Issue No. 202 Friday, March 18 - Thursday, March 31, 2016 ORDER DELIVERY TO Centre throws Tašmajdan Belgrade Dance YOUR DOOR +381 11 4030 303 vulnerable cave, potential Festival more [email protected] - ISSN 1820-8339 1 Belgraders a tourist international BELGRADE INSIGHT IS PUBLISHED BY 0 1 lifeline hotspot than ever

Page 5 Page 9 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 Passing 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

Serbia finds juggling - - - NATO and Russia a struggle theNEWS buck Ruling and

Serbia’s recent NEWS agreement with opposition parties avoid economic NATO has an- “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: gered national- issues in the early 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. ists and unset- election because tled its Russian they are equally to page 10 ally - and raises blame, experts say. questions about hile the football world watch - es events unfold at the Euro -

whether its doc- a strong current also However, Mihajlo Markovic, a founder of Markovic, a prominent supporter Some younger Socialist officials Stevan VELJOVIĆ 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 trine of military June 13, 2008 Issue No. 1 / Friday, he campaign for early neutrality is still parliamentary elec- tions in Serbia started sustainable. with the usual ex- page 5 change of harsh state- Dušica TOMOVIĆ ments, but unlike pre- Saša DRAGOJLO Tvious campaigns, very little debate or pledges regarding the economy. erbian Radicals leader For the ruling party, the Serbian Pro- conomists are warning that pro - over Serbia’s uncertainty longed “This year has been lost, from the and war crimes defendant gressive Party, SNS, holding early Parlia- 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 Vojislav Šešelj burned the mentary elections on April 24th, along E EU and NATO flags on the with the local elections and elections steps of Belgrade’s Special in the province of Vojvodina, looks like Court on March 10th in pro- an opportunity to strengthen its grip on test against the Serbian government's power. S Friday • June 13 2008 recent agreement with NATO and its For opposition parties, it is an oppor- continued EU aspirations. tunity to recover from the 2014 elec- After burning the EU and NATO flags, tions debacle, when the Progressives Šešelj told journalists that signing of the secured more than a half of the seats in THIS ISSUE OF agreement meant that "Serbia has lost the Parliament. Belgrade Insight IS SUPPORTED BY: IS SUPPORTED its neutrality." Some previous campaigns, includ- 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 ing the 2012 elections, were marked 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 Continued on page 2 Anti-NATO protest on February 20 in Belgrade. Photo: Facebook with promises of new investments, new jobs, improving living standards, support for small business and the fight against corruption. This time, it seems like the economy Hate-filled graffiti mirrors is a less prominent topic than it was before, at least at the beginning of the campaign. At the moment, it seems safer to at- Bosnia’s divisions tack opponents by either harping on old affairs, debating NATO membership Graffiti in Bosnia often have little to do with street Luka [the main town in Republika Srp- Some works of graffiti appear in odd prospects or sexism in public speech ska] and Sarajevo in those days that places. A few weeks ago, a sign was than to talk about what matters most to art. Nationalist or political slurs and threats against involved Kosovo as well,” Ernest told sprayed onto a wooden board at a spot the citizens. other ethnic groups have become an unsightly BIRN, resignedly. popular with local fishermen next to The main problems of the Serbian He did not report the threat to the au- the confluence of the Bosnia and Usora economy – growth, public debt and un- reflection of the country’s divisions. thorities. In his experience, the authors rivers, between the mainly Serb town of employment – are not topics that par- of such works are never found and Doboj and Bosniak-dominated Maglaj. ties are readily inclined to talk about. Katarina PANIĆ “Every mosque will be an easy target - even if the graffiti is removed or painted “This is Serbia, access is forbidden to Neither the ruling party nor opposi- we will slaughter every Shiptar [insulting over, new ones soon pop up. Balijas [derogatory term for Muslims] tion have revealed plans for dealing very day, when Ernest term for Albanians],” reads a piece of graf- Nationalist or political graffiti regu- and dogs,” the sign read, to the surprise with the surplus in state administra- Badnjević, a Bosniak fiti sprayed on the wall behind his small larly appear across Bosnia and Herze- of many of the fishermen. tion, or whether they would close mon- from Prijedor in north- printing company in the town in Bosnia’s govina, and, as in this case, often pop up ey-losing state companies that employ west Bosnia, goes to Serb-dominated entity, Republika Srpska. after some political or ethnic incident thousands of workers. work, he is reminded “It appeared almost a year ago. I has occurred, or after football matches that some of his neigh- can’t remember clearly but there were between the national teams of Bosnia, Ebours want to cut his throat. some political disputes between Banja Croatia or Serbia. Continued on page 8 Continued on page 7

+381 11 4030 306 [email protected] 2 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 18 - Thursday, March 31, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 18 - Thursday, March 31, 2016 3 SERBIA SERBIA

Continued from page 1 COMMENT Serbia finds Vučić bypasses juggling NATO and elections in Russia a struggle Belgrade

