They have told Prishtina Insight the building but also confirmed its this. I blame the institution that I followed before a protected monu- destroys the house, we may take they expect the building to be protected status. “No one can pull also belong to,” Deva said. She ment can be removed from the list. them to court,” she warned. knocked down by the end of May. a protected building from the list,” first heard of the case from the “There is a cultural heritage coun- She said that because of the Prishtina’s record in protecting Mehmetaj added. municipality after the family cil, formed by parliament, that can ministry’s small budget, it had its historic heritage is poor. Of 21 However, the then culture minis- sought permission to rebuild on give recommendations to the min- been unable to invest funds in the listed buildings and monuments in ter Astrit Haraqija, issued an the site. ister about whether a monument conservation of historic family city, four that were private homes order removing the house from the “The urban directorate of the can be removed from the list,” she homes and had concentrated on have already been demolished for list in 2007, citing a fresh IMRM municipality wanted to check with explained. religious buildings. redevelopment. assessment from that year that our office whether the particular Deva added that despite the deci- It is not clear whether the family Deva noted that Post and described the building as being in house was under protection or sions of two former culture minis- still has permission from the Telecoms of Kosovo, a government Serbia: Probe of Raska Mass Grave Site to Begin the presence of EULEX officials. It has not been determined who killed the people buried at the site in Raska but the bod- By Petrit Collaku ies are believed to have been unearthed and then re-buried in order to hide evidence of war crimes committed during the rule of Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic. he Serbian War Crimes Referring to previously collected data, Prosecutor’s Office has called for daily Danas reported that members of the Tan investigation to begin at a mass Yugoslav Army participated in the transfer grave site in the southwestern Serbian of bodies from primary graves around town of Raska. Drenica in May or early June 1999 to a mass Ten days ago Serbia announced that with grave near Raska. the help of the EU rule of law mission in Meanwhile, the Association of Families of Kosovo, EULEX, it had uncovered a mass Missing Serbs from Kosovo has announced grave believed to contain the bodies of 250 that it will try to block the exhumation of the ethnic Albanian victims from the 1998-99 con- grave unless certain conditions are met. flict. In an interview with Tanjug news agency According to a prosecution statement on Monday, the coordinator of the associa- issued on Tuesday, if the existence of a mass tion, Milos Trifunovic, said that the group grave is confirmed by the investigative judge, will attempt to block the excavation of the exhumations of the remains should begin Y grave near Raska if authorities don’t simul- and autopsies should be conducted in order M taneously exhume mass graves in Kosovo to identify the victims. It has been suggested C where the group believes Serbs have been that the judge perform the investigation in K Vladimir Vukcevic, Serbian War Crimes Prosecutor buried. 9 Culture May 21 - June 3, 2010

After Post and Telecoms of Kosovo, PTK, took up residence in the office block built on the site agency, moved into offices on the Heritage without Borders in of CHWB said. mations. After the Second World centre, including a mosque, a site of one protected building. Kosovo said that they were sur- A CHWB project in 2007, entitled War, what was a small town was Catholic church and a synagogue, According to the law on cultural prised to hear that the Hyniler “Surviving Heritage of Prishtina” transformed under Communism. were destroyed. Later, attitudes heritage, penalties for making house had been removed from the researched the fate of the city’s old In the early part of the began to change. A 1977 law on cul- unauthorised changes to protected protection list. buildings. Of 102 buildings identi- Communist era, historic sites were tural heritage protected 426 monu- buildings range from 1,000 euro to CHWB said it had launched a fied in 2004 as important to the deliberately targeted. A major ments by law. A second round of 500,000 euro. But developers rarely project this year to purchase pro- city’s heritage, “In 2007, our statis- development campaign was major changes occurred after the face such penalties. “We accused tected buildings that owners want tics showed that around 44 per cent launched under the slogan end of the Kosovo conflict in 1999. one family of destroying a protect- to sell, but the Hynilers wanted too had been destroyed”, Shoshi said. “destroy the old, build the new.” “[Old] private houses are disap- ed monument and they were fined much money. “The Hyniler family According to CHWB, Prishtina The covered bazaar, one of the pearing. After 100 years we will just 50 euro,” Deva recalled. suggested 230,000 euro, which is had undergone several drastic largest in the region, as well as sev- have only religious buildings left,” The organisation Cultural too a high price for us,” Sali Shoshi urban and architectural transfor- eral religious buildings in the town Shoshi said. Kosovo Assesses FM’s Appearance at UNSC

Kosovo’s friends in the session. “Certainly there are countries that still have dilemmas but you can see that they understand the reality in Kosovo,” By Lawrence Marzouk Kuci said. But opposition parties claimed that Hyseni was in a less than ideal position at the UNSC session due to recent developments in Kosovo. hile Kosovo’s government applauded Ardian Gjini from the opposition party Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni’s Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, AAK, said that Wappearance at the UN Security Council when a country is faced with organised crime and meeting on Kosovo, opposition parties have corruption, then the representation of that coun- claimed that Hyseni was not in an ideal position try in the international arena is accompanied by because of the current situation in Kosovo. stress and unease. Kosovo’s Prime Minister Hashim Thaci said “When a foreign minister is faced with such an that Kosovo’s progress was well presented by internal situation, then it’s very difficult for him Foreign Minister Hyseni at the UN Security to make a presentation that would impress any- Council session. one,” Gjini said. “This is progress regarding our commitment at In the UN Security Council session for