Opinion: Why Kosovo-Serbia Talks Might Succeed This Time

November 12-25, 2010 Issue No. 51 www.prishtinainsight.com Price € 1 Thousands EU SPECIAL European Union Spurn Offer Calls on Kosovo to to Legalise Tackle Corruption Homes in > page 3 NEWS Prishtina Contract Cancelled City forced to After Prishtina extend deadline for Insight Probe legalising thousands of unregulated buildings > page 5 after only one-third of BUSINESS estimated owners applied for permits. ‘New Chapter in Kosovo-Turkey See Page 10 Relations Needed’ Asylum Fears Hit Kosovo Visa Liberalisation Bid While the European Commission blames Kosovo for not doing its homework, others say EU states’ immigration worries were the real reason why Kosovo failed to make progress on visa liberalisation. “It is not the European Parliament gration and asylum-seekers arriv- tatives of member states’ govern- > page 6 By Prishtina Insight Team that has the problem; it’s not the ing as a result of the liberalized ments. They agreed only to extend Commission, it is mostly the mem- visa arrangements with other the visa liberalization scheme to FEATURE hile the long-awaited start ber states, which just gave a green Balkan countries. Bosnia and Albania. to Kosovo’s visa liberali- light to Bosnia and Albania and The issue has caused concern “They [the Commissioners] both Serbian Church Wsation process has been are reluctant to take the next step among some member states favoured offering a strategy to the put on hold, different branches of [for Kosovo] already. already, especially after thousands Kosovo government but it’s not up Accused of Sex the Brussels apparatus disagree “I’m still optimistic that the of people travelled this year from to them to decide, it’s in the over the reasons for the delay. strategy will come for Kosovo but I Serbia and Macedonia to seek asy- Council’s hand,” an EU official Abuse Cover-up The European Commission was too optimist a couple of weeks lum in the EU after the two coun- told Prishtina Insight. > page 12 argues that Kosovo has failed to ago,” she added, referring to an tries joined the EU’s White However, Renzo Daviddi, head of draw up a necessary strategy on interview given to Prishtina Schengen list in January. the European Commission Liaison readmissions and returns. Insight in October in which she Another EU official told Office in Kosovo, said that while But Ulrike Lunacek, the predicted that a strategy for Prishtina Insight that both the rel- concerns about immigration European Parliament’s rapporteur Kosovo would be announced immi- evant commissioners had might have influenced the discus- for Kosovo, blamed the setback on nently. favoured announcing a visa strate- sion, Kosovo was being held up Kosovo’s only English-language the “domestic politics” of some EU Lunacek said that member gy for Kosovo. because its readmission and rein- newspaper is available: states, which have immigration states’ “reluctance” to lift visa However, this was apparently tegration plan was not deemed up fears. requirement on Kosovo was relat- blocked by the Council of to scratch. Delivered to The Austrian Green MEP said: ed to concerns about more immi- Ministers, composed of represen- continues page 2 Your Door

Kosovo Premier Stands to Sit-Com Offers Dose of EU From Newsstands Profit From Snap Poll Reality to Kosovo across Kosovo

Kosovo’s biggest party, the Democratic A survey conducted this summer for the Sent To Party of Kosovo, PDK, led by Hashim European Commission Liaison Office in Your Inbox Thaci, stands to do best from early general Kosovo, ECLO, reveals that almost 40 per elections planned for December 12, cent of the public believe their country observers believe. will join the European Union by 2012, From The emergency elections were Prishtina Insight has learnt. our partners announced on November 2, giving the par- This overly optimist view of news ties just over a month... page 4 news Kosovo’s road map to the EU... page 2 see page 16 for more info

Y M is supported by: C K 2 November 12 - 25, 2010 EU Special NEWS Asylum Fears Hit Kosovo Visa Kosovo’s Rulers Liberalisation Bid from page 1 “If you look at the experience of The Council of Ministers on Trade Charges with Central and Eastern Europe in the Monday lifted visa requirements Prishtina Insight understands 1990s, it became so central that it for Albania and Bosnia after the that a new strategy has now been became a bipartisan issue… For a EC had deciding that both coun- Ex-Gun Runner submitted to the Commission and country that wants to become part tries met all the technical criteria. is likely to gain approval this year. of the European Union, this is a But the move, the last hurdle in A US Balkan expert and a former spy chief have become Daviddi predicted that Kosovo must,” he concluded. the visa liberalisation process, had embroiled in a bitter war of words between the ruling would have a roadmap for visa lib- Prishtina Insight contacted faced initial opposition, with two eralisation “very soon, which Besim Beqaj, Minister for delegations withholding support Democratic Party of Kosovo and a former gun runner. means weeks or days”. European Integration, for a com- until new, tougher measures were with a series of blistering attacks He went on to criticise Kosovo’s ment, but received no reply. brought in, to beef up the monitor- on senior members of the PDK. leaders for not placing its Earlier this week, Beqaj accused ing process. In an official press release, the European Union future at the cen- the EU of double standards in its These include stricter monitor- By Lawrence Marzouk PDK claimed that Krasniqi gave tre of decision-making. dealings with Kosovo. ing mechanisms to slow the influx Phillips 500,000 dollars to write his Countries such as Hungary and Kosovo’s Interior Minister, of economic migrants and asylum report, accusations that the author the Czech Republic had done this Bajram Rexhepi, also claimed that seekers and the possibility of has branded as “absurd and false”. in the 1990s and there was no other the European Commissioner for expelling states from the visa-free hen David Phillips, a US- The PDK condemned Krasniqi as way of becoming a member, he Home Affair, Cecilia Malstrom, system if abuses take place. said. “I would like to see the issue had “prejudices about the Kosovo France has expressed particular based expert on Albanian “a pseudo-patriot”, questioned his of the European integration of people”. concern about the extension of the Wissues, released his report, war record in helping the KLA, and Kosovo becoming the centre of the The spokesperson for the visa liberalisation process in Realizing Kosova’s Independence in accused him of having committed May, he little knew that only six policy-making agenda, as it should Commissioner, Michele Cercone, recent months. crimes in Kosovo and the US. “The months later he would be dragged be,” he said. said that the Commission had not Lunacek said she feared that if PDK will take legal measures in into a bitter war of words, involving “It was a marginal issue some- promised Kosovo anything regard- problems with the visa-free system pursuing the truth,” the party’s accusations of bribery and treachery. time ago, it has become more cen- ing a visa strategy. He reiterated arose with Albania and Bosnia, press release stated. In his report, Phillips, a former tral, but in the next few years it that shortcomings over returns she was “afraid that there will “As a governing party, not want- senior advisor at the State has to become even more central,” and reintegrating Kosovars were more hindrances to the process ing to influence the acceleration or Department’s Bureau for European he added. the main reason for the delay. with Kosovo”. orientation of investigations, the Affairs, quoted an anonymous PDK has requested an investiga- source claiming that SHIK, the sup- tion into all charges, with EULEX posedly defunct intelligence arm of the ruling Democratic League of [the EU rule-of-law mission] in Sit-Com Offers Dose of Kosovo, PDK, was receiving “200 charge.” million dollars a year via bribery, A EULEX spokesperson told extortion, racketeering, and protec- Prishtina Insight that it had not received any requests for informa- EU Reality to Kosovo tion services”. Following publication of the tion and urged anyone with evi- The European Commission is using Kosovo’s most popular sit-com, Kafeneja Jone, to report by the prestigious National dence of crimes to contact Kosovo Committee on American Foreign Police or a prosecutor first. explain to the public the challenges and benefits of EU membership Responding to the accusations, Policy, the PDK, led by Prime survey conducted this Krasniqi said he would sue the Minister Hashim Thaci, which summer for the European PDK for defamation and he alleged emerged from the KLA, attacked ACommission Liaison Office that SHIK was behind the allega- the contents and its author. in Kosovo, ECLO, reveals that Florin Krasniqi, a former gun- tions. almost 40 per cent of the public runner and fundraiser for the The director of the former PDK- believe their country will join the Kosovo Liberation Army, who was linked intelligence agency, Kadir European Union by 2012, then living in New York, has been Veseli, then emerged from the Prishtina Insight has learnt. widely fingered as the source of the shadows and in a rare public pro- This overly optimist view of information. Krasniqi is reported nouncement addressed the accusa- Kosovo’s road map to the EU is to have raised 30 million US dollars tions against SHIK. just one issue that ECLO hopes to to arm and supply KLA fighters “I am not a member of any polit- tackle through plotlines in during the war. ical campaign for power or part of Kosovo’s most watched sit-com, Last Friday, the PDK stepped up any political formation, be it the Kafeneja Jone, which means ‘Our the row after Krasniqi announced Assembly or the government,” he Cafe’. his decision to join Vetevendosje, a began. Patrick Brooks, team leader for radical nationalist group that cam- “I remain loyal to the principle of the project, told Prishtina Insight paigns against the international living and working with dignity that it has brought in a presence in Kosovo and for the interests of my country, scriptwriter to weave in and which has without being involved in politics,” European-Union focused plot- decided to run he added. lines, but added that ECLO does in December’s Krasniqi told Prishtina Insight not see the script before it is aired general elec- that the PDK’s accusations were to avoid accusations of ‘brain- tions. ridiculous. “They’re just fake tales washing’. Kafeneja Jone is Kosovo’s most popular sit-com He said that while soap operas Krasniqi fol- made up by people who don’t The show is based around fic- “There are an awful lot of are often used to put across insti- lowed up his deserve to be heads of public insti- tional cafe in Prishtina and is things to do if you want to join the tutional messages, using a come- arrival in tutions,” he said. already well known for dealing EU and we hope this will encour- dy show is more complicated. domestic “The PDK, together with SHIK, with serious issues, such as cor- age people to start getting these “There is no point really going poli- should take responsibility for the ruption and politics. things done,” said Brooks. into detail about the EU as it is a tics situation they’ve created in Kosovo, The first of the series of eight, Maja Pavlovic, spokeswoman sit-com and they need to get the EU-oriented shows was broadcast for ECLO, added: “This will raise the high level of poverty, and so laughs,” he added. on Monday night, on the eve of awareness of what the EU offers they need to be sent to prison,” he Kafeneja Jone was chosen to be the publication of Kosovo’s but it also raises awareness that it said. the vehicle for the messages European Commission Progress is a long haul to EU membership. Phillips was “a great friend of because it is watched by 400,000 Report. “The EU is actively supporting Albanians”, he added. Phillips told people and brings in a wide cross- Another three are to be aired Kosovo’s EU aspirations – but the Prishtina Insight that he “would section of society. this month, while four more plot people of Kosovo are going to not dignify the PDK’s absurd and “Kafeneja Jone is watched by a lines will coincide with Europe have to play their part too.” quarter of the population and by false allegations with a detailed Week in May. By Lawrence Marzouk Balkan expert David Phillips response”. all types of people,” Brooks said.

