Nationalists Resurrect Dream of Great Albania from Page 1 Have Expressed a Desire to Unite

Opinion: Skopje Warrior Fails to Make Greek Headlines

July 1 - 14, 2011 Issue No. 67 www.prishtinainsight.com Price € 1 PJ H a r ve y NEWS Confirms Kosovo Passports Dokufest to be Accepted by Appearance Serbia > page 3 Singer-songwriter PJ Harvey and Irish photog- NEWS rapher Seamus Murphy New Tax on Serbian, will be presenting their Bosnian 12 short films at this year’s Dokufest. Imports Organisers of the Prizren Questioned festival, which is fast > page 6 gaining a worldwide rep- utation, said they were NEIGHBOURHOOD thrilled by the news. Serbia Plans to

See Page 14 Frighten Smokers Out of Habit > page 9 Nationalists Resurrect INVESTIGATION Condemned cigarettes Dream of Great Albania endanger lives Rise of nationalist parties in Albania and Kosovo puts unification of Albanian lands back on some people’s agenda. > page 10-11 of Serbia, Montenegro and Greece. first election it had contested. from Greece in the 1940s, also By Petrit Collaku In a surprise move this month, With 14 deputies in Kosovo’s scored surprising successes in CULTURE Serbia’s President, Boris Tadic, Assembly, the street movement- May 8 local elections. ext year Albania celebrates suggested that the formation of a turned party is establishing itself With the slogan “I Love Albanian a century of independence. “Greater Albania” including as the strongest opposition to the Albania,” and campaigning with a Artists NBut the failure of the pow- Kosovo could even help solve eth- ruling Democratic Party of mix of minority and nationalist ers to create a state that included a nic squabbles in the region – possi- Kosovo, PDK, of Prime Minister politics, the Party for Democracy, Revive big majority of Albanians remains bly because this would allow Hashim Thaci. Unity and Integration, PDIU, Lost Balkan a subject of resentment, which is Serbia not to recognize Kosovo. As well as espousing union with gained 65,000 votes. Two years ear- Connections receiving renewed attention Meanwhile, nationalist senti- Albania, Vetevendosje rejects lier, in the 2009 general elections, it thanks to the rise of nationalist ment is on the rise among Kosovo foreign-imposed national won only 14,000 voters. > page 15 parties in Kosovo and Albania. Albanians, if recent election symbols, such as the blue-and-yel- The Chams originally resided in In a poll conducted by Gallup results in Albania and Kosovo are low flag and the international- the coastal Epirus region of north- International in November 2010, 80 anything to go by. mandated decentralization plan, ern Greece before being thrown per cent of Albanians in Kosovo, 62 In Kosovo’s last general election, which has led to the creation of out after the Second World War. per cent in Albania and 51 per cent in November 2010, the Self- new majority Serb municipalities They want pressure placed on of Albanians in Macedonia sup- Determination Movement, Levizja enjoying substantial autonomy. Greece to restore them their lost Kosovo’s only English-language ported the idea of a Greater Vetevendosje, became the third Over the border in Albania, a citizenship rights and property. newspaper is available: Albania encompassing Albania, largest political force after secur- party representing the so-called mainly Albanian Kosovo and ing 13 per cent of the vote in the Cham refugees, who were expelled continues page 2-3 Delivered to Western Macedonia and fragments Your Door

“I was asked to Make Illegal Experts Warn of Prishtina- From Newsstands Transfer by PM Advisor” Skopje Highway Costs across Kosovo

Former Kosovo Central Bank Governor, Kosovo’s government has announced a Sent To Hashim Rexhepi, has said that corruption new, expensive road construction project, Your Inbox allegations against him are part of a polit- despite its existing commitment to build ical plot and reveals details of the pres- the country’s first highway, which is sure placed on him by senior government already straining the budget. From figures to carry out illegal activities The government had planned to... our partners

interview page 4-6 economy pages 7 see page 16 for more info

is supported by: 2 July 1 - 14, 2011 news Nationalists Resurrect Dream of Great Albania from page 1 have expressed a desire to unite. when Kosovo was freed from Konjufca told Prishtina Insight Serbian rule and the focus shifted While the party’s main message that the most important immediate from independence to unification. is directed at solving Cham griev- issue was to ensure Kosovo’s sover- But he added that they did not ances, it has targeted a wider audi- eignty over the whole of its territo- advocate an Albania within its “his- ence by styling itself a generally ry, adding that the current EU-medi- toric” frontiers, that is, stretching “patriotic party” and promoting ated dialogue with Serbia ran count- deep into Serbia and Greece. the idea of a sort of ethnic er to this. The northern sliver of But people had a right to self- Albanian economic zone in the Kosovo is run by local Serbs in tan- determination, including the Serb Balkans. dem with Belgrade. community in northern Kosovo, he He said that Vetevendosje would added. The West is not keen: first ensure that Kosovo gained con- “Where Albanians are a majority trol of all its borders before chang- and have territorial continuity, they While a fuzzy sentiment in ing the constitution to allow for uni- should be allowed self-determina- favour of a pan-Albanian state fication. tion, and this should be applied to makes electoral gains, the likeli- “We can then call a referendum the Serbian community as well,” hood of anything of the sort actual- and create one state, or another Murati said. ly happening remains small. option is a confederation of two Ordinary Kosovars, meanwhile, Article One of Kosovo’s constitu- states,” he said, adding that the remain divided over the matter. tion expressly bans any such move. issue of whether Tirana should be Some see unification as a pipe “The Republic of Kosovo shall have the overall capital was not impor- dream. Others say it is already hap- no territorial claims against, and tant. pening, without changes to interna- shall seek no union with, any State But he doubts these moves will tional borders. or part of any State,” it says. happen soon, given the position of “Unification is happening now,” This sentence was included to the current government. “This will Kreshnik Ceka, an Albanian study- ease international fears that granti- not certainly happen while Kosovo ing at Prishtina University, said. ng independence to Kosovo might is run by Hashim Thaci,” he said. Take the bilateral agreement lead to the creation of a Greater He said the nation’s desire for between Albania and Kosovo which Albania. Kosovo’s main parties unification was opposed by Western allows Kosovo police to patrol have to date shown little interest in powers partly because Kosovo’s Albania during the summer holi- on unification. “I do try to under- from your place?’, they would say, tackling this. political elite had failed to make the day.” stand it but I think it is unrealistic,” ‘No’. Kosovo’s Interior Minister, case for it. But another student told he said. “At the theoretical level it could Bajram Rexhepi, not unexpectedly, The negative term “Greater Prishtina Insight that struggling for The attempt by Albania’s Party of happen, but people don’t make deci- told Prishtina Insight that he did Albania” was routinely used by a united state wasn’t worth it. Justice, Integration and Unity, sions now for what might happen in not even want to discuss the issue. neighbouring countries to justify “Many countries in the world have PDIU, to raise the plight of the 50 years’ time,” Malcolm said. “When we enter the EU, then we will their continued occupation of similar problems and just imagine Cham refugees, was more valid, he be united [under Brussels],” he said. Albanian land, he complained. if everyone asked for their territo- added. “I think the Chams’ requests One man goes alone: However, his ministry has The recent statement of ries [to be united in one state],” he are natural,” he said. already signed a number of agree- President Tadic of Serbia, that the said. Lani also ruled out Albania get- One man taking a more proactive ments with Albania bringing the Kosovo dispute should be solved “The great powers and the EU ting involved with Tadic’s idea for approach to the subject is head of two countries much closer together. through Belgrade and Tirana, inten- will not allow unification - and Serbia and Albania to settle Serb- the List for Natural Albania, based Deals include establishing joint bor- tionally presented the problem Western countries need to be asked Albanian disputes alone. in Tirana, who is presenting a law- der controls, so that travellers need falsely, he continued. about every step that Kosovo takes,” “Kosovo is an independent coun- suit of approximately 40 pages to to show their documentation only “There is no ‘ethnic dispute’,” he one 65-year-old man said. try and Albania cannot discuss the International Court of Justice, once, and joint police action. said. “There is a problem between Remzi Lani, a political commen- Kosovo’s partition, or any other ICJ. Economically, the two countries two countries: Kosovo and Serbia.” tator from Tirana, says state unifi- such issues,” Lani said. Koco Danaj is currently finalis- have also become closer with the Self-Determination is not the only cation is unrealistic and its discus- The new reality was the more ing the lawsuit’s two main building of a motorway, nicknamed party in Kosovo looking afresh at sion is counterproductive. fluid communication between demands: union of Albanian lands the “Patriotic Highway”, linking the issue of an all-Albanian state. “Albania does not have the power Albanians in Albania, Kosovo and and compensation of 100 billion Prishtina and Tirana. Albania has The Movement for Unification, to bring about the process of unifi- Macedonia, which was occurring pounds for damages caused by a also agreed to give Kosovo use of a Levizja per Bashkim, also has two cation,” Lani said, noting that spontaneously, he added. century of territorial division. seaport, Shengjin, in the north of deputies in the Kosovo Assembly, mighty Germany had to wait until “This pan-Albanian integration In an interview with the the country. after standing in coalition with the fall of the Berlin wall to unite is happening and it is a very natural Albanian news agency, lajmet- Glauk Konjufca, a Self- Vetevendosje in the general elec- once again. process,” he said. shqip.com, Danaj said the lawsuit Determination MP in Kosovo, says tion. He agreed with Self- British historian Noel Malcolm, was against the London Conference the movement is well aware that Secretary Valon Murati says their Determination’s fight against cor- author of acclaimed histories of of 1912 and 1913, which arranged Albanians in Kosovo and Albania programme began to change in 1999 ruption but was against the focus Kosovo and Bosnia, has also poured for the partition of Albanian land cold water on the notion that among Albania, Serbia and Kosovo and Albania could unite Montenegro. into one state. Danaj said that the six powers The London Conference of London “This is a classic example of a attending at the meeting “satisfied he London Conference of autonomous state, still under the woman Albania campaigner Edith political issue where everything our neighbours by giving them 1913 assembled representa- overall sovereignty of the Durham who spent much of the depends on how you frame the Albanian territories”. Ttives of six great powers: Ottoman Sultan. first decade of the 20th century in question,” he told Prishtina Insight The reason why he is seeking 100 Britain, France, Germany, After much discussion, they Shkodra, from where she bom- last year. billion pounds in compensation is Austria-Hungary, Russia and decided in favour of a sovereign barded the British media and “If you asked any Albanian in because, according to Ottoman doc- Italy, which gathered to resolve state, but within very limited bor- politicians with articles and Albania or Kosovo, ‘Do you think uments, the wealth of the parti- problems resulting from the ders. Austria lobbied hard for the appeals on Albania and rounding one day it would be a good thing for tioned territories at that time had a these two to unite?’, the majority value of about a billion pounds a break-up of the Ottoman Empire inclusion in Albania of western up MPs behind her cause. would say, ‘Yes, one day that would year. following the Balkan wars. Kosovo, but found itself blocked Unable to make any headway be good’. And if you say, ‘Do you Neither Kosovo’s nor Albania’s It began work on December 17, by Serbia’s ally, Russia. Britain against Russia over the future of think that an historical injustice government had contributed to or 1912, under the direction of the expressed very little interest one Kosovo, Durham raced south in was done in 1913 when the first ver- supported the lawsuit, Danaj Britain’s Foreign Secretary, Sir way or the other. the summer of 1913, telegram- sion of this border was created?’, explained. Edward Grey. This 54th meeting of the confer- ming the London Conference everyone will say, ‘Yes’. He was doing it all privately, On May 30, 1913, an agreement ence on July 29, 1913, provided the from Korce to tell the powers that “But if you asked people in a gen- because everyone has the right to was reached under which basis for the international recog- Greek claims to the town were uine referendum: ‘Would you prefer submit legal document to the ICJ. Ottoman Turkey gave up all terri- nition for Albanian independence. bogus - partly as a result of which to be a unified state, so that your “It’s a problem that belongs to the tory west of the Enos-Midia line. That Britain's government or the border was shifted south by 20 politics and the decisions that affect Albania of today or of the future, Regarding Albania, the ambas- public knew anything at all about miles or so and Korce saved for your life might be dominated by and to Kosovo’s government too,” sadors initially wanted an Albania was largely down to one- Albania. politicians from the other place, not Danaj said.