ešelj’s action was a re- whose independence Belgrade does flection of a fierce public not recognize, still considering it a Ser- in Belgrade is weak and disjointed. Oppo- debate in Serbia after its bian province. Prime Minister nents could not even muster the strength government took a step “In those conditions, neutrality is not to force the government to schedule elec- closer to NATO by grant- real…it is just a false declaration,” he plays it safe by tions for the city government. Some par- ing freedom of movement adds. leaving Belgrade ties can hardly make it past the census Šand immunity to NATO troops. Despite the declaration of military (five percent of the votes) and it is hard to Local and parliamentary elections neutrality in 2007, Belgrade is already recognize a candidate for mayor among scheduled for April 24th are also heating a member of NATO’s PfP. That year, Ser- out of the next their ranks. up the political atmosphere in Serbia, bia formally set out areas of coopera- elections. Still, Vučić does not want to face even a adding to the controversy. tion with NATO and began taking part weak opposition because these elections Serbia’s PM Aleksandar Vučić . Photo: Beta Without much public debate, parlia- in the Alliance’s planning and review are about protecting his projects and his ment ratified an agreement with NA- process, which aims to train local forces cadre, and are strictly intended to be a Belgrade residents are better informed Mali does not have much to brag about problematic shift for SNS and an unre- TO’s Support and Procurement Organi- to NATO standards. show of power by Vučić, not an invitation and less susceptible to the omnipresent in an election. He has not signed a single alistic one for opposition. Mali does not zation, NSPO, granting NATO members A year later, Serbia and NATO signed to highlight his vulnerabilities. marketing of the ruling party. marquee investment. And the things he want to resign, the opposition does not diplomatic immunity and freedom of a security agreement, protecting clas- Elections for the Assembly of Ser- For two years, Belgraders have had a has announced, often to great fanfare, have the strength to force him to and the movement on February 13th. President sified information and Serbia officially bia have been called for party interests chance to measure up close how city gov- have not been realized. For example, one ultimately making the decisions, Tomislav Nikolić signed the agreement opened its mission in the Alliance’s alone: Vučić and SNS have seen their ernment works and its accomplishments; nothing ever came of the airplane parts Aleksandar Vučić, has not suggested into law a week later. Brussels headquarters. ratings dropping and it is questionable if at this distance, SNS’ performance is ques- factory he announced in 2014. such a move. The agreement with NATO sparked More recently, in January 2015, SNS could win regular elections in 2018. tionable at best. Again in 2014, Mali announced the Putting someone else up as a mayoral hostile demonstrations in the capital, Belgrade and NATO signed an Indi- By holding elections early, they can ex- City government cannot take credit for arrival of Meite in Obrenovac and the candidate would be interpreted as the Belgrade, and in Niš, where thousands vidual Partnership Action Plan, IPAP, tend their rule for another two years by most of the positive things happening in construction of a car parts factory that dismissal of Mali, and to observers, that of people denounced the deal as un- which envisages security cooperation riding the wave of their current popular- Belgrade. The opening of Pupin’s Bridge is should have employed 1,400 workers. would also mean internal conflict within constitutional and against the will of between Serbia and NATO forces in ity without the risking a future decline in the best thing to come out of SNS’ two-year And, while the factory should have been SNS. the people. Kosovo, with the Alliance providing Milenko VASOVIĆ support. rule, but this was contracted and started by finished in 2015, construction has not Elections in Belgrade, apart from being Ljubomir Stojadinović, a military ex- Belgrade with internal defence and se- Belgrade is a major challenge for him. the previous Democratic Party-led govern- even been started. a vote of confidence on Sinisa Mali, would pert, told BIRN that NATO was strength- curity sector reform expertise. rime Minister Aleksandar Historically, Belgrade has been a bastion ment. The other large-scale public works It’s not just his lack of accomplish- also be a referendum on the Belgrade Wa- ening its presence in the Balkans in re- Vučić’s impatience in call- for the Democratic Party, from the over- programme, the Belgrade Waterfront com- ments that make Mali a risk for SNS. terfront, another place of significant op- sponse to Russia’s assertiveness in the ELECTIONS ADD ing for early parliamentary throw of Slobodan Milošević’s regime in mercial and residential project, is widely There are very real problems with his position to SNS policies. region in the last few years. FUEL TO THE FIRE elections begs a mystifying 2000 until 2014 and it would be a coup for reviled. The opening of the Railway Station governance. The municipal police are Most opposition parties, a large part of “Russia has become aggressive in the question: why does he not him to defeat the Democratic opposition Prokop was decades in the making. a big liability for the mayor and city au- the expert public and certain citizens’ as- last few years, organizing actions out- The argument about the latest NATO want elections held for the on their home turf. With very few concrete accomplish- thorities. Few Belgraders can tell you sociations are all against the Belgrade Wa- side its borders. Ukraine was the first deal has been complicated by the an- PCity Assembly of Belgrade at the same But there are obvious weaknesses in ments that SNS can claim as their own, what the municipal police do: the city terfront. If opposition parties were to win action of that type,” he said, alluding to nouncement of early elections in April. time? this strategy. Not only would the SNS not elections in Belgrade are especially risky is not better regulated or cleaner since more than 50% of the votes, it would be a Moscow’s annexation of Crimea and Divisions between supporters of the There is no real reason to have elec- win in Belgrade, weaker results than in if seen as a referendum on Belgrade May- their introduction. In fact, numerous clear sign that Belgrade is against Sinisa support for separatist fighters in east- West and the East are intensifying as tions in Belgrade. The municipal govern- previous elections in the city would sig- or Siniša Mali. scandals and violence among certain Mali and the Belgrade Waterfront project. ern Ukraine. the campaign unfolds. Right-wing pop- ment will be exactly half way through nal a clear deterioration in support. Mali may well be the weak link and municipal policemen have caused rage Whatever the fractured state of Belgrade “Responding to that, the US wants to ulism is on the march. its mandate by the April 24th elections. Serbia’s most powerful man can’t risk a the biggest liability for SNS in Belgrade. and contempt in the city. opposition, it could only gain from such a strengthen its presence in the Balkans,” Taking advantage of the political But, the republic parliament will also be worse result in the city than what SNS saw Emerging scandals are compromising The insurance stain with the Infos- situation. Stojadinović added. elite's inability to deliver marked im- half way through its mandate and yet we in 2014. Therefore, one of the reasons for him. Google his name and dozens of sto- tan bills also bedevils Siniša Mali. On Rather than give opposition any Despite assurances by officials that provement to the economy, the pro- have an early vote there. So what’s the dif- Vučić’s “no” to Belgrade elections can be ries will appear about his controversial September 2015 utility bills, home in- chance to score points, no matter how Serbia is not about to apply for NATO Russia right decries the European Un- ference? seen in SNS’ assumption that they will get deals. surance was slipped in as a mandatory, minor, Vučić and the SNS are denying Bel- membership, the development has un- ion as a “blackmailer.” The answer is clear: Belgrade is the one even fewer votes than they did in 2014, Mali is well versed in risk aversion. but unannounced, item. The charge graders the chance to make their voices settled Serbia's traditional ally, Russia, Milica Đurđević, leader of the far- place in the country where voters might when they won less than 44 percent. He acts like his Democratic predecessor, was later taken off bills. This scandal heard. It is a power play that does a dis- and triggered an outcry from conserva- right Zavetnici, which organized sev- question Vucic and his Progressive Party So, why would SNS get fewer votes Dragan Đilas, appearing in places where was covered up, although the mayor service to Serbians everywhere. tive pro-Russian nationalists at home. eral anti-NATO protests recently, told agenda. That’s not a risk he’s willing to for the Assembly of Belgrade now? Two there are no unpleasant questions: kin- admitted he was aware that a contract So, when Belgraders go to the polls, Right-wing pro-Russian organiza- BIRN that cooperating with NATO dis- take; without elections in Belgrade, Vucic reasons: the structure of the voters in dergartens, at events with municipal po- with an insurance company was being they’ll get to vote in republic and local tions claimed the agreement under- Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Photo: Beta respected the Serbian people and par- can still claim victory without facing his Belgrade is different than in the rest of lice and volunteers etc. He never appears prepared. elections like everyone else, but without mined Serbia’s doctrine of military ticularly war veterans, because of the most skeptical voters. Serbia, and the unpopularity of SNS pro- in places where there are big issues, for In order to formally schedule elec- city elections, won’t have a voice in their neutrality and brings it closer to NATO ous government in 2006 and ratified “cradle” of Serbian nationhood. egy has an expiry date. NATO bombing. That doesn’t necessarily mean that he grammes and candidates, especially Bel- example in the struggling tractor manu- tions in Belgrade, Mayor Siniša Mali own hometown. Ultimately, Vučić’s safe membership. by the current one last March. Negative sentiments about NATO Stojadinović says Serbia’s ties with She calls the NSPO agreement with would be defeated in the city. Opposition grade mayor Siniša Mali. facturers (IMR and IMT). would have to resign. That would be a choice is a loss for Belgrade. Demanding a referendum on the is- The part of the agreement that has were recently revived after two kid- NATO will inevitably become closer as NATO an attack on Serbian sover- sue, they announced a new protest in been most criticized was the clause napped Serbian diplomats were killed EU membership becomes more realis- eignty. She also denies that her move- Belgrade on March 27th. that offers NATO troops diplomatic sta- when the US bombed positions held by tic. ment serves the interests of Russia and Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić tus, immunity from criminal liability the ISIS in Libya, only days after Serbia “Serbia’s relations with NATO run Vladimir Putin. defended the decision, however, say- and taxes, and access to Serbian mili- signed the agreement with NATO. parallel with its relations with the EU. “We are only for Serbia’s integrity. Of ing it matched Serbia’s policy of bal- tary facilities. When, or if, Serbia becomes an EU course, cooperation with Russia is im- ancing between Eastern and Western Two conservative nationalist move- NEUTRALITY STRATEGY member, the self-proclaimed neutrality portant, because their help is always blocs. “Serbia is an independent, sov- ments Zavetnici [Oath Keepers] and RUNS OUT OF TIME will officially stop,” he predicts. welcome,” she says. ereign state that wishes to cooperate Obraz [Face] pledged to launch a legal Only the EU has the resources to “Russia is also very important for with both the Russian Federation and appeal against the treaty. Experts stress that both NATO's and boost Serbia’s stagnant economy, so the international community in to- NATO,” he said on February 18th. They say NATO has nothing to offer Russia's moves in the Balkans reflect that is the only direction to go, he says. day’s war against Islamic terrorism. “We need NATO as an ally to keep our Serbs in Kosovo by way of protection, their own internal interests. But some opposition parties, as well For example, you cannot say that people in Kosovo safe,” he added, refer- as NATO air strikes delivered the prov- “Both the US and Russia are acting as Russian officials, believe Serbia’s the French President [Hollande], ring to NATO forces deployed in the for- ince to the Kosovo Albanians in 1999 in because of their own interests…nobody government is unnecessarily endan- who recently called Russia a strong mer Serbian province. the first place. should have any illusion about any- gering its doctrine of military neutral- ally against ISIS, is pro-Russian,” she Officials insist the NSPO agreement Opinion about NATO has been deep- thing else,” Stojadinović said. ity. adds. is only technical in nature and will fur- ly divided in Serbia since the Alliance Meanwhile many in Serbia believe They accuse the government of eas- Amid all the hubbub over the issue, ther the modernization of the Techni- launched air strikes against the former that cooperating with NATO through ing Serbia into NATO without formally Western officials are trying carefully cal Overhaul Institute in Kragujevac Yugoslavia during a 78-day bombing the PfP programme at the same time as joining it, thereby placing Serbia in to stay out of the debate. This caution which performs maintenance and dis- campaign in 1999, forcing Serbia to keeping good relations with Russia re- an anti-Russian military alliance by was underlined when a delegation of assembly of ammunition. withdraw from Kosovo, which was then mains the best option for Belgrade from stealth. US Senators visited Belgrade on Febru- Military experts term it just a "logisti- placed under international adminis- both an economic and political point of Stojadinović says Serbia’s declared ary 15th. cal" deal, adding that NATO's free pas- tration and declared independence in view. neutrality is just an illusion, however. “NATO membership is a decision that sage through Serbia was already pro- 2008. Since 2000, all Serbian governments “Serbia [already] has foreign [NATO] is up to Serbia and its citizens, Serbia’s vided by the previous Status of Forces Many Serbs remain bitter about the have attempted to juggle these oppos- troops on its soil,“ he says, referring to priority is EU accession,” Senator John agreement, SOFA, signed by the previ- loss of the province, regarding it as the ing interests, but analysts say the strat- the NATO-led KFOR mission in Kosovo, McCain said during the meeting with Vučić. 4 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 18 - Thursday, March 31, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 18 - Thursday, March 31, 2016 5 BELGRADE BELGRADE