Kosovo, the central and local level to Euro-Atlantic orien- FM Hyseni reiterated that Kosovo is ready to talk tation and integration towards NATO and EU with Serbia on technical matters. membership,” Thaci said during a government Ibrahim Gashi, vice president of the opposition session. New Kosovo Alliance, AKR, said that Kosovo Y Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuci noted should be careful when talks start, arguing that M that the minister’s report was realistic but added Serbia and its allies will try to steer the talks C that there were also positive evaluations from towards political issues. Skender Hyseni at the UN Security Council K 10 May 21 - June 3, 2010 Guide - Food & Drink Green Villa: Lush Surroundings, Rushed Food The overall look can be anti-pasta as a starter, and rump described as upscale, with white steak with Sharri cheese and pep- tables and leather-upholstered per sauce beef steak for our By Maneater chairs, white-beamed ceilings, ter- mains. Considering the poor effort racotta-coloured flooring, and a at developing the menu, we decid- display of numerous tropical ed that beef options were our best ’ve decided to continue my plants: elegant, yet restful. bet to secure fresh ingredients. round of suburban restaurant My dining partner and I headed I’ll note that our server undeni- Ireviews, with the hope that a over to the villa at around 6pm on ably had a difficult time clarifying new venture is on its way in the a Saturday, just as the staff were menu options, with the classic “it’s city. preparing for dinner arrivals. beef” or “it’s chicken” description. This edition, we journeyed past From that moment on, only a few He also brought us the wrong Rron, Puro, and Hani i 2 tables were occupied, with mix of starter, which was later compen- Roberteve, to Green Villa, located local and international diners. sated with our original order and a just before Hotel Madrid in Green’s menu is easy enough to basket of bread and pickled pep- Veternik. comprehend, with its unfortunate pers in cream cheese. The restaurant is situated in replica of exceedingly passé dish- The Italian anti-pasta com- what looks like a swanky residen- es, mimicking a time when prised local dried-beef prosciutto, tial home, fully equipped with a Kosovo’s restaurants were short roquette salad, tomato wedges and luscious front garden, back patio, on basic produce and culinary slices of soft mozzarella cheese, and private swimming pool. Large necessities. dressed in a light yogurt sauce. cement walls surround the prem- ences, we awaited similar outcomes tional compared to our side of What I am referring to is car- The dish fared well compared to ises, keeping possible onlookers with our main entrees. Although tasteless frozen carrots and peas. bonara, Napoli, Bolognese, and the mistaken house anti-pasta, away. both the rump steak and beef steak If it wasn’t for the roasted potato arrabiata pastas, and prosciutto, which included processed salami, Inside, the restaurant is sec- were of good quality, seasoning was turnout, we might have been margarita and tuna pizzas – whol- and a sad Russian salad, but still tioned off into two areas – a ground- absent and much needed. forced to book a table at another ly tiresome options. missed any sort of weight. floor dining level, and an exposed Nevertheless, the small bits of venue promptly. Leaving all preconceptions After realising our waiter had upper level for either private par- Sharri cheese, and boring caper- aside, we decided to go with Italian forgotten to take our steak-prefer- ties or more intimate feasting. infused pepper sauce were excep- Off the Prishtina-Gjilan Highway Roman Villa French Villa Where’s There a Villa Village People Aston Villa Villain 044 286 733 Janjevo – A Town That’s Difficult to Forget

inhabitants still hold the place close to their hearts. And a glo- rious summer day, it is easy to By Lawrence Marzouk see why. A NGO is in the process of renovating one of the town’s he pretty, if a little rundown, fine Ottoman houses, and has town of Janjevo and the sur- been for a while. It will become Trounding hills offer a per- a museum if it is ever fin- fect short daytrip from Prishtina. ished. Nestled in a river valley, and Further up the hill is the surrounding by green hills, the Catholic graveyard where the former mining town conjures rich of Janjevo are buried up signs of its bygone prosperi- below marble gravestones. It’s ty all around. a pleasant spot to take in the Here you’ll find a series of view across the river valley. grand, dilapidated Ottoman If you want to get a good houses, waiting to be renovat- panorama of the town, howev- ed, a large, well kept and er, it best to climb the opposite rather grand cemetery perched hill. Janjevo is renowned for its on top of the hill, and a pretty, A good side trip to this day Suxhuk, although I must admit modern church. out is to the village of Tekke, that I have so far failed to try it. Park by the small mosque, which gets it name for the The town does offer a couple which is worth a few minutes’ Dervish place of worship. of cafes, but if you want to com- visit if only to see the strange Located in this small hamlet bine the trip with a meal out, juxtaposition of a large digital is the grave of Saint Baba Isak, Ciao in Caglavica is a fine place clock next to aging wooden a Dervish solider of the to stop for hearty Serbian fare beams, and climb the hill Ottoman army believed to served up in a pretty garden. towards the Catholic church. have died during the Battle of Janjevo was once a Croatian Veletin in the 14th Century. Getting There: To get to heartland in Kosovo. But while To find Tekek, follow the Janjevo, drive along the main most of its Croat inhabitants road through town up the hill, Skopje road past the dual car- have now left, their religion on the opposite side to the riageway section. You’ll reach a lives on in the modern but church, for 2km and take the junction with Janjevo signpost- tasteful place of worship. first right up a dirt track. ed to the left and Lipjan to the The church is often closed, You’ll probably find a friend- right. Otherwise, you can take a so ask at the kiosk for the keys. ly, if rowdy, bunch of kids in the more picturesque route through Given the number of hits on Y village who will be slightly Gracanica. Take the first right Flickr and videos of Janjevo M bemused by your visit. The after passing the church. After on Youtube, it seems that C tomb really only receives visi- ten minutes you’ll reach a t-junc- many of the former Croatian K tors on May 5. tion where you should take a left. By Shega A’Mula 11 in Prishtina Inside Prishtina May 21 - June 3, 2010