Y M C +381 38 602042, +377 44 243367, +386 49 243367 K news July 1 - 14, 2011 3 Kosovo Passports to be Editor’s Word Accepted by Serbia Lindje pendence. Kosovo Serbs have still com- plained loudly, dubbing the move, By Lawrence Marzouk By Bojana Barlovac if it happens, as Serbia's "de facto" recognition of Kosovo's 2008 inde- pendence. ’ve been away for a few edi- Belgrade denies this. Borislav tions tending to the brith, or new round of negotiations Stefanovic, chief of Serbia's nego- between Belgrade and ILindje in Albanian, of my tiation team, said: "Belgrade will first, second and third child at APrishtina, expected on not in any way recognise, nor con- the same time. Saturday, may result in agree- firm the independence of Kosovo." ments on greater freedom of move- Yes, I am now the proud For the first time since Kosovo ment between the two estranged father of triplets, and they are unilaterally declared independ- countries. as adorable and demanding as ence in February 2008, the two Milivoje Mihajlovic, head of the you would imagine. sides sat down together in Serbian government's information My new life under the merci- Brussels under EU auspices on bureau, told Prishtina Insight that less rule of the terrible triumvi- March 8 and 9. the fifth round of Belgrade- rate seems to revolve mostly Since then, four rounds have Prishtina talks is likely to result in around inspecting poo and try- been held on topics varying from closure of a "chapter" on freedom ing to fathom the meaning of a freedom of movement, the cadas- of movement between the two peo- particular cry or smile. tre, civil registry books, and mutu- ples. Parents often marvel at their al recognition of college diplomas. "This is something that the two new arrivals, cooing about the But no “chapters” in the talks sides have been agreeing on lately," ‘birth of an angel’. Well, in my have yet been closed, which is sup- touch via video conferences in when the two sides finally met. Mihajlovic said. case it feels more like the birth posed to happen in the fifth round. June, trying to find solutions on When it comes to telecommuni- Freedom of movement should of a triangle. Obtuse, of course. Serbia has been delaying the start open issues. cations, Tahiri said that Serbian mean that Kosovo nationals can The girls may be a little diffi- of the fifth round since June. The Ahead of the fifth round, Edita mobile and fixed telephony will enter Serbia using Kosovo IDs and cult to comprehend for the Kosovo side has suggested that Tahiri, Chief of the Kosovo negoti- stop including Kosovo as Serbia, passports. Serbian custom officers moment, but one thing that has this is because Belgrade does not ation team, said she expected while "roaming on favourable will not stamp Kosovo passports, become crystal clear to me in want to sign any agreements. Serbia to recognize Kosovo cus- terms" would be introduced however, as that would imply the past months is how very, However, the two sides were in toms stamps and license plates, instead. Serbia recognising Kosovo's inde- very lucky I have been to be able to rely on the UK’s National Health Service. Hana, Miriam and Corinna spent six weeks under the amaz- Prishtina School has One ing care of the special care nurses at Pembury Hospital, Tunbridge Wells, as they were born prematurely, as almost all Blackboard for Two Classes triplets are. So when news broke last Teachers at one Prishtina school are forced to teach two age groups at the same time month that children in Prishtina’s main hospital were being deprived of even the most basic tests to detect cancer, I By Edona Musa have to say I was particularly susceptible to their plight. I have been wanting to use arents and teachers at a Prishtina Insight as a means to school in Prishtina are con- encourage us international, cerned that pupils in differ- P rich visitors to Kosovo to con- ent age groups are being taught at tribute a little more to society the same time, in the same class- than servicing the capital’s well room, with the same blackboard. stocked bars and restaurants, One teacher told Prishtina and this appeared to be the per- Insight that the students found it fect opportunity. very difficult to follow classes as a Of course there are many result, and parents said that their worth causes and many of you children’s education was suffering will have persuasive arguments as a result. why money would be better Because the school only has 80 spent here or there. students, teachers are forced to Ultimately, however, there is take classes at the same time. no perfect cause or charity, no Teacher Nazmi Islami said: “A campaign which is beyond single blackboard is being used for reproach. both student groups and this is the same classroom, at the same will be unable to compete with building schools, but do not care But raising money to secure hard to manage. time, the teacher gives a 20 others in the future. They are if the learning process is being reagents for the hospital does “Usually, when we are teaching minute lecture for the students of being punished as a result of no effective or not.” meet some important criteria: it the students of fourth grade, first grade and 20 other minutes fault of their own, since they can- Ragip Gjoshi, political advisor will result in a tangible good those of second grade raise a for the students of third grade. not learn from their peers or to the education minister: “I can- which can be accounted for, question and therefore the situa- “It is very difficult for our chil- socialise with them. not judge the investments of reagents for the tests to be car- tion becomes difficult for the stu- dren to be focused on the learning “If someone builds a school, it MEST. By pedagogical rules, the ried out; it will be given to a well dents as well. process, since they hear also the does not necessarily mean that combined lectures are allowed, run charity, Help for Children “We do not have enough time to lectures of the different grade. “ they have provided all required but it depends a lot on the teach- with Cancer; and, most impor- work with all students and the Education expert Halim Hyseni parameters which are indispen- ing techniques of the teacher. tantly, it will help save chil- class is so noisy for them to do the said: “These children are being sable for a qualitative education.” The learning process should be dren’s lives. class work.” victimized, since they are not Aliu added: “I think that the creative; therefore, teachers We are currently distributing Parent Avdi Aliu said: “The being prepared for further educa- Ministry of Education, Science should be able to help students collection boxes to those willing school infrastructure is very tion at all. and Technology should be blamed engage in the learning process- to take them and would wel- good, but the problem is that in “Unfortunately, these children for this situation, since they are es.” come more requests from organisations and businesses so we can try to raise as much 1.7 million – the unexpectedly low population of Kosovo according to the first census in 20 years money as possible. So please dig deep, and help 200,000 – the number of inhabitants in Prishtina. Well below the 500,000 often touted. save a child’s life. It could be 180,000 – Prizren’s population, however, is on par with expectations. yours one day. Week in Week Number 4 July 1 - 14, 2011 news Rexhepi: “I was asked to Make Former Kosovo Central Bank Governor, Hashim Rexhepi, has said that corruption allegations against him are part of a political plot and reveals details of the pressure placed on him by senior government figures to carry out illegal activities Q: What was happening then that could prove it was a plot planned against you? Explain these events? By Jeta Xharra A: Firstly, I think the political moment was that it had been six months that EULEX was carrying Jeta Xharra: 11 months ago out investigations into different we all saw your dramatic arrest institutions, and the citizens were on TV, which to me was very awaiting their outcome. Thus, my movie like the ‘Bank Governor arrest would surely have helped Arrested’ headline. This was someone trying to deliver the mes- the first action of the sage “we (the government) are Anticorruption Task Force, and fighting corruption”. Secondly, I the reports seemed like some think that it was very easy to cool cowboy action movie. Does arrest me, since I wasn’t affiliated it continue to be so? with any political party. I had no Hashim Rexhepi: I often have one to back me, I was only an that TV story in my mind, to this expert who managed the Central day, unluckily. How much cowboy- Bank. I had no support in that like it was, as you put it, or how regard. much of a premeditated plot it was Q: However, it was politics you can tell me. that brought you there, right? Central Bank could take actions, if of the restructuring of the govern- Q: The Minister of Finance, Q: Why was it a premeditated A: The Central Bank is an inde- having received an instruction ment, the story went into the pub- Ahmet Shala? plot, from whom and how? Give pendent body reporting directly to from the KPA board with a clear lic domain that the “bank gover- A: Yes. Naturally out of respect me the facts you have Mr the Parliament, and its opera- description of its aims with the nor, Hashim Rexhepi, must be dis- and in order for mutual coordina- Rexhepi, as you’ve had 11 tional independence is guaranteed funds. charged” and that allegedly “he tion, I did so, but in the evening I months to reflect upon many by legislation covering the Central Q: Let’s clear something up: violated the law”. This sort of was told that the Minister was things, three of which were Bank. Thus, occasional interven- the KPA declared publicly that preceded the goings on later on. busy so I was to go in order for the spent in prison. What facts do tions taking place at the Central it wants the money to return to But, the Central Bank law very meeting not to fail. To my sur- you have to show to the public Bank and my rejection of them Kosovo but it is not being clearly sets out how a governor of prise, there were no investors in to prove that this is a plot? was certainly not appreciated, allowed to do so by the Central a Central Bank is appointed or dis- the room. There was an advisor to A: I am a responsible person hence someone may have thought Bank? Have they sent you an charged. the Minister, who made that with a great deal of experience, ‘Hashim is unacceptable’. official request for the Bank to Q: Tell us, an early warning request to me. and it wouldn’t be a problem for Q: So, ‘Hashim Rexhepi was return those funds? from whom and in what way? Q: We know that in that time, me to, if requested by authorities, unacceptable’ you say? When A: There was a letter which I A: Well, it was reported in the the advisor to the Minister of present myself and clarify things did you start seeing indications received from the board president media, it was reported on Klan Economy was an Israeli guy with them. But, my arrest taking of that? And, I’m asking you a of the KPA, a very general letter, Kosova television and other print- with the name of Ariel, right? place in such a dramatic way sug- direct question – what favours not specific at all. ed media; and there were state- A: Yes. gests nothing else to me but a pre- did you not do for the politi- Q: What did that letter con- ments by spokespersons of the Q: What did he ask from you meditated act. In saying this, I take cians that began to make you tain, exactly? Prime minister’s and the exactly? You went there expect- into consideration the develop- unacceptable for the politi- A: It said: “return the money to President’s office which tried to ing investors, but found the ments at that time in Kosovo. cians. What requests were you Kosovo”, without specifying clear- deny it, generally speaking. minister’s advisor. What did he subjected to? ly where or how, and without sit- Q: And what followed after say? A: I must refer back to an almost ting down to discuss issues regard- this? A: Well Jeta, I won’t go into three-year period. It is easy to see ing the added costs and risks A: Well, how to say, there were details today, I will surely explain that the whole period was a contin- should the bank return those actions and requests which I them somewhere else. It was a www.prishtinainsight.com uous campaign against the gover- funds. I have invited the KPA board rejected, or against which I tried decisive request. I was told that nor and the Central Bank, attack- president for a meeting over this. to protect the Central Bank and since we had enough funds under ing various issues, over which the Publisher: Q: What did you say to him: the law. The requests ranged from our management, that it would be Bank actually had no authori- BIRN “Where should I move the matters of staffing, to requests for good if we invested the funds into ty. money to?” licensing financial institutions, all certain banks as per their recom- Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Q: Remind us again, what A: To discuss the fact that the the way to requests for funds man- mendation, and that we would all issues were you attacked over? instruction needed clarifying in aged by the Bank to be invested in satisfied. I said no. The law is such Mensa e Studenteve, first floor A: Simply...I would like to men- order to know what the decision certain institutions, through to that we have an investment com- 10000, Prishtina tion only three issues, I wouldn’t was. requests coming by certain mission which knows that this is a like to spill everything here, I Kosovo Q: In other words, in what groups. time of crisis and so on and thus think. There was an open cam- Phone: +381 (0) 38 24 33 58 banks was the money to be Q: Before we go on, let me ask we are very careful in how the paign against the Bank, particu- returned? you: has anyone ever told you Central Bank manages the public Fax: +381 (0) 38 22 44 98 larly on the issue that the Central A: Funds could not have been that you must resign? funds. For your public’s informa- [email protected] Bank hadn’t allowed privatisation returned anywhere else except the A: There was a case when this tion, at that time we were working funds to return to Kosovo, which Central Bank. According to the was said to me, with a degree of a lot with the Deutsche was developed by the Kosovo Editor-in-Chief: law, the Central Bank cannot make anger, and this happened some- Bundesbank, the Central Bank of Privatisation Agency and its head, Lawrence Marzouk investments in secondary banks. time in 2009, following my refusal France and that of Luxemburg, trying to blame it on the Central This is why I have asked for anoth- to invest some funds on the basis for reasons of security in funds [email protected] Bank. The Central Bank served er meeting, but I was told over the that the law of the Central Bank investment as well as to make sure Editorial Team: the KPA as a regular client. phone “not to bother with this”. I strictly defines the rules on invest- there’s no risk of eventual losses Ana Petruseva, Gordana Igric, Q: Then, who didn’t want the have also sent an official request to ing the funds it manages. of our funds. I believe we have money returned to Kosovo, if Jeta Xharra, Marcus Tanner, have the issue clarified. Q: Tell us about the moment done a great job in that, and never not you? Q: Secondly, what else hap- when you refused the transfer have we lost a single cent of the Petrit Collaku, Shengjyl Osmani and A: Based on privatisation legis- pened to you, what other indi- of funds. Who exactly asked funds. Kanarina Shehu. lation, it is exclusively up to the cations were there? you to do so, where were you Q: What bank did he ask you Board of the Privatisation Agency A: There was an early warning, and in what manner was it to put the funds into? Marketing, Sales & Distribution: and no one else. In that case, the if I may call it so. Back in the time requested of you? A: It wasn’t specifically men- [email protected] A: It happened in 2009, we were tioned, but after my rejection, the I have always tried to obey the law, but in this case, a small at a conference of the EBRD in conversation was just dropped. London, and on the second day Q: I’m very curious to know Design & Layout: “Rrjeti” exception was made. Y there I was told by the Minister of his reaction. How did that advi- M A: Jeta, is there any mother on earth that would carry drugs Finance not to plan anything in sor react? Printing: Lindi Printing Center the evening because we were to A: He was quite nonchalant, if I C Copyright © BIRN to her children, even if they are users? meet certain investors. may say so, but he was probably K news July 1 - 14, 2011 5 Illegal Transfer by PM Advisor”

only relaying a message to what he this already, but I can reveal once charges against you are seri- parency. based on anonymous letters. I was thought was the right destination. again. ous. This may all be true, but Q: Give me an example? never made aware who the accus- Q: And following that the Q: Confirm once again, the accusations against you, A: There are many examples. ers were. media campaign began? please? they are still in effect and show Q: Give me two? Q: However, it is not possible A: After this came what you A: It was minister Shala and the money laundering tax evasion, A: Firstly, there was no will on for the prosecution not to have mentioned earlier, which was a mayor of Skenderaj, Mr Lushtaku. bribery, misuse of official post, the side of authorities, and this is a witness, for 11 months now. surprise to me. Q: Again, minister Shala exercising of pressure. They what showed to me that my arrest A: There have been many wit- Q: That’s when you were told comes to lobby for someone say that you have real estate in was orchestrated, to verify the evi- nesses. They took almost all board ‘to leave’? who hasn’t met the conditions. Albania, they say that you got dence before making the decision members, company directors, I A: I asked for a face to face meet- What arguments did they use people employed in insurance for the arrest. It would have been have seen their interviews and ing to clarify things, but that’s how when they asked for licences? companies. Pick one which is so easy to verify the evidence since none of them reported witnessing it happened. What did they say? true? it deals with financial systems anything. Q: Another detail that has A: This meeting took place in A: I will use this occasion once which contain data and records. Q: None of the board mem- now come out in the media is of the Central Bank, besides me there again to discuss the charges, or bet- Q: For example? What could bers or any others witnessed the moment you were asked to were the Deputy Governor, Senior ter to say suspicions, since we can- they have verified, which they you stealing money? license an insurance company. Licensing Officer and the not say charges. They were fabri- didn’t? A: There was nothing to witness, Tell us about this moment and Licensing Director; and the prob- cated in such a manner to leave an A: They could have easily, for they only wanted to speculate, why you didn’t carry out this lem was stated there, that the com- impression to the public as if we’re example, verified the issue regard- because I was not involved in such request from politicians, and pany does not meet licensing con- dealing with a criminal who has ing the loan. matters. who was it that made the ditions, and that we couldn’t pro- done nothing but illegal activity. Q: They say that you took a Q: Ok, were you present in requests? ceed further without that. Their Q: Which of them have been loan while you were governor the interviews? A: Look Jeta, the Central Bank argument was that they allegedly confirmed by now, after 11 of the Bank, at a value of A: I am not an expert in the legal has precise rules and licensing wanted to attract foreign investors months, by the prosecution? 20,000 euro. field to discuss procedures, but I procedures. Without meeting the and so on, however, it seems that A. None of the suspicions raised A: No, I wasn’t governor then. will mention one case in which the criteria, no one can obtain a they weren’t happy with this strict holds water. That was in late 2005. prosecutor and the investigators licence. Normal procedures must and lawful attitude of the Bank. Q: Has any indictment been Q: Can you tell me how much blatantly violated the criminal be followed. Q: I really want to know how made so far? the loan was? procedure code. Q: Ok, who asked? it feels when politicians of that A: No, absolutely not. For 11 A: 23,000 euro, it was for my per- Q: Why? A: There was an application by level, a Finance Minister and a months now. I have very little sonal needs, as I had started the A: Because one of the so-called an insurance company, I think the Mayor go to a Bank to ask for a information from the authorities construction of my home. key ‘witnesses’, who was also name was ‘Evropa Ins [United request to be carried out, and involved in this issues, as they are Q: This was part of the one of the main actors in prepar- Ins]’, and the case was reviewed by not to one official, but four, as very closed. But, I am very confi- charges, yes? ing the charges, not only did he the relevant directory, who, in a you say – is there an atmos- dent in my work and I am certain A: Yes, and it was an issue that prevent me from participating and meeting with the review commis- phere of fear? Are you fright- that there are no grounds for any could have been verified extremely asking questions, which I am enti- sion presented clearly that the ened? of the charges. easily, in one day, with a simple tled to by law, but so did his company did not qualify for licens- A: No. The Central Bank of Q: However, you are not naive check. lawyers. At times, they would say ing, due to problems in meeting Kosovo has managed to build its and you do have your ties with Q: How many houses do you the interview is to take place at a the criteria. capacity and the overall manage- internationals, as there have own in Albania? certain hour and when the hour Q: Why? Because the owners ment was clearly defined, there- been some internationals who A: None, none at all. Never came they would say that it was were under investigation? fore the staff felt confident in their have spoken on your behalf, owned one, nor did my family. postponed for another day, only to A: There were issues with the professional attitude. As for fear – and you must certainly have Q: No real estate, no home? find out that the person was seen ownership structure, issues absolutely no. We had principles, discovered what happened in A: Absolutely not. hanging out with the prosecutor regarding capital, police record and if we were afraid or some- your case, after 11 months, as Q: Not even property regis- and investigator in a restaurant. checks saying that... thing like that, we would have you must have been trying to tered to someone else in the Afterwards, they said that they Q: That they didn’t pass the probably have done something ille- get answers on your case. family? finished the interview. test? gal, which would be worse than What’s going on in the Special A: Absolutely not. My lawyer Q: You say it’s a violation? A: That the record checks of what happened. Prosecution after 11 months? was able to collect evidence and Does the accused have the right three members proposed for man- Q: And, what was the reac- A: It is my first experience with proof from the Albanian authori- to be present in the interview, agement yielded a negative result tion of the then-Minister. What the justice system, with investiga- ties, within a very short time, or only the lawyer? due to the fact that they had been did he say? tion and prosecution and so on, which proved that I don’t own A: According to the criminal engaged in criminal activity. A: There were no direct reac- and from what I have witnessed in [property] in Albania, and never procedure code of Kosovo, the Q: Which of our politicians tions to us, but what was said out- these 11 months, I am utterly dis- have done. accused has the right to sit in an came to you to get a licence for side the meeting room, I don’t appointed. Disappointed first of Q: Another charge against interview. However, if the witness the company? know. all, in the inefficiency, the unpro- you was for getting 28 people makes a request for the suspect A: I think the audience knows Q: However, Mr Rexhepi, the fessionalism and the lack of trans- hired by an insurance company. not to be present, the attorney Who are they? must definitely be there. A: Just imagine that. What is Q: Maybe they were scared of implied is that the Association of you, Mr Rexhepi? Insurance Companies, which is a A:I don’t know. I am not a person CBK Case: Himaj completely independent authority, who has caused any injustice to with its own governing bodies… anyone, but professionally they Q: But, you could have had must have felt very bad because influence as you were governor, they are unable to prove their Investigation Dropped others would be honoured to insinuations. hire the people you send. Q: Again, on the same issue over whether Himaj and Rexhepi A: Absolutely not. I never got about hiring people. I must were the victims of a political involved with issues like that nor mention something, although By Petrit Collaku plot. did I exercise any influence. you’re saying you didn’t carry Kosovo’s prosecution has now Q: See, if the Prime minis- out some requests from politi- confirmed to Himaj that the inves- ter’s advisor can tell you to put cians but you did do some. We tigation has been dropped and she money in a bank, you can also must not be naïve, since we live he investigation against has returned to work. tell insurance companies to in a Kosovo where things hap- Shkendije Himaj, the direc- She told Prishtina Insight: “I hire people for you. pen the way they do. You have Ttor of supervision at the can confirm that the case against A: I am not such a person and I certainly been involved in this, Central Bank of Kosovo, has been me has been dropped and that jus- have not been involved in such being a leader of a major insti- dropped after almost a year tice has finally been done. matters. I am not certain if the tution. All institutions have because of a lack of evidence. “Now, I would like to see those Association of Insurers even has some pressure for getting peo- Himaj had been suspended who have made these false accusa- 28 people working there. They are ple into jobs, from PTK[Post from her job at the bank in July tions against me investigated so an organisation on their own, with Telecommunications of 2010 after EULEX and Kosovo’s that these people are not allowed their governing bodies and their Kosovo] all the way to RTK Special Prosecution Office to ruin anybody else life as they procurement. [Radio Television of Kosovo]. It launched raids on the institu- have done to me.” Q: Tell me then, who said this is impossible for you not to tions, and in particular the gover- The case against Rexhepi is still about you? What witness said have had some pressure of hir- nor Hashim Rexhepi. ongoing and Isabel Arnal, the these things about you, are they ing people and not to have car- But a probe by Prishtina Y EULEX prosecution whose time at that an indictment against the credible? Or were they only ried out a few requests. Insight, published in May, M the mission is about to end, told former governor would be lodged from anonymous letters? revealed serious problems with the Prishtina daily Koha Ditore at the court this summer. A: Most of the charges were continues page 6 C the investigation and questions K 6 July 1 - 14, 2011 business