Belgrade through the eyes Voting from afar Centre throws vulnerable of a Gen Y Fill out the FPCA and send it to state election officials in the state in which you are registered to vote. The FPCA A new era of young, bright minds are confirms your eligibility and puts you Belgraders a lifeline coming from developing countries to on the list to receive an absentee ballot. study in Serbia as part of the Balkan At election time, your home state elec- tion officials send you an absentee bal- KEC also established Gardenika, an of the day, allowing families to take a nation’s efforts to strengthen international lot either electronically or by mail, so in-house social enterprise started in break from the demands of caring for ties formed under Tito’s leadership. make sure your address is correct. 2014 that produces fruit rolls and nat- a disabled loved one. You will receive your absentee ballot ural products for sale to supermarkets Branislava Lazić’s daughter, Kata- a university scholarship, as it did for 45 days before the election. Most states and schools that is entirely staffed by rina, 29, is a KEC client. Katarina has Mikhail Byng, a 23-year-old political allow you to submit your absentee bal- the centre’s clients. The fruit rolls are moderate developmental disabilities science’s student from another of lot online once you have voted but be made by hand from locally sourced with elements of autism. Verbal com- the Caribbean islands, Trinidad. sure to check before voting, if you mail produced. All of these activities serve munication is tough for her. “A trip to Serbia fell within my goals your ballot back, to get it there on time. to empower and support clients who “I am very grateful for everything once I graduated from A-levels, You can also drop your ballot off at the may not get a chance for self-determi- that KEC does and the opportunities which were: to study abroad and US embassy in Belgrade but it must have nation elsewhere. that we have here,” says Lazić. “It’s so to learn a foreign language,” Byng sufficient postage and time to get back to “We really appreciate their person- important for me and my family to explained. your home state. Check the US State De- alities and their dignity, and we want have this option.” But apart from that, his prior knowl- partment website for further questions. them to have the right to decide what For Lazić, what she gets out of KEC Emma KRSTIĆ edge of Serbia was limited to say the Britons have two options for voting they want for their lives,” says Kec- is secondary to the benefits for her least. abroad: by post or by proxy. Like the man. daughter. The mere act of regular henever 22-year- American system, British overseas vot- KEC has undertaken this mission socializing - a constant challenge for old Connell “As a kid I used to trade football Joseph talks to cards with my cousins and friends, ing also requires planning. You have ever since, together with parents and someone on the autism spectrum - is his friends back and there was always this player first to complete a Postal Vote Applica- specialists, Kecman founded KEC in therapeutic for her. home, they as- from [FC] Rubin Kazma from a ‘place Absentee voting is a multi-part process that requires advance planning. Photo:Wikimedia tion Form and return it to your local 2002. She was not an obvious per- “My Katarina can’t imagine a day sume he’s in the called Serbia’,” he recalled. electoral registration office at least 11 son to start an organization helping without the centre. She enjoys her MiddleW East. “Serbia and Syria sound too similar to them,” he told me While the students may have had days before an election or referendum. developmentally challenged people; days here,” she says. when we met at one of his favourite little connection to Serbia before ion on the upcoming elections in their After successfully submitting the ap- neither a specialist nor an educator, Keeping the doors open for people cafes, Monument (Čika-Ljubina 9). relocating, the ties between this Bal- Americans and respective countries. With so much at plication form, the electoral office will she has no children with disabilities, like Katarina is an ongoing challenge kan nation and developing countries stake and such vivid distinctions be- mail you a ballot. Make sure that you either. for KEC. Until recently KEC was fund- Coming from the Caribbean island go back many decades, to when the Britons can vote tween the choices, there is little room give yourself plenty of time because A former prima ballerina with the ed, in large part, by EU grants but that of Antigua to landlocked Serbia is a Cold War was raging and Josip Broz big change, which Joseph said has Tito ruled over Yugoslavia. in their home for hesitation. Either you want one ballots can be sent to you within four National Ballet, she saw an urgent money is no longer available and KEC mostly come down to adjusting to future or the other: in the EU or out, days of an election. You must return need for a social service for develop- is scrambling to make up the shortfall. the food (lashings of meat and pota- On September 1st, 1961, the Non-Aligned elections but Clinton’s establishment credentials, or your completed ballot to the electoral mentally challenged adults because State funding is extremely limited toes) and the weather (a significant Movement was founded at a summit Trump’s populist anger. office by election day or it will not be the government was not providing by austerity measures and by conflict- drop considering Antigua hardly in Belgrade, largely instigated by Tito. dips below 25 degrees Celsius). Hail- At its beginning, the onus was on trade it takes some It is both a blessing and a curse to be counted. Voters living overseas are re- one, and people were suffering. Using ing priorities. What state money that ing from Australia, I’d have to agree. and exchanges, even in the education living as a foreigner in Belgrade in these quired to pay for the postage. Voter ap- her dance training, Kecman began by exists is given out in extremely com- sector, where students from NAM preparation. consequential times. It is a blessing be- plications are available at www.gov.uk offering free music and dance classes petitive project-based grants and is He is one of hundreds of students countries would come to Yugoslavia to cause one can see these campaigns Unlike the American system, Britons but quickly found that wasn’t enough difficult to obtain. Donors, particularly who have flown in from countries in study. This lasted until the Republic’s the Non-Aligned Movement, a group dissolution in 1992, at which point its unfold at a cool distance, without being can also find someone to vote in their for the clients. among the international community, of nations not linked with any of the membership was suspended. Nine Drew ADAMEK sucked into the fluctuating passions place, or by proxy. To do that, you have “I have a need to help people and help out but it is never enough. major world powers, over the past years later Serbia was allowed back of the moment - no Trump rally fights to find someone who is eligible to vote I realized that we can improve their “Our biggest challenge is fundrais- five years on scholarships to study at in as an observer member, and in lections are big news for us - but it is also becomes hard to and willing to cast your vote for you at lives through different kinds of inno- ing,” Kecman says. “We’re trying some the University of Belgrade. 2010 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs these days. Not only is gauge what is happening from such a least six days before the election. You vative programmes,” Kecman says. new activities for support but the real launched the World in Serbia pro- The government-led initiative, called gramme, aiming to once again attract Serbia preparing to go distance. also need to fill out the Application to She is no longer alone. Volunteers solution is to be funded permanently.” World in Serbia, has attracted young foreign students to the country. to the polls on April 24 But, no matter how one experiences Vote by Proxy for a British Citizen Liv- largely staff KEC. Sue Furey, an Ameri- Being fully funded would mean the minds from the far reaches of the but there are high-stakes the foibles of home elections while liv- ing Overseas form, found on www.gov. can high school special education world for someone like Saša Dinčić. It world – including Namibia, the Sey- For Joseph and Byng, the experience votes looming in the ing in Serbia, there is one key question uk. This form must also be returned to teacher from Missoula, Montana, is on has been a long but fruitful journey for chelles and Jamaica – at a time when has not been without its challenges, students and recent graduates are namely the fact their studies are UnitedE States for the presidency, and in for all of us: how does one cast a vote your local electoral registration office. a volunteer sabbatical with KEC. She him in the 14 years he’s been at KEC. He leaving the country in droves. wholly in Serbian, which they got Britain over EU membership. in these monumental elections if you Be careful not to return it to the Elector- KEC client Saša Dinčić works on the production of Gardenika fruit rolls. Photo: Drew Adamek oversees the production of the fruit now lives in a private room at KEC and a preparatory one-year course in It is fair to say that the next elec- are a Briton or an American living in al Commission, as then it won’t count. rolls and helps coordinate schedules. serves as their resident facility main- Getting to know the international upon arrival, as part of the scholar- tions in these countries could steer the Serbia? How do you make your voice Once your paperwork is in, your sources not just to survive but to thrive. KEC aims to alleviate those risks with She plans to return to the US in April. tenance man and computer security crowd in Belgrade, of which there ship programme. A volunteer pro- are many students, a common ques- world on an entirely different course: heard from afar? proxy will be sent a proxy poll card and “I have an opportunity to have a innovative, free programmes. “Ben- “I’ve enjoyed my time here. I get as expert. His life is stable and rewarding tion asked on introduction is ‘how And while at times they feel out of Britons are weighing an exit from the For Americans, it’s a multi-stage pro- must go to your registered polling sta- proper place to live. I have food. I can eficiaries”, or clients, can visit the day much reward out of this relationship, because of KEC; he hopes to marry his did you end up here?’ place when “people stare and take European Union that would have cess that requires some forethought. tion to cast your vote. Note: your proxy gramme, KEC, use everything here,” Dinčić says. “I centre for emotional support and a hot maybe more, as the clients do,” Furey long-time girlfriend and find a perma- photos,” there are still places to go major global economic and political The US State Department recom- must be a close relative - spouse, par- love it.” meal. Those that want to work can en- says. nent place to live together. For Joseph, who is studying tourism, in Belgrade when they want a taste ramifications. Americans are - and let’s mends Americans living abroad to reg- ent, sibling, child or grandchild/parent. helps develop- Hundreds of developmentally chal- rol in the job-training programme. The It is not just clients who benefit “Everything is positive for me now. I the answer is simple: he wanted of home. to get out of Antigua, “because my be honest, the rest of the world is, too - ister for the Federal Post Card Applica- For more information about absen- lenged adults and their families, that work engagement programme part- from the organization. KEC provides have all the best,” says Dinčić. He cred- whole life at home is 281 sq km.” “When we are missing home, we go facing two starkly different futures if tion, FPCA, every January. US election tee voting in the UK, visit www.about- mentally chal- KEC helps every year, echo the same ners with socially responsible compa- significant relief for the families of its the outcome to Kecman. to KPTM (Žorza Klemansoa 22). It’s the winning candidate is either Donald law requires that you fill this form out myvote.co.uk. To learn more about sentiment. nies who offer clients a chance of paid developmentally challenged adults “She is a second mother for me. For It just so happened that the oppor- lenged adults one place in Belgrade where you can Trump or Hillary Clinton. every year that you are abroad, no mat- absentee voting in the US, visit www. Tucked away in a courtyard in the work at their own pace and schedule by offering “respite” day care. Clients all of us she is our mother. She takes tunity presented itself in the form of dance to reggae music,” Joseph said. You’d be hard-pressed to find and ter how many times you have done it travel.state.gov and search for “over- find dignity and Savamala neighbourhood, the Krea- while gaining useful social skills. can come in to the centre at any time care of life for all of us,” Dinčić says. American or a Briton without an opin- before. seas voting.” tivno Edukativni Centar is a volunteer- independence run organization “determined to see that young adults with developmental ORDER DELIVERY TO – but cash is disabilities have the opportunity to YOUR DOOR participate in the community”. KEC provides that opportunity for Find your copy of +381 11 4030 303 short. [email protected] social integration through job training Belgrade Insight here: http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/ and placement programmes, a day page/subscribe-to-belgrade-insight centre and social enterprise ventures. Drew ADAMEK KEC serves adults with mild to mod- erate physical and mental develop- ack in 2002, Saša Dinčić mental disabilities and clients range in SUPERMARKET CONCEPT STORE HOTEL EXCELSIOR HOTEL JUMP INN TOURIST ORGANISATION OF SERBIA THE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL was homeless, unem- age from 18 to 57. Address: Višnjićeva 10 Address: Kneza Miloša 5 Address: Koče Popovića 2a Address: Čika Ljubina 8 SCHOOL OF BELGRADE ployed and desperate. It fills a pressing need for Belgrade. Address: Smetanina 12 Now 32, his intellectual Few public resources for adults with MONUMENT HOTEL HYATT BISTRO BAR NATIONAL FAOUNDATION developmental disabili- developmental disabilities exist in the Address: Čika Ljubina 9 Address: Milentija Popovića 5 Address: Vojvode Stepe 198 FOR DANCE RADISSON BLU OLD ties made it impossible city and they and their families are Address: Kolarčeva 3 MILL HOTEL, BELGRADE forB him to find sustainable work and a mostly left on their own without insti- HOTEL MOSKVA HOTEL CROWN PLAZA FORCED2THINK Address: Bulevar Vojvode Misica 15 stable living environment. Both of his tutional or social support after they Address: Balkanska 1 Address: Vladimira Popovića 10 Address: Požeška 42 RESTAURANT BIZU www.radissonblu.com/hotel-belgrade parents had died and there were few, if leave the public school system. The sit- Address: Andre Nikolića 1-3 any, public resources to help him. uation leaves many people vulnerable. HOTEL SQUARE NINE HOTEL VOZAREV INTERGALACTIC DINNER Alone and without significant sup- “They didn’t have any kind of social Address: Studentski trg 9 Address: Pop Stojanova 16 Address: Internacionalnih brigada 22 CAFE CAFFELOUNGE port, his life was becoming dangerous- life,” KEC founder Greta Kecman says. Address: Hotel Jugoslavija, Bulevar Address: Vase Pelagića 48 ly precarious. “They were hidden in their homes and CAFE SNEŽANA HOTEL LE PETIT PIAFF Mihajla Pupina 85A But Dinčić found the help that may they didn’t have any help.” Modern Serbian Cuisine, Mediterranean and Italian cuisine Address: Knez Mihailova 50 Restaurant Mali vrabac INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BELGRADE have saved his life when he first walked Without institutional or public assis- SERBIAN CUISINE THROUGH CENTURIES Address: Skadarska 34 MIXER HOUSE Address: Temišvarska 19 into the Kreativno Edukativni Centar, tance, many people with developmen- KOLARAC Address: Karađorđeva 46 KEC. For the first time, Dinčić found a tal disabilities face social isolation, un- Reservations: +381 11 2607436, www.vagon-victoria.rs Address: Studentski trg 5 HOTEL MERIOT KNJIŽARA APROPO Address: Kolarčeva 7 Location: Bulevar Zorana Djindjica 44a, New Belgrade safe, supportive place that encouraged employment and, in cases like Dinčić’s, Working Hours: Mon-Sun 8 a.m. - 1 a.m. Address: Vase Čarapića 2-4 Address: Cara Lazara 10 him to grow and offered him the re- homelessness. 6 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 18 - Thursday, March 31, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 18 - Thursday, March 31, 2016 7 BELGRADE BUSINESS

Continued from page 1 Documentary film fest kicks off The Belgrade Documentary Alternative film scene and Short Film Festival starts for the 63rd time at Dom Omladine on March Passing the buck 20th, lasting seven days. Tickets cost 200 dinars

