February 28-March 13, 2013 l #129 l Price 1€.

Going commando: Privatisations: Prishtina Newborn’s Board freeze creator explains halts worker Insight repaint. PAGE 4 payments. PAGE 2

ALL EYES ON THE PLAYMAKER His NBA dreams long gone, Kendrick Jones makes peace with his life as a Kosovo basketball star. PAGE 7

Culture: Intimate l Region: Bosnia’s leaders evoke war rhetoric against protesters. PAGES 10 photos tell Albania’s l PI Guide: Chowing down on burgers story. PAGE 16 and burek in Dardania. PAGE 14 22  n Febr Februaryuary 28-Ma 28 -r chMarch 13, 2013 13,  2014 Prishtina n Prishtina Insight Insight

PSTAaRT HERE geTwo What happened: In May 2013, Bernadette Roberts, Elez Haxhiolli, of Suhareke, spent 34 years working at the Ballkan rubber INTERNATIONAL BOARD a representative from the 20% factory, which was privatised in 2005. Haxhiolli, 59, says that he has yet to OF PRIVATIZATION AGENCY OF KOSOVO US Embassy, resigned from receive any of the proceeds from the sale along with more than 1,400 other board. Roberts was one of former employees. “It’s not a privilege, it’s my right” Haxhiolli says, who three international members still remains as deputy president of union of Ballkan workers. He blames BERNADETTE ROBERTS on the board. The vacancy the Privatisation Agency of Kosovo and Special Chamber of Supreme hasn’t been filled since. Court for delaying the payment of 20 per cent of the proceeds from privatisation.“Each of us will be paid by 304.75 cents. You can imagine at what price they sold the factory,” Haxhiolli says. The Ballkan factory was The Privatization Agency sold to a Turkish company, the Ozerler Group, for 1.4 million euro. of Kosovo is an independent R institution that has full PRIVATOIRZDAETION autonomy. It was established 45.7 million euro: Designated for UT OF O by the Assembly of Republic 1,400 former employees of state-owned AGENCY of Kosovo. The Special enterprises. This money cannot be Chamber holds jurisdiction distributed without a functional board. OF KOSOVO EX-WORKERS over the agency. In order to the agency to function, there DEMANDING 80.8 million euro have been THEIR 20% FROM must be 5 Kosovar directors distributed to date. PRIVATISATION and 3 internationals. The agency sells or transfer Ex-workers have enterprises or assets to yet to see millions private buyers. Those who 45.7 MILLION 80.8 MILLION they’re due from the qualify as workers are also sale of former state- entitled to 20 percent. owned enterprises. According to the website: “a The reason: the 126.5 MILLION IN TOTAL DEDICATED TO WORKERS worker is entitled to 20% of Privatization sale proceeds provided he/ Agency of Kosovo, she has been evidenced as which oversees a worker of aforementioned these sales, SOE in privatisation or does not have a liquidation (whichever occurs from the editor functional board. earlier) and to have been on SOE pay-roll for at least three years.” COURT BACKLOG

A thirst that hurts 6MILLI0ON EU0ROS FROM PRIVATISATION 231 Last year Kosovo imported 13 million than Dea. Naturally, people should employee lists from litres of water worth 3 million euro, be able to drink whatever what they former state-owned please. But perhaps more of us would enterprises that relatively small drop in the proverbial opt out of the Pellegrino if we consid- need to be review Special Chamber of bucket, but I’m willing to bet that much ered what we’re doing economically. the Supreme Court in of this money could have been better We’re depriving a domestic order for those people spent in the to be compensated. country. which can lead to things like addi- Water has tional hiring. Furthermore, we’re also been a big issue needless spending additional money since the ongoing that could be spent in other areas of the shortage, thanks local economy. And for those who care 14 Nate lists of employees to the dry winter. Tabak about the environment, transporting have been approved For the most part, Editor-in-Chief water generates plenty of greenhouse by the Special however, there’s gases. Chamber of the been plenty of Ideally, people change their behav- Left in Supreme Court. bottled water available, including ior through things like Buy Local cam- plenty of the Kosovo standbys Dea and paigns. Or there’s the more aggressive Rugova. approach: protectionist measures such - of people are buying imports. Many ucts while subsidizing local producers, restaurants in Prishtina, especially which unfortunately can start trade the lurch those that cater to the well-heeled wars. Kosovars and foreigners, either only Regardless, all of us can do a better job of drinking local, especially those Prishtina Balkan Investigative Reporting Network • Mensa e fortunate enough to be able to wash Insight PHONE: The practice however also extends to down those restaurant meals with a +381 (0) 38 24 33 58 • EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Nate Tabak • STAFF: plenty of regular cafes, as well. bottle of Acqua Panna. Heck, for the Jeta Xharra, Marcus Tanner, Petrit Collaku, Parim Olluri, Flutura Kusari and Arijeta The reasoning is you can get away same price you can get two or three Lajka • DESIGN: Trembelat • Prishtina Insight is supported by the Norwegian Embassy, with a higher markup on Pellegrino bottles of Rugova. Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network. Prishtina Insight n February 28 - March 13, 2014 n 3

• Copy / Print / Scan / Fax • Shpejtësia : 55 / 65 / 75 ppm • ARDF • Duplex • Finisher • High Capacity Tray • Garancioni 60000 print. 4 n February 28 - March 13, 2014 n Prishtina Insight Nation Whose € 76,300 Newborn The price paid by the municipality of Prishtina for Newborn an Audi Q7 is under the administration of former facts is it Mayor Isa Mustafa. On Wednesday, the Munici- Inaugurated pal Assembly approved a request of the current Feb 17, 2008, Mayor, Shpend Ahmeti, to sell the car, one of his the day Kosovo election promises. “I don’t want that car. I receive declared independence anyway? daily up to 20 letters from citizens telling me to from Serbia sell the car because they say it is a shame if a mayor is driven in such an expensive car, First two As Kosovo’s independence monument is while we don’t have anything to eat,” signatories Then-President repainted in military camouflage colors, said Ahmeti, adding that proceeds Fatmir Sejdu and from the sale will help social welfare. PM Hashim Thaci some say it’s a misappropriation of the Original design: Bright yellow, symbol of the young nation. tagged in black

