Opinion: Imaginary Rebellion Foiled in Kosovo

March 25 - April 7, 2011 Issue No. 60 www.prishtinainsight.com Price € 1

NEWS Getting Tahiri: Serbia’s 'Old Mentality' in Gjelane Kosovo Talks to School > page 4

Children who fail to register for their first two years of school have, until now, lost NEWS their chance of ever Long-awaited getting a state Albanian Textbook education. for Serbia's South

See Page 22 > page 5

NEIGHBOURHOOD Kosovo Misses Out On 200 Kilos of Cocaine Seized in Mineral Bonanza Albania > page 9 Kosovo is failing to cash in on precious reserves of indium, whose price has rocketed more than tenfold in recent years as a result of its use in such electronic goods as iPads. FASHION visions, mobile phones and other 20,000kg or 20 metric tons of more indium, as the ultimate size By Petrit Collaku electronic goods grows exponen- refined indium a year by 2012. of its reserves are unknown. ‘Chromo - tially worldwide. Given the current boom in indi- A survey of precious metals osovo is missing out on mil- Industry experts predict that um prices, this would have gener- present at Trepca, the complex some lions of euros a year as a indium prices could reach 3,000 ated the country at least 14 mil- centred near the divided northern Kresult of its failure to Merge’ dollars per/kg because the metal lion euro a year. town of Mitrovica, showed that exploit potentially lucrative is also used in high-tech solar Instead, Kosovo continues to every ton of zinc contained about reserves of a mineral whose value is soaring. panels – of huge interest in these sell unrefined indium for a frac- 200 grams of indium. Extraction > page 18 Indium, a precious metal used energy challenged times. tion of this price to the Swiss firm is reportedly viable when levels in such high-tech equipment as But modest plans to up produc- Glencore in the form of zinc - exceed 100 grams a ton. iPads, aeroplanes and solar pan- tion levels in Kosovo’s mines, par- from which indium is obtained - But no in-depth research has els, has risen meteorically in ticularly at the giant Trepca and lead ore. been made of Kosovo’s zinc value since 2002. plant, have so far stayed earth- Even with an output of only 20 reserves. Figures range from 2 Kosovo’s only English-language Since then, prices have risen bound. tons a year, Kosovo could become million tons in Trepca to 30 mil- newspaper is available: more than tenfold from 90 to 1,000 According to a presentation one of the world’s largest produc- lion across the country. US dollars per kilogramme, as given to potential investors in ers of the metal – and Kosovo Delivered to demand for iPads, flat screen tele- 2007, Trepca hoped to be selling could potentially supply much continues page 2 Your Door

Dell: Bondsteel To Kosovar, Serbian Youth Call From Newsstands Be Wound Down for Dialogue across Kosovo

The US’s large military base in southern “We have more things in common than Sent To Kosovo, Camp Bondsteel, is likely to be differences and we have a lot of issues to Your Inbox closed as attention shifts from the Balkans discuss as neighbours,” said Vjosa Kika, to other regions, according to the from Prishtina, referring to Kosovars and American ambassador to Kosovo, Serbs. “If we are all aiming for economic From Christopher Dell. In an interview with growth and political sustainability, we our partners Jane's Intelligence Review, need to cooperate and find news Dell added that it was... page 3 feature common solutions.”... page 12 see page 16 for more info

is supported by: 2 March 25 - April 7, 2011 news Kosovo Misses Out On Mineral Bonanza A Hot Metal from page 1 explore this or even separate them workers. More than 4,000 have due to the destroyed metallurgical been pensioned off by the Kosovo “Kosovo is aware of the pres- plants,” Shala said. government. ndium is produced mainly ence of indium but the problem is Kosovo has considerable Production started plummeting from residues generated dur- the separation of the mineral,” deposits of cadmium, germanium, in the 1990s as a result of lack of Iing zinc ore processing but is complained Zenun Elezaj, a mem- thallium and gallium, as well as investment, the international also found in iron, lead, and cop- ber of the governing body of the indium, all used in the production sanctions placed on Serbia, which per ores. Independent Commission for of high-tech electronic goods. then ruled Kosovo, and growing Canada is a leading producer. sumed is largely a function of Mines and Minerals, ICMM, the But Shala added that the quanti- friction between Albanians and The Teck Cominco refinery in worldwide LCD [liquid crystal government body charged with ty of rare elements in Kosovo Serbs in Kosovo. Trail, British Columbia, is the display] production. Worldwide running the mining industry. remained unknown given the Lawsuits issued by creditors largest single source indium pro- production is currently at 476 He told Prishtina Insight that paucity of scientific research. since the conflict ended in 1999 ducer, with production of 32,500 tons per year from mining and a the government needed to issue a “The research sector in Kosovo have made the process of finding a kg in 2005. further 650 tons per year from tender to a company to carry out was destroyed 20 years ago, not sustainable solution to Trepca The Malku Khota property in recycling. proper research at Trepca and fur- only in Trepca but in the whole even more difficult. They claim Bolivia is the largest source of Demand has risen rapidly with ther on to an area 80 by 35 kilome- sector of mineral research,” he the industrial behemoth owes indium, with an indicated the popularity of LCD computer tres in size. said. them more than 50 million euro. resource of 845,000 kg and an monitors and television sets, He said the value of Trepca In February, Kosovo’s Supreme inferred resource of 968,000 kg. which now account for 50 per would markedly increase follow- Trepca - a sleeping giant: Court appointed an administrator Adex Mining Inc’s Mount cent of indium consumption. ing a survey of that kind. “We to liquidate the mine’s assets, pay Pleasant Mine in New Increased manufacturing effi- need a detailed study to see how Once one of the most important off creditors and privatise the Brunswick, Canada, holds about ciency and recycling, especially much indium and other rare met- enterprises in former Yugoslavia, plant. 15 to 20 per cent of the world’s in Japan, maintain a balance als are found in the ores,” Elezaj employing more than 20,000 peo- But this decision has met with total known indium resources. between demand and supply. said. ple, Trepca almost came to a com- opposition from many corners, The amount of indium con- (Source: Wikipedia) Ferat Shala, manager of Trepca, plete halt after 1999. including trade unions, Kosovo’s said that while the indium rush Today Trepca has Chamber of Commerce and the brown coal, lignite, could be worth mine under the UN Kosovo mis- gathered momentum in the world, only 1,345 opposition nationalist 7.6 billion euro in the next 25 sion, UNMIK, said recently: “We it seemed to be receiving no atten- active Vetevendosje [Self-determination] years. are looking here for lead and zinc, tion at all in Kosovo. party. To date, the ICMM has issued 21 also some silver, and of course we The trouble was that the tech- Bislim Muca, spokesman for the licences to private firms to explore have our eyes open if we see some nology in Kosovo was not up to mine, claimed that the sole pur- metals, although this has not indication that there could be cop- extracting the element in those pose of establishing the adminis- resulted in much mining. per and gold.” areas where zinc was found, he trator was to liquidate Trepca One of the largest players is Drilling will start this summer said. “and pay off the creditors”. Canadian-based Avrupa Mineral in the licensed zone, near Trepca’s “Trepca cannot treat these pre- “The decision is economi- Ltd, which obtained a new explo- main mine. “If we find something, cious metals because of the cally illogical and we will not ration licence last month for an there are good chances that it destruction that occurred in the accept it,” Trepca’s manag- area covering 36.9 km2, targeting could be close to the surface, not so [Kosovo independence] war,” er, Shala, told Prishtina lead, zinc and silver. The firm now deep, and this permits to open a Shala told Prishtina Insight. Insight. has five exploration licences total- mine very quickly,” Nelles said. Four out of Trepca’s eight ing 185.5 km2 in Kosovo. He recalled that when he man- mines and its two metallurgical Much potential, According to a press release aged Trepca, “I said to the plants, one for lead and one for little action: issued by the firm, the latest area Kosovars, you are still mining the zinc, used to extract metal from has a high potential for the “dis- ore bodies the Romans already the ore, are out of use. covery of new base and precious knew 2,000 years ago. It’s estimated that the “Germanium and other rare metal targets”. “There was no study for many value of Kosovo’s mineral elements are present [in Paul Nelles, Avrupa’s senior years and I think we are on the resources, which include the Trepca] but we cannot representative for Kosovo opera- right track. We think there is a world’s fifth largest reserves of tions and the former head of the good potential, now we have to Protesters Rally in Support of KLA was held in Prishtina, where thou- Kosovo's government and oppo- sands of people participated and a sition parties condemned the top official from the KLA war vet- recent arrests of KLA veterans, By Prishtina Insight erans association conveyed the and the ruling coalition said it was protesters' three demands. confident that the charges would Sabit Krasniqi said that EULEX be proven baseless and libellous, housands of protesters is not needed in Kosovo, and its adding that the KLA had waged across Kosovo joined rallies executive competencies should be war on the then Serbian authori- Ton Wednesday against the withdrawn. ties to protect the country and its recent arrests of veterans of the “If they claim that Kosovo is a people. Kosovo Liberation Army, KLA, young state and there is a need for Protesters said another rally suspected of war crimes. an international mission then let would be held on March 29. Protesters took to the streets to oppose EULEX’s arrest of former KLA members The protesters, who rallied in 26 [EULEX] remain as an advisory towns in Kosovo, were led by the mission,” Krasniqi told protesters. KLA war veterans association, and He said that the arrests of for- KLA Members Face War Crimes Trial asked for the release of all KLA mer KLA members were politically The trial against two former leaders of the Kosovo not guilty and denied the allegations in the indict- fighters arrested by the EU rule-of- motivated and baseless and asked Liberation Army, KLA, who are charged with war ment. law mission in Kosovo, EULEX. for their release. crimes committed against civilians in Albania dur- The EULEX Prosecutor's Office raised the indict- The protest came several days Krasniqi also asked Kosovo’s ing the conflict in Kosovo, has started ment against Geci and Alija in January 2010- the after officials from EULEX arrest- Assembly to approve a bill on KLA The trial of Sabit Geci and Riza Alijabegan began first indictment to be brought in relation to EU ed 12 persons on suspicion of com- war values, asking politicians last Monday before a mixed trial chamber of magis- investigations into KLA crimes. mitting war crimes in Kosovo. from the ruling party and the oppo- trates from Kosovo and the EU rule of law mission The indictment, which covers the period from Among them is Fatmir Limaj, the sition to stand together when in Kosovo, EULEX, and is chaired by EULEX judge March to June 1999, covers instances of torture and MP and former transport minister. addressing issues related to KLA Jonathan Welford-Carroll from Britain. abuse against civilian detainees held in the camps, The biggest rally on Wednesday veterans. During the first hearing, Geci and Alija pleaded though it does not include murder cases.

Y M C +381 38 602042, +377 44 243367, +386 49 243367 K news March 25 - April 7, 2011 3 Serbia’s Wheat Export Ban Editor’s Word Suxhuk Sparks Kosovo Bread Price Fears

ment subsidies would not tempt him to plant more. “We have said By Lawrence Marzouk many times that Kosovo’s govern- By Prishtina Insight ment has to remove the VAT on fuel and create an agricultural bank where we can take loans at a low t’s difficult to imagine at interest rate” he said. first glance that less than 20 he price of bread in Kosovo Tahir Tahiri, president of is expected to rise for the Iyears ago Prishtina and Agricultural Federation Trade Tthird time in four months Ljubljana were part of the same Union of Kosovo, blames Kosovo following a decision last week by country. traders which sell low quality Serbia’s government to ban wheat I hadn’t visited either town at wheat seed. exports. “Inspectors should check what the time, so I cannot give you a The move has again highlighted the traders are selling to farmers first-hand account of how they Kosovo’s dependence on its neigh- because this has a huge impact on have changed, although I have bours for staple ingredients and harvests,” Tahiri told Prishtina no doubt both have moved on the poor state of the country’s agri- Insight. considerably in their own way. cultural sector. He said that many farmers com- I know that Slovenia was Bread prices rose by 30 per cent plain that wheat seed and fertiliz- Yugoslavia’s richest republic, at the beginning of December 2010, ers are producing poor harvests. and Kosovo its poorest province. followed by a second increase due Kosovo’s government has allo- But the gap between the two to the increased price of wheat Serbia has stopped all exports of wheat for three months cated three million euros for wheat imports. today remains staggering in Lumi bakery in Prishtina, said biggest wheat farmers in Kosovo, farmers who have planted two or According to Kosovo’s ministry every conceivable area. And that bread prices will not increase sowing around 150 hectares of the more hectares of wheat for 2010. of agriculture, farmers produce Kosovars today can no longer unless the cost of wheat does. A cereal. Some 13,000 farmers are expect- some 250,000 tonnes of wheat annu- make the trip without a compli- loaf of bread in Prishtina costs 0.40 Even though he owns more land ed to receive the subsidy of 90 euro ally which covers nearly 30 per cated visa process. euro currently. than he cultivates, he has not per hectare. cent of the population’s needs, I mention this because last He added that he has reserves of increased the surface of wheat “I can say it [the subsidy] is help- leaving the country heavily reliant week I took the long but fasci- wheat for just two to three weeks because he is currently making a ful but not encouraging the farm- on imports, particularly from nating drive from Prishtina to for his own business. loss. ers to plant more,” Tahiri said. Serbia. London, via Montenegro, “All bakeries are following the “Prices were under the cost of The law on state reserves was Serbia banned wheat exports Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia. situation in the market and we will production last year and there is ratified last year and the Ministry last week to ensure a steady supply What was perhaps the most be forced to increase the price of no benefit for us if we increase the of Trade has already created the to its internal market and to main- bread if the wheat price goes up,” production,” Berisha told fund to a stockpile wheat to main- striking aspect of the trip was tain prices. Meti told Prishtina Insight. Prishtina Insight. tain prices, but to date this has not how customs, empires, food Luz Meti, owner of the popular Milazim Berisha is one of the He said that Kosovo’s govern- been filled. habits and life shaded into each other. I could not see a great dividing line between nations, there was no frontline in the clash of civilisations, just one village followed by another and a constant fade in and out. Sure, you are more likely to find Austrian-style sausage in Zagreb and Turkish-style sux- huk in Prishtina, but there was no great sausage divide, no bor- der point along the way where you where you were frisked for evidence of cevapcici. If you place the two extremes together – that is Prishtina and Ljubljana –the differences are striking, but fill in the many stages in between and you notice that there is no gaping gulf between the two; both cities are connected in many ways that a causal glance misses. This is, perhaps, the beauty of Europe. An incredible diversity of threads woven together into a patchwork – with some bits a lit- tle more interesting or beautiful or frayed than others, but together all forming a rich tap- estry of culture and history. Dell: Bondsteel To Be Wound Down To return to the food analogy, it is not a meze of individual dishes, but a thick, meaty stew In an interview with Jane's property, and we have no desire wave of democratic uprisings of a thousand flavours. Intelligence Review, Dell added to maintain it any longer than across the Middle East, simply In the ghetto that Kosovo is that it was a “myth” that is absolutely necessary for the calls policy-makers' attention today, it is easy for its inhabi- By Prishtina Insight Bondsteel was developed to proj- support of our presence here... towards the more pressing tants to forget this link with the ect US power in the region and we can even talk about continu- issues of the day,” he said. rest of our great continent: peo- that it was, in fact, a financial ing the US role here without “It is never good to be on the ple confuse being in Europe millstone. front page of The Washington he US’s large military base Camp Bondsteel.” with being in the European As part of the shift in empha- Post because that usually in southern Kosovo, Camp Kosovo is moving down the Union, for example. sis to the European Union, US means that you are a country in TBondsteel, is likely to be US agenda, Dell also told Jane's. Suxhuk is as European as military assets stationed in the “I think you can anticipate that trouble. The fact that Kosovo closed as attention shifts from sauerkraut, we just need to the Balkans to other regions, region will draw down, accord- the pressure of events else- has moved off the front pages is make sure there is a new gener- according to the American ing to the report. where, whether it is the contin- a sign of its continuing ation of Kosovars travelling the ambassador to Kosovo, Dell said: “It[Bondsteel] is a uing situation with progress and the real stability world to argue this point. Christopher Dell. huge liability, a very expensive Afghanistan or the growing here.” 4 March 25 - April 7, 2011 news Tahiri: Serbia Showing 'Old Iowa National Mentality' in Kosovo Talks Guard to Train Head of Kosovo delegation Edita Tahiri said her Serbian counterpart's recent utterances in Kosovo Force northern Kosovo showed that Belgrade's thinking on Kosovo had not changed. Minister says agreement enabling Iowa National Guard to train Kosovo Security Force, KSF, will assist country's integration into international By Petrit Collaku security bodies as well as developing specific skills. he head of Kosovo's delega- tion in ongoing talks with TSerbia has delivered a down- beat assessment of the state of the By Petrit Collaku long-awaited negotiations, criticis- ing her Serbian counterpart's "old mentality". osovo's Security Forces Minister, Agim Ceku, said the Borko Stefanovic, who visited partnership arrangement with the US National Guard the northern, Serb-held, part of Kwas an important opportunity for the KSF to develop Kosovo on Monday, said talks with its capacities and skills. Kosovo would not lead to recogni- The partnership was also a step forward in terms of tion of its independence but would Kosovo's overall integration into NATO and other interna- only address day-to-day issues. Edita Tahiri has lashed out at her Serbian counterparts outdated approach to Kosovo tional security bodies, the minister added. “The fact that Serbian citizens they have retained their old mentality". non-licensed Serbian companies, EPS The programme will centre on training in emergency man- have managed to stay in Kosovo in Tahiri said that Serbia needed realise and Serbia Elektrokosmet, were under- agement, disaster reaction, medical capacities and leader- spite of all difficulties and expul- ship and development. the new reality in Kosovo, which was taking “illegal activities” in the north of sions is a guarantee that the Ceku said the Iowa National Guard had obtained experi- that the country had been fully inde- the country. Republic of Serbia is present in ence of Kosovo, having taken part in the NATO-led mission pendent since 2008 and had been recog- The KEK said the two operators, sup- Kosovo and that Kosovo is part of in Kosovo, KFOR. It therefore had knowledge of Kosovo's nised as such by most EU countries. ported by Serbia’s Elektromreza, EMS, the state of Serbia,” Stefanović particular needs. Its representatives would soon visit Kosovo Serbia insists that Kosovo is a were distributing electricity from sub- said, in the Serb-run northern half to release more details of the programme. province of Serbia and remains an inte- stations to homes and billing customers. of the divided town of Mitrovica. The mission of the KSF is to conduct crisis response oper- gral part of its territory. “Only the KEK is licensed to …supply Tahiri said that Stefanovic’s ations in Kosovo and abroad and assist the civil authorities Tahiri spoke ahead of an expected electricity across Kosovo and no one statement illustrated Serbia's vir- in responding to natural disasters and other emergencies. second round of talks in Brussels on else,” the KEK told Prishtina Insight. tually unchanged mentality on the Such duties include search and rescue operations, explo- March 28, where the topics up for dis- “Users of electricity should not be mak- Kosovo question. sive ordnance disposal, the control and clearance of haz- cussion are energy and telecommunica- ing payments to Elektrokosmet or EPS.” “His statement during his visit ardous materials, fire-fighting and other humanitarian tions. Tahiri said that Kosovo will ask the to Kosovo yesterday was in con- tasks. “If time allows we will also discuss EU foreign policy chief, Catherine formity with my assessment [in The KSF has replaced the Kosovo Protection Corps, KPC. freedom of movement and such issues Ashton, to reward Kosovo for the dia- the first round of talks] that The territory's first quasi-military body was set up after the as [the mutual] recognition of docu- logue that it is conducting with Serbia. Serbia has retained the mentality end of the 1998-99 war between ethnic Albanian guerrillas ments,” she said. She said the government in Pristina of the past,” Tahiri told Prishtina and Serbian forces, and overwhelmingly comprised former Kosovo maintains that Serbia’s ener- wanted to see some progress on EU visa Insight. Albanian war veterans. gy operator is illegally billing cus- liberalisation, a Stabilisation and “Stefanovic is aware of the polit- According to the comprehensive proposal for Kosovo's sta- tomers in Kosovo, denuding Kosovo's Association Agreement and pointers on ical marketing that he is doing," tus settlement, drafted by the former UN special envoy for energy company of about 10 million eventual talks on candidate status. she added. Kosovo, Martti Ahtisaari, the KSF is to have a maximum of euros a year and raising the price of Tahiri told Prishtina Insight that “The Serbian side was construc- 2,500 active members and 80 reservists. power by 20 per cent. Pristina would ask Ashton "to materi- tive in the first talks," she contin- To date, the KSF has 2,147 active members. A recent The country's power company, KEK, alise some benefits [for Kosovo] on its ued, "but whenever they proposed recruitment drive is expected to complete the number. solutions, it made me realise that last October expressed concern that two EU integration path”.