Belgrade in brief in brief Belgrade flourishes in Belgrade [around €1.6]. The films art of the reason for this “In 2012 we made a contract with the that will be screened - silence, according to ex- Progressive party based on the agree- short and long feature perts, is the fact that both ment that they will pass the laws which films, documentaries and ruling and opposition would create better environment for animated movies - come parties share the blame small businesses,” Zoran Vujović, act- from both Serbia and for Serbia’s economic ing president of the APPS. abroad. “This festival woes.P He added that association’s policy deserves respect and has goals included measures to tackle the preserved a tradition for SHARING THE BLAME grey economy, to retain young experts more than six decades in Serbia and the abolition of earnings for now. With its varied Economic analyst Milan Ćulibrk said members of managing and supervisory audiences, critics, creators that elections reveal a kind of schizo- boards in state institutions such as health it has become part of the phrenia- surveys show that people care centres, local public utilities, agencies etc. cultural identity of this city,” more about living standard and jobs “We expected that, with strong ma- Milan Lazović, director but the campaign is dominated by oth- jority in parliament they would make of the Centre of Belgrade er topics like NATO, Kosovo and the EU. necessary ‘resets’ to the business en- Festivals, CEBEF, said. “Citizens are more likely to vote from vironment, which their predecessors emotions rather than by looking at couldn’t due to a large coalition,” he Much-loved actor their wallets and it is easier for the par- said, continuing that all Serbian compa- gets street in capital ties to communicate other topics than nies had a net loss of €1.1 billion in 2014. those that show the real situation in “However, of all they had promised Dragan Nikolić, one of Serbia,'' he explained. in 2012, nothing has been fulfilled,” he the greatest Serbian and He also said that of all the countries insisted. Yugoslav actors of all time, in Central and Eastern Europe, only Ser- Vujović believed that parties avoid bia, Croatia and Slovenia have a smaller economic topics in the campaign main- who died on March 11th, GDP today than in 2008. ly because of their ignorance along will have a street named He believes that the differences be- with the fact that those deciding the after him in the Vračar tween the ruling and opposition parties fate of businesses have little entrepre- neighbourhood, where he are more apparent than essential, de- neurial experience themselves. lived, officials said. “We spite different starting positions. However, despite having their hopes accept the Belgraders’ Cinemala has been running for almost two years now. Photo: Facebook “It is not in the interest of the Progres- already betrayed once, they have not initiative that Dragan Nikolić sives to mention sensitive issues such given up on the idea of supporting po- gets a street in Belgrade as surplus workforce in the administra- litical parties. with the greatest honour,” The appetite for After the place was torn down for THE ZVEZDA tion or the possible closing of compa- “In talks with coalition of Dveri and Mayor Siniša Mali said on redevelopment, however, Krstić had ‘OCCUPATION’ As we have a nies in restructuring.” Serbian Democratic Party, DSS, they March 15th. The initiative less commercial, to find a new location. From March on- “It is better to insist that Serbia is an declared their intentions to back our appeared on Facebook wards, showings will be at Kenozoik bar Another group of ac- new place, we “economic tiger”, on the path of dynam- programme, and we agreed in general Milan Ćulibrk argues the differences between the ruling and opposition parties are more Photo: Media Centre Belgrade several days after Nikolić less mainstream, on Cetinjska St in downtown Belgrade. tivist film-lovers have ic growth even though the real growth apparent than essential, despite different starting positions. to give them our support,” he added. died aged 73. His loss “As we have a new place, we are pre- done something com- are preparing is 0.7 to 0.8 per cent,” he said. Asked what guarantees they have prompted a public outcry movies is paring something new for our visitors pletely different in cen- In his opinion, the Democrats, as the my, made the difference for Progres- “This is not something they [ruling “The policy is set in the Budget Law this time, Vujović responded that there among his thousands of in terms of the films that we will show tral Belgrade. something new former ruling party, don’t have much sives in 2012, as the voters are smart and opposition parties] are willing to and corresponding measures and no are none. admirers across the former growing in – but they won’t ever be commercial Outraged by the sale of the once positive to present either, “because any- enough to know this is not something defend or explain to the public and one should expect significant changes “We can only hope that this time it Yugoslavia. In a 50-year films and blockbusters,” he maintains. mighty Beograd Film Network, which for our visitors one could ask them about their legacy that changed overnight. the citizens. The opposition is also to these policies,” Ćulibrk said. would be completely different than in career, Nikolić starred Belgrade, as Now the films nights are no longer resulted in the closure of 14 theatres, of high deficit, public debt etc. that con- “The economy remains in the sphere feeling responsible, because every- “The only thing that the new cabinet 2012,” he said. in many films, TV series held in Savamala, Cinemala may have they occupied one of them, the Zvez- in terms of the tinued after 2012 as the deficit was high of negative and dirty campaign - what- one had been in power and in op- could do is to try to postpone the dead- Coming elections might still have at and theatre plays. He was discerning to change its name, Krstić says, adding da cinema, in November 2014. until recently.” ever you say to criticize the govern- position at some point,“ Stojiljković lines for fulfilling of some of the agreed least one positive advantage over previ- that various things will be improved. Since then, they have been showing For Zoran Stojiljković, professor at ment, they will say the problem was added. measures, because of the elections,” he ous campaigns. Parties may become more buried in the city’s Alley of “We will also have documentary de- alternative films there, despite difficul- films that we the Faculty of Political Sciences, this made during the previous authorities,” added. cautious when making their pledges. the Great. filmgoers tire bate nights - this will now be more seri- ties ranging from a lack of money to is- campaign has no specific focus and, be- Stojiljković said. SUPPORT TURNS The expectations of the continuity Ćulibrk reminded that previous Belgrade profits of Hollywood ous,” he says. sues with electricity and heating. will show – but sides foreign and regional policy, noth- While noting that exchanging accu- INTO DISAPPOINTMENT could be a bad news for those hoping campaigns abound with promises like from winter The repertoire at Cinemala is the op- The big, slightly creepy-looking build- ing else can be seen as a plus for the sations is more common than a prob- that something would change in the 200.000 new jobs, €10 billions of in- tourism posite of the normal fare on offer in Bel- ing has hosted between 10,000 and they won’t ever government. lem solving approach, he argues that New opinion polls from Factor Plus government’s economic policy. vestments or €1.000 for each citizen blockbusters. grade’s mainstream cinemas. 15,000 visitors who have watched more “The economic and social issues “If there were pressure from the public polling agency show that Prime Min- The Association of Small and Me- in ownership of stocks of state owned In December and January Mostly located in busy shopping than 600 films, from classics to docu- be commercial have been dominant since 2012, but and civic associations, then citizens ister's Aleksandar Vučić's SNS is on dium Enterprises and Entrepreneurs, companies. alone, the Serbian capital malls, they only showcase the latest mentaries and black-and-white films. that is not what motivates voters. The would see the continuity of troubled course for a landslide win in the next APPS, hoped in 2012 that Progressive “Today, hardly anyone would dare to made a profit of more than blockbusters - at not-so-low prices. The last winter has been a nightmare films and questions of identity, Kosovo, and EU privatizations, the increase of public parliament. would make a difference for small busi- make such promises because no one €90 million from various Ivana NIKOLIĆ Documentaries and less well-known for the “occupiers”, however. It was integration do seriously divide the elec- debt and stagnating production.” These Analysts do not expect significant nesses. believes in it anymore,” he concluded. cultural, New Year and films from less familiar but talented art- freezing for months. torate,” he said. long-term issues have been unresolved changes in SNS' current policies of cost They supported them in their elec- esistance to main- ists have to be sought out and hunted Without proper heating, sitting in blockbusters.” He claims that the topic of tackling over many years and throughout multi- cutting, rationalization and attempts to tion bid, only to be disappointed with Ivana Nikolić contributed with sporting events, the city’s stream culture” down in the Serbian capital. the ice-cold cinema theatre was tough crime and corruption, not the econo- ple regimes. improve the business climate. the outcome afterwards. additional reporting. Secretariat for Economy was what inspired However, places where you can en- even for the most devoted fans. Ognjen Krstić said. In January, the capital Ognjen Krstić to joy old black-and-white classics, mov- In the end they temporarily halted hosted the World Water co-found Cinema- ies from the 1970s and 1980s and for- screenings, although they have prom- Polo Championship, in la, an alternative eign films do exist in Belgrade- and are ised to re-start them in April. February the European “Rfilm project that started in Belgrade’s al- gathering momentum. Vladimir Gvojić, one of the activists, Futsal Championship, while ternative Savamala district two years ago. Apart from various film festivals in says the theatre was not totally dead a lot of money also came He and his film buff friends, three of the capital, another such venue is the over winter, as a group of young actors from the “Belgrade Winter” whom are film makers, came up with the Yugoslav Film Archive. has been using the hall. LIVING BY A STANDARD OF A MODERN MAN programme, which lasted idea of showing less mainstream films for KC Grad also screens alternative “We are helping a group of students for three months and was free every Tuesday at the Peron bar. films, usually free of charge. It offers prepare a show there, so the cinema is Ruzveltova 34 Ruzveltova organized this year for the “The idea was to invite young stu- weeks of international films, most of not dead,” the 26-year-old said. first time. dents and film authors who have no which you would never see in the “And we will be happy to get back other place to show their films,” Krstić mainstream theatres, such as films to playing movies from April onwards, recalls. from India, Angola or Norway. once again,” he added.

www.edil-italiana.com his larger-than-life monument dedicated to one of Serbia’s most famous writers, Borislav Pekić, has been in Belgrade’s Vračar neighborhood for only a month, but it is already garnering lots of attention. Unveiled on March 2nd at Cvetni trg (Flower Square), the monument is the work of a sculptor Zoran Ivanović. Pekić was born in Podgorica, in what was then Kingdom of Yugoslavia, in 1930. He died in London in 1992 but was laid to rest in the Belgrade Alley of the Great. Pekić was a novelist, and a political activist – he +381 69 604 000 wasT a founding member of the Democratic Party, DS. Pekić distinguished himself in the 1970s as one of the best Serbian contemporary dramatists. Many of his radio-plays were transformed into theatre and/or TV plays, and he received many awards for his work. Throughout his career,

Pekić worked on numerous films, writing more than twenty original screenplays and adapting some of his novels to Residential and office building the screen. As a part-time commentator at the BBC World Service in London, (1986–1991) Pekić read his ‘Letters from Reg.No. 101 London’ every week.