Creator FIsnik Ismaili and his advertising By Valerie Hopkins dependence in 2008, the sculpture Russians to agency, was for years painted yellow and Ogilvy|Karrota Kosovo On the eve of the sixth anniversary covered with signatures and mes- repair aging “I wanted of Kosovo’s independence, citizens sages from Kosovo citizens. something in organized via Facebook joined in The yellow color evoked the English that could a paint-by-the-numbers event flags of Kosovo and of the Euro- power plant be understood even by people to change the look of Newborn, pean Union – but never pleased who didn’t speak the independence monument in Ismaili. Is the involvement of a Russian good English,” says Prishtina. “I originally wanted to paint firm in the revamp of the Kosovo Ismaili. Each letter of the word now it red, like the Albanian national Dimensions bears the military camouflage of colors,” explained Ismaili. “Had I A plant a sign that the Kremlin is 25m long, 3m tall, some of the countries that sup- known I had to paint it yellow be- softening its line on Kosovo? 1 m thick ported Kosovo in the 1998-99 war, cause of the new flag, I never would Material: 9 tons of which came to an end following a have done it, because I hate this steel, each piece By Parim Olluri and Eronida Mataj made from 5mm 78-day NATO bombing campaign. flag.” thick steel sheets “In a way, it is a message of Ismaili originally intended to Kosovo’s state power company, KEK, is turning to peace,” Fisnik Ismaili, Newborn’s repaint Newborn each year, but he Russia to repair its aging Soviet-designed power plant, Awards creator and the organizer of the was denied permission to do so by Six international Kosovo A. design awards, repaint, said. the local authorities, he says. This week, a consortium of Russia’s Power Ma- including a Cannes “We wouldn’t have peace with- Last year, after the government chines and a Macedonian and a Bulgarian firm was Golden Lion, a out NATO and the Kosovo Lib- put on a new coat of yellow paint, slated to sign a 5.5-million-euro contract to repair tur- silver Clio award eration Army, KLA, and this is the Ismaili decided to invite people to and Eurobest bines and generators at the lignite-powered Kosovo A. European time we to pay tribute to them,” he cover it with the flags of the coun- Power Machines owns Leningradsky Metallich- Advertising Award, added. tries that had recognized Kosovo’s esky, which built the existing turbines, and which date Golden Drum Ismaili, a KLA veteran and a independence. back to the 1970s. Grand Prix. The member of the opposition Self-De- As Kosovo matures from a 2013 re-paint was The owner of Power Machines, billionaire Alexey named a finalist termination Movement party - who newborn state, Ismaili said he also Mordashov, is an oligarch with reported links to Rus- for a Clio Award. was recently elected to Prishtina’s wanted to draw attention to the fact sian President Vladimir Putin. local assembly - explains that the that the country still lacks its own While Power Machines has historic expertise con- Typeface patterns represent the British, army. FF DIN cerning the aging, highly polluting power plant, the Swiss, American, Swedish, Ger- “It used to be a rite of passage involvement of a Russian firm in Kosovo is bound to Other famous man, Albanian and Turkish mili- that all 18-year-old males during raise eyebrows. 3-Dimensional taries, in that order. the time of Yugoslavia had to join Russia has staunchly backed Serbia in resisting typographical Ismaili notes that the Swiss and the Yugoslav National Army,” Is- structures (there Kosovo’s efforts to win international recognition as aren’t many): German camouflage patterns were maili recalled. an independent state. With veto power on the UN Se- I.AMSTERDAM, also the uniforms worn most com- “Kosovo is only six years old, curity Council, Russia is the biggest barrier to Kosovo’s and the much- monly by KLA fighters, who didn’t but it should be like dog years, and membership of the UN. copied LOVE by have their own uniforms. Kosovo should be maturing by Robert Indiana. But, as Kosovo and Serbia improve relations, sign- Conceived and erected in the now,” he added.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 6 > days before Kosovo declared in- In future, Ismaili says he plans Prishtina Insight n February 28 - March 13, 2014 n 5

Fake asylum seekers hurting visa liberalisation chances, MEP says. Tanja Fajon, former European Parliament rap- porteur for visa liberalisation, told Kosovo that it needs to work harder on stemming the flow of people from seeking A asylum in the EU. “Everything has been done to make that people do not abuse [asylum procedures] or try to go out of the country asking for asylum,” the MEP said. Although Kosovo has signed readmission agree- ments with several EU states, there were more than 17,000 asylum applications in 2013. 2014 The European Commission launched its visa liberalization dialogue with Kosovo in January and handed over a roadmap on June 14. An EU commission is 2013 visiting Prishtina next month to see current progress.