Y M C +381 38 602042, +377 44 243367, +386 49 243367 K EU Special November 12 - 25, 2010 3 EU Gives Mixed Marks to Balkans Editor’s Word Montenegro and Croatia have most reason to celebrate as European Commission releases 2010 progress reports on Western Balkan countries. Bashkimi Croatia makes steady ciently achieved.” reform in the judiciary and the Albania applied for candidate difficulty in establishing a progress status on April 28, 2009. functioning market economy Evropian By Petrit Collaku are noted as problem areas. Croatia is in the “final phase” Macedonia no further on The report acknowledges that of its EU entry talks, Fuele accession Belgrade has continued cooper- explained, though no date has ation with the International fficials in Montenegro By Lawrence Marzouk been set for negotiations to end. Criminal Tribunal for the for- are celebrating a major While Skopje avoided the The country received good mer Yugoslavia, but notes that Ostep forward in their news on November 5, as it worst-case scenario and full cooperation is essential for country’s EU bid, after the closed three more accession retained the Commission’s rec- o, once again Kosovo’s neighbours the country’s EU bid, which European Commission recom- chapters, including one related ommendation for a start to hop aboard the big blue and yellow includes the capture of the mended that Podgorica be grant- to its position in the bloc once it accession talks, its overall Sbus to Schengen land, while the remaining war crimes suspects, ed official candidate status. joins, including the number of progress report in 2010 is consid- inhabitants of this poor country are left at Ratko Mladic and Goran The Commission recognised future representatives in EU ered less positive than last year’s the station. Hadzic. Croatia as being in the final institutions. Chapters on free evaluation. I, for one, expected the European It also calls for improved phase of accession negotia- movement of capital and trans- In 2009, Macedonia was Commission would deploy the same tech- technical cooperation with tions. Other countries in the port were also finalised, mean- praised for its reforms, prompt- nique on Tuesday as it did last year – Kosovo, and better protection region did not fare as well, how- ing only 10 of the 35 are left to ing Brussels to recommend the release a distinctly poor Progress Report for minorities, including Roma ever, with corruption, organ- complete. start of accession talks with the but allow Kosovo to make another small and the gay and lesbian com- ised crime and a lack of In the 2010 progress report, EU, but negotiations have since step forwards towards visa liberalisation. munity. In October, right-wing reforms in key areas, such as officials note the need for been blocked by Greece because But, this year, there was no positive spin, no groups rioted in Belgrade the judiciary and public admin- Croatia to further its efforts in of the unresolved dispute ray of light, just a ticking off in most areas against the country’s first Gay istration, cited across the board judicial reform and maintain between the two countries on and a handful of sectors where things have Pride parade to take place in as problematic. the fight against corruption and Macedonia’s name. improved. The report, however, is an almost a decade. Candidate status for organised crime. Commissioner Fuele noted improvement on last year, according to the that a consensus among EU EC. Montenegro Albania not yet a member states is required for Poor governance in Kosovo politicians took the opportunity accession talks to begin, and to have a good dig at the eurocrats who were While the European Bosnia candidate stressed that a solution to the to blame for the country’s isolation, appar- Commission recommended that name dispute remained crucial. ently. Interior minister Bajram Rexhepi, Montenegro be granted candidate Despite widespread expecta- Bosnia is widely criticised in Macedonia fulfils the political thinks it is Commissioner for Home Affairs status in its progress report on the tions, Albania was not recom- this year’s progress report, with criteria for EU membership but Cecilia Malmstrom’s fault. Apparently, she country, no start date for acces- mended for candidate status in most areas seeing little or no has made “uneven” progress on is prejudiced. Besim Beqaj, Kosovo’s minis- sion talks has been set. the Commission’s 2010 progress progress and poor governance reforms the last year, the 2010 ter in charge of European integration, said European Enlargement report, with officials citing the cited as a major obstacle to mov- report concludes. the EU was applying double standards and Commissioner Stefan Fuele, country’s ongoing political crisis ing forward. While the Commission that Kosovo had fulfilled all conditions to speaking at the press conference as a major contributing factor. Following October general praised Skopje for staging high- be awarded a road map for visa liberalisa- announcing the report, said fur- Albania has faced political elections, “Bosnia needs to form level meetings with Greek tion. ther work was needed in the deadlock since June 2009 parlia- a government committed to the authorities, it urged the country I do see that the views of member states field of the rule of law, noting mentary elections. Since then, country’s EU future and to speed to avoid actions and statements are slowly shifting: the door to visa liberal- that officials now have seven Prime Minister Sali Berisha up relevant reforms,” Fuele that could negatively impact on isation and EU expansion is slowly closing specific priorities that must be from the ruling Democratic noted. The report said improve- regional relations, seen as a ref- as countries in western Europe lurch to met in order for accession nego- Party and opposition leader Edi ments must be made to the func- erence to certain statements right. tiations to begin. Rama of the Socialist Party have tioning of institutions and the over the past year that the But, Kosovo’s government should not Montenegro, like Macedonia, been locked in a stalemate over country must align its constitu- Greeks have considered provoca- have left the commission room to delay the is being given more time to the results of the election, which tion with EU regulations, he tive. start of talks because the strategy on read- improve its institutions. Berisha’s party narrowly won. added. The Commission called for missions and returns was not up to scratch. Although the country is con- Noting the need to overcome The nationalist rhetoric that improvement in ensuring the The experience with Serbia and sidered a parliamentary democ- the political stalemate and 12 accompanied the recent general independence of the judiciary, racy, parliament’s control of the specific priorities that have been election campaign was lamented Macedonia, where thousands have taken reform of public administration government remains weak, the set out for Tirana, Fuele said in the Commission’s conclu- advantage of being part of the White and freedom of expression in report says. And although there Albania had been given a “clear sions, as well as the ethnic and Schengen list to claim asylum in the EU, the media. is broad consensus on the funda- way forward” and a “clear time residency limitations that con- has caused the visa liberalisation project mentals of economic policy, the framework” to get to the start of tinue to determine voters’ huge damage. Commission does not believe accession negotiations. Serbia awaits crucial rights. Trying to quell this growing concern, and that the country has a function- The report concludes: “There reforms The report noted that little with Bosnia and Albania on the brink of ing market economy. is general consensus on the goal progress was made towards ful- joining the party, the EC brought in meas- The Commission expresses of EU membership. Yet, effec- While Serbia is praised in the filling the requirements for the ures to monitor the problem and kick coun- most concern about shortcom- tiveness and stability of demo- report for improving relations closure of the Office of the High tries off the list if they misbehave. If this ings in the rule of law. cratic institutions is not suffi- with its neighbours, lack of Representative, OHR. does stem the flow, and Bosnians and Albanians flood over to the EU looking for jobs before Christmas, Kosovo will be in trouble, I fear. Governments, wanting to look Kosovo Called to Act on Corruption tough on immigration, might say enough is enough and pull up the drawbridge. he report on Kosovo in many areas and still consti- proceedings, non-implementa- revenue, and is increasingly I think we are still a way off that, but it shows progress was made tutes a very serious concern.” - tion of the Law on Mediation, financed by one-off revenue and must be remembered that joining the White Tcompared to last year, EU insufficient number of judges reduction of accumulated Schengen list or the European Union isn’t a officials told Prishtina Insight. Pardons in the reappointment process, deposits Overall, macroeconom- given for Kosovo. The world changes, poli- Analysis by Prishtina Insight “Following the promulgation improper conduct of contested ic vulnerabilities have increased tics moves on, ideologies come and go – you shows that Kosovo was record- of the Law on Pardon, sixty-two civil proceedings and unexecut- and deep structural problems cannot just assume that the opportunities ed of having made “progress” prisoners have been pardoned ed verdicts have dented public continue to hamper the economy. available now to some countries will be the or “substantial progress” in by the President of Kosovo. confidence in the capacity, pro- The weak rule of law, corrup- same as those available in the future. Just just four out of dozens of areas This has included some serving fessionalism and fairness of the tion, high level of informal activ- ask Turkey. looked at by the European sentences for serious crimes judiciary, thereby limiting effec- ities, poor infrastructure, and a Among the many criticisms that Kosovo Commision - judicial system, and a majority of prisoners tive access to justice.” subsidised and unreliable elec- was dealt this week from Brussels’ institu- horizontal legislation on the who had been refused condi- tricity supply, impair the effi- tions, perhaps the most telling was from environment, audiovisual poli- tional release. The assessment Freedom of Speech ciency of market mechanisms.” closer to home. The head of the European cy and air transport. process of cases prepared for “[Freedom of expression] is Commission Liaison Office in Prishtina told pardon needs to be improved.” not fully guaranteed in practice Highway Prishtina Insight that, unlike the countries Kosovo Progress and the media structure is con- The “size and scope of the of Central Europe, Kosovo had yet to make joining the EU central to everything it does. Report 2010: Justice ducive to strong political inter- highway are not proportional to I am afraid for Kosovo that if it doesn’t put “The growing backlog of ference.” the forecasted traffic flows, and the EU, Bashkimi Evropian, membership at cases, lengthy procedures, per- the costs of the project have led Corruption the very crux of all its decisions soon, the “Overall, some progress has ception of widespread corrup- Economy to budget cuts in other min- Y world will change, member states will move been achieved in the fight tion within the judiciary, limit- “Overall, the budget faces istries and insufficient M on, and it will lose the opportunities offered against corruption. However, ed capacity of legal aid offices growing risks, as expenditure is resources have been set aside C today. corruption remains prevalent to assist victims in criminal growing much faster than tax for routine road maintenance.” K 4 November 12 - 25, 2010 news Kosovo Premier Stands to Profit From Snap Poll Hashim Thaci’s team can expect an easy ride in the December election, which is taking place while the PDK’s main rivals are in disarray. ing the current political process. for former Yugoslavia, ICTY, for Sejdiu’s decision to quit the retrial. He is not expected to be coalition with the PDK one day released before the elections. The By Lawrence Marzouk after elections were announced - AAK, meanwhile, remains effec- originally planned for February 13 tively decapitated. - prompted fresh splits in the party, Yll Hoxha, from the Foreign with Mustafa strongly opposing Policy Club, in Prishtina, said the osovo’s biggest party, the the move. short campaigning period clearly Democratic Party of Meanwhile, during the LDK’s helped Thaci’s party. Hashim Thaci’s party is best placed for the December 12 elections Kosovo, PDK, led by K “A December election certainly internal election process, Bujar Hashim Thaci, stands to do best Political commentator Ramush Pacolli. The AKR said it had not Bukoshi, a senior party member, favours the PDK, playing to the from early general elections Tahiri said he feared that neither accepted the offer - but has not teamed up with Uke Rugova, son of party’s organisational and finan- planned for December 12, Vetevendosje, which campaigns ruled out a future coalition with cial capacities,” Hoxha told observers believe. Kosovo’s first president, and regis- against the international presence the PDK. tered a new branch of the party Prishtina Insight. The emergency elections were in Kosovo, or Fryma e Re, FER, a Krenar Gashi, from the with the Central Election Hoxha said that while the AAK announced on November 2, giving new Liberal Democratic party, Prishtina think tank KIPRED, Commission, CEC. did well in the last elections, the the parties just over a month to would have time to generate suffi- agreed that early elections in This means that they can now continuing absence of its leader prepare for the poll and an even cient votes to cross the threshold. December, instead of February, field their own candidates in the was “an extraordinary handicap”. shorter campaigning period. “Fewer parties in parliament benefitethe big parties, especially general election, potentially split- He added that the election of Isa Political experts say the tight will have a negative impact in the those already in power. ting the LDK vote. Despite the Mustafa to run the LDK might development of democracy in conditions best suit Thaci’s PDK, “Early elections are a problem ousting of Sejdiu as party leader, heal some of that party’s damag- Kosovo,” Tahiri told Prishtina as its two main competitors, the for new political forces and Bukoshi and Rugova have so far ing divisions, however. Insight. Democratic League of Kosovo, Vetevendosje and Fryma e Re will refused to drop plans to run The Democratic League of “The PDK made a good call for LDK and Alliance for the Future of have little time to properly pre- Kosovo, AAK, are embroiled in against their LDK colleagues. Dardania, a splinter group formed early elections,” Tahiri continued, pare, entering the race for the first their own internal affairs. The AAK, led by former prime in 2006, which has since run suggesting that the party orches- time,” Gashi said. Meanwhile, two new parties, the minister and Kosovo Liberation against the LDK, may now rejoin trated the motion of no confidence Gashi said the media would face hard-line nationalist Vetevendosje Army leader Ramush Haradinaj, the party, for example. behind the scenes. a challenge, trying to cover all the and the liberal Fryma e Re, have was last year touted as the main Despite calls from some parlia- The vote was actually proposed key events in such a short time little time to make their pitch to threat to the PDK after it recorded mentarians, the amended election in parliament by the opposition the public or raise funds. a massive increase in votes in the law, approved on the day parlia- Alliance for a New Kosovo, AKR. frame. The LDK, Kosovo’s second- November 2009 local elections. ment was dissolved, did not lower But the AKR has since revealed “Most of the Kosovo media lack biggest party and a former coali- But Haradinaj was arrested in the threshold for parties to secure that the PDK offered the post of the resources to cover such a cam- tion partner to Thaci’s party, chose July this year and sent to the a seat from 5 to 3 per cent of the state president to the AKR leader, paign, which will be furious and a new leader on Sunday, the mayor International Criminal Tribunal total vote. millionaire businessman Behgjet intense,” Gashi concluded. of Prishtina, Isa Mustafa. But his election may not end months of infighting in the party Election Head: ‘Cannot Kosovo Party Leader between various factions, includ- ing one loyal to the former party leader, Fatmir Sejdiu. He stood down as President of Guarantee Poll’s Quality’ Guilty of Corruption Kosovo on September 27 when the are insufficient grounds for com- exhat Daci, the leader euro for dental work. constitutional court ruled that he plaints, the applicants will be fined,” of the opposition Ahmet Alishani, president could not hold party and state Daka said. NDemocratic League of of the LDD, was given a six- positions simultaneously, spark- By Lawrence Marzouk “Everyone should be careful when Dardania, LDD, has been month suspended jail sentence selecting complaints or appeals before found guilty of misusing pub- for helping Daci obtain the submitting them to the panel,” she lic money to buy himself spec- money for dental work. added. tacles and have dental work Both crimes were commit- lection commission chief has A majority of MPs in the Assembly carried out. ted in 2005, when Daci was told Prishtina Insight that the A mixed panel of two www.prishtinainsight.com voted in favour of a no-confidence speaker of the parliament. Equality of next month’s snap EULEX judges and one Kosovo It is not yet clear whether motion against the government on poll is up to the parties. Tuesday evening, including members judge found Daci, who may Daci will be able to stand in Publisher: Valdete Daka said the Central of the main governing party, the now be barred from running the December election given BIRN Election Commission was ready to Democratic Party of Kosovo, PDK. in next month’s election, his conviction, although his manage the technical side of the vote Balkan Investigative Reporting Network guilty on Wednesday at defence lawyer argues that planned for December 12 but the Following the vote, the country’s Prishtina District Court and there will be no ‘legal obsta- behaviour of the political parties acting president, Jakup Krasniqi, Mensa e Studenteve, first floor handed him a one-and-a-half cles’. would determine the election’s quali- announced the dissolution of parlia- 10000, Prishtina year suspended jail sentence. The LDD is Kosovo’s fifth- ty. ment, in line with the constitution, Daci was found to have used biggest party and was formed Kosovo “The CEC cannot guarantee the and called emergency elections on 590 euro from Kosovo parlia- as a breakaway of the Phone: +381 (0) 38 24 33 58 quality [of the election] but we are Sunday, December 12. ment’s budget to buy himself Democratic League of Kosovo, ready to organise the election process Of 120 deputies in the Assembly, 66 Fax: +381 (0) 38 22 44 98 two pairs of glasses and 950 LDK. technically,” she told Prishtina supported the no-confidence motion. [email protected] Insight. “The other issues are the Members of the government’s former responsibility of the political parties.” coalition partner, the Democratic Editor-in-Chief: Party representatives banned from League of Kosovo, LDK, did not vote. Lawrence Marzouk working in elections after the discov- Kosovo has been embroiled in a political crisis since its Constitutional [email protected] ery of fraud in the November 2009 local elections would not be allowed to Court ruled on September 24 that the Editorial Team: take part in next month’s vote, she then president, Fatmir Sejidu, could Ana Petruseva, Gordana Igric, added. not also hold the post of leader of the Jeta Xharra, Marcus Tanner, The elections follow Tuesday’s no- LDK. The following Monday, Sejdiu Petrit Collaku, Inge Baanders, Shengjyl confidence vote in parliament. resigned as head of state and consulta- Hours before the vote, parliament tions began between parties to deter- Osmani and Belinda Vrapi approved a revised election law that mine a date for early elections. disbanded the Election Complaints On October 15, acting president Marketing, Sales & Distribution: and Appeals Commission, which had Krasniqi, a member of the PDK, [email protected] been responsible for looking into announced that the poll would be held breaches of electoral law. on February 13. But the next day, Design & Layout: “Rrjeti” Instead, a new panel will be created, Sejdiu, as leader of the LDK, decided Y formed mostly of judges from the that his party would leave the coali- M Printing: Lindi Printing Center Supreme Court. tion with Prime Minister Thaci’s C “All complaints and appeals will be PDK, plunging the country deeper Copyright © BIRN K resolved within 72 hours but if there into political turmoil. Nexhat Daci has been convicted of corruption but has escaped jail news November 12 - 25, 2010 5 Lobby Contract Cancelled After Pilot Takes to Air for Kosovo's Prishtina Insight Investigation Independence Office of the Prime Minister’s legal this process had not happened. department, which warned that it Following the government’s move to required ‘detailed proposals in advance’ cancel the contract, deputy Prime By Lawrence Marzouk of such deals being awarded.’ Minister Hajredin Kuci told press that By Petrit Collaku Prishtina Insight asked the legal the appointment of Patton Boggs had department for clarification on why it been a “preliminary decision in consulta- osovo’s government has had recommended the cancellation of the tion with the foreign affairs ministry, osovo-American pilot James Berisha repealed a decision to take on deal but received no response. with the former president, and other has taken off for Africa as part of his the top US lobby firm Patton K Krasniqi’s assertion that the govern- actors”. Kflight around the world to lobby coun- Boggs without considering rival ment’s decision did not break tender tries to recognise Kosovo’s independence. bids. He added that the government had rules was out of step, however, with com- “Africa, here we come!” Berisha, 38, wrote The government awarded the contract, decided to repeal its orginal decision to ments from the head of Public ensure that procedures were “fully in a letter to his supporters in Kosovo prior to worth 600,000 euro a year, without a ten- Procurement Agency, PPA. respected” and in order “not to create his take-off on Sunday. He plans to touch der process in October, appearing to flout By law, the Office of the Prime any dilemma”. down in dozens of countries in Africa. Kosovo’s own procurement rules. Minister, which was leading the process, “If there is a need for such lobbying, “It is our duty to continue to lobby and rep- But following an investigation by should have gained permission from the resent Kosova in the best way that we can – for sure, after the new government will Prishtina Insight, published one month PPA before awarding any such deal, even let’s continue to show the world who the peo- be elected, another decision on this case ago, last Friday the decision to “promote if no contract had been signed. ple of Kosovo are and share with them the will be made,” he said. and protect the interests of the institu- As it had decided to negotiate the price beauty of our country and our people,” the Patton Boggs’ foreign affairs adviser is tions of the Republic of Kosovo abroad” with only one firm, the Office of the letter reads. Frank Wisner. The former US Secretary through the 50,000-euro a month deal was Prime Minister should have applied to He is flying a Cessna 172 4-seater single- of State under George Bush, Condoleezza repealed in a meeting of the cabinet. the PPA with documents demonstrating engine plane and plans to first stop in Tunisia Government spokesman Memli why only one firm could supply the serv- Rice, appointed Wisner as the US’s spe- and finish in Libya. Krasniqi continued to insist to Prishtina ices. cial representative to the Kosovo Status A resident of Texas, Berisha flew all over Insight that the government had not bro- Only then, according to law, would the Talks in 2005, where he played a crucial South and Central America in 2009, visiting ken any procurement rules and was government have been allowed to begin role in negotiating Kosovo’s independ- 34 countries and four territories to thank allowed to carry out a ‘single source ten- negotiations with a specific lobby compa- ence. states that have recognised Kosovo’s inde- der’. ny. There is no suggestion that Patton pendence and lobby others that have not. But he admitted that the reversal of the The head of the PPA, Mursel Racaj, Boggs acted inappropriately in obtaining Berisha spent his childhood in Kosovo, and decision came following advice from the told Prishtina Insight previously that the contract. then left for western Europe to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot. Photo of the Fortnight He plans to continue his lobbying effort in Asia and Australia. His travels can be fol- Search for lowed at www.flyingforkosovo.com Best Photo The Fortnight Launched in Figures 5,000 The number of troops NATO will have following its This unorthdox photo of latest round of cuts

Prishtina’s former OSCE build- 7 The number of years that ing, taken by Flutur Gerbeshi, is Vukmir Cvetkovic, a native of Klina, Kosovo, will serve in jail just one of the offerings in the for committing war crimes ‘Best Photo of Kosovo and committed in 1999 Albania for Wikipedia Contest’ 119 Kosovo’s position in the World For more information visit the Bank’s ‘Doing Business’ League out of 183 countries search’s Facebooksite.

We are pleased to annouce the completion of a Real Estate Appraisal for Newko Balkan LLC Kosovo Suhareke, Kosovo

For further information contact: www.ireas-ks.com

International Real Estate Appraisal Services, Y Prishtina, Kosovo M C K 6 November 12 - 25, 2010 business Kosovo Falls One Place in “Doing Business” League Macedonia Leads the Balkans in doing business according to the World Bank, with Kosovo trailing at the rear

