Issue No. 178 Friday, February 20 - Thursday, March 05, 2015 ORDER DELIVERY TO Vietnamese Bosnian FEST to YOUR DOOR +381 11 4030 303 student baby beats champion [email protected] - ISSN 1820-8339 1 makes ethnically- Serbian BELGRADE INSIGHT IS PUBLISHED BY 0 1 Belgrade divided movies ‘home’ system Page 5 Page 8 Page 10 9 7 7 1 8 2 0 8 3 3 0 0 0 Even when the Democrats longas continue to likely is This also are negotiations Drawn-out Surely the situation is urgent Many of us who have experi - We feel in-the-know because bia has shown us that (a.) no single no (a.) that us shown has bia party or coalition will ever gain the governa - form to required majority negotiations political (b.) and ment, will never be quickly concluded. achieved their surprising result at last month’s general election, quickly it became clear that the - re sult was actually more-or-less the result election other every as same in Serbia, i.e. inconclusive. as Serbia’s politicians form new political parties every time disagree with they their current party - reg 342 currently are (there leader political parties in Serbia). istered the norm. One Ambassador Belgrade-based recently told me he was also alarmed by the distinct lack of urgency among politicians. Serbian “The country is standstill at and a I don’t understand their logic. If they are so eager to progress towards the EU and en - theycome how investors, courage go home at 5pm sharp and don’t work weekends?” overtime. little a warrant to enough Hope runs EDITOR’S WORD Predictability Political By Mark R. Pullen elections Serbian numerous enced rate ourselves as pundits when it comes to predicting election - re sults and post-election moves. our experience of elections in Ser short for - - - Blair lands another NEWS Smederevo deal: advising Serbia steelNEWS Blair will counsel Following the “The situation in the party seems “Dacic will eventually side with Nikolic agreed: “The question is Fearing they might not cross the Pensioners leader, Jovan Krkoba - The reported price is the post of In addition, the Socialists are bar Tadic has denied talk of horse- At the same time, Dacic seems re - reach an agreement “If we don’t Source: Balkan Insight (www.balkaninsight.com) Balkan Insight (www.balkaninsight.com) Source: Serbian PM collapse of party over which way to turn. extremely complicated, as we try to convince the few remaining lag - gards that we need to move out of one Socialist shadow,” Milosevic’s Party official complained. in a bid to guide his party into Tadic the European mainstream, but much of the membership and many offi - cials may oppose that move.” will the party split or ‘old- back down,” he noted. timers’ threshold to enter parlia - 5-per-cent ment, the Socialists teamed up with Association of Pensioners and the the led by business - United Serbia Party, man Dragan Markovic “Palma”. bic, Palma and Dacic are all pushing for a deal with the Democrats. of deputy PM, with a brief in charge security for the Socialist leader. gaining for other ministries, includ - ing capital investments, Kosovo and education, Belgrade media reported. trading with the Socialists, maintain - ing that ministries would go only to those committed to working for the “strategic goal”. government’s negotiations with luctant to call off the nationalists. with the DSS and Radicals, par ty leadership will decide on future steps”, Dacic announced, following par new country’s of session first the liament on Wednesday. Aleksandar sale talks, the Vučić, once government page 10 his outspoken plans to critic, under introduce ‘expert hile the football world watch - es events unfold at the Euro -

management’ to a strong current also However, Mihajlo Markovic, a founder of Markovic, a prominent supporter Some younger Socialist officials deal believed Neighbourhood Matters faces extinction unless it changes. flows in the opposite direction, led by party veterans enraged the Tadic. prospect of a deal with recently warned of a crisis the party, if Dacic opts for the pro-European “nat - bloc, abandoning the Socialists’ ural” ideological partners. of Milosevic during the 1990s, is seen as representative of the “old- timers” in the party who want to stay policies, true to the former regime’s even though these almost ruined the Socialists for good. have voiced frustration over the con - tinuing impasse within their own Football Rebellion Football pean Championships in Austria and pean Championships in Switzerland, Bosnia is experiencing led by fans, play - a soccer rebellion, enraged ers and former stars who are by what they see as corrupt leaders football association of the country’s leaders. W to be funded Smederevo Steel June 13, 2008 Issue No. 1 / Friday, by United Arab Mill – but are the page 5 Emirates. options to save the troubled giant Ivan ANGELOVSKI Lawrence MARZOUK running out? Emma GRAHAM-HARRISON conomists are warning that pro - over Serbia’s uncertainty longed “This year has been lost, from the After eight years of stagnation, the pro-European and nation - With Nikolic believes the Socialists, led “The group of younger Socialists Business Insight Costs Mounting future could scare off investors, lead investors, lead future could scare off to higher inflation and jeopardise prosperity for years to come. says standpoint of economic policy,” Econom - the of Stamenkovic Stojan ics Institute in Belgrade. to Serbia’s late president, Slobodan to Serbia’s Milosevic, and reformists who want the party to become a modern Euro - pean social democrat organisation. the Socialists returned to centre stage after winning 20 of the 250 seats in elections. parliament in the May 11 alist blocs almost evenly matched, the Socialists now have the final say on the fate of country. by Ivica Dacic, will come over to if only out of a pragmatic de - Tadic, sire to ensure their political survival. gathered around Dacic seems to be adding said, Nikolic majority”, the in that these reformists believe the party ony Blair has added Serbia to Katarina MARKOVIĆ E the list of countries he is paid to advise, despite his role as the fter months of talks, Ser- chief proponent of the bomb- bia’s government has ing of Belgrade in 1999. failed to hatch a deal on Friday • June 13 2008 TBlair will counsel the Serbian prime min- a strategic partnership ister, Aleksandar Vučić, who was informa- with US-based Esmark tion minister during the war and was once overA Smederevo Steel Mill, which em- such an outspoken critic of the British politi- ploys around 5,000 workers. THIS ISSUE OF cian that he was listed as an editor of a book The collapse of talks means that the Belgrade Insight IS SUPPORTED BY: IS SUPPORTED titled English Gay Fart Tony Blair. government will remain the owner and on a new gov - ense negotiations ernment have divided the ranks “It looks as if the Socialists will Simultaneous negotiations held This divides “old-timers” loyal Socialist leader Ivica Dacic remains the Serbian kingmaker Socialist leader Ivica Dacic remains Lure of Tadic Alliance Splits Socialists Tadic Lure of government, old pro-EU While younger Socialists support joining a new, over the prospect. revolt Milosevic loyalists threaten in Belgrade By Rade Maroevic guardian of the company whose op- which holds of the Socialist Party, of the balance power between the blocs and has yet to announce main which side they will support. move towards a government led by the Democrats,” political analyst Mi - lan Nikolic, of the independent Cen - tre of Policy Studies, said. “But such a move might provoke deeper divi - sions and even split the party.” with the pro-European and national - ist blocs have drawn attention to a deep rift inside the Socialists. T erations are costing the budget around Continued on page 3 Opposition politicians say Blair is a “bizarre” choice of adviser for Vučić. Photo by Center for American Progress $120 million a year. However, the government has quick- ly shifted to plan B, issuing a public invi- tation for a managerial contract for the company. Belgrade Insight kicked “We are issuing this public invitation in an attempt to get the best people in the world,” Aleksandar Vučić, the Prime Minister, said on February 17th. out of distribution points He said he expected Smederevo Steel to increase production in March Distribution of Belgrade Insight has been tries, pulled Belgrade Insight from its “We just got a call that we should pull and see the second blast furnace fired venues on February 6th. the paper,” one employee told BIRN. up by the end of the year. “This is our stopped at Belgrade airport and at Tourist Dufry, which has been hosting Bel- Miodrag Popović, the acting director goal and we will fight for it,” the Prime grade Insight pick-up points since of TOB, did not reply to questions from Organisation of Belgrade centres - in what Minister said. 2008, said the company had no written BIRN related to TOB’s decision by the Bojan Bojković, the mill’s executive appears a continuation of the government-led contract that obliges it continue distrib- time of publication. director, said he expected that the new uting the newspaper. The sudden curbs on sales of BIRN’s management begin work in the next six campaign against BIRN. The Tourist Organisation of Belgrade, newspaper come after the government TOB, has provided no explanation for its of Serbia launched a fierce attack on weeks. s of February, BIRN’s While distribution of the free news- decision, nor did it inform Belgrade In- BIRN in January. However, experts doubt whether the English language paper has also halted at Dufry outlets at sight of its intention to end cooperation. This was in response to BIRN’s publi- plan to bring in outside professional newspaper, Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, negotiations with Instead, staff at TOB info-centres, cation of an investigation into the ten- management will be enough to put the Insight, will no longer this company remain ongoing. visited by Belgrade Insight readers, in- der awarded for dewatering the state- company back on its feet and cut its be distributed at one Dufry, a global travel retailer that formed them they would no longer be owned Tamnava mine. losses. ofA the paper’s biggest distribution operates over 1,700 shops in airports, able to pick up their copies in TOB ven- points – Tourist Organisation of Bel- on cruise liners, at seaports, and other ues. Continued on page 4 Continued on page 7 grade centres. tourist locations in more than 60 coun-

+381 11 4030 306 [email protected] 2 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, February 20 - Thursday, March 05, 2015 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, February 20 - Thursday, March 05, 2015 3 SERBIA SERBIA