Water supply continues to dwindle. In Prishtina, authori- 2009-2012 ties must continue curbing the water supply following a winter drought. Dardan Gashi, Minister of Environment, warned that 2008 cutting down the use of water was not a permanent solution to create an online portal where anyone can Republic of Kosova. “Attempts to erase this to the problem. If the weather propose a design for Newborn and the public day through erasing one of the signifiers B does not change soon the res- can vote on it. He also wants to erect a kiosk of this historical event are also attempts to ervoirs might dry up completely, selling souvenirs with information about the fabricate new private histories for private in- leaving 400,000 people in the installation. terests. The discussion about the aesthetics capital and nearby without wa- But the guerrilla paint job has sparked of an illegal construction is only a desire to ter supply. The Regional Water criticism for its militaristic theme and raised produce a cover-up topic that would eclipse Company is planning to offer 24 questions about what it represents and who the real problem.” hour water supply in 2016-2017 has the right to change its image. Besa Luci, editor of Kosovo 2.0 maga- by building a plant in Shkabaj, “I don't like it at all,” Petrit Selimi, Kosovo’s zine, said the new coat of paint reignited an estimated cost of 35 million deputy foreign minister and a member of the questions over what Newborn is and who it euro. ruling PDK, which was founded by former belongs to. KLA leaders, said. “As public ambiguity continues to persist Anti-corruption tactics fail to “I don’t understand why an artist should as to whether Newborn is a monument, a site, impress Brussels. Kosovo’s have the right to intervene in public property a sign, or a sculpture, or if it is a static work parliament adopted a new anti- as he sees fit. I want it pink.” Selimi has also with a static meaning - or something that corruption strategy and action tweeted that he finds it “banal”. is meant to evolve along with the country plan for 2013-17 in February. But Albert Heta, director of Prishtina’s Cent- whose birth it represents - then it appears the Kosovar Institute for Policy, er for Contemporary Art said the new look, that Newborn, along with the interventions, Research and Development which was painted without official govern- has been anything but transparent, repre- (KIPRED) described the results ment approval - or interference - signifies sentative or inclusive,” she said. as “unsatisfactory,” The EU “the unwillingness of state institutions to Some critics see the paint job as an at- C rule-of-law mission in Kosovo, protect public interest and public property.” tempt by Vetevendosje, of which Ismaili is a EULEX, claims it has achieved Heta expressed concern about what he member, to appropriate for itself a heroic nar- “impressive results” in fighting perceives as appropriation of public space rative about Kosovo’s struggle for freedom. organised crime and corrup- by private interests connected to power. But Ismaili denies this. “We don’t want to tion showing more than 300 “Usually new objects or stories are placed co-opt the narrative, we want to free it,” he cases. KIPRED claimed that in front of us to serve as a mask to eclipse or counters. EULEX had intentionally sought erase certain historical events,” he said. “They act as if they are the only ones who “to avoid high-level corruption “This object...is relevant to the public liberated the country,” he says of the ruling cases for the price of ensur- memory and public space only if it serves parties, “but there is still no law on veterans, ing political stability” despite its initial function - marking this historical and honest people who fought for this coun- evidence. It urged the authori- event - the day of the Independence of the try are going hungry.” ties to put more money into the Kosovo Special Prosecution. 6 n February 28 - March 13, 2014 n Prishtina Insight

CONTINUES FROM PAGE 4 > richest person with a net worth of $12.8 billion (9.3 billion euro) as of Sep- Russian billionaire Alexey Mordashov is doing business in Kosovo. tember. Back in 2006, the BBC reported that Mordashov had the ear and favour of Putin. According to Shugurov, the deal with Mordashov’s Power Machines remains one of a kind. “I haven’t heard of any Russian businesses in Kosovo, there are none that I know of,” he said, adding that “Kosovo is such a small piece of land, which is not sustainable economically on its own.” In January, Aleksandar Vulin, Serbia’s top official for Kosovo, hosted Russian business representatives in Belgrade to present opportunities in Kosovo. He told reporters afterwards that the Russians had expressed an interest in operating in Kosovo. The consortium of Power Machines, Macedonia’s Monting Energetika and Bulgaria’s CERB won the power plant tender after being previously disqualified from the first bidding process. In 2013, KEK disqualified the consortium because it offered suspicious- ing an historic agreement brokered by the EU last April, Kosovo’s deputy ly high prices in one section of the tender. The disqualification effectively foreign minister, Petrit Selimi, said Russia was changing its views. cancelled the process because only one bidder was left. “Russia’s declared policy is not to be ‘more Serbian than Serbia’, and as Arben Gjukaj, general director of the Kosovo Energy Corporation, KEK, Serbia is normalizing relations with Kosovo in line with its own EU aspira- said they won the tender fairly in the second attempt, and noted the Rus- tions, we expect increased interaction with Russian business and society,” sians’ expertise with Kosovo A. Selimi said. “The announcement of the award of the contract was made to the re- “We also cannot ban companies from offering cheap prices in public sponsible economic operator that had the lowest price,” Gjukaj said. tenders based on their ethnicity,” he added. The World Bank is backing plans to replace Kosovo A, an antiquated “That said, the EU and Turkey are still the overwhelming sources of plant, with a new coal-fired plant called New Kosovo. investment in Kosovo and we don't expect that landscape to change for a Critics including KOSID, a group of NGOs including BIRN, the publisher considerable time,” he continued. of this newspaper, have argued that Kosovo should focus on energy ef- Moscow’s top diplomat in Prishtina, Andrey Shugurov, expressed sur- ficiency and renewable energy instead. prise at the news. In the meantime, KEK has been performing upgrades on Kosovo A. “Mordashov is investing in Kosovo? My God, great news to me, that Power Machines did not respond to Prishtina Insight’s requests for is very unusual,” said Shugurov, who heads Russia’s Chancery office in comment. Prishtina. Valerie Hopkins and Nate Tabak contributed. The steel magnate according to Forbes magazine was the world’s 73rd Prishtina Insight n February 28 - March 13, 2014 n 7 Cover

American finds his feet on basketball world’s edge

Being recognized everywhere for your height, color and sporting prowess has its pro and cons, Atlanta-born Kendrick Jones says.

Photos/Atdhe Mulla STORY ON PAGE 8 > 8 n February 28 - March 13, 2014 n Prishtina Insight