www.prishtinainsight.com Macedonia Row over Cut-price

Publisher: BIRN Treatment for Kosovars Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Concern grows in Macedonia over claims that patients from neighbouring Kosovo will pay no more than locals for can- Mensa e Studenteve, first floor cer treatment. 10000, Prishtina insurance pay 1.7 times higher said. “Our hospitals are in no con- already seeking treatment in Kosovo prices for medical services in the dition to help our patients and for- Macedonia for medical services Phone: +381 (0) 38 24 33 58 state health system. Foreigners eigners as well. This will create that are lacking in Kosovo but did pay 2.5 times more than the lower utter chaos.” Fax: +381 (0) 38 22 44 98 By Sinisa Jakov Marusic not disclose exact figures. sum. Macedonia and Kosovo signed The health ministry wants to [email protected] The changes that Osmani an agreement on medical coopera- make Macedonia more attractive announced suggested that Kosovo tion last year but the exact modali- acedonia's Health Editor-in-Chief: patients would pay the same in ties of the cooperation are yet to destination for sophisticated Minister, Bujar Osmani, Macedonia as local patients with- be determined. health services but insists that it Lawrence Marzouk Mhas moved to calm a row out medical insurance. The health ministry has con- will be very careful not to overbur- [email protected] over claims that sick patients from An opposition legislator, Gjorgi firmed that many Kosovars are den the health system. Editorial Team: neighbouring Kosovo will be able to access cancer treatment in Orovcanec, of the New Democracy Ana Petruseva, Gordana Igric, Macedonia for the same price as party, said the proposal caused jus- Jeta Xharra, Marcus Tanner, locals. tified alarm. “We should be care- Petrit Collaku, Inge Baanders, Shengjyl After saying that the ministry ful, especially at clinics where our capacities are full,” he said. Osmani and Belinda Vrapi was mulling this option, the minis- ter, an ethnic Albanian, insisted Orovcanec noted that the Skopje Macedonian citizens would still Oncology clinic, which treats Marketing, Sales & Distribution: have priority on the waiting lists. patients with malignant diseases, [email protected] “We will certainly take in to con- has only one machine that beams sideration the capacity of our radiation treatment for cancer Design & Layout: “Rrjeti” health system and the best interest patients. The waiting list for it is Y of our domestic patients,” Osmani already several months' long. M Printing: Lindi Printing Center said. “We must have a good pricing C Under current regulations, policy that will prevent an influx Copyright © BIRN K patients who do not have medical of foreign patients,” Orovcanec A row has broken out over Kosovars’ access to Macedonian health services news March 25 - April 7, 2011 5 Long-awaited Albanian Textbook for Serbia's South The introduction of a primer in Albanian in September could be an important step in ending the chaos in the education of young ethnic Albanians in southern Serbia, who have relied on “illegal” imports from Kosovo to date dents were secretly studying from However, this is not the case and, books illegally imported from since books are necessary, people Kosovo. are forced to find a way to buy By Nikola Lazic in “Textbooks from Kosovo arrive books from Kosovo,” Ahmeti Presevo, Bujanovac via private channels - when explains, confessing that, at the returning from there, people hide beginning of the school year, he a few books,” confesses a himself brought some 400 primers, t was a warm September day of Bujanovac professor who insisted 500 other elementary school text- Albanian-language text books are being smuggled into Serbia from Kosovo 2010. when a tractor with a on anonymity. books and about 500 CDs contain- Belgrade is the right way to solve Belgrade have good intentions Itrailer appeared on the border Students study from these books ing material for music classes the problems and that, initially, about solving this problem, but it line between Serbia and Kosovo, at home, but they also often use through one of the illegal border near the village of Medjare close focus will be placed on the young - takes time to make up for all that them in school, he says. crossings. to Presevo. students in the first four grades of has been lost,” says Asani adding “In schools these books are not “I only managed to get the A police patrol monitoring one elementary school. that there are some 13,000 ethnic generally used by everybody, sim- primers to Presevo, the rest fell of the many illegal border cross- The municipalities of Albanians attending elementary ply because they are banned, and into the hands of the police, but no ings stopped the driver and Bujanovac and Presevo, in south and secondary schools in Presevo, teachers don’t want to risk putting criminal charges were filed searched the trailer finding almost Serbia on the border with Kosovo, Bujanovac and Medvedja. themselves and the students in an against me,” he says. 4,000 books - primers and other in which the majority of the popu- National council of Albanians unpleasant situation.” After years of fruitless discus- textbooks for the first grade of ele- lation are ethnic Albanians, are chairman and working group Nedzmedin Ahmedi, in charge sions, the Serbian ministry of edu- mentary school. Written on the still recovering from the armed member, Galip Beciri, says that he of education in the Presevo gov- cation, in association with the accompanying delivery note, was clashes in the region between the is very satisfied with the progress ernment, says that some people national council of Albanians, has the following "The Republic of Serbian security forces and ethnic made so far: “Ethnic Albanian have made quite a good business agreed plans to produce a new Kosovo". Albanians of the Liberation Army students are studying from the from importing textbooks from primer which should go some way The shipment, seized seven days of Presevo, Bujanovac and notes that they take in class, but I Kosovo. towards solving the problem of after the beginning of the school Medvedja, OVPBM. think that we are now heading in “The Serbian authorities are not educating young ethnic year, is currently at a customs ter- These clashes started in the right direction to find a solu- interested in solving the decades- Albanians’ in their native lan- minal in south Serbia, and the fate November 2000 and ended some tion,” Beciri told Prishtina long problem of textbooks in guage. of these books lies in the hands of six months later following the Insight. Albanian language. This is why Representatives of the council, the judiciary because they were intervention of NATO and inter- Nenad Djurdjevic, from the students study using books from which has broad authority in the illegally transported. national mediation. Serbian government's co-ordina- Kosovo,“ he claims. field of culture, information, edu- However, even prior to the As of next school year, ethnic tion body which was set up at the “It would be ideal if ethnic cation and use of native language seizure it was no secret that, Albanians students will have an end of 2000, and which is tasked Albanian students studied using and symbols, say that an agree- because of the lack of alternative approved primer in their native with alleviating the consequences books that are printed in Belgrade. ment with the government in textbooks, ethnic Albanian stu- language, which will solve one of of the clashes and acting as a link the problems dating back to the between the local and central 1980s when schoolbooks were last authorities, says that improve- printed in Albanian. ments in the education of all eth- “Next school year ethnic nic communities is one of the pri- Albanian elementary school stu- orities of this institution: “An dents will get a primer in their agreement was reached at the last mother tongue,” Zelimir Popov of working group meeting in the education ministry and a Bujanovac to draw up a proposal member of the working group for for the final resolution of the textbooks in Albanian, confirmed problem of textbooks in Albanian at the end of February. for the first four grades of ele- “Next school year we will prob- mentary school, and also for those ably have two primers for teach- books whose translation or ers to choose between. One import from Albania has already primer from Albania, and the been agreed, in order to make other provided by the state insti- them available by the beginning tute for textbook publishing,” of the next school year.” Popov explained. He adds that a primer in An agreement was reached at a Albanian is already being drafted meeting of a working group in Belgrade and that professors of which was set up at the end of last the Belgrade Faculty of year and which comprises repre- Philology's Albanology sentatives of the ministry, the Department are involved in its national council and publishers, preparation. which should solve the problem of “ The final licence from the edu- textbooks for the first four grades cation ministry is being issued for of elementary school by the the import of primers from beginning of next school year. Albania,” adds Djurdjevic who A solution for elementary and conceeded that the issue of text- secondary school students will books in Albanian had been neg- follow shortly thereafter. lected for many years. Fatmir Asani, the principal of He also announced that an out- the Naim Fraseri elementary post of the faculty of economics school in the village of Veliki of one of the universities in Trnovac near Bujanovac, says Serbia will be opened in that only first and second grade Bujanovac in autumn where elementary school students have courses and exams will be held in textbooks in Albanian and for just both Albanian and four subjects and that these are Serbian,adding to the one bilin- textbooks from Albania that have gual course that already exists in been reprinted in Belgrade. Medvedja run by the Nis faculty He explains that all other stu- of law and economy, which start- dents are forced to take notes in ed work in October 2009. class from which they then study. Nikola Lazic is a journalist “Books in Albanian were not from Bujanovac. This article was printed for over two decades, and published with the support of the Y a great deal has changed in the British Embassy in Belgrade as M curricula from that time to the part of BIRN's Training and C Presevo valley, which borders Kosovo, is home to Serbia’s largest ethnic-Albanian population present day. The authorities in Reporting Project. K 6 March 25 - April 7, 2011 news Manu Chao Relaunching Music Season in Kosovo

Prishtina is stepping in from the cold after years of being ignored by international artists

as a destination for international founded SURF, an initiative that “Otherwise, my scope of work “Our mission statement is to musical stars with the arrival of seeks “to bridge the cultural will be focused solely on politics bring culture, so we try to bring French artist Manu Chao on April divide” between Kosovo and rest of in the forthcoming period, hoping bands that offer diversity and By Liv Buli 10. Europe. to give some creative input in the alternatives, as two important The organisers are the same But Selimi ran for a parliamen- present state bureaucracy.” concepts of open society. We are group of promoters and activists tary seat in last year’s December His band selection is always not making any money, but at gathered around the SURF collec- elections for the Democratic Party alternative, hence the question of least thousands are enjoying a dif- ollowing unexpected per- tive, which tempted Morcheeba of Kosovo, PDK, and although he whether there is a market for ferent Kosovo, at least for a day.” formances by artists as and Nouvelle Vague to the city last failed to gain a seat in the assem- non-mainstream music in Other music stars visiting Fdiverse as hip-hop icon year. bly, he remains committed to the Kosovo. Kosovo in the next months are Snoop Dog, Morcheeba and neo- Much of the work was initiated career change. “It’s very tough since the city Fool’s Garden (with their hit punk and new wave French stars by Petrit Selimi, the man behind “I will assist my friends to fin- has no real concert infrastruc- “Lemon Tree”), the energetic rap- Nouvelle Vague, 2010 marked a the 50 Cent concert in Prishtina ish what we started last year, ture and no technical resources per Busta Rhymes, and apparent- turning point in Kosovo’s musical stadium, which made the world namely the concerts by Manu to implement the requests put ly either Shakira or Beyonce, in a scene. headlines in 2007. Chao in April and the funky forth by artists, but slowly and big summer event rumored in the This year looks set to carry on Since then, he joined forces with Berlin-based band The Whitest surely, the market is being creat- local press to be organised by the work of establishing Prishtina other artists and activists and Boy Alive in May,” he said. ed as we speak,” he said. President Behgjet Pacolli’s office. Underground Garages to Tackle Prishtina Parking Problem