Hidden Belgrade Exclusive sales representative 8 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 18 - Thursday, March 31, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 18 - Thursday, March 31, 2016 9 REGION OUT AND ABOUT

Continued from page 1 Hate-filled graffiti mirrors Bosnia’s divisions

hile hate speech slogans continued to reappear and re- or open threats main visible at several locations across expressed town. through street “I don’t know how many times we graffiti are -al painted them over and how many ways a cause times the same or similar inscriptions forW concern, this is especially so in ar- were sprayed on the same walls again eas like Prijedor, where different ethnic and again,” Radan Vukadinović, from groups still live next to each other in the town administration, told BIRN. large numbers. “It seems an endless job. I can’t say Before the war, this was a prosperous what the best solution would be,” he industrial town. Bosniaks and Bosnian added. Serbs made up some 42 per cent each The opposition Serbian Democratic of the 112,000 inhabitants. The rest Party, SDS, has condemned the threats were Bosnian Croats and other minori- against Bosic that have appeared in ties. Prijedor, blaming Milorad Dodik, Presi- When the war started in 1992, Bos- dent of Republika Srpska and leader of nian Serb paramilitary units ethnically the ruling Alliance of Independent So- cleansed the entire region, killing some cial Democrats, SNSD. 3,200 Bosniaks and Croats in the pro- The SDS said he was encouraging “an cess. overall lynch atmosphere by dividing But, of around 50,000 non-Serbs people into patriots and traitors”. who fled the area during the war, some As a result, these political works of 23,000 have since returned. And while graffiti made it onto the agenda of the others established new lives abroad, local assembly several times in recent many have kept their pre-war houses months. The threats also created sparks and apartments and still visit Prijedor, among parties in the town assembly. especially in summer. Marko Pavić, Mayor of Prijedor, urged Prijedor and the surrounding area deputies to prevent entity or state-wide have seen more than 20,000 summer quarrels from damaging the customar- visitors, mainly Bosniaks, in recent ily good relations between politicians years. in Prijedor. The visits triggered many ethnically “I'm against any expression of will motivated incidents in the early post- through graffiti or anonymous letters war years, but they dwindled over time. and so on. I am for open, public expres- However, incidents sharply in- sion of people’s opinions, so they can creased last summer, reflecting grow- Graffiti image of Ratko Mladić, the wartime commander of the Bosnian Serb Army, currently on trial at the Hague war crimes court. Photo: Katarina Panić be responded to,” Pavić told the local ing ethnic tensions that were a conse- assembly. quence of worsening political quarrels, moved at the end of last year at a forum cord had assigned to the mainly Bos- ened, many people find the atmos- Over his 12 years as mayor, he has Caves under Tašmajdan should be de-mined and used as a tourist attraction, Milić says. Photo: courtesy of UnderGrad as well as of the economic and social that gathered dozens of local and inter- niak and Croat Federation entity. phere scary. seen a fair number of graffiti directed downturn. national organizations to discuss the “When my parents returned to "My aunt's family in Australia would against himself but had never com- Ernest Badnjević does not take the town’s security in the light of Prijedor's Ključ, graffiti on our house marked us be scared to death. It is hard to explain plained or reacted, he noted. sign he sees every day to heart. “I don’t particular ethnic composition. out as ‘Chetniks’ [a derogatory term for to people abroad that my family doctor While politically inspired hate graf- think it is [directed] against me person- “I didn't know what else to do. Maybe Serbs]. For me it was terrible,” Sikman is Serb, and it is almost impossible to ex- fiti make people uncomfortable, ex- ally,” he says. I should have painted the wall by my- said. plain that such graffiti are stupid pranks perts stress that ethnically motivated “No shame falls on me. Those who self,” Jakupović told BIRN. The OSCE representative in Prijedor, by local dummies," Musić said. provocations and threats are more wrote it and who watch it should be Despite his call, the graffiti remains Igor Ličina, said the organisation aimed Three of the five reported graffiti serious. Tašmajdan ashamed. The police pass by every in place, prompting Davorin Sikman, a to intensify cooperation with security works in the town are not ethnically but “It sends a clear message to Bosniaks day, fining people for parking cars in the Serbian member of the safety forum, structures and religious communities politically motivated. that they should know where they live wrong areas, but they ignore this graf- to raise the issue again at the session of in Bosnia, especially in order to prevent “Death to the traitors [Mladen] Bosić and who the boss is," Srdan Puhalo, a fiti.” the forum last month. hate-motivated acts and crimes. and [Mladen] Ivanić,” read one, threat- Banja Luka-based social psychologist, Prijedor police say five cases of na- “I don’t know why ordinary people "We will intensify our activities both ening the leaders of the two main Bos- told BIRN. cave, potential tourist tionalist or political graffiti were report- don’t report it. Maybe they don’t know at state and local level, especially in nian Serb opposition parties in Repub- He said that Serbs who remain quiet ed in the town last year but locals know who such reports should be addressed communities like Prijedor, because of lika Srpska. and passive about such incidents inad- of many others that have never been to,” Sikman told BIRN. their ethnic and religious diversity,” This and several other similar slo- vertently support “the idiots who write reported, like the one on Badnjević's This particular piece of graffiti, Ličina added. gans started appearing last October, as these things. print shop. threatening Bosniaks, reminded him of Sudbin Musić, a Bosniak who re- quarrels between Bosnian Serb ruling “It also shows that Prijedor authori- hotspot Sead Jakupović, the Bosniak speaker his parents’ experience when they re- turned to Prijedor 17 years ago, told and the opposition blocs intensified. ties are not much bothered by this, oth- of the Prijedor assembly, reported the turned after the war to their old home BIRN that while he or his family had Despite several attempts by the lo- erwise they would resolve it quickly case and asked for the graffiti to be re- in Ključ, which the Dayton peace ac- never been directly attacked or threat- cal authorities to remove them, the and easily,” he concluded. Every Belgrader knows about Belgrade, as well hundreds of ancient as a place that should be fully explored one even stole a big metal door, weigh- A little known Tašmajdan park, or simply Taš, but not objects all around the city. Belgrade and opened to the public. ing half a ton, which was used for the many people know that below the park, could make a huge profit if it used to its “The cave should be de-mined and Nazi HQ,“ Milić explains. natural concealed and locked up since World potential,“ said Rade Milić, a co-founder used as a tourist attraction. It is also But there is much more, deeper his- War II, there is a massive cave system. of UnderGrad, an archaeological group protected as a natural good,“ said Rade tory to be uncovered in the caves than wonder in One group is hoping to turn the caves dedicated to exploring underground Milić, one of the men leading the charge just the Second World War. One part of into the next big tourist attraction in Belgrade. to open the caves. the natural cave is covered up with rub- the centre Belgrade, as well as shine a light on Bel- The caves have a long history. The Milić explains that while the caves ble and the remains of an ancient cem- grade’s hidden history. natural part of the caves were created were in use for a long time, they are un- etery that once stood there. of the city “Along with the cave, which would around 14 million years ago. The caves familiar to the wider public because it “The natural cave is partially cov- become a great tourist attraction, Bel- were first used by the Romans almost was covered up decades ago. ered in rubble from the old graveyard, could become grade will receive a new perspective two thousand years ago as a quarry Nazi’s used the caves as a command but we also found some old human [on its history],“ Belgrade Mayor Siniša and an aqueduct system and was di- centre for Eastern Europe during World remains that probably fell in when the Belgrade’s next Mali said back in 2014. But so far the rectly connected to the Roman military War II, but at the end of the war the Yu- old graveyard was moved to a new lo- cave remains closed to the public. He road, Via Militaris. goslav regime cemented over parts of cation. That site was used as a Roman big attraction. also said, in the same speech, that “the The Ottoman Empire mined the the cave because of the fear of land- necropolis, a Turkish graveyard and Tašmajdan cave is one of the most ac- caves for limestone and salt peter. All mines placed inside by the retreating later used by Serbs as well,“ said Milić. Filip AVRAMOVIĆ curate presentations of Belgrade’s his- of the stone used to build Kalemegdan German Army. The main objective of the UnderGrad tory and that it should be renovated came from underneath Tašmajdan. It “People excavated stone from there project is excavating, documenting and idden deep below and presented to the public.” was also a hideout for Karađorđe and for 2,000 years. This was quite a popu- presenting of underground objects that Belgrade’s Tašmajdan A group of dedicated archaeologists his men during the First Serbian Upris- lar place. After the Nazi’s retreated and lie beneath the capital. park is one of the are working to do just that, and along ing against the Turks. the Yugoslav army took over, most of The Taš cave is just one of the places city’s most mysteri- the way they are making exciting new Despite their long history and stra- the parts were cemented and the place under Belgrade that are yet to be ex- ous spots, unknown discoveries about Belgrade’s distant tegic importance, the Taš caves have was closed,“ Milić said. plored and used as tourist attractions. to most people walk- past. only been partially explored. But re- “Before it was closed, a lot of people Rade Milić says that Belgrade has great Hing by every day, but some hope that is “There is around 10,000 square cently the city of Belgrade prioritized entered the area. Around 4,000 square tourist and archaeological potential about to change. meters of empty space underneath the caves, and their tourism potential, meters has been explored and some- that offer significant benefit to the city. 10 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 18 - Thursday, March 31, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 18 - Thursday, March 31, 2016 11 ARTS HEALTH AND FAMILY

