June 21 - July 4, 2013 Issue No. 114 www.prishtinainsight.com Price € 1

NEWS Operator Scrutinizes KEK Contracts Despite Spotlight, Gays > page 2 NEWS Audit Criticizes Police Remain in the Shadows Petrol Contract Six months after brutal > page 3 attacks on the Kosovo’s NEWS LGBT community dramati- Flood of Complaints cally increased interest in Follows Devastating gay-rights issues among Water Outage officials and NGOs, ordinary gays and lesbians feel as > page 4 insecure as ever. ANALYSIS By Una Hajdari Mayors Shrug off ix months ago, Kosovo saw Criminal Charges the worst public assault on Sits LGBT community in the > page 5 country’s short history. In the space of a long weekend in PROFILE December, attackers targeted the launch event of the Kosovo 2.0 sex Kosovar Embraces magazine and a private party being hosted by the LGBT organi- ‘Jihad’ in Syrian War sation Libertas. While Kosovo’s LGBT communi- > page 7 ty had seen its share of hostility and violence, the attacks were TRAVEL unprecedented in terms of their Far From Crowds in visibility, prompting an equally unprecedented public discussion Croatia’s Tuscany about gay rights in Kosovo. Local officials and international > page 12-13 organizations condemned the attacks. “The use of force in solv- OPINION ing difficult social issues is unac- ceptable,” the head of the EU Office Beginning of the in Kosovo, Samuel Zbogar said. End for Plastic The Kosovo Government agreed, with the Ministry of Pollution European Integration encourag- ing the victimised groups to “con- > page 20 tinue to work against discrimina- tion based on ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation”. But a half-year later, the commu- nity is still facing the basic issues Kosovo’s only English-language of insecurity and marginalisation. newspaper is available: No arrests related to the Libertas or Kosovo 2.0 cases followed, Delivered to though police recently released Your Door photos of suspects in the maga- zine launch attack. Both cases are still being inves- From Newsstands tigated, respectively, by the Special across Kosovo Prosecutor’s office and the EU Rule of Law Mission, EULEX. Sent To “Fears about security have Your Inbox grown within the community,” said Sarah Maliqi, the Kosovo pro- gramme officer of Civil Rights From Defenders, a Stockholm-based our partners organisation that has supported Libertas and Kosovo 2.0. continues page 2 see page 16 for more info Ismail Cakolli is among a very small number of openly gay people in Kosovo.

is supported by: 2 June 21 - July 4, 2013 news New Grid Operator Scrutinizes Editor’s Word KEK Contracts Paying Limak-Calik is reviewing more than 200 contracts that it inherited from the Kosovo Energy Corporation, KEK. Twice While KEK continues to run oil in the past six months, accord- Kosovo’s power plants, KEDS is ing to KEK’s Procurement Office. ast year, the Kosovo managing the supply and distribu- HIB Petrol has millions of euro Energy Corporation, By Donjeta Hoxha tion, as well as billing. in government contracts. Audits, LKEK, managed to spend KEDS said it had no immediate however, have raised concerns 17.9 million euro less on provid- plans to change the terms of the about irregularities in contracts ing energy to consumers than contracts. It plans to continue the with the Kosovo Police and with anticipated. he Turkish company, which contract with the Siguria insur- Post and Telecom of Kosovo. Electricity tariffs are largely assumed control of the ance company, which came into KEK also began a 2.7 million Tpower grid on May 8 via a Kosovo’s power grid is due for millions of based on the cost of supplying effect on April 30 under KEK, for euro contract in November 2012 company called KEDS, said it euro in much needed investments. the power, so the Energy example. with a consortium, Security Code wanted to learn more about its (Photo/Helmut Alexander Oelkers) Regulator’s Office has rightfully KEK contracted Siguria to pro- and WDG, to provide security. contractors. ordered KEK to return that vide health insurance through to KEDS said it is in talks with the denies this. “This is being done with the aim money to customers through April 2014. According to the consortium but intends to contin- Last August it was reported that of improving working conditions investments in the power grid Procurement Office at KEK, the ue using it for the duration of the Milazim Lushtaku, the nephew of and offering better services to the and reductions in the frequency consumers,” said Shega Shkodra KEDS portion of the contract is contract. Skenderaj Mayor Sami Lushtaku, worth 451,000 euro. Besa Security, a competing bid- was a shareholder in Security of power outages. of Paper Communications, a Thus, the money should go to Prishtina company that conducts In June 2012 KEK also reached a der, filed complaints last autumn Code, which has won other public the newly established KEDS, public relations for KEDS. 26-month contract for petrol and with the Supreme Court and the tenders. the private company that now Limak-Calik is running KEDS oil with HIB Petrol valued at more European Rule of Law Mission, Milazim Lushtaku said his manages Kosovo’s power grid, through a 15-year concession that than 3.9 million euro. EULEX, about the original tender, uncle, a prominent member of the per the regulator’s order. envisages investing millions of Supply and distribution vehicles alleging that Security Code and governing Democratic Party of Many customers struggle to euro in the aging power grid. - now belonging to KEDS – used WDG did not meet the tender Kosovo, PDK, did not help the com- nearly 781,000 euro in petrol and requirements. The consortium pany win tenders. pay power bills, which are enor- mous when compared to aver- age incomes and are projected Despite Spotlight, Kosovo Gays Stay in Shadows to rise further, according to fig- ures released by the Energy Regulator’s Office. from page 1 should come out,” he added. Many areas also suffer fre- “I have been attacked on a number of occasions, even when “I tell them, ‘No’, since I know quent power outages. It is only Ismail Cakolli, a former journal- I just went out to a club. Unfortunately, we either end up that the climate is still not safe for fair that the power company, ist for Radio Television Kosovo them,” he continued. which taxpayers own, should and one of a handful of openly gay being beaten up once we’re forced to leave the club, or the give something back to cus- activists in Kosovo, said he still police at the station end up mocking us and asking embar- Heightened interest: tomers. routinely faces abuse and was last However, KEK does not want attacked in March. rassing intimate questions.” While the climate may not have to, and is contesting the energy “I have been attacked on a num- - Ismail Cakolli, LGBT activist improved for individual members regulator’s decision in court. ber of occasions, even when I just of the LGBT community, there KEK insists that the regula- went out to a club,” Cakolli said. appears to be a surge in interest on “Libertas was successful in problems,” she said. “However, the tor has the facts wrong and “Unfortunately, we either end up the part of NGOs and the govern- making a difference at the lower rest of the staff want to continue maintains that it spent less on being beaten up once we’re forced ment. levels and on an individual level, doing what we do.” energy because of a lower to leave the club, or the police at On May 17, Kosovo officials since most groups focus on the She said the new organisation demand. the station end up mocking us and organised a conference of repre- laws and the constitution,” aims to “focus on reaching out to Visar Azemi, of the Kosovar asking embarrassing intimate sentatives of LGBT organisations Capstick said. the LGBT community in Kosovo in Civil Society Consortium for questions.” to mark International Day Against Instead, Libertas organised reg- a better way, increasing the num- Sustainable Development, of Kosovo Police, in a written state- Homophobia. ular gatherings and had a drop-in ber and the efficiency of the activ- which BIRN is a member, says ment to Prishtina Insight, said Prime Minister Hashim Thaci centre - activities that continued ities that we were doing at KEK’s dilemma is simple. that hate crimes against gays, also met representatives from after the December attack. Libertas.” “KEK has spent this money while rare, are investigated “with LGBT organisations that day. The organisation has taken and does not have the means to high professionalism and dedica- The December attacks have also additional security precautions, tion." Online platform: made it easier to get funding for return it to KEDS,” said Azemi, too, screening people before LGBT organisations and projects, who has analysed the case. revealing the location of activities. Cakolli, an LGBT activist since Hidden community: said Lola Krasniqi, the executive Luckily, it would seem, the Libertas draws a mix of 2008, has poured his energies to an director the Center for Social government has stepped with a Kosovars and internationals. Kosovo’s LGBT community online campaign. Emancipation, QESh, an LGBT promise to pay 17.9 million euro “This helped sometimes, since the remains largely fragmented and In February, he started a advocacy organisation in as a subsidy to KEK. out of view. internationals would push for the Facebook group, “The Center for Prishtina, founded in 2005. The money must be approved The future of Libertas, which local members who were still in Gender Equality,” to offer an online Krasniqi said the increased by the Assembly, which would the closet to come out. became the most prominent gay- platform for the LGBT community. availability of funding had be mistaken in doing so. “But a lot of them were more The results, Cakolli admits, have rights organisation in Kosovo prompted a surge of interest, but If the government provides reluctant to do so after the attacks, been mixed. after the attacks, is itself uncer- for the wrong reasons. the funding, taxpayers will, in and after they saw what hap- “Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot tain. “What happens is that a whole essence, be paying KEK to inap- pened,” said a former Libertas of comments or discussions tak- Much of the staff has split from new group of NGOs and projects propriately spend taxpayers’ the organisation in the past staffer who spoke on condition ing place on the page itself, since have come forward, suddenly that her name is not printed. most people are scared of having money. month, citing unspecified internal wanting to work with our organi- Through the competent bod- The same former staffer is a the fact that they are gay revealed zation,” Krasniqi said. disagreements, while the director, ies, the government should be founder of a new organisation, to the public,” he said. “The reason this isn’t good is Dennis Capstick, who is from the trying to figure out what hap- UK, said he plans to leave Kosovo Spectrum, whose leaders intend it “I get personal messages from because most of these new groups pened to this 17.9 million euro - altogether. to be mainly run by Kosovars. married men or women seeking are inherently homophobic; their and how it can be returned to Despite the upheaval, Capstick “Libertas is in the process of advice or someone to talk to. I’ve interest in the cause only matches customers without them paying said he was proud of what slowly fading from existence, even been contacted by young boys the increased financial opportuni- for it twice. Libertas has accomplished. mainly because of its internal and girls, asking whether they ties.”