statue of Adem Jashari and be renamed after the fallen KLA sol- dier, in front of the Youth and By Shengjyl Osmani Sports Centre and next to the University of Prishtina’s Philological Faculty. he municipality of Prishtina Municipality spokesman has announced a public ten- Muhamet Gashi said: “The compa- Tder for the construction of nies are expected to apply within three underground garages in the 30 days, after the announcement of city centre. the tender, in line with the public On March 15, the municipality procurement law. gathered its Board of Directors, “Now we have to wait and see together with Mayor Isa Mustafa, what the interest of foreign com- to discuss the public-private part- panies for this project will be.” nership scheme. During the local election cam- According to the council’s offi- paign in 2009, the current Mayor cial webpage, it has been agreed to of Prishtina, Isa Mustafa, prom- build the garages at three key ised to build underground garages locations and the board autho- to solve the city’s parking prob- rised the city’s procurement office lem. to announce a tender. “Since 2006, the project on The underground garages, underground garages has failed to which will include parking lots be implemented many times Y and commercial areas, will be because of its high cost, and the M located on the site of the current Municipality of Prishtina wasn’t Monument to Brotherhood and C able to afford it from its own budg- K Unity, which will make way for a et,” explained Gashi. business March 25 - April 7, 2011 7 Kosovo to Take on Serbia Blockade at Next CEFTA Meeting Serbia and Bosnia’s continued blockade of Kosovo products will be raised at the next Central European Free Trade Agreement meeting

the CEFTA: To be or not to be?, the think-tank suggests Kosovo may be better off leaving the regional By Besiana Xharra organisation and forming bilateral agreements with friendly coun- tries, such as Albania, Montenegro osovo officials have rejected and Macedonia. a proposal put forward by the This option, however, was firmly Kinfluential think-tank Gap rejected by Keqa. “In the upcoming Institute to pull the country out of talks, we will try to fix the issue of the Central European Free Trade the blockade,” he said. Agreement, if Serbia and Bosnia “Withdrawal will only damage continue to block its products. Kosovo because this deal is a test of Instead, Kosovo, which is cur- EU integration.” rently chairing the organisation, The issue was also raised by EU said the issue of accepting Kosovo foreign policy chief Catherine customs stamps will be raised at Ashton after the start of the talks this year’s second CEFTA meeting between Serbia and Kosovo earlier in late April. this month. Since the country’s declaration Musa Limani, head of Kosovo's of independence in February 2008, Economic Institute, said the prob- goods stamped with Republic of lem needed a quick solution as the Kosovo have been barred from blockade was affecting the compet- entering Serbia and Bosnia. itiveness of Kosovo products. The blockade was introduced, “The blocking of Kosovo goods, despite Kosovo’s membership of so that they cannot be transported CEFTA, an agreement aimed at through Serbia and Bosnia, is done ensuring tariff-free trade across only for political reasons,” he said. the region. “Not passing through these two Flamur Keqa, Kosovo’s represen- countries increases the cost of tative on CEFTA, said he was products so Kosovo products can- unable to raise the problem at this not be competitive in the European year’s first meeting held in market.” Brussels on March 11 as it had not The issue has also been raised by been included in the agenda. Kosovo’s biggest wine producer, Kosovo assumed the chairman- Stone Castle, which has struggled ship of the organisation in to sell its product following the January this year on a rotational introduction of the blockade. basis. Economics expert Bedri Selmani “The first meeting was only to told Prishtina Insight that while report to donors and I could not get there is no solution to the problem, away from the planned agenda,” he Kosovo should respond with its said. own blockade. “As for the blocking of Kosovo “Kosovo should do the same to goods with their customs stamps, Serbia and Bosnia as they are we have discussed it earlier and doing to Kosovo: Kosovo shouldn’t will discuss it again.” allow their goods to come in, or In an analysis published this pass through the country to anoth- month by GAP, entitled Kosovo and er market,” he said. Kosovo is to use its chairmanship of CEFTA to tackle a blockade on its products IMF Voices Alarm over Kosovo Budget in non-performing loans, the bank- vants of 50 and 30 per cent respec- ing sector remains stable,” it tively. The assembly is to discuss it added. on March 25. By Petrit Collaku The IMF mission, led by Costas The draft budget will take the Christou, visited Kosovo from cost of state salaries to 383 million March 7 to 15 for discussions with euros, up from 311 million euros in the authorities on the first review 2010. Kosovo’s budget for 2011 is he International Monetary under the Stand-By Arrangement. 1,264 million euros. Fund has said that Thaci gov- In its meetings with the govern- At Wednesday's meeting of the Ternment's decision to hike ment, the mission said the discus- government, Prime Minister state salaries is not in line with the Stand-By Arrangement. sions on the 2011 budget "advanced Hashim Thaci stated said he hoped The IMF mission to Kosovo has but could not be concluded during parliament, including the opposi- criticised planned substantial the mission’s stay and will contin- tion parties, would approve the increases in the government's wage ue in the period ahead". budget. bill envisaged in the budget draft The finance ministry said the Thaci was decisive on the sub- for 2011. “This increase is not in IMF mission would return in the ject of the promise he made during line with the program objectives near future to continue discus- the election campaign in under the SBA,” the IMF said, refer- sions. “In the meantime, Kosovo's December, when he said that wages ring to the Stand-By Arrangement. government will continue to imple- for many state employees in More positively, the IMF mission ment the programme and will Kosovo were too low. said Kosovo's economic recovery prove ready to fulfil its commit- The Stand-By Arrangement was on track amid “robust growth ments,” Muharrem Shahini, a min- agreement paved the way for a 110- and private sector credit”. istry spokesperson, told Prishtina million-euro soft loan, which “Real output growth is expected Insight. opened the door to a further 300 mil- Y to reach 5.5 per cent in 2011,” The Kosovo's government-approved lion euros in aid from the European M IMF said. “There are encouraging budget for 2011 includes salary Union and the World Bank over the C signs that, despite an adverse trend hikes for teachers and civil ser- next three years. K 8 March 25 - April 7, 2011 neighbourhood business Macedonia's Media Feel Pressure to Conform Reports of newspaper closures and changes in editorial line fuel fears that critically inclined media face a difficult future. ment of attempting to shut it down because ment uses affiliated companies in journalists is clear; they should change of its critical coverage. the same way - telling them their course,” he said. As other media groups where to put Other media houses have already By Sinisa Jakov Marusic report coming under their money for changed editorial direction in apparent increased pressure commercials. response to official pressure. to alter their editorial Some editors Over the past few years, the private tele- line, observers complain that vision station Kanal 5 has gradually altered ermany’s WAZ media group has wonder which the govern- its editorial line from criticism towards denied reports that it plans to down- media will be left to ment also praise of the government. Gsize operations in Macedonia and analyze and cri- uses withdrawal Many connect this to the fact that the TV join the flock of media houses that are seen tique government of advertising station’s owner is a son of Boris Stojmenov, as government supporters. policies. as a negative a parliamentarian allied to VMRO DPMNE. MPM, WAZ’s local subsidiary, which con- “Unfortunately, form of pres- When Kanal 5 sacked several leading trols three daily newspapers in Macedonia, the pressure is sure against journalists last August, they accused the has dismissed speculation about its alleged increasing,” media critical, or pro- firm of acting under government instruc- business plans as malicious and false. expert Roberto opposition, tions. “A consultant analysis is scanning condi- Belicanec from the media outlets. Macedonia’s third private national broad- tions in the company and mulling ways of Skopje-based media watchdog, In an editorial caster, Sitel TV, has also become more pro- rationalizing and saving as well as the Media Development Centre, told Prishtina on March 8, Vasil Mickovski, government. The owner is also a son of an potential for development,” an MPM state- Insight. deputy editor of the weekly Globus, another MP, Ljubisav Ivanov, also a member of the ment on March 12 said. “The problem is that if all the media critically inclined outlet, blamed govern- ruling party. But reports that WAZ plans to shut down become supporters of the government, ment pressure of this kind for the financial With two of the three national TV broad- the daily Utrinski Vesnik have continued, there won’t be any debate. But that‘s exactly troubles that threaten this newspaper. casters already close to the government, fuelling concern about the state of media where we are heading,” he added. Mickovski claimed that the government pressure is mounting on A1 to fall into line, freedom in Macedonia. The newspaper is Ramkovski, believed to own three daily was deliberately directing advertisers away media experts say. known for its critical coverage of the papers, Vreme, Spic and Koha e Re, as well from Globus to bring about its closure. “Is Trosanovski said he suspected that VMRO-DPMNE-led government of Nikola as A1 TV, has been in detention for three there anyone in Macedonia that will dare to Ramkovski’s long period of detention was a Gruevski. months on suspicion of grave financial advertise in Globus?” he asked. “Obviously form of pressure on him to “sell A1, or shift The newspapers own editor has gone pub- crimes. not.” sides”. lic concerning fears that her newspaper His media outlets continue to function, Mickovski said he was disappointed that Ironically, Ramkovski was one of the may close. but in extraordinary conditions, the courts Macedonian society in general was failing biggest supporters of Prime Minister “Perhaps someone does not like us and having frozen their bank accounts. The TV to recognize and combat this subtle but Gruevski after the 2006 elections brought thinks they will be better off doing their station claims the government stands enormous pressure on the media. VMRO-DPMNE to power. murky business without our strong criti- behind the court’s move. Trosanovski believes the government is The love-in broke down in 2008 when A1 cism,” Nina Nineska-Fidanoska wrote in an Marko Trosanovski, a media analyst from slowly taking over critical media outlets in attacked the government for failing to pre- editorial on March 15. the Skopje-based Institute for Democracy, what he calls “a gradual process. vent the collapse of the Swedmilk dairy Without entering into details, Nineska- told Prishtina Insight it was not surprising “The aim is to make the media financially company. Fidanoska added that she hoped the man- that the government aspired to control A1 dependent on input from the government, so As A1 turned from fan into noisy critic of agement would reconsider shutting the and Dnevnik, as the country’s number-one that it can blackmail them,” he opined. the government, drawing predictable ire daily, thus indirectly confirming reports of TV station and newspaper respectively. “By starving them of advertising money from the ruling party, Ramkovski was its possible closure. “Media like A1 and Dnevnik have the and making them unprofitable, the aim is to served with charges for tax evasion and Meanwhile, WAZ journalists working for biggest influence on the public so it’s clear make them eligible for oligarchs close to the financial fraud. Macedonia’s most popular daily, Dnevnik, why any government would like to lay government to take over the control,” he As one media outlet after another drops have leaked reports of an imminent change hands on them,” he said. added. its criticism of what seems an all-powerful in the paper’s editorial stance. Trosanovski said that over the past few This expert said he doubted whether an They say that plans are underway to turn government, criticism of the state of media years the government and the institutions it outcry on the part of WAZ journalists would the daily from a critically oriented newspa- freedom in Macedonia has grown louder in controls had become the leading advertisers make much difference to management per into a pro-government organ, in the Europe. in the country, increasing their potential plans. hope of attracting more advertising from Macedonia’s Deputy Prime Minister, level of influence over the main media. “In a situation where VMRO DPMNE is the government. Vasko Naumovski, felt obliged to assure Data from the national Broadcasting absolutely dominant in Macedonia, WAZ Journalists told Prishtina Insight that European MPs on Wednesday, at a session of Council in 2009 showed that the government cannot afford a confrontation with them, they await the outcome of ongoing negotia- the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs was the second largest advertiser in the especially when they’re so financially tions with management over editorial poli- Committee on Macedonia, that his govern- country that year, spending over 17 million dependant on government ads,” he said. cy, and do not exclude the possibility of ment did not want to control all the media. euros. Albert Musliu, another analyst, said he strike action. He insisted that the problems facing A1 Observers believe that the situation has doubted whether the MPM media “would be Turbulence in the Macedonian media is TV were entirely down to the owner’s fail- not changed since then, with the govern- able to maintain the same critical course as not limited to the WAZ empire. ure to pay his taxes. ment advertising numerous campaigns, for they did before”. The country’s most popular television sta- But the Committee was not persuaded. It issues such as anti-smoking, in those media He detected a trend in the direction of tion, A1 TV, owned by jailed media mogul adopted a resolution on Macedonia reiterat- that broadly support it. self-censorship on the part of cowed news- Velija Ramkovski, has accused the govern- ing its concern about the level of political Critics say the VMRO DPMNE govern- paper editors. “The message towards the interference in the media. Telekom Srbija Bidding Closes saying that the Privatisation chase of the Telekom Srbija Agency had not been consulted, shares, in order to prevent bilater- which represents a violation of al talks between Serbia and By Prishtina Insight the law that should be reviewed by Deutsche Telekom. the Constitutional Court. TA will place a bid which will Others warn that because of its not meet the tender requirements, idding for a 51 per cent of dominant position, the govern- the economic daily learned from state-owned Telekom Srbija ment is merely moving from a an unidentified source, explaining Bclosed on Monday at mid- night, though controversy over the state monopoly of telecommunica- that the Austrian firm will do this sale continued. tions infrastructure to a private in order to remain in the race for The government has set the monopoly, and in the process sti- the purchase of Telekom Srbija minimum price for the shares at fling competition. shares. 1.4 billion euro. So far, the tender documentation According to Wirtschaftsblatt, Belgrade is selling 31 per cent of has been bought by Deutsche Deutsche Telekom has emerged as its shares and another 20 per cent Telekom, Telekom Austria, a favourite due to its share in the owned by the Greek firm OTE. America Movil, Weather Greek OTE, which owns some of Several Telekom worker unions Investments, Turkcell, Vimpelkom the Telekom Srbija shares up for protested against the sale on and France Telecom, which decid- sale, which gives it insight into the Saturday and demanded that ed not to bid. details of the business. Deutsche Telekom is favourite to win the Telekom Srbija sale Y employees and Serbian citizens be A recent report from the Vienna- According to company data, the users in 2009, approximately 60 per Telekom Srpske in Republika M given free shares. based daily Wirtschaftsblatt says national phone company had cent of the mobile telephony mar- Srpska in Bosnia-Herzegovina, C Some experts and analysts have that Telekom Austria, TA, will around 3.2 million landline tele- ket. and Montenegro's MTEL CG K voiced their criticism of the sale, make a tactical bid for the pur- phone users and 5.9 million mobile Telekom Srbija also owns telecommunication company. neighbourhood news March 25 - April 7, 2011 9 Putin Meets Serbian President Rakia Deaths Cause Drinks Tadic in Belgrade Scare in Serbia Kosovo, with Tadic noting that Russia had expressed contin- Fatalities put spotlight on unscrupu- ued support for Serbia's posi- lous producers of popular fruit-based By Bojana Barlovac tion. “We have the highest possi- brandies, who doctor the ingredients ble degree of agreement on ussian Prime Minister international policy issues, to make them stronger. Vladimir Putin has held while Russia's contribution at Rtalks on energy and the UN to the preservation of Kosovo with Serbian President Serbia's sovereignty and Boris Tadic in Belgrade. integrity in Kosovo and Putin and Tadic talked By Bojana Barlovac Metohija is of exceptional behind closed doors for an importance,” Tadic said. hour and 45 minutes, an hour Putin and Tadic discussed longer than planned. erbia’s Ministry of Agriculture has Russian support for Serbia's Following their meeting, ordered retailers to withdraw a brand of initiative before the UN Tadic told reporters that Sthe popular fruit brandy known as “rakia” Security Council to have an Putin’s visit to Belgrade was after two men died from drinking the potion. independent investigator look very successful and would The deaths have raised concern in Serbia into the claims made in raise the level of cooperation over the safeguards concerning the sale of alco- Council of Europe rapporteur between the two countries. holic drinks in the country. Dick Marty's report of human The president explained that Putin and Tadic met in Serbia this week The Institute of Forensic Medicine on organ trafficking in Kosovo he received assurances the Wednesday said it believed a third man may and Albania. “Russian companies will Serbian counterpart, Mirko South Stream natural gas also have died recently as a result of absorbing The Marty report alleges help Serbia build railway lines, Cvetkovic, and the Russian pipeline project would go unacceptably high levels of methanol in the that members of the Kosovo and on the other hand, we delegation visited the ahead as planned. Putin said bloodstream, which it also attributed to con- Liberation Army kidnapped would like to take advantage of Serbian parliament to meet the Serbian section of the sumption of “rakia” produced by Scaid, of and killed civilians in Kosovo the extensive experience of parliament speaker Slavica pipeline was discussed today, Subotica. in 1999 and 2000 and harvested Serbian partners in building Djukic Dejanovic and the adding that he informed his The agriculture ministry said laboratory their body parts. tourist facilities,” Putin said at heads of parliamentary hosts about opportunities that results showed that the fatal drinks contained “This is needed in order to the joint press conference with groups. After this, Belgrade it would bring to the Balkan up to ten times the allowed level of methanol, identify all the culprits, so they Serbian President Tadic. to hosted a special lunch for country. “so the quality and health safety [of the bever- can be tried, which would Addressing Serbia's both delegations in the He stated that Russia's oil age] do not match regulations”. allow for reconciliation in the European Union membership Presidency building. and gas giant Gazprom, which Branko Nesic, head of Serbia's annual rakia region,” Tadic explained. bid, Putin said that Moscow is Putin arrived in Belgrade recently bought a majority festival, said producers who wished to turn out Putin said that Russian not concerned about Serbia's on Wednesday morning, and stake in Serbia's previously a lot of strong drink quickly routinely put more companies will help Serbia aspirations to join the bloc. was welcomed by Serbian state-owned oil company NIS, methanol in the drink than was allowed, build railway lines, while “We will carefully monitor President Tadic and other has already invested 250 USD instead of fruit. “Such rakias are mostly artifi- Serbian construction compa- this and work together so Serbian officials. million, and plans to spend a cial, or as we say in the profession, perfumed,” nies would participate in the European integration does not Tadic said that the two further 500 USD million this he said. preparation of the Winter harm Russian-Serbian rela- countries are bound by cen- year. Due to the presence of pectin in the fruit from Olympic Games in Sochi in tions,” Putin told reporters. turies of friendly relations, The two leaders also which rakia is made, methanol is inevitable in 2014 and the Football World Tadic stressed that “the explaining that Belgrade and addressed the situation in small amounts. But unscrupulous producers Cup 2018. strategic orientation of Serbia Moscow have historical and add in more, to make it stronger. It makes the is to be a member of the spiritual ties, with similar process of making the drink cheaper and thus European Union” but that languages and flags. more affordable for consumers. Serbia also has a “strategic The Serbian president told “Plum rakia should not cost less than 500 to interest regarding cooperation reporters that they had 700 dinars [about 5-7 euro] in the shops,” Nesic with Russia, including ener- “reached agreement to build said, noting that the toxic Scaid brand was sell- gy”. relations for the future based ing for 300 dinars a bottle. “I do not see the possibility on mutual interests”, The company closed earlier this year owing for the EU to solve its energy announcing that Belgrade to growing debts. Since then, production of needs without a partnership and Moscow would sign an rakia under the company's name has been ille- with Russia,” Tadic said, and agreement on strategic part- gal. If police find out the lethal drink was made expressed confidence that nership in the coming since the firm closed, those found responsible “Serbia will be part of that months. can expect from two to 12 years in prison. arrangement”. “That would not have mate- This is not the first time that the famous The two delegations signed rialized without your contri- Balkan brandy has taken lives in Serbia. several bilateral agreements bution,” Tadic said, address- Thirteen years ago, Serbia was rocked by scan- in the fields of tourism, sci- ing Putin. dal when 43 people died and another 56 were entific cooperation and road “I was here ten years ago poisoned as a result of methanol levels in a transport. and want to see how Serbia is brand of rakia. The producer, Miroslav Putin has also met with his now,” Putin said. The two statesmen discussed cooperation in various fields Zivadinovic, from Nis, was jailed for 12 years. 200 Kilos of Cocaine Seized in Albania were seized in the largest cocaine bust ever tinue to be directed towards Western seen in the country. Europe, shipments to East European and The police operation and the seizure of Balkan countries are now being detected. By Besar Likmeta the record quantity of cocaine comes amid “This raises concerns about the develop- growing cooperation between Albania’s gen- ment of new trafficking routes and/or the eral prosecutor’s office and counterparts in incorporation of cocaine into the range of n international investigation by pros- several EU countries, which has led to the products offered by traditional heroin traf- ecutors in Belgium, Spain and seizure of several shipments of cocaine ficking groups operating along the Balkan AAlbania has led to the arrest of sever- from South America in the past year. route,” the report says. al suspects and the confiscation of 200 kilo- In November eight kilos of cocaine from Cocaine shipments via the Black Sea to grams of cocaine in Albania. Bolivia were intercepted in the port of Romania and via the Adriatic Sea to Sources inside the office of Albanian Durres, and five suspects were arrested. Montenegro have been observed in particu- General Prosecutor Ina Rama told Prishtina The United Nations Office on Drug and lar. Insight that the arrests made in southern Crimes, UNODC, in its 2011 report “The smugglers knowingly use the cor- Albania came “after the controlled delivery expressed increased concern about the pas- ruption, instability and institutional prob- of the drugs, which were intercepted in sage of cocaine along Balkan smuggling lems of some Balkan states,” says the Spain.” routes. report. “The best way to fight this phenome- Police put a GPS device on the truck in According to the report, while most non is improving the legal system and fight Spain to track the transport of the drugs cocaine shipments from South America con- against corruption,” it added. and their delivery in Albania, where they The cocaine seizure was Albania’s largest ever 10 March 25 - April 7, 2011 neighbourhood Albanian Muslims Fear Comment: Croat The inability of Bosnia’s political system to represent Croat Veil Ban Will Fuel Stigma interests will bring the stricken country to its knees – and provide useful cover for the Bosnian Serb leader’s plans. Women who wear the Islamic headscarf say that the new education bill, banning religious the Federation cannot accommo- symbols from state schools, will add to the discrimination they already face. date their political aspirations. Bosnian Croats also vote in By Matthew Parish Croatian elections, and the only incentive previously keeping Zagreb quiet in the face of By Blerina Moka Bosnian Croat demands for n November 2009 I predicted secession, or further devolution, the independence of Republika was the lure of EU membership. ISrpska. Since then, events As that prospect looks more Oh, you are the girl, I’m sorry, have passed more quickly and distant, the moderating influence but the position we advertised have taken a more surprising of the EU accession process has “has already been filled.” So turn than I had imagined. The evaporated and Bosnian Croats said the man in a business suit, catalyst for Bosnia’s final col- are unleashed to pursue their ending Edlira Celmeta’s job inter- lapse was the victory of the political ambitions. view before it had started. Social Democrats, SDP, in the The 27-year-old thought she had October 2010 general elections. HDZ and HDZ-1990 have a com- everything required when she Over the course of 2011, an mon immediate goal: creation of applied for the position. With a col- increasingly sorry narrative of a third Entity, dominated by lege degree in French and a mas- irreversible political ruptures Croats. SDP coalitions with ters in business and administra- will permanently disfigure minority Croat parties at HDZ’s tion, her resume had impressed Bosnia’s political composition. It expense would thereby become a the company when she first will be a dangerous year, in thing of the past. Revenge for the applied. pretence that Komsic represents Albana Muja faces discrimination because she wears a headscarf which political instability will But soon after she walked compound the economic misery Croat interests would be sweet. through the door, expecting to pass Muslim, religious expression, symbol, it’s a religious obligation to which Bosnians are inured. After they get their entity, or if her interview with flying colours, especially when it is non- and not a matter of choice,” he Bosnian Croat politics, previ- they cannot get it, the ultimate her qualifications suddenly Christian, tends to be frowned on continued. ously muted, are now bringing goal is the secession of “Herzeg- appeared to lose their value as the as un-European. The ministry denies targeting the country to its knees. As in Bosna” and union with Croatia. man sitting opposite became During the regime of Stalinist Muslims but says the law must be prior elections Bosnian Croats In this irredentist agenda the transfixed by the idea of hiring a dictator Enver Hoxha, Albania aligned with Albania’s constitu- voted overwhelmingly in October Bosnian Croats have found an woman in a headscarf. outlawed religion completely and tion, which denominates state 2010 for two nationalist parties, unlikely ally in the shape of the Albana Muja also studied any public expression of faith was schools as secular. the Croatian Democratic union, the President of the Bosnian French at the University of severely punished. The ministry points out that the HDZ, and its splinter sister party, Serb entity, Republika Srpska. Tirana, completing her education Although churches and bill is still being discussed with HDZ-1990. Milorad Dodik supports Croat with two masters degrees in mosques that were closed during interest groups and has not yet Nevertheless Bosnia’s political aspirations for their own entity, French and international rela- the communist period reopened reached a final version. system has been incapable of because any programme that tions. But the only school where after the regime collapsed in 1991, “The bill will respect both the representing Croat political pref- divides the Federation empowers she has found employment is a many women who wear the constitution and the laws against erences. The Croat member of him. religious one. Muja also feels that Muslim veil today face discrimi- discrimination,” minister Tafaj the tripartite Bosnian This explains Dodik’s recent it all has to do with wearing a veil. nation in the workforce and in assured in January. Presidency, Zeljko Komsic, is a rapprochement with Croatia’s “I’ve knocked on many doors school. They say potential employ- Elsa Balluari, head of the member of SDP, a party which President, Ivo Josipovic. Behind but the response has been always ers turn them down based only on Human Rights Group, believes the purports to be multiethnic but in the expressions of mutual regret negative,” she recalls. “The only their appearance. legal changes are unnecessary. reality is overwhelmingly for wartime hostilities and pub- place that’s allowed me to teach is While the new education bill “Albanian society has an Bosniak. lic commitments to resolving a tutoring centre funded by an proposed in January by the ingrained fear of Islamicisation, Hardly any Croats voted for environmental problems, their Islamic foundation,” she says. Minister of Education, Myqerem especially of young women wear- Komsic but he was elected private agenda is more elemen- Neither woman expects her job Tafaj, bans all religious symbols ing the veil, which often is not jus- nonetheless, due to Bosnia’s tary. Dodik will support Bosnian prospects to improve in future. from state schools, whether tified,” she said. unusual electoral rules. While Croat aspirations for detachment Albania is tightening its Christian or Islamic, imams com- Ballauri and her organisation there is an ethnic quota for many from Bosnia in exchange for employment legislation against plain that the real target is the maintain that the provisions of elected officials, including the Croatia’s acquiescence in the devout Muslims. The ministry of veil. current bill are unclear and leave Presidency, the same quota does separation of Republika Srpska. education plans to introduce a new Albania’s union of imams, space for interpretation. not apply to voters and any Thus Dodik stokes the collapse bill that will formally ban all reli- LHSH, is calling for the bill to be Meanwhile, banning teachers or Bosnian citizen can vote for any of the Federation, and relishes gious symbols from schools. amended on the grounds that the students from public schools candidate for the Presidency. watching from the sidelines as Human rights activists, as well veil is not a mere symbol for because they wear veils “would Irrespective of who votes for Bosniaks and Croats lock in com- as Muslim groups, fear that the Muslims but is central to their and should be considered an them, one candidate from each bat. This alleviates international stigma against women wearing religious identity. abuse of human rights”. ethnic group, who receives the pressure against his own seces- veils will only grow deeper in “Every humane law should Rights groups say that enforce- largest number of votes, is elect- sionist project and provides him what is already a staunchly secu- respect the standards of the com- ment of veil bans by teachers has ed. with breathing space to take a number of symbolic actions that lar society. munity,” Justinian Topulli, a the- forced Muslim girls out of school, Thus Komsic was elected to the strengthen Republika Srpska’s Albania is one of only three ologian from the LHSH, told impeding their right to an educa- Presidency on the votes of countries in the Balkans, and Prishtina Insight. tion. already advanced state of auton- Bosniaks, who are perhaps four indeed Europe, in which Muslims The education bill should be In 2008, two girls were expulsed omy. In recent weeks, Dodik has to five times as numerous as are the largest faith community, “amended and adapted so as not to signalled his intention to destroy from a middle school in Tirana Croats, although the vast majori- the others being Kosovo and infringe on expression of reli- the Indirect Taxation Authority, after they started coming to les- ty of Croats voted for other can- Bosnia. gious faith in public spaces,” he undermine the State Court and sons wearing the veil. A year later didates. Bosniaks have obtained Although an estimated 70 per added. assume entity control over extra- the parents of another girl sued two members of the three-man cent of Albanians indentify as “The veil to us is more than a the city school board after a school dition policy - arguably a breach Presidency, and the ethnic com- of the Bosnian constitution. refused to admit her to class pact on which the Dayton Peace because of her veil. After the law- He has also declared that Accords were built was thereby Bosnia’s High Representative, suit was filed the school withdrew undercut. Valentin Inzko, has no authority its decision and reinstated her Now matters are getting worse. over the Serb half of the country. again. The SDP has managed to form a Whereas Dodik’s attacks upon Albania’s Anti-Discrimination government in the Federation Bosnia’s foreign governors and Commissioner, Irma Baraku, with marginal minority Croat the state would previously have wants officials to revisit the bill. “I parties, meaning that the two been met with outrage, his cur- urge the ministry to re-draft the allied HDZ parties, which repre- rent actions are barely a distrac- articles of the bill that regulate sent the vast majority of Croat tion from the Bosniak-Croat con- the presence of religious symbols political opinion, are frozen out frontation that threatens to fis- in public institutions,” she said in of the entity’s government. sure the Federation’s politics. a recent statement. The new government will There is no pressure upon him to Y “The ministry should take into therefore reflect Bosniak inter- agree to the formation of a state M account suggestions made by ests at the expense of those of government for as long as the C those communities that are direct- Croats. Croat politicians and the Bosniaks and Croats are at log- K Religious symbols will be banned in schools if a new law is passed ly affected by the draft,” she added. Croat public have concluded that gerheads. neighbourhood March 25 - April 7, 2011 11 Crisis Pushes Bosnia Towards Endgame