Next week is Circus Electric?” What's interesting about this Opera, Ballet Week in Belgrade performance is that a majority of the music selected for it comes from earlier and Classical Belgrade will be celebrating Cir- albums of German electronic music vi- FRIDAY MARCH 18th Not a sprint, but a marathon cus Week from March 21st-26th sionaries Kraftwerk. American choreographer Dwight Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra with Howie is not slowing down this year. He with planned events at several Jane Glover – conductor and Daniel Rhoden and his Complexions dance Muller-Schott - cello, Ilija M. Kolarac recently completed the Palić half-mara- locations around the city. The Arts in brief company is another name to watch. Endowment, Studentski Trg 5, 8pm thon in 1 hour 42 minutes, his fastest time opening ceremony will take The dance troupe has been wowing in 20 years. With the Belgrade Marathon SATURDAY MARCH 19th place in Dom Kulture Studentski audiences across the globe for almost approaching in April, Howie has set a goal Grad with the performance three decades and this is their first per- Iva Radinović – violin and Anja to raise 1,000 dinars [around €8] for each of a circus-acrobatics-dance formance in the region. Known for be- Radinović - piano, Ilija M. Kolarac kilometre he runs between the two races. Endowment, Studentski Trg 5, 6pm called “Unpacking.” For a full ing made up mostly of African Ameri- Winners of the Davorin Jenko He has already managed to raise 50,000 list of events, visit the official can dancers and for choreographies competition, Belgrade Cultural Centre, dinars [around €405] in the month of Feb- site: http://www.cirkusfera.org/ that really showcase strength and vir- Trg Republike 5, 8pm ruary alone. nedelja-savremenog-cirkusa/ tuosity, Rhoden's troupe will have six SUNDAY MARCH 20th Howie is not the only one running for performances during the course of charity. Organizers of the Belgrade Mara- their two-day stay at the Terazije Thea- Amoroso Chamber Orchestra, Ilija M. thon are expecting a total of 25,000 peo- Legendary caricature Kolarac Endowment, Studentski Trg 5, artist promotes new tre. 11am ple from over 50 countries participating book The festival also includes full exhibi- Opera: Aida, The National Theatre, in either the marathon, half-marathon or tions, films and workshops organized Francuska 1, 7pm 5-kilometer “Fun Run” this year. to go along with the dancing. One of Many local organizations put together Predrag Koraksić, better known TUESDAY MARCH 22nd the greatest attributes of the Belgrade teams to encourage participation and as Corax, is the most famous Dance Festival is that the organiza- Las Locas Por La Musica, Students’ consolidate fundraising efforts. For years, Cultural Centre, Kralja Milana 50, 8pm visual political commentator tion's activity isn't limited to the days Belhospice, a charity providing treatment in Serbian history, known for during which the actual festival is tak- WEDNESDAY MARCH 23rd to terminal cancer patients, has had the his incredibly clever carica- ing place. There are other events being largest running team in the marathon and tures and comics. He will be Belgrade Dance planned and implemented during the Ladies in Flute Music, The Museum of offers free team training every Sunday. the National theatre, Dositejeva 2, 6pm presenting a new retrospective course of the calendar year, such as Opera: The Italian Girl in Algiers, The “It provides great visibility to Belhos- book, covering his work from Festival more the “Days of Dance” programme pre- National Theatre, Francuska 1, 7.30pm pice as a charity organization, helping us sented at the Yugoslav Film Archive reach out to people, inform them about 1990-2001. At the same time, THURSDAY MARCH 24th Corax will have an exhibition to international last year that brought a huge array of services that we provide to cancer pa- promote the book. It opens on dance-related cinema to the Belgrade Ballet: The Nutcracker, The National tients and raise much-needed funds for public. Theatre, Fracuska 1, 7:30pm the organization through participation March 26th at 7pm at the Trag Jovana Nikolić, piano, Belgrade City What truly gives the BDF its charac- and fundraising campaigns of Belhos- Gallery. than ever Hall, Dragoslava Jovanovića 2, 8pm ter, however, is the fact that you'll really pice team runners,” said Dubravka Nešić, th be hard-pressed to find a similar event SATURDAY MARCH 26 spokesperson and fundraising coordina- Batman vs. Superman Aja Jung, director of BDF. Photo: Courtesy of BDF in Europe that is as contemporary and Opera: Tosca, The National Theatre, tor for Belhospice. premiers next week forward thinking. While the purpose is Francuska 1, 7:30pm The relationship between fundraising always to celebrate the art of dancing, RTS Symphonic Orchestra, Ilija M. Kolarac and running is mutually beneficial; the Endowment, Studentski Trg 5, 8pm Get ready for the most antici- The eclectic festival puts Belgrade the BDF strives to highlight the latest in- fundraisers gain money and visibility pated comic book movie of the novations, giving new choreographers SUNDAY MARCH 27th while the runners gain exterior motiva- year. “Batman vs. Superman” is firmly on the global cultural map. and dance companies just as much tion and a tangible manifestation of their Ballet: They, The National Theatre, getting its Serbian premier on room in the programme as established Francuska 1, 7:30pm achievement in the form of charitable March 23rd. Starring Ben Affleck David GALIĆ including some they’ve been waiting dancers and choreographers. contributions. th as Batman and Henry Cavill as for quite a while. The festival's official press confer- MONDAY MARCH 28 Howie said his favourite thing about th Superman, the movie will be ith the 13 edition “This is one of the first editions [of ence was held at the National Parlia- Maja Marijan, Belgrade Cultural Centre, running in marathons is that the competi- shown at the Cinexplexx Ušće of the Belgrade BDF] that we managed to put every- ment, with BDF Director Aja Jung and Trg Republike 5, 8pm tion is personal. Dance Festival thing that we wanted to present [to the domestic and foreign officials speaking Duo Classique-All, Belgrade Cultural “There are always people who are going theatre in both 2D and 3D. Centre, Trg Republike 5, 9pm (BDF) kicking off audience] on the programme, even the about the festival’s importance. to be faster than you, and you know there on March 19th, productions we’ve been waiting for “BDF is a brand that puts Belgrade TUESDAY MARCH 29th are going to be people way slower than Gus Van Sant night at it seems that the many years,” she said. on the world map as an instantly rec- Howie, a British expat working in Belgrade, was diagnosed with stage III bowel cancer in January of 2014. Photo: Courtesy of Neil Howie you, so the only person you’re competing film archive Ballet: Alexander, The National Theatre, festivalW has finally garnered the status The festival opens with Dutch dance ognizable cultural manifestation. It Francuska 1, 7:30pm with is yourself,” says Howie. it deserves as truly one of the most vital company Nederlands Dans Theater 1 provides us a way in which to promote Music Academy Winds Orchestra, “Winning is getting to the end and being If you love watching Gus Van festivals of its kind in Europe. presenting two performances, “Shoot our city and country's culture, which St. George Strings, pianists Bojana can give you a focus,” says Howie. “I need- tends to be overlooked in comparison to Europacolon, an organization designed to happy with the way things have gone, not Zagorac, Janko Đoković and Mladimir Sant movies in the theatre or th the Moon” by choreographers Sol León Neil Howie beat its more prominent neighbours, breast unite patients, healthcare officials, politi coming in first.” Starting on March 19 and ending on is why we will continue to support the Milošević and percussionist Srđan ed that more than the actual running.” - you have never done so before, April 10th, a total of fifteen dance com- & Paul Lightfoot and “The Missing festival in the coming years,” Belgrade Palačković, Students Cultural Centre, Howie was a long-distance runner in and lung cancer. cians and the media in the fight against After running through the obstacles he here's your chance. On March panies from thirteen different coun- Door” by Belgian Gabriela Carrizo. Mayor Siniša Mali said at the press con- Kralja Milana 50, 8pm cancer and is high school, but prior to his cancer diag- “It’s one of those ones that is actually colorectal cancer. Howie has shared his has faced in the past two years, it is safe to th tries are participating in the festival. As A second performance choreographed ference. nosis he had not run in seven years. quite prevalent but people don’t want to story on Europacolon’s “Patient Voice” say that Neil Howie has won his race. 27 , the Yugoslav Film Archive WEDNESDAY MARCH 30th will be playing “Elephant” at always, the BDF is much more than just by León and Lightfoot might be the These performances really only now helping Howie completed his final round of know about it,” says Howie. “It’s not nice.” webpage and spoken at conferences to 6pm and “Paranoid Park” at a string of choreographies and perfor- night’s most interesting one, however. scratch the surface of the BDF. For a full Opera: Rigoletto, The National Theatre, chemotherapy in August 2014 and began The disease is highly treatable with raise awareness for the disease. Carolyn Paletta is a student of the SIT mances, even though there will be more “Stop-Motion” is being praised as one of list of performances and venues, along Francuska 1, 7:30pm others through training for London the next month. The early detection, yet there are more than “Stories like Neil's help other patients Study Abroad Programme Serbia, Bosnia 8:30pm. For more information, Kolo Ensemble, UK Palilula, Mitropolita visit the Archive's official site to than 30 performances as part of the fes- the most intriguing recitals of the festival with detailed biographies of the dance Petra 8, 8pm first week of September he could barely 1.3 million cases worldwide and the can- by giving hope, telling them they are not and Kosovo: Peace and Conflict Studies in tival in Belgrade, Novi Sad and Pančevo. in terms of technological advances be- companies and descriptions of the per- running. manage 200 meters. By October 21st he cer claims 700,000 lives a year. Many of alone,” said Zorana Stokić, director of the Balkans. This story was written as an find out more about show times st Festival director Aja Jung told the ing used on stage. formances, visit the festival's official THURSDAY MARCH 31 was running a half marathon in Ljubljana. the funds Howie has raised have gone to group development at Europacolon. assignment for Programme's Journalism throughout the month: http:// media that this year organisers gath- Famed Israeli choreographer Yuval site: http://www.belgradedancefestival. St. George Strings, Belgrade Cultural Carolyn PALETTA “The most difficult bit is actually getting Track. www.kinoteka.org.rs/ ered all the performers they wanted Pick will be presenting “Are Friends com/ Centre, Trg Republike 5, 8pm off the sofa and doing the first five kilome- ’m not sure why you're tres,” says Howie. “Everything else is just here,” are the first words keeping going for a little bit longer, and a out of Neil Howie's mouth little bit longer, and your body can adapt as he sits down for an to keep going a little bit further. It's just interview. Even after six starting that's hard.” months of chemo, four full In April, Howie completed the London marathons,“I twelve half-marathons and Marathon. He had gone from a hospital thousands of dinars raised to benefit can- bed to running 42 kilometres in under cer institutions, Howie is too modest to be- seven months. lieve his story is worth being told. Now, Howie runs marathons on a regu- Howie, a British expat working as dep- lar basis to raise money, to increase aware- uty principal for the British International ness for colorectal cancer, and to maintain School in Belgrade, was diagnosed with his post-cancer fitness. He has created a stage III bowel cancer in January of 2014. website, blog and Facebook page under As a 45-year-old father of four, the diagno- the name “Charity Runner Neil” to gener- sis came as an abrupt shock. ate support and describe his story and “Within five minutes of the tests you initiatives to potential donors. are told you have a large tumor,” Howie Howie’s friends, like Alvaro Ballesteros, wrote in a blog post. “Then you are really noticed that the cancer changed him. scared…” “After cancer he is this new person full The doctor told him that without chem- of energy and passion, looking forward otherapy, death was imminent. So began to telling others that recuperation is pos- his six-month trek to remission. sible, that cancer doesn't need to mean What got Howie through the months the end of all, that it is worth giving it a try,” of poison and fatigue was running. More says Ballesteros. “Neil has been an amaz- specifically, planning to run. He decided ing example to all around him and he is that he would run the London marathon now a source of hope and inspiration to once he recovered and began to organize many.” a fundraiser around the event from his According to the Centres for Disease hospital bed. Control, colorectal cancer is the third “You need to keep your mind active, and most common form of cancer in the so planning to race and organizing events world. Unfortunately, cancer of this type 12 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 18 - Thursday, March 31, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 18 - Thursday, March 31, 2016 13 WHAT’S ON HEALTH AND FAMILY