last year, while other countries dropped slightly or retained their previous ranking. By Lawrence Marzouk The Doing Business report looks at the regulations applied to businesses in countries through- out the world, considering indica- osovo was ranked the 118th tors from launching a company to best place to do business, getting construction permits, reg- Kdown one place on last year, istering property, getting credit according to the World Bank. and closing down a firm, and The position remains the worst evaluates the business environ- in the Balkans, on the edge of the bottom tier globally. ment in each state. The business environments in Despite limited improvements Balkan countries fall across a in overall rankings for Balkan wide range in the “Doing countries in the 2011 survey, the Business 2011” report, published report’s authors do note that “the last Thursday by the World Bank, region’s policymakers have been as governments in the region the most active in implementing attempt to recover from the business regulation reforms” effects of the global economic cri- since “Doing Business” began sis. evaluating countries in 2004. Macedonia hit the top for The report notes that govern- Balkan states, ranking 38 out of ments in the Balkans made the 183 countries surveyed, fol- improvements to insolvency lowed by Bulgaria and Romania measures, and many countries in at 51 and 56. Kosovo was listed at the region made it easier to start the bottom for states in the region up companies and pay taxes. at 119, less than 10 spots lower Singapore topped the 2010 glob- than Bosnia and Herzegovina. al ranking, with the UK at number Only two countries in the 4 and the U.S. at number 5. Chad region, Serbia and Croatia, was ranked last in this year’s improved on their ranking from report. Business Boss Calls for New The Fortnight in Quotes Chapter in Kosovo-Turkey Relations I believe that the Serbs who decide to go to the polls it would not meet the needs of one “instead of accepting the neighbourhood of Istanbul.” Serbian government view will On the first day of Erdogan’s make a long-term mistake. By Petrit Collaku two-day visit to Kosovo, the first Nevertheless, no repressive since Prishtina’s February 2008 measures will be taken against declaration of independence, the them,” Serbia State Secretary Turkish Prime Minister revealed with the Ministry for Kosovo ne of Kosovo’s leading busi- that trade with Kosovo had almost and Metohija Oliver Ivanovic nessmen has called for a doubled in the past two years. said following his government’s Onew chapter in relations call for Kosovo Serbs to boycott He said that despite the global with Turkey as its Prime Minister economic crisis, trade between the the December 12 elections. Recep Tayyip Erdogan v i s i t - two countries had increased from ed Prishtina on Wednesday. Naming the airport is the $120 million in 2008 to $210 million Safet Gerxhaliu, president of competence of the in 2009. Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, “Government. Naturally, Turkey is ready to offer its sup- thanked Turkey for its support of given its mandate, the ICO port for Kosovo’s economy, Kosovo “before, during and after wants to see decisions and tourism, EU integration process the war”, but said that relations Recep Erdogan in Prizren last week actions that recognise the should now focus on serious eco- and membership in NATO, bidding for other major projects, Development, TIKA, are interest- multi-ethnic character of the nomic development rather than Erdogan added. including the purchase of Post ed in reconstructing a range of Republic of Kosovo,” said Kai traditional cultural ties. In a joint press conference held Mueller-Berner, ICO Telecommunic ations of Kosovo cultural and historical artefacts He told Prishtina Insight: “It’s a with Kosovo Prime Minister spokesman, when asked what and the building of a new power that will make this country even fact that Turkey should be more Hashim Thaci, Erdogan said: “We was the position of the organi- station.He added that Turkey more attractive in terms of cul- active in capital investment in have offered our support [to sation on the government’s would also help develop the tural activities.” Kosovo because the time has Kosovo] and we are aware of the decision to name Prishtina tourism sector through recon- After Prishtina, the Turkish passed when Kosovars were in duty we have to support Kosovo in International Airport after need of two litres of oil, sugar and the process of integration and its struction of heritage sites. PM visited Kosovo’s second city, KLA hero Adem Jashari. flour.” membership in NATO.” The Turkish Agency for Prizren, which is home to 14,000 Gerxhaliu added that Kosovo Erdogan and Thaci highlighted Reconstruction and Development Turks, or 6 per cent of the popula- Using or not using the must nurture its strong bonds Turkish companies’ increasing has funded a series of works on tion, and where Turkish is one of photo of the LDK’s leader with Turkey, which “economic involvement in Kosovo’s economy Ottoman era historic buildings the three official languages.Even “Ibrahim Rugova remains a experts believe will be among the in the field of road-building, air- since the end of the Kosovo con- among Albanians in Prizren, matter of political morality of top ten most developed countries ports and telecommunications. flict, including renovation of the Turkish is often the language spo- the leadership,” said the Rugova in the world by 2024”, he said. The Turkish-US consortium largest and most important ken at home. family in a statement condemn- “We have to stop the family and Bechtel-Enka is building a 700 mosques in Prishtina and Turkey was one of the first ing the election of Isa Mustafa emotional relations with Turkey million euro highway, the largest Prizren. countries to recognise Kosovo’s as head of the LDK. Ibrahim’s because it’s the time of economic infrastructure project ever car- “Kosovo has a lot of rare beauty declaration of independence and son, Uke Rugova, along with pragmatism.” ried out in Kosovo, and Turkey’s and has inherited a host of cultur- is home to 1.3 million people of other members of the LDK who are unhappy with the new lead- Y But he added that Kosovo must Limak is part of the consortium al and historical monuments,” Albanian descent, according to an ership, have signed a pre-elec- M also be realistic about its poten- which will run Prishtina’s airport Erdogan said. academic report published by the tion coalition with the Alliance C tial economic might, stressing: “If for 20 years. In addition, Turkish “We, through the Turkish National Security Council of for the Future of Kosovo. K Kosovo produced only for Turkey, firms have expressed interest in Agency for Reconstruction and Turkey. neighbourhood business November 12 - 25, 2010 7 Albania’s Accursed Peaks Seek Blessing of Eco-tourism lems. And with two neighbours - Montenegro to the north and By Cynthia Ord Greece to the south - which already possess developed tourism infrastructure, Albanian operators know they must develop he extreme isolation of the specialty niches in the market to villages in the rugged north compete. Twas once seen as a setback – For some, eco-tourism in the but now a new form of tourism answer. plans to turn this remoteness into an asset. According to the Tourism High in the peaks of the Strategy and Action Plan, formu- “accursed mountains” in north- lated by UNDP Albania in 2005, ern Albania, the remote village of culture, adventure and eco- Vermosh is waiting for visitors. tourism are the fastest growing Since 1992, Vermosh has lost tourism markets worldwide, grow- half its small population to emi- ing by 15 to 20 per cent per year gration. The few hundred that and representing more than 25 per remain live in subsistence condi- cent of the market. tions on traditional small-scale This form of specialty tourism farming, propped up by remit- also brings in more money than tances sent by family members classic “beach” tourism, the same working abroad. UN action plan notes. Conditions are harsh, especially “Tourism focused on independ- A view across the Accursed Mountains of Albania in winter, when the village is ent tourists visiting local commu- such as guesthouses, small family Nordalbanien - Thethi und more popular guidebook almost cut off. But while the vil- nities and participating actively hotels and B&Bs. Kelmend” (“Hiking north Albania favourites. Families in Theth lage’s wild geography and sense of in nature and culture activities Auditors are being trained to - Thethi and Kelmend”), available filled their guesthouses to capaci- isolation was once seen as a liabil- has been shown to yield 5 to 10 evaluate accommodation candi- in German and English, which ty consistently in June, July, and ity, today it is viewed as a potential times more development benefit dates on criteria such as environ- provides information on the August. asset. than large-scale sun and sand mental management and cultural nature and culture of the area, But the village is hopeful of Increasingly aware that tourism tourism per dollar of tourist considerations. A final list of topographical maps, and direc- becoming as attractive to tourists can provide an important supple- spending,” it said. accommodations that earn the tions to guesthouses. as is Theth. Hand-painted signage mentary livelihood for people liv- At a Sustainable Tourism Quality Mark will be released in The Ministry of Tourism is also marks the entrance to Vasel ing in remote parts, families in Conference in Albania, held in early 2011. trying to promote eco-tourism in Mitaj’s guesthouse. He has fash- the village are readying their January 2009, the USAID mission In Vermosh, meanwhile, the north of Albania. It has print- ioned the front steps out of bent homes as guesthouses. director described the develop- around a dozen families are work- ed a publication, “Forty Albanian branches and painted an Albanian Albania was the last country to ment of tourism as a key to ing alongside development organ- Guesthouses”, detailing some of poem on the sign. On his sprawl- open its doors in 1991 after the fall achieving the objective of sus- isations to put their village on the the best traditional guesthouses ing green premises, a giant cherry of communism in Eastern tained and broad-based economic eco-tourism map. in the country. tree shades outdoor tables. Europe. growth and poverty reduction in The German Organization for Twelve are in Vermosh and the Inside the cherry tree, Vasel has With poor infrastructure, virtu- Albania. Technical Cooperation, GTZ, has rest are in other northern villages built an ingenious tree house bar ally cut off from the world for half- One project underway through invested in the area, offering con- such as Valbona and the popular with a view onto the village in the a-century under the Stalinist USAID is the “Authentic Albania sulting resources to families with Theth. valley. “I’ve spent years handcraft- regime of Enver Hoxha, it has yet Quality Mark” programme, mod- guesthouses. Despite its efforts to promote ing every detail of this guest- to develop many resources to eled on the “Authentic Bulgaria “We give families advice on how itself, Vermosh received only a house,” he explains. “Now I’m just accommodate visitors. Quality Mark” programme to set up their guesthouses and handful of the more than 2 million waiting for the tourists to arrive.” Nearly two decades on, tourism already in place. This certifica- also provide financial support in tourists that visited Albania this In July 2010, at the height of the development remains erratic. tion system signals international the beginning,” Ismail Beka, who season, with very little increase season, Vasel was still sitting in an Wildcat construction is despoiling standards and professionalism in manages the project for GTZ, said. on 2009. empty tree house and waiting. But coastal areas and increasing the accommodation but is uniquely GTZ has printed a guidebook on The village is overshadowed by gauging by the look in his eyes as country’s environmental prob- designed for smaller premises the area, “Wanderführer Theth and Valbona, which are he watches the road, there is hope. Serbia’s Pink Buys Skopje Offered Stake in Macedonian Alfa TV Bulgaria’s Belene Nuclear Plant erbian media mogul is adding Macedonian leanings, the station has gained only a modest ulgaria has approached Macedonia official letters to Kosor and Serbian TV station to his empire, Prishtina Insight has viewing audience, mainly concentrated in the with an offer to participate in the President Boris Tadic last week, inviting Slearned. capital, Skopje. Bconstruction of the Belene Nuclear their countries to join in the Belene proj- The Serbian media group, Pink, has bought It remains unclear what changes will follow Power Plant, after calling on Serbia and ect with shares of 1, 1.5 or 2 per cent. Alfa TV, employees of the Macedonian station the buyout. Pink TV is well known throughout Croatia to join the project last week. Borisov said the participation of learned from management on Friday, which the region for populist programming, concen- Bulgaria’s Minister of Economy, Energy, Croatia and Serbia in the Belene project means that Pink will take over the TV on trating on so-called “turbo-folk” music, enter- and Tourism, Traicho Traikov, announced would make it more pragmatic because the November 12. tainment shows, soaps and reality shows. that he had sent an official offer to plant would have a guaranteed market “We were told that Pink has bought Alfa but Founded in 1993, Pink has dominated the Macedonia’s Deputy Prime Minister once construction is completed. that no major changes [in news programmes] viewing landscape in the Balkans since the late Vladimir Pesevski, following Wednesday’s He asked the two leaders to respond to are expected,” an Alfa employee told Prishtina 1990s, annually ranking at the top of the region regular weekly meeting of the Cabinet. his offer by November 13, when Russian Insight. in terms of its audience share and ratings. “First they have to say if they are inter- Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will visit No details were released concerning how According to the company website, Pink ested, and then we can talk numbers,” he Sofia to discuss energy issues, including much Pink paid for the station, or whether the International also leads the regional broadcast said. the Belene project. Serbian company has bought a controlling media advertising market, annually garnering “We already know that Croatia is not The Kremlin is acutely interested in see- package of shares or will be sole owner. 40-45 per cent of the total marketing share for interested in taking part in the construc- ing the project go ahead, as Russian firm Tanja Vojtehovski, from Pink’s Belgrade television and radio. tion of the Belene NPP, and Serbia is inter- Atomstroyexport signed a preliminary office, refused to confirm the purchase reports It is one of the most popular networks in ested, so now Macedonia has to make a agreement to construct the plant in 2006. but said the company would soon issue a state- Serbia and broadcasts worldwide via satellite, decision on that offer,” Traikov added. The project has been stalled since the ment. covering the Balkans with subsidiaries in Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka initial agreement was signed. After Alfa started broadcasting in June 2008. The Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Kosor said on Monday that her country Bulgaria’s new government came into management pledged to create an “urban” TV TV Pink’s owner, Zeljko Mitrovic, was for- would not become a shareholder in Belene, office in July 2009, it moved to put the proj- station that would shy away from popular merly a member of the political party run by while officials in Belgrade have indicated ect on hold, reassessing the costs and soaps and reality shows and win over viewers Mira Markovic, wife of Serbia’s late strong- that Serbia is interested in participating, potential benefits to the country. Y with quality programmes and high profession- man, Slobodan Milosevic, and critics have though with a higher share, according to The project was frozen when several M al standards. linked his company’s initial rise to the ties he Serbian daily Blic. months later a key German investor, RWE, C Widely considered as pro-opposition in its once enjoyed to the Milosevic regime. Bulgarian Prime Minister Borisov sent withdrew. K 8 November 12 - 25, 2010 Neighbourhood Women Head East for Banned from paying someone to carry a child for them at home, infertile women travel as far as Ukraine in search of surrogate mothers. can select a woman to carry a child, or price charged in those US states, such as Nencheva can choose one herself from the Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, Virginia By Doroteya Nicolova in Varna, ISMC’s long list. and California, that permit commercial sur- Sofia, Kharkov, Kiev, Brasov, “We have a rich database of candidates,” rogacy. Timisoara and Belgrade the woman continues, “blondes, brunettes, For renting out their wombs, the agencies women with blue eyes, Slavic types, darker- in Ukraine pay surrogate mothers from skinned ones, or ones with higher educa- $7,000 US [5,080 euro] in Kharkov to $12,000 No drinking, no smoking, no taking tion. If her medical indicators turn out to be [around 8,700 euro] in Kiev. drugs and eat healthy.” As she lists the incompatible with yours, the selection can Beside that, would-be parents are expect- “rules she wants her future surrogate be repeated.” ed to pay the women about 200 euro per mother to abide by, the voice of Rumyana month in support fees, or a total of about Nencheva, 34, a dentist from Varna, Why Ukraine? 1,550 euro for the whole pregnancy. “They Bulgaria, gets thinner and quieter. also pay for medical expenses during the Nencheva has come to Ukraine, seeking a For women who want to escape the taboo pregnancy and for monitoring,” Vassilieva surrogate mother. Diagnosed with uterine on childlessness, and who do not want to explains. cancer in June 2008, she cannot bear a child adopt, the only solution is to find a surro- “The terms for our surrogate mothers are of her own. She is part of a growing phenom- gate mother who will carry their egg to quite good for Ukraine,” she says but stress- enon of women who are unable to get preg- maturity. es that being a surrogate mother is not an nant and - facing a ban on surrogate pregnan- For most governments, however, surroga- instant passport to wealth. cy at home - travel thousands of miles to cy raises serious ethical dilemmas, mainly A single-bedroom apartment in the capi- Ukraine to rent another woman’s womb. concerning women being paid to carry chil- tal, Kiev, costs around $80,000 US [around Victims of society’s stigma against child- dren for someone else. 58,000 euro]. Vassilieva notes that is at least less women, especially in the Balkans, they That is why no European Union country six times the average fee a surrogate mother also confront the hostility of the law in most allows commercial surrogacy, and why earns. However, Ukrainian law does not countries to paid-for surrogacy. women seeking to rent a womb have to head limit the number of surrogate pregnancies They are drawn to Ukraine by the former east to Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, a woman may carry. Soviet republic’s relaxed laws on commercial Kazakhstan, or even further afield to India. If the recent financial crisis has boosted surrogacy, its relatively developed medical In the EU, Austria, Germany, Sweden, the number of potential wombs for rent, infrastructure – and the price. France, Hungary and Italy prohibit all Vassilieva insists that many would-be surro- Most women heading for Ukraine come forms of surrogacy, paid-for or not. Britain, gate mothers are still motivated, at least in from western Europe and the Americas - usu- the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and part, by simple altruism. ally only they can afford the fees. But a grow- Greece allow surrogacy, as long as no com- Recruitment of candidate surrogate Rumyana Nencheva seeking a surrogate mother ing number, like Nencheva, are middle-class mercial element is involved. mothers is mainly done via the internet and now. Bulgaria banned all forms of surroga- professionals from the Balkans for whom the Ukrainian law, by contrast, is the most by regional representatives of the New Life cy in 2007. cost is still a huge sacrifice. surrogacy-friendly in Europe. Article 123.2 agency, who work in various parts of Frustrated by the high costs of going The staff at the International Surrogate of Ukraine’s Family Code stipulates that Ukraine. abroad and the ban on surrogacy at home, Motherhood Center (ISMC), in Kharkov women may receive financial compensation “At any moment the candidate database of Dimova went, in December 2009, to see Ukraine, tell Nencheva that she is not the to carry someone else’s child, and the law New Life comprises between 20 and 25 Kalina Krumova, a Bulgarian parliamentar- only woman with that name from Bulgaria to places no limits on the amount that can be women, all with at least one child of their ian, asking her to start a new debate on have travelled more than 2,000km to Kharkov. paid. own,” Vassilieva says. “Among them are relaxing the current surrogacy ban. “We have many patients from the The law also guarantees the biological women with secondary and vocational Krumova duly raised the issue with fel- Balkans,” the woman at the Center confides. mother’s legal rights to the child or children school diplomas, as well as students and low parliamentarians and in public While there, Nencheva spots another Balkan born in the surrogate mother’s womb. No higher education graduates,” she continues. throughout March 2010. Heightened public traveller, Snezhana, a rotund Macedonian in adoption process or court order of any kind Beside the level of education, a candidate’s interest in the issue led to calls - backed by her forties. is required. The entire process is regulated profile on the database will describe her medical, ethical and legal experts - to ease The woman behind the desk explains in a by a contract signed between the agency or height, weight, job and employer. The final the ban on surrogacy, as long as no commer- businesslike manner that Nencheva has two clinic, the biological mother and the surro- selection is carried out by a psychologist. cial element is involved. options when it comes to choosing a surma- gate mother. Currently, Krumova and a team of spe- ma, the Russian word for surrogate mother. By this, the surrogate mother surrenders Too pricey for the Balkans cialists are working on proposed changes to Doctors at the Feskov clinic – where the nec- all rights to the child carried in her womb. exising legislation concerning surrogacy. essary medical procedures are performed - Only the names of the biological parents While prices in Ukraine are far lower Radina Velcheva, head of the Iskam Bebe appear on the birth certificate. than in the US, they are well above what (I Want a Baby) Foundation, supports a par- Valery Zukin, vice-president of the most people in Balkan countries can afford. tial relaxation of the current law. “Those Medical reasons for Ukrainian Association of Reproductive It is far too costly for Ani Dimova, a frail- benefiting should be married women aged Medicine (UARM), says 150 to 200 paid-for looking young woman from Asenovgrad in 18 to 43 for whom carrying a child to maturi- turning to surrogacy surrogate motherhood cycles take place in Bulgaria. ty is proven to be impossible,” she says. the country each year. She still remembers her deep shock on Surrogate mothers would not receive a fee Hysterectomy. About half of the women renting these discovering in her teens that she would but the courts would approve the payment of certain expenses to carriers, such as med- ata from Eurostat, the statistical Ukrainian women’s wombs are foreigners, never conceive. “At first, my parents tried to office of the European Union, usually from the US, Britain, France, hide it from me,” she says. “I was 14 and had ical costs, food, clothes and psychological Dshow that every year an average of Sweden and Italy, but also from Balkan just had my first check-up in hospital. I went assistance. These would be covered by the 120 of 100,000 women in the EU undergo countries. outside and waited for them in the car. biological parents. In spite of that, concerns hysterectomies - removal of the uterus When my mom came out, she was crying.” remain on any reform to the surrogacy ban. and other reproductive organs. Cheaper in Kiev Though naturally smiley, Dimova says Fani Davidova, a legal expert for the non- few days go by when she is not reminded governmental Access to Information Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser The law is not the only reason why women that she cannot have her own child. “I’ve Programme, a citizens’ advice service, [MRKH] syndrome, whereby women are seeking wombs to rent come to Ukraine. thought about going somewhere where sur- warns changes must not be rushed. born with an absent or underdeveloped “The main reason… is the price,” claims rogacy is possible but the prices are very Davidova, who writes on adoption issues uterus, is another reason why women to Marina Vasilieva, patients’ coordinator of high,” she says. “They’re not for the likes of and adopted a boy in 2006, says childless par- turn to surrogacy. New Life, a surrogacy centre that opened a us. In Ukraine, you’d need about 50,000 ents should look at other options first, such permanent office in Kiev in March this year. Bulgarian leva [around 25,600 euro] saved as adoption and fostering. Women with rare diseases, such as: The ISMC in Kharkov initially quoted up.” Meanwhile, Tolina Mladenova, from - multiple sclerosis; Rumyana Nencheva around 21,760 euros for On hearing her story, Dimova says that Sofia, says she would also be a surrogate - disease of the endometrium [uterus its services. Prices depend on the state of her former boss, Dimitrina Popova, offered mother if it were legal. Financially secure lining], uterus; the biological woman’s ovaries and on to carry a child for her, if the law was in her 40s, she recalls explaining to her two - heart, renal or other types of organ whether she requires donor sperm or not. changed to allow surrogacy in Bulgaria. children that she would like “to give her Y failure; New Life in Kiev charges in American Popova, 36, a mother of two, recalls her belly to another mummy who wants a M - women with transplanted organs; dollars. Its price is higher, at about $35,000, teenage daughter’s reaction when she child”. C - some types of cancer. [26,000 euro], including an egg donation. shared her desire: ‘“You’re crazy!’ she said.” “They were a little alarmed,” she adds. K This is still only about one-third of the But Popova can do nothing for Dimova right “They asked what would happen to it. I said 9 Neighbourhood November 12 - 25, 2010 The ‘infertility epidemic’ ccording to the European Society of Wombs to Rent AHuman Reproduction and Embryology, ESHRE, in that it wouldn’t be ours. ‘We’ll dures were carried out in the 2010, one in six couples in the take care of it in mummy’s belly 1990s, recalls Dr Pavleta world suffer from infertility. and then we’ll give it away.’” Tabakova. She oversaw several In up to 35 per cent of cases, In Romania, surrogacy is not surrogate births in Sofia in her ESHRE says, this is down to illegal. Andreea Parvu, after read- private clinic before the ban was physiological reasons in the ing a tabloid article about a TV introduced. woman. An average of 9 out of star allegedly seeking a surrogate The first surrogate pregnancy 100 women in the world aged 20 mother, put an advert on the inter- she directed resulted in the birth to 44 cannot have a child. net in March 2010 announcing she of twin boys in the early 1990s. “Infertility is turning into an was willing to rent out her womb. The biological mother had had epidemic whose peak we have “I wanted to help somebody her uterus removed but donated yet to see,” says Georgi who can’t have children. And, of the egg, Tabakova says. Stamenov, head of Nadezhda course, [do it] for the money,” says “She was a journalist,” she (Hope), one of the main centres Parvu, who has a daughter aged adds, “Although she wasn’t shy for reproductive health in Sofia. three and lives in Brasov. She at first about speaking publicly, became the subject of press and now she refuses to do so. I even TV interest, but, to her surprise, had a case where a mother-in-law no one took up her offer. carried a child for her daughter- A curse in the “I have the impression in-law.” Romania isn’t ready for this,” she The absence of legislation on Balkans says. She believes people feared to surrogacy in Macedonia, n Balkan societies the taboo respond openly to her advert after Montenegro and Bosnia means A database of offers from potential surrogate mothers on childnessness is especial- it gained publicity. that women seeking surrogate Ily strong. Here “the inabili- procedures. But he is now much patriarchal values in the region. mothers in these countries are ty to conceive a child and carry Balkans crackdown left in an unclear legal situation. older, has carried out no further “Suffering is not to be talked cases since then, and no other about,” he says. “There’s no evil it to maturity is regarded as In Romania, which joined the abnormal,” says Bulgarian psy- Influenced by their common EU alongside Bulgaria in 2007, official surrogacy clinic has intent here, it’s just how our cul- since opened. ture operates.” chologist Yana Pacholova. interest in European integration, there is also no law regulating “If people learn about it, the Balkan countries are clamping surrogacy. In 2005, the Romanian A few of Dr Munteanu’s In Varna, following weeks of woman experiences shame, down on surrogacy. In Serbia, parliament adopted a draft law clients went public. One of his online communication with the reproachful glances, negative which aspires EU membership, a on reproductive health that first was Livia Killian, whose clinic in Ukraine, Rumyana attitudes, whispers behind her brief debate on the regulation of would have permitted non-com- son, Kristian, now 12, was born Nencheva is back to square one. back, isolation and being point- surrogacy ended with the imposi- mercial surrogacy, but President to a surrogate mother at the clin- Doctors at the Kharkov clinic tion of a complete ban at the start Traian Basescu rejected it. ic. have concluded that while her ed out by society,” she adds. of 2010. Surrogate births were not When Kristian was little, ovaries are not exhausted, they Fear of barren women in “There were concerns that it unheard of in Romania in the Killian posed with him for a pho- are almost so. Unsure whether Bulgaria is handed down on would become commercialised,” 1990s, however. The first known tograph, published some years she has a usable egg, the clinic generations. Folklore teaches Mima Fazlagic, a Belgrade case of a Romanian surrogate later in the Banateanul newspa- has decided not to take her on. that childlessness is a curse and gynaecologist, explains. EU-can- mother bearing a child took per in 2004. But today she prefers She finds it hard to decide on her a disease. If a craftsman touch- didate Croatia outlawed surroga- place in 1998 at the Bega clinic in anonymity. next move. es a barren woman, his trade cy under a new law on medical Timisoara, western Romania. According to Bulgarian social Ani Dimova is considering will wither. Young maidens fertility in 2009. “His name is Daniel,” reveals anthropologist Haralan moving to a country where sur- must also avoid them. By touch- Alexandrov, today’s more conser- rogacy is permitted. Of Before Bulgaria banned surro- Dr Ioan Munteanu who headed ing a childless woman, they vative climate on surrogacy - and Bulgaria’s current ban, she says: gacy in 2007, there was no law on the Bega reproductive clinic at imperil their own fertility, for the silence surrounding the “I don’t want to think it will stay reproductive medicine in the the time. Up until 2004, Dr childlessness is contagious. issue - reflects the strength of forbidden forever.” country and several dozen proce- Munteanu oversaw 15 surrogacy In traditionally patriarchal cultures, the child and the pro- duction of children legitimate Andreea Parvu explains why she wanted to rent out her womb. the position of the woman and determine her status in society, Interview conducted on June 23, 2010. according to the Bulgarian social anthropologist, Haralan these families? a certificate on my behalf and on rogacy, or for other information. I Alexandrov. “The value of the Q: Tell me about yourself ? A: Not personally, but I have behalf of his father, not my hus- have the impression that woman depends on her carry- A: “I’m 25, married and have a met some on the internet and seen band. It follows the procedure for Romania is not ready for this and ing on the bloodline and contin- little girl. I live in Brasov, graduat- them on TV. adoption. I have to give up the it’s possible only with foreigners. uing the family,” he says. ed from vocational fabrics weav- child and give it to his biological “It is hard to imagine the ter- ing school and went to work Q: When did you think about mother who must adopt it. Q: When did you first put ror that the clan feels when immediately after school. Then I becoming a surrogate mother? your ad in? faced with the fact that a was 17. I married at 22.” A: Last December, or January Q: What does your husband A: In March. My husband and I woman belonging to it cannot 2010. I read about a TV star who think about this? started to think about it in have children,” notes anthro- Q: And your husband? said she had problems having a A: He agreed and supports me. I January, but time passed before pologist Antonina Zhelyazkova, A: He works maintaining heat- baby and was looking for a surro- wouldn’t go over his head… I’ve we decided. I was interested in the from Sofia. ing installations in Bucharest and gate mother. There are numerous consulted him at every step. legal aspect. Pitesti. He returns home once a candidates wanting to become In some parts of the Balkans, week when he is working in surrogate mothers on the inter- Q: What exactly did you ask Q: When you put in your ad, including Kosovo, Macedonia Bucharest, and every night when net, not only me. for in your proposal to become you received no calls from and western Romania, the fami- he is in Pitesti. a surrogate mother? Romania? lies of a childless woman would Q: What is your particular A: To help me, reciprocally. I A: No. Nothing like that. cope with this dilemma by giving Q: How are you doing finan- reason to want to become one? help them get a child and they her the child of a relative to cially? A: To help somebody who can’t help me financially. The newspa- Q: What was the reaction bring up as her own, according to A: The financial situation is not have children. And, of course, [do pers exaggerated and said I want- around you? Violeta Stan, a child psychiatrist so good. My husband’s salary is it] for the money ed 27,000 euros, but it’s not true. A: I was criticised a lot. Some in Timisoara, western Romania. better than mine. But I want to do Nothing like it. I‘m not a woman colleagues and friends supported But among the Roma, the this [be a surrogate mother] to Q: Have you spoken to any of inflated requirements. me, but there are those who said inability of a woman to con- help. Don’t get me wrong. There lawyers to find out if this is that I was not OK. ceive can lead to the annulment are many families who can’t have legal? Q: What responses did you of her marriage. Among the children. Anyway my reasons are A: I learned a lot from the inter- receive toward your proposal? Q: Are you sorry because you Kardash community in numerous. net, that it [surrogacy] is legal. I A: Once the article was in the said, ‘I want to become a surro- Bulgaria, meanwhile, a mother- bear their child; their cells are Ziarul de Brasov and on TV, no gate mother’? in-law can even chase away an Q: Do you know some of implanted in me. The child takes one came to seek me - not for sur- A: No, I’m not. infertile daughter-in-law. 10 November 12 - 25, 2010 city Benedetta de Marte, intern at European Union Special Representative’s office