Belgrade, led by the nationalist links are in Bosniak east Mostar, Tomislav Nikolic, will not be while the commerce and industry inclined to oppose him. is in the Croat west. Perhaps the most important An uneasy truce is observed outstanding question is whether along an unreconstructed front Bosniaks will take up arms to line. The international communi- prevent the disintegration of ty has overlooked the real possi- their country. Widespread vio- bility of a conflagration in lence seems unlikely. The three Mostar erupting at any time. different peoples of Bosnia have Brcko also remains problematic become used to living apart in because under US tutelage the 15 years since the war ended. Bosniak refugees returned to the They have no incentives to town in significant numbers; yet murder their neighbours, as they that town centre must now form once did, because they are no the land bridge between the two longer mixed together; the war parts of Republika Srpska, if divided the country into mono- Dodik is to achieve his goal. ethnic Bantustans and despite all While Brcko has fewer guns the international community’s than Mostar, there is a real risk efforts, that has not been signifi- of ethnic confrontation there if cantly reversed. For most the transition to Republika Bosniaks, Republika Srpska is to Srpska domination of the town is them much as is Kosovo to the not managed smoothly. Serbs: a land that invokes raw As the Peace Implementation emotional responses of resent- Council prepares finally to bring ment, imagined as occupied by a the shutters down on OHR Brcko, hostile alien people. just six months into the new But, ultimately, it is a place Brcko Supervisor’s mandate, this they never visit, and the increas- is a ball that the US government, ing political autonomy of Serb Brcko’s traditional guardians, and Croat parts of Bosnia makes seems destined to fumble. no practical difference to them. The future of Bosnia without Just as the Serbs view Kosovo, heavy international oversight is Bosniaks will remain perennial- inevitable disintegration. The ly bitter and hostile to those asso- international community should Mostar: A symbol of division between Bosniaks and Bosnian Croats ciated with what they have lost; now be focused upon managing The principal cause of the con- power-sharing central govern- are sufficiently united to ensure but as with the Serbs over the side-effects of this ugly temporary crisis has been an ment, but the attempt has failed. that it would be political suicide Kosovo, they will not fight. process rather than striving to irreversible loss of interest in Bosniaks therefore would do for any minority Serb party to Whatever political developments keep alive a discredited vision. Bosnia by the international com- better to focus on wealth creation form a pact with SDP. unfold in the coming months and munity. After the 1995 Dayton and consolidating their political In the meantime, Inzko is years, the country is already Matthew Parish was formerly Peace Accords were signed the authority in areas of outright intent on withdrawing this divided and the status quo is not the Chief Legal Adviser to the West embarked on an aggressive Bosniak control. Business inter- August. The plan apparently con- threatened. International Supervisor of programme of state-building, ests should trump intractable ceived in the hallways of This cautious optimism has Brcko. His first book, ‘A Free City creating institutions of central political battles. The Serbs and Brussels is to have him semi- two caveats, Mostar and Brcko. in the Balkans: Reconstructing a government for which there was Croats should be left to go their retire to Vienna. There he will The divided towns were thorns in Divided Society in Bosnia,’ is no consensus amongst Bosnia’s own ways. formally remain High the peace negotiations at published by I.B. Tauris. His new three national groups. Their parts of the country will Representative, with the so- Washington in 1994 and at book, ‘Mirages of International Now Western attention has inevitably remain poorhouses called “Bonn powers” that allow Dayton in 1995 and remain prob- Justice: The Elusive Pursuit of a frayed, and those institutions because the Bosniaks possess the him to impose and dismiss offi- lematic to this day. Mostar, the Transnational Legal Order,’ is have become a battleground affluent and cosmopolitan capi- cials, but without continuing to Bosnian Croats’ capital, permits published by Edward Elgar. amidst the ruins of which tal, Sarajevo, and the country’s swim daily with the sharks in the no easy division: the tourist www.matthewparish.com Bosniaks, Croats and Serbs fight principal industrial centres of politically toxic waters of attractions and infrastructure for irreconcilable political aims. Tuzla and Zenica. Serbs and Sarajevo. This non-resident High The Dayton constitutional Croats present no economic Representative will be taken even structure was never sustainable threat to an autonomous Bosniak less seriously than he is now. as a permanent political settle- territory, which will do better The EU successor mission, in ment because it was forced upon unconstrained by the obligation theory devoted to Bosnia’s non- the antagonists using diplomatic to seek impossible political com- existent process of EU accession, and military threats. It was only promises. will watch helplessly as Dodik’s a matter of time before this But this vision, which was the withdrawal from the state external pressure evaporated source of reconciliation last year becomes ever more irreversible and the system blew apart. between Izetbegovic’s Party of and as Croats and Bosniaks hurl The limit of the international Democratic Action, SDA, and insults at one-another over the de community’s attention was Dodik’s Independent Social facto collapse of Federation insti- approximately 10 years from the Democrats, SNSD, has been tutions. end of the war. Since then, the eclipsed by the new Bosniak poli- Neither Croats nor Serbs will artificially constructed Bosnian tics of SDP and its leader, Zlatko issue declarations of independ- state has become increasingly Lagumdzija. ence this year; they will not need dysfunctional, and there is no Under the pretext of pushing to. An aggressive agenda of pub- reason why that trend should be for a unified multi-ethnic Bosnia, licly repudiating the Dayton reversed. SDP has created political con- political structures will keep The sole hope for Bosnia’s con- frontations that it cannot win them popular with their elec- tinued territorial integrity was a without the strong support of the torates, deflecting attention from strand of Bosniak political think- international community. Croats Bosnia’s deepening economic ing embodied in Bakir and Serbs will unilaterally with- malaise. The country may Izetbegovic, the current Bosniak draw from state and Federation remain in a theoretical legal member of the country’s institutions dominated by SDP union for some years to come, but Presidency. Izetbegovic’s philoso- and its faux pretence of multi- the last vestiges of multi-ethnic phy differs dramatically to that ethnicity. political cooperation ceased of his father, Alija, the wartime Although SDP has managed to some months ago and will not be Bosniak President who advocat- create an artificial coalition in revived. ed a unified state in which Islam the Federation with fringe Should the centrist govern- would be the prevalent political Croatian parties, the arithmetic ment in Belgrade fall over the influence. of the state parliament will not next 12 months, Dodik may Bakir’s view is that Bosniaks allow it to do the same thing become emboldened in his cen- have tried to seek reconciliation there without the support of trifugal strides away from with Serbs and Croats since the some or all of SNSD, HDZ and Sarajevo, knowing that a less end of the war, embodied in a HDZ-1990. Bosnian Serb politics compromising government in 12 March 25 - April 7, 2011 feature Kosovar, Serbian As Belgrade-Prishtina talks got underway earlier this month in Brussels, young ethnic Albanians and Serbs met in Montenegro to hammer out their own ideas about their two peoples’ futures. honest”. Civil and cadastral registers, improving regional economic By Shengjyl Osmani cooperation, air traffic, telecom- munications and customs stamps EU talks must tackle the issue of Kosovo’s north, according to ICG were among the issues touched on. A second round of negotiations is We have more things in com- on March 28. mon than differences and we Kika said that lack of free move- have a lot of issues to discuss Crisis Group “ ment between Serbia and Kosovo as neighbours,” said Vjosa Kika, from Prishtina, referring to was having an especially negative Kosovars and Serbs. “If we are all impact on youngster from Addresses North aiming for economic growth and Kosovars, who often can’t attend political sustainability, we need to cultural programmes, festivals or summer universities, “because we Hana Sahatqija cooperate and find common solu- struggles to forget the past tions.” cannot travel freely through Kosovo Issue Law student Kika was one of Serbia”. Serbia refuses to accept and a solution to the divided While Prishtina and Belgrade talks have begun with techni- around 50 young, politically aware Republic of Kosovo passports. northern town of Mitrovica were participants from Kosovo and “Serbia considers itself a demo- other crucial problem areas to be cal topics, the real dispute between the two sides is most Serbia taking part in a meeting in cratic country, but it does not resolved, according to Kika. acute in the north of Kosovo, the International Crisis Montenegro organised by the NGO respect the freedom of movement “I believe that within 10 years, Youth Initiative for Human Rights because of its policies toward Serbia might recognise Kosovo, as Group says. to discuss how negotiations Kosovo,” she said. a result of changes in their gov- pensate for losing the rest of its between the countries could and She expected Serbia to finally ernment and shifts from their old former province.’ should improve their lives. draft a report on people missing politics,” she said. Though Belgrade and the politi- Kosovo and Serbia wrapped up from the independence conflict in Young people from both sides By Petrit Collaku cal elite in the north belong to dif- their first round of talks since the the 1990s and stop lobbying needed to “act in a more effective ferent parties and are bitter former province’s 2008 declaration against foreign recognitions of way, and change old politics into rivals, the report reads, they share of independence on March 9. The Kosovo’s independence. new, modern ones”, she concluded. one common interest: keeping EU mediator, Robert Cooper, hile the two sides will Serbia’s financing of so-called Luka Bozovic, a political science Prishtina out and blocking any described them as “friendly but “parallel” institutions in Kosovo student from Belgrade, said that address regional coopera- international initiative that could Wtion, communications, strengthen common Kosovo insti- freedom of movement and the tutions, notably police and courts. rule-of-law in the talks that began “Two other groups, former local in Brussels last week, Belgrade and Prishtina should use the EU- leaders who retain strong influ- facilitated talks to consider auton- ence behind the scenes and an omy for the North in exchange for organised crime underworld Serbia’s recognition of Kosovo focused on smuggling, share this statehood, the latest report from one overriding goal,” report the leading international think reads. Marketing tank reads. In addition, Serbia’s money to The report, entitled “North the north, which stands at 200 Kosovo: Dual Sovereignty in million annually, down from over Practice” and released on March 300 million in the middle of the 14, claims that the northern part of previous decade, is seen as a Kosovo will remain for some time major obstacle to the region’s inte- under the dual sovereignty of gration into Kosovo. Serbia and Kosovo, and notes that “As long as Serbian money sus- the region is likely to be the main tains their way of life, obstacle for Serbia and Kosovo's Northerners have little incentive EU bids. to compromise,” the report states. The group recognises that the While the region is often reput- political will for resolving the ed to be anarchic and dominated question of the north may not be by gangsters and corrupt politi- found in the near future, and cians, the ICG writes that the real encourages the sides to prevent problems are contraband and the dispute from blocking progress intimidation directed at political in other areas. The report calls on and business rivals and anyone Prishtina and Belgrade to "seek associated with Prishtina. flexible, interim solutions to It notes, meanwhile, that the improve law enforcement, customs Albanian-Serb networks function collection, and allocation of finan- well on smuggling goods, especial- cial aid in the North". ly diesel fuel from Serbia via the Crisis Group describes the north to southern Kosovo, free of attempts of the government in duty and tax. Prishtina to gain control over the In its conclusions, the ICG northern part of Kosovo, seeking claims that carrying on with the to rid the region of Serbian insti- status quo in the north is the most tutions and offer a degree of likely option, and the lesser evil. autonomy, as suggested under the While a long-term solution may Ahtisaari plan. be to allow greater autonomy for Despite Prishtina's efforts, the Kosovo's north in exchange for north, which is mainly inhabited Belgrade recognition, the Crisis by local Serbs who see the region Group notes that this option seems as their last stand, remains under unlikely at the moment. the firm influence of Serbia. “But neither Belgrade nor The Crisis Group writes that Northern Kosovo Serbs are ready "Belgrade will continue to use its Y to sign on, and the international influence in the North to reach its M community has few levers with primary goal, regaining the C which to exert pressure,” the region as a limited victory to com- K report reads. feature March 25 - April 7, 2011 13 Youth Call for Dialogue