Editor-in-Chief: Parim Olluri, Jeton Musliu and Design & Layout: “Rrjeti” Artan Mustafa Donjeta Demolli. Arben Grajqevci Publisher: BIRN • Balkan Investigative Reporting [email protected] Printing: Lindi Printing Center Y Network • Mensa e Studenteve, first floor • 10000, Editorial Team: Marketing, Sales & M Prishtina • Kosovo • Phone: +381 (0) 38 24 33 58 Jeta Xharra, Marcus Tanner, Distribution: Copyright © BIRN C Nate Tabak, Petrit Collaku, [email protected] K news June 21 - July 4, 2013 3 Audit Criticizes Police Petrol Contract Report finds that Kosovo Police risked being manipulated over price of petrol by allowing supplier to set the cost. at HIB Petrol, said. Kosovo Police spokesman Baki Kelani agreed. “The calculation of By Njomza Salihi the price on the commodities mar- ket is not done by the economic operator [HIB Petrol] and the price set by the economic operator is not osovo Police purchased 4 taken into consideration,” he said. million euro in 2012 in a Kmanner that put the institu- Indictment filed over earlier tion at risk of price manipulation, contract: the Office of the Auditor General Kosovo Police has used HIB reported this month. Petrol as its supplier since 2006, The audit said purchases from signing three multi-year contracts HIB Petrol violated a 2011 con- with the company. tract, which obliged the police to HIB Petrol’s dealings with the calculate the price of the fuel police in 2009 have also come based on the raw cost of oil on the under the scrutiny of the state open market. In practice, HIB prosecutor. Petrol had billed Kosovo police In November 2012, the State based on its own calculations, Prosecutor’s office indicted according to the audit. Fatbardh Xhaferi, contract manag- HIB petrol has stations throughout Kosovo. (Photo/Korab Basha) “Kosovo Police…did not have er at HIB Petrol, for fraud, alleging access to the commodities market Ministry contract criticized: Kosovo’s customs code foresees sible without certificates of ori- that he had presented a a false and took as a basis the price The Office of Auditor General that when importing goods from gin. “The offer of the tender is not offer of a zero-profit contract offered by… HIB Petrol,” Qendresa also reported irregularities in HIB Greece, a truck with 30,000 litres valid if you do not have the certifi- when in fact he had secured a prof- Mulaj, from the Office of the Petrol’s May 2012 contract with the should pay 1,000 euro in transport cate of origin, as they go together,” it of 15,917 euro in transportation Auditor General, said. Interior Ministry, which oversees expenses, while trucks from he said. fees. The report did not suggest that the work of the police. Albania and Macedonia should HIB Petrol was previously criti- Xhaferi told Prishtina Insight Kosovo Police had necessarily paid In the report, the Auditor pay 500 euro. cized over its contract with the that he did not break the law and a higher price for petrol as a General said the ministry did not The audit said HIB Petrol had Post and Telecom of Kosovo in the he would be proven innocent. result, but had risked the danger sufficiently scrutinize the origin not supplied certificates of origin 2009. In October 2011, prosecutors of that happening. of fuel it had purchased from HIB and had billed the ministry for Prishtina Insight reported in accused a police procurement offi- Kosovo Police and HIB Petrol Petrol. around 1,000 euro per truck. 2012 that PTK had lost around cer of misusing her position and both rejected the findings. “The According to the contract, HIB The Interior Ministry would not 200,000 euro because HIB had cal- damaging the budget by more than price calculation [for oil] is done was to furnish certificates of ori- comment on the audit’s findings. culated transport costs that were 280,000 euro as part of the same by Kosovo Police, never by us,” gin for fuel, including transport But Bucaliu of HIB Petrol said the five times higher than Kosovo cus- fuel contract. The case is pending. Kujtim Bucaliu, general director costs. contract would not have been pos- toms regulations defined. marketing