Plisat members’ support for By Arijeta Lajka rica?’” recalls Jones, who comes Sigal Prishtina from Atlanta, Georgia. can sometimes Standing nearly two metres tall, Jones had a similar experience turn into complete Kendrick Jones is hard to miss playing in Montenegro. People chaos. During striding through the centre of stared at him in supermarkets and games, Prishtina. A few passers-by con- restaurants. His teammates asked they chant gratulate the basketball star for Si- to be photographed with him. “My derogatory terms to gal Prishtina’s recent win over the teammates loved it. I got used to it; visiting teams, Israeli team, Gilboa Galil. it’s not so bad,” he says. start fights and While Jones likes that kind of Despite the frustration of be- in some cases attention, there’s another kind he ing a spectacle, Jones has taken to are arrested. doesn’t care for: the stares. When Prishtina. The tight-knit city has he sits down at the café Bon Vivant, a nurturing side, he says. “Peo- all eyes are on Jones. ple support you as a player. Feels “That’s the thing I don’t like,” he good to walk down the street and says. “The culture is different here. have people congratulate you on a Rowdy Last year I was single and (I’d) go game,” he says. American players out and all the guys would stare. He’s played for 13 teams in eight fans give in the Balkans In the States, it’s different, no one countries in Europe, Latin America cares.” and Asia. Kosovo has been his long- Men Like most of his fellow 41 Amer- est stint thus far. He came in Febru- foreigners Albania: 2/177 icans playing professional bas- ary 2012, originally playing with Bosnia: 10/940 ketball in Kosovo, Jones is black. another Prishtina team, RTV 21, Bulgaria: 23/469 They stand out in Kosovo, which is before Sigal Prishtina offered him rough ride Croatia: 11/1538 almost entirely white, apart from a contract as a point guard in July. Macedonia: 14/626 the Roma, Egyptian and Ashkali Kosovo: 42/201 Taking the ‘next door’ Whenever Sigal Prishtina plays, a large con- Montenegro: 8/487 minorities, which face widespread tingent of rowdy young fans from Plisat is Romania: 43/558 discrimination. Jones played basketball from a there. Founded as a football fan club, Plisat Serbia: 7/1263 The attention Jones receives young age but never considered it seems to have embraced basketball with Slovenia: 13/1142 from Kosovars can be off-putting. a career. He had a strong interest in even greater intensity. “They’re like, ‘Are you from Af- engineering but after he received a They frequently break out into patriotic Women songs and rip off their shirts in support of Albania: 0/111 the team. But there is also a darker side: Bosnia: 4/239 Bulgaria: 9/196 violence and bigotry linked to Plisat. Croatia: 3/ 470 At a recent Sigal game against Israel’s Galil Macedonia: 0/189 Gilboa, some Plisat members screamed, Kosovo: 0/26 “Jew, Jew!” They have also taunted Serbian Montenegro: 4/88 and Macedonian players. Plisat members Romania: 44/258 are also linked to the December 2011 attack Serbia: 2/330 on the launch of Kosovo 2.0’s sex magazine. Slovenia: 3/257 Plisat leader Albert Kastrati, who has been charged over the Kosovo 2.0 case but pro- fesses his innocence, says the fans are not racist. “Every year we have had American black players on our team, so if we were to chant According racist words against black players of the to fellow teammate Tay opposite team we in a way are chanting Waller, Jones against our players as well,” Kastrati says. “knows how to While Plisat supports Sigal’s three Ameri- control a team can players on court, Kastrati sees them as and will try do whatever an expensive luxury. “The American basket- it takes to ball players do not bring more quality than win.” In a local ones, they just earn more,” he says. game against “It is much more in our interest to have local Israeli team Galil Gilboa, basketball players playing in our league,” he Jones helped adds. his team beat “We just like players who give everything on them by 66-71. the court and play with their hearts, rather than those who are attractive and make a better show,” he concludes.

-Arijeta Lajka Prishtina Insight n February 28 - March 13, 2014 n 9

basketball scholarship for Colum- bus State University in Georgia he set his sights on the pros. “My dream was the NBA and that door never opened, so I took the next door,” he says. After playing in the minor league in the US for two years, he went abroad. In 2007, he had a choice between Lebanon and Co- lombia. He chose the latter because of the war going on in Lebanon at the time. Colombia would the first of several stops in Latin America, which also proved to be violent. In Mexico, he saw the bloody after- math of drug-cartel violence in the streets. “I didn’t tell my folks. They would’ve told me to come home,” Jones says. He also saw violence in Hondu- ras, where “almost every other day someone got shot.” Kosovo was never part of Jones’ plan, or even on his radar. He had been expecting to sign with a team in Venezuela, but the deal was tak- ing a long time to materialize. Then an agent told him about an opportu- nity in Kosovo. “Kosovo just fell into my lap - I didn’t know anything about it,” Jones says. “In America you don’t But American players tend to earn Life in the big village ‘Tired of the grind’ think about places that don’t affect more because “they end up scoring Although it is home to 200,000 The close-knit nature of fami- you.” more”. people, Prishtina often is likened to lies in Kosovo is a sad reminder “It is a pleasure to play with a village where everyone knows for Jones. His family, including Strong US presence on them because we know that Ameri- each other. That can create prob- his 12-year-old daughter and girl- courts cans play the best basketball in the lems for Jones when he’s out on friend, are back in Atlanta. Conse- While the country may have world. We can get experience from the town. quently, he spends much of his free been an unknown for Jones, Kos- them. Everytime new players come In his previous teams, players time keeping in touch or sleeping ovo is very familiar with American they (Kosovar players) are educat- could go out and party as long they to keep in synch with their sched- players. ed in how to play the sport and there performed well on court, accord- ules. More than 20 percent of Koso- is no jealousy here,” explained team ing to Jones. “I am tired of the grind,” says vo’s professional men’s basketball captain, Edmond Azemi. But Sigal Prishtina is stricter. Jones. “It gets annoying for you and players are American, which is a “I also played outside of Kosovo Players can only go out on their your family to constantly be stuck higher percentage than anywhere and I know what it’s like for a team day off, which is Saturday. Bar and in limbo.” else in the region. In raw numbers, and city to accept you,” added Aze- club owners are aware of the rules, Although a life spent playing only Romania only has more play- mi, who previously played in Mac- too. basketball abroad can be hard, ers from the US - 43 to Kosovo’s 42. edonia and Iceland. “They’re always like, ‘Jones is Jones adds: “It pays the bills. My “They are more athletic, able While Jones is certainly re- drinking a cocktail,’ and tell me family is being taken care of at to adapt and are more motivated,” spectable as a scorer, and ranks that they’re going to tell my coach,” home.” Leart Hoxha, director of the Prishti- No 11 in his league, Eurohold Bal- Jones says. As for the future, Jones is not na team RTV 21, says of the Ameri- kan, his success as a point guard is But, being well known has its sure how long he will remain in Ko- can players. measured less in individual statis- advantages. Café owners all know sovo, or in basketball. Ultimately, “We seek ones that do stunts tics than in his ability to lead on the him and give him high-fives when he wants to finish his university and are better athletes than the court. This season, Sigal Prishtina is he enters. He also has his favorite degree and have an office job. average Kosovar. As long as you doing quite well, ranked No 2 in the spots, including the Fornetti pastry “Everyone is always asking have slam dunks, that means that league. shop, and he has picked up a little me how many years you got left,” higher attendance, which means “He's an experienced player Albanian as well. he notes. more tickets,” Hoxha adds. and he knows how to control a “I have other things I want to Basketball players typically team,” American teammate Tay do in life. I always say, I’ll see what earn 500 to 5,000 euro a month Waller says. “He will try to do what- happens next year. If I have a good in Kosovo, according to Hoxha. ever it takes to win.” contract I will play.” 10 n February 28 - March 13, 2014 n Prishtina Insight