Rexhepi: “I was asked to Make Illegal Transfer by PM Advisor”

from page 5 A: Certainly, we’ve had a docu- A: I wouldn’t call it unprofes- publicly about this issue, espe- but I want to address all ment from an insurance company sionalism. I have always tried to cially in the post I held during rumours about you, Mr A: I wanted to state in the begin- containing serious complaints obey the law, but in this case, a that time. I am seriously sorry Rexhepi. The last rumour. The ning that there have been some regarding this person’s inter- small exception was made. that such a thing had happened story goes that your wife was cases, but I will not elaborate ference in their day to day opera- Q: I’m bringing up the and that there was a victim. caught carrying drugs in them in detail. tions. I have sent this document to charges once again. One of the Q: You are saying that a prison, taking it to your sons. Q: Have you hired anyone the General Inspector and to the charges is that your son was young boy was murdered, and Is this true? through a request from politi- prosecution for verification. one of the owners of a compa- your son was involved? A: Jeta, is there any mother on cians? Q: Hold on a second – the per- ny, which won a tender for A: It wasn’t only my son, there earth that would carry drugs to A: There was one single case in son that the Prime computer software to be sup- were many others, and I am wait- her children, even if they are the Bank, which was reviewed by Ministerhelped get a job with plied to the Insurers ing for the justice to have its final users? the relevant commission, and you, had started to put pres- Association. Is this true? say on the case, as you may Q: Maybe so, I don’t know. there has been an outside inter- sure on the insurance compa- A: Look Jeta, I wouldn’t go into remember the headlines, there A: My sons were never drug vention to hire an individual, and nies to cover damages, is this detail about this as I have was an attempt to portray it badly users. In fact, I never went to visit the board supported it. what you’re saying? explained this to the investigators through statements like “the gov- my sons at that time. I spoke to Q: Who intervened? A: It was about damage insur- and prosecutors. I wasn’t at all ernor’s son”. my children on the phone and A: It was from the Prime ance. The ethical code of the aware. Q: Has your son receive any told them I would go and visit Minister directly. Central Bank does not allow this, Q: You weren’t aware, but sentence for this? them. Q: So, a person was hired. and we have always ensured that please explain: Your son is A: No, the procedure is still Q: Tell me, was anything But did the new employee meet such interventions don’t happen shareholder in the company? ongoing after two years and five found or not? all the conditions? Q: I really want to know if A: My son is a shareholder in months now, and the hearings A: My wife went together with A: According to the commis- you spoke to Mr Ramadani. Kreako with 19 percent shares have not finished yet, but I am two people to visit my children. sion, the candidate was relatively What has he said? and this company had applied for optimistic that justice will have Checking procedures were not qualified. A: We met a couple of days a bid by the Insurers Association, its say. carried out well that day as offi- Q: Obviously he had a strong before the arrest, he tried to deny for a computer application, and Q: Some of the others cers normally check everything recommendation. Then, this that… the Association had independent- involved are not here, they you bring in. My wife was told to person became Head of the Q: Did he say “I didn’t do it” ly decided to go with their appli- escaped to the US, right? just go ahead inside and to leave Insurance Department at the or did he say he was just doing cation. A: It is true that on that night, the stuff there. She went in to see CBK, his name is Agron his job? Q: Are you really the victim, which was New Year’s morning, our son, and then as she moved to Ramadani, right? A: He said he did it for the inter- Mr Rexhepi, that you make out two persons were witnessed being see our other son, some officers A: Yes. est of insurance, which is why I to be? involved directly. They have came and said that they found Q: So then, it accidentally sent the file to the relevant Bank A: I am certain I am a victim, escaped to the US. drugs inside her pocket. happens that the same person department for verification. and I have full confidence that it Q: What does your son say? Q: And they found the drugs is one of the witnesses against Q: So, we know where the 11 will be revealed. Life seems to Does he say he did it or that without her being present? you? months of investigation lead offer up many tests. the others did it? A: Absolutely. This was a huge A: Unfortunately so. to. You were arrested and Q: Before we close, I have one A: To this day, my son is certain trauma for my wife, for everyone Q: How is that possible? The imprisoned with no indictment question to ask you, Mr that he did not murder. who was inside there and for me. person employed through a for 11 months. But what about Rexhepi. I know it’s hard to Q: Did he see who did? A very bad image was created of Prime minister’s intervention this guy who is alleged to have ask you this. It will be the last A: One of the key witnesses has my family, and my family is not has now turned against you? been responsible for wrongdo- question. Many people thought seen the event, and he has given like that, Jeta. Absolutely not. A: Not only that. Several of the ing inside the bank – what did that after you had a problem his testimony. We’re a very normal family. We’re witnesses that the prosecution the bank inspection do? Does with your son being involved Q: Have you spoken to the an intellectual family, a motivat- gathered, were people who, in one he still work there? in a murder, you should have family? ed one. way or another, had been subject A: Yes. I was arrested a few days resigned since you have a pub- A: I haven’t had the chance. Of Q: Did you have any propos- of reprimand or other measure by later, I have no information about lic position. There are others course, I have sent them my con- als from politicians to get your the Central Bank. the fate of the complaint. who say that the children are dolences, I felt really bad as if my sons out of there? Q: Do you have evidence that Q: That’s what happens when grown up and over 18, and we son was murdered, in fact, it A: I wouldn’t talk about that these measures were taken? you carry out favours for can’t all have total control could have been him. It was an Jeta. Although there has been A: Yes, I have it here. politicians! So, you see! You over our children. However, accident. The parties didn’t know something of that. Q: What document do you hire a person in that fashion have you ever had the dilemma each other at all. Therefore, I Agron Ramadani, who works at have that shows you’ve taken and it boomerangs back that perhaps you should have want to believe that justice will the Central Bank of Kosovo, has measures against these per- against you. That’s how unpro- resigned? be served. refused to give a statement to sons? fessionalism functions. A: Jeta, I have never spoken Q: I know it’s a bit personal, BIRN regarding the allegations. New Tax on Serbian, Bosnian Imports Questioned Kosovo government has warned that from the beginning of July it will begin to apply an import duty on Serbian and Bosnian products in response to these countries embargo of Kosovo goods fessor Nagip Skenderi. since even when Kosovo’s exports Minster for Trade and Industry, “Only those consumers who at Professor Skenderi said he was were allowed to enter in Serbia, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, any cost want to consume goods concerned that businesses in they represented just 15 mil- is confident that from Serbia and Bosnia and By Lavdim Hamidi Kosovo would take advantage of lion euro per year, Herzegovina will a face price the situation by hiking the price while the imports increase of 10 per cent, as of products beyond the 10 per from Serbia is worth there will be cent. around 290 million other goods conomy experts believe that “Shopkeepers may manipulate euro and 80 million from other the 10 per cent import duty the price of products by increas- euro from Bosnia. countries which Eimposed on goods from ing those prices by 20 per cent “Even the World will replace the Serbia and Bosnia and even though the tax would be only Trade Organization con- goods from Herzegovina products from July 1 10 per cent, and they will still siders reciprocity as a Serbia and Bosnia will hit mainly hit Kosovo con- blame the government for the legitimate tool, thus it and Herzegovina,” sumers. increase,” he said. should be used,” claims said Kusari-Lila. The action is being taken in He insists that this tax will not Sadiku. Kosovo currently response to Serbia and Bosnia’s affect the producer from He relies on Serbia for boycott of goods stamped Serbia, but the consumer wheat, and therefore ‘Republic of Kosovo’ since the dec- from Kosovo. bread. “We will be laration of independence, in con- Muhamet Sadiku, economy following the situa- travention of the Centreal and expert, says that this situation tion in the market, Eastern European Trade has emerged from the non- regarding the supply Agreement. functionality of the Central of goods, in order not “Kosovo should reply back to European Free Trade from the to create a trade shock,” Serbia with reciprocity, an embar- Agreement, CEFTA, an agree- beginning of July she added, explaining that the go, and not with a duty of 10 per ment which, according to him, admits that the the 10 per cent duty will construction of the highway cent more for their goods, since appears to be applicable for some application of this tax will only affect consumers that do not Kosovo-Albania makes the import Y the consequences of such a tax countries, and for some other not. increase inflation in the country. want to replace goods from Serbia process of goods from other will be picked up bu the Kosovo M Sadiku said the best option On the other hand, the deputy and Bosnia and Herzegovina with European countries much sim- consumers, and not by Serbian C available to Kosovo is reciprocity, prime minster of Kosovo and the products from elsewhere. pler. K producers,” said the economy pro- business July 1 - 14, 2011 7 Experts Warn of Prishtina-Skopje Highway Costs Kosovo Government has announced its plans to build a high- way connecting Prishtina and Skopje, but experts’ warm that the country’s budget is already too overstretched. Albania and Serbia, at a cost of between 700 million euro and 1 billion euro. By Lavdim Hamidi Experts warn that the move could bankrupt the country. Until 2007, Kosovo’s budget was osovo’s government has characterised by budget surplus- announced a new, expen- es of more than 7 per cent, but in Ksive road construction 2010 the budget deficit was 2.6 per project, despite its existing com- cent because of increased capital mitment to build the country’s expenditures on the new high- first highway, which is already way. straining the budget. This year’s deficit is expected The government had planned to reach up to 5 per cent of the to finance the Prishtina-Skopje GDP. highway through a public-private Because of increased budget partnership, but it has been expenditure, and in particular advised by French firm Egis that spending on the road and an this is not viable. increase in the salaries of civil Earlier this month, the coun- servants, the International try’s cabinet announced that it Monetary Fund stopped the 18 planned to press on with the month programme with the scheme despite with funding Government of Kosovo, the so xxx coming from the national budget. called “Stand-by Arrangement”, American-Turkish consortium which has deprived the country Kosovo’s economy it said: “New revenues or expenditure cuts of this highway cannot happen Bechtel Enka is currently con- of 150 million euro in grants and spending initiatives need to be elsewhere. with budget money, since this is structing Kosovo’s first highway, loans. costed thoroughly, and their “Importantly, the government not in accordance with the which will connect Kosovo to In the IMF’s assessment of accommodation requires higher plans another highway from budget forecasts. Prishtina to Skopje/Macedonia, According to him, Kosovo for which a sound financing cannot find 600 million euro for plan is an indispensable prereq- this highway, when the uisite.” Vermice-Merdare route is “The French consulting com- expected to cost 1 billion euro. pany Egis, recommended that “There is definitely no chance this highway not to be built it can be funded with budget through a public-private part- money, as the country’s finan- nership,” confirmed Lah Nitaj, cial stability is under question the advisor to the Minister of even with the highway that has Infrastructure, Fehmi Mujota. already started being construct- Nitaj told Prishtina Insight ed,” claimed Abdixhiku. that the tender will be Advisor Nitaj, however, said announced for expression of that Kosovo Government has interest for construction of the considered all these issues and road in July, where, according believes the project can be com- to him, experts within this min- pleted without risking the istry will review the possibili- financial stability of the coun- ties of funding funds. try. The construction of this road Abdixhiku added: “If it is is also foreseen in the Ministry planned to be built with budget of Finance’s long-term spend- money, then Kosovo risks enter- ing plans, where it is noted that ing a deeper budget crisis then work on ‘Route 6’ is supposed to Greece.” start in the last quarter of 2012 The highway Prishtina-Skopje and will take three years. will be 55 km long and will have 2 Lumir Abdixhiku, executive tunnels. The longest tunnel will director of the Institute be built in Kacanik, 2.2 km xxx Riinvest, said that construction meters long. Kosovo Trails in World Bank Business League Skopje leads the region in terms of best city in which to start a business, a new report says, whereas Prishtina is at the bottom of the Balkan table

The four benchmarks are: start- It takes just three days and a lit- a commercial dispute is Prizren, Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, ing a business, handling construc- tle over 100 US dollars to start up in Kosovo, where the waiting time Macedonia, Moldova, By Sinisa Jakov Marusic tion permits, registering property a business in Skopje, the report usually exceeds four years. Montenegro and Serbia. While and enforcing contracts. continues. Businessmen face the least dif- Croatia has dropped out since the The report generally pinpoints The worst in the region for start- ficulty when registering a proper- last survey, Moldova has been progress in all of the 19 cities that ing businesses are the capital of ty in the Moldavan capital, added. kopje and the Bosnian Serb have been surveyed for a second Kosovo, Pristina, and the Bosnian Chisinau, and in the town of Balti “The wide variation in business city of Banja Luka have Semerged well from the World time, noting that all have pro- capital, Sarajevo, where entrepre- in the north of the same country. regulation across the region Bank’s regional report, “Doing gressed at least in one of the sur- neurs wait almost two months to The Bosnian town of Mostar is points to ample room for improve- business in South East Europe”. veyed areas. register their enterprises. the worst for registering property. ment,” states the report. The report surveys business But only Macedonia's capital, Meanwhile the best city for The Montenegrin city of Niksic The report notes that while performance of 22 cities from Skopje, and the Bosnian Serb de enforcing a contract appears to be is marked out as the best for deal- many business factors depend on seven countries in the region. The facto capital of of Banja Luka are Zrenjanin, in north-eastern ing with construction permits. the local authorities, govern- Y report was published this week in pinpointed as making progress in Serbia, where commercial dis- The Serbian capital Belgrade is ments can also help a great deal M Vienna and updates a previous all four benchmarks over the past putes are resolved in 10 months the worst in this regard. by improving regulations, cutting C survey done in 2008. three years. on average. The worst for settling The survey included cities in bureaucracy and red tape. K 8 July 1 - 14, 2011 neighbourhood business Bulgaria Dreams of Becoming China’s Door to Europe Sofia hopes to market itself as a portal to the EU for Chinese companies – but with Beijing's investment fairly modest so far, it has a way to go.