1. What surprised you most about Prishtina?

Before coming I didn’t expect such a young and lively city. Moreover I get more and more surprised by the impres- sive number of similarities and connections between Kosovo and the southern Italian region where my roots reside: Calabria.

2. What’s your favorite Prishtina through the Eyes of: the Eyes through Prishtina hangout?

I like to have nice espressos and long pleasant chats in Dit’e Nat’ as well as in Tingell. I also love the cozy atmoshere and the art exhibitions of Trafik Thousands Spurn Offer to and, of course, on Friday night I can’t resist the temptation to grab a microphone and sing in body to remind them to me every five Legalise Homes in Prishtina Filikaqa. minutes. City forced to extend deadline for legalising thousands of unregulated buildings 3. Do you do anything cul- 5. If you were mayor of Prishtina after only one-third of estimated owners applied for permits. tural? for the day what would you change? on August 19 will be destroyed,” Since I’m here I attended I would stop the construction of all said Muhamet Gashi, almost all the cultural activi- the buildings by planting huge trees all spokesman for the municipality. ties in town: around them. However, owners of buildings By Besiana Xharra PrifFilmFest, the theatre fes- applying for permits now would tival, Jazz Festival and so on. 6. How many macchiatos do you not necessarily keep their Actually I also had a small drink a day? homes. active role in Prishtina cultur- nly 2,800 owners of the Issues such as whether the estimated 10,000 illegal al life since I took part in the No macchiatos for me, but at least building was erected on public four espressos a day: I’m Italian! Obuildings in Prishtina Demolition job organization of an exhibition land, whether it met building have applied to have their prop- of young female Kosovo artists regulations or has the right erty legalised. applications for permits from at the National Museum in the 7. What’s the tastiest Kosovar emergency accesses would be As a result, the city of politicians in those areas. frame of an event promoted by food? taken into account. Prishtina has been forced to “Dozens of famous people liv- the EUSR. extend the deadline for applica- Owners of illegal builds will ing in Veternik don’t have con- I can’t resist Flia and this tasty, soft tions from October 31 to also be required to pay a penalty struction permits, besides 4. What is the most annoy- bread that they serve warm in restau- December 31 in a bid to encour- and an additional fee based on Manaj and Huruglica,” a source ing thing about Prishtina? rants. age more owners to apply. the size and type of building. in the municipality told The extension to the deadline The municipality took the Prishtina Insight. People complaining about 8. What landmark do you use to for permits comes after the first steps to demolish unregu- The same source said the traffic, pollution, dust, tell taxi drivers where you live? Mayor of Prishtina, Isa lated buildings last month. municipality believed there are mud...I’m aware of these prob- Mustafa, claimed the process After City Hall announced it at least 10,000 illegal buildings lems and I don’t need some- Pompë e benzinë, Shkollë teknike. was going well and running ton- would remove the pillars being are in the city. schedule. built on the Grand Hotel to sup- Few have been destroyed Last month, the mayor said he port an extra floor, as the own- since the end of the Kosovo con- was pleased with the rate of ers did not have permission for flict in 1999, the source contin- response to calls for people to it, the builders working on the ued, and of those that have been legalise their buildings. site demolished the structure knocked down, none was a “There are still a few weeks themselves. multi-occupancy building. left until the official opportunity The municipality also demol- But the source said that these to apply expires, and I believe ished part of an illegal build in blocks of flats would also be Marketing the time available will be the Sunny Hill neighbourhood torn down unless the owners enough for people to apply,” he after the owner failed to comply applied now for planning per- Kosovo's only real Irish Pub... said. with an order to stop work. mission. Prishtina Insight has learned “From August 19 until today Gashi insisted that buildings that among those expected to we have made 50 interventions put up on public property would apply, or who have applied on illegal constructions that not be regulated. already, are high-profile politi- were started after the cut-off “A lot of buildings were put cians and civil servants. date,” Qazim Qunaku, director up on public land but they will Every Thursday Former deputy prime minis- of building inspection for the not be legalised,” he said, ter, Rame Manaj, and the head of municipality, said. adding that the exact number at 7.30pm customs, Naim Huruglica, are The previous deadline of was not known. For 20% off all bar food! among those who have admitted October 31 was extended to “The municipality will set up charity building without planning per- December 31 following requests a commission to treat these mission. from the public, Gashi said. buildings separately because On September 1, the munici- “From September 1 until now, they cannot be legalised,” he pality announced that any 2,800 citizens have applied to explained. building without a roof, which obtain a building permit,” he The director of urban plan- did not feature on satellite confirmed. ning, Luljeta Çeku Sokoli, told images of the city taken at This includes those built in Prishtina Insight that the legali- 10.30am on August 19, would be neighbourhoods where the sation process would take time. destroyed. municipality has yet to install “Each application will be Owners of structures built planning zones, such as the sub- reviewed separately and expert before this cut-off date are enti- urban districts of Veternik and committees will be formed to tled to seek planning permis- Matican, which have become deal with the issue,” he said. Y sion. increasingly popular with The city launched an aware- M “All structures built without politicians. ness campaign about the legali- C permission… after the aerial Gashi refused to say whether sation process at the beginning K shots of Prishtina were taken the municipality had received of October. www.paddyobriens.com neighbourhood November 12 - 25, 2010 11 Bosnia’s New Presidency Pledges End to Confrontation countries. “All the countries in the region want to make progress in efforts to By Sabina Arslanagic join the European Union and this Sarajevo will not be possible without regional cooperation and the reso- lution of all open issues,” he said. he new tripartite presidency, Izetbegovic’s words were widely elected following October 3 seen as encouraging, following Tgeneral elections, has prom- four years of stalled reforms and ised a new era of dialogue in the ethnically divided country. constant clashes between Silajdzic The three new members of the and Bosnian Serb leaders over presidency sworn in on what kind of country Bosnia Wednesday, Bakir Izetbegovic, should be and even whether it Zeljko Komsic and Nebojsa should continue to exist. Radmanovic, all promised to work During that time, several inter- for compromise on reforms that nationally supported efforts to will take the country closer to the reform Bosnia’s constitution, European Union. designed to make the country The three men represent the more functional, ran into the country’s Bosniak [Muslim], sands. Croatian and Serbian communi- While Silajdzic insisted on ties respectively. greater centralisation of power, Komsic and Radmanovic were the Bosnian Serbs adamantly re-elected to the presidency for a rejected this, repeatedly threaten- second term, while Izetbegovic ing to secede. replaced Haris Silajdzic, whose After the years of sterile argu- Election posters in Sarajevo, Bosnia confrontational style with ments, Radmanovic also pledged political actors became deeper,” he The international community 3 general elections, specifically the Bosnian Serb leaders helped to on Wednesday to promote compro- said. has long insisted that the central election by Bosniak voters of more polarise the country over the past mise and “fight for the integration Under the 1995 Dayton peace government must obtain more compromise-oriented leaders, can four years. of Bosnia and Herzegovina into agreement, which ended the 1992- competences if the country is to reverse the trend towards division “The time has come for positive the European Union. 95 war, the country was divided advance towards its goal of even- and confrontation. change... the only way forward is However, with an eye on his to embark on the road to integra- Serbian voters, Radmanovic urged into two highly independent enti- tual EU and NATO membership. Marko Prelec, from the think tion, unification, reconciliation the international community to ties, the Serb-dominated However, the debate on the pow- tank International Crisis Group, and cooperation,” Izetbegovic offer more guidance, instead of Republika Srpska and the ers of the central government on Wednesday detected “a new said, hitting a conciliatory note. trying to impose solutions onto Bosniak-Croat Federation of turned into an ethnic confronta- atmosphere… [and] hopeful signs” Izetbegovic said he would also problems. Bosnia and Herzegovina. tion, leaving even the most mun- that the leaders were willing to use his four-year term at the top to “In the past, the international The two entities are linked by dane and uncontroversial reforms turn over a new leaf. encourage “real and lasting” coop- community made some mistakes weak central institutions, while on hold. “There are some hopeful signals eration between Bosnia and owing to which precious time has each entity retains its own govern- Analysts said they hoped the that they are willing to move Herzegovina and neighbouring been lost and distrust between ment, parliament and presidency. changes brought about by October ahead,” he said. Albania Arrests Five Macedonia Refuses to over Fake Dollar Bills Probe Spy Claims Fake million-dollar bills can easily be bought over the Internet or at novelty stores in the US, where a pack of 100 By Besar Likmeta normally costs only 22 dollar. The US Federal Reserve does not con- By Sinisa jakov Marusic Skopje sider the printing of million-dollar bills as an act of forgery, because no such olice in Durres announced the banknote exists, or has ever existed. he Lustration Commission, tasked with arrest of five people suspected However, trying to pass them off for rooting out former spies, will not investi- Pof trying to place million-dollar gate a file naming an ethnic Albanian real can result in forgery charges in the T bills as real. leader because it cannot vouch for its authen- US. In statement on Thursday, police in ticity. In 2004, when a woman in the US state the Albanian city said the arrests fol- The head of the Lustration Commission said of Georgia tried to go shopping at the lowed several days of investigation, and they could not launch a probe into Ali Ahmeti they were still working “to identify other local supermarket, using such a ban- based solely on “photocopies of documents”. people tied to this activity”. They did not knote, she was arrested. Tome Adziev said they could not verify the provide details about how the fake bills In 2007, another man in South authenticity of documents unless they were were to have been used. The 101 million- Carolina tried to open a bank account originals. Ali Ahmeti dollar bills each bear a picture of US with a million-dollar bill, which also led The file, codenamed “Ibar”, is one out of four president George Washington. to his arrest. files that name high-ranking members of The file allegedly says that Ahmeti worked for Yugoslav intelligence in the 1980s and later Ahmeti’s Democratic Union for Integration, for Serbian intelligence during the era of DUI, as men who formerly cooperated with the Slobodan Milosevic in the 1990s. secret service in Belgrade. The DUI has threatened to sue those behind The Commission recently rejected two other the allegations, though it has not said who it files, Mama and Uncle, for the same reason. believes put the files into the public domain. The forth file, Archer, was rejected because it Three of the files were submitted to the named a figure who was not a current office- Commission in mid-October by an Albanian holder. university professor from the western town of The file naming Ahmeti has raised by far the Tetovo who claimed he found them in his back- most controversy in Macedonia. yard. The DUI chief gained much of his patriotic The forth file, Ibar, appeared later that image among ethnic Albanians from the time month in the pages of the daily newspaper when he headed an Albanian guerilla insur- Dnevnik. The newspaper did not reveal its gency during the short-lived armed conflict in source while submitting the file to the A fake Dollar bill Macedonia in 2001. Commission. 12 November 12 - 25, 2010 Feature Serbian Church Accused A powerful alliance of Orthodox clergy, judicial officials and politicians may have succeeded in shielding clerical child abusers from justice