Building Review: Building Review: Institute of Albanology aking into consideration its NATO bombardments of 1999. immense social responsibili- The Institute of Albanology cred- Tty, the Institute of Albanology its the assistance of international in Prishtina has a rather unimpres- donors for the rehabilitation of the sive home. The independent building, which they say was badly research institute maintains that its damaged during the conflict. Many duty is to study the “spiritual and important pieces of work were material culture of the Albanian either destroyed or stolen during nation”. that time. Specifically, the institute focuses Today, the institute has an eerie on the following areas of feel due its Communist past with Albanology – linguistics, litera- décor that has not been changed ture, folklore and ethnology. This since that period. This can be translates into organising confer- noticed from the exterior façade to ences, meetings, symposiums and an interior swathed in slabs of other academic platforms to pres- dark marble, dozens of small, ent research material and new dis- stuffy offices and acres of frayed coveries concerning Albanian carpet. society and history. But while the décor is very much Formed in 1953 by a small group in the past, the institute’s library of researchers and scientists, the continues to press ahead, with a Institute of Albanology first called growing and diverse collection of a former military barracks its publications concerning Albanian home after it was recognised as a The Institute of Albanology in Prishtina is home to more than 100,000 scientific artefacts culture and tradition. Additionally, formal institution in 1966 – the there are more than 100,000 pieces same year the University of pies, which at that time was ing were filled with material from throughout different institutions stored in the scientific archive. Prishtina was granted bilingual dubbed a very contemporary Kosovo, but also Albania, as the across Kosovo. The Albanologists Renovation efforts have been status, with study options in not structure. institute regularly coordinated retreated into a private home to started by the Ministry of only Serbian, but also Albanian. Nearly three decades later, the with cultural institutions present continue their studies. Education and Science and are As further autonomy was trans- three storeys of the building were just south west of the border. It was only after the end of the expected to be completed later this ferred from Belgrade to Kosovo occupied by a rapidly growing However, on March 8, 1994, the 1999 conflict that the institute year. during the late sixties and seven- staff, and a library, scientific whole staff was ousted from the moved back into the building, ties, the institute moved into the archive, and exhibition hall were building by the Yugoslav military, which was allegedly used as shel- Rr. Eqrem Cabej, building that it currently occu- created. These areas of the build- as ethnic Albanian workers were ter for Serbian forces during the 038 220 822 Bar Review: Shop Review: Amelie Billabong – Putting dyssea Bistro has obviously just off Agim Ramadani. struck gold with its Amelie out- Now, original Bakery favourites are Olet, and has now opened a second available at Amelie, which has ushered the Urban in Prishtina location in its former bakery in the in a fresh cafe concept previously nonex- neighbourhood of Pejton and a third istent in the capital city. near the unfinished Orthodox church The second location follows the same interior-designed look of the original, located on Fehmi Agani street in the centre, with white-washed walls hit with colourful murals of lady Amelie, her city, and her mantra – smell the coffee. Self-service remains the norm during the day, and easier to comply with since the new location is smaller, with less seating area. Evenings, as in the original Amelie, include a waiting staff who bring orders directly to your table. Day or night, Amelie’s staff is splen- didly friendly and attentive, open to con- versation and ready to give recommen- dations. Billabong has a wide selection of trainers on offer The menu also remains the same, with urf, Skate, Snow and Wake is the non-sporty urban lifestyle, with a selection a series of delicious sandwiches, salads motto of the Australian apparel and of classic denim, hoodies, t-shirts, and and pastas, easily identifiable as Saccessory brand Billabong, which sneakers – for both men and women. Odyssea creations. Recent additions has become a staple in alternative sports- Accessories, apart from skateboard gear, include options such as pancakes and wear. are also multifaceted, from wallets to key multi-fruit smoothies. Now, the once hard-to-find youthful brand chains, sunglasses, belts, and hats, all made Meal options and drinks continue to has landed in Prishtina, with a licensed shop from performance tested materials built to be displayed behind a glass counter, to full of trendy yet rugged clothing options. last, yet give off a good look at the same time. efficiently induce cravings. The store is located across from the It’s hard to concentrate on one piece of The large windows and open space Kosovo Energy Corporation, KEK, on Bill clothing or accessory when in the store, as give a more than satisfactory view of the Clinton Boulevard. A large metal staircase loud graphic t-shirts and eye-catching street, and all the people that walk down leads passing consumers up to the glass footwear offer constant distractions. it. Large sidewalk trees also add a touch doors of the shop. The summer collection has just arrived, of scenic charm to the new location. Other alternative brands join Billabong, with a series of bikinis, swimming shorts The crowd continues to be the same – all of which are licensed from local and beach-side apparel and accessories. professional twenty to thirty somethings importers HB Fashion, within the well- Prices are quite inflated, with t-shirts looking for a trendy place to unravel. designed store. ranging around 25 euro, to footwear and These include Oakley, Vans, DC, Ecko glasses reaching well above100 euro. Located: Justinan Perandori, Pejton, Unltd, Burton, Elements and more, all fulfill- and Agim Ramadani, near the unfin- ing the surf, skate, snow and wake lifestyle. Bill Clinton Boulevard ished Orthodox church All the same, these brands also work for a 038 552 422 12 May 21 - June 3, 2010 neighbourhood