Call us: +377 (0) 44 11 11 11 • +381 (0) 38 22 22 80 4 June 21 - July 4, 2013 news Flood of Complaints Follows Devastating Water Outage After some 40 per cent of Prishtina lost its running water for nearly two days, both a construction company and the city hall are being blamed. breached. Officials from the Prishtina Regional Water Company and the By Petrit Collaku and Prishtina Municipality blamed El Xhejlane Aliti Construction, the company dig- ging the foundations for a 10- storey apartment building. unicipal authorities are A report from a group of munic- blaming a construction ipal engineers said a retaining Mcompany for a landslide wall in the foundation gave way, that left 40 per cent of Prishtina causing a landslide, which caused without running for two days last the water main to break. week. The company “endangered the A 3.5-metre-wide water main lives and property of citizens that delivers 250 litres of water around the site of the develop- each second to tens of thousands ment”, the report released last of Prishtina’s homes and busi- Thursday said. nesses broke last last Tuesday on The Prishtina Municipality Lord Byron Street in the granted El Construction a permit Muhaxherve neighbourhood. for 186,177 euro to build the 60-unit No one was injured, but the acci- apartment building on May 27. dent left a 6-7-metre-deep sinkhole The owner of the company, in the street and dozens of resi- Hasan Guney Demir, did not dents were left homeless for three respond to Prishtina Insight’s days. The water connection to questions. Dardania, Ulpiana, Muhaxherve The municipality has also sus- and part of Dodona was not pended work on the apartment restored until Thursday. indefinitely. “There was no help from the It also has instructed the compa- municipality. There is no sense of ny to plug the stretch of road Regional Water Company Prishtina employees work to place a temporary water main in Muhaxherve last week. (Photos/Petrit Collaku) responsibility toward us,” said where the sinkhole occurred with Zejnel Shala, 60, who lives across stones and bring in an expert to tion crane. Since the end of the war in 1999, from where the water main was assess the safety of its construc- Behxhet Musliu, Prishtina’s construction projects have Director of Urbanisation, said the “Municipalities need to put breached water lines from time to company was working outside the some force behind their time, but never as damagingly as agreed parameters for construc- this, Zogiani, from the water com- tion. building permits and provide pany, said. “It’s the worst case so “The bulldozer went beyond greater inspection of con- far,” he said. their line of construction, they While Prishtina residents face went past the line,” Musliu said. struction works.” water cuts on a nightly basis, Arberie Zogiani, spokeswoman -Ylber Vokshi, architect many struggled to cope with this of the Regional Water Company one. Prishtina, which manages Resident lined up with buckets Prishtina’s water supply, said El urban planning in Kosovo, said and bottles at the small pumping Construction was aware that it this week’s incident resembled an station in City Park to gather was working near a water main. earlier one in March, when a land- water. “They knew the location of the slide occurred at a construction “It was very difficult for us citi- pipe and they got very close while site in Sunny Hill, damaging the zens of Prishtina,” Marigona digging,” Zogjani said, adding that fence of the kindergarten next Boshnjaku said. “We were not construction companies are nor- door. informed of the cut, so we did not mally supplied with maps of loca- In July, central Prishtina lost have a chance to build up our tions of water mains and pipes. running water after construction reserves in advance. “The company will file a com- crews breached a water main dur- Unfortunately, it was even a prob- plaint to the competent authorities ing the overhaul of Zahir Pajaziti lem to buy water because the and will ask for compensation for square. shops were out of supplies.” This latest incident cut off run- Residents collected water at a pumping station at City Park during the outage. the damages [from El Jasin Vertop, who came to City Construction],” Zogiani said. ning water to about 40 per cent of Park to collect water in a car, said Neighbourhood resident Rexhep Prishtina for nearly two days, he was accustomed to filling up Krasniqi said he planned to filed a until crews installed a temporary water bottles at home. “I’ve just End to water shortages? lawsuit over the incident, though water main on Thursday. changed the location,” he said. he would not specify against ater outages are nothing Shkabaj, a village six kilometres whom. “We will not stop. We will new for Prishtina. From from Prishtina, with a processing send this case to court and make late at night, usually W capacity of 700 litres of water per those guilty answer for this,” around 11pm, until around 5 or second. Krasniqi said. 6am the following morning, most The plant is due to cost 35 mil- While the Municipality blames homes and businesses have no lion euro, with 20 million euro the construction company, running water. Cuts also happen coming from the German Prishtina architect Ylber Vokshi from time to time during the day. Development Bank, which signed said the municipality provides The Regional Water Company a contract with the water compa- inadequate oversight of construc- says this because its two water ny in June 2012. tion projects. treatment plants have not kept up The European Commission, the “Municipalities need to put with Prishtina’s growing popula- Kosovo government and some force behind their building tion. Prishtina Municipality have each permits and provide greater According to the company’s pledged 5 million euro to the proj- inspection of construction 2013-2016 business plan, illegal ect as well. works,” Vokshi said, adding that connections and excessive con- A German company, Dorsch, construction permits are typically sumption from suburban areas has been contracted to prepare a boilerplate documents. and villages also strain the supply. tender for the construction. Ferit Fazliu, an inspector in the But the company is planning to Ilir Abdullahu, technical direc- city’s directorate for urbanisation, offer 24-hour water in 2016-2017 tor at the water company, said Y declined to say whether municipal with the addition of a third water technical specifications for the M inspectors had visited the con- treatment plant. plant will be completed in the next C struction site before the accident. The new facility will be built in six months. K Vokshi, a frequent critic of The break of the water main caused a landslide and left a sink hole. news June 21 - July 4, 2013 5 Mayors Shrug off Criminal Charges Nearly a third of the country’s mayors face or have faced criminal charges – which doesn’t seem to be an obstacle Mayors and Their Legal Woes to their standing for office again in upcoming elections. Bajrush Nexhat Nexhmedin He believes that no official Xhemajli, for- Demaku, Arifi, mayor of convicted of a crime should be mer mayor of mayor of Viti, PDK. allowed to return to office, while Ferizaj, PDK. Drenas, PDK. Accused of those being investigated or pros- By Petrit Collaku On November Accused of misuse of pub- ecuted should be suspended 26, 2010, he misusing his lic office by from office until their legal pro- was convicted public office in dissolving a ceedings end. of causing a connection public compa- en current or former mayors “It is also up to voters to pun- deadly car with a property ny against the of Kosovo’s 31 municipali- ish those who have committed accident in Prishtina. He was deal. Also accused in the case is wishes of the authorities in Tties have either been con- violations, through their votes,” sentenced to 2 years 6 months in Mehdi Kurrumeli, the director of Prishtina. Denies wrongdoing. victed of crimes or currently face Krasniqi said. criminal charges, A Prishtina prison. He spent two years chal- the cadaster. Both men have Sami Nearly half the local elected Insight analysis shows. lenging the verdict and recently denied the charges. Hamiti, head of officials with legal troubles, 17, A further 25 lower-ranking was granted a retrial. Bajram the municipal including nine mayors, are from municipal officials elected during Xhabir Mulaku, assembly of PDK. the last elections in 2009 also face Zharku, for- mayor of Prishtina, LDK. Blerand Stavileci, Minister of criminal charges or have already mer mayor of Vushtri, PDK. Accused of Agriculture and PDK been convicted. Kacanik, PDK. Mulaku, two extortion and spokesman, declined to say if The two largest parties, the Convicted of department other corrup- any of the officials being prose- Democratic Party of Kosovo, extortion in heads, Sami tion-related cuted will seek re-election. “We PDK, and the Democratic League 2012 and sen- Istrefi and charges. He is cannot prejudge judicial of Kosovo, will not say if those tenced to three Bajram Beqiri, accused of acting illegally in processes,” he said. officials will run again in the years in and a munici- paying more than 800,000 euro to But Stavileci said that the forthcoming local elections. prison. pal assembly member, Gani a Prizren company for a tender. ongoing prosecution of PDK offi- While not scheduled yet, Kosovo Currently a fugitive from the law. Imeri, are accused of misusing Denied charges. cials is not hurting the party’s is required by law to hold local Ramadan the municipal budget. Mulaku Shaip overall image. “I do not believe elections this fall. Muja, mayor has denied the charges. Surdulli, that voters form their opinions Only officials convicted of of Prizren, Begzad mayor of on a day-to-day basis,” he added. crimes face restrictions in run- PDK. Accused Sinani, former Kamenica, The LDK, which has six offi- ning, as they are barred from of misusing mayor of LDK. Being cials currently being prosecut- elections for three years. state and Kame nica, investigated on ed, has not decided if they Officials currently facing prose- municipal PDK. Sinani is suspicion mis- should run for re-election, cution face no restrictions and property, he accused of mis- using his pub- Arben Gashi, an MP and mem- none of them has stepped down. has denied the using 178,000 lic office in ber of the LDK’s chairmanship, Albert Krasniqi, a researcher charges. euro during the granting a 155,700 euro tender for said: “If a LDK official has vio- at the Kosovar Institute for Sami 2009 municipal a Kosovo Liberation Army ceme- lated the law, he should be held Research and Political Lushtaku, election cam- tery. Denies the allegations. accountable, himself.” Development, KIPRED, said par- mayor of paign. Denies the charges. Sali Asllanaj, former mayor Aida Derguti, vice-president ties should be stricter about Skenderaj. Salim of Suhareka, of the opposition Vetevendosje their candidates than the law Currently Jenuzi, mayor now a member [Self-Determination] party said requires. being prose- of Dragash, of parliament, the charges facing local officials cuted for war PDK. Accused LDK. Accused are a reflection of what is hap- crimes, of directing of illegally giv- pening on the national level. Lushtaku has officials to ille- ing public land Nearly half the local elected “The only difference are the denied the charges. In June, he gally take a plot for the Ben-Af million digits at the central level officials with legal troubles, and four others were found not of 29.7 hectares company. in comparison to those at the 17, including nine mayors, guilty of waging a threatening belonging to a Denies the local level,” Derguti said, refer- media campaign against BIRN state-owned charges. are from PDK. ring to cases of misappropria- Kosovo director Jeta Xharra. enterprise. Denied the charges. tion of funds. Kosovo Lagging in Basic Plumbing Tens of thousands of families lack bathrooms, toilets or waste disposal, report finds.