Opposition calls Continued from page 1 When asked whether Blair remained an for president’s PRESS REVIEW “honest broker” in the peace process, Abbas told BIRN in an exclusive interview: “Tony resignation th Serbia suppresses INFORMER, February 19 Blair was nominated by the Quartet com- SWISS REVEAL SERBS’ The opposition Social Demo- mittee as the Middle East envoy and we ac- SECRET BANK ACCOUNTS cept that as the Quartet’s decision.” But he cratic Party led by former added that he had “lost hope” in the current President Boris Tadić called on Police in Geneva have confiscated Blair lands another round of the negotiations. th February 18 for the resigna- Serbia in brief critical media, documentation about accounts at He is close to the crown prince, who shares tion of current head of state HSBC bank and found that 37 Serbian Blair’s concerns about the Muslim Brother- Tomislav Nikolić after his con- citizens hid more than €40 million. hood and is believed to be behind the UAE’s troversial criticism of Serbian On the list, according to Informer’s deal: advising Serbia more forceful role in the region, including uni- war crimes prosecutor Vladimir watchdog says sources, are at least two well-known lateral bombing raids on eastern Libyan. Vukčević. After Vukčević an- politicians, one former football ow Vučić and Blair find them- on domestic political fallout being outweighed business interests and his post A spokeswoman for Tony Blair Associ- nounced that the prosecution player who is now a prominent selves on the same side, by the boost that Blair’s credentials could bring as Quartet envoy. ates refused to confirm or deny that Abu would investigate the alleged sports official, and one of the most under a contract sealed by to their campaign for membership of the Eu- “There is no clear division Dhabi was funding the project, but said it involvement of current army popular Serbian singers. One Serbian Blair’s private consultancy to ropean Union, or on improvements his team between Blair’s diplomatic would not affect Blair’s work for the Quartet set up a “delivery unit” paid could bring to their governing skills. dealings and business deal- in the Middle East. chief General Ljubiša Diković in businessman brought €20 million in Nfor, according to Serbian official sources, by Blair himself may also face political fall- ings in the Middle East,” he “This project was directly negotiated and war crimes in Kosovo, Nikolić cash to HSBC bank, Informer claims. the United Arab Emirates. out from the deal, because of links between said. “In his role as Middle East agreed between Serbia and TBA (Tony Blair stated that the prosecutor th It is likely to infuriate not just Serbs who Abu Dhabi, Serbia and a controversial Pales- envoy, his relationship with Associates) following meetings between “should think about what he is KURIR, February 19 resent Blair’s role in the bombing campaign tinian exile, Mohammed Dahlan, which are Abbas is crucial in building Tony Blair and the Serbia prime minister and digging up in Serbia”. Nikolić DOCTOR SUBMITTED REQUEST against the former Yugoslavia, but also op- likely to make the deal extremely unpopu- the Palestinian economy and was not part of any wider agreement,” she also stated that the investiga- FOR CANNABIS LEGALISATION ponents of his expanding business interests lar among officials in the West Bank. administration. [His ties] with said in a statement. “The work of the delivery tion into Diković was an “or- in the Middle East. Critics say personal con- An arch-rival of President Mahmoud Ab- Abu Dhabi could undermine unit has no bearing on Tony Blair’s role in the chestrated campaign” against Milan Savić, a neurologist and cerns, including financial ties to Abu Dhabi, bas, Dahlan has made no secret of his desire this.” Middle East for the Palestinian economy.” the state. director at Belgrade’s Sveti Sava the UAE capital, are undermining his post- to become the next Palestinian leader. He is A senior Serbian minis- Blair’s office told reporters last July that hospital, submitted a request on ing as official envoy in the Middle East for currently living in Abu Dhabi and serving ter, who asked to remain there was “no project in, or contract with, th Serbs hold hundreds February 18 to the Ministry of the Quartet – the UN, US, Russia and EU. as economic and security adviser to Crown anonymous, confirmedSerbia”, following a visit by the former of thousands of illegal Health, asking for the legalisation Two senior Serbian officials have said Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. that Tony Blair Associates’ prime minister to Belgrade. Blair’s spokes- weapons of cannabis oil. “There are serious Abu Dhabi is funding Tony Blair Associates’ He played a pivotal role in negotiating work, including the recent woman said the Serbian deal had not been investigations showing that cannabis latest advisory role with their government. billions of euros worth of promised invest- Alastair Campbell lecture, signed at the time of the denial. She refused oil helps with the treatment of cancer, Blair and his team have made regular vis- ment in Serbia through a series of state- was covered by Abu Dhabi to say when the contract was agreed. Serbia’s interior minister epilepsy and other neurodegenerative its to Belgrade in recent months, Serbian gov- level agreements. As a result, he, six family but said the exact nature Blair does not publish his earnings, but Nebojša Stefanović said on ernment sources say, including for a lecture members and six political supporters were of the deal was a closely the Financial Times put his income for 2011 th diseases,” Savić said, adding that the February 18 that although oil should be legally used in Serbia, as by the former Downing Street head of press awarded Serbian citizenship in 2013 and guarded secret. at around £20m. He is paid up to $300,000 there are no precise figures, it is in many European countries. Alastair Campbell at the end of January. 2014, the Guardian and the Balkan Investiga- “No one told us any details (£195,000) a session on the lecture circuit, assessments suggest that Rival Serbian politicians say Blair is a tive Reporting Network revealed this month. since it’s all been agreed in aides have said. there are between 200,000 BLIC, February 19th “bizarre” choice of adviser to Vučić, given Dahlan, a former Palestinian security very close circle,” the minister In the past he has advised countries as and 900,000 illegal weapons MYSTERIOUS SPONSORS the previous fierce criticism. “How can you chief with close links to the US, was expelled said. “There were some people diverse as Rwanda, Albania, Mongolia and in Serbia. Presenting the new FINANCE SERBIAN say such things about someone and now from the Fatah movement, led by Abbas, in giving some lectures, but to be Kuwait. His Africa Governance Initiative Law on Weapons and Ammuni- AMBASSADOR present him as a key factor in making our 2011 for a range of alleged misdemeanours. honest I don’t see any point in has worked with the governments of Sierra tion to parliament, Stefanović government more efficient?” asked Borko He was sentenced to two years’ prison the project. They haven’t told Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Nigeria, Ethiopia Stefanović, leader of the largest opposition in absentia in March 2014 for criticising Ab- us anything we don’t already and Senegal on a non-profit basis. said that the legislation aims to Rajko Ristić, the Serbian ambassador group in parliament. bas’ leadership and PA security forces in the Photo by World Economic Forum/Flickr know.” He stoked controversy by advising the au- ensure more efficient control to Paris, spent around €20,000 on The colourfully titled book, published in West Bank. Another source from the tocratic ruler of Kazakhstan on how to man- over the possession and traf- organising a reception for Serbian 2005 with Vučić listed as an editor, was writ- Another court case against him is expect- Nimar Hamad, Abbas’s political adviser, prime minister’s office said Abu Dhabi was age the fallout from a massacre of civilians by th ficking of weapons. Statehood Day on February 15 , even ten by Vojislav Šešelj, a politician and sus- ing to conclude in February, this time for told BIRN from the presidential complex footing the bill for the project, but said he police, and by consulting on a pipeline pro- though celebrations were banned pected war criminal, when both were sen- alleged embezzlement of $22m. Dahlan de- in Ramallah that relations with Abu Dhabi had no further details. “I just know that peo- ject initiated by Azerbaijan’s president. Belgrade hosts because of the government’s austerity ior members of the Serbian Radical party. nies all the allegations. were “very poor”. He added: “It began when ple came and they told us that it was paid by measures. Ristić said he organised Vučić has since tried to distance himself Palestinian officials have been angered Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed asked not Abu Dhabi.” This article was produced as part of a pro- Serbian Women’s Mihr said there are numerous examples of censorship and self-censorship in Serbia. Photo by J Rohl/Deutsche Welle/ Flickr Business Forum the reception with money he got from from his past, breaking away from the Radi- by Abu Dhabi’s refusals to hand over Dahl- to take any measures against Mohammed Blair has already drawn fire for his busi- gramme titled “A Paper Trail to Better Gov- sponsors. However, he failed to name cals with Tomislav Nikolić, now Serbia’s an and its alleged bankrolling of his cam- Dahlan.” ness ties with Abu Dhabi, including a con- ernance”, with funding from the Austrian The second Serbian Women’s Responding to ternet, while independent journalists seen that the authorities have very the sponsors or say for what exactly president, in 2008 to form the Progressive paign to unseat Abbas, pouring money into Chris Doyle, director of the Council for tract worth more than £1m a year advis- Development Cooperation (ADC) and imple- Business Forum will be held were either threatened or pressured,” negative attitudes toward media free- he was given the money. According to party, which has cast itself as pro-European. refugee camps and Gaza to win over his Arab-British Understanding, said Blair ing the emirate’s sovereign wealth fund mented by BIRN. The content does not reflect at Belgrade’s Hotel Metropol remarks on the he said. dom. Also, there are numerous exam- Blic’s sources, the ambassador did not Balkan insiders say they may be counting supporters. needed to decide between pursuing his Mubadala. views and opinions of ADC. “Media freedom must be a firm con- ples of censorship and self-censorship,” on February 20th. The forum ask for a permission from the Serbian dition for Serbia’s EU accession,” Mihr he said. will bring together local and media by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is told the Serbian website Cenzolovka “It is a bad development because required by law. international female business EU enlargement on February 18th. Serbia wants to join the EU and as a and political leaders to discuss Mihr stated that in May 2014, during candidate country must seriously un- POLITIKA, February 19th ways to strengthen women’s commissioner, the floods in Serbia, some articles were derstand the importance of the inde- PENSIONS FROM RUSSIA position in the business envi- taken off websites, while the govern- pendence of journalists and the need EXPECTED SOON ronment. Among the partici- Christian ment “attacked several critical reports” for freedom of the media,” Mihr added. pants will be Serbian ministers on the official response to the floods. “Based on several examples, we The new World Press Freedom In- Serbian citizens who worked in Kori Udovički and Zorana Mihr, director Russia and Russians who worked in Mihajlović, Lynne Montgomery, know that the Serbian Prime Minister dex, surveying the state of media free- th Serbia will be able to receive their Vice President of Cotrugli Busi- of Reporters is very sensitive to criticism, even on dom in 2014, ranked Serbia in 67 posi- critical questions,” Mihr told Cenzolov- tion, a fall from the 54th place it had one pensions once an agreement with ness School, Christine Moro, Without Borders, ka, referring to Aleksandar Vučić. year ago. Moscow is signed. Zoran Panović the French ambassador in Ser- He gave the example of the jour- The annual report on media free- from Serbia’s Institute for Social bia and Narinder Chauhan, the said there were nalist Natalija Miletić, a Berlin-based dom is published by Reporters With- Insurance said the number of Serbs Indian ambassador in Serbia. freelance journalist and a regular cor- out Borders, a France-based non-profit, working in Russia and Russians many examples respondent for Deutsche Welle Radio, non-governmental organisation that in Serbia is still unknown. Should Serbia to get new fire who posed tough questions to Vučić promotes and defends freedom of in- the agreement be signed soon, as protection law of censorship and during his visit to Berlin in June 2014. formation and freedom of the press. expected, it will come into force at the At a press conference Miletić asked Mihr stated that the rankings are be- beginning of 2016. The National Assembly started self-censorship in Vučić about the media situation in Ser- ing calculated based on questionnaires a discussion on February 18th bia and about allegations that some that are the same for all countries and KURIR, February 19th about amendments to the Serbia. ministers in the Serbian government are sent to journalists, media experts, PROVE YOU ARE HEALTHY current Law on Fire Protection. had plagiarised their diplomas. lawyers and professors. BEFORE PURCHASING GUNS The amendments are widely Mihr noted that some media in Ser- bia then published known as ‘Tamara’s law’, after The new law on munitions and ihr, of Reporters With- offensive ar- weapons, which is now being Tamara Miladinović, one of six out Borders, who par- ticles about discussed in the Serbian Assembly, people who died when a fire hit ticipated in compil- Miletić fol- Media freedom is to impose two new important the Kontrast club in Novi Sad in ing the recent report lowing the April 2012. The suggestion to on media freedom press con- must be a firm conditions: good health and a legitimate reason for purchasing a bring in the amendments came Mworldwide, said independent media ference, from Miladinović’s father after and journalists in Serbia came under while the condition for firearm. Interior Minister Nebojša the accident. According to the serious pressure in 2014. journalist Stefanović said there are between 200,000 and 900,000 illegal weapons new law, restaurants and clubs Responding to the statement of Jo- also received Serbia’s EU in the country and that the law will not be able to get a permit hannes Hahn, the EU regional policy threats. will ensure the effective control of if they fail to fulfill all fire commissioner, who said allegations of He said that censorship in Serbia accession.” media censorship in Serbia need to be was often indirect and not transpar- firearms possession. protection conditions, Predrag supported, Mihr said that such proof al- ent, and that this was not specific to Marić, the head of the Serbian BIRN has not verified the ready existed. Serbia. Christian Mihr, director of police’s search and rescue “Articles that were critical of the “When we look at the overall con- reports and cannot vouch for department, told media. government were deleted from the In- text of the Serbian media, it can be Reporters Without Borders their accuracy. 4 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, February 20 - Thursday, March 05, 2015 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, February 20 - Thursday, March 05, 2015 5 BELGRADE BELGRADE