Albanians fighting abroad face Region 10 years in jail A new amendment to and Mediation. Currently the crimi- From the latest news and analysis ALB the criminal code rais- nal code does not have in place any from around the Balkans, visit es jail term to 10 years for Albanians penalties for Albanians who fight who join conflicts abroad for political abroad, being for political or religious www.balkaninsight.com and ideological reasons. The amend- reasons. The International Center for ment initiated by the ministry of jus- the Study of Radicalization, ISRA, a tice follows reports that a growing think tank based in King's College, number of Albanian citizens have London, believes some 300 Alba- joined radical Islamist groups fight- nian fighters, from Kosovo, Macedo- ing in the Syrian civil war. “It’s a step nia and Albania, have joined groups in the right direction,” said Arjan linked to al-Qaeda in Syria, including Dyrmishi, a security expert with the Jabhat al-Nusra and the Islamic State Albanian Institute of Democracy of Iraq and al-Sham, or ISIS.

Politicians play war games with Bosnia protests

Leaders have been trying to stir up bad memories of the 1990s conflict in a bid to undermine and discredit the nationwide demonstrations against economic hardship and corruption.

By Denis Dzidic

“Armed paramilitaries will lead protests into Republika focus attention away from war crimes committed by Srpska”, “Tanks seen on border”, “Protests aimed at hid- Bosniak forces” during the 1992-95 war, because their ing truth about Bosniak war crimes”: these are just a few start coincided with news that Serbia was investigating of the sensational headlines seen in Bosnian media over former Bosnian Army commander Naser Oric. the past few weeks. However all these allegations, and others like them, Since the protests began on February 6, some politi- have proved to be completely unfounded. cians and NGO representatives have been making pro- One of the participants in the protests in , vocative allegations about the arming of protesters and Hana Obradovic, said that such statements were at- raising fears of a return to war in . tempts to control the media agenda by using nationalist The protests started in the town of Tuzla when peo- rhetoric ahead of elections in the country later this year. ple took the streets to show their discontent about cor- “We have been seeing classic media spin,” Obradovic rupt privatisations of formerly state-owned companies. told BIRN. Over the days that followed, they grew bigger and turned She said that it was to be expected that politicians into a more widespread expression of public anger about would try and twist the narrative of a popular uprising economic hardship, culminating in the burning of sever- into a story about violent hooligans threatening fragile al local government buildings in Sarajevo, Tuzla, ethnic peace in Bosnia’s much-divided society. Economic woes are at the root of the protests in Bosnia. and Zenica. “Bosnia is a fertile ground for wartime propaganda, But Milorad Dodik, the leader of Bosnia’s Serb-dom- which is connected to the early 1990s conflict. We have inated entity Republika Srpska, has alleged that the pro- ‘seen’ fake ‘tanks’ on the border, we have heard about the tests were actually intended to destabilise his territory [false rumours about the] Green Berets,” she explained. – a view echoed by Bosnian Serb Veterans’ Union official “This is all media spinning the story, and they are in- Troubled privatisations such as Pantelija Curguz. structed to do so by certain [political] centres which will that of the Dieta detergent fac- “Whoever planned this is not happy because the pro- reveal their true goals in October, when the elections tory have stoked public anger. tests have not been massive in Republika Srpska. Now come,” she said. they are planning to include some extreme organisa- tions – paramilitary formations like the Sunni Legion and Scare stories the Green Berets, who we know from the war,” Curguz Security expert Vahid Karavelic, a former Bosnian Amel Emric/Associated press told a press conference in Banja Luka. Army general, also insisted that there was nothing in the via Beta Leading Bosnian Croat politician Dragan Covic also protests which could in any way suggest that a renewed made similar claims, calling the protests “an attempt to outbreak of conflict was imminent in Bosnia. Prishtina Insight n February 28 - March 13, 2014 n 11

Seselj runs in polls Bosnia to map wartime detention ‘like a Serbian Mandela’ camp locations

Serbian Radical Party world order and euro-Atlantic he- A new project aims to tion facilities, and we worked on it for SRB leader Vojislav Seselj, gemony. Seselj is one of the most BIH create a comprehen- several months. Now it is important on trial at the Hague Tribunal on famous anti-globalists in the world,” sive database of all the prison camps to develop partnerships with various war crimes charges, is to run in the Serbian Radical Party official Djur- and other wartime detention facili- organisations to improve our work,” upcoming Serbian parliamentary adj Jaksic said after the Novi Sad ties across the country over the next Kulasic said. The coordinator of the elections, styling himself as a “free- rally on Monday. “There are many five years. “Our goal is to introduce project, Hikmet Karcic, said that it is dom fighter.” A huge banner was similarities between Nelson Man- this issue to the public,” Elmina Ku- estimated that there were more than hung from the stage at the rallies pic- dela and Vojislav Seselj. Mandela lasic, president of the Transitional 600 locations where prisoners were turing the war crimes indictee next was fighting against the slavery Justice, Accountability and Remem- held during the 1992-95 conflict. Sa- to former South African President of the South African people, while brance in Bosnia and Herzegovina rajevo law professor Zdravko Grebo Nelson Mandela. “Vojislav Seselj is Seselj is fighting against the slavery association, which is running the pro- praised the project as “an attempt to the symbol of the resistance of the of and Serbia, and for the free- ject, said “So far we have completed reach the factual truth about what Serbian people against the new dom of the Serbian people,” he said. the profiles for 15 camps and deten- was done during the war.”