Bajoku said she and her husband are angry because the water leaks. are unemployed and cannot afford It’s very difficult,” Shabani added. to install proper plumbing, or move Even in houses that do have By Jeton Muliu house. proper plumbing, most of the Their plight is not unusual in a sewage ends up in the environ- country where more than 80,000 ment without being treated. Only ragodan, or Arberia, is one families - of about 297,000 in total - Prizren and Skenderaj have of Prishtina’s most sought- live with substandard plumbing, sewage treatment plants. Dafter neighborhoods, with according to “The Quality Report,” “Sewage pipes discharge into large population of diplomats, which the Kosovo Statistics Agency rivers, which is not right, but this international workers and govern- released in April. is the situation we are in,” said ment officials. The report found that more than Naser Bajraktari, head of the But it is also home to people like 70,000 buildings discharge sewage water department at the Ministry Gjylie Bajoku, 28, who shares a into rivers, open canals or into of the Environment and Spatial home with her husband and four holes in the ground. More than Planning. young children and does not even 12,000 buildings have no access to Bajraktari said it will cost about have a toilet, bathtub, shower or any kind of sewage system. 300 million euro to install proper A Prishtina home with little in the way of proper plumbing. kitchen. More than 14,500 homes have no sewage systems in Kosovo’s Sewage leaks into one corner of toilets, while more than 28,000 do largest cities, including the capi- added. dards,” Agron Bektashi, head of the house, which is beginning to not have bathtubs or showers. tal, Prishtina. The Regional Environmental the Regional Environmental crumble. “We take showers with buckets The ministry is in the final Centre of Kosovo, an NGO, in a Centre, admitted. “The smell is killing us. You can’t because we don’t have any other phase of drafting a 20-year strate- 2013 report found that 156 commu- “The cities that have rivers all stay here. But we are stuck and way,” said Xhemile Shabani, who gy, which will outline the needed nities discharge their sewage discharge their sewage right have no way out,” Bajoku said. lives in a home in the centre of upgrades, Bajraktari said. straight into the environment. there,” Bektashi explained. In “Everything that my husband’s Y Prishtina with her son, daughter- But it will be up to individual “With regard to treating Prishtina, sewage is simply “dis- parents put in the drain upstairs M in-law and three grandchildren. municipalities and the Ministry of sewage, Kosovo is very far from charged onto the earth’s surface,” comes out here, near our feet,” she C “The downstairs neighbours Finance to fund the upgrades, he meeting environmental stan- he noted. said. K 6 June 21 - July 4, 2013 news Storm Over Women-Hating Mufti Shakes Kosovo Row over mufti who called women ‘sluts’ continues to reverberate in Kosovo, embarrassing secularists and raising fears of spread of Islamic fundamentalism. ening Kosovo, which is religious on Monday. preached, the Islamic fundamentalism,” she said. According to LISBA, the debate Community of Kosovo has to “The Kosovo Islamic following mufti Salihu’s sermon undertake measures and remove By Edona Peci Community has to take a position was initiated to distract public them from office,” he told on this issue and clarify whether attention from ongoing political Prishtina Insight. or it has anything to do with deals between the governments of According to him, Islamic fun- Wahhabism and whether it Serbia and Kosovo. damentalism in Kosovo “is an controversial sermon by a receives or not money from Serbia and Kosovo recently import inspired by patriarchal Kosovo mufti who called them,” Lama added. signed an EU-brokered deal impulses, containing language Irfan Salihu Asome women “sluts” has The Forum of Islamic aimed at reducing tensions that calls for the oppression, drawn angry reactions in inaccurate. We have no knowl- Youngsters, a non-governmental between the two neighbouring humiliation and denigration of Pristina, raising fresh concerns edge of such organizations and organization, slated Lama’s countries, both of which aspire to women.” about the rise of radical we have never had contacts with words, calling on the authorities join the EU. Basha, one of the authors of Islamism in the mainly Muslim them,” Ramiqi said. “to send her back to Kruja [in The Kosovo government mean- “Salafism in the Balkans”, a country. “I love my religion, I love my neighbouring Albania] where she while condemned “the insults” report published by Jane’s The Islamic Community of nation and I love my country. I came from. made to Lama, stressing that Intelligence Review, expressed Kosovo, the BIK, said it was inves- don’t make compromises on this “Before dealing with our hon- “hate speech and extreme and his belief that “poverty, high tigating Irfan Salihu, who called with anybody. If this is funda- oured mufti, she should cover her unbalanced positions undermine unemployment among young peo- women who have sex before mar- mentalism, then I’m a fundamen- shame and not show up naked on the consolidation… of the demo- ple and fragile institutions have riage “sluts”, “bitches” and talist,” he added. the Internet,” a press release cratic state of Kosovo”. created the perfect conditions for “garbage”. Islam is the predominant faith A video of his sermon was post- read. Beyond promising a probe into the import of fundamentalist of Kovovo’s majority ethnic ed several days ago on YouTube, Lama described the press the sermon, the Islamic Islamism, which continues to Albanian population, but until angering human rights groups release issued by Noli Zhita, a Community of Kosovo has spread”. recently it has not had a high pro- and women’s activists. member of the Islamist LISBA remained silent. The report, published in 2012, file in the country or an extreme Alma Lama, a lawmaker in party, as “denigrating and chau- Ismajl Hasani, a sociologist of notes that “Islamic organisations character. Kosovo from the opposition Self- vinistic”, saying it had “threat- religion, told Prishtina Insight have been operating in Kosovo for Partly this is because although Determination Movement, urged ened her moral and physical that this was a strategic mistake. almost a decade now and have most Kosovars are Muslim, the authorities and the Islamic integrity. “The Islamic Community of managed to create influential Albanians generally belong to a Community of Kosovo to con- “It’s a call for a public lynch”, Kosovo has missed its mission social networks that aim to pene- variety of faiths. Over the border demn the sermon. Lama told Prishtina Insight, totally by neglecting to react as trate Kosovo’s Islamic communi- in Albania itself, many Albanians There was “a great risk threat- announcing a civil lawsuit an organization towards Lama,” ty and re-shape the ethnic are either Catholics, members of against both Zhita and LISBA. he said. Albanian national identity into a the Orthodox Church, or have no “In cases where radicalism Kosovo Police confirmed that “The silence on this case, religious one.” firm religious identity. As a they had opened an investigation which exceeds all norms of nor- The BIK has undoubtedly had result, the Muslim majority have is preached, the Islamic into the alleged threats made to mal communication by religion, several problems in its internal generally been highly tolerant of Community of Kosovo has the MP. is intolerable,” he added. organizational structure, partly other religions. Although it distanced itself Dimal Basha, researcher at the caused by members who openly However, observers note that to undertake measures and from the press release issued by New School University in New flout the rules. Nor has it denied this may be changing. remove them from office.” Zhita, LISBA said it was ready to York and author of a report on the existence of radical Islamic In its International Religious take on the broader issue. radical Islamism in the Western fractions operating inside it. Freedom Report for 2012, the US “We are ready to confront by Balkans, agreed, saying the Members of LISBA deny hav- State Department found that in - Dimal Basha, New School law anyone who thinks it reason- Islamic Community needs to ing been in touch with extremist Kosovo “some individuals report- University researcher able to say we have done some- monitor the sermons of muftis foreign organizations. edly preached forms of Islam that thing illegal,” Fuad Ramiqi, head more carefully. “Data collected by Western denigrated other religions and of LISBA, told a press conference “In cases where radicalism is organizations [on the subject] are other interpretations of Islam”. Kosovo in Brief:

Kosovo Replaces Liaison Former Kosovo Minister Bukoshi Officer to Serbia Cleared of Corruption Former health minister and deputy Kosovo PM Kosovo has named Valdet Sadiku as its liai- Bujar Bukoshi was acquitted of abuse of office and son officer in Belgrade after the first corruption but the court in Prishtina convicted three appointee resigned unexpectedly. other former health officials. Kosovo's Foreign Ministry has proposed Bukoshi and three other ex-officials were cleared of the current ambassador to Croatia, Valdet all the charges against them on Tuesday in the high- Sadiku, as its new liaison officer to Belgrade. profile case that centred on allegations of corrupt The proposal was sent to President Atifete dealings over contracts for companies to supply phar- Jahjaga hours after the first nominee, Lulzim maceuticals to Kosovo’s health ministry. Peci, resigned without warning. However three other former health officials were Peci, who was appointed at the end of convicted, the EU rule-of-law mission, EULEX January, resigned on Wednesday after just announced. two days. In his resignation letter he men- Ilir Tolaj, a former advisor and permanent secretary tioned criticisms he had received from Prime at Kosovo’s health ministry, was found guilty of incite- Minister Hashim Thaci in relation to a state- ment to falsify official documents and tax evasion. ment he had made on the normalization of He was sentenced to 18 months in jail and a fine of relations between Prishtina and Belgrade. 1,000 euro, but was acquitted of several other charges. His use of the Serbian language in a press Another defendant in the case, Arbenita Pajaziti, a conference, unauthorized meetings with former official dealing with pharmacy issues at the Serbian officials and personal political views ministry, was found guilty of two counts of incitement were listed as the main reasons why the to falsify official documents after she ordered a min- Kosovo government was dissatisfied with his istry commission to sign false documents on medicine work. supplies. The liaison officers are charged with Hajrullah Fejza, the former chief of the health serv- implementing agreements between Serbia ices division, was found guilty of asking for bribes, Y and Kosovo, which are neighbours but do not jailed for eight months and banned from working in M have diplomatic relations. C public services for three years. K news June 21 - July 4, 2013 7 Kosovar Embraces ‘Jihad’ in Syrian War Man who has fought twice in Syria’s civil war, says belief in Islamic holy war has drawn him and many other Albanians into the Middle Eastern cauldron.