Continued from page 1 Belgrade Insight Belgrade kicked out of Vietnamese student distribution points to honour

he investigation said the power company EPS Serbian awarded the contract makes Belgrade ‘home’ to a consortium of two companies with no T Almost four years on, language prob- relevant experience, one of whose government Hoan Kim may directors is standing trial for tax lems still appear from time to time. His evasion. be the only friends help him out. “Tell those liars that they have “I have good friends, mostly Serbs. lied again. They got the money admirers Just recently I have visited one of them from [Michael] Davenport [head of Vietnamese the EU delegation in Belgrade] and in Kuršumlija in southern Serbia. It was the EU to speak against the Serbian Russian director Nikita Mikhalkov and student in the great. He also took me to Mt Kopaonik government,” Aleksandar Vučić, and Đavolja Varoš,” Hoan says. the Prime Minister, said. Austrian novelist Peter Handke, who As a student in Serbia, he studies for Gordana Igrić, BIRN regional whole of Belgrade free and even has a monthly allowance. director, said developments at the have both expressed pro-government Nevertheless, it is not that much and airport and at tourist information – but that doesn’t centres showed the campaign was sentiments, are to become honorary guarding his money is an absolute ne- continuing. stop him from cessity. There is not much partying. “We perceive the fact that Bel- Belgraders. “I don’t go out that often,” he says. grade Insight is being kicked out of “When I do, I go to local taverns. I don’t venues that have been our partners imagining a know the lyrics but I like to dance a lot.” for years as continuation of the campaign against BIRN in which elgrade city council de- Mikhalkov, a supporter of Russian future in the city. Back home, Huan was the youngest of state institutions and companies cided on February 12th to leader Vladimir Putin, appeared to four brothers and sisters. “One brother is - which by the nature of their job proclaim Mikhalkov and be referring to Belgrade’s decision in Cambodia and another is in Laos. My have to cooperate with the state - Handke honorary citi- not to join EU sanctions on Moscow sister, who is 37 and the eldest, lives in are participating,” she said. zens for their “dedicated over Ukraine. Vietnam,” he says. He hopes to see them “This is not happening only to us. Bwork in promoting our city and the The Russian director has been all soon on a visit, “I will finally go home Mechanisms for ensuring media obedience differ, from conditioning Republic of Serbia”. close to the current Serbian regime when I graduate, which I expect to be in awards of commercial contracts to The Yugoslav Film Archive filed for some time. In 2008 he visited some two years’ time,” he says. financial control over media,” she the initiative to honour Mikhalkov, Serbia to support Tomislav Nikolić Ivana NIKOLIĆ While it is far from easy being away noted. saying that he had made a major con- during the presidential election cam- from home for such a long time, Hoan Readers can pick up copies of tribution to contemporary cinema paign. At the time, Nikolic was run- t has been three-and-a feels better off in Serbia. He even plans Belgrade Insight at the hall of BIRN’s Belgrade office at Kolarčeva 7, as and culture, as well as a personal ning as an ultra-nationalist Radical half years since I came to do an MA in Belgrade. “Hopefully, I will well as at venues listed on page 4. commitment to Belgrade. Party candidate. to Belgrade,” 25-year-old get a job here,” Hoan says, optimistically. Copies are also available at Mikhalkov’s latest film, “Sun- The initiative to declare Handke an Mikhalkov has been close to the current Serbian regime for some time. Photo by Wikimedia Commons Hoan Kim from Vietnam “I know that is really hard. I think get- venues listed on a map on the last stroke”, had its world premiere in honorary citizen of Belgrade came says in near-perfect Ser- ting a job here is harder than in Viet- page of the newspaper. Readers Belgrade last year. The director said from the Miloš Crnjanski Endow- speech at his funeral in 2006. He also The city council’s decision to de- bian as we sit in a small nam,” he admits. But the discussion is may order home delivery of the he decided to show the film for the ment, which cited Handke’s solidar- defended Serbia’s role in the 1990s clare them honorary citizens of the city-centre café. over because Hoan says he has to hurry. newspaper by visiting http://www. “I balkaninsight.com/en/page/sub- first time in the city because Serbia ity with the people of Belgrade and wars, insisting the country was a vic- capital has to be approved by the He is one of a few dozen students from School cannot wait. scribe-to-belgrade-insight. For ad- was a country “of brave people who Serbia while the country was going tim and that Western media misinter- Belgrade assembly. Goran Vesić, the countries of the former Non-Aligned ditional information please contact guarded their history and tradition, through difficult times. preted Belgrade’s role. Belgrade’s city manager, told daily Movement studying in Belgrade on a [email protected]. but also cared about their future and In the nineties, Handke defended Mikhalkov and Handke were al- Večernje Novosti that he hopes scholarship. made decisions independently, de- the regime of strongman leader Slo- ready awarded state medals by Ser- that the assembly will endorse the Unlike most of them, he plans to stay Hoan Kim hopes to find a job in Serbia after he graduates. Photo by BIRN spite all the pressure.” bodan Milošević, and even made a bian President Nikolic in 2013. awards by the end of February. on in Serbia after he graduates and look for a job, in spite of being the only Viet- I prefer namese student in the city. been to Novi Sad, Smederevo, Kraguje- his wish to learn about the culture and But I could Hoan misses his homeland. The dif- vac, Niš.... well almost all the cities,” he politics of post-Yugoslavia. not find an- ferences between the cultures are huge, says. “When people hear I am from Viet- ything and domestic starting with the cuisine. “Food is very “I like Serbia a lot. It is different to Vi- nam, they often ask me if we hate Amer- I was very Spanish heap praise on party capital different. People here eat bread a lot, and etnam but I like it,” he says, sipping an ica back home, because of the war,” he nervous,” or Turkish there is meat for every meal,” he says. Espresso. “I prefer domestic or Turkish observes. he recalls. n an article called “Marcha a oril- ropa”, (“Belgrade, Europe’s party city”) “We don’t do that back home, we eat rice coffee, as you call it here. I drink it every But the war ended decades ago and When he Articles in las del Danubio” (“Partying on the says Belgrade is unique and attractive for instead - but now I’m used to pljeskavice. morning,” he says. people in Vietnam have got over it, he arrived, he and the other scholar- coffee, as you banks of the Danube”), in El Pais its rivers, parks, squares, museums, thea- “Since I came to Serbia, I haven’t Hoan left Vietnam back in October notes. “I am very interested in the ways ship students started a six-month El Pais and magazine on February 9th journal- tres, and the St Sava church, the world’s gone home at all,” he continues, staring 2011. At the time, he was a third-year Serbia is coping with its past, especially course in Serbian. “The course ist Carlos Pascual says Belgrade biggest Orthodox church. through the window. “It would be very student of International Relations in the with the 1999 bombardment and with was OK but when I started univer- call it here. I Vospopuli say Inightlife is the main attraction of the Ser- Belgrade also has Zemun, with its Hab- expensive, I would need more than capital, Hanoi. He applied for a schol- the American role,“ he adds. sity the following October it was bian capital - but the city offers a bit of eve- sburg touches, the article notes. “Belgrade €1,500, and I couldn’t stay there for more arship from the Serbian government While Hoan likes life in Serbia, find- still very hard as I could only say drink it every the Spanish can’t rything for everyone. is a never-sleeping city,” it reads. than a month because of my studies.” aimed at students from the old Non- ing it interesting, he still has a hard time some basics,” he says. Apart from its famed clubs, bars The articles in Spanish come at a time Hoan plans to use his time in Serbia Aligned countries and got it. at the faculty sometimes. Language re- “Following lectures and study- get enough of and traditional taverns or kafanas, when Belgrade is organizing its annual to travel around and see Europe. So far, “I learned a lot about Serbian and Yu- mains a barrier. ing for the exams was a challenge,” morning.’’ Pascual lists festivals and museums, 37th International Tourism Fair, which he has visited several countries of the goslav history,” he says, adding that an- “Before I came to Serbia, I looked for he adds, recalling those early days Belgrade, calling the especially museums of Ivo Andrić takes place at the Belgrade Fair until Sun- Photo by your local connection/Flickr region as well as most of Serbia. “I have other reason for coming to Serbia was books and dictionaries in Serbian online. at the Faculty of Political Sciences. Hoan Kim and Nikola Testa, as must-sees in the day, February 22nd. More than 50 coun- it a top European capital. tries with 1, 100 participants from all over Mayor, Belgrade tourism is on the up However, Belgrade still has a way to Another article, this time in Vospopuli the world are taking part in the fair, the and the number of tourists has risen by go, Mali said, adding that the tourist offer destination for magazine on February 8th, entitled “Bel- organisers have announced. 14 per cent and some 16 new hotels have should improve further and infrastruc- bags of fun. grado, la ciudad mas marchosa de Eu- According to Siniša Mali, Belgrade opened in a year. ture needs investing in.

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Continued from page 1 ADVERTORIAL Public transport to get free wi-fi