“There is no fear of a new war,” Karavelic told BIRN. “What is happening is politicians blowing every- “What is thing out of proportion and this means the pre-election happening campaign has started. Politicians should stabilise and is politicians calm down the difficult situation which has created the blowing protests, but over the past 20 years we have seen that everything out politicians here do not have the honour required to do this,” he said. of proportion At the last general elections, the predominant nar- and this means rative from Republika Srpska politicians was about the the pre-election need to hold a referendum aimed at seceding from Bos- campaign nia and Herzegovina, while Bosniak leaders spoke of the has started. need to abolish the Serb-led entity and form a centralised government. Politicians Over the past few months, as election year ap- should stabilise proached, the media was again filled with stories about and calm down unpunished war crimes and threats of constitutional the difficult changes which would be harmful to one or another eth- situation which nic group. The situation as regards media ownership in the has created the country – with leading media outlets either directly protests, but owned or heavily financed by political parties – enables over the past these stories to be blown out of proportion in order to 20 years we disguise pressing economic problems, such as the of- have seen that ficial unemployment rate which is currently almost 30 per cent. politicians here Bosnian sociologist Esad Bajtal believes that politi- do not have the cians in the country have also been using scare stories honour required about the possibility of armed conflict in an attempt to to do this.” frighten people away from protesting, in a bid to maintain the status quo. “The media is being used as a transmitter. They are - Vahid using the war story to calm people down, so they are sub- Karavelic, missive and easier to rule. But that won’t happen now,” former Bosnian Bajtal predicted. Army general, But with the protests continuing and elections ap- security expert proaching in the autumn, it seems likely that the flow of unsubstantiated rumours in the media will continue too. 12 n February 28 - March 13, 2014 n Prishtina Insight

Kolegji Riinvest Rruga Lidhja e Prizrenit nr 42 10 000 Prishtinë, Kosovë Tel: +381 (0) 38 224 322 [email protected]

Lectureship Opportunities at the Department for Staffordshire University MBA Programme at Riinvest College

Background of the Department Staffordshire University

Staffordshire University is a well-known Qualifications: PhD, DBA or equivalent degree institution in Kosovo. During the last decade in the relevant field required. Previous teaching more than seventy Kosovan economists have experience and experience in business manage- completed their Masters and PHD studies in the ment is preferred. Qualified candidates should UK (at Staffordshire), creating a critical mass of have excellent verbal and written communica- well-educated economists in this country. These tion skills, strong interpersonal skills and a graduates can be found in all walks of life, in commitment to high-quality teaching for private and public sector, creating a difference in Staffordshire University at Riinvest College. The our society. Riinvest and Staffordshire University candidate should also demonstrate commit- developed cooperation in education and research ment to helping our students succeed in their since 1998, which leaded to the establishment of studies. The level of engagement is 18-24 hours the department for Staffordshire University Pro- delivered in the time-frame of 4 to 5 days. Also, grammes at Riinvest College through franchise there is a possibility for supervising MBA thesis. agreement for business management Bachelor and MBA awards. These programmes are taught Availability: Through current and next semester in the English language and lead to a UK award. Application Process: Please submit a motiva- The MBA courses are taught on intensive basis tion/cover letter along with a copy of your CV/ It’s hip not to be square over a short period of time. Candidates from any Resume, transcripts and a list of publications European country, as well as those in Kosovo, and references to this e-mail address: diana. may apply. The programme will cover the travel [email protected] (or a rectangle). and cost of stay and pay a competitive fee per For more detailed information regarding the hour. program and other related questions, please feel free to contact me at the above e-mail or call Responsibilities: 038 224 322 Let PI design an ad Teach courses at MBA level in the following areas: People Management and Development / to meet your needs. Marketing / Managing Strategy / Corporate and Global Strategy / Managerial Finance International Finance [email protected] Prishtina Insight n February 28 - March 13, 2014 n 13 Opinion Send us your thoughts to [email protected]. Bosnians are hungry in three languages

It is too early to assess the lasting impact of status. Who needs 140 “ministers” and 800 the social protest of the past few weeks on “parliamentarians” and a budget of which WOLFGANG Bosnia's future. However, it is time to draw close to 50 per cent goes into the bureau- PETRITSCH some conclusions from the public outcry cracy? Definitely not its citizens, who have that echoes across the ethnic divide and long since realized that the only safe job is in has left established politics in a state of tur- politics - and, once in, they cling to them for elites - many still active since the moil. as long as possible. Constitutional changes war - have to admit that they have This much is clear: after Tuzla, Sarajevo are inevitable. totally failed, and draw the con- and the other venues of grassroots upheav- When I mention this terrible mess in the sequences. This is a good opportunity for als Bosnia will never be the same again. It US, where I now work, people are incredu- those who bear most responsibility for Bos- has started to speak in “one language”. lous. “This for 3.8 million inhabitants?” they nia's disaster simply to leave politics. They First, we need to recognize that, since ask. would do the country and its citizens a last the protests in front of parliament last June big favour. in Sarajevo, public discourse has shifted 2. An EU Marshall Plan for Bosnia The question is: who could these part- from an ethnic-driven “policy of fear” to the By this I mean an economic and social ners be? Difficult to tell, but there must be bread-and-butter issues of today. “compact”, which addresses the - by now answers. Citizens, workers, academics I vividly remember how I used to re- - 20 years of mostly failed economic as- and non-corrupted politicians (some are mind the citizens of BiH that I see only one sistance. It needs to be based on what has left!) need to take my ownership appeal se- real unifying element in this otherwise worked (yes, the killing was stopped, recon- riously. I deeply believe that these protests divided country, and this is “siromastvo” – struction was successful) and what has not are a historic chance for BiH; one of the very “poverty”! worked (too much). A comprehensive “Fu- last, I am afraid. Whatever ethnic background, it has ture Bosnia” plan has to be devised between I can only hope that there will soon be been equally bad for most , , local reform forces and the EU. Everybody a civic leadership and a reform program Serbs and - famously - the “Dayton-Others” knows what needs to be done, yet nobody in place with a common vision for BiH yet for years. does it. Let’s change this and create a state realistic in its demands; reaching across My desperate appeal to the local politi- for all citizens. perceived ethnic divides, open yet careful cians was to give up their rhetoric of hate Funds are aplenty; consider this: Only in its selection of members. The discredit- and exclusion and unite to work for the last year BiH lost 45 million euro because ed parties must not infiltrate the new civic people. of its inability to fulfill even the most basic movement. I hear from my Bosnian friends Brussels in turn is to blame for its lack conditions. Hundreds of EU-millions are in that many are also disappointed with some of spirited guidance and the loss of interest. jeopardy for the period 2014 -2020. of the academics, public servants and NGOs Bureaucratic routine has replaced political Another example: Since neighbouring who maintain a too cosy relationship with engagement. The EU has one of its largest Croatia joined the EU in 2013, exports have the current ethno-political leaders. missions in Sarajevo, but has been unable to stopped due to the lack of sanitary legisla- This is my last point: The so-called reverse the downward spiral of economic tion. Bosnia’s economy is again losing be- International Community, which lost in- and social disaster. That has to change. cause its politicians would rather blame terest long ago, has to realize that its well I suggest a two-pronged approach: each other than do a proper job. There are, intentioned humanitarian intervention in thus, considerable funds and opportunities the 1990s has run its course. Some 20 years 1. Reform of the failed political around; what is missing is the political will after the end of the war, new structures system to make them work. have to replace the Dayton set up, the OHR BiH has to finally become a function- These two measures - jointly executed - in particular. ing state: democratic, European and in the presuppose a serious strategy change; two The US, the EU, Germany and others service of its citizens. Because of its multi- points come to mind: Bosnia has to again be- have to unite and give their policies a fresh ethnic makeup, BiH needs a decentralized come a European priority. Under the leader- impetus. yet efficient governance structure (but so ship of Brussels, neighbours and friends like Bosnia must be brought on an irrevers- does the EU). There is no room in Europe Austria need to step up to their respective ible road towards EU membership. Acces- for separatist fiefdoms - either in Republika responsibilities and invest - politically and sion will not happen tomorrow; it will take Srpska or in the Federation entity, where too economically and into education. After all, a very long time. But the journey has to start many politicians do not want to join the EU BiH is not even one-tenth of Ukraine in size. immediately - supported by many civic because they fear losing their privileged The EU needs new partners. The old voices but in one “language”.