EU Official: ICTY Report Crucial for Bulgaria Stubbs Out Serbia he head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Vincent Degert, said it is clear that the crucial element nec- Tessary to move Serbia forward on its EU path will be Strict Smoking Ban the upcoming report on the country’s cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Much to the disappointment of tobacco haters, Sofia has backed down on plans to outlaw Yugoslavia, ICTY. News in Brief News smoking in cafes and restaurants, saying it will inflict too much damage on the hospitality In an interview with daily Danas, Degert said that the report from chief UN War Crimes Prosecutor Serge industry. Brammertz must be at least as good as the previous one. “I don’t think that Serbia’s European integration process is being delayed because of the Hague Tribunal, but I could also ask why the arrest of the Hague indictees By Boryana Dzhambazova is so difficult to achieve,” the daily quoted him as saying. A positive report from Brammertz is considered neces- sary for EU countries to begin the process of ratifying Parks are the only smoke- Serbia’s Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the free places here,” said EU. Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen earlier said “Marina Kostova, 29, push- that Netherlands will make a final decision on whether to ing a stroller with her seven- unfreeze Serbia’s SAA with the EU in June, as the decision month-old son round a park will be based on Brammertz’s report. in Sofia. “It’s impossible to Serbia’s path to candidacy was smoothed slightly last find a non-smoking place to December when EU foreign ministers agreed to unblock eat with a child. Serbia’s interim trade agreement, which is part of the SAA. “This is not normal for a European country,” she added. “When I was pregnant and still working, it was even harder for me, because there was almost nowhere to go to and have lunch, as the dining spaces were filled with thick smoke.” Kostova is one of many Bulgarians strongly opposed to Bulgaria has dropped strict anti-smoking laws smoking. But to her disappoint- with friends without smoking,” he Blagoi Ragin, chairman of the ment, Bulgaria looks set to loosen said, puffing his 11th cigarette of Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant a planned total ban on use of the day. Association, completely supports tobacco in enclosed public places. The government’s concessions the Sofia government’s partial Heavy Floods Hit Macedonia’s The anti-smoking law, voted in have angered many non-smokers climb-down. Northeast by the previous government, was and some non-governmental “The economic situation is supposed to take effect on June 1. organizations, which last month already tough for the industry; it’s our campers were rescued by police helicopter on But the ruling center-right staged a series of protests and ini- not a good time to ban smoking. Sunday near the northeastern town of Kumanovo after Citizens for European tiatives against the changes. We support every measure that Fspending the night surrounded by the raging waters of Development of Bulgaria, GERB, Orlin Mirchev from “Bulgaria helps our business to survive,” he the river Pcinja, which flooded the surrounding area on party, which took office last July, without smoke” coalition, which said. Saturday. has initiated changes to the law, keenly supported a full ban on “500,000 people work in the hos- Heavy rains caused Pcinja River to run over its banks making the restrictions more flexi- tobacco use in public, is disap- pitality industry. Even if 10 per and caused flooding in several nearby villages. 4,000 ble for bars, restaurants and cafés. pointed. “There is no logic behind cent of us lose their businesses hectares of arable land have been flooded, the State At the end of April, parliament the changes. All around the world, that would be crucial and could Protection and Rescue Directorate estimates. approved the amendments in the the tobacco producers are the only push the sector to the brink,” “The directorate’s rapid response units at first tried to first reading. ones who lose customers when Ragin added. rescue the campers with a boat, but were unable to come Under the amendments, owners smoking is prohibited,” he said. Ivan Ivanov, a member of the close enough due to fallen trees obstructing the path. As a of facilities of up to 100 square Bulgaria is not the only country parliament from GERB, has prom- result, a helicopter from the Interior Ministry was used to metres will be allowed to choose in the Balkans where recent moves ised that non-smokers’ rights will pull out three people,” the directorate said in a press whether their cafés, restaurants or to curb smoking have run into still be respected. “Smoking areas release. bars should be designated as non- fierce resistance. In March, neigh- will be isolated [from the rest of The directorate reported that at least five other people smoking or smoking areas. All bouring Macedonia also eased a public premises] with a wall from were rescued from the water, which pulled down trees and establishments over 100 square strict ban on public smoking, floor to ceiling, so non-smokers crushed bridges. metres will have to provide sepa- which included even the outdoor will be separated from smokers,” Minister of Defense Zoran Konjanovski visited the area rate areas for both smokers and areas of bars and restaurants. he said. and promised immediate support for the affected residents. non-smokers. The draconian anti-smoking law But many doubt the new rules Less severe flood damage was also registered in the The government fears a strict introduced on January 1 drew com- will work. Hospitality establish- region of Kriva Palanka and Kratovo. The northwestern ban on smoking would wreak plaints from a coalition of smokers ments are already obliged to pro- parts of the country, near the town of Tetovo, also suffered havoc with the hospitality indus- and owners of hospitality estab- vide customers with separate due to flooding from the river Vardar. try by driving away a large propor- lishments. Now puffing is allowed smoking and non-smoking areas tion of customers, thereby worsen- in the gardens and on the terraces but most owners disregard the reg- Albania Opposition Ends Hunger Strike ing the impact of the economic of local restaurants and bars. ulations. The ventilation systems recession. Recently, Croatia also introduced in many restaurants and coffee lbania Opposition Ends Hunger Strike. Socialist According to a 2009 survey, spon- a harsh anti-smoking law that pro- houses are very poor, so smokers Party MPs and their supporters ended a 19-day sored by the European hibited smoking in all bars, coffee and non-smokers end up sitting Ahunger strike on Wednesday after the country's rul- Commission, Bulgaria is the third shops and restaurants. just a few steps away each other. ing and opposition leaders agreed to hold EU-sponsored