Belgrade mayor Siniša Mali has announced that Serbs don’t see Hope runs short for the city plans to introduce free wi-fi service in all Perfect public transport vehicles by the end of the year. Mali Smederevo steel Belgrade in brief in brief Belgrade fashion blogs as ‘work’ said that the pilot system that has been introduced Wellness in one vehicle allows 32 passengers to connect to Branislava the system at the same time. “We need a few Antović - the weeks to see how it works, Service and if we are satisfied with woman behind the results, we’ll launch a public procurement ‘Brana’s Divine procedure,” Mali said on Whether you came on business or for February 13th. World’ and private reasons, don’t forget that you’re New shopping mall one of the new in the fastest-living city in the region – to open in Zemun wave of online relaxation is of the utmost importance. A new shopping mall called Zemun Park will open in fashionistas in the Zemun neighbourhood arin Milosavljevicć, marketing in May, the Israeli MIVNE Belgrade – says manager of the WellnessLand Group announced on Center and SkyWellness Club February 12th. The mall professional will feature both domestic will tell you a little more about and foreign stores as blogging is tough reasons why those are decidedly Mthe places which offer absolute maximum when well as a playground for children, a hypermarket in Serbia. it comes to spa services, saunas, massage and fit- and do-it-yourself outlets. ness activities in Belgrade. The €25 million complex occupies a surface area of 16,000 square metres, Ivana NIKOLIĆ About autumn refreshments: and the plan is to expand For a whole decade in WellnessLand, and more than five years in Sky- and employ more than 600 hile fashion blog- Wellness, we’re in love with a healthy life. During those years we learnt that workers. MIVNE Group said the essence of a good service shouldn’t be changed, but that occasional that 95 per cent of space ging is already has already been rented. established and refreshments are always a good thing. With that in mind, this season we in- a recognised me- troduce new working hours – for the early birds, we’re open from 6:30 AM, Troubled 1930s dia genre in most which has garnered great approval from all our members, but also from park faces removal WesternW countries, it only got going in our intermittent clients. Also, because of many guests from abroad, who Serbia a few years ago. spend several continual days or weeks in Belgrade on account of business, An amusement park that Some still criticize it, saying fashion The government plans to introduce ‘expertmanagement’ to Smederevo Steel Mill. Photo by Beta we devised a new kind of monthly fee, as well as a day pass. That way, we showcased how central bloggers do nothing but take photos are more available than ever, and our service is still as exclusive as ever. Belgrade looked like in the and post them online. Others have hey say the covering ply a halt to the eventual privatization In his opinion, the most rational deci- 1930s will be removed warmly embraced the advent of the the company’s costs can of the company. sion would be to close the plant entire- About a unique concept of WellnessLand Center: from New Belgrade by the new wave of online fashionistas. only be met by greatly in- Esmark, a Pittsburgh-based com- ly, although this is unacceptable for the Conceptually, WellnessLand is very close to Western clubs with exclu- end of February. The park was set up back in 2012 Branislava Antović’s blog, Brana’s Di- creased production - but pany, and one of the leading producers government. sive membership. Our members appreciate their own privacy, as well as and was supposed to be a vine World, is of the most visited fash- question whether enough and distributors of flat-rolled steel in “If it continues operating with the respecting the privacy of other people. Whether you’re here because of ion blogs in Serbia. What you can find buyersT for its product can be found, as the US, made the only valid bid for the same level of losses, in 2015 it could in- exercise, spa zone, pool, body treatment or some combination of the of- tourist attraction, but never became fully operational. there are not just tips on fashion, but the opportunities for steel on the mar- tender issued on December, 5th, 2014. crease Serbia’s budget deficit from 4.7 to fered services, alone or in company, time spent in WellnessLand will relax The city plans to clear the on beauty, lifestyle, travel and home ket are not promising. Initially privatised in 2003, when it 5 per cent of GDP, which is by no means you and prepare you for your various business and private challenges. Our site to make room for a decoration. According to the Prime Minister, was sold to US Steel for $23 million US negligible,” he observed. permanent members come mostly by way of reccomendation, and we ob- new bus station for a public It was not for love for fashion alone the deal failed because Esmark’s Eu- (about 17.5 million euro), the govern- Whether the choice of professional viously have more than a good reputation among foreign guests of our city, transport company, Lasta, that Branislava/Brana started her blog. In the beginning, blogging was just a hobby for Branislava. Photo courtesy of Branislava Antović ropean subsidiary, the government’s ment bought back the mill for one dol- management will succeed in putting because they keep coming back every time they return to Belgrade. which is currently based on When she could not find a job as a favourite to take an 80.01 per cent lar after US Steel withdrew in 2012. Železara back on its feet depends on the Sava riverbank but is journalist after she graduated, she de- nent job and if There are huge differences between stake in the company, did not of- many factors, Ljubodrag Savić, Profes- About the excellent supposed to be removed to cided to create her own online world. you are not being a fashion blogger in Serbia and fer enough assurances that the mill TOUGH OPTIONS sor of Economics at Belgrade Univer- atmosphere in SkyWellness Club: make way for the Belgrade In our society, Waterfront construction “That is how the present-day Brana’s part of a big- doing so abroad. would continue production once the FOR FACTORY sity, said. In SkyWellness Club, we have a luxury of the best view in town. If you project. Divine World appeared on October ger system,” it is still seen “In foreign countries, blogging is an reserves of raw materials were con- As he pointed out, the losses can be have ever heard those incredible stories about a night life on Belgrade’s riv- 12th in 2010,” Branislava recalls. she says. industry for itself. It is an industry of sumed. The situation of Smederevo Steel Mill neutralized only if the steel mill signifi- ers, the early-morning or day exercise with a perfect view on those same Traffic brawl ends For the first three years, blogging “Working as weird if you importance, whose representatives “We did not get guarantees that our is aggravated by the terms of the Stabi- cantly raises production, as the current rivers will render you speechless! SkyWellness Club is young and full of in murder was just a hobby for Branislava. Then, from 9am to are seen as credible figures,” Branisla- working capital would be preserved lization and Association Agreement, small scale of production only increas- positive energy, and a favorite city spot when it comes to best quality exer- last December, she turned pro. “I be- 5pm is still re- don’t have va notes. and that after all the raw materials are SAA, between Serbia and the EU. This es production costs. cise. Sauna, various kinds of body treatments, and services of professional A 35-year-old driver came a full-time blogger who lives garded as the only serious way to do In Serbia, on the other hand, estab- consumed, the factory would not be prescribes that from February 1st on- Železara has a projected capacity of trainers are also available to our guests. was stabbed to death by from her blog. And that is now my job,” a job, while everything else is a frivo- lishing fashion blogging as a media abandoned with the explanation that wards, the government can no longer 2.2 million tons of steel per year. Cur- an unidentified man on she explains. lous alternative. I am sorry for that,” a so-called concept and as a type of a job is not the market was not good, thus causing subsidise companies in this field. rently it produces only 350,000 tons – a About an incredible equipment: th February 16 in a street In a traditional society, such as Ser- she adds. easy. us a loss of $120 US million,” Vučić said “The European Commission has tak- fraction of that amount. On both locations, we offer our guests exclusively the equipment made in Belgrade’s Zemun bia’s, a lot of people find the idea of Fashion blogging in Serbia, of permanent job However, Branislava explains, in the on February 17th. en note of unsuccessful negotiations “It would make sense to make an ar- neighbourhood. A witness by renowned Italian manufacturer Technogym. We are aware that multi- said that the attacker was blogging as a “profession” quite odd, course, is directly connected to the last couple of years, things have start- Esmark blamed changes in the pre- on the privatisation of Smederevo Steel rangement with professional manage- tasking and clever utilization of every single moment are essential to mod- walking down the middle underestimating the effort and time country’s fashion scene – a scene and if you are ed to change and fashion blogging is viously agreed financial terms made Mill and is ready for open and construc- ment, if they can up production by a ern living, and that’s the reason why you can, while excercising, check your of the street and when required of those who embrace blog- that is mostly based on the work almost “there” in terms of becoming a by the Serbian side for the failure of tive discussion on this issue with the factor of three by the end of the year to email, talk via Skype, leave your status on social networking services, or the driver told him to ging as a vocation. and enthusiasm of a few individuals, not part of a recognised industry. negotiations. The company said in a Government of Serbia, as soon as pos- a million tons, reducing losses to zero,” just watch an episode of your favorite sitcom. Design, functionality and move onto the pavement, That is one reason why there is still a Branislava notes, as the government Branislava is optimistic about the statement for Tanjug news agency on sible,” Maja Kocijančić, spokesperson he said. high quality of Tecnogym equipment are unmatched. Technogym is our a brawl erupted and the good deal of prejudice about the blog- doesn’t help the industry in any con- bigger system.” future. Fashion blogging may be more February 18th that it remained ready to for Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for However, the attempt to harmonize first choice, because we do not compromise when it comes to the quality driver was murdered. ging society, Branislava explains. scious way. recognised and better paid in other so- take over “under the previously agreed European Neighborhood Policy and such ambitious goals with the new of our services. Police are searching for She thinks people in Serbia find it Being original and talented in this cieties, but she does not want to leave terms”. Enlargement, said on February 18th. management is risky. Branislava Antovic the attacker. A couple of hard to grasp that, in today’s world, world are not enough. “There are lots ́ Serbia. Esmark’s offer, the company stated, On top of subsidies of around €8.5 On option for the government as days beforehand in the some professions are disappearing of young, gifted people fighting for The reason why some of them start “I am sure that our way is definitely included investment in fixed assets million per month, the company is also it tries to meet the demands of the city centre, one driver shot while new ones are being born. their piece of the fashion sky, creat- fashion blogs is often because they longer and harder than it has been for our of $130 million, a working capital loan burdened with debts. It owes around management would be to exempt the another after a brawl over who had the right of way. “In our society, it is still seen as weird ing interesting and impressive stuff,” cannot otherwise enter established colleagues abroad,” she says, “but I still be- of $200 million and $400 million for €260 to the banks, €120 million to sup- company from taxes or electricity bills if you don’t have a so-called perma- Branislava notes. fashion circles. lieve it is possible to reach the goal.” maintenance, spare parts and capital pliers and around €145 million for raw until the mill has returned to profit, he required to operate and maintain the materials. added. work of two blast furnaces. Ljubomir Madžar, an economist, Developments in the global steel The government’s Privatization warned that the cost of operations market are not favourable for the com- Agency disputed Esmark’s explana- would not be covered in any of the op- pany, because, whether or not con- tion, insisting that no agreement on tions named so far. “So, the key question sumption rises, steel prices are falling. f you have spent time in Belgrade, you have probably noticed that street art is one of the city’s “previous provision” had been reached is which one of the alternatives will be In addition, China and India are in- most recognizable landmarks. Apart from writing funny quotes and painting portaits of famous in Pittsburgh, as it was made clear that the best for sustain the costs,” he said. creasing production, and at lower costs Belgraders or Belgrade-lovers, graffiti makers use the walls as a marketing tool. This pretty woman holding an iron is painted on one of the houses in the city’s Vračar neighbourdhood. In the Serbian Prime Minister would have “I’m not sure if the choice of profes- than Smederevo. the narrow streets lined with low-pitched houses, it is almost impossible not to spot this blonde, to discuss the final offer. sional management is the right option,” On top of that, with the present quality, Ipainted by unknown artist. You might ask why she is standing there and what she represents. Well, The government’s privatization advi- he added. “It is questionable whether the steel made in Smederevo cannot be she is painted right next to the sign reading “Dry Cleaning.” That’s one way to attract customers! sor, KPMG, backed the decision not to our government has enough knowledge used in airline or automotive industry sign the contract, suggesting that the to enter into these agreements because but only in construction - the sector that tender for professional management they are very complicated and full of has suffered the most during the current

Hidden Belgrade was a less risky solution and did not im- landmines and risks,” he continued. economic crisis, Savić concluded. 8 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, February 20 - Thursday, March 05, 2015 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, February 20 - Thursday, March 05, 2015 9 REGION OUT AND ABOUT