leaders of Kosovo’s main Islamist party, the Islamic Unification By Muhamet Hajrullahu Movement, LISBA, called on the government to help the Syrian opposition, even if only symboli- cally. .T., a two-time veteran of the At the same time, LISBA denied sectarian war raging in organizing volunteers for the SSyria, says it is not hard to Syrian war. get from Prishtina in Kosovo to the “We do not know the exact num- heart of the fighting in the Middle ber of Albanians from Kosovo, or East’s latest war. other Albanian areas, fighting in All you need is a plane ticket to Syria, as we do not organize or Turkey, which does not require sponsor them,” the leader of visas from Kosovars, the 30-year- LISBA, Fuad Ramiqi, said. old ex-schoolteacher says. “It is done on a voluntary basis. There, volunteers cross over the We are not taking any account of porous Turkish border and join S.T., left, is a Kosovar who has fought twice in Syria. who is going there and who is not,” the opposition, mainly Sunni, he added. rebels who have been fighting the referring to the area of central in jihad is equal to 60 years of wor- journalist who reported from The movement, which was government of Bashar Al-Assad Kosovo that spawned many rebels ship and Ramadan,” he added. Syria for several weeks, come established as a political party in since 2011. in the past. “There are many other tempting across many other Albanians who March, has protested several times The former English teacher in a He says he carried a and promising verses [in the were fighting a jihad. primary school in southeast so far, demanding more rights for Kalashnikov into battle and fought Koran] for those who come to help “In general, all the Albanians I the Islamic community, which Kosovo now sports a long Islamic in the front line. “The front line Muslims,” he continued. met had joined the war for the beard. they say is discriminated against. between the enemies is not more S.T. says the mosques of same reason; jihad, holy war,” he Abit Hoxha, from the Centre for Sitting in a café and drinking a than 30-40 meters apart. I always Istanbul act as meeting places for said. macchiato, he takes no notice of Security Studies in Kosovo, said fought in the front line,” he main- volunteer fighters heading Xhymshiti says he came across that there are no organizations in the Kosovo police officers sitting tained. towards the war zone. 100 to 150 other Albanians fighters nearby. the country making arrangements S.T. says his original inspiration “The mosques are where you in Syria. for people to fight in Syria. “Everyone here knows that I to fight came from footage on the find people who lead you to Syria, Meanwhile S. T. said that the was fighting in Syria,” says S.T. Although, according to Hoxha, Internet of war crimes committed as there are many Syrian refugees only reason that has made him who wants to keep his identity there are two incentives for people by Assad regime forces. “I started there,” he explained. speak out is the aspersions that secret from the media. to join the war in Syria. The first is to dream about it. I knew that one In Syria, he says that he commu- some people cast over the motives He says he borrowed money to religious faith and the second is day I would go,” he said. nicated in a mixture of English of the fighters. secure a ticket to Turkey and has the social status these people hope He says his reasons for joining and Arabic. “The question of ‘Do you get to acquire once they return home. fought in the ranks of the Syrian the war were wholly religious. “I Memories of the war in Sakhur paid for fighting, or are you a vol- A former reporter of “Rilindja” revolutionaries twice. went to war because of jihad, the are not the only ones he retains. “I unteer?’ has forced me to speak out newspaper from the Middle East, “The first time was during the doctrine of holy war according to once went to a barber shop to cut on behalf of my Albanian Muslim Nehat Islami said that some winter of 2012 when I stayed for Islam, not for material reasons,” my hair,” he says, “and I needed a community,” he said. “Albanians” fighting in Syria and nine weeks and then returned he added. According to the doc- perfume so I stopped to buy one, “I did not take any money,” he long-time residents of the country home for a month for family rea- trine, when Muslims need help, accompanied by my commander. continued. “I have read a few who moved long ago, back in 1912. sons,” he says. other Muslims are obliged to offer “We were horrified when we saw newspaper articles about the “They are Syrians of Albanian “The second time I stayed for them material or humanitarian the shopkeeper had amputated places, addresses and mosques origin,” Islami explained. only three weeks because I injured aid or join them in battle, which is arms and legs,” he added. that organize people and these The conflict began on 15 March my arm and had no choice but to what S.T. did. “Assad’s Special Forces had articles contain nothing but lies,” 2011, with popular protests that come back.” “The initiative came from the come after the shopkeeper; they he added. spread all over Syria. ST says he fought in the north- videos I saw on the net which got beat him and cut off his arms and “The front line is open for every- According to a United Nations ern city of Aleppo and in Sakhur, me very concerned,” he recalled. legs.” one, and if you have the intention report published on 15 May, 80,000 which, according to him, is known “The Koran and the Hadith of S.T is far from the only Kosovar to go nobody can stop you. There is people have died as a result of the for its brave fighters. Muhammad [the sayings of the fighting in the Middle East. no need for such organization.” armed conflict in Syria, 10,000 in “It's like our Drenica,” he said, Prophet] also state that a day spent Vedat Xhymshiti, a Kosovar At a press conference on 17 May, February alone.

FIFA Seeks Solution Over Vetevendosje Symbolically Kosovo Footballers Torches Serbia Deal

FIFA president Sepp Blatter to find a solu- As Kosovo parliamentarians prepare to vote on tion that would enable Kosovo football play- the EU-brokered deal between Prishtina and ers to play official FIFA games. Belgrade, the opposition Vetevendosje [Self- The head of world football’s governing Determination] movement set alight copies of body Sepp Blatter and Tomislav Karadzic, the agreement. the president of Football Association of Activists and supporters of the nationalist party Serbia, met Serbian Prime Minister Ivica burned letters reading “Marreveshja me Dacic on June 12 to discuss the problem of Serbine” ("Agreement with Serbia") in more football players from Kosovo, who are cur- than 20 towns and cities throughout Kosovo, rently not permitted to play officially-organ- showing their opposition to plans to ratify the ised matches. deal in parliament this week. “I asked Prime Minister Dacic to find a Ahead of the vote by MPs, and a meeting of the solution, so we can enable young people in Kosovo Prime Minister, Hashim Thaci, and his Kosovo to play football. Such a sensitive Serbian counterpart, Ivica Dacic, Self- problem cannot be solved overnight, but step Determination supporters called a mass protest by step,” Blatter said after the meeting. on Thursday. Karadzic said that a solution would be Party leader Albin Kurti told journalists that if found as part of the political resolution of the deal was voted through, Albanians in the Serb-run north of the country stand to lose their the dispute over Kosovo’s independence. rights. As Kosovo is not a UN member state, it is “If this agreement and its action plan are voted not an official member of FIFA or UEFA. Its in by lawmakers, no Albanian in the north of national team and Kosovo clubs cannot play Kosovo will be able to be a judge, prosecutor, in international competitions. teacher, doctor, or police officer, just because he In May last year, FIFA decided to allow is Albanian,” Kurti claimed. member associations to play friendly games On April 19, Kosovo and Serbia adopted a 15- Y with the national team of Kosovo. The deci- point draft agreement on normalising relations, M sion was surprising because UEFA members allowing both sides to advance their integration C represented in FIFA had voted against it. into the European Union. K 8 June 21 - July 4, 2013 neighbourhood Romania’s Tough Line on Kosovo Starts to Crumble It’s increasingly no longer a question of whether Romania will recognise Kosovo’s independence but when, analysts say. We have to reach a consensus,” Kosovo remains valid today. policies in the Ponta continued. “Kosovo’s independence has not Balkans,” Diplomatic officials in Bucharest set any precedent in other areas Ghinea added. By Marian Chiriac caution that there is no rush. “The plagued by separatism,” she said. Despite not way we treat Prishtina’s unilateral “It was also validated by the recognising [declaration of] independence [in International Court of Justice, so it Kosovo’s omania is slowly changing 2008] remains the same,” the is not against international law,” independ- its policy toward Kosovo, Foreign Ministry said in a press she added, referring to the ICJ ence, Rinching its way towards release recently. “advisory opinion”, which declared Romania eventual recognition. “But this position doesn’t run that the 2008 Kosovo declaration of joined the EU- Five years after the former counter to identifying a modus independence did not violate inter- led security Serbian province declared inde- operandi by which we can con- national law. mission in pendence, Romania has stuck by tribute to enhancing the EU’s influ- One reason why Romania has not Kosovo from its standpoint of refusing to ence in the Western Balkans as a recognised Kosovo is because the the begin- recognise a new state in the whole,” it added. country has a sizeable ethnic ning, deploying a Balkans, one of five European While Romania and many other minority if its own. About 7 per contingent of Union member states to say countries do not recognise Kosovo, cent of Romania’s 19.5 million citi- around 175 police “No” - the others being Spain, a hundred members of the United zens are ethnic Hungarians. and gendarmes to Slovakia, Greece and Cyprus. Nations have now done so. Many Romanians remain con- help maintain order But, in the first major sign of Recognitions have flowed in, cerned that recognising Kosovo’s and security there. a policy shift, last month despite massive diplomatic efforts independence might encourage the Meanwhile, the rift Romania decided to lift visa by Serbia and its main superpower Hungarian minority in over recognition has complicated requirements for citizens of ally, Russia, to keep the small coun- Transylvania to strive for the same the path towards EU member- Kosovo. try isolated. result. ship of Serbia itself, ana- More unexpectedly, the But analysts interviewed by In reality, few ethnic Hungarians lysts say. Romanian Prime Minister, Victor Prishtina Insight say that a change seriously harbour dreams of their “For example, if Ponta, last week broke ranks by in Romania’s position is likely to own state. Romania wants to con- saying he personally favoured happen soon. But some members of the com- tinue supporting Serbia, quick recognition of the country. “Romania has in recent months munity, especially the 600,000 so- as it has done in the past, However, a final decision in this shown a more constructive and not- called Szeklers, have long sought an it has to take into consid- regard required a general consen- blocking position [towards Kosovo], autonomous region in eration current chal- sus among politicians and the mainly after the signing of the EU- Transylvania, which is enough to lenges and develop- public, he cautioned. supported agreement between alarm the Romanians. Transylania ments in the Balkans, “We have to adapt to the current Kosovo and Serbia,” Cristian formed part of the Kingdom of including the recogni- European political situation, Ghinea, director of the Romanian Hungary until the end of the First tion of Kosovo inde- when only five EU members, Center for European Policies, World War. pendence,” Popescu Romania included, do not recog- CRPE, said. Romanian officials also maintain noted. “Even nise Kosovo,” Ponta said, after “In such a context, a change in that the unilateral creation of a new Belgrade is taking meeting MPs from parliament's the country’s stance on Kosovo is state in the Balkans has raised ten- small steps in this committee on foreign affairs. expected. And, of course, it should sions in the region, and that those regard. “That’s why is important to find be hailed,” Ghinea added. behind it ought not to be rewarded. “Romania has to out if Romania wants to remain The EU-brokered deal in April But Cristian Ghinea says a be part of the EU in the same position or a change does not necessarily pave the way change in Bucharest’s position on effort to bring sta- to occur,” he added. for Serbian recognition of Kosovo, Kosovo is overdue and will positive- bility and The centre-left Prime Minister but it aims to reduce tensions ly enhance its role inside the EU. European values added that from his point of view, between the two neighbours. It “The EU has been weakened by in the Balkans,” Romania should coordinate its deals in particular with the most divisions over recognition, with she continued. “So, position on such matters with its sensitive issue, the rights and status Romania isolating itself from the the question is not “EU and trans-Atlantic partners”, of the Serbian minority in Kosovo. majority of EU members,” he said. whether Romania which means acknowledging Oana Popescu, from the think “Now, the country started to will recognise Kosovo’s independence. tank, the Global Focus Center, says understand that by recognising Kosovo, but when “But this is not a decision none of the reasons assumed by Kosovo independence is in fact sup- and how this will Romanian PM Victor Ponta says he personally favours recogni- which has to be taken by the gov- Bucharest for not recognising porting the EU’s conflict resolution happen.” ernment or the President alone. tion of Kosovo. (Ezequiel Scagnetti/AP via Beta)