Three local teenagers had previ- written request to interview including the trial and verdict – expired. The other two charges, ously come to him - and other Patriarch Irinej on the work of the must be completed within six including that of MK, were dis- priests and nuns - claiming that commission and its findings was years from the date the alleged missed because the court found By Ivan Angelovski Bishop Pahomije had sexually sent to the church’s information offence took place. the boys’ testimony to be unreli- abused them. service. At the time of writing, Fr Ilarion says he was, however, able. In the course of the police inves- and despite several follow-up tele- forced to retire by the church. He Under the principle of In dubio tigation into the three boys’ allega- phone requests, church officials continues to state his innocence, pro reo, a judge, if he or she has hen Father Goran Arsic tions, several other underage boys have yet to respond. as he sits in the garden of his rent- any doubts about whether the was finally asked to testi- also claimed to have been similarly The church’s continued silence ed house in Irig, Vojvodina, drink- accused has committed the Wfy before a commission abused by Bishop Pahomije. on the issue - and the failure of ing beer with his friends. offence, must rule in favour of the investigating allegations that a But if Fr Arsic thought the criminal trials involving alleged He condemns the church for accused. Bishop Pahomije was bishop had sexually abused chil- church was serious about investi- clerical paedophiles - have left vic- forcing him into retirement. His duly set free. dren, he had high hopes the gating allegations of clerics abus- tims, legal experts and child wel- friends still address him as “The in dubio pro reo principle church would confront the scandal ing children, he was in for a big dis- fare professionals convinced that “Father”. is rarely used in Serbia,” says head-on. appointment. powerful political elites and mem- Some child protection experts Vesna Rakic Vodinelic, a law pro- Until now, even the existence of When he, two church deacons bers of the judiciary colluded with say they reported other cases of fessor at Belgrade’s Union the specially-convened commis- and one of Pahomije’s alleged vic- the clergy to effectively cover up alleged clerical paedophilia that University. “A judge needs to have sion, let alone its findings, has tims met the now Patriarch Irinej the scandals. never came to light because, they serious reasons… to make such a remained a closely-guarded secret. in Nis, Fr Arsic soon realised they In 2003, Bishop Pahomije was claim, the police did not investigate. decision.” That the commission was led by had been summoned to receive a charged with sex abuse offences The municipal court judgment the recently-enthroned Patriarch lecture, rather than be heard. and was summoned to appear was confirmed in a second- has also been kept from the public. The Pahomije case Patriarch Irinej was angry with before a closed court in Vranje. Fr Arsic says the church commis- instance court in Nis – the equiva- Fr Arsic - and the three teenagers - The charges were brought on In October 2002, a 13-year-old boy sion was formed in early 2003 to lent of an appeal court - over because they had previously dis- behalf of four teenagers, one as entered the police station in examine accusations against Bishop which Judge Danilo Nikolic cussed the allegations with the young as 13. Vranje, accompanied by his moth- Pahomije, who was then - and still is presided. local media. But four years later, following a er and grandmother, to formally - head of the Vranje diocese. Eight years on, MK’s family say lengthy transfer of the trial from complain that he had been subject- Fr Arsic had been waiting anx- he is still traumatised. Now 21, he the Vranje court to another in Nis, ed to sexual abuse by Bishop iously to find out how the church ‘Naïve as sheep’ still lives in Vranje. His lawyer, Bishop Pahomije was found not Pahomije. would handle the scandal. Finally, Aleksandar Stojkovic, says he can- “Instead of us talking to him, he guilty. The verdict was subse- According to Supreme Court then Bishop Irinej, now Patriarch not function normally without talked to us,” Father Arsic says of quently upheld by a higher court – documents – obtained under free- of the Serbian Orthodox Church, permanent psychiatric supervi- the meeting with the then Bishop the Nis District Court. dom of information laws – the boy, telephoned. sion and has difficulties talking to Irinej. “It became clear that every- Although Serbia’s Supreme identified as MK, claimed Bishop “Thank you bishop… I’ve been strangers. MK refuses to speak one in the church already knew [of Court eventually ruled that the Pahomije first abused him on St waiting for this for months.” Fr about the events at all. child abuse] but was keeping two verdicts clearing the bishop Ignatius’ day in 2002, after the bish- Arsic recalls telling the Patriarch, None of the other three boys, all quiet. Only we were naïve as were unlawful, the court was op invited him to his room and on hearing the news he would testi- in junior seminary at the time, sheep, believing in the purity of unable to order a retrial because of asked him to massage his back. St fy before the commission. wish to recall or comment on the our church leaders.” legislation similar to England’s Ignatius is the bishop’s patron During the same phone call, the case. Two completed seminary and The identity of the three clergy- double-jeopardy laws. saint. then bishop revealed he himself are in Greece while the third left men selected to serve on the com- Bishop Pahomije remains in After the massage, Bishop had been elected by the synod coun- the church altogether and lives in mission had not, until now, been office. He has always maintained Pahomije tried to persuade the boy cil to lead the investigation. Two Vranje. One of the priests says: disclosed. According to Fr Arsic, his innocence, claiming that he to strip naked and also, according other high-ranking clergymen “I’m not willing to go through the however, the other two members of has been the victim of what he to the teenager’s testimony, to hug were also appointed to serve along- same Golgotha all over again.” the commission were Bishop describes as anti-patriotic and him and press his body against his side Patriarch Irinej on the com- Other cases of clerical abuse Grigorije of Trebinje, in Bosnia, anti-clerical plots. own. mission. may have not yet come to light in and Milutin Timotijevic, dean of Last year, he presided over a fes- MK alleged the bishop had Fr Arsic, who was then a priest Serbia, says the Incest Trauma the Prizen seminary in Kosovo. tival for children with special abused him on three separate in the southern Serbian town of Center in Belgrade. The group In August this needs. Bishop Pahomije has failed occasions. Following a four-month Vranje, was well aware of the alle- says it reported two high-ranking year, a to respond to numerous requests, police investigation, Bishop gations. church officials it suspected of lodged during the past month, to Pahomije was eventually charged child abuse to the police in 1995 interview him. with sex offences relating to four and 1998. However, there was no Another case, involving Fr underage boys. MK was the investigation. Ilarion, who was then abbot of youngest of the four. “Their stories were almost iden- Hopovo monastery in north- Subsequent court proceedings tical to those we heard in ern Serbia, also ended incon- lasted almost five years before the Pahomije’s case,” Dusica Popadic, clusively. Judicial delays bishop was cleared, on March 6, from the centre, says. She would resulted in the charges expir- 2007, of all charges in a first- not disclose the names of the ing under Serbia’s six-year instance decision passed by priests involved. statute of limitations. In Serbia, judge Katarina Popadic says that the “whole the entire legal process for sex Randjelovic. procedure in these cases” appears abuse crimes Two charges were to support the threat abusers fre- – declared inadmissi- quently use to silence their vic- ble because the tims; that no one will believe them court proceedings if they go public with sex abuse had dragged on allegations. for so long, the time Political pressure? limit with- in which The judgment that freed Bishop the court Pahomije has prompted claims decision that some church officials, mem- must be bers of the judiciary and politi- reached cians actively colluded to keep him had out of jail. Rumours persist that the two judges presiding over Bishop Pahomije’s first- and second- instance trials did not act inde- pendently, but caved in to pressure Y from circles in the then nationalist M Democratic Party of Serbia-led C government, under Vojislav K Hopovo monastery in Vojvodina Kostunica. That government had Feature November 12 - 25, 2010 13 of Sex Abuse Cover-up close ties to the church. in a ruined building in a park. Katarina Randjelovic strongly “We went with our sons to the denies succumbing to pressure to park, sat down and waited for him acquit the bishop, while Danilo to appear. When our kids saw him, Nikolic refuses to comment at all. they came to us and we caught However, according to an anony- him,” he says. mous letter filed among justice Jova turned out to be Fr Ilarion, ministry documents relating to then 59 years old and abbot of the Pahomije case, the two judges Hopovo monastery in Vojvodina. met the then justice minister, He says the men – before taking Zoran Stojkovic, in Nis the day him to the police – beat him up for before Bishop Pahomije’s acquittal no reason and that he subsequent- in March 2007. ly lost a kidney. The men deny the The letter writer, who signed off charge. only as “a judge”, claims: “One Following a police investigation, day before the closure of the a total of 9 boys, aged 7 to 11, even- [Pahomije] case, much to my sur- tually came forward to accuse Fr prise… having in mind that I am Ilarion of sexual abuse. This was well informed of the situation in to be the second time Fr Ilarion the court... in the restaurant of faced sex abuse charges, having the Radnicki Football Club… the been previously cleared of abus- then minister of justice, Zoran ing a boy in Ruma in 1994. Stojkovic, the president of the Fr Ilarion was cleared by the [Nis] District Court, Danilo 1994 trial after the court dismissed Nikolic, and judge Katarina the charges on the grounds that Randjelovic were sitting togeth- the boy’s testimony was unreli- er.” able. Randjelovic denies meeting the Fr Ilarion’s second trial lasted Patriarch Irinej, then a bishop, was tasked with an investigation into sexual abuse then justice minister. “I had no five years. It almost exceeded the meeting with Zoran Stojkovic,” statute of limitations, largely Irish abuse scandal Finally, he returned home, quit troversial judicial reforms. The she says. “Neither he, nor anyone because high-ranking members of drinking and took control of his now former judges say they have else, had any influence on the the clergy permitted him to shel- Some see comparisons between life. received no explanation as to why decision to acquit [the bishop].” ter for years in various Orthodox the Orthodox Church’s privileged In 1991, he engaged a lawyer and they were not returned to office. Nikolic has refused to clarify monasteries in Serbia, position in Serbia today and that of sued Fr Payne. Two years later, he Only one, Katarina Randjelovic, whether he was there or not. Montenegro and Croatia. the Catholic Church in the Irish received £27,500 in compensation. was prepared to guess why. She Stojkovic did not wish to give an It was only after a court in Republic 20 years ago. There, after Payne served a four-and-a-half year says: “I can only suppose it was interview. In a brief statement, he Orahovica, a Croatian town close the British left in 1922, the Catholic prison term and has been under because of my role in Pahomije’s said: “I did not influence the deci- to the border with Serbia, ordered Church - as the champion of Irish police supervision since his release. trial.” “After that, the church could not Meanwhile, Fr Arsic, the priest sion and I had no interest in doing in 2005 that Fr Ilarion be extradit- independence - gained enormous keep on claiming the abuse never who testified at the trial of Bishop so. That is all I can say”. ed to his home country that the influence over public life. happened,” Madden says. Pahomije, claims that the bishop While Stojkovic declined to con- trial could conclude. The extradi- “The Catholic Church defined He has written a book entitled persecuted him and other whistle- firm or deny whether he was in tion order was granted because Irish national identity,” says John Altar Boy: A Story of Life After blowers. The bishop, who is also Nis the day before Pahomije’s the priest had been accused of Cooney, a Dublin-based journalist Abuse. “The main purpose of the president of his diocesan church acquittal, a press notice - still indecently exposing himself to and commentator on Irish religious book was to show that it’s possible court, began and won initial pro- available on the University of Nis’ Croatian schoolchildren. and political affairs. for victims to regain control,” ceedings to have Fr Arsic and one website – places him in Nis on that Back in Serbia, the municipal For decades, state institutions in Madden says. “As soon as I sued other priest defrocked. day. court in Novi Sad sentenced him the republic failed to react to Payne, the church had to react. Following a hearing by a higher According to the website notice, to 10 months’ jail, increased to 12 numerous accusations of clerical Ever since then, I’ve been the one in church court, Fr Arsic and the Stojkovic attended a book launch months by the second-instance child abuse. control.” other priest were welcomed back at the university on March 5, 2007 – court. However, Fr Ilarion never “People tried to speak out at vari- Fresh allegations of child abuse to the church and appointed to the day before Pahomije was set went to prison. ous times, particularly about insti- are still emerging across the repub- other dioceses. free. The book, Guilty Plea His new lawyer, Ilija Radulovic, tutional abuse, but their lives would lic. Most recently, the government Fr Arsic says two nuns, who had Agreement, was written by Danilo lodged a complaint with the be purposely destroyed, they would launched an inquiry into allega- also acted as witnesses for the Nikolic, the president of the dis- Supreme Court, which overturned be forced into emigration,” says tions of child sex abuse in the dio- boys in the court case against trict court. the verdict citing procedural rea- Maeve Lewis, head of One in Four, a cese of Cloyne. Shortly afterwards, Pahomije, left the church volun- To this day, it remains unclear if sons and ordered a new trial. group that campaigns against child the bishop, John Magee, resigned. tarily. the events on the eve of the acquit- For three months, the order for abuse. “Has the church learned from Fr Arsic says that in all the tal did influence the outcome of the retrial remained with the The influence of the Catholic this experience?” asks Maeve many discussions he had had with the trial. Supreme Court before being sent Church is still strong. But since the Lewis, of One in Four. “On the sur- the bishops, “several of them told Omer Hadziomerovic, vice-pres- to Novi Sad. By then, all the 1990s, numerous paedophile scan- face, it seems they have established me, ‘We know that children suf- ident of Serbia’s Association of charges Fr Ilarion faced in Serbia dals involving clergy have come to good procedures. However, have fered, we know you’re right, we Judges, wonders why no investiga- had expired under the statute of light, forcing the authorities to act. they really accepted responsibility know the court released him tion has taken place into whether limitations. Fr Ilarion was free, The government has now published for what happened? I’m not sure.” [Pahomije] under the pressure…. political pressure influenced the though the church then quietly several major reports on clerical The government in Serbia, “I told them, ‘But there will be outcome of the Pahomije trial. forced him to retire. child abuse, as have individual dio- meanwhile, has changed since the more children, more tears and suf- “Even if they [the judges] were Belgrade law professor Vesna ceses. trials of Fr Ilarion and Bishop fering, and what you will do then’? under pressure, the question we Rakic Vodinelic, who is also a One victim who helped force the Pahomije. Power passed from the One bishop answered, ‘It depends should be asking is why the judges member of the Coalition for the issue into the open is Andrew nationalist Democratic Party of on the new Patriarch’…I say, let’s were subject to such pressure - but Secularization of Serbia, says the Madden. Now 45 and living in Serbia to the more centrist and see what happens under the new nobody is asking who pressured trials of Bishop Pahomije and Fr Dublin, he says 15 years ago he was pro-European Democratic Party, Patriarch.” the judges,” he says. Ilarion suggest they had impor- a mess. “I used to drink myself led by President Boris Tadic. All hopes that the church will tant friends. blind,” he recalls, sipping tea in a But the church, whose influence finally, and transparently, confront “Both Pahomije and Ilarion Dublin café. The Ilarion case has grown rapidly in Serbia since sex abuse allegations rest on the were treated as privileged,” she “I was a mess because before that the fall of communism, and, in Patriarch - who was enthroned in On July 4, 2001, two men in says. “Ordinary people would not [the abuse], I’d spent most of my life particular, since the wars with October this year - the very man Sremski Karlovci, a small town in be treated in that way. It was even with the church. I’d wanted to Croatia and Bosnia, retains its who led the secret commission Vojvodina in northern Serbia, more marked in Ilarion’s case become a priest.” influence. In addition, President back in 2003. brought a bearded man in his late because the highest court in the The church rejected his candida- Tadic relies on the church as a key This article was produced as fifties – referred to as ‘Jova’ - to country allowed the case to run cy without explanation. “Yet, they ally in the ongoing struggle to part of the Balkan Fellowship for the police station. One of the men, out of time. felt that Ivan Payne was appropri- retain Kosovo as part of Serbia. Journalistic Excellence, an initia- who we can only identify as ZT, “The statute of limitations is ate to stay with the church,” he Not one of the eight judges most tive of the Robert Bosch Stiftung says neighbours had told them possible in our court system but says, referring to his abuser. Y involved in the Pahomije and and ERSTE Foundation, in coopera- that Jova had been “buying our usually is only allowed in minor Madden moved to London. M Ilarion trials has been reselected tion with the Balkan Investigative children ice-creams and giving cases, or, of course, when the Unable to communicate with peo- C as judges, under ongoing and con- Reporting Network, BIRN them money to masturbate him” accused are privileged.” ple, he even attempted suicide. K If you would like your NGO to appear in 14 November 12 - 25, 2010 our Making a Difference feature, please Culture email [email protected] Albania Struggles to Catalogue its Unknown Treasures The sale of an ancient but unknown icon to a Kosovar Albanian has highlighted the need for a central register of all historic artifacts, which might save them from being trafficked illegally. which made the creation of the NCCPI a necessity. “I asked the authorities at the By Ben Andoni time for information on the stolen items but it did not exist,” Kokonozi recalled. previously unknown 18th- After conducting his own century icon sold in research to find out how such a cen- AOctober at a charity ball tre might function, Kokonozi con- hosted by Liri Berisha, wife of the vinced the World Bank to finance it. Albanian premier, has stirred a The NCCPI creates a form of brief frenzy in Tirana. passport for every object it cata- Some critics in the media accused logues, recording its type, title, her and the children’s foundation author, owner, where it was found, that she runs trafficking in reli- its current location and the period gious artefacts - a charge denied by or movement it belongs to. Pictures the collector who offered it for sale. accompany the data. But as the controversy rumbles The centre thus serves as a on, heritage experts say the affair The icon sold to a Kosovar Albanian national heritage database as well has highlighted the dangers facing as a property registration office. lectors. many Albanian art treasures. By law, owners of artefacts like Dashnor Kononozi, founder and Lying in private collections, they the Shpataraku icon are obliged to former director of the NCCPI, is not are not catalogued, which increases register them in the inventory of surprised that the auctioned icon the risk of being trafficked into the the cultural property centre. But was not registered earlier. illegal art market. nearly two decades after its cre- It is not common for private col- The icon sold at auction for 75,000 ation, the NCCPI’s current director, lectors to register their cultural euro to Kosovo Albanian business- Izet Duraku, admits this rarely treasures, even though it would be man Hetem Ramadani is believed to occurs. Ardenica Monastery near Fier is home to various icons in their best interest, he notes. be the work of the Albanian painter “The cataloguing of artefacts in are not aware of their real value. public awareness campaign that The centre was founded in the Kostandin Shpataraku. It formerly museums, art galleries and archeo- Others have more sinister rea- early nineties after the breakdown might prompt more owners of arte- belonged to the family of the con- logical parks is almost finished,” he sons for keeping quiet about treas- of law and order that swept over facts to register them. temporary painter, Alush Shima. said, “but the identification and reg- ures in their possession. Albania following the collapse of For that reason alone, the director The Shima family had not regis- istration of artefacts sitting in pri- “Some owners - far from being communism led to numerous thefts of the centre is not unhappy about tered the icon with Albania’s vate collections is still in its infancy. ignorant of the value of their treas- from museums, archeological the recent furore over the auction of National Centre of Cultural “The more time passes without ures - are shy of registering them parks, and especially religious sites; the icon. “The row created in the Property Inventory, NCCPI. these artefacts being registered, the because they hope to trade them on these were often remote and last few weeks by the sale of the reli- Ramadani only registered it there the illegal art market,” Duraku unguarded. greater the risk of unrecoverable after buying it at the auction. gious icon has highlighted the need When the authorities requested damage to this patrimony,” Duraku maintained. The centre’s mission is to register to register cultural artefacts,” he help for their recovery from added. The NCCPI suffers from a lack of all of Albania ’s cultural assets and noted. Interpol, the international police According to Duraku, some pri- funding, a problem common to most movable properties held by muse- This article is funded under the force sought evidence and informa- vate owners do not register valuable cultural heritage institutions in ums, galleries, art institutes, reli- BICCED project, supported by the tion about the treasures in question, family heirlooms, such as gold-laced Albania. Poor finances mean the gious communities and private col- traditional costumes, because they centre cannot launch the kind of Swiss Cultural Programme. Comment “Skinning” Reveals Roots of Violence in Serbia Hooligan violence that has occupied the media for the last month or so has given a serendipitous boost to a new Serbian film that explores the theme. the audience thinking they were film, you realise that much beauty he, in just a few sequences, creates Rakocevic, or perhaps, to a lesser watching a repetition of those ear- can be delivered by skilful use of a a completely believable genuinely extent, Bojana Novakovic who lier events. This convincing mix- limited budget - in this case just bad and a truly lost character. plays a skinhead girl. Fortunately By Andrej Klemencic ture of documentarist black and 500,000 euro. Good sharp editing, Novica takes us to the Belgrade these casting issues were one of white imaging with actors in a real- high-quality sound and the overall underground where a group of Filipovic’s only errors. life Belgrade TV studio forms the quality of image make this film Nazi sympathisers plot football vio- While Novica changes backbone of Stevan Filipovic’s not just another urban-youth proj- lence and other small-scale crimes. Timberland for Diesel, a pen for a ocumentarist images meet Skinning. ect but a serious contender for the Arrested at a football match, metal bar and going out on dates engaged film-making, the Filipovic, who, previous to most popular films of the year. Novica meets the other bad guy of for throwing Molotov cocktails at Dedges of truth and politics Skinning made a wannabe snuff The anti-hero of Skinning, this film, a police inspector, who is Roma settlements, a young female are blurred and blood flows on the urban horror film, has turned out Novica, lives with his unstable, in charge of managing the fans. His police inspector tries to help him city’s pavements. An inspiring young cast and talented director to be a talented film-maker. Faced detached father. He is a developing character is used as a bridge see the way out. have put together one of the best with the difficult task of avoiding mathematical genius and his affec- between the forces of order and the At times this is an uncomfortable Serbian films in years. making a propaganda film, he tionate teacher invests great forces of destruction. The delicate film which explores the boundaries On October 10, I watched from decided to focus solely on the story, efforts in making his talent blos- task of playing him has been of good and evil and makes one my apartment window as hooli- the strength of his actors and som. entrusted to the experienced question ones understanding of gans faced police outside the allows in just one element of bias - One day, this quiet boy meets the Nikola Kojo. Kojo has been typecast the motivations of modern youth. French Embassy in Belgrade. his love for Belgrade. charming leader of a football fan as a good guy with a grudge or a Ultimately however Filipovic has Molotov cocktails were thrown and Filipovic opens the film with club and his downward spiral bad guy with a smile so frequently put together an urban classic. I closed the shutters and double- some stills of industrial hopeless- begins. I would be hard pressed to that he just plays the stereotype Unfortunately the film is not sub- locked the doors not knowing what ness in Belgrade 2010. In doing so think of an actor who could pull off and delivers no subtlety, or edge. titled so you’ll need sound Serbian would happen next. Some two he runs the risk of receiving an this transformation from maths Another big name in Serbian film or the help of a Serbian speaker to weeks later as the lights went out in ‘arty’ label or perhaps suggesting nerd to violent, militant leader of and theatre, actor Predrag Ejdus get the most from this memorable the cinema, the voice of a TV that he has little say, and fewer an ultra right group as convincing- who plays the ultra-nationalist ide- film. Y anchor and footage from a demon- ways of expressing it, but it works ly as the young Nikola Rakocevic. ologist of the Serbian-Nazi group M stration blended with feature film convincingly here as a metaphor As much as we feel his everyday ,is another disappointment. These This article is funded under the C images, leaving more than a few in for the empty, aimless lives of the concerns and even political detach- two actors simply can’t keep pace BICCED project, supported by the K young. Throughout the 98-minute ment at the beginning of the film, with the young and talented Swiss Cultural Programme. 15 Guide November 12 - 25, 2010 Bled and Bohinj, Two Great Reasons to visit Slovenia Catch the last, golden rays of autumn in the stunning Slovenia countryside