hectic preparations for the ongoing and auto exhibition, where the Chinese By Boryana cars have had their official pre- Dzhambazova miere. When finished, the car plant is expected to create 3,000 jobs and turn out 50,000 vehicles per year, n the outskirts of Litex Motors told Prishtina Insight. Bahovitsa, a small village Great Wall Motor’s decision to Oin northern Bulgaria, a build a factory in Bahovitsa is just couple of shiny, brand-new factory one successful example of halls have recently gone up. Bulgaria’s drive to lure investment Next to them in a neat row stand from China. the skeletons of two other unfin- Sofia, which joined the EU four ished buildings, also a part of a years ago, wants to make sure that Bulgaria is slowly emerging from of the EU, Sofia can provide China businessmen. He explains that complex that Great Wall Motor, a more companies like them set foot the global economic crisis. Foreign with access to both regional and Chinese companies don’t make Chinese sports car manufacturer, in the country, enabling Bulgaria to investment, the main motor behind European markets. quick decisions, so the negotiation is building in the country. establish itself as portal for the country’s economic boom The Balkan country is attractive process can take a long time. The roar of machines and trucks Chinese business in the EU. before the global downturn struck, to foreign companies because it “At the beginning, Chinese echoes around the site. But there is a long way to go. As has plummeted in recent years. As combines cheap labour and low investors are very cautious, but Construction work, now in full yet, China is not a major foreign other sources of investment dry up, taxes with inexpensive start-up once we manage to attract a couple swing, does not stop even over the investor in Bulgaria. Last year Bulgarian has eyed Beijing as a costs. of companies to start their busi- weekend. Soon the plant will start Beijing invested a meagre 4 million potential replacement. The Sofia authorities believe nesses here, a wave of new turning out the first locally pro- euros in Bulgaria. The authorities As the second largest economy in Bulgaria has the potential to mar- investors will follow,” Andreev pre- duced Chinese cars for the are determined to change that mod- the world, investing billions of ket itself as a main entry point to dicts. European market. est statistic. euros abroad every year, Sofia the bigger European market for He argues that just a few big Meanwhile, in the capital, Sofia, Chinese businesses in the coun- believes that China could signifi- China. Chinese investors could markedly the office of Litex Motors, the local try now include producers of glass, cantly boost Bulgaria’s economy Evgeni Angelov, deputy minister improve the economic situation in partner to Great Wall Motor, has air-conditioners, televisions and and help it recover from the finan- of economy, told Prishtina Insight Bulgaria. Bulgarian officials hope been buzzing with activity. solar energy. They are also invest- cial slowdown. that Bulgaria sees China as a strate- that once they seal the deals with Staff has been overwhelmed with ing in trading and IT. On the other hand, as a member gic partner and Sofia intends to pay Chinese companies, more capital special attention to improving eco- from other Far Eastern and Asian nomic cooperation with Beijing. countries will come. Chinese companies find Bulgaria “Over the last year-and-a-half, as an attractive place to do busi- more than ten Chinese delegations ness, he claimed. have visited the country, which is a “Bulgaria has the potential to clear sign of their growing interest position itself as a gateway for in Bulgaria,” Andreev told Chinese business at European mar- Prishtina Insight. ket,” Angelov said, adding that In March, officials and business- Sofia should take advantage of men from one of China’s most pop- China’s plans to expand abroad. ulated provinces, Hunan, which While the construction of the alone houses around 100 million Bahovitsa plant advances, the two people, visited the country. countries are holding intensive Guangdong, one of China’s talks on future partnership deals. wealthiest provinces, has also At the moment, Bulgaria is try- shown interest in Bulgaria. Teams ing to lure Chinese companies into from the province have visited Sofia putting money into the construc- three times this year. tion of a new, hi-tech industrial Lu Yongming, an economic and zone near the capital. The govern- commercial counselor at the ment has also invited Beijing to Chinese embassy in Sofia, believes take part in the renovation of that more Chinese investors are on Bulgaria’s dilapidated railway the way. infrastructure. “Bulgaria has competitive advan- Valeri Andreev, head of tages and might become China’s Industrial Zones, a state company, gateway to the European market,” is currently on a visit to China, he said. “After all, the country has holding talks with Chinese officials the lowest taxes in the bloc.” Work on First Marriott Hotel Begins in Balkans The new 180-room hotel, built by Marriott International Inc is a the local Divelop Grup Dooel, worldwide operator and fran- which has the franchise for the chisor of a broad portfolio of By Sinisa Jakov Marusic Marriott International’s iconic hotels and related lodging facili- business brand, is expected to ties, running nearly 500 hotels in open in early 2013. 60 countries. The five-star hotel, which will The art deco design was first ite preparation works are feature 180 stylish guest-rooms, 16 shown to the public in 2009 as part underway in the centre of luxury suites, a presidential suit, of the government-financed Sthe capital, Skopje, for a new spa-centre and top floor garden, revamp plan for the Macedonian five-star Marriott Hotel. Costed at will be located on a 20,000-square- capital dubbed "Skopje 2014". It 38 million euros, it will set new metre site in Skopje's main was soon announced that it would standards for luxury on Skopje’s Macedonia square. be built by private investors. hotel scene. The hotel is expected to raise the The "Skopje 2014" project is After investors obtained a con- benchmark for luxury in the already underway with dozens of Y struction permit for the luxury Macedonian hotel business, which tall buildings and monuments M complex last week, the ground- till now has lacked internationally drawing inspiration fron the clas- C breaking ceremony is expected famous hotel brands. sical styles of Antiquity. K soon. neighbourhood July 1 - 14, 2011 9 Romania Clamps Gruevski Asked to Form Down on Cheating Macedonian Government Students Ermira Mehmeti, is mentioned as the most probable choice for this post. Mehmeti said the initial distribution of By Marian Chiriac By Sinisa Jakov Marusic posts and ministries in the new government would be 2:1 in favour of the DUI's senior partner. She did not comment on the possi- bility of her own appointment to the govern- tricter measures are resulting in a big resident Gjorge Ivanov on Tuesday ment. increase in number of students entrusted Nikola Gruevski with a “The DUI during the [government] talks Sexpelled from exams for cheating in Pfresh mandate to form a new govern- made a detailed and comprehensive analysis Romania. ment after his VMRO-DPMNE party won the about how to fully satisfy the needs of the Some 233 students all over Romania were June 5 elections. He has 20 days to complete Albanian community," she recalled. "We expelled on Monday from graduation exams talks and present a new team to parliament. have decided to concentrate on the executive after they were found trying to use various Gruevski will now have 20 days to wrap up power that will ensure proper quantitative gadgets to copy answers, or crib sheets. talks with his junior ethnic Albanian part- and qualitative participation of Albanians The number is almost double the number ner, the Democratic Union for Integration, in government." compared to last year and reflects an offi- DUI, after which his proposed government According to unconfirmed party sources, cial clampdown on cheating in exams. will be put to a vote in parliament. the DUI will also now get the Defence Cheating in tests has been always a prob- Sources from both parties briefed that the Ministry as well as the Justice Ministry, lem in Romania, but this year the authori- sharing of ministerial seats between the two which previously went to VMRO-DPMNE ties took more serious measures. Security parties was a done deal, and that all that nominees. camera systems were installed in 60 out of remained now was filling in the ministerial The DUI retains the Ministry of Economy 71 exam centres across Bucharest alone, posts with actual candidates. and the Ministry of Local Governance, as while officials supervising exams were Vice-Prime Minister Abdulaqim Ademi, well as having one minister without portfo- instructed to make sure that no students of the DUI, said on Monday that a joint gov- lio. cheated. ernment platform had been already agreed. According to sources, the DUI will also “We have launched a policy of zer0 toler- “For the first time in plural [i.e. democrat- appoint the new head of the Public Revenue ance for any type of fraud in education. It is ic] Macedonia, the governmental pro- Office. necessary to stop this phenomenon, which gramme is jointly composed of the electoral However, it is looking increasingly unlike- has for years affected our schools and uni- programmes of the two parties that won the ly that the DUI will get the Finance Ministry, versities”, the education ministry said elections," Ademi said, declining to divulge which it wanted. This appears destined for recently. details. Zoran Stavreski, who occupied this position Copying during examinations was wide- It is known that the DUI will hold five min- in the last government. spread under the communist regime. After istries and will name two vice-prime minis- Another key post, the Police Ministry, will 1990, the lack of jobs made many students ters, an increase on the party's allocation in also remain under VMRO-DPMNE. It will determined to graduate with flying colours the last coalition. most probably be held by the current minis- at any price. The post of Vice-Prime Minister in charge ter, Gordana Jankulovska, or by the current A real industry of gadgets and technolo- of monitoring the 2001 Ohrid peace deal chief of the Public Revenue Office, Goran gy that can be used for cheating during stays in DUI hands. The deal ended the brief Trajkovski. exams has developed in the meantime. insurrection among Albanians in the west of According to unconfirmed sources, Bluetooth ball pens, wireless micro-cam- the country. Gruevski is most probably keeping on the eras and touch-screen watches with incor- The current Vice-Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki, the porated memory can all be purchased Abdulaqim Ademi, is likely to stay in this Transport Minister, Mile Janakieski as well and 2008 elections as well as this year’s early online. post. as the Education Minister, Nikola Todorov. elections. Almost 22,000 students took exams in The DUI will most likely also get the Vice- Gruevski is the sixth Macedonian Prime The block led by Gruevski won over 56 of Bucharest on Monday, while around 193,000 Prime Minister in charge of European Minister since the country gained independ- the 123 seats in parliament. Together with exams took place across Romania. The affairs, which was previously reserved for ence 20 years ago. He receives the mandate the DUI the ruling coalition is expected to exam is crucial as only successful candi- VMRO-DPMNE. The DUI spokesperson, for the third time in a row as he won the 2006 have some 70 legislators. dates can enter universities. Serbia Plans to Frighten Smokers Out of Habit In Serbia, ranked fifth in Europe in terms of the number of smokers, authori- ties mull fortifying the ongoing anti-smoking campaign by introducing grim images on cigarette packs. smoking. Ninety six per cent of patients with vocal cord cancer are smokers, while 92 to 95 per cent of patients with lung can- By Bojana Barlovac cer, are smokers too. Srmena Krstev, president of the National Commission for Smoking Prevention in the health ministry, says all tobacco manufac- corpse of a smoker and his or her dis- turers in Serbia will be obliged to display eased lungs are images that might the pictoral warnings once the changes to Aoccupy roughly half the surface of the law are adopted. each cigarette pack in Serbia soon. “We will use photos that are officially In a new attempt to discourage Serbians allowed by the EU that contribute to reduc- from lighting up, the Health Ministry has ing smoking,” Krstev said. announced plans to amend the Tobacco Act This is not the first move in the anti- so that cigarette packs get graphic warning smoking campaign Serbian authorities have labels, strengthening people's understand- made. ing about the health risks of smoking. As of November last year, Serbs may no The US authorities have announced plans longer light up in shopping malls or in any to make the same move as of September health and social care and education, smokers in practice, as smoking is still public buildings under the Law to Protect 2012. including theatres and cinemas. allowed in all the clubs and cafes. Even in the Population from Exposure to Tobacco Serbia is the fifth "worst" country in Offenders face fines ranging from 5,000 the cafes that have a separate room for Smoke, adopted earlier that year. Europe in terms of the proportion of smok- dinars [about 50 euro] to a million dinars smokers, the law is being circumvented. The ban covers all indoor workplaces and ers. Each year, about 16,000 people in Serbia [about 10,000 euro]. Waiting staff often put ashtrays onto tables public spaces connected to the provision of die of diseases directly related to cigarette However, Belgrade remains a haven for where they are not supposed to be. 10 July 1 - 14, 2011 investigation Macedonia Ponders Alexander Effect on Greece While some fear the new statue will pour oil onto the flames of the ‘name’ dispute with Greece, other say ties are already so damaged it will make no difference. countries that have till now stayed on its side. “This is an issue with two sides By Darko Duridanski that are not even. Macedonia is the smaller and weaker side,” he said. “That is why the only possibili- xperts are divided over ty to get even with Greece was to whether the erection of a have friendly supporting states. Ehuge statue of Alexander With the statue, we lose them and the Great in the middle of Skopje put arguments in the hands of the on Tuesday will have a damaging Greek politicians,” Pendarovski effect on relations between Greece claimed. and Macedonia - and on But former foreign minister Macedonia’s EU perspectives. Slobodan Chasule says Macedonia Professor Stevo Pendarovski, should not worry too much about from the University American the Greek position. College, maintains that the gov- “The statue is a marginal prob- ernment-backed installation of the statue will not harm lem for Greece at this moment,” he Macedonian-Greek relations, as said. “If the people gave the gov- they are dismal to start with. ernment a mandate to govern, they “The erection of the statue is should not be interested in what the last part of a project started by others think. the government in 2007, with the “I can’t see why Greece should renaming of the airport after see this as provocation,” he added. Alexander the Great,” he recalled. “We have to stop worrying about “Since then, the relations what nationalist politics in Greece between Athens and Skopje have have to say.” been practically frozen so this Chasule told Balkan Insight he He said that because of the Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Great and his legacy an exclusive can’t worsen them,” Pendarovski believes Macedonia could even get Greek economic crisis, no country the name under which it is regis- part of Greek culture and history. added. a date to start negotiations on EU in the EU is likely to support tered in the United Nations. Greek officials have condemned Macedonia's relations with membership this year, even though Greece's demands to continue to This Accord was respected until the new statue as provocative, Athens are already strained by a Greece remains firm that without block Macedonia. 2008. That year, Greece blocked warning that Macedonia is risking two-decade row over Macedonia's a resolution of the “name” issue, Macedonia and Greece signed an Macedonia's bid to enter NATO at its EU perspectives. Citing the name. Athens says use of the this will not be possible. Interim Accord in 1995 by which the Alliance summit in Bucharest. unresolved name issue, in 2009 and name “Macedonia” implies a terri- “I do not think the monument they agreed to settle their differ- Athens justified its move by accus- 2010 Greece blocked Macedonia torial claim to the northern Greek will have negative influence of ences with negotiations on the ing Macedonia of trying to steal from getting a start date for negoti- province also called Macedonia. Macedonia's EU perspective,” he name issue. its history by renaming airports, ations with the EU. More worryingly for said. “The conditions for using the From then until 2008, Greece did stadiums and building after Greek Foreign Ministry Pendarovski is that this latest [1995] Interim Accord are met, so not block Macedonia from entering Alexander the Great and his father spokesman Gregory Delavekouras move may have cost Macedonia Macedonia can progress towards international organizations under Philip. said that in the light of the ongo- the support of the few friendly EU," Chasule added. the provisional name Former Greece considers Alexander the ing dispute between the two coun- tries over Macedonia’s name, the new statue “undermines our bilat- eral relations and hampers negoti- ations under the UN” aimed at reaching a compromise. The EU commissioner for enlargement, Stefan Fule, also warned that the statue could undermine Skopje’s EU hopes. Speaking on Macedonian A1 TV channel, last week Fule said: “If you have a neighbour… and there is an issue between two of you… and you are trying sincerely to solve it, I guess you would avoid doing anything that your neigh- bour might call a provocation. “This is simple logic. I would expect the government in Skopje to avoid doing things which would be called by the other side provoca- tions,” he said. Pendarovski says that not only the statue, but the internal crisis in Greece is prompting the Greeks to firm up their stance about the name issue. His thesis is that Greece’s eco- nomic problems are only making Athens more inflexible. "In a situation when the EU countries are asking Greece to take harsh measures and are prac- tically humiliating its govern- Y ment, no one will want to put pres- M sure on Athens to be more flexible C on so sensitive a topic as the name K issue," Pendarovski predicted. investigation July 1 - 14, 2011 11 Basha Declared Winner of Contested Tirana Poll Albania’s Central Electoral Commission has for the second time in as many months declared the ruling party candidate the winner of the hotly contested race for the Tirana mayoralty. Despite Basha’s impatience to initially declared Basha the win- start work as the city’s next mayor, ner, following a controversial the Socialists are again contesting recount of stray ballots. By Besar Likmeta the commission's ruling and on The recount gave Basha a lead of Sunday they warned that they will 81 votes out of a quarter-million ask the Electoral College to annul over Rama, who had a razor-thin the poll. margin of ten ballots in the unoffi- ith four votes in favour “The Socialist Party and the cial preliminary results, before the and two against, the com- united opposition believe that the stray ballots were added. Wmission declared Lulzim victory for the May 8 poll goes to The dispute over the stray bal- Basha the winner of the May 8 Edi Rama,” Socialist MP Blendi lots occurred because some voters race for the capital's mayoralty Klosi said. who had multiple ballots to put with a 93 vote advantage out of a final tally, giving Basha a lead of The May 8 local elections were “Convinced that [Prime into designated boxes failed to do quarter-million. 93 votes. considered as key for the country’s Minister] Sali Berisha and [com- so correctly, partly because the “I want to thank all the citizens Earlier the Electoral College EU future, following a two-year mision head Arben] Ristani ballot boxes were not clearly dis- who made their voices heard and had rejected two other Socialist political crisis which has stopped ruined this poll in order to hide tinguished by colour. waited patiently for the process to complaints about the procedure the reform process dead in its their loss in Tirana and across the On June 13 the Electoral College end,” the former interior minister used by the election commission to tracks. country, we will seek the invalida- ruling annulled the election com- said after the result was include the miscast ballots in the However, after a peaceful and tion of this electoral massacre,” mission's May 23 decision, which announced. final tally. quiet election day, the row over the Klosi added. declared Basha the winner in “The electoral process soon will However the Socialists have con- miscast ballots has heightened the Within five days, the Socialists Tirana. At the same time, it reject- end and the work to govern the tested the latest recount as well, political climate once again, are expected to lodge a compliant ed the opposition challenge city will begin,” Basha added. pointing to problems in several adding to Brussels’ doubts over with the Electoral College, a spe- against the miscast ballots, which The Tirana poll was considered ballots boxes, where security the country’s EU future. cialized court for election dis- were deemed as valid. the key battleground of the May 8 codes were different from those putes. Following the ruling, the court local elections, pitting Basha registered by counting centers or This article was made possible The new complaint before the ordered a re-evaluation of contest- against the opposition leader and where paper ballots were found through the support of the court would be the fourth after the ed ballots in 368 ballot boxes, incumbent Tirana mayor, Edi outside the various envelopes National Endowment for election commission on May 23 whose results were added to the Rama. inside the ballot box. Democracy. Albania Nationalist Party Savours Poll Success A party representing the Cham expellees from Greece says its strong showing in the local elections will boost the community’s hand in demanding resolution of their grievances. Greece to resolve the community’s during the local election cam- grievances. paign, it promotes the idea of a The Chams are a sub-group of sort of ethnic Albanian economic Albanians who originally resided zone in the Balkans. By Dardan Malaj in the coastal Epirus region of The party has also been at the northern Greece. forefront of nationalistic disputes According to British historian with the Albanian Autocephalous ith the slogan “I Love Miranda Vickers, the Chams have Orthodox Church, whose Greek Albania,” and campaign- a strong sense of tradition, identi- Archbishop, Janullatos, is seen by Wing with a mix of minori- ty and community, which has unit- many Albanians as pushing ty and nationalist politics, the ed them over the past 62 years Athens’ agenda. Party for Democracy, Unity and since their expulsion from Greece. “The mainstream political par- Integration, PDIU, was a surprise The Greek authorities accused ties do not represent the national beneficiary in Albania’s May 8 them of collaborating with the interests as they should, and even local elections. German occupation. other parties that have been creat- According to preliminary About 250,000 Chams live in ed with this objective have done results, published by the Central Albania and another estimated little,” the PDIU manifesto says. Electoral Commission, the PDIU, 400,000 or so live in the wider dias- Shpetim Idrizi, a former which ran as a part of the centre- pora, mostly in the US and Turkey. Socialist MP of Cham decent, who proportional voting system their representation in govern- right coalition of Prime Minister Despite being granted Albanian left in 2010 to head the PDIU, says favours strong voting blocks in ment, they may be more able to Sali Berisha, gained 65,000 votes in citizenship in 1953, many Chams the party’s broader national plat- specific geographical areas. push their cause onto Albania’s the local poll. still regard themselves as form in the local election cam- “We have 65,000 votes to make political agenda,” he added. Two years earlier, in the 2009 refugees, unjustly stripped of paign extends beyond its core right the injustices done toward Idrizi, the Cham leader dis- parliamentary elections, it con- their Greek citizenship. Cham community. our nation, starting with the agrees. He says his community vinced only 14,000 voters, sending The PDIU, often referred to as “The voice that we raised has Cham issue,” Idrizi says. “These will not have to wait long for the only one deputy to parliament. the “Cham Party,” aims to expanded from our ranks and the 65,000 wills represent the resolve party to produce results. After being restructured under strengthen the pressure on call was heard among patriots of the people, which can neither “We have the legitimacy to a new leadership, the PDIU now Albanian government, parliament across the country,” Idrizi says. erased nor ignored.” speak out on the issue at the right ranks as the fifth political party in and raise awareness of their cause “We were able to break the two- Gentian Elezi, political science time, in the right way and we will the country in terms of size, and in international institutions like party political scene and were con- professor at the European do it,” he said. because its voters are clustered in the United Nations and the firmed as the second political University of Tirana, says the “Over the next two years the specific voting areas it may play European Union. force in places like Delvina in the PDIU’s strong showing at the polls Cham issue will be reactivated on an important role in the 2013 gen- While their immediate goal is to south, or Barjam Curri in the will boost its cause for the Cham a scale that will surprise many, eral election. secure the right to undertake north,” he adds. minority claims with the govern- just like many were surprised Elated by its poll results, the short-term visits to Greece and the After coming third in the cities ment in Tirana and international- with our recent successes,” he party’s leaders say their new polit- reclaim property confiscated by and towns of Durres, Vlora, Fier ly – although not immediately. added. ical weight will strengthen their the Greek state, the PDIU has a and Saranda, the party is expected “In the short term I don’t expect This article was made possible bargaining power in the govern- larger target audience that goes to drive a hard bargain in coalition the strengthening of this party to through the support of the ment, enabling them to direct a beyond the Cham community. negotiations ahead of 2013 general boost… the Cham cause,” Elezi National Endowment for stronger diplomatic stance toward Styling itself “a patriotic party” elections, as Albania’s regional said. “But in future, depending on Democracy. 12 July 1 - 14, 2011 culture