Wolfgang Petritsch is an Austrian diplomat. He served as the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1999 to 2002. 14 n February 28 - March 13, 2014 n Prishtina Insight

Four stars: Perfection Three stars: Superb Two Stars: Good One Star: Just OK No Star: Don’t Bother GOOD piguide « « « « Burek, burgers

reign at Bosna side fries weren’t too greasy or salty, and were A medium sized portion of qofte served with cooked to a golden crisp. yellow chili peppers and onions. By Arijeta Lajka My dining partner opted for qevapa. The qevapa seemed to be the more popular Often times in Prishtina, I find the many option in the restaurant, since our cheap fast food options lacking in flavor, nearby diners all ordered qevapa. overcooked, or too greasy. Most of the eat The qevapa were well seasoned, burgers I’ve tried here in Prishtina are too grilled to perfection and tucked away thin and a bit rubbery. Prior to going to Bosna, between two fluffy pieces of bread like I heard how delicious their burgers were and de- a sandwich. Served on the side was a fresh cided to try their burger. incredibly spicy yellow chilli pepper and Bosna is a local chain of restaurants here in chopped onions. Kosovo that offer a more traditional, Balkan ver- A few days later, when I was on another sion of fast food. You’ll recognize the large yellow fast food craze, I returned to Bosna in Darda- neon sign titled Bosna throughout Prishtina. It’s a nia and ordered their famous burek. Some say casual and mint clean venue and not to mention that Bosna has the best burek in Kosovo, and wallet-friendly. it is definitely one of the best I have tried here. On my first visit to the Bosna in Dardania, the I chose the spinach burek, which was incred- restaurant was packed. Upon entering we were ible. It was crispy and filled with fresh spinach. greeted by a welcoming staff of waiters. We were Although it was smothered in oil, it brought it initially disappointed by small menu and lack of all together. options, but realized that Bosna offers the staples My dining partner went with the qofte. of Balkan fast food. Each item also varies in portion, The qofte were tasty and had the right amount ranging from small to large. of spice. And of course they were also served I went with a combo meal of a burger, fries, with a side of onions and peppers. and a coke all for under 3 euro. Bosna had a qual- Bosna’s locations are ideal since many ity burger that I’ve been craving here in Prishtina. of them are just a short walk from the center. BOSNA When my burger arrived, it was a classic burger The service was quick and our bill for two Kurriz (Dardani), Prishtina served well-done, filled with fresh lettuce and was less than 6 euro. Among their flavorful Near Posta tomatoes, and also topped with a fried egg on a meat options, is also their famous burek, Other location: Perandori Justinian st. pillow-soft, lightly toasted bun. The beef patty which goes perfectly well with a side of yo- Hours: Everyday 7a.m. - 10 p.m. was plump, juicy and absolutely delicious. The gurt.

EAT DRINK EDS SHOP

EMBELTORE Rinia > Embeltore Rinia is a traditional decadent, creamy and contained the perfect amount A little ice cream shop here in Prishtina. Be- of caramel. They also make their own homemade sides the key ice cream flavor options, lemonade and grape juice. It’s in a conveni- there are more intriguing options ent location in Dardania, surrounded by like pineapple. The ice cream small boutiques and stores. It’s a nice was smooth, creamy and stop for some dessert and ice cream not too sweet. Among their especially now that the weather has sweets are classic Albanian been warmer. desserts like shampite, tol- lumba and boema. While you In Kurrizi - Dardania's under- can get tre leche at almost any ground thoroughfare. cafe or restaurant in Prishtina, Embeltore Rinia’s tre leche was Prishtina Insight n February 28 - March 13, 2014 n 15

Turkish delight Newly opened Trosha, right in the centre, is serving delicious assortment of Turkish- inspired baked goods in a bright, modern setting. Offerings span everything from fully meat-filled buns to gooey chocolate desserts. Trosha is also a full-service cafe. tion. Location: Between Pejton and the Centre, near Central Room. For more, visit FYI www.facebook.com/troshame or trosha.me.