start to wonder why more people aren’t talking about it. Oh, and did I mention it’s still By Todd Wassel relatively inexpensive? Well it is. So much so that I found it cheaper than my recent trip through ruth be told, I never thought Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. about visiting Slovenia until Trecently. My other little First Reason secret is that there are more than 2 reasons to visit this amazing coun- The thousand year old Bled try but you shouldn’t need any Castle sits on a rocky outcrop 139 more than these two. metres above the lake of the same Also, this is not about every- name. In the middle rests and thing Slovenia has to offer. Over island holding the Church of the one week I only went to two places Assumption, evoking further neither of which included the cap- images of fairy tales and dragons ital, Ljubljana. that haunt the capital city of Turns out it was enough to get Ljubljana, a mere 45 minutes drive The Church of Assumption, Slovenia me itching to head back. I took a away. week off work and headed into the take away from the magic of this Julian Alps. top of rocky peaks. Imposing mountain peaks sur- mountains to work on my Shikoku special place. The Church of St. John the So, did you like my Two rea- round the lake valley to round out Pilgrimage book. I’m happy to Baptist in Bohinj. Amazing views sons? Of course I slipped a few the incredible charm of this little Second Reason report that I got three more chap- from of the lake and interesting more into the mix without you town and making it a must for any ters finished and still had time to Don’t get me wrong, I love Bled. frescoes from the 14th Century. even knowing. You were probably serious Europe traveller. hike the incredibly accessible But too many people can ruin a Some of the angles inside of what too distracted by the pretty pic- The only down side is its so Alps. good thing. Luckily all you have to look like fangs for teeth. tures beautiful that the crowds can get Somehow this little country do is drive a pleasant 26 kilometres I spent seven days here and quite thick so it’s best to visit in does not receive the attention it south to reach the glacial lake loved every minute of it. The lack the Spring and Autumn. Getting there deserves. It’s one of Europe’s Bohinj. Resting in a near vertical of large hotels is not a negative at The best way to appreciate the smallest and shares borders with mountainous embrace Lake all as there are plenty of apart- Simple and easy. Just fly into natural and architectural beauty Croatia, Italy, Austria and Bohinj is the perfect get away to ments in traditional house for Ljubljana airport, gather your of Bled is to walk around the lake. Hungary. commune with nature and experi- rent. bags and then walk across the A walking path circles the lake Sounds centrally located to me. ence amazing Slovenian hospitali- The peace and quiet, as well as street to the next building that and at an easy pace takes about 90 Add a small coast, the stunning ty. fresh mountain and lake air can houses the rental car agencies. minutes, longer if you get stuck Julian Alps, and about 500 castles, Hiking paths start from just rejuvenate any soul and get you There are about eight of them, so taking picture after another. manors and ruins, amazing wine, about everywhere around the lake, itching to explore the paths that shop around to get the best deal. Not even the ugly Yugoslav era food and the infrastructure of any leading both the casual and the bring you along impossibly green My first offer was 430 euro for 7 concrete hotel monstrosities can major European country and you extreme hiker into the heart of the rivers, through gorges, and to the days at the “budget” car agency. I finally settled on 190 euro. Coming from Kosovo, where you pay 60 Euros per day, this was like heav- en. The drive to Bled only takes about 45 minutes on a nice high- way. Drive another 40 minutes in to reach Bohinj. This is a perfect trip even if you only have a week- end. Where to stay?

This is a bit more tricky. I want- ed to avoid large impersonal hotels so I just drove to the end of the lake and found a pension. There are lots of apartments and rooms available and you can learn more at the tourist information center. But, be warned, they are not so helpful other than giving you a book of the places available. Having a car to search them out helps. I stayed at Pension Stare, at the end of the lake, and would recom- mend it to anyone. I usually don’t promote individ- ual places, but they treated me so well I can’t help it. The Pension boasts a delicious dinner, simple but comfortable rooms, and incredible views of the surrounding mountains. It’s family run and has been in business for 25 years. Y Visit www.toddswanderings.com M for other ideas on travel in Kosovo, C The Church of St John Bohin the region and the world. K 16 November 12 - 25, 2010 Food & Drink Royal Portions at Princesha Gresa The focaccia, although not a hot starter as promised on the menu, is one of the best in Prishtina. The complementary dough balls on the By Fortuna other hand are piping hot, and with a deli- cious dip containing enough garlic to make count Dracula run. The main course is served before you ehind the former OSCE build- can spoil your appetite by finishing your ing in downtown Prishtina, starter. BPrincesha Gresa is one place in The rump steak fungi is the size of a town where you are guaranteed a fine meal. small football, but unfortunately was raw rather than rare, as requested. During lunch and dinner times, The steak is served with a mushroom- Princesha Gresa is always buzzing. The cream sauce and a variety of fresh vegeta- international restaurant offers you a wide bles. In case you are still hungry, the dish range of starters, pasta and pizza, all rea- comes with some crumbly, baked potatoes. sonably priced around 5 euro. Meat and The chicken curry is enough to feed a fish dishes are available in different vari- whole party and is probably the reason eties as well, and will cost you approxi- they sat us at one of the bigger tables. mately 10 euro a piece. The tender chicken meat is mixed with For those among you who are not very a creamy sauce, rice and pineapple to add good at making quick decisions; bring a a fresh burst of flavour to the dish. nice smile as the waiters are rather impa- The lasagna is rather a underachiever. Wine bottles aplenty in Princesha Gresa tient while you’re trying to work your way Served in a hotpot, the dish comes up through the menu. against quality competition in town. before trying one of the restaurant’s deli- We decided to start with a Greek salad, The cheese-to-sauce ratio seems to have cious deserts. consisting of tomatoes, cucumber, papri- been reversed, so it is recommended only We opted for a crème caramel; the rich ka, onions and feta but not enough olive if you are experiencing serious cheese intensity of this divine sweet will caress Princesha Gresa oil for bread to be dipped in as the cravings. This makes the whole platter a your taste buds and make you forgive the Rr. Fehmi Agani Athenians do. The combination is not little on the dry side. restaurant for playing radio, smoothest +318(0)38-245 841 authentic but tasty nevertheless. No matter how full you are, do not leave jazz in the background. +377(0)44-112 391 Where to pick up Prishtina Insight? Prishtina Insight has teamed up with these five excellent venues to offer a limited number of complimentary copies of Kosovo’s only English-lan- guage newspaper. Grab a copy of the publication and settle down with a drink or a meal to read it.

Filikaqa Sports Bar Cavallero Mexican Restaurant

Prishtina’s best sports bar offers the perfect setting to watch a You can almost transport yourself to the Mexican coast, with game on over a dozen HDTV screens, guzzle down a metre of beer soaring palm trees and an immaculate five star resort, while dining and tuck in to some delicious food. There is enough space to at Cavallero Mexican Cantina. Mouth-watering appetizers and accommodate large crowds and still maintain enough legroom savoury main dishes are nicely washed down with countless cock- and breathing space between rival supporters, or those wanting tail options and even imported Mexican beer. Skopje-based ‘Los to watch different games, whether it is a Liverpool match, NFL Ritmos’ entertain diners every Friday and Saturday with their latin game, or cycling race. Filikaqa’s menu includes spicy chicken beats. For more information, wings, beef nachos, cheese-stuffed pizza, fried chicken, burgers visit their facebook page, or con- and fries. Every Friday, join tact them. Paddy O’Brien’s Filikaqa for karaoke nights. Cavallero, Filikaqa Located next to the ex-UNMIK The staff at Paddy O’Brien’s Rr. Mujo Ulqinaku BL 4/1 building have a saying: “It’s easy to walk Pejton, Prishtina Prishtina in, but very hard to leave.” www.filikaqa.com +386 49 619 375 And with its warm atmosphere, +381 38 244 288 Facebook page fantastic range of drinks and excellent food, it is easy to see why. Cantina am-pm Restaurant Hotel AFA Te Komiteti There have been many attempts to establish a proper Irish pub in Cantina AM-PM, formerly known as Located in a quiet neighbourhood just Te Komiteti’s large trees and a beauti- Prishtina, but this is the only one Mexican Cantina, recently went through a outside the city centre, Hotel Afa can guar- fully garden, which surround the small to hit the spot. transfer to new management, and although antee guests a peaceful night while being outdoor terrace, give you an impression From classic coffees to cock- hardly noticeable from a distance, the new within walking distance of all the action. of an exclusive place for ordinary peo- tails, via, of course, Guinness, owners have transformed the venue into a The venue has won a host of awards for its ple. And this is exactly what it is. From you really wont find it difficult to more grown-up affair with good, cheap food. excellent service to customers and offers a brunch to lunch-time snacks and special select the perfect drink. Cantina offers Mexican dishes at reasonable good range of facilities, from an exclusive evening meals, this restaurant offers A mouth-watering menu of prices, starting from less than 5 euro. Although restaurant and VIP dishes comprising quality, varied ingre- Irish specialties is also on offer, the majority of the food is Mexican-influenced, bar to pretty, tranquil dients, combined to perfection. spanning from all-day breakfasts Cesar salad and pizza have been included too. garden. Rooms start at Alongside one of Prishtina’s best ‘mod- to Irish stews at night. Mexican favourites 45 euro for a single, ern European’ Options include shepherd’s pie, served up at Cantina and luxury rooms and style menus, bangers and mash, fish ‘n chips, include tortilla, thicker apartments are avail- you’ll also find a and whopping great burgers. pan-friend tortilla, able. The hotel’s rooms good selection of Thursday is pub quiz night, but nacho chips and burri- are well appointed and wine, and great there is always something going to. Cantina’s also offers comfortable. sangria and cock- on at the pub, whether it is sport a very pleasant area for 15, Rr Ali Kelmendi, tails . screenings or just a good shindig. al fresco dining. Sunny Hill, Te Komiteti Paddy O’Brien’s Cantina AM-PM Prishtina Qamil Hoxha Tringe Smajli Street, by the Rr Qamil Hoxha +381 38/225 226 Street Illyria Hotel Y Prishtina www.hotelafa.com Prishtina Prishtina M +377 49 710 710 +381 38 24 96 63 045-420900 C K By Shengjyl Osmani November 12 - 25, 2010 17 in Prishtina Timeout Contact Prishtina Insight if you would like your event to feature or to advertise your venue. Email [email protected] Prishtina Diary

Filikaqa Karaoke Night: Friday, November 12, 2010. Starting from 9 pm. For table reservations call 038 244 288. Weekend Programme @ DUPLEX Club: Friday, November 12,2010. DJ Flow. Magnicicent DJ Flow knows how to create the right Friday night atmosphere with the best hip hop and R&B tunes.Join and allow the music to carry you away. Saturday, November 13, 2010. – DJ Boogieman vs DJ Panomi DJ Boogieman has grown to become an inter- national rap and hiphop authority. Recently, DJ Boogieman could be admired next to Busta Rhymes on stage at Sofia’s Exit Festival. This DJ from Skopje will get everyone on the dance- floor, moving on a hip hop beat. Weekend Programme @ Peppermint Club: Friday, November 12, 2010. – HipHop night with DJ Blunt and Real1 Shake that booty! Saturday, November 13, 2010. DJ Professional knows how to get you move your feet on dancy radio hits. Tuesday, November16, 2010. Celebrate Bajram at Duplex with NRG Band and DJ Professional. Starting from 10 pm. PI Weekend Programme Friday, November 12, 2010. Baboo Darabuka and DJ Benity put on a true Oriental Show at P1. Don’t miss it.. Saturday, November 13, 2010. Sound Clash – Hip Hop vs Dancehall. Join the crowd and let your voice be heard. Tuesday, November 16, 2010. Celebrate Bajram with the one and only Me Fisniket. Wednesday, November 17, 2010. Tingulli Trent and DJ Jungle will take you on a musical journey. Thursday, November 18, 2010. – Celebrate Thursday with Laninot Tahiri.

ino ABC broadcasts the comedy from the army. Donkeys of the Border every The severity of the army wasn’t felt Knight at 6, 8 and 10 pm. only on the villager’s back, but even on Donkeys of the Border is set in 1968, in the shoulders of the ideological teacher the border region between Albania and of the village in Yugoslavia, who dreams Yugoslavia. of the beauty of Albania. Right after During communist times in Yugoslavia passing the border, the teacher’s illu- and Albania the borders were under sions fall apart. strict control by armies on both sides. After the disappointment, the teacher The bordering villages of Gurishe and and Kiqo, a citizen from Albania, depart Maline had the bad luck of being under westward, toward Europe. the control of both armies. In this border zone there was one water source, so the For reservations or more info visit Y villagers were allowed to consume water www.kinoabc. M only during strictly regulated hours info or call 038 243 117 C K 18 November 12 - 25, 2010 Feature Turkey Flexes Its Muscles in The Balkans Disappointed with the pace of EU accession talks, Ankara is striving to increase its influence in the old lands of the Ottoman Empire.