most tobacco-addicted nation in Serbia is gradually introducing “Smoking is unabated in most talks to end the nearly yearlong political crisis. the EU, after the Greeks and the stricter anti-smoking laws, too. hospitality facilities because the Socialist Party leader Edi Rama and Prime Minister Sali Italians. The average Bulgarian According to proposed changes, regulations are rarely enforced Berisha are expected to travel to Strasbourg on Thursday, adult puffs a pack of cigarettes smoking is prohibited in work- due to the lack of proper control,” where they will hold talks with EU Enlargement every day. places and on public transport. In Mirchev noted. Commissioner Stefan Fuele aimed at finding a compro- Many smokers loudly opposed hospitality establishments, tobac- He is sure a full ban will be mise. the planned ban, saying it violated co would be allowed, depending on imposed sooner or later. “Even “On Thursday in Strasburg the highest representatives their freedom. “I don’t know the size of the premises. Amsterdam, which is seen as one of the European left and right will host both parties in a what’s more harmful – smoking, or Meanwhile, Greece has failed to of the most liberal cities in the roundtable to find a solution,” Rama told his supporters as the air in Sofia. Following that curb smoking in public. Despite world, has prohibited indoor smok- he announced the end of the strike. logic, we should ban cars from harsh penalties, many people bla- ing [in public]. Why does Bulgaria Rama, who is also Tirana’s mayor, and Berisha have Sofia,” said Kiril Gumnerov, a tantly disregard the law and con- always have to be the last to follow been locked in a stalemate over the results of the June 28, deputy from the far-right Ataka tinue to smoke in bars and restau- the good practices?” he asked. 2009 parliamentary elections, which Berisha's party nar- party, before the vote in the parlia- rants. However, until Sofia adopts rowly won. ment. Tirana shares the same problem. stricter tobacco policies, many On May 1, two dozen Socialist MPs and 180 of their sup- Vladimir Boev, 27, a heavy smok- Four years ago Albania prohibited non-smokers like Marina Kostova porters went on hunger strike in a tent in front of the er for over ten years, is one of use of tobacco in public places will have to stick to the park if prime minister’s office, pushing for a recount of the parlia- Y those who says he would quit going such as hospitals, schools and they want to get some fresh air. mentary election ballots. M to pubs and bars altogether if institutions. However, Albanians Enjoying a meal or a cup of coffee The Socialists have boycotted parliament since the new C tobacco was prohibited. “I can’t still smoke away in restaurants in a smoke-free restaurant remains session began in September, claiming that the govern- K indulge in a good meal or drink and bars. a distant ambition. ment’s alleged fraud was to blame for their electoral loss. opinion May 21 - June 3, 2010 13 Consolidating Kosovo’s Democracy Dear Teta Mia... Through Business Development and implementing the Strategy and consolidating progress and galvanising National Plan would further institution- additional reforms. To this end, the EC Teta Mia solves your problems alise efforts. should provide a roadmap in its 2010 By David L. Phillips The optimum time for privatisation Progress Report and upgrade its “track- was 2003-2005 when international inter- ing mechanism” by offering a Stability Where on earth have you been? est was higher and more capital was and Association Agreement. The EC osovo faces many of the same available. While proceeding, the GoK should also accelerate its visa liberalisa- Seeking Teta Mia, Prishtina problems that have confronted should guard against a cheap sell-off by tion dialogue with Kosovo. Kother post-Communist and post- refurbishing assets to maximize their ha Seeking Teta Mia, well might you ask. Where, Despite its strong mandate to strength- conflict transition countries such as value and, in the case of KEK, strength- en the administration of justice and help indeed, haven’t I been over the past few days? ineffective governance, a weak judici- ening its balance sheet through fight corruption, not a single high-profile AAfter 2,400km on the road since Thursday, I can now ary, and widespread corruption. For improved billing and collection rates. confidently pass judgement on the Western Balkans’ dis- sure, Kosovo has come a long way since corruption case has been brought by Civil society watchdog groups need parate border regimes, Turkish coffee vendors and petrol 1999; Kosovars deserve huge credit for EULEX prosecutors, although recent more political and financial support. So stations. liberating and rebuilding the country. raids on the Ministry of Transport indi- does independent media, which has been My itinerary roughly – but oh-so-very-roughly – went But now Kosovo is entering a new cate that this may change. The GoK threatened for criticizing local and GoK thus: Mitrovica to Mostar, Mostar to Belgrade, Belgrade phase. At this critical juncture, the should take the lead arresting and prose- officials. The GoK can more effectively to Medare, Medare to Belgrade, and finally Belgrade to Government of Kosovo (GoK) should cuting violators. If it does not, EULEX fight organised crime by filling legisla- Prishtina. But the twists and turns in between stops focus on state-building through transpar- should step-in and set the standard. tive gaps. Kosovo needs an “Anti-Mafia were a lesson in Balkan history, geography and culture. ent and accountable governance, and a The United States is beloved for lead- Law”, a law on the confiscation of crimi- Accompanied by a tame Krajina Serb (we’ll call him more pro-active approach to combating ing NATO’s military action and steward- nal assets, and witness protection provi- Dusan) in the honourable position of map reader, we cut corruption and crime. ing its coordinated declaration of inde- sions. Like Albania, the GoK should an odd sight at the twelve or so border crossings we Kosovo is the poorest country in pendence. In addition to the $100 million make prevention and prosecution of encountered. “Is the car registered to you?” a puzzled Europe, with an average annual per capi- in foreign aid this year, the Obama human trafficking a priority. border guard would ask Dusan. “No,” he inevitably ta income of $2,500. More than 40% of administration should make Kosovo a Special assistance is needed for small replied. “It’s registered to her husband.” Kosovars are unemployed. Despite large beneficiary of the Millennium Challenge and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). No further comment