Camping and Hiking in Kosovo's

orking for the United has progressed. Some of the hikes pared for dinner and breakfast the explore more of the southern area In the run up to my new Nations and as a Travel include Brod to Mount Cule, Brod next morning. of Dragash/Dragas. WBlogger/writer has its to the Old Macedonian Smuggling This is just the beginning of Starting/End Point: Arxhena guide book release (The moments: sometimes they inter- Pass and Restelica to Brod. mountain tourism in Dragash and Hotel or Old Road near Brod Mountains of Dragash, sect in an amazing experience or You will notice a pattern here as we are hoping to lay the founda- Starting elevation: 1384 meters opportunity that just leaves me the picturesque village of Brod tion for sustainability where Highest Elevation: 2120 m Kosovo: Hiking and Nature wondering how I ever became so features heavily in my hikes. The locals benefit monetarily, the envi- Distance: 8.82 Km lucky. beauty of this little village, tucked ronment benefits from conserva- Duration: 6 – 7 Hours round-trip Tourism Guide) I led a If anyone ever tells you a dream into a protective valley and tion and tourists have a unique along the same path job does not exist, share this story wrapped lovingly in a series of amazing experience. Difficulty: Easy. There are very group of 30 people into with them and then get working on crisp rivers, is undeniable. Add in few steep parts to this hike. making it come true. the Dragash back-country the cultural traditions of the Hiking Route Description In the run up to my new guide locals, numbering about 1,000, Brod to Lake You have two options where to book release (The Mountains of for a weekend of hiking, delicious cheese, succulent lamb Shutman/Sutman start. Dragash, Kosovo: Hiking and and a dramatic landscape accessi- You can either start directly camping, and getting back Nature Tourism Guide) I led a ble just a few minutes from town from Arxhena Hotel and climb up This is one of the best known group of 30 people into the and the tourism potential becomes the steep ski slope behind the hotel hikes in the Brod region with a to nature (ie getting very Dragash back-country for a week- clear. which meets the path further on; well worn path, and stunning end of hiking, camping, and get- The latest hike is the same one or you can start from the begin- wet on the hike in and views through the Brod Gorge and ting back to nature (ie getting very that we arranged for the 30 person ning of the main path along the into the southern rolling alpine wet on the hike in and out). weekend and the text is the same Old Road closer to Brod which is out). fields where Lake The trip was part of a larger as you’ll find in the soon to be pub- longer but has a more gentle climb Shutman/Sutman lies. The lake is The trip was part of a larg- effort to develop a nature tourism lished hiking guide, due out in up into the mountains. If starting more of a pond and is shallow with strategy for the isolated July 2011. from the Old Road, follow the main a muddy bottom but beautiful er effort to develop a Municipality of Dragash, and to The Guide contains 12 of my dirt road out of Brod towards nonetheless. create a series of value chains to favorite hikes and three mountain Arxhena Hotel with the river on nature tourism strategy These small lakes are called help locals benefit from increased biking trails around Dragash your right hand side. mountain eyes due to the resem- tourism. Municipality, along with tourism After the last house between the for the isolated blance of human eyes when The project is sponsored by the information, easy to follow maps hotel and the village, just past the viewed from the mountains above. Municipality of Dragash, Finish Government, and is being and local knowledge. rusted skeleton of an old car on its This hike can also be combined implemented by the United If you are looking for a more side under a tree, the river passes with two other hikes in the region, and to create a series of Nations Development Programme. serviced experience feel free to under the road. Mt. Vraca or the three Peaks hike, We have been working on this contact me and I’ll can pass along As the river moves to the left value chains to help locals which begin and end at Lake Y hiking guide for about a year now your message to a contact person side of the road you will see a Shutman/Sutman. M and I have written about hiking in in the village. small concrete water-tap structure benefit from increased The lake also provides a nice C Dragash a number of times on We organised horses to pack up on the right and the power lines place to camp for those wanting to K tourism. Todd’s Wanderings as the work our tents, and for food to be pre- begin to diverge from the road. culture July 1 - 14, 2011 13

Backcountry: Brod to Lake Shutman Turn right here and follow the icated path to the waterfall from grass road uphill following the this side of the river. wooden electrical poles. This is the After passing the waterfall you start of the Old Road to Macedonia will come to a point where the path that was never completed. becomes narrow and less clear. Eventually the grass route will This is also where you will see a turn to a dirt and rock path. shepherd’s building which doubles Follow this further into the valley as a sharr dog breeding hut. Stay until you are directly above away from the building, as sharr Arxhena Hotel. It is here that the dogs are very protective, even if ski slope intersects with the main they are cute when they are young. path. Stay closer to the mountain on I love a nice mountain lake. your right and you will eventually These post glacial lakes are often make out the path that leads out of called mountain eyes as they look this valley and up into the valley like eyes looking up into the sky with small but beautiful Lake when seen from the mountain tops Shutman/Šutman. above. Text and photos come courtesy Continue following the well- of www.toddswanderings.com, travelled path south into the river which is crammed full of informa- gorge. Make sure you stay high up tion about hikes in Dragash, as on the path and do not descend to well as great travel tips for the the river and cross it. There is a Balkans and beyond. path on the other side of the river but it is more difficult and does not lead directly to the lake. More than two thirds of the way to the lake you will see a beautiful waterfall where the river rushes out of a narrow rocky gap. The top of the waterfall has a nice area to rest and have a picnic. You can access this area by leaving the path behind after the waterfall turning left, crossing the river at its high- Y est point and then walking back to M the waterfall. See the map for fur- C ther indications, as there is no ded- K 14 July 1 - 14, 2011 culture Artists Defend Their Take on Albania’s Battered Image Albanian artists are brushing off complaints that they are not doing their best to counter mockery of their country in the West. harsh words, referring to sources from Europol, Save the Children, the EU, the World Bank and the Italian public prosecu- By Ben Andoni tors. But the vitriolic writer - famous for his scabrous verbal assaults on his targets still received death threats by email from Albanians who felt offended and enraged by or nearly half-a-century, until the his words. Stalinist regime of Enver Hoxha col- Albania was also the butt of British Flapsed in 1991, Albania was one of the humour in the BBC’s Top Gear show, which most isolated places in the world, often com- made references to Albanians are car pared to the likes of North Korea. thieves. The few Westerners allowed into Hoxha’s Albanian artists are themselves not above self-proclaimed “proletarian paradise,” mocking their own homeland, albeit rather described the regime as a brutal world in more gently and affectionately. which people were constantly under the Italian-based filmmaker Edmond watch of the feared “Sigurimi” secret Budina’s latest feature film, Balkan Bazaar, police. takes a jibe at the region’s jumble of nation- Two decades on, the country has opened alities, drawing on the history of the village up to the world, has joined NATO in 2009 of Kosine in southern Albania. and is now tracing a path toward EU mem- There, Greek nationalists in 2006 bership. unearthed what they alleged were the But although Albania no longer jams for- of being used as salesmen, pointing out that graves of Greek soldiers who had fallen in eign TV stations and young people no longer provincial brand of nationalism. such suggestions miss the whole point of World War 2. end up in jail for listening to rock music, the Leka says that although art is no longer what their artistic endeavour is all about. Greek nationalists have long staked a transition to democracy has done little to seen as a propaganda tool for a ruling elite “Although some art is a hymn to beauty, claim to southernmost Albania, calling the improve its battered image. or ideology, the public expectation remains it’s more likely to portray what is ugly, fear- region Northern Epirus. Foreign media often describe Albania as that writers and painters should build up ful, violent, immoral and inhuman,” Arian Balkan Bazaar takes a critical look at both Europe’s wild east, a land where extreme their country’s image. Leka, a poet and publisher based in Tirana, Greek and Albanian nationalism through poverty, lawlessness and medieval vendettas “Its not the role of art or literature in gen- explains. the eyes of two foreigners, a scheming jour- overlap, an hour’s flight away from Western eral to create images about specific places,” Although Albania has always received its nalist and his superstitious driver, and the capitals. he says. “Literature speaks to the world… fair share of bad press, a 2006 travel feature script has drawn heat both from Albania and The stark contrasts of a society in which and to all of humanity,” he added. in the Sunday Times by British writer A A Greece. luxury Mercedes dot pot-holed streets has Filmmaker Budina agrees. In the art Gill really infuriated local intellectuals and Budina does not feel inclined to apologise. been the theme of many Albanian artists, as world, artists make use of the images that a the media. “I think we hang on to an old mentality they try to make sense of the country’s con- country projects - not the other way around. Gill mocked Albanians as "short and fer- about the image of the country,” he says. tradictions. “Albania is a country with its good and ret-faced, with the unisex stumpy, slightly “Many think that it’s enough to draw a nice Many reside abroad and, apart from the bad sides, its beautiful and ugly images - the bowed legs of Shetland ponies." postcard and send it, and that will give international media, are the main commu- important thing is how you use them,” He also described the Albanian language Albania the place that it deserves,” he adds. nicators of Albania’s reality to the Western Budina maintains. as "a ready-made code for criminals", The “old mentality” that Budina public. “Inspiration can be found even in what is adding: "There are four million Albanian describes was rooted in the xenophobic cul- But with the authorities desperate to ugly and evil, and by narrating this we can citizens… three million of them live at ture of Hoxha’s half-century regime. attract more tourists and investment, their grow richer and better [human beings],” he home, the fourth quarter work abroad, and Although the Communist authorities works are often criticized as not doing concludes. what they do is mostly illegal." keenly sponsored the arts, the results had to enough to present a rosier picture of the Gill escaped a reprimand from the British conform to the strict rules of Social This article is funded under the BICCED country. Press Complaints Commission, after the Realism, while at the same time singing the project, supported by the Swiss Cultural But the artists themselves resent the idea Sunday Times made the case for the author’s praises of the party and of Hoxha’s own Programme PJ Harvey Confirms Dokufest Appearance