By Céline Antonini

urkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdo an’s visit Tto Kosovo last week was only the latest in a series of important diplomatic missions that Turkey has recently made to the Balkans. The visit, and other recent events, prompt analysts to suggest that Turkey, disappointed with endless delays to its EU accession process, is seeking a different focus. Turkey has increased its diplo- matic and economic presence in the Balkan region markedly in the last two years. In October 2009, President Abdullah Gül visited Serbia, the first such visit to Belgrade in almost 23 years. The mission marked the start of a new era of cooperation between Ankara and Belgrade: in July, Serbia and Turkey abolished visa restrictions on one another. Earlier, in June, Turkey hosted a Summit in Istanbul of the mem- bers of the South East European The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey Cooperation Process, SEECP. Such events appear to confirm Turkey does not conceal its treatment of the large Kurdish cians or people on the street, as it away from the EU. that Turkey is intensifying diplo- intention to shift the centre of minority and Ankara’s refusal to implies a second-class status and “Turkey’s role in the region is matic relations in the Balkans with gravity from Brussels towards the admit the mass slaughter of has psychological implications. very positive for the EU as it is in a view to positioning itself as a Balkans and the Middle East, as Armenians in 1915, which a grow- “In a union in which Bulgarians, line with the EU’s [good] neigh- major actor in the region. Davuto lu explained. ing number of countries now qual- Slovenes and Romanians are full bourhood policy,” she said. In September, the Turkish “As in the 16th century, with the ify as genocide. members, Turks feel offended not “We don’t think Turkey is look- President visited Bosnia and rise of Ottoman Balkans as the Ilhan Uzgel, Professor of politi- to be offered full membership,” he ing for an alternative to the EU; its Herzegovina, trying, in vain, to centre of world politics, we will cal Sciences at the university of said. foreign policy is complementary to mediate between the two semi- make the Balkans, the Caucasus Ankara, voices the prevailing feel- Meanwhile, Turks seem to be EU negotiations.” independent entities, the Bosnian and the Middle East together with ing of dissatisfaction with the pace losing interest in, as well as hope While EU officials say they sup- Serb-run Republika Srpska and the Turkey the centre of world politics of EU accession. of, EU accession. According to port Turkey’s pursuit of closer Muslim-dominated Federation. in the future,” the foreign minister “Turkish public opinion and Eurobarometer, public support for relations with its Balkan neigh- Turkey has repeatedly encouraged said. politicians do not have any hope of EU membership fell from 73 per bours, Fadi Hakura, from Chatham an end to confrontation between Turkey’s ambitions to gain more membership in the EU, at least in cent in 2004 to 39 per cent in 2009. House, doubts whether that is the two Bosnian entities. importance as a Balkan power the short or midterm”, he noted. Brussels denies downplaying the truly the case. Meanwhile, Ankara is accentuat- match its growing disappointment In addition, EU member states’ accession perspectives for Turkey. “The EU is probably not very ing its economic presence in the over relations with the EU. reticence towards the prospect of Alexandra Gatto, political offi- happy with Turkish interventions Balkans, where its investments and Fadi Hakura, Turkey expert at Turkish accession has grown in cer at the EU Delegation in in the Balkans because they are trade have steadily grown, the Chatham House think tank in the last years, with Cyprus, Ankara, insists that Turkish EU not well coordinated with its own although they remain small com- London, said Ankara was “trying France, Germany, Bulgaria and membership “remains a realistic policy,” Hakura said. pared to those of the EU. to showcase its diplomatic capaci- Austria all publicly expressing perspective.” With EU accession looking less Since 2007, Turkish investments ties [in the Balkans]. reserve. “One chapter was opened during probable every day, Turkey must in Serbia have doubled, according “Turkey feels left out by the EU In addition to slow progress in the Spanish presidency and there find its own place in the world. to the National Bank of Serbia. and is therefore developing its own negotiations, there is talk of not are talks about opening a new Becoming an economic and diplo- In Albania, Turkey has become diplomatic strategy towards the extending to Turkey the full bene- chapter,” she added. matic power in the Balkans is one the third-largest investor, after region,” he said. fits of the Common Agricultural The EU also claims to back of the steps Turkey is taking in Italy and Greece, according to the Disappointment with the state Policy, a system of European subsi- Turkey’s policy in the Balkans and this direction, as dreams of EU Turkish foreign ministry. and pace of EU negotiations is dies for agriculture, from which does not interpret it as a move accession slowly fade. A Turkish-UE consortium, apparent. rural countries benefit - even after Bechtel-Enka, is currently build- More than 20 years after it accession. ing a 700-million-euro highway applied to join the European Dearing a mass influx from the from Kosovo to Albania, the largest Economic Community, it is still far populous Muslim country, some Privileged partnership infrastructure project ever carried from accession, although it became European politicians also question “Privileged partnership” is a term coined by European politicians out in the newly independent coun- a candidate country in 1999. whether Turkey should benefit as an alternative to Turkish membership of the European Union. try. Negotiations on accession start- from the provisions on the free This idea is currently being backed by German Chancellor Angela Turkey’s interest and intentions ed in 2005 but have not made much movement of people, even as a EU Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy but has not been well in the Balkans were clearly show- progress. Turkey has opened talks member state. received by Turkish opinion, partly because it has not been defined cased in a speech by foreign minis- on only 13 out of the 35 chapters Talk of an alternative relation- precisely. ter Ahmet Davuto lu in Sarajevo in that must be discussed. ship with Turkey as a “privileged Privileged partnership would probably involve close economic and October 2009, when he made a ring- By contrast, Croatia, which partner” is being flagged up by diplomatic cooperation, without Turkey being a member state. ing defence of the centuries’-long began the whole process much some EU leaders, such as Some Turks describe talks about privileged partnership as a cover Ottoman presence in the Balkans. later, and became a candidate Germany’s Angela Merkel and for the EU’s inability to define its intentions in regard to Turkey. “Throughout the centuries, from country five years after Turkey, France’s Nicolas Sarkozy. Inan Ruma, vice-chair of the department of international rela- the 15th to the 19th century, Balkan has opened 33 out of 35 chapters. Turkish politicians and opinion- tions at Istanbul Bilgi University, said: “We would go for privileged history was a success story,” he Many obstacles stopping Turkey formers are not impressed. partnership if it was something concrete that we could negotiate and said. “We can reinvent this suc- from joining the EU remain firmly According to Ilhan Uzgel, talk about. Y cess… [by] fostering a new multi- in place, starting with Turkey’s Professor of Political Sciences at “However, so far, ‘privileged partnership’ seems like an unsubstan- M cultural coexistence and establish- non-recognition of EU member the University of Ankara, tiated European discourse, to hide their failure to manage Turkey’s ing a new economic zone,” he state Cyprus. “’Privileged Partnership’ sounds C candidacy ‘problem.’” K added. Other problem areas are its disturbing to Turks, be they politi- 19 Inside Prishtina November 12 - 25, 2010 Ecosovo Green Hotels

By Elizabeth Gowing

t first glance, Prishtina’s hotels might seem more grey than green, but some initiatives are starting to Achange that. And of course we, as guests, are the best people to coax, encourage or demand these changes. Worldwide, some simple practices have rapidly become standard in hotels as ways to respect the environment. And Bar Review: this isn’t pure altruism - of course reduced energy use Poco Loco means reduced energy bills and greater profit. Policies Poco Loco rishtina has been showing signs shows pictures of all 32 different cock- The strawberry daiquiri seems to be such as offering guests staying for more than one night the of the beginning of winter in the tails, ranging from a standard caipir- experiencing an identity crisis as it option of not having their sheets or towels changed can Plast weeks. But no need to inha, to a coconut kiss, to a variety of has a very convincing blackberry drastically reduce laundry bills and the cost to the environ- despair; there is a place in Prishtina ‘erotic drinks’; one can opt for a sex taste, but tasty nevertheless. ment of electricity, water and detergent used in washing where you can hold onto the summery machine, a plain sex on the beach or Beware of chunks of berry sliding machines. In the US, the Green Hotels movement records feeling: bar Poco Loco. the more exotic sex on poco loco. up through the straw though; unless that 70% of guests use these cards where they are provided. Tucked away up from Agim Needless to say, this latter drink had you feel like practicing the Heimlich Are you one of them? Ramadani you will find the city’s only to be tried and did not disappoint. manoeuver, the fruit could do with a true cocktail bar. The motorcycle Other hotels have taken even more creative approaches However, the large amount of bit more crunching. parked outside, in colours matching to encouraging guests to use earth-friendly practices. One cream ensures that But then again, who cares what the black and orange logo of the bar, you’ve had berry is used; the cocktails are mouth- American chain offers a free meal in the restaurant to any gives it away; Poco Loco is the newest watering. guest who generates its equivalent in electricity on the place where Prishtina’s in-crowd Something else that is appreciated exercise bike in the hotel gym! Others offer vouchers for whiles away the evenings. is that Poco Loco distinguishes itself coffee for guests using green systems. A stay in a hotel Poco Loco’s interior from other bars in Prishtina by its offers a chance for changing habits - not just getting used to can best be described as lack of a huge television screen huge breakfasts in place of the gobbled bowl of cereal in original. The dark ceil- that distracts attention from those your own kitchen, but also rethinking waste, energy use or ing is reminiscent of a late night, in-depth, conversa- factory, whilst giving the responsible choices about products you use. tions. bar a modern look. In Prishtina there are some great examples. The Hotel The bar was playing Beyoncé This contrasts nicely and Pink when we fist entered Royal operates the system offering guests the chance to with the wooden furniture but moved on to Elvis and pass on having their towels or sheets changed every night. and floor. The walls are cov- Whitney Houston halfway The Afa gives guests roomkey cards which also operate the ered with painted coffee bean through the evening. Note to lights in their rooms, meaning that there is no temptation bags, adding a cargo-chic bar staff: there is never ever a to leave lights burning when there is no-one there. The style to the place. good excuse to play Las Hotel Victory has energy-saving bulbs fitted in the hotel. One wall is almost complete- Ketchup. Never. You’ll find local products (sometimes only if you ask for ly covered by an astonishing enough of Poco Loco offers a good alternative variety of bottles, perhaps to them) in many hotels - Kosovan wine, mineral water, beer. it after one. to the existing bars in Prishtina. Its prevent any confusion over The Hotel Victory offers refillable dispensers for shampoo Luckily, there are 31 other cocktails and friendly staff make it an where you are. options left. easy place to spend the evening. The and liquid soap rather than the small portions that require There are high tables placed against The Ernest Hemingway is very only real disappointment is the lack of unnecessary packaging (our NGO, The Ideas Partnership the walls; the best way to sip your fresh, with a good juice-alcohol-ice umbrellas in the drinks. collects unwanted hotel toiletries and distributes them to cocktail, after all. To light up the inte- ratio, and definitely reminds you of sheltered women escaping domestic violence or traffick- rior, the waiters wear coloured glow warm beach evenings. Poco Locoo ing.) All the hotels we interviewed offered reusable glass sticks. The same can be said of the Agim Ramadani, opposite the unfin- rather than wasteful plastic for glasses in rooms. Poco Loco offers an impressive ambrosial Bluberry Hil, which I can ished church Of course there is more to do. Few hotels here are famil- assortment of cocktails, reasonably definitely recommend despite its lack Open daily from 9 pm until 3 in the priced at around 4 euro. The menu iar with the water aerators fitted to basin taps, which can of blueberries. morning. dramatically reduce water usage without perceptible dif- ference; some hotels interviewed not only had no policy for Shop Review: choosing local over imported goods but said they didn’t know where products came from in their rooms or restau- rant. If you’re staying in a hotel here, why not ask them for their policy on these things and show that guests care. Luxury Wine Store And being a green hotel is more than a matter of these individual policies. You may want to think about the siting f you have been wondering where to pick up some of your hotel - Driton Shala of the Afa Hotel points out that decent bottles of wine in Kosovo, Prishtina Insight one of the ways that his hotel contributes to environmental Imay have discovered the solution. protection is through a location which is a short and pleas- It’s not the variety of products on offer at the Luxury ant walk from the city centre, meaning that guests are Wine Store which makes it special, but the care in select- ing the right bottles. encouraged to walk rather than take a taxi into town. The shop, opposite Pishat restaurant, nonetheless offers Rethinking your hotel experience completely may offer a decent variety of wines, from three different countries, even more dramatic ways to reduce the carbon footprint of most at reasonable prices. your accommodation. Staying in traditional accommoda- At the store you can find five types of wines from tion such as the stone kulla hotel in Junik (Kulla of Rame Albania, such as Cobu, which will cost you 13 euro for a 75 Zymberi - 044 146960) or the Mazrekaj Kulla bed and break- ml bottle. A selection of Albanian brandy, better known as fast near Decan (contact 044 253412) will offer you local raki, is also available, including one made from nuts, at a products in buildings made from natural materials. price of 15 euro. Thankfully, wherever you go in Kosovo, you will also be Luxurious and basic Italian and French winse are also on sale, with bottles of the Italian variety costing from 4.5 guaranteed the endlessly renewable resource of hospitality. euro up to 115 euro, and French from 5 up to 23 euro. Champagne ranging from 12 up to 32 euro can also be Str. Qamil Hoxha 10/1A [in front of Restaurant Pishat] Elizabeth Gowing is a founder member of The Ideas purchased. [email protected]. Partnership, a Kosovar NGO working on educational, cul- If you are short of a wine glasses, not to worry; you can Y www.luxury-ks.com tural and environmental projects. She can be reached at pick up a set of four for 14 euro in the shop. M Tel. 038 226 783 [email protected] C 044 132 618 K If you would like your NGO to appear in 20 November 12 - 25, 2010 our Making a Difference feature, please Community Focus email [email protected] Justice in Kosovo Four successful candidates withdrawn from the recommended list for appointment in courts and prosecutorial offices

ore than two years after it respond. KJC and other intevie- Judge is congratulated Court of Gjilan, a procedural started and with 5.8 mil- wees also refused to comment, breach occurred as the hearing Hearing held without over the phone during Mlion euro spent, the leaving suspicions that candidates started without the public prose- public prosecutor Independent Judicial and have been removed on political hearing cutor. Prosecutorial Commission (IJPC) grounds. Moreover, the leading judge stat- Hearing P.no.88/10 on “stealing announced the completion of the ed that he was presence, although During hearing P.nr 127/10 on of electricity”, held in Decan process of vetting and reappoint- he was not. After questioning the Thousands of cases risk “endangering public traffic” held municipal court, took place with- ing applicants to permanent posi- defendant on his personal infor- being dropped at in Gjilan’s District Court, the lead- out a public prosecutor. tions in courts and prosecutorial mation, the parties had to wait ing judge answered his phone According to the leading judge, offices. Malisheve Court more than ten minutes for the three times. “the public prosecutor was in Whether or not the investment prosecutor to read the charge. Although the judge stated he another hearing and could not be and time have been worth will Since the beginning of 2010, was called by the Kosovo Supreme in two places at the same time”. show in the coming years. The sta- 4,100 cases have been registered at Court, BIRN monitors noticed that Public prosecutor leaves Referring to a lack of personnel, tistics sound promising though: the Malisheve Municipal Court of all the phone calls were congratu- the judge indirectly criticized the more than 60 per cent of the 345 Minor Offences, adding to the during hearing lating him for his position as Municipal Prosecution Office in candidates are newly appointed. approximately 3,000 unsolved President of Gjilan District Court. During trial P.no.86/09 on “steal- Peja for assigning only one prose- According to President of IJPC, cases from 2009. ing”, held in Decan Municipal cutor to Decan’s Municipal Court. Timothy Baland, the criteria used Because of the huge backlog, Judge misses hearing to Court, the public prosecutor left In absence of the prosecutor, in the review process were the statute of limitations, which the hearing while the defendant the leading judge read the charge. designed to achieve two goals: sets a maximum time in which an attend a seminar in was giving his statement. He left In spite of the absence of the fairness and objectivity. offence can be dealt with in court, Albania with the permission of the leading prosecutor, the hearing contin- However, 116 positions within risks expiring in many cases. Kosovo’s judicial system remain judge and returned to the hearing ued. According to the head of the The hearing of trial P.nr 18/05 vacant. The Kosovo Judicial for the final word. The parties were read their court, Lulzim Pacarizi, the back- on “attempted murder”, scheduled Council is to start a process of rights and their statements were log is caused by the court’s limited for October 27, was postponed as identifying, screening and eventu- No public prosecutor obtained, although these acts capacity: there is only one judge the head of the trial panel, who ally appointing candidates. require the presence of a public dealing with all these cases. also holds the position of present in criminal case But, in the third phase, when prosecutor. He added that despite his President of Gjilan’s District appointing judges and prosecu- hearing request to the Kosovo Judicial Court, was absent. Instead of tors at the municipal level, four Judge Jumbles Order Council (KJC) to find a solution for attending the hearing, he attended candidates who successfully com- In hearing P.nr 102/10 on this situation, Malisheve’s a seminar in Albania. “attempted murder”, held in In hearing P.no.179/09 on pleted all the exams and did not Municipal Court for Minor Gjilan District Court, the public “murder”, held in Prizren’s have suspicious biographies, were Offences continues to struggle Hearing started without prosecutor assigned to the case District Court, the leading judge withdrawn from the “recommend- with an overload of cases and lack was not present. According to the started reading the justification ed list” sent by the Kosovo of efficiency. public prosecutor Judicial Council to the presidency leading judge, he was in hospital of the verdict before delivering for approval. Cemetery Decision During trial P.128/10 on “posses- for surgery. The hearing was then the verdict, thereby violating According to the KJC, the candi- sion or unauthorised use of postponed to a later date without Kosovo’s Code of Criminal dates were removed by the Ignored Suhareke weapons”, held in the District presence of a public prosecutor. Procedure. Presidency, with Jakup Krasniqi Municipality as acting President. The presiden- cy acknowledges this but refuses A decision taken by the to give any official reasons for the Suhareke Municipal Court to My Kosovo: Goats Go to Heaven removal. stop the construction of a health The candidates to have been centre in the village of Recan has removed are: Driton Muharremi, not been respected by the munici- candidate for President of the pality. Municipal Court of Prishtina; and The municipality drafted the By Lawrence Marzouk Agron Calaj, Florije Shamolli and project for building the health cen- Vehbi Hajdini, who were candi- tre, funded by the Ministry of dates for the Municipal Court and Health and allocated a plot near veryone has their own Prosecutors Office in Ferizaj. the village’s cemetery for the cen- impression of what makes Mr Muharremi was the only tre’s construction. Ethis country special, interest- successful candidate for the posi- The Islamic community object- ing, infuriating, beautiful or just, plain home. tion on the Municipal Court of ed to this and sued the municipali- We, at Prishtina Insight, would like Prishtina. ty. Until the dispute has been you to send us your photos of When asked if Driton solved, Suhareke’s Municipal Kosovo so we can share your special Muharremi was removed because Court ordered the municipality to story with other readers on this of his father’s ties with LDK (he halt its construction work. page. Y was advisor to former president The municipality however has Don’t be shy, just email them to M Ibrahim Rugova), acting ignored the ban imposed by the [email protected] C President Krasniqi did not court. K November 12 - 25, 2010 21 Community Focus If you would like your NGO to appear in our Making a Difference feature, please email [email protected] Lack of Transparency over Kosovo Highway ECIKS releases a report each year encouraging investment in Kosovo Condemned