Montenegro adopts controversial surveillance law

The Montenegrin parliament on th Bosnian baby February 17 adopted a contro- versial new law on the National Go back in time Security Agency, NSA, by which intelligence officers can access in brief Region all databases in Montenegro only by showing official identification beats ethnically- cards, without the need for court approval. The NSA can also have on the ranch access to all electronic com- munications of citizens only on Salaši, traditional the order of the agency’s director. divided system Four leading rights groups in ranches or Montenegro, say the changes undermine the principles of the constitution and of the European The parents of homesteads, Convention on Human Rights. nine-month-old provide an Romania PM’s brother-in-law faces Faruk Šalaka authentic insight corruption charges have become into 19th-century Four people, including the Prime Minister’s brother-in-law, Iulian the first to Hertanu, were detained on Febru- peasant life. ary 18th on charges of embezzling register their European funds from a develop- Belgrade Insight ment project. Prosecutors say a son’s nationality group of companies, including one lists some of the owned by Hertanu, were involved as ‘Bosnian’, in revamping the sewage system best, where you in Comarnic, a town 125km north defeating a of Bucharest - but some 1.75 million euro, or 54 per cent of can enjoy country EU funds involved, were diverted system that to other purposes. Hertanu has pursuits and eat declined to comment. insists on strict your heart out. New Croatian ethnic definitions. President to visit Bosnia, Serbia alaši, Vojvodina’s hidden Croatia’s new President, Kolinda Elvira gems, have become a popu- th M. JUKIĆ Grabar Kitarović, on February 17 lar get-away in the last few said her first official visits abroad ewborn Faruk Šalaka years. These days, dozens of would be to Bosnia, Serbia and from Sarajevo was them offer traditional food the US. Serbia’s Prime Minister, Aleksandar Vučić, attended her blissfully ignorant of and drinks as well as oper- inauguration on February 15th, the public debate he Sating as museums, featuring hand-made becoming the first senior Serbian triggered when his souvenirs and authentic exhibits dating th leader to do so since 2005. Grabar parents won their vic- back to the 18 century, when Vojvodina Kitarović also plans to visit the toryN against Bosnia’s ethnically-divided was part of Austria-Hungary. At some of US in mid March, to attend a UN system. these places, you can even get married! A special attraction at Majkin Salaš is the heart in the middle of a small cosy house. conference. As the first-ever child to be registered The word salaš comes from the Hun- as Bosnian, he set a legal precedent garian word szallas, which means lodging Bosnian Serbs take last which now allows other parents and or accommodation. In Serbian, salaš al- SALAŠ 137 Located just an hour-and-a-half’s drive bite of Big Mac their newborn children to follow suit. ways refers to a rural farm of household, from Belgrade, Salaš 137 offers an authen- The news didn’t only inspire media usually far from the noisy and congested Located in the village of Čenej, close to tic take on life in the country, generations Fast food giant McDonald’s is reports in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but towns. Novi Sad, Salaš 137 is one of the oldest in ago. closing its doors in Banja Luka. all over the world – generally as a ‘be- In the olden days, salaši were mostly Vojvodina. It dates back to 1735 but it was Dreamfood Restaurants, which lieve it or not’ story. owned by Hungarian gentry. However, as only in the 1970s that it opened as a tradi- BABIN SALAŠ held the McDonald’s franchise “First Bosnian born 22 years after a result of the Ottoman invasion of Hun- tional cuisine and heritage centre. in the Serb-dominated entity of independence,” said one globally- gary, many were abandoned. Serbs start- Unlike the other salaši in Vojvodina, This salaš is located very close to Novi Republika Srpska, announced syndicated article by the French news ed populating them. Some obtained them which have a “proper” name, this one Sad, almost on the Tisa River and is sur- the decision on February 16th. agency AFP. as a reward for their military services to takes its name from its old postal address, rounded by a farm with animals. The Businessmen and economists When Faruk was born in April 2014, the Habsburgs. which dates back to Habsburg times. salaš itself comprises several old build- warn that this is not an isolated his parents Kemal and Elvira Šalaka These ranches flourished in the 19th So, what to do at Salaš 137? Quite a lot. ings with rooms and apartments are for incident but forms part of a trend wanted him to be registered as a Bos- century, when the rural population of The fun starts with horse riding, or you rent. There are old-style barns, a small of worsening business activity, nian. But in a country Šalaka has received dozens of supportive emails over the past few months Photo by Elvis Barukčić/AFP what was then Austria-Hungary expand- can rent a carriage, go to the gym or sau- house where rakija is brewed, a hut with which has forced several other whose constitu- ed massively. At that time, Vojvodina was na, or take long strolls around and enjoy barrels and old-fashioned farm machin- businesses to close. These include tion recognises ents, to go to the municipality office years after Bosnia gained international packed with salaši. However, decline be- the countryside. ery. the well known Accessorize chain only three They [the and register his birth. recognition as an independent state, gan in the 1970s, when the people of what For horse-lovers, there is the Viking In the big yard in front of the entrance of jewelry, bags and other prod- constitutive During the process, parents are many people in the country are still by then had become Yugoslavia started sports association, established in 1998, are benches, some of them hand-made, ucts, as well as shoe store, Shoe ethnic groups, authorities] asked whether they want to declare sensitive or confused about national, to leave villages and move to the cities. where you can ride a horse, or at least while the others are actually sledges that Be Do, which was selling popular newborn chil- their child’s nationality or not. ethnic and religious identities. Some have been empty ever since. How- learn how to do so. It has some 20 horses are no longer in use. brands such as Dr Martens, Vans, dren can only agreed to divide Kemal Šalaka recalled that when Kemal Šalaka said that over the past ever, a number have revived and attract at the moment. The houses will transport you right Pepe Jeans and others. be registered as he said yes, and wrote down ‘Bosnian’, few months, he has received dozens of a growing number of both domestic and If you have never tried the ancient back into the 19th century. The huge 42,000 suffer cost of Bosniaks, Croats, our country, and he was told that it was not acceptable supportive emails - but there have also international tourists. sport of archery, this is just the opportu- wooden beds are covered with colourful Serbs or ‘Other’. and that the rules demanded that been many critical reactions. nity to get going with your arrows. handmade rugs, antique table mirrors, Albania floods Faruk’s father, 39-year-old Kemal they think that he must put Bosniak, Croat, Serb or “I don’t see Bosnians as a nation, MAJKIN SALAŠ When it comes to legacy of Vojvodina wooden vessels and black and white According to the United Nations Šalaka, told BIRN that he mounted a le- ‘Other’ – the category usually used by but as a geographic description,” peasant life, there is much to do and see – portraits of peasants – especially at their mission in Albania, which is gal challenge because he was a patriot. we are all fools ethnic minorities or those who reject said one reader who commented Established in 2003, this ranch is locat- starting with sampling some of the treats weddings. coordinating the donor response, He said that he volunteered for the being labelled by ethnicity. on the story on Radio Free Europe’s ed in the north of Vojvodina, close to the on offer in the local cuisine restaurant in Another interesting thing on the mas- the floods that ravaged part of Bosnian Army at the age of 16 when the and we don’t But the Šalakas persisted, and website. town of Subotica and some 2.5 km from an authentic house with antique furni- sive wooden table inside the room is a southern Albania in early February war started in the early 1990s for the sought help from an attorney who After his nine-month-old-son was the well-known attraction of Lake Palić. Restaurants offer varieties of Serbian traditional food. ture. You will see tiled stoves inside, old- pitcher and a washbowl. And why is that? have affected 42,000 people same reason – to prevent the country specialised in constitutional law. registered as Bosnian, Šalaka filed a There are many things to do here dur- fashioned commodes, as well as tables Back in those times, there was no running across the country. Hundreds of from being ethnically divided. see that.” Eventually, at the end of January demand for his own nationality to be ing your stay. There is a fishpond, a chil- beverages. A local cuisine restaurant of- The museum is full of agricultural tools and furniture from the times when salaši water, so people used to keep pitchers of people were forced to abandon “I defended Bosnia and Herzegovina this year, Sarajevo’s Center municipal- officially changed, and now plans to dren’s playground, sports fields, a horses’ fers old-style country recipes and all sorts and machinery used in the late 19th and were peasant homesteads. The walls are water in their bedrooms. their homes amid rising waters from ethnic exclusivity when Serbs ity decided that there were no legal submit applications for his wife and stable, as well as many groves and mead- of tasty (and fatty) food, as well as Serbia’s early 20th centuries, as well as a souvenir colourful, decorated with wooden plates Forget the diet when you come here. caused by heavy rains. Nearly were doing that. Now when Bosniaks Kemal Šalaka restrictions preventing anyone from two other children. ows where you can simply ramble. If you traditional drink, rakija. shop selling hand-made products. with animals printed on them, and old- This place serves remarkable homemade 2,000 families are estimated to be are doing the same, I have to fight it,” he being registered as a Bosnian. He insisted that he was right to fight always dreamed of getting married in A special attraction at Majkin Salaš is Close to the salaš are beautiful manor fashioned clocks. specialties that no one should resist. You under financial strain after their said. older children, son Tarik, now nine, and The municipality said that in the a system that is based on ethnic divi- true 19th-century style, that is also on offer the heart in the middle of a small cosy houses, such as Karas or Servijski, where Local Vojvodina specialties are pre- can always walk off the calories later, even homes or fields were flooded and “Is it possible that we who were born daughter Lamija, aged six, do not have weeks after this ruling, there had al- sions. at Majkin Salaš. Close to the small lake is house. Why so special, you might ask? you can drop by while in the neighbour- pared and served here in “slow food” in winter, as the Tisa River is nearby and lo- livestock drowned. Albania Prime in Bosnia do not have anything in com- any registered nationality because this ready been five more requests from “They [the authorities] agreed to di- an authentic pavilion where wedding cer- Well, you can make your own speciali- hood. You can enjoy the beautiful land- style. While waiting for your lunch, you cals say it is especially beautiful in the win- Minister Edi Rama has promised mon?” he asked. only became obligatory in 2012. parents for their children to be regis- vide our country, and they think that emonies are held. ties here! That is possibly the best way scape by renting a horse and carriage. In can sip a rakija before tucking into all tertime. Forget the laptop as well. There is that all the families affected by The Šalakas have been married After Faruk was born last year, the tered as Bosnians. we are all fools and we don’t see that,” As this is Vojvodina, there is no escap- to experience life in 19th-century Vojvo- winter, you can sleigh through the snow sorts of cheeses, pies, salads, hams, sau- no wi-fi here, so you sink into a truly relax- the floods will be compensated. for more than ten years and their two Šalakas were obliged, like all other par- The story has highlighted how, 22 he said. ing tamburaši and traditional food and dina. in a horse-drown-sleigh. sages – all served on a wooden platter. ing weekend with no phone buzzing!

10 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, February 20 - Thursday, March 05, 2015 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, February 20 - Thursday, March 05, 2015 11 ARTS DINING OUT

Nights for Rod Taylor Sugar fans FEST The Yugoslav Film Archive & Spice ‘Sugar & Spice’ is celebrating the life of legendary Australian film