talking to one another was an flict, I couldn’t bear to hear any- important step forward for the thing about them [Serbs],” she people of both countries. said. “During the war, we suffered “Dialogue is the best way that we a lot and it wasn’t easy to forget Kosovo-Serbia can solve our problems,” he said. the past so quickly.” “Without new connections and Now she felt it was time to move without a dialogue there cannot be on. “Sooner or later, dialogue must progress. The dialogue is impor- take place and it is to our benefit if Talks to tant for solving bread-and-butter it gets going as soon as possible,” problems that people from both she said. countries have, like health insur- “We’re neighbours and need to ance, and travel documents,” he cooperate, and this cooperation is said. more than necessary for trade and Resume in Bozovic said that the most freedom of movement,” she added. important issue for young Serbs “Dealing with the past, focusing attending the conference was the on economic cooperation and stu- question of missing persons from dent exchange programmes are Late March the 1990s conflict. “There must be some the ways that will change a report on missing people: their people’s minds and result in posi- orislav Stefanovic, the head of Serbia's delegation for talks between Prishtina and Belgrade, said on Monday relatives have a right to know what Luka Bozovic tive progress for the region,” Hana have happened with their loved hopes Serbia will recognise Kosovo Bthat the dialogue will resume at the end of March. added. Appearing on broadcaster B92, Stefanovic said that the talks ones,” he said. eventual recognition of Kosovo’s Dardane Sylejmani, a young would continue with work on problems that both sides hope to “We need the facts, and while independence was inevitable. man from the mainly Albanian resolve, including cadastres, registry books, air traffic, telecommu- dialogue might not solve this issue “Serbia will wake up, accept town of Presevo in southern nications, customs seals, and the presidency of CEFTA, the south- soon, it would create an opportuni- reality and face the truth that Serbia, said people from his area east Europe free trade area. ty to solve it as soon as possible,” Serbia lost Kosovo and that this wanted to be sure that the specific Belgrade and Prishtina opened talks in Brussels on March 8, the added Luka. was Serbia’s own fault because of issues facing south Serbia and its first face-to-face discussions since Kosovo unilaterally declared its This Serbian student agreed its politics and policies of repres- large ethnic Albanian population that freedom of movement was sion during the 1990s,” he said. should not be forgotten. independence from Serbia in February 2008. another essential area to address, This would probably happen Serbia’s non-recognition of Speaking on Monday, Stefanovic stressed that Serbia will not give as ignorance breeds mistrust. “If when Kosovo and Serbia joined the Kosovo university degrees was a up its sovereignty and will not recognise Kosovo’s unilaterally you have no opportunity to travel European Union as two different big issue in his community. declared independence, adding that the authorities are now focused freely and meet ‘the other side’ countries. “Kosovo diplomas aren’t recog- on solving concrete problems. then, of course, prejudices will Hana Sahatqija, a student from nised [in Serbia] so you cannot get On some matters, the two sides managed to get closer in their still exist,” he said. Prishtina, said her personal fami- a job,” he said. stances, Stefanovic said, as in the case of the CEFTA presidency, “People need to learn to see ly experiences of the Kosovo con- Albanians in Serbia wanted to and on some the teams from Prishtina and Belgrade have not yet things differently and break the flict long tainted her feelings see an end to discrimination in managed to agree, such as with customs seals. cycle of fear by being able to move about talks and about dialogue in their hometowns “and have the The negotiating parties reached common ground regarding the round the region,” he added. general. same rights that the Serbian need to exchange data in the field of cadastre and registry books in Bozovic considered that Serbia’s “For several years after the con- minority has in Kosovo,” he said. order to make it easier for citizens to get these documents. Stefanovic said that no one will cede Serbia’s original registry books because that would mean giving on its sovereignty, noting that only exchanges of copies or providing insight into data would Kosovo ‘Costing Serbia be possible. €450m a Year’, NGO Marketing NGO questions what it sees as uncontrolled and far from transparent spending on Kosovo, while minister insists cost is far lower and is carefully monitored.

euros annually, including salaries, pensions, social benefits and capital investments," the Minister for Kosovo and Metohija, Goran Bogdanovic, told By Gordana Andric Belgrade's B92 recently. But according to Policy Centre's records, gathered Serbian NGO has worked out that Belgrade so far for 2010, the government spent almost the same has spent about 450 million euros each year on amount then as it did in previous years. Kosovo's only real Irish Pub... Asocial programmes, salaries and various proj- “According to what we have gathered, expenditures ects in Kosovo over the last decade. are at the same level [as before],” Popovic said. “Some The figure of almost half a billion euros a year was state bodies did reduce giving, but others, such as calculated by the NGO Policy Centre, which gathered ministry of youth and sport, have doubled theirs,” he the data from 18 ministries, six public companies and added. 10 state institutions. Popovic says the real question is not how much Every Thursday “It’s hard to get hold of information on government money was given but what it was spent on. “There is spending before 2003 because before that year federal no transparency when it comes to the money that at 7.30pm institutions were in charge," the director of Policy goes to Kosovo,” he said. “Some institutions that sent For 20% off all bar food! Centre, Dragan Popovic, said, referring to the now us their records provided just a general figure, with- charity defunct State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. “But out a list of things on which the money was spent.” records show that since 2003 spending has averaged He said that while government money is intended around half a billion euros a year,” he added. to support Serbs living in Kosovo, “at the same time The figure might be even higher, given that Policy we read in the media that the work of soup kitchens Centre says it still hasn’t asked for data from several is jeopardized”. other ministries and public companies, such as the Minister Bogdanovic insists that expenditure on ministries of justice, culture and economy and the Kosovo is carefully monitored. telecom company. The ministry of finance declined to “Tenders are obligatory and we've reduced the provide the requested data. price of house constructions... so that the construc- Serbia finances a range of social programmes in tion of apartments, houses and nurseries now costs Kosovo, including salaries for employees of Serbian about 300 euros per square metre, which is lower than institutions in Kosovo as well as their pensions and the price in central Serbia,” he said. health insurance. Belgrade is also financing construc- Economist Goran Nikolic says government funds for tion of roads, schools and sports facilities. Kosovo make up only a small part of Serbia's overall Y The government says it has trimmed expenditure spending. “It's not such a large figure if you consider M for Kosovo over the last three years. "Investments in that total fiscal expenditures are about 13 billion euro a C Kosovo and Metohija are [now] just under 250 million year, so you can calculate the percentage,” Nikolic said. K 14 March 25 - April 7, 2011 marketing

Y M C K feature March 25 - April 7, 2011 15 Change Comes Slowly to Bulgaria’s Roma Brides Bazaar Age-old tradition is having to adapt to a new era - in which women no longer expect to be married off at 15.