Pantazi said. PM Woos German Leaders "Romania needs more support in the EU from the German side; it omania's Prime Minister, included in the Romanian delega- needs a best friend to assume the Victor Ponta, on Monday tion to Germany. role that was traditionally played Rbegan an official visit to “This is unusual, as Romania has by France,” Pantazi added. Germany where he will meet lead- a strong interest in developing eco- Several EU nations, Germany ers, including Chancellor Angela nomic relations with Germany,” included, have publicly expressed Merkel, as well as business chiefs. the newspaper observed. serious concern about continuing “We want to a new partnership Germany is the third largest corruption in Romania, saying with Germany, so the focus of my investor in the country. It invested that the country does not meet key meetings will be on economic around 6.2 billion euro in conditions to join the EU's pass- relations between our countries, Romania in 2011 alone. port-free Schengen zone. together with an improvement of Last week the German company Berlin last year also expressed political relationships," Ponta said Bosch, one of the biggest auto worries about Romania’s commit- in an interview. parts suppliers in the world, ment to the rule of law following a His agenda includes a meeting opened a new factory in Blaj, long dispute between Prime at Deutsche Bank and a debate Transylvania, after an investment Minister Ponta and President with investors interested in of 50 million euro. Traian Basescu. Romania. Ponta’s visit to Berlin is Romania meanwhile needs Concerns were heightened his most important foreign trip as stronger political support from when the government used emer- Prime Minister so far, and the first Germany, analysts say. “The main gency decrees to limit the visit by a Romanian premier to challenge of Ponta’s visit to Berlin Constitutional Court’s powers Germany since 2006. is to establish a personal connec- and replace the speakers of both However, the leading Romanian tion with Chancellor Merkel in the houses of parliament. economic daily Ziarul Financiar light of German expressions of noted that no important concerns about corruption in Marian Chiriac Romania has contributed troops to the NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo, KFOR. Romanian investor had been Romania," journalist Cristian (Photo/NATO) neighbourhood June 21 - July 4, 2013 9 Hague Prosecutor: Our Work Isn’t Over Yet Tribunal has been successful in bringing wartime commanders to justice but hasn’t met expectations on reconciliation, chief prosecutor says prosecutions in the former their personal situation, but that that the evidence was sufficient to Discussing prosecutions in the Yugoslavia. they wanted Karadzic and Mladic prove the accused’s guilt. Finally, region, Brammertz noted that “I also think that if we speak arrested,” he said. in the [Yugoslav general Momcilo] Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing By Denis Dzidic about success, we should wait for “I have seen the reaction of Perisic case, the decision is not the biggest backlog of war crimes the transition from Tribunal pros- those women after Karadzic and what we expected, certainly. We cases. He predicted that the dead- ecutions to prosecutions in the Mladic were arrested and, while think that the Appeals Chamber lines set out in the Bosnian war region, because there are many their situation remains difficult, departed from the Tribunal’s crimes strategy - that all sensitive hief prosecutor Serge hundreds of cases to be solved the arrests have helped them move jurisprudence on aiding and abet- cases will be solved by the end of Brammertz told Prishtina there. Our work is far from over,” forward,” he added. ting,” he said. 2015 and the rest by 2023 - will CInsight in an interview that he said. Commenting on the criticisms probably not be met. the International Criminal the ICTY has faced, because for ‘The emphasis has to be “I want to believe that the 800 or Tribunal for the Former ‘Politicians are glorifying long periods it focused on lower so cases remaining, with 2,500 Yugoslavia, ICTY has been a suc- on prosecutions’ and middle-level perpetrators, accused at state level and about 300 cess during its 20 years of exis- war criminals’ Brammertz said he understood the cases at entity level, can be tence, establishing the facts about The biggest problem faced by logic of starting to build a case at processed, because I hear the crit- the atrocities that were committed One of the most frustrating the ICTY prosecutor’s office as it the bottom. ical voices of victims who see the during the conflicts and helping aspects of his job as the Tribunal’s looks to complete its work before it “When you have to deal with a perpetrators in villages not being the region move forward, but there chief prosecutor, Brammertz said, closes at the end of 2016, according complex situation, you cannot prosecuted. I think the emphasis is still much more to be done to is witnessing some politicians in to Brammertz, is trying to main- start by focussing on the president has to be on prosecutions and ensure that war criminals do not the region lauding war criminals, tain high standards with a smaller to build your case against him. probably more resources are evade justice. even after their transgressions staff. The advantage of the ICTY’s needed. However, over the last “One of the achievements is that have been proven in court. “It is true that with the Tribunal Prosecutor’s approach in the early few years, expectations have not the region would have looked dif- “Some politicians in the region closing, many staff members, if years was that it gave us more been met,” he said. ferent without the Tribunal. are glorifying war criminals or not all of them, are looking for time allowing us to get a better The ICTY’s chief prosecutor Because of the prosecution of even denying genocide in new jobs. It is a challenge that understating of the history of the said he hoped that initiatives those who bear the greatest Srebrenica. Because of this ten- many people are leaving, because region and to secure a number of such as the cooperation protocol responsibility for war crimes, dency of revisionism, it is impor- it makes it difficult to continue insider witnesses. Of course, the between the Bosnian and Serbian which resulted in taking and hav- tant that, here in The Hague, we with a strong team. If case and evidence against prosecutors’ offices can speed ing taken them out of the system, I create a lasting and very strong this situation con- Karadzic and Mladic looks very up work on the remaining think the countries of the former record of crimes committed for tinues, it could different today than it would have investigations and pre- Yugoslavia were able to move for- future generations, who want to have a very if they had they been arrested in vent the guilty going ward in an easier way,” know what witnesses have said damaging 1995,”he said. free. Brammertz said. and what has been established by impact,” he Speaking about the recent “The non-extradi- He said that the court’s other the Tribunal,” he explained. said. acquittals in several high-profile tion of nationals is achievements include the arrest of This is why Brammertz sees cases, Brammertz said he dis- an issue for coun- all fugitives and help with reforms every verdict as important, agreed with the trial chamber’s tries in the region, in the region, as well as building although he admits that the most conclusions. which is why the pro- jurisprudence for international important ones will be on Bosnian “In the [Kosovo Liberation tocol is an important justice. Serb civilian and military leaders Army commander Ramush] step which can help However, he also admitted that Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Haradinaj case, we admitted we avoid parallel investiga- the Tribunal has not met expecta- Mladic. had problems presenting evidence tions. But for me it also tions that it could achieve recon- “Over the past five years, I have in court, because of witness inter- has important symbolic ciliation in the region. met Srebrenica victims who live ference. In the [Croatian com- value, as it is a demonstra- “Expectations at the start were under difficult circumstances, manders Ante] Gotovina and tion of the intent of the two very high that the Tribunal would since all the male members of [Mladen] Markac case, we made it responsible prosecutors to facili- have a positive impact on reconcil- their families were killed. Still, in clear that we accepted the verdict, tate each other’s work,” said iation. Today, the reality is that the all the meetings I had, the first but our position remains Brammertz. situation is fragile and some politi- issue was never cians in the region call the ghosts However, he admitted that, just of the past to back their national two months into the new proto- agenda,” Brammertz said. col, it was still in a “test phase” “I don’t think we have met the and it was still early to determine expectations that some people had. whether it will be a success. However if you look at it realisti- cally, I don't think prosecutions alone have had the power to achieve reconciliation anywhere in the world,” he said. He explained that, in his view, true reconciliation has to come from within the region, but that the Tribunal has helped “achieve the preconditions for reconcilia- tion”, through ensuring accounta- bility for crimes and assisting Turkish Unrest Sparks Rival Rallies in Tirana University of Tirana expressing Movement for a New Albania, at solidarity with Turkish activists the same time, which drew nearly protesting against the Erdogan 100 people. By Besar Likmeta government. Turkey has been gripped by They held up banners ridiculing protests and strikes since May 31, Erdogan and declared: "Down with when police raided a sit-in in one allies for and against the fascism." of the few remaining green spaces government of Turkish Police detained three of the in central Istanbul. The crack- RPrime Minister Recep activists, accusing them of mak- down outraged many people ing racist slogans in public but across the country, sparking mass Erdogan were staged on Several protesters were arrested in Tirana. Wednesday in the Albanian capi- later released them. rallies in Istanbul and Ankara. tal. The protest was staged in Although the initial protest was focused on a wider range of con- the government's encroachment Nearly two dozen protestors response to a pro-Erdogan rally about a park, subsequent support- cerns, such as freedom of the on Turkey's traditional secular- gathered at the Polytechnic held by a small political party, the ing protests and strikes have press, freedom of assembly, and ism. 10 June 21 - July 4, 2013 marketing