passed any of our uniformed public expenditures, growth fell to 4.4% Corporation earmarking funds for good As the engine of market-led economic interlocutors’ lips as their facial expressions collapsed in 2009 from 5.8% the previous year. Last governance through its “Threshold growth, SMEs are critical to job creation in bemusement at the pairing of this Establishment year saw a steady decline in remittances, Program” and putting Kosovo on the and broadening the tax base. “One-stop young British women and her mischievous, tattooed pas- private credit, and Foreign Direct path to becoming a “Compact Country”. shops” for business registration and senger. Investment, and an increase in external A Kosovo-American Enterprise Fund licensing, including online registration Our favourite border crossing has to be in the far debt. Kosovo ranked 113th overall by the could be another useful development and tax payments, would further stream- north-west corner of Montenegro. Lit only by a thou- World Bank in its 2009 Report on Doing tool. line the bureaucracy of doing business, sand sparkling stars in the depth of the night, the resi- Business. depoliticise the registration process, and Kosovo’s political leaders appreciate dents of this tiny cabin included two border guards and While these figures are bleak, they help counter corruption. the seriousness of Kosovo’s challenges. a cleaning lady, with a stove and a computer and not should be considered in context. They At the municipal level, measures are They must not be deterred from tackling much space to move. are partly the result of factors outside of needed for standardised registration pro- them in the near-term. Reforms will have Having handed over our passports, green card insur- the government’s control, such as the cedures, uniform rules for construction the added benefit of boosting Kosovo’s ance and car registration documents, Dusan and I global economic crisis and Europe’s permits and contract enforcement. campaign to gain greater global recogni- looked up to see a large, “Welcome to Serbia!” sign. declining euro and credit crunch. Despite its problems, the international tion. Transparent and effective gover- We turned. Faced each other. Blasphemed. And as Strengthening the rule of law is, how- community can do more to help.When nance anchored by the rule of law and a Dusan ran up to the guard to retrieve our passports, the ever, very much within the GoK’s con- the European Bank for Reconstruction strong private sector will show the world guard smiled understandingly: “Ah – did you want to go trol. When it comes to cracking-down on and Development makes Kosovo a mem- that Kosovo is ready to take its rightful to Bosnia? Ten kilometres back down the mountain, corruption, responsibility starts at the ber, it should work with private banks to place in the family of nations. you’ll see a sharp hairpin right turn. Follow that for top. The GoK can show it is serious by increase financing for SMEs through a another 20 km and you’ll get to Bosnia.”At this stage, we dismissing or arresting ministers loan guarantee programme mitigating David L. Phillips has worked on tried the GPS on Dusan’s BlackBerry. But while helpful- involved with corrupt practices and the exposure of Kosovo’s nascent bank- Albanian issues for more than 20 years. ly giving us the speed of the car (minutes, if not hours, holding other high-level violators ing sector. The GoK can also infuse capi- He is currently director of the Program of fun), it – like us – had no idea where we were or where accountable. tal into the credit system by dedicating a on Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding we were going. Family members of government offi- portion of the privatisation trust fund to at American University and author of a You will be pleased to discover, Seeking Teta Mia, but not nearly as pleased as we were at 11.30pm, that cials cannot be exempt. Qualified profes- set up an SME loan program offering recent report by the National Committee Gorazde now has one – rather fancy – hotel, and soft sionals should be appointed to anti-cor- low-interest financing and other conces- on American Foreign Policy – “Realizing fresh bread rolls for a 6am breakfast. And while its scars ruption prosecutorial and judicial posts. sional terms. Kosova’s Independence.” still seer, its pride and raging river – and new hotel – Enhancing the Anti-Corruption Agency A European perspective is essential to www.ncafp.org/reports_2010.htm should draw admiring visitors from all over the world. A truckers’ road stop just outside Pale provided by far Outside In the best Turkish coffee in all our travels. Mostar, while beautiful, failed to serve up this regional delight in any of the five places we asked, despite all the souvenir The Dutch Sweating Agent shops selling gjezvehs (and earrings, and football t- shirts, and used military hardware). comes to judicial affairs. as well as current ministers. This However, the Krajina Serb and I did enjoy the deli- The Dutch prosecutor’s declarations implies that the current political cious paradox of drinking respectively Karlovacko and could shatter the entire political scene dynamics in Kosovo are likely to change Sarajevsko beer on the East Side. The LukOil petrol sta- By Kreshnik Hoxha in Kosovo. He took us on a guided tour drastically. tions on the Belgrade-Nis highway are my recommenda- through the fetid swamp of Kosovo cor- The extent of this shake-up is tion for a quick sandwich and coffee – and, on the initia- tive of an excellent but sadly temporary co-driver (child- ome loathe him; others lionise him ruption, outside and inside govern- presently unforeseeable; however, the it ishly ecstatic at the chance to captain a right-hand-drive for his bold statements. I, for one, ment. Van Vreeswijk said that anyone will be central to the next general elec- vehicle for 300km), ice cream. But the early strawberries think that for the first time in 11 involved in the ‘corruption gang’ should tion, which could happen a lot earlier S we were given by a middle-aged blonde woman on the years, an international, the so-called start sweating. than the date pinned in Fatmir Sejdiu’s Mostar-Sarajevo road (cultivated by returnee families in Kosovo’s Dutch Sweating Agent, This is the first time an international head. has delivered such a strong, cutting and, And where does this leave the ordi- Gacko) won 2010’s Sublime Road Victuals award. Johannes Van Vreeswijk, has finally hit After all this adventure, Belgrade was somewhat of an the nail on the head. more importantly, detailed account of nary citizen? The developments have what many are keen to sweep under the undoubtedly split the