Arts in brief Arts in brief Opera, Ballet and television star Rod to champion and Classical Corner Wine Taylor on February 26th and It always begins th 27 . Six of his biggest and FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20th with a simple really is nice best-known movies will be Serbian movies question: ‘Can you shown: The Time Machine, Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra with Chuka and The Birds on Libor Pešek, conductor and Emmanuel bring me the wine Sugar & Spice is Thursday, February 26th. Pahud, flute, Ilija M. Kolarac Endowment, The following day, Taylor Studentski Trg 5, 8pm list’? Everything a perfect name fans will have the chance rd else that follows is to enjoy Young Cassidy, MONDAY FEBRUARY 23 for a time capsule The Deadly Trackers and a complex matter, Pamela Kiš Ignjatov, soprano, Maja Zabriskie Point. Entrance Grujić, piano, Belgrade Cultural Centre, and cannot be transporting is free. Trg Republike 5, 8pm Nataša Perazić Vrzić, flute, and measured only by you back to the Stories of Svetlana Jovanović Brezovac, piano, how much is left the East in Belgrade Cultural Centre, Trg Republike carefree 1970s paint 5, 9pm in the bottle after

th dinner. - when fun was “Stories from the East” TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24 is the latest exhibition by Ballet: Who’s That Singing over There, cheap, colours Nera Matijević, a young The National Theatre, Francuska 1, Pavle GOLICIN artist from the northern 7:30pm were bright and town of Subotica. The exhi- ugar and spice bition features paintings of WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 25th music was for people from the East and and everything explores their personal, Opera: Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci, nice... These are dancing. intimate, psychological, The National Theatre, Francuska 1, 7pm the rhymes of and everyday stories. the well-known Paintings include various THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26th Schildren’s song. In Sugar & forms - portraits, figures, Duda & Vlada Ballet: Giselle, The National Theatre, Spice, this vivid flashback to and space. The exhibition “Theory of Everything” is a 2014 British biographical drama directed by James Marsh. Francuska 1, 7:30pm opens at the Trag Gallery childhood is immediately his original if overly deco- th Belgrade Chopin fest – opening: Piano on February 28 , with received nine Oscar nominations, and shying away from talking about contro- Recital, Belgrade City Hall, Dragoslava boosted by the presence of rated diner opened last No- violinist Luna Matijević The country’s Woody Allen’s “Magic in the Moonlight”. versial issues in his movies, and he has Jovanovića 2, 8pm waitresses who serve their vember in Hotel Yugoslavia providing a musical perfor- Although the festival will screen nu- been at the forefront of using film as a patrons on roller skates. as a cheerful pancake house mance to accompany the FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27th most popular merous new Hollywood and European way to fight for human rights and free- Please don’t be confused; where the service is per- event. The exhibition lasts films, this year the organisers have de- dom of speech. Tformed – and we do mean performed – by th these aren’t modern roller until March 14 . film festival, cided to make some changes and put The director knows a thing or two Belgrade Philharmonic with Vladimir girls in shorts and roller skates. Kulenović, conductor, Torleif Thedeen, blades but the “old-school” more accent on Serbian films, both old about both. He was imprisoned as a Coming from the same owners, and Four-day FEST, will put cello, Ilija M. Kolarac Endowment, roller shoes we had when and new. teenager for speaking out against the Studentski Trg 5, 8pm sited next door to its established cousin, tribute more emphasis There will be a competition for the dictatorship in Iran and his movies we were kids in the 1980s. Intergalactic Diner, Sugar and Spice takes to Chopin best domestic film this year, along with have been censored and banned in his SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28th Not as beautiful and fancy a bold step further. The two venues share on domestic a section of the programme dedicated country since he began making them. as those today, of course. the same vintage American pop-culture The Belgrade Chopin The RTS Symphonic Orchestra, Ilija to ‘jewels from the past’, highlighting Makhmalbaf has been living in exile The wine list in Sugar & spirit. Unlike Intergalactic, however, festival is an international the history of Serbian cinematography. and there is a warrant for his arrest and M. Kolarac Endowment, Studentski Trg which started off small and expanded productions this 5 8pm Spice, as well as the menu, event that has taken place The FEST organisers said that two a prison sentence of five years waiting over time, Sugar and Spice started big. each February in the Ser- is coolly presented in the year as well as special anniversaries will be marked for him if he ever decides to return to nd Huge, actually. bian capital for four years. MONDAY MARCH 2 this year: 30 years since Emir Kustu- Iran. form of an LP (long player) With some 500 square metres, the res- Paying tribute to one of the showing the best vinyl record, so you have greatest classical musi- rica’s “When Father Was Away on Busi- FEST 2015 will also be hosting Holly- Anime String Quartet, Belgrade Cultural taurant is able to accommodate around cians ever, the programme new movies from ness” won a Palme d’Or at Cannes and wood actor Richard Dreyfuss, who won Centre, Trg Republike 5, 8pm a chance to pick up your 150. And we are not talking about tight attracts young musicians 20 years since his “Underground” did an Oscar for his role in the 1977 movie favourites from both sides – sitting arrangements here – after all, the TUESDAY MARCH 3rd from all around the region. around the world. the same. “The Goodbye Girl”. A and B. food does arrive on roller skates! The in- FEST features great international As for the movies themselves, there terior features a sound number of round There will be a competition Ballet: Alexander, The National Theatre, Having in mind that this is guests every year, and this year is no will be three competitive sections of tables, an impressive cocktail bar, a DJ for young pianists, master Francuska 1, 7:30pm a disco pancake house, wine classes and workshops, David GALIĆ different. Among them will be Mohs- the festival. There will be a main com- station, and a really large vintage style is not the real focus. The as well as discussions and en Makhmalbaf, one of the leading petition, an international one, and a WEDNESDAY MARCH 4th LED display. Everything is in the psyche- seminars about Chopin and he 43rd annual Belgrade figures in the new wave of Iranian competition for Serbian films only. Out- wine list is quite short, with delic look of the Seventies – with disco salad. Marinated salmon salad with served in the multicolour Sugar and his music, and the culture international film fes- film. Makhmalbaf is one of the most side of the competition programmes, Ballet: The Nutcracker, The National 17 labels and half of them balls, neon lights and, of course, rubber- mixed green salads, cherry tomatoes, Spice environment was a picture-perfect By pure chance, the writ- from which it drew. The tival, FEST 2015, which influential directors of the past dec- the main programme will focus on Theatre, Francuska 1, 7:30pm available by the glass. This matted floors to allow for the skating. The fresh mango and vanilla dressing was sight. However, unlike the pancakes, the ing of this text coincided starts on February 27th ade, not just in the Middle East, but presenting all of this year’s Academy concept is backed by a shop that actually the “enfant terrible“ of our order - sweet, waffles were not executed to perfection. festival lasts four days, th is fair, but the list would be with Pancake Day – a tra- th th THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19 starting on February 26 and ends on March 8 , internationally. Award-nominated movies. much more fun with couple sells roller skates, which means you can savoury and sour all at the same time; The food was generally tasty and dition rooted in Slavic pa- and most events take place will feature 90 Serbian At this year’s festival, he will be pre- Tickets are now on sale and accord- try them on and have a round yourself. rough on the edges, yet memorable. We hearty, albeit with some room for im- gan beliefs. The pancakes M2 Piano Duo, Belgrade City Hall, of extra sparkling ingredi- at the Stanković music Tpremieres, including “Birdman”, Alejan- senting his latest movie “The Presi- ing to box office statistics, more than Dragoslava Jovanovića 2, 8pm The waitresses roll around dressed in thought that in this case less could have provement. Unwinding in the colourful, consumed on this holiday ents. school. dro González Iñárritu’s film which has dent”. Makhmalbaf is known for never 250,000 have been sold already. jerseys, with numbers and “names” writ- been more, and that the “mystery fruit” groovy atmosphere, playing the 1970s represent the sun that is The service is charming ten on their backs. Honey, Ginger, Cook- (the mango was far from ripe) would have way, was a whole lot of fun. This venue is taking over from the win- and fast while the mark up is ie… “The Sweeties” seem to be the key better been left out. perfect for all sorts of informal gatherings. ter, starting the new cycle Film Pozorište slightly higher than expect- ingredient in the making of this whole Pancakes Fiorentina, in Mornay sauce, It is even more so if you are looking for of life that overcomes the ed. Sugar & Spice is a huge crazy trip of the imagination. Pleasant served with young spinach and poached something truly different. evil spirits of cold and dark- Dancing in Lughnasa www.irishfest.rs Frank M.J.Kinoteke 13.03. 20h and forthcoming, with genuine smiles on egg, were a total success. Mornay is a ness. http://en.wikipedia. Ples sa Bogovima place with a lot of space, BIF-Beogradski Irski Festival Бео-град, Зелени-град PROJEKCIJE M.J.Kinoteke 14.03. 18h their faces, the girls know how to explain classic béchamel enriched with grated Sugar & Spice org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday Fontana 18.03. 19h Beogradsko Dramsko Pozorište | 20.03. 20h offering great fun with its the menu and make meaningful recom- cheese, and this dish was topped with Address: Bulevar Nikole Tesle 3 Short Order Dreaming of the Bones: psychedelic ambiance. Fontana 17.03. 19h PROJEKCIJE Balkan Session mendations – and they are also willing to melted parmesan crackers – even more (Hotel Jugoslavija) No pancakes were hurt M.J.Kinoteke 15.03. 20:30h So, ask your girlfriend or Snivanje Kostiju: share some roller skating tips along the delicious than it sounds. In general, the Phone: +381 11 4080123 during the writing of this The Irish Pub boyfriend to go for a skate Fontana 14.03. 17h Balkanska Sesija way. They are for real and do seem to en- American-style pancakes were beauti- Price Guide: 1000-1800 dinars article. 16.03. 20:30h PROJEKCIJE M.J.Kinoteke 18.03. 20:30h UK Parobrod and share an entertaining joy their work, immersing the visitors into fully executed – thick and hearty, but soft [around €8 to €14] per person for two M.J.Kinoteke 19.03. 18h 18.03. 20:30h Once afternoon there. Or, go on this movie-like setting… and airy at the same time, and the favour- courses without drinks M.J.Kinoteke 14.03. 20:30h Social events The menus are presented in an origi- ite Italian spinach-egg-parmesan combi- PROJEKCIJE your own and skate by LISA M.J.Kinoteke 15.03. 18h nal way, printed on cardboard in a form nation complimented them perfectly. HANNIGAN Food Week 13-22. Mart 2015. yourself, like Jonathan E did, Muzika of double vinyl LP record – 33.3 RPM, of We then flipped the record, crossing to Supermarket irish played by James Caan, in Višnjićeva 10 course. One side holds the sweet, the the sweet side. Again, one had to choose ONCE KOVAČ, ALWAYS KOVAČ culinary “Rollerball”. Lisa Hannigan Smokvica arts other is the savoury menu. The drinks between pancakes, crepes or waffles with ONCE ”KAFANA”, ALWAYS ”KAFANA” live! Molerova 33 & Ada Ciganlija, lokal 11 Stray Dogg ~ ~ ~ are on the next record. The menu is com- many different fillings on offer. We tried BEOGRADSKI Dom Omladine Beograd | 21.03. 21h Dijagonala 2.0 RESTURANT KOVAČ Skerlićeva 6 posed of American pancakes, crepes and Death by chocolate pancakes and Mixed modern ethno restaurant Žurke za St. Patrick’s Other Basic Info Rating waffles, which marry international fusion Mellow waffle. Designed for fearless choc- The Black Turtle Pub Radionica plesa cuisine with some really imaginative olate fans, Death by Chocolate is made Smokvica na Adi | 15.03. | 11h IRSKI 17.03. 21h T Pub toppings. Spikes and salads are there to up of chocolate ice-cream, melted dark Irish Pub “The Tree Carrots” Irska poezija Overall Average Optimist Tradicionalno veče irske kulture i jezika broaden the story and take it further from chocolate, chocolate topping, truffles Wine selection Average T Pub | 15.03. | 18h the pancake-house level. and – as if that wasn’t enough – chocolate FESTIVAL Svetski dan peozije Wine service Good Inspired by Middle Eastern cooking, crumbs on top. Of course, it was choco- Belgrade KCB | 22.03. | 18h Illumination Most na Adi Wine pricing €15 - €70 the kebab-like lamb on a spike was excel- late overload, but, hey, we asked for it, and 13-22. 17.03. 18:30h lent. The yoghurt-marinated meat came it was great. Mixed Mellow waffle with MART 2015. with spring onions and the marinade it- tiny white and pink marshmallows over Bulevar Oslobodjenja 221, Tel: 011 2462 343 Wine and food pairing Average www.restorankovac.com self – yogurt dip, potato chips and rocket the strawberry and vanilla ice-cream, 12 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, February 20 - Thursday, March 05, 2015 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, February 20 - Thursday, March 05, 2015 13 WHAT’S ON ON THE SPOT