Belgrade CLUBBING youth mark AND LIVE MUSIC slain PM anniversary

FRIDAY MARCH 18th • Jane Fitz, 20/44 boat on Sava • Local Music, KST, Bulevar • RnB Night, Cinema, WEDNESDAY MARCH 30th with speeches river, 11pm Kralja Aleksandra 73, 10pm Gračanička 18, 11pm everal dozen people – includ- • Vlada Janjić, Gordan • Midnight Orient Café, • Carousel, Parobrod, Kapetan • Duo Carrousel, Leila Records, • Girls Gonna Get Wild, Mr ing politicians, writers and Paunović, DJ Brka, Grad Cultural Centre, Braće Mišina 6, 8pm Kralja Petra 41, 9pm Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, other public figures – attended Elektropionir, Cetinjska 15, Krsmanović 4, 10pm • Mikser Big Band, Mikser 10pm the finals of the annual com- th S 10pm • Fobi, Aloha, Pariska 1, 11pm House, Karađorđeva 46, 8pm MONDAY MARCH 28 petition “Speeches in Zoran's Honour,“ • Jeroen Search, Drugstore, • Rainbow Party with Zoe, • Jelena Rozga, Kasina, Terazije THURSDAY MARCH 31st dedicated to murdered Serbian Prime Bulevar Despota Stefana 115, Bursaćeva, Grof TKI, Dot, 25, 10pm • DJ George and Dalibor Minister Zoran Đinđić. The finals were 11pm Francuska 6, 11pm Uhrik, Mr. Stefan Braun, • R&B Thursday Delight, held on March 12th at the Yugoslav • Waxx Trax party, Šećer, • Classic Trance Party THURSDAY MARCH 24th Nemanjina 4, 11pm Brankow, Crnogorska 12, 11pm Drama Theatre and this year's winner Svetogorska 17, 11pm vol. 2 with Eastbound, • Dj Gru and DJ Playa, Mr. was mechanical engineering student • SITN #4, Tijuana boat on Sava, Filip Nikolaević, Tarbuk, • R&B Thursday Delight, TUESDAY MARCH 29th Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, Aleksa Savić. 11pm Hypnotic, Les Enfantes Brankow, Crnogorska 12, 11pm 11pm Photo: Facebook • Lewis Fautzi, The Tube, Terribles, Ruzveltova 1, 11pm • For Old Times Sake, Tranzit • Diesel Party, Mr. Stefan Braun, • DJ Oysha, Industrija Bar, Simina 21, 11pm • German Brigante, Detlef, Bar, Braće Krsmanović 8, 10pm Nemanjina 4, 11pm Karađorđeva 23, 10pm • Carrageenan, Descendeur, Kid Kimi, Zwein, Vuk • Dj Gru and DJ Playa, Mr. Stefan • Brazilian Jazz Collective • Let There Be Rock, KST, UK Matrijaršija, Đorđa Čuturkovića Smiljanić, Danijel Čehranov, Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm and Sanja Marković, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 73, 13, Zemun, 10pm John Belk, Neutron, • DJ Oysha, Industrija Bar, Studentski Grad Cultural 11pm royals • Vatra, Grad Cultural Centre, Nemanja Vanović , The Tube, Karađorđeva 23, 10pm Centre, Bulevar Zorana • Vibrator u rikverc, Nemesis, Braće Krsmanović 4, 10pm Simina 21, 11pm • Bunt, KST, Bulevar Kralja Đinđića 179, 9pm Studentski Grad Cultural stop by • 33.10.3402, Vitanov, Dušan • Tijana T and Kristijan Aleksandra 73, 10pm • Holy Wave, Grad Cultural Centre, Bulevar Zorana Janković, 20/44 boat on Sava, Molnar, Drugstore, Bulevar • Kanda Kodža i Nebojša – 25th Centre, Braće Krsmanovic 4, Đinđica 179, 9pm Serbia 11pm Despota Stefana 115, 11pm Birthday Concert, Mikser 9pm • 90s, Plastic, Takovska 36, 11pm • Cheers to the Weekend, House, Karađorđeva 46, 8pm • 1 on 1, Tilt, Karađorđeva 2, 11pm Plastic, Takovska 36, 11pm rince Charles • Flashback 90s and 2000s, • It’s All About Music, FRIDAY MARCH 25th and his wife, Industrija Bar, Karađorđeva 23, Drugstore Play boat on Sava the Duchess of 11pm river, 11pm • The Big Salsa Party, Mikser PCornwall visited • Drugstore Play 2nd Bday • DJ George and DJ Bole, Mr House, Karađorđeva 46, 10pm Belgrade and Novi Sad TRATTORIA th th Party, Drugstore Play, boat on Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, • Samo Ljubav 3td Bday, 20/44 on March 16 and 17 , Sava river, 11pm 11pm boat on Sava, 11pm PIZZERIA during their tour across the Balkans. They met • R&B and House Night, Beton, • Mirko and Meex, Tilt, • 90s, Plastic, Takovska 36, 11pm Serbian officials, includ- Karađorđeva 2, 11pm Karađorđeva 2, 11pm • 1 on 1, Tilt, Karađorđeva 2, 11pm ing President Tomislav • DJ Marko Radosavljević and • Disco House, Beton, • Flashback 90s and 2000s, Nikolić and Prime Minis- DJ Boško Pešić, Mr Stefan Karađorđeva 2, 11pm Industrija Bar, Karađorđeva 23, Nebojsina 8 011/3863-999 ter Aleksandar Vučić. Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm • Dooshan and Lady Dee, 11pm The Royal family at Kalemegdan. Photo: Beta Photo: Beta • Can’t Stop the Rock, KST, Brankow, Crnogorska 12, 11pm • R&B and House Night, Beton, [email protected] Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 73, • Nineties, KST, Bulevar Kralja Karađorđeva 2, 11pm www.restoranamici.rs 10pm Aleksandra 73, 10pm • DJ Marko Radosavljević and Fitness • Branimir i neprijatelji, • Lorna Ving, Sara Renar, DJ Boško Pešić, Mr Stefan Akademija 28, Nemanjina 28, Real Pjano Trio, Božidarac, Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm lovers gather 10pm Radoslava Grujića 3, 9pm • Can’t Stop the Rock, KST, for a • Artan Lili, Dom Omladine, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 73, KOLARAC SATURDAY MARCH 19th Makedonska 22, 9pm 10pm meeting • Orea with guests, Akademija • Jarboli, Stuttgart Online, • Atmost Live, Imago CUK, 28, Nemanjina 28, 10pm Butch Cassidy – Mjehur na PROGRAMME Dečanska 14, 11pm mreži, Božidarac, Radoslava round 2,000 ex- th • Mystic Stylez, Elektropionir, SUNDAY MARCH 20 Grujića 3, 8pm ercise and fitness Cetinjska 15, 10pm • Marija Šerifović, The National th instructors met in , Mr. Theatre, Francuska 1, 8pm FRIDAY, MARCH 18 Soloists: Sara Skopljak, Leo • Viktor Savić and Guests Borisavljević, Ivan Bašić Belgrade on March Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, Ath Concert Hall, 8pm Programme: J.S.Bach Concerts 13 at the Šumice Sport Centre 11pm SATURDAY MARCH 26th Belgrade Philharmonic for piano and orchestra for the giant fitness festivals • RnB Night, Cinema, Orchestra “One Live Serbia.“ Many famous st Gračanička 18, 11pm • Menog Live! Imago CUK, Conductor: Jane Glover MONDAY, MARCH 21 instructors, some of the biggest Soloist: Daniel Müller Schott, • Indexi and Friends, Sava Dečanska 14, 11pm names in the business, came to cello Concert Hall, 8pm Centre, Milentija Popovica 9, • RunBGD Jam with Juice, Programme: R. Vaughan Opening Concert, RTS Serbia for the occasion, includ- 8pm Sick Touch, Day Who, Williams, E. Elgar, M. Tippett, J. Symphony Orchestra ing Thomas Cerboneschi and • Otrovna Kristina, Marko Cya and Hartmann, Haydn 46th Belgrade International Vanessa Vassallo. Elektropionir, Cetinjska 15, Grad Cultural Centre, Braće Production: Belgrade Jeunesses Musicales Thomas Cerbonesch FREE COPY 9pm Krsmanović 4, 10pm Philharmonic Competition, IJMC Production: IJMC • Tankman, Zaokret, Cetinjska • Sacha Mambo and Beyond SATURDAY, MARCH 19th Publisher: BIRN d.o.o. 15, 10pm House, 20/44 boat on Sava, THURSDAY, MARCH 31st 11pm Music Gallery, 6pm Kolarčeva 7/5, 11 000 Belgrade MONDAY MARCH 21st • Cheers to the Weekend, Iva Radinović, violin Concert Hall, 8pm Phone/Fax: +381 11 4030 300 Plastic, Takovska 36, 11pm Anja Radinović, piano St. George String Orchestra The Evening of Mozart Editor in Chief: Gordana Igrić • DJ George and Dalibor • DJ George and DJ Bole, Mr SUNDAY, MARCH 20th Soloists: Miljana Popović BIRN editorial team: Uhrik, Mr. Stefan Braun, Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, Materni, violin Nemanjina 4, 11pm 11pm Concert Hall, 11am Ljubomir Milanović, viola Ana Petruševa, Marcus Tanner, CITY GUIDE Available at: • Indexi and Friends, Sava • Mirko and Meex, Tilt, Chamber Orchestra Amorosso Conductor: Srboljub Dinić [email protected] Centre, Milentija Popovica 9, Karađorđeva 2, 11pm Tourist Organisation of Belgrade Knez Mihailova 5, +381 (11) 2635 622 Sales & Marketing: Marija Petrović 8pm • Disco House, Beton, Central Train Station, +381 (11) 3612 732 Karađorđeva 2, 11pm Nikola Tesla Airport, +381 (11) 2097 828 Phone: +381 11 4030 302 • Malisha Bagat, Muerto Rico, Belgrade Port, Karađorđeva Theeaglehaslanded, Virtue • Dooshan and Lady Dee, [email protected] ONCE KOVAČ, ALWAYS KOVAČ APROPO of the Vicious, Kuglaš, Đušina Brankow, Crnogorska 12, 11pm Hotel Moskva Bookstore and tearoom Subscription & Distribution: ONCE ”KAFANA”, ALWAYS ”KAFANA” FREE PULL OUT MAP OF BELGRADE Terazije 20, +381 11 3642 000 Cara Lazara 10 5, 9pm • Ladies’ Night and Brit’n’Bass, +381 11 2625839 RESTURANT KOVAČ Goran Knezevic KST, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra FREE SIM CARD Hotel Excelsior modern ethno restaurant Kneza Miloša 5, +381 11 3231 381 At the Belgrade Airport +381 11 4030 303 TUESDAY MARCH 22nd 73, 10pm TOP SIGHTSEEING LOCATIONS • Eric Clapton tribute band Supermarket concept store Hudson news odlasci / departures [email protected] PUBLIC TRANSPORT MAP Višnjićeva 10, +381 11 2910 942 Hudson news dolasci / arrivals • Diesel Party, Mr. Stefan unplugged, Akademija 28, GUIDED TOURS THROUGH BELGRADE Hudson news čekiranje / check in Printing: POLITIKA štamparija d.o.o. Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm Nemanjina 28, 10pm Hotel Townhouse 27 Hudson news transit zona / transit WIDE SELECTION OF CLUBS, HOTELS, Maršala Birjuzova 56, +381 11 2022 900 ISSN 1820-8339 = Belgrade Insight Order online: WEDNESDAY MARCH 23rd SUNDAY MARCH 27th RESTAURANTS, SHOPS AND Booking Rooms Hostel COBISS.SR-ID: 149132556 Kralja Petra 30, +381 63 29 39 39 www.balkaninsight.com/en/page/ ENTERTAINMENT VALUE www.bookingrooms.rs Circulation: 4,000 belgrade-city-guide , , Mr. • DJ Marko Radosavljević • Viktor Savić and Guests Bulevar Oslobodjenja 221, Tel: 011 2462 343 Mr Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, www.restorankovac.com 10pm 11pm 14 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 18 - Thursday, March 31, 2016 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 18 - Thursday, March 31, 2016 15 GOING OUT SPORT