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Y M C K neighbourhood June 21 - July 4, 2013 11 The Taste, Feel and Look of Old Yugoslavia A new exhibition, Ziveo Zivot, pays tribute to the everyday experiences of the people of Yugoslavia in the second half of 20th century in an innovative way. from various fields took part in the project, including cultural experts, artists, sportsmen and By Nemanja Cabric journalists. “The best source of information was the ordinary person,” says Milivojevic, adding that the goal here are old cars, pairs of was simply to present people's jeans, the aroma of familiar everyday lives in the former Tperfumes, a typical class- Socialist state. room, a restaurant, and even some “We didn't aim to uncover any bus seats. historical facts but to explain to These and many other everyday younger generations, and help A journey down Yugoslav memory lane. objects have found their place in a older remember, what did a better new exhibition on the life of old and higher quality life was like,” order to build a passage through Yugoslavia that opened on June 4 he adds. “We didn't aim to uncover any historical facts but to explain time,” explains Milivojevic. in the Robna Kuca Beograd in The exhibition, divided into 14 "We didn't want to abuse the nos- Knez Mihailova 5. to younger generations, and help older remember, what did sub-sections, reveals the high level talgia that people have, but to show “Our goal was to make a tribute of development of Yugoslav educa- a better and higher quality life was like.” that the quality of live can to the life of an ordinary citizen of tion, creativity, music, sports and improve in a more responsible the SFRJ, a man who lived a sim- - Aleksa Milivojevic, organiser all the "values that were brought to society,” he says. pler, more comfortable, more the surface" in former Yugoslavia. At the cinema adapted to look equipped offices, of a senior offi- Exhibition is divided into two secure life, with far fewer wor- The multimedia exhibition like a summer cinema from the cial, and a lower ranking one, on parts, the first of which takes ries,” Aleksa Milivojevic, one of includes authentic objects, scenog- Fifties there are projections of whose walls hang posters of late place from June 4 to July 31. the organizers, said. raphy, and installations, audio, domestic and international Yugoslav president, Josip Broz The second will be open from The economist prepared the video and 3d projections. movies, commercials and news. Tito, and large-scale photographs September 20 until November 30 exhibition with Uros Radulovic, a Visitors can feel what was it to In one corner an installation of old Belgrade. and will feature more segments, historian, and Zivko Maletkovic, drive along the streets of old recalls the living room of an aver- Besides looking, smelling and such as movie and theatre stars, an engineer, over more than a year. Yugoslavia, walk into a conven- age Yugoslav family, while in engaging in activities, visitors can and items of industry and technol- The authentic objects exhibited ience store and leaf through maga- another is a classroom typical of get a taste of Yugoslavia as well. ogy. on three levels were borrowed zines and newspapers from the the time, as well as a school gym. Favourite meals of Yugoslav work- "Long Live Life" ("Ziveo zivot") is from private collections or donat- time. In another corner is a play- ers are served up for sampling open daily from 10am to 10pm, and ed by friends as well as state insti- They can also try out the hot dog ground for marbles - a favourite once in a while. entry costs 250 dinars for adults tutions. stand, which represented the lat- game of children in that era. "The concept of the exhibition and 200 for school pupils, students More than a hundred people est in Sixties design. In one passage are two fully was to use all of visitors’ senses in and pensioners. Neighbourhood in Brief: Albania PM Tempts Voters Serbia's Nikolic to Attend Stars Line Up Behind to the deal that the governments in physics research centre in Belgrade and Pristina struck on Magurele, a few kilometers south With Wage Hike Croatian EU Celebration Bosnian ID Protests April 19. Greece insists that of Bucharest, is part of the wider With the June 23 election only Serbian President Tomislav Celebrities from Balkans have Macedonia’s name implies territo- “Extreme Light Infrastructure”, days way, the Albanian govern- Nikolic will attend celebrations lent support for protests over the rial claims to its own northern ELI-NP, project, designed to push ment has approved a decision to marking Croatia's accession to the Bosnian state parliament’s failure province, also called Macedonia. the boundaries of laser-based raise wages and pensions by 6 per EU on July 1, his cabinet has con- to adopt a new law on personal Greece is blocking Macedonia’s nuclear physics by coupling a cent in a bid to win votes for the firmed. This will be the first time numbers, which started two weeks entry to NATO citing the failure to high-energy particle accelerator ruling Democratic Party. The deci- that Nikolic and Ivo Josipovic, ago. Serbian actor Sergej resolve the issue. with a high-power laser. Once sion will come into force after the Croatian president, will sit on the Trifunovic, his colleague Nikola built and operational, the election. A recent survey commis- same table together as presidents Kojo, Cedomir Jovanovic, from Montenegro Judicial Romanian facility will serve as a sioned by Ora News TV and con- of two countries. Josipovic termi- Serbian Liberal Party, two Serbian Appointments ‘Can’t Be pan-European laboratory, support- ducted by IPR Marketing gives nated contacts with Nikolic, fol- turbo-folk stars, Jelena Karleusa ing studies of nuclear physics and Socialist leader, Edi Rama’s lowing publication of a controver- and Seka Aleksic, Bosnian nation- Trusted’: NGO astrophysics, as well as advances alliance 50 per cent of the national sial statement made before al football team and dozens of oth- Montenegrin NGO Human in materials science and medicine. vote, well ahead of Prime Minister Nikolic became President that the ers have all posted a picture of Rights Actions warned in a new Sali Berisha’s alliance, on 43 per eastern Croatian town of Vukovar themselves on Facebook holding report on June 14 raised questions Lithuania Ratifies Serbia's cent. However, because of was "a Serbian city". up a small banner with the on whether Judicial Council, Albania’s complicated regional and acronym JMBG (Unique Main which chooses the country’s EU Stability Agreement On June 18, the Lithuanian par- proportional voting system, the Croatian Firm Buys Number For Citizens). Because of judges, could be politically influ- liament has ratified Serbia's results could turn out to be much the hold-up in parliament, babies enced by the authorities. Along Slovenian Mercator Stabilisation and Association closer than opinion polls indicate. born in the last three months can- with four representatives from the Agreement, SAA. Lithuania was Supermarkets not obtain their ID numbers, country’s judges, it is composed of Croatian food producer and sup- the last European Union member Thousands March for Gay which serve as basis for obtaining the justice minister, two members plier Agrokor has cut a €240 mil- state to ratify Serbia's SAA, which other key documents, as passports of parliament and two lawyers cho- Rights in Croatia lion worth deal on June 15 to Belgrade and the EU signed on and health care card. sen by Montenegro’s president. More than 10,000 people joined acquire 53 per cent of Slovenian April 29, 2008. For it to come into Human Rights Actions said that the Zagreb Pride parade through supermarket chain Mercator, cre- effect, the parliaments of all EU US Urges Macedonian this structure does not create the the centre of the Croatian capital ating a huge south-east European member states and the European perception that it is an expert, non- on June 15 to support gays and retail network. Agrokor also Courage Over Name Parliament have to ratify it first. politicised body and added that the lesbians in their struggle for the announced its plans to buy the Lithuania, which is to assume the Dispute reasons for appointing certain can- legal right to marriage. The 12th rest of the shares for a sum total Deputy Assistant US Secretary EU Presidency on July 1, was didates as judges and not others Zagreb Pride was the biggest so of €452 million in the coming of State Philip Reeker, said after reported to be considering delaying are not properly clarified. far, with many politicians, actors months. The merger of Agrokor meeting Macedonian President ratification of the SAA owing to and celebrities joining the and Mercator will create the Gjorge Ivanov and Prime Minister some open issues with Serbia such marchers. Prime Minister Zoran largest retail chain in central and Nikola Gruevski on June 17, that Romania to Start Building as the privatisation of the Belgrade Milanovic's wife Sanja Music eastern Europe, excluding Russia, brave decisions need be taken in Giant EU-Funded Laser Beer Industry, and rivalry between Milanovic joined the parade, as with an annual revenue of more the longstanding dispute with One of the world’s biggest and the Lithuanian and Serbian candi- well as foreign minister Vesna than billion euros, some 2,600 Greece over the name of the coun- most powerful lasers is to be con- dates for the post of president of Pusic. Police ensured security for stores and a staff of about 60,000 try. “Serbia and Kosovo are an structed near Bucharest, at a cost the UN General Assembly, which the marchers and the parade people. example for overcoming problem- of €350 million. The lasers facility, Serbia's former foreign minister, passed off peacefully. atic issues,” Reeker said, referring which is to be housed in a nuclear Vuk Jeremic, obtained. 12 June 21 - July 4, 2013