CLUBBING Serbia marks AND LIVE MUSIC Statehood FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20th • Full House Night, Molokini, Pariska • Shake That Thing, KST, Bulevar SUNDAY MARCH 1st TUESDAY MARCH 3rd 1, 11pm Kralja Aleksandra 73, 10pm Day • Ikonika, Jackie Dagger, Phillie P, • Tamburaši uživo, Kafana Dva • Ike & Prema, Plastic, Takovska 36, • Tamburaši uživo, Kafana Dva Jelena, • Kultur Shock, Mikser House, n February 15th, when Stevie Whisper, Dot, Francuska 6, Jelena, Skadarska 32, 9pm 11pm Skadarska 32, 9pm Karađorđeva 46, 9pm Serbia celebrates its 11pm • Rakijada, Kafana Jazbina, Bulevar • Disco House, Mr Stefan Braun, • RnB Night, Klub Cinema, Gračanička • Tamburaši uživo, Kafana Dva Jelena, Statehood Day, Presi- • Izabella, Svemirska Kafana, boat on Kralja Aleksandra 89, 10pm Nemanjina 4, 11pm 18, 11pm Skadarska 32, 9pm dent Tomislav Nikolić Sava river, 11pm • Milan Mitrović i Ivana Kostić, Klub • Basswave, KST, Bulevar Kralja • Rakijada, Kafana Jazbina, Bulevar • Akustični bend “Naš način,” Konoba O hosted foreign and domestic • Bow Down vol. 5, KPTM, Žorža Teatro bar, Sarajevska 26, 10pm Aleksandra 73, 10pm Kralja Aleksandra 89, 10pm akustik, Prote Mateje 35, 9pm officials at the presidency building • RnB Night, Klub Cinema, Gralanička • Severina, Sava Centre, Milentija • Full House Band and DJ Marko, Mr • Marko Bulat, Kafana Ona Klemansoa 22, 11pm in the city centre, including the US 18, 10pm Popovića 9, 9pm Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm Moja, Vojvode Šupljikca 31a, • DJ A.S. One, Monsun, Travnička 3, Ambassador to Belgrade, Michael • Cocktail Night, Industrija Bar, • Lunch, Replicunts, Young Husbands, • Desperado bend, Kafana Još Ovu 10pm 11pm Kirby. Serbian Statehood Day com- Karađorđeva 23, 11pm Kombinat, Glavna 29, Zemun, 9pm Noć, Vojislava Ilića 86, 10pm • Black Duo Bend, Witch Bar, • Progress In, Ana Nikolić, Cid memorates both the First Serbian • Marko Bulat i Nevena Stojanović, • Tamburaši uživo, Kafana Dva Jelena, Marjanović, Geca, Dobračina 30, • Cocktail Night, Industrija Bar, Kumanovska 14-16, 10pm Uprising against the Turks in 1804 Kafana Sipaj Ne Pitaj, Bulevr Vojvode Skadarska 32, 9pm 11pm Karađorđeva 23, 11pm • Play Beer Pong, Beer Pong Bar, and the first Serbian constitution Mišića 11, 10pm • Fokus, Džonidža, Faxcool, Yebiggah, • Marko Bulat i Nevena Stojanović, Nikole Spasića 3, 9pm in 1835. Inex Film, Višnjićka 76, 10pm • Akustični bend “Neša,” Konoba THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26th Kafana Sipaj Ne Pitaj, Bulevr Vojvode • Superplastic, Plastic, Takovska 36, Akustik, Protete Mateje 35, 10pm Mišića 11, 10pm WEDNESDAY MARCH 4th 11pm • Desperado bend, Kafana Još Ovu • Nikola Mijailović, Fat Kid Beny, Opti, • Akustični bend “Neša,” Konoba • House Party, Mr Stefan Braun, Noć, Vojislava Ilića 86, 10pm Geca, Dobračina 30,11pm Akustik, Protete Mateje 35, 10pm • Ike & Prema, Plastic, Takovska 36, Nemanjina 4, 11pm • Flaša na flašu, Kafana Druga Kuća, • Jumbus, Plastic, Takovska 36, 11pm 11pm Fifty Shades Pop singer • Can’t Stop the Rock, KST, Bulevar Vojvode Dobrnjca 34, 10pm • RnB and Hip Hop Night, Mr Stefan MONDAY MARCH 2nd • Disco House, Mr Stefan Braun, Kralja Aleksandra 73, 10pm • Rade Kosmajac i Jelena Gerbec, Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm Nemanjina 4, 11pm of Grey Ana Stanić • Massimo Savić, Sava Centre, Fensi Kafana, Bulevar Zorana • Belgrade Dixieland Orchestra, Hot • Tamburaši uživo, Kafana Dva Jelena, • Disco, KST, Bulevar Kralja Milentija Popovića 9, 8pm Đinđića 141, 10pm Club of Belgrade, Akademija 28, Skadarska 32, 9pm Aleksandra 73, 10pm opens in presents • Gudroslav, Mimi Mercedes, Zakila, • Akustični tamburaši, Kafana Nemanjina 28, 8pm • Miša Laguna i prijatelji, Santo Domingo • Jarboe, Hellen Money, Belgrade Kombinat, Glavna 29, Zemun, 9pm Foliranti, Kapetan Mišina 16, 10pm • Tamburaši uživo, Kafana Dva Jelena, Bar, Vojvode Šupljikca 31, 10pm Cultural Centre, Braće Krsmanović Belgrade new album • Old Timers Jazz Session, Akademija Skadarska 32, 9pm • Destiny Night, Witch Bar, 4, 9:30pm 28, Nemanjina 28, 10pm MONDAY FEBRUARY 23rd Kumanovska 14-16, 11pm • Tamburaši uživo, Kafana Dva Jelena, fter a six-year break, • Tamburaši uživo, Kafana Dva Jelena, FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27th • Celebrities’ Humanitarian Night, Mr Skadarska 32, 9pm he premiere of the one of Serbia’s favourite Skadarska 32, 9pm • Spain, Ika, Dom Omladine, Stefan Braun, 11pm long-awaited screen singers, Ana Stanić, made Makedonska 22, 9pm • Hernan Cattaneo, Magacin Depo, • Milan Mitrović i Ivana Kostić, Klub THURSDAY MARCH 5th adaption of the E.L. Aan appearance at the Metropolis music shop in downtown SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21st • Tamburaši uživo, Kafana Dva Travnička 3, 11pm Teatro bar, Sarajevska 26, 10pm James’ erotic ro- T Belgrade her brand new album Jelena, Skadarska 32, 9pm • TKNO, Sugar Lobby, Milovan • Akustični bend “Tri za groš,” Konoba • RnB and Hip Hop Night, Mr Stefan mance novel finally took place named “A Story to Remember” on • Jewelz and Sparks, Mikser House, • Miša Laguna i prijatelji, Santo Stojanović & Dušan Lazović, Geca, Akustik, Prote Mateje 35, 9pm Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm on February 11th at Belgrade’s February 7th. The event was packed Karađorđeva 46, 10pm Domingo Bar, Vojvode Šupljikca 31, Dobračina 30, 11pm • Aćim i violina, Kafana Jazbina, • Jumbus, Plastic, Takovska 36, Sava Centre. The film generated with fans and celebrities who came • Bimas, Svemirska Kafana boat on 10pm • Can’t Stop the Rock/EBM, KST, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 89, 10pm 11pm a lot of attention which resulted to support Stanić. Sava, 11pm • Destiny Night, Witch Bar, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 73, 10pm • Play Beer Pong, Beer Pong Bar, • Tamburaši uživo, Kafana Dva Jelena, in a packed auditorium. • Block Device, Illusion, Lomina 14, Kumanovska 14-16, 11pm • Superplastic, Plastic, Takovska 36, Nikole Spasića 3, 9pm Skadarska 32, 9pm 11pm • Celebrities’ Humanitarian Night, Mr 11pm • House Party, Mr Stefan Braun, Stefan Braun, 11pm • Wooden Ambulance, Lady Jelena, Yugoslav Serbian Nemanjina 4, 11pm • Milan Mitrović i Ivana Kostić, Klub Lorna Wing, Božidarac, Radoslava • Plastic Revival, Plastic, Takovska 36, Teatro bar, Sarajevska 26, 10pm Grujića 3, 9pm basketball WWI film 11pm • Akustični bend “Tri za groš,” Konoba • Djecaci, E-Play, Mikser House, • Alitor, Infest, Bombarder, Soulcage, Akustik, Prote Mateje 35, 9pm Karađorđeva 46, 9pm film actors presented Doghouse, Downstroy Violent • Aćim i violina, Kafana Jazbina, • Jovan Maljoković and Balkan Salsa Chapter, Putrid Blood, Dom Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 89, 10pm Band, Akademija 28, Nemanjina 28, Omladine, Makedonska 22, 9pm • Play Beer Pong, Beer Pong Bar, 10pm spotlighted in Vienna • Rain Dogs, Akademija 28, Nemanjina Nikole Spasića 3, 9pm • Winterblut, Kolac, Krvolok, Flsh Cult, 28, 10pm Blue Moon Music Pub, Zmaj Jovina Defended • Tamburaši uživo, Kafana Dva Jelena, TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24th 4, 10pm head of the Belgrade Young Bos- Skadarska 32, 9pm • Tamburaši uživo, Kafana Dva Jelena, KOLARAC premiere of new film nia”, a film • Mark Lanegan Band, Dom Skadarska 32, 9pm “We Will Be the World focusing on nd Omladine, Makedonska 22, 8pm “I SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22 Champions”, about how the trial of members th PROGRAMME A • Tamburaši uživo, Kafana Dva SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28 Yugoslavia won its first gold medal at of the radical group • Full House Band and DJ Marko, Mr Jelena, Skadarska 32, 9pm Basketball World Championship in involved in the as- Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm • Miša Laguna, Gradska kafana, • Chris Su, Monsun, Travnička 3, 11pm 1970, production company Interme- sassination of the Vladimira Popovića bb,10pm • Ervin Mandari & Shi Pe, Goran dia Network staged a media brunch Archduke Franz Fer- • Nineties Night, Klub Tilt, Emkić, Soft 85, Svemirska Kafana at Hotel Constantine on February 9th dinand in Sarajevo in Karađorđeva 2-4, 11pm boat on Sava, 11pm SUNDAY, February 22nd Conductor: Vladimir Kulenović so journalists could meet the actors. 1914, was presented in • Nineties Night, Mr Stefan Braun, • Revival, Plastic, Takovska 36, 11pm Concert Hall, 11am Soloists: Torleif Thedeen, The film, which is expected at the Vienna on February Nemanjina 4, 11pm • Eighties, KST, Bulevar Kralja Cycle: Kolarac Podium of Chamber violoncello end of this month in cinemas across 17th as part of the Year • Akustični bend “Naš način,” Konoba Aleksandra 73, 10pm Music Programme: D. Shostakovich, S. Serbia, features actors Miloš Biković, of Serbian-Austrian FREE COPY akustik, Prote Mateje 35, 9pm • Suicidal Angels, Angelus Apatrida, Milica Zulus, Nataša Veljković, Barber, R. Vaughan Williams Tamara Dragičević, Nina Janković Culture. Film director • Marko Bulat, Kafana Ona Moja, Dr. Living Dead, Dom Omladine, Marijana Buslehner, Alisa Bešević Production: Belgrade and Sergej Trifunović. Srđan Koljević at- Vojvode Šupljikca 31a, 10pm Makedonska 22, 9pm Buslehner Philharmonic Orchestra tended the screening. • Black Duo Bend, Witch Bar, • Kazna za Uši, Dž!Dž!, Plišani Mališan, Programme: F. Doppler, Z. Enescu, Publisher: BIRN d.o.o. th Kumanovska 14-16, 10pm Dom Omladine, Makedonska 22, W.A. Mozart, SATURDAY, February 28 Kolarčeva 7/5, 11 000 Belgrade • Play Beer Pong, Beer Pong Bar, 9pm F. Martin, O. Messian, P.I. Concert Hall, 8am Tchaikovsky, F. Borne RTS symphonic orchestra Phone/Fax: +381 11 4030 300 Nikole Spasića 3, 9pm • Novembar, Atheist Rap, Red Union, Production: Music Centre Soloist: Dragan Đorđević, Raskid 13, Božidarac, Radoslava Editor in Chief: Gordana Igrić Admission free violoncello WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 25th Grujića 3, 9pm Conductor: Ronald Zollman BIRN editorial team: • Tamburaši uživo, Kafana Dva Jelena, WEDNESDAY, February 25th (Belgium) Ana Petruševa, Marcus Tanner, • Dbdz and Friends, Geca, Dobračina Skadarska 32, 9pm Music Gallery, 6pm Programme: Mokranjac, 30, 11pm Gordana Andrić Cycle: Encounter with the artist Schumann, Dvorak Rastko Popović, viola Production: Music Production [email protected] Marijana Savov-Stojanović, piano RTS Sales & Marketing: Marija Petrović Programme: Schubert, Glinka, Mendelssohn SUNDAY, March 1st Phone: +381 11 4030 302 Concert Hall, 11am th [email protected] THURSDAY, February 26 Belgrade Chopin Fest 2015 Concert Hall, 8pm Production: Music Centre Subscription & Distribution: The St. Simeon’s Day Academy Admission free Goran Knezevic TRATTORIA Choir of RTS PIZZERIA Conductor: Milan Nedeljković MONDAY, March 2nd +381 11 4030 303 Programme: S. Božić Concert Hall, 8pm [email protected] Production: Music Production RTS Cycle: Winners Great Music Performers Printing: POLITIKA štamparija d.o.o. FRIDAY, February 27th Itamar Zorman, violin and Liza ISSN 1820-8339 = Belgrade Insight Nebojsina 8 Concert Hall, 8pm Stepanova, piano 011/3863-999 War and Peace Programme: Messian, Schubert, COBISS.SR-ID: 149132556 [email protected] Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra Ravel Brahms Circulation: 4,000 www.restoranamici.rs 14 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, February 20 - Thursday, March 05, 2015 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, February 20 - Thursday, March 05, 2015 15 GOING OUT SPORT Unwind at Fourth the New Serb joins Čekaonica tennis top The club, which has become an all- After closing its out jazz place, is now located where the Bitef Art Cafe was once located, doors last year, next to the Bajloni Market, underneath the Skadarlija “bohemian” quarter of 100 fans of live jazz town. This makes it much easier for people to get to. The building was once Serbia now has four male tennis play- music will be an old church, though the history of the church is somewhat unclear and not ers in the top 100, while Ana Ivanović happy to know many know whether it ever was actu- ally used as a church. and Jelena Janković are still the coun- that the club has Most know it as a venue for live music, whether they used to visit try’s best women on the court. relocated and is the old Bitef Art Cafe, or the new Čekaonica. The interior is neat and erbia’s Filip Krajinović has en- placed 62. better than ever. simple, as is the whole design of the tered the rankings of the top Next week, the men will play in club. There is a small room up front 100 best tennis players in the Dubai in one of the most popular tour- where people enter and check their Sworld, joining Novak Đoković, naments, where four of the top ten will coats, and a big room where there Viktor Troicki and Dušan Lajović. meet, including Đoković, Federer, Mur- David GALIĆ is seating and a stage for the band. Đoković, who has been at the top for rey and Berdich. With the look of a stereotypical jazz about 135 weeks, is more than 4,000 It will be the ninth time Đoković is in; any remember club, it is almost always very dark, points over Roger Federer, who is he won the Dubai tournament in 2009, Čekaonica as thanks partly to the black walls. The ranked second. 2010, 2011 and 2013, while last year he a very original stage and bar are on opposite sides In the latest WTA rankings of woman lost to Federer in the semi-finals. jazz club located of the room, and the area in between tennis players, published on February On the other hand, the women play- on the top floor is all seating. It is simple and elegant. 16th, the best Serbian tennis player, Ana ers are gearing up for Qatar Total Open of the old Bigz There are smaller tables with wood- Ivanović, remains number 6, while Je- in Doha, which starts next week. Ser- Mbuilding. The building, which is one of en chairs all around the floor, and lena Janković dropped out of the top bia’s best, Ivanović, who has been off a landmark architectural wonders of several larger tables with more com- 20 and is now ranked 21. court for a month due to an injury, will the former Yugoslavia, was a hotbed of fortable sofa seating. In the top 100, besides Ivanović and skip Qatar but is due to play the Monter- underground music for years, both as a There is something calm and pleas- Janković, are Aleksandra Krunić who rey Open in March, which she won last place where bands and artists had prac- ing about the lack of decorations and is placed 79, and Bojana Jovanovski, year. Ana Ivanović is Serbia’s best female tennis player. Photo by Beta tice rooms and studios and as a place colours in the club, which also some- where interesting clubs had sprouted. how matches the jazz sounds played However, after local officials recently there. deemed it unsafe, most of the clubs had If you want to come to Čekaonica, to shut down. it won’t be your cheapest night out in the weekend, when getting a reserva- This is not a place to go to for a wild Best of all, you won’t have to take a taxi The old Čekaonica had a fine view of Belgrade. Drink prices are heftier than tion is advisable. night of music and dancing. It is a place to get there, thanks to its accessible new Belgrade and was a popular summer des- in most clubs and bars in the area, and Everything about the club is relaxed in which to unwind after a long work- location. Dolphins to tination for people seeking live music. there is usually an entrance fee at the and, from the people working there to ing week to the sounds of the best jazz Even though it no longer has that fabu- door as well, depending on the status of the patrons, it is a bit more sophisticat- musicians in town. If you enjoyed the Nova Čekaonica lous view, the new location of Čekaonica the band that is performing that night. ed and calmer than the kind of places old Čekaonica, you will have no prob- Address: Drinčićeva 1 is an improvement in many ways. Naturally, the best bands are booked at Belgrade nightlife is usually known for. lem having a good time in the new one. Phone: +381 61 25 11 222 play in World League Mark Lanegan band S.A.R.S. ready The Dolphins are one step closer to the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016. Photo by Beta presents Phantom Radio for a challenge he “Dolphins,” as the am satisfied with the result and with Before Spain, Serbia defeated Germa- national water polo team the lessons we learned,” Dejan Savić, ny and Russia, and scored the maximum ne of Belgrade’s favourite musicians, ex-Screaming Trees’ vocalist opular Belgrade pop group S.A.R.S. have announced a big solo Having defeated Spanish national is often called, managed to the coach of the national team, told the 12 points in the qualifications. Mark Lanegan, returns for the third time in three years to present concert at the Hala Sportova on March 7th. With their infec- beat Spain 15:9 on February media after the match. If Savić’s team wins the finals in Italy new songs to his devotees. The concert will take place on Febru- tious brand of pop rock music, which combines reggae, ethno, team in Madrid, Serbia’s team will play 17th, winning a chance to This was the second time that Serbia in June, it will defend last year’s title in ary 24th at 8pm at the Americana Hall of Dom Omladine. and rock, the band’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent Tplay in the World League from June 23rd defeated the Spaniards in the World Dubai. The World League is important in the prestigious World League in The Mark Lanegan Band will promote the musician’s ninth studio al- years, making them one of the most popular concert attrac- to 28th, in Bergamo, Italy. League qualifications – the first time for another thing: if the Dolphins win it bum,O Phantom Radio, which came out in October 2014. This is Lanegan’s third album Ptions in the region. The band say that they are very excited about the con- Italy in June. “This was a new Spain, a Spain that was in Niš last November, when the again in June, they will be in the Olym- promotion in Belgrade – the first was Blues Funeral in 2012, followed by Imitations in cert, since it will be their biggest show ever, adding that although they have wanted revenge for its defeat in Niš. I Dolphins won 9:1. pic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. 2013, both at Dom Omladine. Both of Lanegan’s previous concerts were sold out in never played such a big venue on their own, they are up for the challenge. no time so make sure to grab your ticket while you can. They are available at Dom The band has also promised some great special guests. Tickets are on sale Omladine, Šikarica Café and Eventim and Gigs Tix sell points. for €8.