public. Some cyn- anticlimax, for two key reasons: First, I found our hotel It was a momentous fortnight that has carpet. ics wonder if there will be any politi- and a handy though expensive car park with no wrong just passed across Europe. But, the But what does this mean for the polit- cians left to vote for, others claim that turns, despite the Labyrinthine one-way system; and cliffhanger came from Kosovo, right ical dynamics in Kosovo? The tension this was the last thing Kosovo needed secondly, because I was too damn tired to sample more from the heart of EULEX, leaving every- between the government and EULEX prior to the ICJ decisions. But the than a “dunja” of this uber-cool city’s nightlife. one in suspense about what will follow remains high, even if conciliatory nois- largest section of public has faith in Our border-zipping and slipping certainly under- next. es have been made in recent days. The EULEX to finally eradicate the prob- mined my prejudice against all people uniformed: with In the aftermath of the Limaj drama, opposition have been all too willing to lems that have been corroding this soci- a couple of exceptions, everybody was polite, efficient a disgruntled and totally snide Hashim stir things up too, failing to realise that ety for 11 years. and friendly. And our drive was completely stunning, Thaci appeared on RTK expressing his they might end up shooting themselves The window of hope has now opened aided by my companion’s maxim: “Work out where you disappointment for being kept out of in the foot. and Van Vreesjwik must ensure it are first, and then double check with the peasants.” the loop and branding the actions Van Vreeswijk has stated that piles of remains that way. I believe the govern- But you know what, Seeking Teta Mia? I was so unprofessional. The PM’s insinuations evidence are being dusted off from ment would be swinging open the win- pleased to be home, in Kosovo. It might not be as clean, Y had clearly aggrieved Van Vreeswijk, EULEX’s shelves, and among these piles dows themselves with all that sweating or as ordered, or as dramatic as the three other countries M we passed through. But it turns out, I have found Teta who showed his teeth back at Thaci, there are dossiers about individuals if they weren’t so concerned about open C Mia: She’s at home, in Kosovo. telling him where his place is when it from previous governments in Kosovo windows – destination defenestration. K If you would like your NGO to appear in 14 May 21 - June 3, 2010 our Making a Difference feature, please NGO Focus email [email protected]

Embassies Ideas Partnership: More than and Liaison Offices in Just a Second Thought Prishtina

American Address: "Nazim Hikmet" no. 30 Arbëria/Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina By Belinda Vrapi Phone: +381 (0) 38 549 516 Austrian Address: "Ahmet Krasniqi" no. 22 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Kosovo is a place of ideas,” said Phone: +381 (0) 38 249 284 Elizabeth Gowing, one of the Belgian founders of the NGO Ideas “ Address: "Taslixhe" I, 23 A Partnership. “Over the years, this part of 10000 Pristina the world has seen some extremely bad Phone: +381 (0) 38 734 734 ideas. But, swirling around together, the British best macchiato and the youngest popula- Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 6 tion in Europe can produce some great Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina ones.” Phone: +381 (0) 38 254 700 This small NGO, created by Ms Bulgarian Gowing, her partner Robert Wilton Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 12 and her friend Ardian Arifaj, Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina attempts to transform good ideas Phone: +381 (0) 038 245 540 into reality. Danish “Kosovo is also a place of partner- Address: "Nene Teresa" no. 2 ship,” she added. 10000 Prishtina “And Kosovo understands better Phone: +381 (0) 38 249 995 than many other countries about greetings cards incorporating sil- cloth bags in Kosovo. run English teaching and photogra- Dutch the power of partnerships going ver filigree, and toured a photogra- A long-standing awareness-rais- phy projects on the camp.” Address:" Xhemal Berisha" no. 12 beyond the streets of Pejton – fami- phy exhibition showcasing ing campaign is also being run “We are a small NGO, relying Velania, 10000 Prishtina lies connected across Kosovo as well Kosovo’s cultural heritage, includ- about the environmental and eco- heavily on giving our own time for Phone: +381 (0) 38 224 61 as in the faraway diaspora, and ing markets, mosques, and monas- nomic implications for Kosovo of free, and receiving help from volun- teries, cityscapes and kullas, wed- buying local products. teers and individual donors. Finnish political partnerships which Str. Perandori Justinian No. 19 dings and holy days. Ms Gowing added: “We are also “So far, that’s been enough to stretch across Europe and the Pejton world.” And Ideas Partnership is cur- working in partnership with the enable us to achieve some things we 10 000 Pristina Ideas Partnership works on rently organising a campaign to Balkans Peace Park Project and the are really proud of.” Phone: +386 43 737 000 Kosovo’s cultural heritage – ensure that the laws on cultural Kosovan NGO, ERA, to run an envi- But she added that the NGO is French whether it is the delicate craft of sil- heritage protection are being imple- ronmental summer camp in always looking for good ideas, time Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 67 ver filigree, or the solid old wood or mented in the case of an old house Rugova this summer. or financial support. If you can Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina stone of cultural heritage sites. in Prishtina which is due for demo- “Young people will learn about help, pelase contact Ms Gowing on Phone: +381 (0) 38 22 45 88 00 In the last year, the NGO has lition. the threats to their environment the details below. Greek trained and supported native Their work on the environment and be supported to present their Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 68 English-speaking volunteers to run has focused on a campaign against ideas for protecting the environ- Elizabeth Gowing is a founding Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina after-school English clubs in plastic bags, see the Facebook ment to local and national decision member of The Ideas Partnership Phone: +381 (0) 38 243 013 Prishtina schools. group you can join ‘Thuaj JO makers. NGO registered in Kosovo. She can German The small team has developed a qeseve të plastikës’, and investigat- “To unleash their creativity, be contacted on 044 661797 or theidea- Adress: "Azem