01 Pallet Lounge WHERE Pallet lounge is an newly opened, exquisite cafe restaurant that offers TO PICK UP a variety of multicultural dishes and drinks. It is located right across the AUK University in the outskirts PRISHTINA of the city, surrounded by nature. Gërmia Road (across AUK) +386 INSIGHT (0)49 880-777 palletlounge@ gmail.com facebook.com/Pallet Hotel Prishtina 06 Hotel Prishtina’s 43 charming guest Lounge Papillon Bistro Bar rooms and suites are reminiscent of a 02 Papillon offers more than 60 types small hotel in the European tradition. of wines from France, Italy, Spain, The hotel offers free, fast wifi internet, and Kosovo with great prices and complimentary breakfast, conference delicious dishes. You can also try room, swimming pool, sauna and laun- different types of local or interna- dry service. Hotel Prishtina, St. Vaso tional beers. Mother Teresa Str. Nr. Pasha nr. 20, +381 38 / 22 32 84. 51 A [email protected] 044 103 310 Pizza Napoli 07 Hotel AFA A taste of Napoli in Prishtina. After ten 03 years of making pizza in Napoli, and Located in a quiet neighbourhood with only love to blame, Fatmir, the just outside the city centre, Hotel head chef, returned to Prishtina. His Afa can guarantee guests a peace- pizzas, made in a woodburn stove, are ful night while being within walking definitely genuine napolitanas. Fatmir distance of all the action. Rooms also has several delicious pastas on of- start at 45 euro for a single, and fer, a true joy for the taste buds. Pizze- luxury rooms and apartments are ria Napoli off Luan Haradinaj, opposite available. The hotel’s rooms are Newborn. 044/409-402402 well appointed and comfortable. 15, Rr Ali Kelmendi, Sunny Hill, Hotel Gracanica Prishtina +381 38/225 226 www. 04 A place to relax in the calm and clean hotelafa.com air of the countryside, just 15 minute sfrom Prishtina city center, 500 m from the center of Gracanica and its UNESCO World Heritage monastery and a short walk to the archeological site of Ulpiana. The boutique hotel combines contemporary architecture with traditional elements to create a unique atmosphere that will make you feel at home. +381 (0)38 729 888 (landline) +386 (0)49 764 000 [email protected] www.hotelgracanica.com 07 www.facebook.com/HotelGracanica

06 02 03

A EAT

04 16 n February 28 - March 13, 2014 n Prishtina Insight culture Images of bygone Albania ring true today

By Hana Marku A l b a n i a ’ s de cla rat ion A woman languidly reclines on a of independ- divan, in the Ottoman style - with ence in 1912, a cigarette in hand and a Turkish the statesmen coffee placed in front of her. Her of the first Al- figure welcomes visitors to the banian gov- National Art Gallery’s current ernment, the Marubi exhibition, “Marubi: The “Bashkimi” moving lens of an archive,” which association features the work of the prolific for inde- Studio Marubi photographers: pendence in Pietro, Kel, and Gege Marubi, Shkodra, and along with their contemporaries also gave us and predecessors Kol Idromeno, the iconic por- Pjeter Rraboshta, Dede Jakova, trait of free- Shan Pici and Angjelin Nenshati. dom fighter Studio Marubi, based in couple Shota Shkodra, Albania, documented a n d A z e m a considerable amount of Alba- Galica. nian history and daily life, with a By 1920, Photo/Enver Bylykbashi body of work spanning roughly Studio Marubi 100 years. Pietro Marubi, the first was a well- Marubi, was in fact Italian - a car- established and profitable busi- showcased at the National Art banian patriots. It show us in our bonari, he emigrated from Italy to ness - images from the Studio Gallery features 250 images, totality, and in all our difference Albania in the 1860s as a fugitive, were published in Western press many of which have rarely been and change over time and space on the run for his involvement as far afield as France and Great publicly exhibited before. The of- - and that is a good thing. in the assassination of an Ital- Britain. Gege Marubi, the last of fer us a glimpse of an Albania that ian nobleman. Marubi settled in the Marubi line, studied with the is human, and above all, surpris- Shkodra, where he continued Lumiere Company in France be- ingly present. What they show is Hana Marku is the online man- his work as an architect, painter, fore returning to Albania to run a mirror image of ourselves - the aging editor at Kosovo 2.0. sculptor - and eventually, pho- the family business. The more poverty, the struggle, and the de- tographer. In 1865, Studio Marubi experimental of the bunch, Gege termination to enjoy life - one can was up and running on Shkodra’s played with infrared photogra- sense these things in the subjects main boulevard. phy and slides, and is also known of Studio Marubi’s photographs. His gardener Rrok Kodheli for his intimate portraits of King The hardfaced freedom fighters, became his first apprentice, and Zog’s family court. In 1952, the stu- the stern peasants, smiling social- Marubi in turn sent two of Rrok’s dio was dissolved by an order of ites, and students playing in the sons, Kel and Mat to be trained the Albanian communist regime, snow - they are asking a question in photography in Trieste. After and in 1970, Gege Marubi donated about who we are, where we are Pietro’s death, Kel Kodheli inher- the entire Marubi archive to the going, and what we will become. Albanian government. The beauty of the Marubi ar- f ited Studio Marubi - and out of re- spect for his mentor, changed his For many years, the Studio chive is that they offer us visual If you go last name to Marubi. Kel Marubi Marubi collection gathered dust cues about our past, and no com- would become one of Albania’s at the Shkodra Fototeka, the insti- mon denominator of what quali- Visit Kosovo’s Na- most important modern photog- tution created to house Albania’s fies as “Albanian” - they are varied tional Arts Gallery until raphers, documenting the every- photographic history. Digitization in form, size, religion, politics, oc- April 14, 2014, to see day life of peasants and towns- efforts can not start soon enough, cupation, and every other factor “Marubi: The moving men in northern Albania, as well and a UNDP project to that end is you can think of. The collection lens of an archive.” as some of the most important seeking to ensure that the collec- as a whole carries an iconic qual- Visiting hours are Tues- moments in Albania’s struggle tion is protected and carefully ity, as a remnant of the past that is days and Fridays from for independence from the Otto- documented. every bit as real - if not more - than 10am-6pm, and Satur- man empire. Kel photographed The exhibition that is being the chatter of historians and Al- days from 10am-5pm.