5,000 miles around England to create 12 films inspired by and By Lawrence Marzouk developed from themes in Harvey’s new album, the criti- cally acclaimed Let England Shake, which was released in inger-songwriter PJ February this year, entering Harvey and Irish photog- the UK charts in the top 10. Srapher Seamus Murphy will be presenting their 12 Each film is a combination of short films at this year’s still and moving imagery, made Dokufest. in the manner of classic photo- Organisers of the Prizren graphic reportage recording festival, which is fast gaining a real and spontaneous situa- worldwide reputation, said tions to document England and they were thrilled by the news. the English. Harvey and Murphy will Murphy, an award winning travel to Kosovo for a special photographer, has spent over screening of the films at two decades uniquely docu- DokuFest and will hold a Q&A menting conflict through his Y session about their collabora- lens. M tion. His work has brought him to C Award-winning photogra- Rwanda, Eritrea, Kosovo, Iran K pher Seamus Murphy travelled and Iraq. culture July 1 - 14, 2011 15 Albanian Artists Revive Lost Balkan Connections Writers and directors are rebuilding links between Albania and its estranged neighbours, which virtually snapped during decades of isolation under Enver Hoxha. “Beside that, living in multi-ethnic societies makes you go further, towards deconstructing stereotypes,” he added. By Marjola Rukaj One Italian critic of literature, who wants to remain anonymous, said the process of opening up needed to be seen in its true context. fter several decades of total isolation Recalling the new trend for Albanian from their neighbours under Enver literature in prestigious Italian publish- AHoxha’s xenophobic regime, ing houses, he said: “The opening up of Albanians are rediscovering the Balkans some Albanian authors to the Balkans is with a range of new books and movies a kind of Balkan version of the multi-eth- exploring Balkan-related topics and themes. nic tolerance that a certain type of left Albanian writer Anilda Ibrahimi, who intellectuals profess in Western coun- writes in Italian and lives in Rome, dedicat- tries.” ed her last book in 2010, L’amore e gli strac- collaborate”. “In the last twenty years we dealt with ci del tempo, to the theme of a love story “We have a very strong spiritual rela- our problems and our Albanian traumas, case means a deal with some other coun- between a Kosovo Albanian girl from tionship to other peoples from the and now that we have achieved a certain tries from the Balkans, as well as other Prishtina and a young man from Balkans. If we don’t take into considera- level of stability, we are dealing with a countries from Western Europe. Belgrade, before and after the conflict in tion the political manipulations that we wider space we belong to, the Balkans,” is Meanwhile, the process of opening up Kosovo in 1999. have absorbed, it is very evident that we how writer Elvira Dones sees it. to the Balkans is not without its critics. A few years earlier, in 2007, Ornela are very similar,” director Xhuvani says. Breaking taboos and stereotypes about Cultural journalists like Koloreto Vorpsi, an Albanian writer and photogra- Writer Anilda Ibrahimi echoed that ones neighbours has certain economic Cukali and Elsa Demo have slated pher also writing in Italian, in La mano point when presenting her book, pub- advantages, others note. Albanian cinema for crudely imitating che non mordi, described her relationship lished by Italian publishing house “There are many foundations and fund- the way that the well known Serbian with a Serb from Belgrade living in Paris, Einaudi, on a Serbian-Albanian love raising possibilities in connection to proj- director Emir Kusturica directs his films. and her strong friendship with a Bosnian story. ects based on international collaboration But Albanian director Artan Minarolli artist from Sarajevo. “I wanted to tell a story in which Serbs among Balkan countries,” recalls Sofia shrugs this off. “It is normal that our Albanian video-artist Adrian Paci are not being denigrated as they are usu- Kalo, an Albanian scholar at films are similar to those of Kusturica, meanwhile has produced a video chroni- ally, because this chain of violence Massachussetts University. since we come from the same cultural cling the war in Kosovo and combining it between Serbs and Albanians has to fin- Filmmakers especially agree that pro- space in the Balkans,” he says. with videos from a Yugoslav porn show ish,” she said. ducing a film today is virtually impossible This article is funded under the that many Albanians over the border used Edmond Budina agrees. “In Balkan without having an international co-pro- BICCED project, supported by the Swiss to watch covertly in the 1980s, when Bazaar, beside other topics, I wanted to duction agreement, which in Albania’s Cultural Programme. watching foreign televisions was prohibit- show that in the Balkans we are very sim- ed by the Hoxha regime. ilar, we think the same way,” he told Albanian film directors and producers Balkan Insight. marketing have launched a range of films dealing “We are ethnically mixed too. Part of with the Balkans in the past few years. my family now lives in Macedonia, Gjergj Xhuvani’s 2009 East-West-East, speaks Macedonian and they perceive for example, depicted the adventures of a themselves as Macedonians,” he added. couple (a group, they were 5-6) of “Following the logic of nationalism and Albanians cycling through Yugoslavia in isolation, I should consider them my ene- 1989, just before the country exploded. mies. But it does not make sense.” Also in 2009, Genc Permeti collaborated But Armanda Kodra, an anthropologist with Goran Paskaljevic on the first ever in Tirana, warns that breaking down the Serbian-Albanian co-production, old sense of separateness felt by many Honeymoons, while Albanian director Albanians will not be easy. Edmond Budina’s 2011 Balkan Bazaar “Albanian culture still reflects the iso- reflects on a political incident between lation that was typical under the period Greece and Albania. of National Communism,” he (she) said. These artists say Albania is slowly “Albanians see themselves as unique, rediscovering its sympathies and com- and as descendents of the Ancient monalities with the rest of the region. Illyrians, without similarity to their Permeti, chief of the Albanian produc- Slavic or Greek neighbours who they also tion house Ska-Ndal,says the first consider enemies.” Serbian-Albanian co-production was con- Dhimiter Doko, a scholar of demogra- sciously intended “to show that we are phy specializing (professor of demogra- able to give the hand to each-other and to phy at the University of Tirana) in ethnic minorities in Albania, makes the same point. “Even 20 years after the fall of the Communism, we still perceive our neigh- bors largely through political stereo- types,” he said. “The Albanian media strictly follows this kind of stereotyping while reporting on the Balkans,” he added. Significantly, most of the artists and authors who have been most instrumen- tal in breaking down negative stereotypes about Albania’s neighbours have been living for many years outside the country in Western Europe. Edmond Budina, director of Balkan Bazaar, maintains that he didn’t have strong prejudices about Albania’s neigh- bours even before he left the country. “But since I’ve been living for 20 years in Italy as a migrant, dealing with people Y from all the world, you notice how much feeling there is among us and other peo- M ple from the Balkans,” he said. C K 16 July 1 - 14, 2011 Prishtina Insight

Where to pick up Prishtina Insight? Hotel AFA Located in a quiet neighbourhood Prishtina Insight has teamed up with these six excellent venues to offer a limited number of complimentary copies of Kosovo’s just outside the city centre, Hotel Afa can guarantee guests a peaceful only English-language newspaper. Grab a copy of the publication and settle down with a drink or a meal to read it. night while being within walking distance of all the action. The venue Jinglebells A taste of Napoli in Prishtina. has won a host of awards for its Cavallero Mexican Restaurant excellent service to customers and If your soul is affected by the grey sea- After ten years of making pizza in Napoli, and offers a good range of facilities, You can almost transport yourself to the son then pay a visit to Jinglebells, where only with love to blame, Fatmir the chef from an exclusive restaurant and Mexican coast, with soaring palm trees and an you will find all the colours that you’ve returned to Prishtina. His pizzas, made in a VIP bar to pretty, tranquil garden. immaculate five star resort, while dining at been missing. woodburn stove, are definitely genuine napoli- Rooms start at 45 euro for a single, Cavallero Mexican Cantina. Mouth-watering Jinglebells is a perfect one-stop-shop tanas. For those who consider pizza to be bor- and luxury rooms and apartments appetizers and savoury main dishes are nicely for internationals offering a selection of ing, Fatmir has several pastas on offer, also a are available. The hotel’s rooms are washed down with countless cocktail options books in various languages and the true joy for the taste buds. Napoli has an excel- well appoint- and even imported Mexican beer. Skopje-based quickest supply of international newspa- lent selection of red and white wines or, for the ed and com- ‘Los Ritmos’ entertain diners every Friday pers in town. It also offers souvenirs and more ambitious, one of the region's best Quint's fortable. and Saturday with their latin beats. For more gifts, such as raki. Napoli makes for 15, Rr Ali information, visit local handicrafts. delicious lunch, dinner Kelmendi, their facebook page, or even after-theatre Sunny or contact them. Jinglebells. time out in the centre Hill, Cavallero, Bookstore and of Prishtina. Prishtina Located next to the ex- more. +381 UNMIK building Ernest Koliqi Pizzeria Napoli 38/225 226 Prishtina 12, opposite off Luan Haradinaj, www. hote- +386 49 619 375 EULEX HQ opposite Newborn lafa. com Facebook page +386(0)49 741 170 044/409-402402

Cantina am-pm Restaurant Hotel Prishtina Hotel Victory Te Komiteti

Cantina AM-PM, formerly known as Hotel Prishtina’s 43 charm- But Victory is more than a place to meet and do Te Komiteti’s large trees and a beauti- Mexican Cantina, recently went ing guest rooms and suites are business. Its doors are always open for guests to fully garden, which surround the small through a transfer to new management, reminiscent of a small hotel in enjoy the tranquility of our guest rooms and lob- outdoor terrace, give you an impression and although hardly noticeable from a the European tradition. You'll bies, and the finest cuisine in the region. The only of an exclusive place for ordinary peo- distance, the new owners have trans- immediately feel at home in hotel in the region where real plants, original art ple. And this is exactly what it is. From formed the venue into a more grown-up our living room, sipping a glass and fine solid furniture decorate the space and brunch to lunch-time snacks and special affair with good, cheap food. Cantina of wine in our fine restaurant turn it into a homelike environment. Hotel evening meals, this restaurant offers offers Mexican dishes at reasonable surrounded by a gallery of Victory is established to offer travelers the most dishes comprising quality, varied ingre- prices, starting from less than 5 euro. paintings complete, comfortable accommodation available dients, combined to perfection. Although the majority of the food is by local in Kosovo and the region. Our professional staff Alongside one Mexican-influenced, Cesar salad and artists. will offer guests the highest standard of service of Prishtina’s pizza have been included too. Mexican The hotel and support, and we will use our resources to best ‘modern favourites served up at Cantina include offers free, greater lengths to make your stay as complete as European’ style tortilla, thicker fast wifi possible. menus, you’ll pan-friend tortilla, internet, Hotel Victory also find a good nacho chips and complimen- Mother Teresa selection of burrito. Cantina’s tary break- Prishtina, Kosovo wine, and great also offers a very fast, confer- Tel: +381 38 543 277 sangria and pleasant area for al ence room, +381 38 543 267 cocktails . fresco dining. swimming Email: Te Komiteti Cantina AM-PM pool, sauna info@hotel-victo- Qamil Hoxha Rr Qamil Hoxha and laun- ry.com Street Prishtina dry service. http://www.hotel- Prishtina +377 49 710 710 victory.com/ +381 38 24 96 63

Friends Bar Odyssea Bistro Paddy O’Brien’s OLIVE TAPAS BAR

Friends Bar is owned by a Swiss- Odyssea Bistro Bar is a beautiful The staff at Paddy O’Brien’s have a saying: After many years of working at Albanian couple. The modern interi- bistro located in the heart of Prishtina, “It’s easy to walk in, but very hard to leave.” tapas bars in England and or and the calm terrace behind the offering a combination of a quality And with its warm atmosphere, fantastic range Germany as well as running the bar will make your stay comfortable. menu with inspiring dishes and a mod- of drinks and excellent food, it is easy to see why. first in Prishtina, you can say that They offer a wide range of beers, ern bar with a large variety of drinks There have been many attempts to establish a management knows its trade well. including Dark Lasko and Murphy’s and exotic cocktails. proper Irish pub in Prishtina, but this is the only Among the tapas and main Irish Red, which can rarely be found Odyssea Bistro Bar's unique design is one to hit the spot. courses offered are: Rocket salad in Kosovo. You can also try eight dif- a mixture of classic French influence From classic coffees to cocktails, via, of course, with mixed cheeses; Spanish tor- ferent tastes and colours of vodka. and a modern touch. Guinness, you really wont find it difficult to tilla, omelet with vegetables & Starting from May 14 there will be Busy during lunch breaks, romantic select the perfect drink. potatoes; and deep fried calamari. barbeques every Saturday from 5pm for dinners and classy for evening A mouth-watering menu of Irish specialties is to 9pm, and brunch every Sunday drinks, Bistro is a great place to visit at also on offer, spanning from all-day breakfasts to Open Monday to Saturday from 9am to any time of the day. Irish stews at night. 7 am until 12 pm Sample Bistro’s brunch on Sundays, or 1pm. BBQ and Options include shepherd’s pie, bangers and Olive Tapas Bar enjoy live music on Wednesday, Fridays brunch will be mash, fish ‘n chips, St.Fehmi Agani 48/1 and Saturdays offered with a and whopping great Tel. +381 38 321 132 Bistro, wide choice of burgers. Cell +377 44 620 414 Sejdi Kryeziu, Pejton, Prishtina local and Thursday is pub quiz [email protected] international 045402095 and 049333959 night, but there is food. always something going on at the pub, whether it 17, Rr.Fehmi is sport screenings or Agani just a good shindig. 045244 498 Paddy O’Brien’s Y Facebook Tringe Smajli Street, Page: Friends M by the Illyria Hotel Bar - Prishtine Prishtina: 045-420900 C K By Shengjyl Osmani July 1 - 14, 2011 17 in Prishtina Timeout Contact Prishtina Insight if you would like your event to feature or to advertise your venue. Email [email protected] Prishtina Diary

Friday, July 1, 2011 Every day at 6 pm, 8 pm and 10 pm ABC Cinema is Filikaqa Karaoke night, from 9 pm, screening the brand new continues with traditional Friday movie Hanna. nights with karaoke. Award-winning director Joe Wright creates a boldly Friday, July 1, 2011 original suspense thriller with “Hanna”, starring Creme de la Creme Official Friday Academy Award nominee night crème de la crème music playlist Saoirse Ronan (“The Lovely Bones,” “Atonement”) in the Str. Mujo Ulqinaku, Phone: +386 (0)49 title role. Raised by her 220 008, +386 (0)49 201 100; or con- father (Eric Bana of “Star [email protected], Trek”), an ex-CIA man, in www.cremeprishtina.com the wilds of Finland, Hanna’s upbringing and training have been one and the same, all geared to making her the perfect assassin. The Friday, July 1, 2011 turning point in her adolescence is a sharp one; sent into the world by her father on a mission, Hanna journeys stealthily across Europe while eluding agents dispatched after her by a ruthless intelligence operative with secrets Full House, Tingulli 3nt and Dj Jungle, all night hip hop music, of her own (Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett). As she nears her ultimate target, Hanna faces startling rev- starting from 11 pm elations about her existence and unexpected questions about her humanity. The movie is directed by Joe Wright, starring Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Olivia Williams, Cate Blanchett, Jason Located at Youth and Sports Centre, [email protected], Flemyng, Jessica Barden, and is written by Seth Lochhead, David Farr, Joe Penhall, Joe Wright. [email protected] For ticket reservation or further information call ABC Cinema at 038 243 117 or visit them at http://www.kinoabc.info Friday, July 1, 2011 Germia Park, Highland music event, starting 11 pm DOKUFEST Performers: Jimmy Van M - Satoshi Tomiie - Dooshine - Dario Desiena, and the second day, July 2, Bernays Propaganda - Bloody DOKUFEST, The International Foreigners - The Glasses - Amon Mra & Gilesspie Documentary and Short Film Festival, is the largest film event Friday, July 1, 2011 in Kosovo. The Festival is organ- ized in July in the picturesque Te Veni, and historical town of Prizren Peyton from 9 pm which attracts numerous inter- national and regional artists. Live Quartet Pentagram, from In this annually organized fes- Prizren, playing instru- tival films are screened twice a mental old Balkan day in three open air cinemas as songs well as in two regular cinemas. Except for its films, the festival is Shenoll Tokaj, violin, also well-known for lively nights have finalized it, as 2000 applica- Mentor Zajmi, clarinet, Adem Morina, guitar, Meriton Zajmi, perse- after the screening. Various tions had been received. The sec- cution events happen within the scope tions to be covered during the fes- tival are: http://kuartetipentagram.org/EN/repertuar.html of the festival: workshops, DokuPhoto exhibitions, festival • Int. Documentary Competition (Feature and Wednesday, July 6, 2011 camping, concerts, which alto- gether turn the city into a charm- Short) • Green Docs Competition Te Veni, old Balkan songs, with Visar Kuci, violin, and Agon ing place to be. • Int. Short Film Competition Xharra, harmonic, starting from 9 pm. The 10th edition of DOKUFEST this year will take • National Film Competition • Human Rights Competition Sunday, July 3, 2011 place from July 23 to 31. Prishtina Insight will update • Balkan Documentary Competition Jamiroquai Skopje con- you will the full programme of cert the activities after the organisers • Audience Award http://www.dokufest.com/2010/ British jazz funk and acid jazz band formed in 1992, Jamiroquai were initially the most prominent compo- nent in the early-1990s London-based acid jazz movement, alongside groups such as Incognito, the James Taylor Quartet, the Brand New Heavies, Galliano, and Corduroy. Subsequent albums have explored other musical directions such as pop, rock and electronica. Jamiroquai have sold more than 40 mil- lion albums worldwide and won a Grammy Award in 1997.