the girl has a key role in choosing her husband-to-be. By Boryana “The Kalaidzhii don’t buy Dzhambazova women like they’re fruit on a mar- ket stall,” says Ilona Tomova, a researcher at the Bulgarian onka Koleva, 22, and her Academy of Science. younger sister, Maria, 19, “The boy’s parents are paying Dcame early last weekend to for his right to take her virginity the Roma brides fair, held in a and to raise children,” she field on the outskirts of Mogila, a explains. village in southern Bulgaria. “It’s a ritual that takes us back Members of the Kalaidzhii, a to pre-Roman times, to a time group of Roma who specialize in when a relationship between a working tin, they come to the fair man and a woman was considered each year on the lookout for a a sacred union that the whole potential spouse. community had to take care of,” But they’re in no hurry. “I’m too she adds. young. I want to wait a bit longer Marriages are not forced on the and live my life,” Maria says, as youngsters by the parents these her sister nods in agreement. days. The young people get to Their mother, Elenka, shrugs. know each other first and decide “It’s their choice, they will marry to tie the knot themselves. when they’re ready to do so,” she But the Kalaidzhii Roma don’t says. “date” in the modern sense. A boy Among Bulgaria’s Roma, who and a girl may only meet under traditionally marry young, Donka the supervision of the girl’s par- and Maria are an emerging trend. ents or somebody else from the Throughout the community, the Sisters Donka and Maria Kolevi were on the lookout for a spouse community. average marriage age is rising as Once the girl announces her people, from babies to grandpar- when they need to marry. But But she feels that change is women become more assertive. wish to marry, and the identity of ents. while some years ago most Roma inevitable, even for a closely knit Not long ago most Kalaidzhii her chosen partner, the boy’s fam- The lawn is transformed into a girls studied only until 5th grade, a group as the Kalaidzhii. girls married between 15 and 17. ily comes to her family and nego- form of catwalk. The grass may now more girls are finishing The fact that their metal-based Now it is more usually 19 or 20. tiates. not look like a Hollywood red car- their 8th year of primary educa- craft is dying forces changes on “Six or seven years ago it con- On average, they may pay the pet, but in their finest outfits tion. the clan whether they like it or sidered too late for a girl to marry bride’s family anything from 3,000 many of the young Roma look as Tomova says that older not. after 20,” notes Velcho Krastev, an to 10,000 lev [1,500-5,000 euro]. But glamorous as movie stars Kalaidzhii still worry that edu- Some are turning to working in ethnologist who studies Roma prices can climb up to 50,000 lev Fashion choices vary from cating their women puts tradi- the livestock trade, others to roof- customs. “But now it’s accept- [25,000 euro], depending on the casual jeans and tops to short tion at risk. “Parents are afraid ing, while others leave for jobs in able.” beauty of the bride and the pedi- dresses and sparkling gowns. that if they allow their daughters neighbouring Greece. The brides fair takes place gree of her family. Most girls accessorize their out- to study, it may distance them “The Kalaidzhii community is every year on St Todor’s Day, the “The higher the price, the fits with layers of make-up and from the clan and the communi- now caught between tradition first Saturday after the beginning greater the respect for the family,” spiky high-heel shoes. ty,” she says. and modernity,” Krastev notes. of Orthodox Easter Fast. Aleksei Pamporov, a sociologist Like Donka and Maria Kolevi, For the Kalaidzhii, it is a red- with the Open Society Institute in Elena Georgieva, an 18-year old letter day on the calendar. They Sofia, notes. working in Greece, who just got rarely marry outside their com- If the bride is not a virgin, or back for the festival, is not rush- munity and, owing to their tradi- has left a previous marriage, the ing to say, “I do”. “I’ve got a tional occupations as tinsmiths, value of her hand in marriage boyfriend but I want to wait a bit live scattered around the country. drops sharply, to as little as 500 lev until we marry,” she says. Gatherings like this one are a [250 euros]. Her friend, Atanaska Ivanova, way for the community to get The newly wed couple have to 24, a Kalaidzhii from the village of together. present themselves at the next Panicherovo, agrees. “I’ve made Widely dismissed as a meat brides fair. “A marriage or a baby my choice but we won’t marry market where women line up is truly recognized only when it’s right away,” she says. under a price tag, in fact, it is been presented before the commu- Meanwhile, Dimitar Dimitrov, more like an open-air debutantes nity,” Tomova says. aged 20, feels gloomy. The parents ball. of the girl he loves are demanding At the festival, the Kalaidzhii Hopes and Fears: a price that his family cannot launch their daughters into the afford. “I love her and I’m getting community. Young people meet, desperate,” he says. “In the end I Back at the brides fair, the field mingle with their peers and select might consider stealing her,” he is fast filling up. The grass mead- a future spouse. adds. ow buzzes with giggles, greetings The men’s families give money Nikola Marinov, 46, has a simi- and snippets of conversation, as for their sons’ virgin brides but lar dilemma. He has come to the the place becomes crowded with fair not for himself but to marry one of his sons. But the parents of the girl he wants are demanding 20,000 lev [10,000 euro]. “The girl is really beautiful,” he says, “so my son and I are think- ing to go to work in Greece, so we can buy her.” Times are changing:

Year by year, the brides fair is changing. “Some years ago it was unthinkable for girls to wear jeans, but now many Roma wear them at the brides market,” Pamporov says. Parents also forbid their daugh- Y ters from completing school M because it overlaps with the time C Dresses at the yearly bride fair in Bulgaria Not long ago most Kalaidzhii girls married between 15 and 17 K 16 March 25 - April 7, 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

Odyssea Bistro Paddy O’Brien’s

Odyssea Bistro Bar is a beautiful bistro locat- The staff at Paddy O’Brien’s have a saying: “It’s easy to walk in, ed in the heart of Prishtina, offering a combina- but very hard to leave.” tion of a quality menu with inspiring dishes and And with its warm atmosphere, fantastic range of drinks and a modern bar with a large variety of drinks and excellent food, it is easy to see why. exotic cocktails. There have been many attempts to establish a proper Irish pub Odyssea Bistro Bar's unique design is a mix- in Prishtina, but this is the only one to hit the spot. ture of classic French influence and a modern From classic coffees to cocktails, via, of course, Guinness, you touch. really wont find it difficult to select the perfect drink. Busy during lunch breaks, romantic for din- A mouth-watering menu of Irish specialties is also on offer, ners and classy for evening drinks, Bistro is a spanning from all-day break- great place to visit at any time of the day. fasts to Irish stews at night. Sample Bistro’s brunch on Sundays, or enjoy Options include shep- live music on Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays herd’s pie, bangers and mash, fish ‘n chips, and Bistro, whopping great burgers. Sejdi Kryeziu, Pejton, Prishtina Thursday is pub quiz 045402095 and 049333959 night, but there is always something going on at the pub, whether it is sport screenings or just a good shindig.

Paddy O’Brien’s Tringe Smajli Street, by the Illyria Hotel Y Prishtina: 045-420900 M C K By Shengjyl Osmani March 25 - April 7, 2011 17 in Prishtina Timeout Contact Prishtina Insight if you would like your event to feature or to advertise your venue. Email [email protected]

‘IBSEN AWARD 2009’ and the Ministry of Culture of National Theatre of Kosovo the Republic of Kosovo, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia, and the Ministry of Culture Sunday, March 27, 2011 Dancing with the moon, a ballet by Aleksander of the Republic of Albania. Tresor, an American choreographer, performed by Peer Gynt, is considered as one of the best plays of Kosovo Ballet Troup. the Norwegian dramaturge Henrik Ibsen. Peer Reprisal Monday, March 28, 2011, 8 pm Gynt is a Norwegian farm lad who wastes his time Tuesday, March, 29, 2011 in lazy dreaming, boasting and brawling- - a symbol Rock’n’Roll, a play by the famous British author of the man who ever colours truth and fact in wish- Tom Stoppard, is back on stage. The play is direct- ful compromises, evasion and selfishness. ed by the Albanian-Bosnian director, Dino The play is directed by Slobodan Unkovski, assisted Mustafic, a successful director in the region. by Kushtim Bekteshi, Ivana Angelovska, and Rock’n’Roll is his last text from 2006. This modern Kristina Dimitrova, stage director Miodrag play takes place in Prague and Cambridge, between Tabacki, costume designer Aleksandar Noshpall, the Prague Spring of 1968 and Velvet Revolution of music Jordan Kostov, choreography Gjergj Prevazi. 1989. The play will be shown on Wednesday, March All plays are performed in Albanian language. 30, starting from 8 pm. Tickets costs 3 euro, while student and disabled Thursday, March 31, 2011 people pay 1 euro. http://www.teatrikombetar.eu/ Peer Gynt’s play in Albanian language. Cooperation For reservations call 038 224 397 or 044 430 693, or between the National Theatre of Kosovo and the visit the National Theatre from 10am to 1pm and Albanian Theatre from Skopje is supported by the 5pm to 8 pm; or by email: [email protected]

Exhibitions: Piano, Besa Berberi, Soprano, Friday, March 25, 2011 Luan Durmishi, Tenor, Visar Kuçi, Violin, Exhibition Buzz n’Bus Drita Dida, Violin, Meriton Ferizi, Fis Accordion, All aboard! Check out the work Nurhan Qehaja, Choreography, Emine Vala, Poem of artists aboard 5 different Interpretation buses on Route 4, between Sunny Hill and Germia’s Concerts: Swimming Pool. Wednesday, March 30, 9 pm, The artists are Bujar ABC Cinema continues screening the new movie The Social Network, Sylejmani, Driton Selmani, Filikaqa Sports bar, Blla Blla Blla Concert, ticket 3 which looks at the rise of Facebook, everyday at 5, 7.30, and 10 pm. Loreta Ukshini, Marigona euro in advance, at the door 4 euro. On a fall night in 2003, Harvard undergrad and computer program- Xharra and Majlinda Hoxha, and the exhibition ming genius Mark Zuckerberg sits down at his computer and heated- will be on the move seven days a week over a Skopje-based Blla Blla Blla, arguably the best band ly begins working on a new idea. In a fury of blogging and program- month. in the region, will be on stage in Prishtina perform- ming, what begin in his dorm room soon becomes a global social net- ing their new album and tub-thumping classsics. work and a revolution in communication. A mere six years and 500 Come on, drink a warm Nescafe, eat a chocolate bar million friends later, Mark Zuckerberg is the youngest billionaire in and join the five artists on the Sunday, April 10, 2011 history. But for this entrepreneur, success leads to both personal and move. SURF Presents Manu Chao la Ventura in Kosovo, legal complications. Youth and Sports Festival: Centre, starting From April 1, ABC Cinema will start broadcasting the brand new Dam Festival 2011 from 8 pm movie, in Turkish language, the Valley of the Wolves Palestine. From March 27 to April 9, 2011 Concert by one of Valley of the Wolves: Palestine (Kurtlar Vadisi: Filistin) a Turkish Sunday, March 27, 7pm, Red the funkiest bands action film, directed by Zubeyr Sasmaz, is about a Turkish comman- Hall, Prishtina alive, only 3000 do team which goes to Israel to track down the Israeli military com- Kosovo Philharmonic tickets available. mander responsible for the Gaza flotilla raid. The film, which went on Orchestra, Wu Qian, Prianp, Tickets are on sale nationwide general release across Turkey on January 28, 2011, is one Alexander Prior, Conductor in all best bars in of the most expensive Turkish films ever made. It is part of the Valley Kosovo. The first of the Wolves media franchise, based on the Turkish television series Sunday, March 27, 8 pm, Ethnological Museum 1000 tickets are 8 euro a piece, next 1000 tickets are of the same name, and is a sequel to Valley of the Wolves: Iraq (2006) The Bloody Shirt, Bekim Lumi, Director, 10 euro, last 1000 tickets 12 euro. and Valley of the Wolves: Gladio (2008). Rehearsals March 28, 29, 30, 31 & April 5, 7, 8 Monday, March 28, 2011, 8pm, Red Hall Friday, April 22, 2011 Maurizio Mastrini, Piano Bomb the Base Live Concert, at the Theatre Oda, starting Wednesday, March 29, 2011, 8pm, Red Hall from 8.30 pm Pervin Chakar, Soprano Bomb Best Live, formed Linda Di Carlo, Piano 1987, in London, England, is the umbrella title for the out- Wednesday, March 29, 2011, 8pm, National Library put of British musician and Piano Trio, Visar Kuci, Violin, Victor Plumettaz, producer, Tim Simenon. The Cello, Neritan Hysa, Piano band, which has evolved its style over the years, has is Monday, April 4, 2011, 8pm, National Theatre, classed as electronic or 8th Poe, Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, Music by dance. Liburn Jupolli, Paintings Xhansel Xhabiri, Friday, April 29, 2011 Participants: Visar Kuci, Violin, Amanta Istrefi, Busta Rhymes, concert in Cello, Prishtina, starting from 8 pm, Lulzim Ushtaku, Contrabass, Patris Berisha, location: 1 October Hall Percussion, This event will be supported by Liburn Jupolli, Piano some of the best local artists, who will be performing their Wednesday, April 6, 2011, Catholic Church St. hits at a show that will last Anthony about two hours. Then, Busta Dam Baroque Orchestra, Safet Berisha, Contra will take his place and blast the tenor, Kushtrim Gashi, Conductor stage, for around two hours. After party at Full House with special guest Mike Saturday, April 9, 2011, 8pm, Oda Theatre Steez straight from Zurich from MOS Music Jazz Duo, Rona Nishliu, Vocal, Gent Rushi, Piano Entertainment.

Saturday, April 9, 2011, 9pm, Oda Theatre, Tickets sales will start very soon (pre-sale) and they Eremira Citaku: ‘Shoshë’ [Riddle] will cost around 10 euro. For more details contact Y Multimedia Artwork with Poetry, Music and Video organises at [email protected], www.29prill.com M Art www.bustarhymes.com or the events profile in C Performers: Eremira Citaku, Flute, Liburn Jupolli, Facebook. K 18 March 25 - April 7, 2011 Inside Prishtina

Fashion: ‘Chromosome Merge’ avant garde yet practical approach wedding season), will be an event more than a word to describe. Krenare Rugova is a mother or to fashion. Inspiration for the 2011 where “good design is presented” “Another of my specialities is two and an extremely busy lady. In By Laura Sparkes collection came from the building to satiate the appetite for “good three-season clothing. My gar- addition to the show, she is also blocks of life: chromosomes. taste that exists in Prishtina” and ments are multi-seasonal and can designing the robes for the judges “We don’t think about the mira- provide more options for the be worn in spring, summer and of the Constitutional Court and cle of each person coming from women of Kosovo, says Rugova. autumn. I use natural, light fab- meeting the needs of her famous he amphitheatre of their mum and dad,” Rugova told The underlying message is that rics that are both warm and cool. local and international clientele. Prishtina’s iconic Prishtina Insight. “Beautiful groundbreaking fashion can be For the winter, I produce different Her collections are manufactured TSkenderbeu Square is about in a small workshop located in to be transformed into a fashion details from the shape and philoso- bought in and sold out of items and I design a lot of coats.” Prishtina and displayed at her extravaganza, as international phy of chromosomes,” are visible Prishtina. In the future, Rugova The fabrics and method of pro- atelier in the centre of town. designer Krenare Rugova puts on in the details, cuts and shapes of would like to sell her designs duction for this collection - which her first fashion show in her home her clothes, which are all based on worldwide and build on the suc- will include cocktail and evening Rugova knows what she will be town. “the story of chromosomes” that cesses she has already had in dresses, one wedding dress and the wearing to the show – her After graduating from the she has been working on for many Vienna, Canada and Zurich. trench coats and blouses that con- favourite of all her designs to date. Parson School of Design in New years. The hallmarks of Rugova’s tribute to her array of day wear – If you want to see the piece that York City in 2003, Rugova returned Other small details demonstrate designs are layered dark fabrics are different from much of “represents me and my fashion”, to her birthplace with a mission: the influence of Albanian folkloric for wearing most of the year Rugova’s other work. This is reflect- you better head down to the show next month. to lay the foundations of a new clothing and another secret ele- round. “My collections are always ed in the new pricing of her clothes, fashion industry in Kosovo and in ment yet to be revealed. For very dark and I love grey. I focus on which used to be relatively inexpen- Chromosome Merge the region. Krenare Rugova, “Who gets it, gets fabrics and draping is my speciali- sive to reflect the Kosovan economy Krenare Rugova Eight years on, and Prishtina is it”. The show, to be held on 14 ty,” she explains. “I like any colour and its market. She is hoping to sell 14 April likely to be wowed by Rugova’s April (in time for the prom and without definition or that takes everything regardless. Skenderbeu Square Bar Review: Frame et another cafe-bar has opened in the bohemian downtown Peyton area of Prishtina. Frame, opposite Amelie, offers a Ycosy atmosphere and delicious pasta to people who want to enjoy their breaks in a relaxed manner and not break the bank when the bill comes. As well as pasta, Frame serves pizzas, soups, sandwiches, deserts and homemade cookies – so you can eat as much or as little as your appetite desires. It also serves the standard array of coffees, sodas and alcoholic drinks. Prices are extremely reasonable. Soups, for example, cost 1.50 euro, while a salad will set you back between 2.30 and 3.70 euro. For the locally based office clientele without time to chill in the cafe itself, Frame also has a delivery service, and is open every day Y from 7 am to 11 pm. M Frame C Peyton area, in front of Amelie K +377 (0)44 733 111 or 038 609 263 19 Inside Prishtina March 25 - April 7, 2011 Jeff Treisbach, Volunteer Coordinator at Balkan Sunflowers since January 2010 Prishtina through the Eyes of: the Eyes through Prishtina

1) What surprised you most about Prishtina?