Viva Vox to play Arena Ex-Swans singer Another top-drawing local act is and cellist at KC Grad Croats and Serbs holding a bigger-than-usual concert. Enigmatic singer Jarboe, who has a Ethno punk Suicidal thoughts team up at Mikser Viva Vox will be playing the Kombank history of working with big experi- rockers back in town at Dom Omladine An interesting duo of bands from Croa- Arena on May 9th. Tickets cost from €10 mental groups and was a member of Kultur Shock, an international group Led by Greek retro-thrash metal stars tia and Serbia will play at Mikser House to €20. The group comprises vocalists the legendary avant garde rock band that mixes rock and punk with tradi- Suicidal Angels, a big heavy metal on Saturday, February 27th. Split-based who work without backing to choral Swans, is coming to Belgrade. She will tional Balkan sounds, will be playing at event awaits fans of this faster form rap group Dječaci have become one versions of domestic and foreign hits, be accompanied by Helen Money, who Mikser House on March 3rd. The group, of metal at Dom Omladine on Febru- of the most popular hip hop groups in complete with boom box accompani- plays cello in an experimental style that made up of Americans with family ary 28th. The Greeks will be joined the region and are now frequent guests ment. The group is no stranger to big dovetails well with Jarboe’s vocals. The roots in places ranging from Sarajevo by Dr Living Dead, Angelus Apartida in Belgrade, playing sold-out shows to shows, however, having played at Exit duo will be promoting their joint album and Sofia to Jakarta, marry world music and Toxic Waltz on their “Conquering clubs non-stop. They will be joined by and Beer Fest and having completed at KC Grad on March 4th. Tickets cost €6 sounds with heavy rock beats and Europe Part 2” tour. The show starts at veteran Belgrade alternative rockers tours in China, Poland, Austria and at the door. guitars. Tickets cost €6. 8pm. Tickets cost €12. E-Play. Tickets are €6 at the door. many other countries. 16 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, February 20 - Thursday, March 05, 2015 ADVERT Map of City Centre

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