The concert in Skopje will be held in the Sports centre “Boris Trajkovski” located next to the Hotel Alexandar Palace, Boulevard September 8th, Skopje

Tickets are available from 18 euro (partner area), 25 euro (Fan Pit area), and 20 euro (Tribune), 25 euro (Golden Seats), and Ultra VIP 33 euro. For ticket reservation and stage order visit http://www.kupikartizase.com/Events/Jamiroquai_2011 (site is only in Macedonian). Purchased tickets online might be picked up at the door entry, otherwise, tickets are on sale all around Macedonia, and in many location in Skopje. Y M For more check the Facebook page on the event. C K 18 July 1 - 14, 2011 Inside Prishtina Little Cafes Facing Closure Venues in Prishtina’s popular drinking quarter – the little cafe neighbour- hood – are struggling through anoth- er summer of roadworks

By Shengjyl Osmani Kosovo Muslims Step ustomers are shunning the Kafet e Volga area of Prishtina, known for its Calfresco coffee drinking, for a second Up Mosque Protests summer as the municipality continues with roadworks along this once popular stretch. Defying police warnings not to block roads, a Muslim group in Prishtina Businesses along Fehmi Agani Street told says it will hold a new street protest on Friday, demanding a new city-cen- Prishtina Insight that they may have to shut down because of the drop in visitors. tre mosque. The municipality started replacing the is very clear. They cannot block the roads,” waterworks in spring last year and have Rexhepi told journalists. still not replaced the pavement to date. Ramiqi denied that the protests had any “People of course don’t want to drink Muhamet Gashi, spokesperson for the By Petrit Collaku connection with the newly inaugurated coffee and have the never ending noise of municipality, told Prishtina Insight that Catholic cathedral in Prishtina, to which the ongoing works,” said Festim Fanaj, the works will be completed by the end of some Muslims object. owner of Etno Bar. the July. They say that Catholics, though a small He added that if works don’t stop end by “The water pipelines in Fehmi Agani Kosovo Muslim group called minority in Kosovo, encounter fewer obsta- the start of next month, he might go out of Street and in UCK Street are in the final “Bashkohu” said it would hold a new cles than majority Muslims when it comes business, as the monthly taxes paid to the stages,” he said. “The project needed coor- Astreet protest in Prishtina during to obtaining permits for places of worship. municipality and other monthly expenses dination so that both streets are finished Friday prayers at noon defying police “We are not against the cathedral but cannot be covered by the current situa- warnings not to block roads. at same time and the pavements and all the Muslim believers need to have a new tion. The head of “Bashkohu”, Fuad Ramiqi, road works were completed at same time,” mosque in the centre of Prishtina,” Ramiqi said the protest would take place at the added Gashi. told Prishtina Insight. same location as during the last two Friday But, owners of small coffee bars in Kafet He said the Muslim community had protests. e vogla area do not believe that the works requested a new mosque in Prishtina's “I don’t need police permission. I have will be completed this summer. downtown five years ago. informed them that the protest will be held Fisnik Lajqi, owner of Track Cafe, said He also said that 22 mosques were not tomorrow,” Ramiqi said. the works had drastically affected his busi- sufficient to accommodate the city's grow- But interior minister Bajram Rexhepi ness, particularly as this is the second ing number of believers. The protest enjoys insists the main street must not be blocked; summer, usually the most lucrative time of the support of Kosovo’s Islamic he was not against protests but against year. Community. road blockades, he said. “I think the answer “It is not fair to us to have these works Last Friday, some 300 people prayed out- ongoing for two years,” he said. “It is very side the Carshi Mosque during a protest. rare that a street is dug up for three In an attempt to unblock the road, police months, but this water pipeline took more scuffled with one person and took him away for questioning. than a year to be replaced, and then we Prishtina municipality, meanwhile, says had to wait another year to for the UCK it has accepted the proposal from Kosovo’s street to be completed so our pavements Islamic Community for a new mosque in can be fixed too.” principle and was reviewing the plan. Soho Street Bar, Gallery cafe, Kafja e “All such proposals must go through the vogel, and five other small cafe bars told municipal assembly and the location is Prishtina Insight that since the works then decided following mutual agreement have started, their businesses have suf- between the municipality and Islamic fered drastic financial losses. Community,” Muhamet Gashi, municipal Spokesman Gashi said that the works spokesperson, told Prishtina Insight. could not have been completed any faster. Shop Review On Off Accessories Shop Youth and Sports Centre in name necklaces, which will cost Prishtina is the third of its kind in you only 45 euro, no matter how the capital and stocks leather bags long the name is. By Shengjyl Osmani and purses, belts, scarves, watch- The filigree jewellery costs from es, jewellery and handmade fili- 20 euro up to 60 euro for a set of grees. earrings and necklaces. The In a bid to promote handmade watches are good looking with low ooking for a smart accessory handicrafts from Prizren, On Off prices, from 25 to 30 euro. for that outfit or perhaps a Accessories also takes order for fil- While the bags, which are hand- Lgreat gift for your lady friend? On Off Accessories Shop igree jewellery. Filigree cufflinks, made leather, designed in Italy, offer something different to cus- which cannot be found in any cost from 35 euro to 120 euro. tomers in Prishtina: a decent other place in the town, are also selection of handmade, locally available. On Off Accessories Y produced jewellery, such as Beside the filigree, you can find Youth and Sports Centre M Prizren filigree, and international silver, stainless steel, and pearl Prishtina C designer goods. items. 044 305 256 K The recently opened outlet in Their silver specialty are the Open hours 10 am – 8 pm, 19 Inside Prishtina July 1 - 14, 2011 Bar Review: Teresa Epic Sangria is King at Olive Fischer New tapas bar is perfect place to waste Intern at Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung afternoon

LOGIN isn’t going to blow you away with its By Nate Tabak originality, but it is a decent spot to grab some keenly priced lunch. For orders call at 044 Bar Review, LOGIN 806 496 or visit them in

Recently opened in Peyton Peyton, Perandori of: the Eyes through Prishtina area, Login Bar & Restaurant is Justinia street (next to offers a pleasant spot to grab Benetton shop) some Prishtina classics. Login On the menu you’ll find the Bar & Restaurant usual selection of omelettes, Perandori Justinia salads, sandwiches, pastas, piz- street zas and grill fish and meet. Peyton area Restaurant Review: Click Food: Silly name, Serious Fried Chicken

By Gravlax What surprised you most about Prishtina? That it is such a colourful, lively and charming ried chicken. Just seeing the city, irrespective of some tiny flaws. words makes my mouth water. It’s Fmuch more than poultry parts What's your favourite hangout? dipped in batter and cooked in hot oil. It´s more a “Top Three” than one favourite When you bite into that crunchy coating hangout: Tingell Tangell, Dit e Nat and Créme de and sink your teeth into juicy, tender la Créme. meat, it can be a religious experience. Prishtina has a temple of fried-chick- en devotion. Its name is Click Food. The What is the best thing about Prishtina? motto, “It’s fingerclicking good,” evokes In Prishtina, you are never alone. It can be a bit Kentucky Fried Chicken. But do forgive annoying from time to time, especially when you such asinine marketing because Click’s want to sleep and you have the loudest Karaoke chicken puts to shame anything that party you´ve ever heard next door, but everyone ever came out of the Colonel’s fryers. is so friendly and open that I never felt lonely in The centrally located Click Food, on this city. Fehmi Agani Street, resulted from a dream to open a McDonald’s franchise. Spurned by the Golden Arches, the own- What is the most annoying thing about ers have in turn accomplished some- Prishtina? thing far more special. They created a Probably the condition of sidewalks and fast food eatery that is sort of a tribute streets – Chapeau to all these brave girls you see to McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried every day and who manage to walk there in killer yang of the spicy, fried indulgence on kind of pleasure. Chicken and apparently uses much of high heels without breaking their legs. the same equipment as the American the outside and the delicate moist chick- The burgers go best with fries, which juggernauts. en on the inside. The kitchen is conser- you can get with a soda in combination If you were mayor of Prishtina for the day Burgers and fried chicken form vative with its spicing and salting so you meals for less than 3 euro. Click cooks Click’s foundation, alongside a few can actually taste what you’re eating: the fries golden brown to just the precise what would you change? sandwiches, salads and pizzas. Think of exceptional chicken. The presentation level of external crispiness. They also I would hire a lot of traffic policemen to stop it as the greatest hits from the world of is simple. The chicken is served on a bed happen to taste like potatoes. The cars from chasing after pedestrians. fast food, with the addition of Peja beer of French fries and few random vegeta- kitchen clearly understands the art of on draught. Ordering happens at the bles. Once, my order came with a myste- deep-frying. How many macchiatos do you drink a day? rious kaymak-like sauce. It was a wel- While Click’s owners might be counter, but the food comes to you in a Maybe one or two, but if it´s allowed to count comed Balkanification of dish most at lamenting the fact that McDonald’s did- twist of elegance that suits the classy Turkish coffee as well, the number increases con- dining room and delightful patio. home in the American South. n’t want any Kosovo franchises. They siderably. Chicken sometimes requires a bit of a If for some mysterious reason the have struck good with fast-food fusion wait, perhaps ten minutes or so. That chicken doesn’t entice, Click makes a that outshines their corporate inspira- may seem like an eternity at a quick decent burger. Served on a fluffy tions, and in the process, given What's your favourite Albanian word and service restaurant, but it’s well worth it. sesame-seed bun, they come in several Prishtina fried chicken worthy of song. why? The fried chicken is nearly pitch perfect. varieties, including an especially deli- It is simply “jo” Because in the Bavarian Anything dipped in battered and then cious pershute and mushroom one. But dialect I speak, it means “yes” and already led to they suffer a condition nearly ubiqui- deep-fried will be good on some primal many confusing situations here in Prishtina. levels. But Click pays the bird its due. tous among Kosovo burgers: pljeskavica Available in several seasonings and in syndrome. The beef patties, while tasty What landmark do you use to tell taxi driv- Y orders of two or three pieces, which and seasoned with love, are not made of Click Food ers where you live? usually includes at least one drum stick, the ground meat required for a proper Street ‘Fehmi Agani’ No. 5 M the chicken arrives hot in a yin-and- burger. They amount to masses of flat- Open daily, 8 a.m. - midnight Filikaqa Sports Bar or Vetevendosje C tened cevapi, which is just a different 049 580 508 K If you would like your NGO to appear in 20 July 1 - 14, 2011 our Making a Difference feature, please Opinion email [email protected] Skopje Warrior Fails to Make Outside In Kosovo’s Greek Headlines census: Are Debt-ravaged Greeks appear content to let Europe chastise Skopje over its new statue of an ‘ancient warrior’. we shrinking? These claims back then were ludi- Francisco to Sydney, Western school crous. But in the last decade they children are taught that Alexander the became true, as Nikola Gruevski’s Great spread Greek culture through- By Kreshnik Hoxha By George Mesthos VMRO-DPNE party pursued a policy of out the Near East, influencing the “antiquity-isation” that has won elec- region for centuries, if not millennia. tions while stalling FYROM’s Such monuments in another country Blimey, where has everyone gone?” This was my European Integration. seem quite bizarre, starting with the f you logged on to a Greek news site last So Greek politicians are in a box. re-naming of Skopje’s airport in early initial reaction when faced with the fact that week, you wouldn’t have found “Kosovo has 1, 773, 872 citizens according to the They desire leadership in the region, 2007 after Alexander the Great. Imuch coverage of the “Ancient but it is unacceptable domestically to “At first, friends of [FYROM] Statistical Office of Kosovo (SOK). This figure is the Warrior”, that is, the statue of condone a neighbour’s “usurpation” of thought this must be some sort of one- end result of the census held last April in 34 munici- Alexander the Great, erected a few Greek history. off joke designed to gain a rise out of palities of Kosovo, excluding the lawless Northern days ago in Skopje. Greece’s unspoken strategy has been the Greeks, who believe that the part of the country and the Diaspora. In years past, such “historical to have … an unspoken strategy. Macedonians are trying to expropriate Though the data should be taken with a pinch of usurpations” would have made head- The Greek foreign ministry has done symbols Hellenism,” Tim Judah wrote salt, it is evident that even with the error emanating line news. But Greeks are far more pre- whatever it can to avoid publicly in the Economist on November 22, from the registration methodology, which has not occupied with the debt crisis that has addressing the “name”, focusing more 2010. “It was not.” been stated in the SOK website, the results ought to threatened their way of life and made on functional aspects of partnership Skopje has realised the West’s dis- bright futures more of a wish than a be in this region. A surprise for everyone, but what and development, like environmental may to some extent, thus the messy goal. does it mean for Kosovo in the whole and what could collaboration on Lake Prespa. designation of the 23-metre statue as The recommendation of both its implications be? The official stance on solving the an “ancient warrior”. It was too little, Athens and Brussels was that the Ever since the end of the war we had been boast- “name” issue is to have a geographical too late. Washington and Brussels have Former Yugoslav Republic of ing that Prishtina has half a million citizens, in this qualifier added to the word criticized Skopje all this year for hid- Macedonia, FYROM, ought to be more way trying to paint a rather cosmopolitan and mod- Macedonia, such as “North”, or ing behind the name issue instead of pre-occupied with its destiny, too. “Vardar”, rather than an ethnic or his- addressing fundamental weaknesses ern picture in the eyes of the foreign visitors. Owing to the “name issue”, that partic- torical marker such as “Slav” or in its state institutions, quality of It turns out we do not even reach 200, 000 in ular road passes through Greece. “New”. democracy and ethnic relations. Prishtina as the census concludes that Prishtina has Since FYROM declared independ- That Athens offered such a compro- European Union Enlargement 198, 214 citizens including its villages. It also tran- ence in 1991, Greece has had a national mise is itself a sign of progress. Commissioner Stefan Fule sounded spires that the Serbs, who left the city in 1999, have apoplexy over use of the name Greece long ago admitted what was exacerbated in his much-circulated been replaced by Albanians in an equal proportion “Macedonia”, which is also the name unthinkable in the early 1990s - that quote from last Monday, following the and there has been no substantial net growth in the of a northern province of Greece - and geographical Macedonia is split statue’s unveiling, which has been claims to the heritage of Alexander overall count of the city. between Greece, FYROM and Bulgaria, dubbed a “Yellow Card”. the Great as a Hellenic figure. Although Prishtina has a special status over all with the majority of the territory in “Seriously,” Fule said. “If you have a Greek political parties have won and other municipalities due to being the capital of Greece. neighbour, and I'm not talking about fallen from power over the “name” Kosovo, this figure will inevitably open discussions Both of Greece’s major parties have two states now, and there is an issue issue and at key moments, such as at about the distribution of funds to Prishtina in com- adopted this position but a settlement between the two of you, whatever the the NATO Bucharest summit in April parison to other municipalities. This would especial- to the issue would take a healthy dose nature of that issue is, and you are try- 2008, touching that nationalist nerve of political courage from the Socialist ing sincerely to solve it, I guess you ly be the case with Prizren, which is only 20, 102 citi- has summoned an otherwise non-exis- administration of George Papandreou. would avoid doing anything that your zens behind Prishtina and would therefore ask for tent sense of political unity among The opposition centre-right New neighbour might call a provocation. similar treatment allocation of funds. Greeks. Democracy party is edging the This is simple logic.” On a bigger picture, Kosovo could undergo some But at this moment, even Alexander Socialists in the polls under the leader- http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi changes in its political arrangement and alterations cannot distract Greeks from double- ship of Antonis Samaras, and Samaras /_w_articles_wsite1_1_21/06/2011_3953 in the decision-making power of minority groups as digit unemployment, from a 23 per made his reputation on the “name” 65 more data emerge in the coming days. cent sales tax and from the constant issue in the 1990s. This ‘yellow card’ was accompanied uneasiness of living in a near-bank- There has been a growing pressure over the last Any settlement, no matter the terms, by a warning that FYROM could lose rupt state, propped up by despised years to introduce Turkish as an official language in would likely get the same negative its recommendation for a state date for bailout packages from the Prishtina from the Turkish community in the capi- spin treatment that the various auster- EU membership negotiations. Only International Monetary Fund, IMF, the tal, who at times feel slightly left behind. However, ity packages have received. anemic advances have been made European Union and European fighting their corner might prove challenging for Nonetheless, Greece’s current strat- since FYROM received candidate sta- Central Bank. Turks following recent reports in the media that peo- egy has turned the tables, a rare posi- tus in 2005. Since then, Romania and The “name” issue has become a sort tive foreign policy development for Bulgaria have become part of the bloc, ple had been peer-pressured to register themselves as of Guantanamo Bay for Greece’s gov- Athens. and Croatia will soon join them. Turks, despite their original Albanian nationality. ernment. It would like to see this inter- For years Greece was globally lam- Both the European Union and NATO Nevertheless, their only hope for tangible results to nationally embarrassing issue closed pooned for denying its neighbour’s have tried to get across to Skopje’s address their requests would be their headcount in as soon as possible. But any move in name – whatever the arguments – con- leaders that the country will make no the census. that direction would result in cries of sidering FYROM’s rousing underdog further progress on the Euro-Atlantic Secondly, Montenegro has been very keen on push- national, ethnic and historical trea- story and simmering ethnic tensions. path merely to stave off conflict inter- ing forward the idea of recognition of Montenegrins son. The Western media gave up on the nally or within the region. To become Foreign guests boast about how as a minority group in Kosovo. The publication of FYROM acronym even before a full, productive member of the club Greek ministers themselves admit that results based on nationalities living in Kosovo could Washington and more than 100 other there have to be good neighbourly rela- the name issue is “stupid” and taints be a major step up in materialising Montenegro’s governments did so officially. To tions – no matter how absurd the issue. Greece’s otherwise progressive vision efforts. This in turn would lead to changes in the par- almost every non-Greek it simply does Whether out of sympathy or cun- in the Balkans – a crucial agenda for liament seats whereby Montenegrins would be allo- not make sense to tell a people they ning, Athens’ restrained response that the country’s own, unfinished cated guaranteed representation in parliament. cannot be called what they want to be Skopje should build bridges rather European integration. called. It is also exceedingly difficult than statues set a tone that there is a Conspiracy lovers will be yelling that the census The scar tissue from this issue mars either to say or type the words Former possibility to be productive. Both sides was manipulated for some unknown political reason the consciousness of the Greek public. Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia over will have to be, since each has bigger and that the figure really is 2 million. In 1999, the American historian, and over. The Greek acronym PGDM things to worry about than a 23-metre Fuelled by irony about the results, a reader of one Eugene Borza, wrote of how nearly a (ΠΓΔΜ) is entirely unpronounceable. statue. of the online portals quipped the following: “If the decade after FYROM’s independence, But if Greece is losing the public George Mesthos is an independent Serbian Academy of Sciences [notorious for its insti- Greeks firmly believed claims that not relations battle over the name journalist and analyst of Balkan poli- tutionalised anti-Albanian agenda] organised the only was the Star of Vergina (a symbol Macedonia, she is winning the war for tics. census, we [Albanians] would have been larger in of Ancient Macedon, unearthed in history. If telling a country what it can As a Greek-American, and a regular 1977) originally on their neighbour’s numbers!” be called is absurd, so is a country lay- reporter/researcher in Athens, the flag, but that Skopje airport had been With all that in mind, I can already imagine the Y ing claim to its neighbour’s most author chooses to use the 1995 Interim renamed after Alexander the Great tangle of inter-ethnic and inter-religious debates M beloved historical figure- whatever the Accord designation, the former and that Alexander stood, already that will accompany Kosovo during the muggy sum- C arguments and rationalizations. In Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia erected, in the city’s central square. mer as various sides try to make sense of the figures. K classrooms from Berlin to San [FYROM]. 21 opinions July 1 - 14, 2011 Less Drama From Albania’s Socialist Leader Edi Rama’s strategy of confrontation and gridlock ill-serves his party and his country. Time for a new approach.