It surprised me how much of a bubble the city is. Obviously I expected life in Prishtina to be differ- ent from everywhere else in Kosovo but I didn't think it would seem to be worlds apart.

2) What's your favorite hangout?

I've always liked Traffik. It's a great place to have a Peja and chat with friends.

Shop Review: 3) Do you do anything cultural?

The occasional film at ABC Cinema and of Hummel course helping to organise the Rolling Film Festival!

ant to show off your sporting 4) What is the most annoying thing about prowess without breaking into Prishtina? Wa sweat? Hummel, the Denmark-based international sports clothing brand, is now on sale in Seeing people waste water to wash the sidewalks Prishtina to titillate sports enthusiasts, when I can't brush my teeth after 11pm because of football fans and casual dressers alike. water cuts. The worst was when I watched some- Established in 1923, Hummel offers a one do this on a rainy day last summer. plethora of sports teams shirts as well as an array of less tribalistic clothes 5) If you were mayor of Prishtina for the such as zip-up sweatshirts, comfortable day what would you change? tracksuit trousers and trainers. To finish off the look, there are bags, baseball caps and footie socks available. I would institute a new system for parking in the A women’s collection will soon be city. It frustrates me every time I walk out of my included in the centrally located store, house and have a car blocking the front door. which will give Prishtina’s female popu- lation a large choice of sporty wear for 6) How many macchiatos do you drink a the gym, for the beach and for the coffee day? bar. Located in front of Bar Ninety-One One. and next to the former UNMIK building, Hummel is currently the only store 7) What's the tastiest Kosovar food? located in the heart of Prishtina which offers the best collections of men’s clothes. Spinach kollpita from Lumi Bakery. I could eat it And perhaps more importantly, the every day. prices are reasonable, starting at 10 euro for a T-shirt and not going beyond 90 8) What landmark do you use to tell taxi euro. drivers where you live? Y Hummel Shop M Str. Luan Haradinaj Either Maroon Pub or "the old OSCE”. If that C Tel: 044 752 323 doesn't work, I just try to give directions. K If you would like your NGO to appear in 20 March 25 - April 7, 2011 our Making a Difference feature, please Opinion email [email protected] Reduced to Tears Hawaii Gets Entangled I really do not want to make it a critique of the police. I like the What can Kosovo’s anti-governmental amalgam learn from the US island state? police, and appreciate the job they denigrate the personality of one in US disputes this fundamen- By Rand Engel do. Kosovo Police are a profession- President Pacolli have also acquired a tal inequality between voters in dif- al force for public protection, and I bitter taste of lemony yellow press. ferent states in USA since this was think, getting better all the time. By Petrit Selimi In the midst of this, the the original compromise that States was reduced to tears on But I do wonder about M’s ticket. International Community, even the reached when they united and Valentine’s Day. Fortunately, At all hours of day and well into section that is very critical of the declared their independence from Mit was not a love problem. the night, the sidewalk on my Prime Minister, has confirmed that the Crown. Someone will be dis- f we attempt to deconstruct the Her boyfriend, proposed to her on his street is crowded with cars. Why the institutions are legitimate with- criminated against in order for all knees a few months ago, and they are principal objections raised did M get a ticket? There is no real out further ado. to be equal in a democratic system. lovely – thanks. Iagainst Thaci’s government way to contest the ticket. A judge 2) Kosovo institutions and the Hence, the criticism the Rather, the cause of her distress was from most of the anti-governmental could only say, “You admit your approved resolutions are not Government is receiving on this a law problem. She received her sec- actors, we may notice three com- legitimate (and even “unac- issue is directly discriminatory ond parking ticket in a week. And car was on the sidewalk. You know mon points raised by the strange before this week, she had never it is not allowed there. The police- amalgam of the diverse opposition ceptable”) as they are not against the minorities and contrary received one in her life. man gave you a lawful ticket. So be parties, a portion of country’s jour- supported by the “Albanian to the principles of our constitu- This is how she got her it.” And yet, there is a question: nalists and publishers and a por- majority” in the Parliament tion. Valentine’s Day card from the Why this girl? tion of a sector that, for the lack of This is the most dangerous claim 3) Government shouldn’t enter police: She was walking along the To me, this raises a rule-of-law better name, we continue to call the of them all. It’s being uttered by a dialogue with Serbia street when she saw a policeman question. Rule of law is not just “civil society”: both the actors who were always It is yet another strong, current looking at her car. Really, it was an that the law is applied – but that it 1) The Government and the against positive discrimination as accusation that government is to be organisation’s car, but she was the is applied equally. In America, President are not legitimate well as those from whom we expect “blamed” for starting the dialogue last one to have driven it. It was where we have a history of racial because they were elected a bit more rationality in public with Serbia. parked on a sidewalk. So, M went prejudice, we say the law must be unconstitutionally. debates. Kosovo did everything in its up to the policeman and asked if colour-blind. It should also be The Constitutional Court (itself We reached an agreement with power to fight and change the there was a problem or if she need- blind to differences of class, eco- rapidly becoming a fundamental Western democracies: a compro- Serbian resolution that was submit- ed to move it. The officer asked to nomic position, family, rural ver- pillar of the state) will have its say, mise. We shook hands on a deal that ted last autumn at the General see her for identification, which sus urban, etcetera. however, one can see very little would allow us to declare independ- Assembly of UN, calling for “imme- she gave him. He took her identifi- As a reverse example, I normally credible legal arguments against ence, unprecedented in modern diate negotiations on all open cation away, leaving M confused, benefit, unfairly, in Kosovo. If I am election of President Pacolli. European history, and were recog- issues”. EU and US insisted for the having no idea what he was doing stopped for a traffic reason, I pro- The famous “coffee break” that nised as an independent and sover- resolution to take account of the or why. He came back and gave her duce an American passport. Every was called before the third round of eign state by those countries. In ICJ opinion and to seek a dialogue a ticket for 25 euro, and said she policeman has a certain flexibility voting already had a legal prece- return we agreed to implement a on issues of practical benefit to the could pick up her papers when she in how they enforce the law. And dent, established every single time plan written by President Ahtisaari citizens. came to the police station with that is right. They can decide that we voted a President under UNMIK. (who won the Nobel for the plan). All relevant stakeholders insist proof that the ticket was paid. the person they stop for driving too It’s a logical pause before a key vote On these issues and points we made rather clearly that the aim of the And, the officer said, “Is this how fast will learn from a warning. But that may send the country to new a deal. Our people’s representatives dialogue is not status (hence also you park in Serbia?” perhaps I get forgiven for my traf- elections. In any democratic parlia- voted on it and now the plan is an relieving Serbia from the need to Did I fail to mention above that fic violation too easily because of ment, MPs would take a break to integral and non-negotiable part of recognize Kosovo) but technical M is from Novi Sad, and, in fact, the special relationship between assess the strategy and to convince our constitutional order. issues – as a non-negotiable and she is Serbian? Maybe the officer our two countries. I appreciate it – “nay” votes to “aye”. One of these points is the over- essential part of the “EU integra- noticed her accent when she asked and feel ashamed that I have bro- Is there arm-twisting in these representation of minorities in par- tion agenda”. if there was a problem where she ken the law and had special treat- cases? Of course there is. The pres- liament, for the first two mandates One is mostly surprised by the was parked. Maybe not. M has ment. In M’s case, I wonder – and sure is exercised even in USA, when after the adoption of the constitu- reaction from the opposition and a been involved in NGO work in of course I do not know – if she got the Whip uses every legitimate tion (this being, as a result, the last section of civil society over this Kosovo. She works with puppets special treatment because she is political threat, favour or sweet time they get 20 seats). Over-repre- point. and kids. She is a peace activist Serbian – the especially negative word to coerce votes in the funda- sentation is not a discriminatory How can anyone who believes in and an environmentalist. One treatment of a fine that most peo- mentally important bills or resolu- formula against the majority since European integration say “no” to could say she is an ultra-un- ple would not get. tions. Elected officials are some- majority a priori “owns the deed” the first condition, a sine qua non of nationalist. And the most radical If so, it is a very common form times convinced, sometimes not. and governs the country. Over-rep- the EU – which is an open dialogue thing about her is her commit- of violating rights, and undermin- Arm-twisting linked to conse- resentation only ensures that the and good neighbourly relations? ment to environmental protection. ing the principle of the rule of law. quences within one’s political party voice of the little ones is counted. Kosovo is a state and as a state it She likes Prishtina and Prishtina Yes, she broke the law. But is she is a legitimate and necessary means You will pardon me here for a must implement its international people a lot, and usually feels very being treated any differently than of ensuring coherent policies, as lengthier digression, so I can men- obligation to execute a path charted comfortable here. the majority community, the peo- long as they are not of personal tion two heroes of US politics, by the UN GA resolution, while it But perhaps that is neither here ple whose cars are on that same nature or consist of physical Senators Daniel Akaka and Daniel also has a wider societal interest to nor there. The fact is – and it can- sidewalk and others like it around threats. Inouye. They both represent the also follow the line of EU integra- not be contested – M had parked the the city, all day, all year? Those who are looking towards tropical state of Hawaii in the US tions. car on a sidewalk, which is illegal, Many of Kosovo’s Albanian citi- Speaker Krasniqi’s statements for Senate. I understand Vetevendosje some- and paying a 25 euro fine is the pun- zens know very well how laws signs of a fissure are doing so in Inouye’s origin is Japanese, and what, for they don’t mention EU in ishment for this illegal act. I live on were used selectively against them vain. The honourable, outspoken he entered politics only nine years one single sentence in their pre- the street. I don’t like cars parked in earlier decades, and it can still and earnest Speaker Krasniqi has a after the bloody war in the Pacific electoral, 100-page manifesto, but on the sidewalk, and really appreci- be a problem for Kosovars, partic- proven ‘institutionalist’ track and the atomic bombs dropped on doubts are raised when the so- ate when the police enforce the law. ularly migrants, living and travel- record. I doubt he will question the Nagasaki and Hiroshima. When called “pro-European” stakeholders Which, on my street, they almost ling in other European states. constitutional order and the public Hawaii was proclaimed to be an also join the bandwagon to criticize never do. So, I thought, maybe now How Kosovo makes equality interest. equal state within the USA, Inouye harshly the dialogue with a neigh- they are starting to enforce the law. before the law a reality will deter- Furthermore, Ambassador Dell’s became a Senator and served his bour. Poor M! But happy citizens of mine much of how it is respected SMSs are more of a made up “scan- voters for eight mandates. He is The doubts are the following: Prishtina, who will be able to walk by other states, and welcomed in dal” since not a single message pub- now the oldest and most respected some parties in the debate are cyni- normally down a sidewalk. international circles. lished in Koha and Express consist- Democratic Senator. The first time cal and know very well that dia- Of course, I was surprised. Only The police and law institutions ed of more than usual political gos- he was elected he received around logue is inevitable but it doesn’t 130,000 votes. cost them a dime to be against it (as a few days earlier I had shown a will often determine if Kosovo sip, heard and exchanged between Daniel Akaka is the first Native the nationalist card is the cheapest group of policemen a car that had gains the trust of its citizens, its all the actors within the chamber. Newspapers were within their right Hawaiian Senator (or “Indian” as in Balkans), while some other been parked on the sidewalk for five minorities, its tourists, its neigh- to publish the SMSs, and this tech- they are called in our colloquial stakeholders are against Thaci gov- days, in a spot clearly marked “no bors, or of visitors coming to do business. nique of obtaining scoops is legiti- racist discourse) and also the only ernment not due to some principles parking”. They investigated and A parking ticket is a small thing – mate in Western tabloids. present Senator to have Chinese or coherent policies, but rather found that it was not stolen, just a as are so many things. And yet, it is That being said, we have to be ancestry. He initially won the because they have a personal prob- motor problem. Maybe, they sug- representative: a small thing that honest and admit that these “jour- Senate seat for Hawaii with 180,000 lem with him. gested, we could wait a few more causes one young woman to wonder nalistic” practices are used in the votes. Two Senators from Hawaii They can’t stand him. They hate days for the owner to get it because if she has been a victim of those NY Post and not the NY Times, and jointly entered the Senate with him. it would be expensive for the poor trusted to protect us. If, and I admit The Sun more than the The around 300,000 votes and thus From Brussels to Hawaii, this owner if they had it towed away. I really do not know, the rule of law Guardian. They are not heroic acts became two of the most honourable type of argumentation doesn’t lead “As you suggest,” said I. I didn’t has been violated in this case, then I of independent journalists, espe- politicians in US. anywhere. It’s not good either. Y want to cause the poor person extra hope the commanders and officers cially given the biased editorial Both have a vote in the Senate, M expense. And law enforcement is of the police will take notice in their interpretation attached to the pub- although California and Texas Petrit Selimi stood for the C not my business. I just live there. on-going work to make the rule of lished private SMSs. jointly have to cater not to 300,000 Democratic Party of Kosovo in K All this raises a question for me. law applicable to all in Kosovo. The relentless attacks meant to votes but over 30 million people. No December's election. March 25 - April 7, 2011 21 Opinion If you would like your NGO to appear in our Making a Difference feature, please email [email protected] Imaginary Rebellion Foiled Outside In The Ajvar in Kosovo Scandal