Jashanica" no. 17 micro-finance project producing ing ways of producing alternative international volunteers will also [email protected] Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 254 500 Italian Easy Medium Hard Address: "Azem Jashanica" no.5 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina |y |y Phone: +381 (0) 38 244 925 Japanese 65385 4 5 Address: "Rexhep Malaj" no. 43 10000 Prishtina 26 78 26 794Phone: +381 (0) 38 249 995 Luxemburg 81962 28 79 Address: "Metush Krasniqi" no. 14 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina 47171 8 9 2496Phone: +381 (0) 38 226 787 Malaysian 137698 9 547 6 7 Address: "Bedri Shala" no. 48 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 243 467 97 6 52 83 3615Norwegian Address: "Sejdi Kryeziu" no. 6 3649 6 17 49 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 232 111 00 7997 31 39 8 Saudia Arabian Address: Dardania SU 7, building 2, #1 834 697 4 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 549 203 Slovenian Address: "Anton Ceta" no. 6 10000 Prishtina Rental of simultaneous Phone: +381 (0) 38 244 886 Swedish Str. Perandori Justinian No. 19 Pejton translation equipment. 10 000 Pristina Phone: +381 38 24 57 95  Swiss Address: "Adrian Krasniqi" no. 11 10000 Prishtina Services for conferences, presentations and trainings. Phone: +381 (0) 38 248 088 Y Turkish M For prices and booking call: +381 38 602042, [email protected] Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 59 C [email protected] Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina +377 44 243376 Phone: +381 (0) 38 226 044 K By Shengjyl Osmani May 21 - June 3, 2010 15 in Prishtina Timeout Contact Prishtina Insight if you would like your event to feature or to advertise your venue. Email [email protected]

Prishtina Diary Programme 2010

Prishtina International Friday, May 21 Gegë caffee bar 8pm Concert, Chamber Accordion Orchestra, Croatia Friday, May 21, 2010, Contemporary Music Festival Venue: Red Hall “Garage 60’s Surf Punk, Afro Funk dhe Cosmic Disco Night,” starting from 9 pm he Remusica festival is bringing Saturday, May 22 innovation and a rich and attrac- 12pm Remusica Junior, Filikaqa Ttive programme to the Prishtina Acousmatic Tales audience, says composer Rafet Rudi. Friday, May 21, 2010, Venue: ASK- American The festival, which started on Tuesday, Karaoke, starting from 9 pm, for reservations School of Kosova, aims to promote contemporary 8pm Concert, Kosova call 044 788 748 Albanian/Kosovo music on the internation- Philharmonic Orchestra, al scene. Frederic Belli, trombone; Full House The first day of the festival was dedicated Venera Mehmetagaj Kajtazi, entirely to Albanian music, brought by the flaut; Toshio Yanagisawa, con- Camerata Tirana. Saturday, May 22, ductor; The audience will also enjoy concert 2010, Venue: Red Hall DJ KC, One of the recitals of two world known artists from France and Germany - the cellist biggest DJs in the Sunday, May 23 Dominique de Williencourt and the young world of Hip Hop & RnB, starts from 10 pm 8pm Kosova Philharmonic trombonist Frederic Belli, who will also Choir perform with the Kosovo Philharmonic. DJ KC has become one of the biggest DJs in the Venue: Catholic Church Remusica this year marks the 75th “St.Anthony” world of Hip-Hop and R&B with a back cata- birthday of the composer Vincenc Gjini, 9.30pm REMUSICA logue of around thirty mix tapes, a dozen party Feim Brahimi, and 40 years of work by Electroacoustic Night, Carte breaks (vinyls) and an impressive list of sets in composer Bashkim A.Shehu. Blanche Lucio Garou, Italy The event began in 2002 and this year the biggest clubs. Over the years, he has earned Venue: ASK- America School features even more performing ensem- his reputation as a result of his varied musical of Kosova tastes (Hip-Hop, R&B, Crunk, Ragga, bles. Besides the ensembles, such as Kosovo Monday, May 24 Reggaeton, etc.) and for his inspiring technical concert based on the Brothers Grimm Philharmonic and its choir and Camerata 8pm Open Podium, Croatian capabilities. tales. The educational component, similar Tirana ensemble, the following ensembles Artists, Danijel Detoni, piano to last year’s edition, will be marked by will take part: Sonoris ensemble from & Petra Kusan,cello Pacha Club Skopje and Croation Ensemble of the call for composers to create new works Venue: National Library Accordions. – this year reserved for piano miniature works based on Albanian folk music. Friday, May 21, 2010, Marking the year of Chopin, Remusica Tuesday, May 25 But Remusica will not only offer music 8 Samba Brazilian will offer a specific concert during which 12pm Pedagogic Concert, nights. In an attempt to initiate an inter- Ladies & 2 Drummers, the works of Chopin will be performed by Miniatures for Piano based on national debate on the general problems starting from 9 pm pianist Yllka Istrefi, from England, which Albanian folk music of organising music festivals, the festival will interact with electronic music works Venue: M.S “Prenk Jakova” based on Chopin music. is organising a two-day international con- Saturday, May 22, 2010, 8pm “Intorno a Chopin” Convinced that electronic music attract ference, on May 22 and 23, with the partic- Samba Show & Labinot Tahiri – Labi, from 9 pm Concert, Yllka Istrefi, more young people, Italian Composer ipation of prestigious European Festival England Resident: DJ Fama (Best of Summer Hits) Lucio Garau will present the children’s organisers. Venue: National Library Square 21:

Saturday, May 22, 2010 Inter vs Bayern Followed by an After Cinema Party at Spray with DJ Tony Touch NY, ABC Cinema continues to screen the movies Libertas at 5 pm,and the movie from 11.30pm Robin Hood at 7.30 pm and 10 pm. ABC Cinema will start screening the movie “Besa” from May 28, 2010. The Tony Touch (born Joseph Anthony Hernandez July 2nd, 1969), also known as Tony Toca, is an movie represents the period of the beginning of the First World War, where American hip hop DJ 2010 the legacy continues. a Serb, Filip, needs to go to Belgrade, and leaves alone his Slovenian wife, He is an icon in Hip-Hop and in the Urban Lea, in a small city in Serbia, where she is a teacher. The school employee, Hispanic genre plus seasoned player in the game, is a true innovator and has Azem, an ‘uneducated person’, promises to Filip that he will look after his revolutionized the DJ game over and over wife and the film follows his efforts to keep his word. again.

Pristina In Your Pocket city guide

New issue for sale at Dukagjini and Dit e Nat Y For more info tel. +38 649 173 447 M http://pristina.inyourpocket.com C K 16 May 21 - June 3, 2010 marketing

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