tions against a coalition member of the government. Four protesters were killed when the crowd stormed the prime min- By David L. Phillips ister’s office. Albanians are tired of con- frontation. This time around, Rama’s appeal could fall on deaf ears. If nobody showed up to here is a time for contestation and a protest, it would rub salt into the wounds time for reconciliation. After local of his electoral defeat. Telections on May 8, Albania is at a fork There is also a growing malaise among in the road. young members of the Socialist Party Instead of trying to overturn Edi who are dissatisfied with Rama’s leader- Rama’s razor-thin defeat in the race for ship. Provoking a confrontation is a tac- mayor of Tirana, the Socialist Party tic that could backfire against Rama, should assume its role as loyal opposition sparking an internal revolt within the and cooperate on a consensus plan Socialist Party and his removal from the advancing Albania’s candidacy to join the chairmanship. European Union. European countries are tired of No more drama. It’s time for gover- Albania’s polarized politics. At this crit- nance. ical crossroads, Albanians need to over- Both parties had big stakes in Tirana’s come internal divisions and focus on mayoral election. As mayor of Tirana, a their shared vision of a European stronghold of the Socialist Party, Rama future. doled out lucrative construction con- tracts to cronies who provided kickbacks David L. Phillips is Director of the and political support. Program on Peace-Building and Rights Lulzim Basha, the Democratic Party the national interest. dangerous course, both for the Socialist at Columbia University’s Institute for the candidate, ran a strong campaign, har- After parliamentary elections in 2009, Party – and for Albania. Study of Human Rights and a Fellow of nessing the power of social media. The the Socialists were outmaneuvered by On January 21, 2011, Rama’s support- the Future of Diplomacy Project at winning party is well placed for national the Democratic Party that formed a ers rallied to protest corruption allega- Harvard University. elections in 2013. coalition to lead the government. The government of Albania worked Socialist deputies refused to take their with experts from the Council of seats in parliament. marketing Europe’s Venice Commission to draft the Rama’s strategy was to create grid- election law, which was endorsed by the lock, delegitimize the government and Socialist Party. Both international and demand early elections. local election observers were present at The strategy failed. Having become a polling stations with agreed procedures NATO member in 2008, Albanians want- ATTENTION WESTERNERS to verify the validity of each ballot. ed additional reforms so as to gain visa Do you want to make a difference? In voting for a slate of different local liberalization from the EU. In a historic Do you want to help Kosovo grow and develop? government positions, voters were decision, the EU decided to grant Do you want to get involved in teaching from primary through to university instructed to deposit their ballots for dif- Albanian passport holders visa-free trav- level classes? ferent offices in designated boxes. Some el in October 2010. Are you interested in a volunteering or part-time admin job in the education? voters, especially young first-time vot- At a time when Europe is deeply con- ers, mistakenly deposited their ballots in cerned about immigration, the decision Universum College in Prishtina is an accredited institution and offers studies the wrong boxes. was a measure of Albania’s progress both at pre-university and university level. We are looking for people Even Albania’s president was caught since the desperate exodus of many interested to join our enthusiastic staff of local and international faculty and on film misplacing his ballot. Albanians to Italy following the 1997 administrators who want to make a difference. Whether you want to Albania’s electoral law had an unfore- financial collapse. volunteer, have a part-time administration job or teaching at any of the subjects you feel comfortable, please contact Chris Lydon at seen flaw. There was no provision for bal- Becoming a candidate for EU member- [email protected] or 049 137 286 to discuss the options. lots that were deposited in the wrong ship is Albania’s next milestone. The EU box. Council of Ministers recently enhanced Without prejudice to the outcome, the More information on our schools can be found at: Albania’s European perspective by iden- www.universum-ks.org Central Elections Commission deter- tifying 12 areas requiring reforms in mined that failure to count votes put in www.universumcollege.org order to become a candidate country. www.agaxhitecollege.org the wrong box would disenfranchise vot- The European integration agenda is a ers and undermine the will of the people. long road. Membership requires compli- Join Us! Make a difference! It ordered a recount in some districts. ance with 60,000 pages of rules and regu- Though Rama led by 10 votes after the lations. By spelling out a reform agenda, th initial tally, a partial recount put Basha AngliaNetworkEuropeandUniversumCollegeareorganizingthe4  the EU has offered Albania a significant  ahead by 78 votes. The Socialists opportunity incentivizing reforms launched a legal appeal to overturn the aimed at harmonizing legislation with ANGLIASUMMERSCHOOL2011 decision to count some misplaced bal- the EU’s acquis communautaire. July4Ͳ8,2011 lots. Rama and the Socialists need to stop August 22 26, 2011 The court ruled in favour of the  Ͳ   complaining and focus on working inclu-  Socialist Party, determining that fair- sively to realize the country’s Euro- LearnEnglishinAction.FullweekofintensiveEnglish. ness would be best served by counting all Atlantic aspirations. Albania’s reputa- Englishthroughactivities,games,quizzes,presentations. misplaced ballots, not only those in spe- tion has suffered enough. Visits,Excursions,BBQs.PresentationsfromtheUKEmbassyofficials. cific districts. Contested ballots in 368 Rising above the fray, Prime Minister NativeSpeakingTeachers. boxes were added to the final tally and Sali Berisha should issue an appeal for Basha was finally declared the winner by national reconciliation and calling for a Forinternationalstudents:Youcanstayatahostfamilyorinthecampusdormitory.A 93 votes on June 25. dialogue on the development of a consen- fullprogramofactivitiesisforeseenfortheboardingstudents. Despite Basha’s victory, the overall sus action plan advancing Albania’s EU  results show that Albania remains candidacy. Albanians must focus on the APPLYNOW!Fewplacesleft! deeply divided. In addition to a virtual greater good setting national interests  draw in Tirana, the Democratic Party ahead of personal gain. ContactHalilBashotaathalil.bashota@universumͲks.orgor044260243formore won the popular vote nationwide while Rama and the Socialists will be tempt- informationonthesummerschoolandapplicationprocedure. the Socialists won most municipalities. ed to act as spoilers. Rama has threat-  Rama has a history of obstructionism ened street protests to overturn the elec- Moreinformationcabbeobtainedfromwww.anglianetwork.euorwww.universumͲks.org and of placing his personal interest over tion result in Tirana. This is a risky and 22 July 1 - 14, 2011 community focus Community News Ecosovo When US and AUK Students restore secondhand is Jewish Cemetery in Prishtina not second best

AUK. I am so proud of what we have done in Prishtina,” By Shengjyl Osmani added Lauren. Susan Matthew, the other By Elizabeth Gowing leader of the Dartmouth group, claimed that they are leven students from proud of the new look of the Dartmouth College and cemetery, and hope these here’s an end-of-term feeling about. Eten students from the graves remain as such for a Not only are Kosovo’s schools on holi- American University in Tday, and summer plans hatching, but long time. Kosovo, AUK, have restored donor-funded projects are wrapping up “We worked under the sun, the rundown Jewish before new initiatives start in September from the morning ‘til the after- Cemetery in Prishtina. and it’s a time when members of the inter- noon, and our hard work goes Dartmouth College in the national community are shipping out. to all these buried people so US, for the tenth year, took a This year I’m aware of these cycles a little bit that they are remembered as group of students of different more because the work I’m involved in is benefit- The now tidy cemetery once having been inhabitants ethnic, religious, and socioe- of this city,” added Susan. ting from them. Word has spread that The Ideas conomic backgrounds to graves have been abandoned Beqiri, spoke on the impor- Dradan Hajrizi, the team Partnership is distributing clothing to Roma, Eastern Europe to carry out a and forgotten, although a tance of preserving and pro- leader of AUK students, said Ashkali and Egyptian families in need in Fushe restoration project. Czech scheme launched in tecting a site that bears testi- that “it is very important for Kosove, and that we’re in need of resources and Alongside peers from AUK, 2008 also attempted to restore mony to a civilization that Kosovo people to still keep the equipment for the classes we’re running for kids the students set about improv- the site to its former beauty. lived in Kosovo for so long. memory of Jews who lived in unable to register in school. ing the cemetery for the once The Czech Embassy in However, the site soon fell Kosovo”. So a big thank you to all those who have hefted vibrant Jewish community in Kosovo and the Kosovo back into disrepair. “As my grandfather told me bin bags of unwanted clothing down their stairs Kosovo. Ministry of Culture, Youth Max Yoeli, a Dartmouth stu- once about the dark history of to our waiting car, have driven bulky items out to Debris was cleared and the and Sports spent 13,000 euro dent, visiting Kosovo for the Jews during the Nazi period, the mahalla in Fushe Kosove, have passed on sta- overgrown grass cut back at for the improvements, which first time, said that the experi- through this project finally I tionery and equipment from offices closing down this neglected Jewish ceme- were unveiled in October 26, ence in Kosovo had been dif- got the opportunity to contin- or wardrobes slimming down. And if anyone else tery, a lone remaining sign of 2009, at which the Czech ferent than the previous ones ue the family tradition, to help has appropriate items needing rehoming do get a dwindling community in Ambassador, Janina in Eastern Europe. Jewish people again, this time in touch. this majority Muslim country. Hrebickova, as well as then “For the first time we are through the cemetery. I hope Of course we are not the only possible home After the 1999 war, these Minister of Culture, Valton working with local peers who really helped us a lot to found Kosovo will continue to show for such surplus – I’m not just posting a ‘wanted’ out more about the genocide how helpful and tolerant we advert here. Everyone will have their preferred history of this newly born are as a nation.” recipient, whether it is through a charitable country,” claimed Max. Anesa Colakovic, AUK stu- organization, or a spontaneous offloading onto Lauren Pace, one of the dent from Mitrovica, added someone seen begging on the street, or the case of team leaders from Dartmouth that this experience had a family known privately to be facing difficulty. students, agreed with Max’s helped her understand that The moral and environmental imperative is to statement and added that the during the history many peo- pass on our unwanted clothes or household or experience in Kosovo is one ple had suffered in the Balkan office items responsibly. that they will remember for and across Europe. Despite the existence of initiatives like ours at good. “The Project Preservation The Ideas Partnership or the Red Cross’ much “As my second year on made me think further about bigger operation, there are really very few for- Project Preservation, I am the people who suffered dur- malised ways for people in Kosovo to redistribute proud to have been one of the ing WWII and their dark end- unwanted possessions. No Freecycle here, no leaders of this year's trip. The ing, a similar picture to what charity shops. Informal systems are fairly wide- work we did was enhanced so we had once gone through,” spread among Kosovars, but – you’ll be familiar much by the friendships that concluded Anesa. with this in Kosovo – they usually depend on hav- we made with our peers at ing personal contact. And that can make things awkward when it’s a matter of passing on unwanted possessions – it means looking some- one in the eye as you hand over the trousers with the saggy seat, or admitting to having bought Prishtina Insight Launches that unwise dress in the first place. If you are a foreigner in Kosovo it also restricts you because your access to communities in desperate need is likely to be limited. When an internationally- Child Cancer Campaign posted family moves on from Kosovo, their clean- er or the driver at work, or the lady in the flat o you want to help save and felt it important to help the city to raise funds. simply install a collection downstairs will probably do well out of their child's life today? Due out. The test is incredibly Already almost 20 interna- box, please email cast-offs, but the unemployed, the marginalized, to a shortage of funds, D effective and simple – all Help tional organisations have [email protected] or call the family from the village - the forgotten – are children being treated at for Children with Cancer agreed to take part. +381 38 24 33 58 likely to remain forgotten. Prishtina’s main public hospi- charity need is financial sup- If you would like to take Please Be Generous and And perhaps all this contributes to the fact that tal are not being given poten- port to ensure that these tests part and help raise funds, or Help Save a Child’s Life Today. in the bins of Pristina you can see heaps of per- tially life-saving tests to detect happen.” fectly usable clothing and objects which had plen- cancer, Prishtina Insight has Help for Children with discovered. ty of life left in them, now tainted with coffee Cancer has already raised This newspaper has decided grounds and old nappies and usable by no-one. 40,000 euro to buy the neces- Help for Children with Cancer to join the charity Help for Of course these then go to landfill and turn sary equipment, but a further Children with Cancer to tack- another few square meters of Kosovan country- 15,000 euro is needed to pur- le this tragedy. side into stinking, unusable garbage heap. Editor Lawrence Marzouk chase the essential reagents, As you downsize, outsource, clean up or move said: “There are many, many and this is where you step in. on this summer, here’s to new homes – for indi- worthy causes which people Your donation will go viduals and also for the items they leave behind. can support in Kosovo so it is towards purchasing reagents difficult to pick one above oth- so these tests can be carried Elizabeth Gowing is a founder of The Ideas ers. out and Leukaemia, and other Partnership, a Kosovan NGO working on educa- Y “But when we heard about cancers, can be diagnosed tional, cultural and environmental projects. She M this story, we were struck at early, saving lives. can be reached at theideaspartner- C how easy it would be to have a Prishtina Insight is distrib- [email protected] K real impact on children’s lives uting collection boxes across July 1 - 14, 2011 23 Classified Contact Prishtina Insight if you would like to advertise Email [email protected]

Embassies and Liaison Offices in Prishtina

American Address: "Nazim Hikmet" no. 30 Arbëria/Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 549 516 Austrian Address: "Ahmet Krasniqi" no. 22 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 249 284 Belgian Address: "Taslixhe" I, 23 A 10000 Pristina Phone: +381 (0) 38 734 734 British Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 6 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 254 700 Bulgarian Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 12 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 038 245 540 Danish Liaison Office in Pristina Address: "Mark Isaku" no. 30 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 246 594 Dutch Address:" Xhemal Berisha" no. 12 Velania, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 224 61 Finnish Str. Perandori Justinian No. 19 Pejton 10 000 Pristina Phone: +386 43 737 000 French Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 67 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 22 45 88 00 Greek Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 68 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 243 013 German Adress: "Azem Jashanica" no. 17 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 254 500 Italian Address: "Azem Jashanica" no.5 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 244 925 Japanese Address: "Rexhep Malaj" no. 43 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 249 995 Classified Ads Luxemburg Address: "Metush Krasniqi" no. 14 Do you have a flat to rent? Position to fill? Students to find for a language course? Why not speak directly to Kosovo’s international com- Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina munity through Prishtina Insight’ classified ads. Phone: +381 (0) 38 226 787 Almost every international organisation, embassy, NGO and many others subscribe to Kosovo’s only English language newspaper, which Malaysian is also on sale at newsstands in seven cities and received in electronic format by scores of paying clients across the world. Address: "Bedri Shala" no. 48 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 243 467 Norwegian Address: "Sejdi Kryeziu" no. 6 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 232 111 00 Easy Medium Hard Saudia Arabian y| y |y |y Address: Dardania SU 7, building 2, #1 10000 Prishtina 481 9 72 Phone: +381 (0) 38 549 203 Slovenian 96 2 95 5346Address: "Anton Ceta" no. 6 10000 Prishtina 47 3 71 94 5 8547 Phone: +381 (0) 38 244 886 Swedish 98 4 7295654Str. Perandori Justinian No. 19 Pejton 234318 3110 000 Pristina Phone: +381 38 24 57 95 728 63 5 4 18 6 Swiss Address: "Adrian Krasniqi" no. 11 863 3678 10000 Prishtina 36952 Phone: +381 (0) 38 248 088 457 86 7486 Turkish Y Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 59 M Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina C 19 2 2 31Phone: +381 (0) 38 226 044 K 24 July 1 - 14, 2011 marketing

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