By George Symonds

By Kreshnik Hoxha ebellion! Conspiracy! Plots! Local media headlines in Kosovo have Rmade clear there has been an ew housemate, new Balkan food and a new scan- ‘Attempted Coup’ and the government dal! . affiliated papers of the semi-recognised NIn an attempt to address the root cause of the country are crying bloody murder. revolting smell emanating from the kitchen, my Kenyan Since Monday, March 14, online and housemate Maureen and I had decided to risk our lives print media have been trumpeting the and evict the fossilising food from the fridge. successful quashing of an underground “This goes in the bin, this must be Pete’s broccoli soup conspiracy network – a conspiracy that from 1997 and this is what used to be milk! Hang on, oh my called for nothing short of a revolution Lord, what the hell is this?” These were the words that to overthrow Kosovo’s democratic insti- group and a “large protest”. Should the government institutions, you are anti- came from Maureen’s mouth, accompanied with a morti- tutions. Or so they would have you fied face, when she picked up my jar of ajvar from the protests have failed, the plan was to Kosovo, and therefore an enemy of the believe. back of the fridge. demand the resignation of the prime State, a traitor. The actual story behind the sensa- “It’s my ajvar,” I squeaked, in fear that my precious jar of minister and president. Given Kosovo’s tight-knit societal tional headlines/slogans is slightly less ajvar was about to discover Hull’s waste disposal service. In response, sensationalist headlines structure, there is a high chance many exciting. Last month, on February 22, “ajvar? Is that what Albanians call refrigerated diar- screamed out, amongst other things, of those named will be recognised on the Assembly of Kosovo voted in the rhoea?” she said, while looking suspiciously at my prized “Failure of the rebellion” (Express), the street, and their home addresses new president. During this process, a pepper paste. “Plan for overthrow of the Government easily found. photographer caught various mobile I tried to explain that it was still in date and that I had of Kosovo and the President?!” (Bota When asked if the tone of articles are phone screens showing text messages put it at the back of the fridge so that no one would eat it. Sot) and “Conspiracy Fails” (Epoka e tantamount to incitement to violence, between the eventual president Behgjet “In the UK, this sort of thing gets flushed down the toi- Re). Mr Bytyci replied, “No, more hatred.” Pacolli and his advisor, relaying infor- let! No wonder the Balkans is not in the EU!” she said, The source and motivations of the The headlines appear, perhaps, more mation and comments from the US unconvinced. leak remain unclear. However, the plausible given the action of certain Ambassador to the country, As I was seeking a diplomatic solution to this major strong financial and ideological links members of civil society. In the last two Christopher Dell. Reasoning that such culinary crisis, Maureen turned the jar around only to between ruling political parties and general elections, civil society mem- realise that my ajvar was in a jar of Nutella. the personal communication signalled media outlets carrying the headlines, bers have formed political parties and “Have they heard about food regulations in Kosovo, undue meddling in public affairs, this despite their self-proclaimed independ- run for public office. Serbia, Macedonia or whichever one of those messed up photograph was published by local ence, is well documented. It could therefore be understood that countries you are from?” dailies Koha Ditore and Express. Those who have had their names pub- members of such organisations also “Maureen, you are from Kenya!” I parried. Mr Dell’s attempt to reprimand those lished under the title of “conspirators” want the power they claim to check. I had already started to simmer inside and was hoping responsible resulted in a backlash, claim their inclusion on the mailing list That civil society is actually a way to she’d stop. But she didn’t. “And I thought Koreans were prompting unprecedented public ques- does not signal their consent to the power is part of the message in the bad for eating dogs! What sort of country is this? tioning of the Ambassador’s commit- plan. Ramadan Ilazi, Director of pro- press, and it appears to have traction. It is amazing to see what prejudice does to people and ment to democratic principles. transparency watchdog organisation Even if certain individuals may how one of the most delicious Balkans delicacies can all Following the election, leaders of civil Levizja FOL, whose name was printed, aspire to become politicians, this of a sudden become a source of shock. society organisations met to exchange stated, “Many of us were against cer- attempted smear of prominent civil For the sake of clarification, ajvar, believed to have ideas on how to articulate their dissat- originated in the region of Macedonia, is the result of tain aspects of the plan, especially the society members goes much further. isfaction with this perceived meddling tedious and meticulous labour, involving grilling, peel- protests”. Virtually all civil society organisa- in the democratic process. ing, mincing and stewing of peppers with various herbs He argues that the media portrayal of tions in Kosovo are funded by foreign This view was shared by opposition and spices. Neighbours often gather together to make it civil society members “uses the lan- donors, arguably most of which have a parties, who have put the case to the during autumn while gossiping, drinking and generally guage of the 90s”. “The aim of the meet- favourable disposition towards Kosovo Constitutional Court. The verdict on enjoying themselves after the lengthy preparation ing was to discuss ways to express our as an independent State. whether there was undue influence in process. concern about external influence and Given that the goals and ideals civil the voting process, and hence a viola- Despite Maureen’s ranting, I was determined to stand the way that the president was elected.” society organisations – and their tion of the constitution, requiring the up for ajvar and the region: she would taste the “refriger- In contrast, the shrill accusations in donors – in Kosovo work towards are in re-election of the president, is due soon. ated diarrhoea”. the daily Lajm is supplemented by a keeping with the so-called “democratic Then, in something of a reverse role- “Over my dead body are you feeding that to me!” she cartoon of figures clad in white hoods and Euro-Atlantic values” of freedom, play Wikileaks scenario, came a leaked said, as I approached the source of such scorn with a reminiscent of the Ku Klux Klan. justice and equality, this attempt to email written by Hajrulla Ceku of the heaped spoon of ajvar. Avni Bytyci, Director of anti-corrup- demonise and ostracise such groups is NGO Foreign Policy Club. Along with Ajvar is made and claimed by everyone in the Balkans. tion NGO Institute for Progress, INPO, also a slap in the face of all those that It is so popular that Slovenia tried to trademark it and sell the three-page document attached, all who is also published on the list stated, have supported them since the NATO in the EU, but failed to do so, due to naming issues. 60 recipients’ email addresses, and in “There’s a matter of privacy… and the intervention. “Oh God, it’s not that bad. In fact, let me try some more. most part full names, were published. government is creating enemies of its That is, to support the development No, just give me the whole jar! How do you make it? This is the dossier of disarray, with all citizens, to say we’re working hard, but of Kosovo into a fully functioning dem- Whose is it?” she said in a sudden volte-face. cell leaders conveniently not blind anti-government civil society is putting ocratic state, with the will and ability to By the time I had finished my story she had scrounged copied. us down.” safeguard the rights of all its citizens. the lot and then went on to interrogating me about the dis- The actual content of the document “They want to divert attention from A state where the institutions have integration of Yugoslavia while licking the jar. stated that the election process was domestic problems like rising food the integrity to represent and defend all “So, you are Albanian but not from Albania – are they “accompanied by irregularities, which prices; that life is hard for Kosovo’s cit- its citizens against the type of vitriol the bad ones?” damage the integrity of the institution izens. They need propaganda to blind that inspired the tragic events of the “Look at the bastard Slovenians for stealing the diar- of the President…and the democratic people from healthy criticism and legit- 1990s - not to repeat them. rhoea from Yugoslavs!” functioning of state institutions in “So it’s like Birmingham, London and Manchester all imate concerns.” There is wry local joke that when Kosovo”. becoming independent one day”! Some who work in civil society members of civil society meet with The action plan itself proposed a She handed back the empty jar and concluded that our organisations feel that part of the rea- Kosovo government ministers, the first campaign including “but not limited region is a bit complicated for her liking. But recommend- son such accusations seem credible is question they are asked is: “Who do you to”: daily 45 minute protests outside the ed we keep making ajvar as neighbours altogether to keep because “only 500 out of Kosovo’s 2 mil- work for?” Perhaps it is time those government, joint public state- ourselves busy. lion citizens understand how civil soci- elected representatives reflect on this ments/press conferences, television I gullibly thought “keeping busy” was a euphemism for ety works”. question themselves. debates, meeting and mobilising labour reducing the unemployment in the region. For the rest, all they see and need to unions and student groups, poster cam- “No, you fool! It takes so long to cook it, it prevents you know are the headlines; the simple George Symonds is a paigns, art performances, a Facebook lot from fighting each”, she quipped. logic of which is that if you are anti- researcher for the NGO Fol! 22 March 25 - April 7, 2011 community focus Journalists, Experts Discuss Ecosovo Culture in Balkan Media Getting Gjelane interested in the Sarajevo Film Festival and the event is well cov- ered, none of the outlets actually write beyond basic news reports, to School Prishtina Insight no one analyses all that the festival is and what it means. Along with the movies, we organise numerous ome 30 journalists, editors, workshops that deal with more By Elizabeth Gowing cultural organisations and serious issues and that part is neg- Sexperts gathered at a region- lected in the media coverage,” said the culture sector across the al conference in Prishtina on Elma Tataragic, Sarajevo Film region, and to exchange opinions Saturday to discuss ways to his week, E’s Kosovo, and Kosovo’s E is for Education because I’ve Festival selector. and experiences in the field of cul- improve media coverage of cul- not been thinking about much else for the past few weeks. It’s been Journalists and editors at the tural policy. Tan exhilarating and rather overwhelming period that started with ture in the Balkans. conference agreed that culture cov- Guest speakers included Aliriza us discovering one of Kosovo’s education and human rights scandals. Countries in the Balkans face erage is low because it does not Arenliu, executive director of The scandal is this: Ministry of Education policy is that if you don’t similar issues when it comes to attract subscribers and advertising DOKUFEST from Prizren; Jelena register at school in the first two years of compulsory education then media coverage of culture, includ- you lose your chance to register at school. Unless you pass a test. So if and cannot bring in as much Knezevic, executive director of ing a lack of clear cultural strate- BITEF from Belgrade; Elma you’re a nine year-old girl who wants to learn to write her name, income as other news departments. Kosovo’s education system says you’re too late. You won’t pass the test to gies and transparency in budget Tataragic, screenwriter, professor At the same time, most media out- get to school and you can’t get to school to learn how to pass the test. spending for culture, the neglect of and SFF selector from Sarajevo; culture-related issues by the gov- lets cannot afford to have a cultural We first heard about this in the case of one particular nine year-old, and Lutfi Dervishi, lecturer at the ernment and media, understaffed department. Gjelane (she’s the daughter of Hateme and Agron, whom I’ve written School of Journalism at the about before. They are an Ashkali couple who live in Fushe Kosove. media outlets and tabloidization, “Culture is on the margins, it has University of Tirana and director They earn money for their family through begging outside the mosque participants in the conference said. been in a weak position for 15 of Transparency International in on Fridays and collecting scrap metal from Prishtina’s bins). Last month “Culture is not without borders, years. Media outlets lack culture programmes, as they are trying to Tirana; Halil Matoshi from the we discovered just how many other Gjelanes there are – in the twenty- problems (in culture) are,” said one homes we visited in Fushe Kosove we found 16 kids in the same posi- obtain maximum income at mini- Koha Ditore daily in Prishtina; Gordana Igric, BIRN regional tion as her. They said they wanted to go to school, but they have missed Marija Djordjevic from Politika director. mum costs. It’s easer to broadcast a the registration period and now have no way in to the education system. daily in Belgrade and Admirina Haqif Mulliqi, advisor in reality show than to produce analy- I’m a teacher by profession, and sometimes it’s quite a responsibility Peci from Gazeta Shqiptare in Kosovo's Ministry of Culture, sis on an issue in culture or pro- to have had that training – perhaps this is like being a doctor at the scene Tirana. reminded those gathered of the duce a documentary programme of an accident. So we decided that I should start classes for Gjelane and The Balkan Culture Watch the other kids like her. great power that culture and media that tackles real issues,” said Strengthening Project, BCWSP, We working on a trial period of six months, with teaching in the morn- have and the great responsibility Aleksandra Bubevska from funded by European Cultural ings only and afternoons spent lobbying to try to change the Ministry that goes along with such influence. Skopje’s A1 TV station. This weekend's conference, enti- Foundation, is a “build-on” project and Municipality policy and the situation for the long-term. “Mass culture is a battlefield We rented a flat in the neighbourhood where Gjelane lives, and last tled “Culture in the Media”, was that complements the existing 3- where ideologies are being week we opened our doors to her and other children aged nine and above year BICCED programme (funded shaped...We all know the conse- organised by the Balkan who aren’t registered at school. quences of some ideologies and we Investigative Reporting Network, by the SCP). I didn’t want to be naïve – there are lots of reasons why kids don’t should learn from this experience,“ BIRN, as part of the Balkan This project aims to involve gov- make it to school, and I knew not all of the children really would come to said Mulliqi. Initiative for Cultural Cooperation, ernment officials and policy mak- class. Conference participants noted Exchange and Development, ers and work to improve the situa- I expected we might have 5 children on our first day. In fact, we had 22. A week later we have 50. that media outlets throughout the BICCED. tion in the region by strengthening We’ve been donated another (experienced Kosovar) teacher to work region devote little space to culture, At the conference, cultural cultural life and cross-cultural organisations and experts had a cooperation as an important ele- with me, with his salary being paid by a generous friend, as well as an and coverage is superficial. assistant whose salary is being paid by the Agape Service Foundation. chance to gain greater insight into ment of a participatory, open, and “Although media outlets are A young British guy who starts teacher training in the UK next year the state of policies and practice in dynamic civil society. has come out to work, like me, as an unpaid volunteer. Our mornings have been intense, crowded, busy with head-lice and the alphabet, and with all the tiny triumphs that anyone who has ever taught NGO Focus a child will recognize. Some 17 of these children couldn’t write their own name, and we are focusing on basic reading, writing and maths, with 15 minutes of Coalition for Democracy, English a day as a bonus. You can read more about our efforts at getting Gjelane to school at www.gettinggjelanetoschool.wordpress.com. Strengthening Civil Society With such needs we are desperate for donations: of people - you don’t have to be an Albanian speaker – between our one-off and regular volun- teers yesterday we comprised two Kosovars, three Brits, an Uzbeki- rights of citizens, being engaged to the maximum to Russian, a Brazilian and an American, and we proved that working 1:1 promote freedom and their rights. Every country with a child to form the letters in their name doesn’t require much more needs a civil society committed to develop maxi- than a secure knowledge of the alphabet and a big smile. By Shengjyl Osmani mum democracy in the country, to raise it to a high- We’d also welcome donations of materials - most pressingly desks and er level. chairs as at the moment we have eight chairs for the 50 kids and every- “Such a civil society, which recognises and imple- one else is on the floor, but we also need things like shelving. Our biggest ecently established Coalition for ments its identity and tasks without being mired in ongoing expense is the yoghurt and piece of fruit we are offering to each child at the beginning of the day, which costs 50 cents per child, making Democracy, is attempting to strengthen personal and political interests, is what Kosovo it 25 euro a day. Rcivil society by bringing together the needs at the moment,” added Demiri. We know that for many children this is the best quality food they eat voices of 200 local NGOs. The Coalition for Democracy is focused on rights Sejdi Demiri, the coalition’s founder, told all day, offering a bit of blood sugar for learning, and some much-needed and freedoms, corruption, economic development, vitamins. Prishtina Insight that the aim of the coalition is to European integration and many other issues deal- A doctor came with us to the neighbourhood last week and confirmed have “a civil society with an identity”. ing with everyday life of Kosovo citizens. that according to their BMI, many of the children are technically mal- “Every state needs a strong and consolidated civil The purpose of the coalition will be monitoring nourished. society, that is critical of the government and gover- the work of Kosovo institutions. Of course there are some things that only money can buy (the rent of nance, which monitors government at every turn, The Coalition for Democracy is open to all citi- the building, the electricity to keep it warm). It costs 20 euro per child contradicts and gives options for solutions when zens and organisations representing their interests. per month to keep these classes running (120 euro for a child to be with us until September, when we hope they’ll be able to join their peers in necessary,” he said. It aims to protect freedom of speech and the free- “Every state needs a civil society that protects the mainstream school). dom of media, will support and promote journal- Our classes are taking place above a shop. I was down there buying ism, and will be strongly committed to informing some lunch after school this week and was – inevitably – offered a plas- the general public about EU integrations. tic bag for my purchases. “No thanks,” I began my well-rehearsed patter. Demiri said it will work hard at lobbying for visa I got out one of my “Say NO to plastic bags” cards. liberalisation and will be committed to a ensuring One of the kids from our classes was behind me in the queue to pay. He Kosovo is recognised by more countries. looked curiously at the card. “What does it say?” he asked. Sometimes The coalition, since its establishment in you don’t even have to choose between E for education and E for environ- November last year, organised a march to increase ment. Without protecting one, it’s hard to protect the other. government awareness of freedom of movement Elizabeth Gowing is a founder member of The Ideas Partnership, a issues and the need for lobbying for visa liberalisa- Kosovan NGO working on educational, cultural and environmental proj- tion. The march was held on February 15, and more ects and community support in Fushë Kosovë. She can be reached at thei- than 300 activists of the coalition participated. [email protected]. Her blog about the catch-up education proj- ect in Fushë Kosovë is at www.gettinggjelanetoschool.wordpress.com. The Y The Coalition for Democracy can be contacted on project has a paypal account at M http://gettinggjelanetoschool.wordpress.com/donate/ and in Kosovo The [email protected], +377 (0) 44 642 C Ideas Partnership has a ProCredit bank account. If you’d like to help, to K A protest against Kosovo’s exclusion from visa liberalisation 161; 044 456 414 visit us, or to find out more, please get in touch. March 25 - April 7, 2011 23 Classified Contact Prishtina Insight if you would like to advertise Email [email protected]

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