Serbian coach Serbian Klub American Polet faces sacking football in A.C. Milan season combines about to kick off Unless Siniša However, this is not the reality for fun and “Rossoneri” fans this season. Mihajlović starts Milan spent around €90 million Novi Sad on reinforcements like Carlos Bacca, culture winning big he Mario Balotelli, Juraj Kucka and Luiz hopes to repeat Adriano and built a roster most Series A will most likely teams would envy. But, despite the big championship names and big spending, head coach Chill new club in of the city, parallel to the famed Skadar- lose his job. Mihajlović has not delivered the envi- but Belgrade lija bohemian quarter, yet very much sioned title for Milan. stands in their the city centre tucked away and don’t bother residents Instead of competing for one of the living in this area of the city. top three spots leading to the European way. mirrors KC Grad’s Polet is a lot like Savamala stalwart Filip AVRAMOVIĆ Champions League, his team is now KC Grad, in that it’s a multi-purpose es- in sixth place, six points behind their Mihajlović is in a hot water. Photo: Facebook cultural ambitions. tablishment hosting everything from erbian football coach Siniša fierce rivals, fifth-place Inter Milan and Filip AVRAMOVIĆ book promotions and art exhibits to Mihajlović, head coach of 29 points behind the leader Juventus. A If Mihajlović manages to win the fi- lusconi himself, regarding his future at DJs and live bands. The concept of the A.C. Milan, faces sacking at place in the top three is now all but mis- nals, chances are he will stay at the club. the club, but after every meeting, the he Serbian David GALIĆ club has definite and strong ties to the the end of disappointing sea- sion impossible for A.C. Milan. If his team loses, however, Mihajlović club has offered him another chance to Association of city’s cultural life, just like KC Grad. son for one of the most leg- Mihajlović’s best hopes for keeping should start packing his bags. redeem himself. American football ith the ar- The look of the club is also quite Sendary clubs in the world despite high his job lie in winning the national cup, Milan’s main man Silvio Berlusconi While speaking to the Italian media kicks off the 2016 Polet is a very chilled out and relaxed place for most of the week. Photo: Facebook rival of Polet, similar to KC Grad. Polet is about as hopes and big budget spending. a title that Milan has not won in 13 years. told Italian media that it is too soon to about the matter, Mihajlović was typi- season on March it seems that stripped-down and simplistic in design first time could be a pain. They give jazz or blues bands playing at night – the It’s a cool place to check out for many Mihajlović, one of the greatest foot- Standing in their way is the reigning predict the future of Siniša Mihajlović. cally short. 26th-27th with eight Belgrade’s city as you can get. There is a separate area detailed directions on their Facebook comfy chairs will be available. reasons. It’s incredibly relaxed and casual, ball players ever to come from Serbia, champion of Italy, the “The Old Lady,” However, Italian media are speculat- “Like every coach, I will receive my teamsT competing for the title. centre might be where the bathrooms are to the left as page, so give that a look before you However, the floor is cleared on the but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have took the venerable club over in 2015 af- Juventus. With the Juventus side pre- ing that his career in Milan is over, since evaluation at the end of the season. If it The Novi Sad Dukes won the getting a brand you walk in, but other than that, it’s one head out. weekend to make way for the increased a lot of fun there on the weekends. The ter his unsuccessful spell as head coach paring for the Champions League and Berlusconi’s football philosophy is dif- was up to me, I would stay in Milan and Serbian national title in the grand newW nightlife hub in Cetinjska Street. room with bare brick walls. Polet is a very chilled out and relaxed influx of people. There’s still some seat- drink prices are inexpensive and if you of Serbia’s national team. He was hailed a Serie A title, Milan will probably face ferent from Mihajlović’s. carry on with my work. We can salvage finals in last year’s “Serbian Bowl” We recently wrote about Zaokret, a As mentioned previously, the club place during most of the week. There’s ing on the floor and on the sides of the want a slight change of scenery, there’s al- as a man who could deliver champion- a slightly weaker side, but a side that Mihajlović has already had several the season if we play the way we can,“ with a two-point victory over the new club opened in this area. Polet is is tucked away from the main street, large, comfortable furniture through- club, but not as much and certainly not ways Zaokret right around the corner. ships when he arrived in Milan. should not be underestimated. meetings with the directors and Ber- Mihajlović told the Italian media. Belgrade Wolves. right around the corner, and both clubs making it pretty difficult to find. After out the club and it’s really an ideal place as comfy. Expect this part of the city, and Polet The Dukes hopes to relive their are renting out facilities that once be- the ramp that leads to the interior park- to have a coffee and get some work Weekends are usually reserved for with it, to become very popular as more success from last season, but their longed to famed Belgrade brewery BIP. ing area of the former BIP factory, you done or go out for drinks with some DJs, who like to keep it upbeat with and more clubs start to sprout from in- main rivals, the Wolves, finalists in These facilities were presumably work- need to head over to the complete op- friends for a chat. funk and disco nights. You can’t ex- side the former brewery and more peo- last year’s European Champions shops and smaller production factories posite side of the parking lot, and you’ll You can still pop in and have a drink pect a set type of music at Polet; some- ple start to discover this tiny new hub Filip AVRAMOVIĆ League, are too big of a threat to for the fallen beer giant and it seems hopefully be able to find Polet in the without bothering anyone during art ex- times it’s funk and disco, sometimes it’s of activity sneaking into the backdoor Serbia make that an easy task to fulfill. that would-be club entrepreneurs rec- dark. If you have already checked out hibitions or book promotions. However, drum’n’bass, other nights its live blues. of Belgrade’s nightlife scene. erbian minister for sport and Joining the top division in Ser- ognize these places as premium prop- Zaokret, then Polet shouldn’t be a prob- the club’s setup depends on the day of What you can expect is that there won’t youth Vanja Udovičić an- bia this year will be the Belgrade erty for new nightlife spots. lem to find, it’s right next to Zaokret. But the week and scheduled events. During be any Serbian folk music. Like KC Grad, Polet to build a nounced the building of a na- Blue Dragons who replace the And they aren’t wrong. The old BIP if you’re new to this new hub of night- the week when the events are more cas- it’s a culturally uplifting and urban lo- Address: Cetinjska 15 tional skiing training centre Čačak Angel Warriors. facilities are located in the dead centre life activity, finding these spots for the ual – cultural during the day and usually cale that caters to a more refined crowd. Contact: +381 62 550 868 during a visit to Stara Planina The division consists of eight national S(Old Mountain) on March 16th. teams who play each other once “We want to invest in sports infra- before the final elimination phase skiing structure, so that every athlete has a kicks off on June 25th. Enrique Iglesias Belgrade Calling home and a training centre. Besides the For this season the association announces May 2016 announces first skiing centre, a water polo centre [and will implement a new import rule. centre a] volleyball centre are being built,” The number of non-home-grown Belgrade concert headliner Udovičić said at a ceremony marking players has been reduced from the signing of the construction con- ten to six, with only four allowed nternational pop star Enrique Iglesias will be hitting elgrade Calling, one of the most interesting summer festivals in Plans include tract. to play in a game. Non-home- Belgrade on his “Sex and Love” spring tour on May Belgrade in recent years, has started announcing its 2016 roster. The According to the minister for sports, grown player means a Non-North 10th. Son of famed crooner Julio Iglesias, Enrique was first announced headliner is English soul singer John Newman. water polo the main objective is to make sports American player who has played crowned by Billboard magazine as the king of Latino He will be playing at Tašmajdan Stadium on June 22nd. The festival available to everyone and to make the at least one year of American col- pop and has scored dozens of international hits in his will last two days, but the June 23rd headliner has not yet been an- and volleyball very best training conditions a reality. lege football. Icareer. Bnounced. “With the construction of the ski cen- This will have an impact on a Iglesias is the only male artist whose songs have be en num- Newman got his start in the industry working with Rudimental producer Piers Agget. centres. tre, children will be able to practice this few teams. Teams can still carry ber one on the Billboard dance charts 13 times and overall, Two Rudimental songs featuring Newman’s voice became huge hits, “Feel the Love” sport free of charge. Constructing and three import players on their he has a total of 70 appearances at the tops of various charts and “Not Giving In.” After that, Newman had no problem transitioning into the lime- improving these facilities is of great im- rosters but only two can play in a over the course of his 20-year career. light as a solo artist and immediately struck gold with his first single “Love Me Again,” portance to Serbian sport and tourism,” game. Tickets for the May 10th concert at the Kombank Arena are which made him a household name in Britain and gave him international exposure. Vanja Udovičić told Serbian media. already on sale. Fan pit near the front tickets will cost you Tickets for the event cost in between €15 and €25 depending on what section of the Udovičić argues the main objective is to make sports available to everyone. Photo: Beta about €55 while the cheapest seats run about €35. Photo: Facebook stadium you are interested in.

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A LEADING PROVIDER OF SUBSCRIBE TO NEWS AND ANALYSIS OUR PREMIUM CONTENT IN SOUTHEAST EUROPE Indie pop up-and-comers for in-depth analysis, Croatian retro rockers Artan Lili at Dom Omladine investigative reports, for first time in Belgrade Nicole Moudaber features, interviews, Psychedelic Texans One of the most promising new bands at Magacin Depo Carrousel commentary and profiles Holy Wave in KC Grad Otrovna Kristina is a side project cre- to come onto the Belgrade scene in play free show ated by some members of the popular some time, Artan Lili – who describe A Lebanese-Nigerian music producer on the latest business and KC Grad will be hosting psychedelic Croatian psych rock band Seven That themselves as “noise-pop” – will be and techno DJ, Moudaber started Folk pop band Carrousel will be playing political headlines. rockers Holy Wave on March 30th. Spells. The new band is a lot more playing a show on Saturday at Dom receiving mainstream attention back a free show at the Leila café and book- Coming from Austin, Texas, they have traditional, straight-ahead hard rock Omladine. Expect to hear a lot of mate- in 2009 when legendary DJ Carl Cox store on March 27th. Inspired by French carved out an esteemed status in the and are influenced by 70s bands, both rial from the group’s still-unreleased referred to her as “the most under- and Swiss folk and pop music, naturally, scene, performing at the famed Austin foreign and regional, like Black Sabbath second album and a fantastic visual ac- rated DJ in the world” in an issue of DJ since one half of the duo is from France OTHER SERVICES: Psych Fest three years straight. Presale and Bijelo Dugme. They will be playing companiment of the concert courtesy Magazine. She will be playing a set at and the other from Switzerland, the duo tickets can be bought at KC Grad for five at a newly opened club in Cetinjska of well-known Belgrade visual artist Magacin Depo on March 26th. Tickets has played over 500 concerts across euros. Tickets are seven euros at the Street called Elektropionir. Tickets are Izvanredni Bob. Tickets will be eight are five euros now and will be ten at the Europe in its career. Leila is small, so door on the night of the concert. five euros. euros at the door. door day of the show. show up early to get a good spot. 16 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, March 18 - Thursday, March 31, 2016 ADVERT Map of City Centre

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