Economic Initiative for highway. He said the transport ministry had announced at the start that By Petrit Collaku the winner of the contract would Kosovo be obliged to subcontract 30 per cent of the work to local compa- Generating Profit From a Not-for-Profit nies. Kosovo NGO is accusing But the economy ministry’s the government of lack of report to Brussels relied on differ- Atransparency on the ent figures, saying local compa- grounds that the transport and nies would get 40 per cent of the economy ministries have still not contractual work. By Inge Baanders revealed the costs, contract or The winning consortium, route of the trans-Kosovo highway. Bechtel -Enka, offered more than In a report, the NGO, named Fol 659 million euro to build the 117- Movement, which means ‘speak he Economic Initiative for Kosovo, km highway. up’ in Albanian, said the transport ECIKS, has generated more than Myzejene Selmani, former chair ministry had refused its request to T 40million euro of investment in of parliament’s Commission on see the contract, replying that the Kosovo in the past four years. Economy and Transport, com- document was “sensitive”. The team-of-five has also created 800 jobs plained that the assembly was left The report, entitled through the not-for-profit organisation, founded in the dark concerning the project. “Transparency of Public by Kosovars in Vienna in 2003. “There was no debate in the Investment in Road Since then, the organisation has been aiming to assembly over the highway,” Infrastructure”, also claims there support the long-term economic development of Selmani said, following release of are discrepancies between the fig- Kosovo. ECIKS provides support to small and the NGO report. “I never saw the ures supplied by the ministries of medium enterprises and focuses in particular on contract, although I headed the transport and economy over the promoting and facilitating foreign investments. Commission on Transport in the costs of the highway. ECIKS acknowledges that Kosovo faces chal- assembly.” The Ministry of Economy’s lenges in particular concerning rule of law but FOL said doubts had also arisen recent report for the European argues that there are also great investment oppor- over the finances of the highway, Commission claimed the road tunities. as the government had not out- would cost around 883 million “Of course Kosovo still faces problems in some energy, agriculture, tourism and infrastructure. lined its strategy to ensure the euro. The Ministry of Transport spheres, just like all countries in the region”, said Although studies have indicated that one of the money was available. had refused to confirm the figures Edmond Shabani, Secretary General of ECIKS. main obstacles to attracting foreign investment is According to the Ministry of supplied by its colleagues. “Advantages in other areas, as its currency and Kosovo’s political climate, Mr Shabani stresses Economy, the highway will be paid “Another concern is the route of large pool of qualified people, makes Kosovo defi- that those that have experience with investment for out of the state budget, a con- the highway, which remains nitely a good place to invest,” he added. in Kosovo paint a different picture. “It is impor- cession for the main airport and unknown,” said Fidan Kalaja, a ECIKS represents the Investment Promotion tant to address prevalent misperceptions”, he the sale of Kosovo’s Post and member of FOL. Agency of Kosovo, IPAK, in German-speaking adds. Telecommunications company. Kalaja added that there was no countries. Through IPAK, it aims to promote This is where ECIKS’s role becomes increasing- But the government of Hashim agreement between the two min- Kosovo as a secure and reliable place for foreign ly valuable. Since 2006, the organisation has facil- Thaci has not yet formally istries over the involvement of direct investment (FDI). One of the organisation’s itated 18 investments in Kosovo worth of 43 mil- approved a means to pay for the local companies in building the most successful tools in advocating Kosovo’s lion euro and creating 800 new jobs. One of its suc- project. advantageous place in the global market is a list of cessful projects has led to the the sale of vegeta- ‘Ten Reasons to Invest’ in Kosovo. bles processed in Kosovo in different cities in |The list promotes Kosovo’s availability of cost- Austria. effective labour and a young, skilled workforce as The organisation said that Foreign Direct well as availability of natural resources and agri- Investment trebled in 2008, after Kosovo’s declara- cultural land. tion of independence “ended a period of political It highlights Kosovo’s strategic location and and economical uncertainty”, amounting to 357 ongoing infrastructural development connecting million euro. the country to seaports in Albania and Greece, Apart from supporting private companies, through which it offers access to a market of over ECIKS provides backing to a range of institutions 500 million customers in the US and EU. as the Kosovo government and the World Bank. The list goes on to include Kosovo’s official cur- With a core staff of five, ECIKS has established rency (the euro), its sound banking system and itself as the leading organisation in investment EU-compatible legislation. ECIKS also mentions promotion, working towards a dynamic and eco- Kosovo’s stabilising political environment with nomically developed Kosovo. the perspective of EU-integration. Areas that are identified by ECIKS as good For more information on ECIKS or on why to invest investment opportunities include mining and in Kosvo, visit www.eciks.org.

Hashim Thaci and Sali Berisha on the Patriotic Highway between Kosovo and Albania 22 November 12 - 25, 2010 opinion Why Kosovo-Serbia Talks Outside In EC Regress Might Succeed This Time Report: A Hard Act to Swallow

By Kreshnik Hoxha

ery shortly after Kosovo’s departing Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuci Vaccused Kosovo’s civil society of writing or interfering with international reports on Kosovo, the European Commission served him an extraordinary portion of humble pie, cooked up in Brussels, in the form of its Progress Report. But, what were the ingredients of this bitter delicacy cooked in the ovens of Berlaymont, the home of the EC? Holistically speaking the report outlines and acknowledges improvements in some areas, while it also indicates Kosovo’s sluggish progress in other spheres, which are of para- mount importance to Kosovo’s EU prospects. It won’t be a shoo-in- but unlike every previous round of talks since the 1990s, at least some of the condi- Analysing the report, it’s a no-brainer to tions for a successful outcome are finally in place. understand that the main ingredient of the hum- ble pie is “limited progress”. mise; fourth, each side must be able to with Serbia would strengthen the coher- The report found that freedom of expression sell the talks as a victory. ence of the state. is subjected to political interference with jour- The new talks fulfill two-and-a-half of Yet, there is a sense that Kosovo has nalists working under political pressure. In addition, the report has lucidly acknowl- By Florian Bieber these four conditions, which is an already made painful compromises dur- edged that freedom of expression is not guaran- improvement on earlier talks, which did ing the talks with Martti Ahtisaari by teed in practice even though the legislations not tick any of the boxes. offering a high degree of decentraliza- have been implemented by the Kosovo Assembly. The first condition is fulfilled now that tion and far reaching minority rights to erbs and Albanians have been in Claims of the departing Kosovo Government Serbia appears willing to stop insisting Serbs. Thus, many politicians will find it negotiations and talks half a dozen on re-opening the issue of the status of that during their mandate the freedom of times over the past two decades - hard to offer further compromises, espe- S Kosovo. As a result, both sides can focus expression has flourished are utterly tarnished from the tentative efforts of the 1990s to cially when it comes to the North. on technical issues. by the findings that the public broadcaster RTK the doomed talks in Rambouillet, France, A more immediate obstacle is the col- still struggles to regain the impartiality and Second, the outcome is approximately in 1999 and the later “status” talks lapse of the Kosovo government. Now independence it used to enjoy. clear: Kosovo will remain independent between 2005 and 2007. that early elections loom, any talks held The findings from the EC Progress Report are and Serbia will not recognize Kosovo, but None of these has led to tangible before the formation of a new govern- fully compatible with the results reported in the it will not obstruct Kosovo’s further results and left outsiders imposing an ment in Kosovo will not be able to yield Press Freedom Index 2010 by Reporters without quest for international recognition and outcome, be it NATO intervention or pro- results. Borders, where Kosovo is ranked 92nd. the north of Kosovo will receive a degree posing the Ahtisaari plan. Following the acrimonious break up of It is worth noting that in 2007, Kosovo was of autonomy. The new round of talks currently in the current coalition between Prime ranked 60th. However, there are a number of prob- preparation might be different, however. Minister Hashim Thaci’s PDK and Kosovo’s efforts to combat organised crime lems here. Serbia may not be in a position Until Kosovo declared independence in Fatmir Sejdiu’s LDK, it may take some and corruption were thrown into the mixer to unblock Kosovo’s international recog- 2008, the Serbian side wanted to talk time to form a new government. before being baked. nition and some countries are unlikely to about technical issues while the There is a risk that talks will not start The EC report states that this sector remains a recognize Kosovo even if some “thin” Albanians wanted to talk about Kosovo’s far long before Serbia’s next elections, matter of serious concern and it has a direct agreement emerges between Kosovo and status. due by spring 2012. Thus, there will be impact on the enforcement of the rule of law. Serbia. Since then, roles have been reversed. only a few months time for talks to start Kosovo’s susceptibility to financial corruption Russia, in particular, may use Kosovo’s Even after the July 2010 ruling by the after a new Kosovo government takes is regarded as a serious threat to the existence of recognition as a bargaining chip for its International Court of Justice, in favour office and to end successfully before the a business-friendly environment for foreign own geostrategic ambitions far away of Kosovo’s independence, Serbia still Serbian election campaign makes any investors. from the Balkans. Thus, the talks need to insisted on status talks, while Kosovo compromise impossible. The report continues by outlining that the involve Russia and other external actors. was only willing to talk about technical Finally, will both governments be able lack of protection for prosecutors and judges is Only if Russia and other countries are issues. to sell any settlement as a victory? This having a detrimental effect in their efficiency to willing to drop their objection to Serbia’s turn-around began when it will be difficult. There is a risk that spoil- investigate corruption and organised crime Kosovo’s UN and EU membership as part endorsed a joint resolution with the EU ers in Kosovo and Serbia will seek to cases. of a settlement, Kosovo can be offered a at the UN General Assembly in undermine any agreement for domestic These conclusions are also in line with previ- sufficiently large ‘carrot’ to accept a deal September calling for unconditional political gain. ous investigations made public earlier this year. with Serbia. This will be particularly dif- talks between Serbia and Kosovo, rather The main rewards for both parties lie The Corruption Perceptions Index 2010 pub- ficult as Serbia will needs to signal to oth- than insisting on its own confrontational outside Kosovo and Serbia. If Kosovo can lished by Transparency International ranked ers to recognize Kosovo while not doing draft text calling for status talks. This gain broader international recognition Kosovo as 110th, placed alongside Uganda and so itself. resolution has opened the door for gen- and a clear EU perspective, it will help Zimbabwe, no doubt a bitter pill for the govern- The other problem is the Serb-con- uine talks, and both sides are willing to any government to sell further conces- ment to ingest. talk about technical issues. trolled north of Kosovo. While Serbia sions. For Serbia, any agreement also But if the reports of international organisa- These technical issues will have to might have a weaker hand in pushing for needs to open doors for EU integration, if tions such as Transparency International and focus on what role Belgrade can play in partition following the ICJ decision in any government is to sell it to the elec- Reporters without Borders are not a credible providing services to the Kosovo Serbs, favour of Kosovo’s independence, it will torate. source of evaluation, then Mr Kuci and his such as health care and education, with- be reluctant to accept Kosovo’s formal So, while the new round of talks seems departing government should at least seriously out the Kosovo government interfering, control over the north. more hopeful than its predecessors, they consider the findings of the European and what degree of autonomy the north The third condition is also only partly are by no means a shoo-in. For talks to Commission. of Kosovo can preserve - or, rather, what fulfilled. Serbia has an interest in appear- succeed where previous negotiations After all, our civil society cannot be that pow- form of token sovereignty Kosovo can ing flexible, but is arguably in no rush to have failed, timing is key, as is a package erful to interfere with what goes on in Brussels, gain over the north. settle for a deal with few tangible bene- of rewards for a settlement for both sides. can it? For the talks to succeed, four condi- fits. The question thus is not only whether Whichever government takes over next tions need to be fulfilled. Kosovo, on the other hand, has an month, they have to find someway of swallowing Kosovo or Serbia are ready, but is the EU First, the parties need to agree on the a dose of humble pie and a few bitter pills if we interest in the success of the talks in also ready? Y basic scope of the negotiations; second, order to increase international recogni- are to make real progress in the EC’s next report M there needs to be an understanding of a tion and open the door to EU accession Dr Florian Bieber is Professor for and make some decent headway towards reach- C vague outline of the outcome; third, the process and membership of internation- Southeast European Studies at the ing visa liberalisation. K participants should be willing to compro- al organizations. Similarly, a settlement University of Graz. November 12 - 25, 2010 23 Classified Contact Prishtina Insight if you would like to advertise Email [email protected]

Research and Profiling Embassies and Liaison All you need to make informed decisions in the time, presented in an approachable and highly Balkans readable format. Offices in Prishtina About BIRN Research and Profiling Products and Services BIRN’s network of correspondents and contacts We offer a range of services tailored to your indi- American Address: "Nazim Hikmet" no. 30 across the Balkans provide an unparalled insight vidual needs covering all of the western Balkans - into politics, business and society. Arbëria/Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Phone: +381 (0) 38 549 516 Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Austrian Whether you are looking for a regional overview or Address: "Ahmet Krasniqi" no. 22 Romania and Serbia. And because we have a detailed analysis of a specific business sector in Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina one of the territories that we cover, you can be experts permanently stationed on the ground in Phone: +381 (0) 38 249 284 each country, you can be certain that we are able Belgian sure that we are able to provide relevant, insightful Address: "Taslixhe" I, 23 A and up to the minute information. to provide a service which is relevant and timely. 10000 Pristina Phone: +381 (0) 38 734 734 Contact Simon Cottrell on +381-11-3283322 with British Our skills and background in investigative journal- Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 6 ism mean that BIRN’s research and profiling serv- your requirements or for an exploratory discus- Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina ice is thorough and detail-rich, but at the same sion, or visit birn.eu.com Phone: +381 (0) 38 254 700 Bulgarian Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 12 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 038 245 540 Danish Address: "Nene Teresa" no. 2 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 249 995 Dutch Address:" Xhemal Berisha" no. 12 Velania, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 224 61 Finnish Str. Perandori Justinian No. 19 Pejton 10 000 Pristina Phone: +386 43 737 000 French Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 67 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 22 45 88 00 Greek Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 68 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 243 013 German Adress: "Azem Jashanica" no. 17 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 254 500 Italian Address: "Azem Jashanica" no.5 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 244 925 Japanese Address: "Rexhep Malaj" no. 43 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 249 995 Classified Ads Luxemburg Address: "Metush Krasniqi" no. 14 Do you have a flat to rent? Position to fill? Students to find for a language course? Why not speak directly to Kosovo’s international com- Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina munity through Prishtina Insight’ classified ads. Phone: +381 (0) 38 226 787 Almost every international organisation, embassy, NGO and many others subscribe to Kosovo’s only English language newspaper, which Malaysian is also on sale at newsstands in seven cities and received in electronic format by scores of paying clients across the world. Address: "Bedri Shala" no. 48 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 243 467 Norwegian Address: "Sejdi Kryeziu" no. 6 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 232 111 00 Easy Medium Hard Saudia Arabian | |y Address: Dardania SU 7, building 2, #1 10000 Prishtina 5 945 5 Phone: +381 (0) 38 549 203 Slovenian 96 82 7 794Address: "Anton Ceta" no. 6 10000 Prishtina 1 876 2 32 5 28 79 Phone: +381 (0) 38 244 886 Swedish 7391 8722496Str. Perandori Justinian No. 19 Pejton 13 49 76 95 7 10 000 Pristina Phone: +381 38 24 57 95 6138 94 8 3615Swiss Address: "Adrian Krasniqi" no. 11 8 632 1 51717 49 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 248 088 94 827 39 8 Turkish Y Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 59 M Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina C 2 54 6 4 Phone: +381 (0) 38 226 044 K 24 November 12 - 25, 2010 marketing

Fluturime direkte çdo ditë në shumë qytete të Evropës

Rezervoni më herët dhe përfitoni çmime speciale

› Zürich › Genève › München › Hamburg › Frankfurt › Düsseldorf › Hannover › Berlin › Köln › Stuttgart

20% zbritje për: Forcat e Sigurisë së Kosovës, Policinë e Kosovës, Punonjësit shëndetësorë, Punonjësit ndërkombëtarë (dhe familjarët e tyre); Pensionistë dhe studentë.

038 220 220 | www.flyksa.com

Y M C K