A spectacular sunset at the Zigante Vinyard near Groznjan, Istria. (Photo/Tim Ertl) Far From the Crowds in

While Istria’s wonderful old cities lure tourists with their beaches and historic atmosphere, the interior offers a more secluded experience of hills, vine- yards and charming fortified towns.

The Istrian peninsula was formerly City of refuge: the city walls that date from the mid-2nd part of Austria-Hungary and then century, the Gate of Hercules, the Augustan Yugoslavia. Today it is divided between Archaeologists claim that Pula was found- Forum and two Roman theatres. By Nemanja Cabric Croatia, which has the largest part, while ed as long ago the 10th century BC. Over The narrow streets of the old quarter, the rest lies in Slovenia and Italy. time Hellenic culture prevailed in the city, lined with Medieval and Renaissance build- Some familiar, not-to-be-missed high- which the Greeks named Polai, meaning the ings, are still paved with Roman slabs. lights of Istria are the coastal towns of “city of refuge”. The main tourist facilities are located in stria amazes many with its mixture of Pula, Porec and Rovinj, each of which is After the Greeks came the Romans who Stoja, some 3.5km away in the woods, west scenic landscapes, summer resorts and a cultural and historic gem as well as a conquered Pula and made it the central city of the city centre and close to the sea. The Iold medieval towns and fortresses. No summer resort. biggest promenade in Pula is here as the of a region, endowing it with all of the facil- wonder it is compared for beauty, culture But, besides the rich atmosphere and area is full of hotels and campgrounds. and history to Tuscany or Provence. ities of a modern city of the Roman touristic offer of such coastal cities, it is The southernmost point of Istria, a Here you can drink a shot of an ancient Empire. worth taking a peek at the less well- peninsula called Premantura, some eight druid’s elixir, visit the world’s smallest city Among the ancient heritage that sur- known interior, where visitors can kilometres from Pula is also attractive or dive into the waters that hold ancient vives from that era are the Roman forum explore natural and historical sites and because of its rocky beaches and protected shipwrecks. and an amphitheatre that was large enough small, fortified medieval cities. nature. In almost every place there are sites to to hold 20,000 spectators. This massive con- And, no experience of Istria is com- Subsequent Venetian and Austro- see as well as plenty of sporting and struction is still used to host events such as plete without a glass of wine from the Hungarian rule in Pula left many traces recreational activities, not to mention concerts and plays. local vineyards, or one of those pricy both in terms of culture and architecture, dishes offering a rich selection of tradi- Other notable ancient remains are the truffles that are very popular in this as it did in other attractive cities on the tional flavours. 1st-century Arch of the Sergii, The Twin area. Gates, one of the few remaining gates of Istrian coastline such as Rovinj and Porec, June 21 - July 4, 2013 13

The Istrian coast can’t be missed. (Photo/Adam Jarosi) Croatia’s Tuscany on the west coast of the peninsula. In the surroundings of Motovun there Besides Rovinj’s charming atmosphere are also colourful towns, vineyards, and as a small fishing town with narrow streets The Istrian peninsula was formerly taverns. and small squares, clustered round the part of Austria-Hungary and then Groznjan, on the other hand, is especial- church of St Euphemia soars with its 60- ly attractive for artists and art lovers metre-high tower, it has 16 small islands Yugoslavia. Today it is divided because of the summer academies that that visitors can reach in traditional boats. between Croatia, which has the take place along with workshops in the per- There they can walk in protected forests, largest part, while the rest lies in forming arts throughout the tourist season. Istria is famous for its truffles. (Flickr photo/Derwyn) enjoy all kinds of water and extreme sports Summer here is a nonstop art show of and explore cultural heritage and archaeo- Slovenia and Italy. music, mostly jazz and classical music Allegedly made from a druid’s recipe logical sites. echoing with the sounds of guitar, piano, dating back 2,000 years old, it consists of Further north is Porec, which was devel- town in Istria. Built on a hill in the north violin and cello and drum. mistletoe and four other plants soaked in oped as a tourist destination in the of the peninsula, the central square is sur- For the end save some space for a special homemade rakija brandy. Seventies, and has some 40 kilometres of rounded by historic buildings, some dating delicious treat, and visit some 17 citizens Among the homemade sausages, pork shore lined with wonderful beaches. The back to the Roman period. living southeast from the town of Buzet in loins and lots of fuzi, a local version of city is rich in museums and galleries, many Across Europe, Motovun is known for Hum, which is unofficially the tiniest pasta and of course the truffles, lives of them are located in ancient palazzos. the International film festival that takes place on the planet to have preserved the another kind of Istria, full of enjoyments place here at the end of July and draws institutions of a true city. and delicate surprises. Teran and Malvasia Truffles and wine: actors, directors and celebrities. Besides Among the highlights of Hum is its tav- wines, made of local grapes, are precisely this, Motovun is also popular among bal- ern, built in Istrian style of stone and such delicacies. And in Istria they mark If a traveller wishes to really see and feel loonists all year round owing to the winds wood, where visitors can try biske. the end of every meal. the real Istria, he should also make a tour to that blow in the area. the interior to such places such as Truffles, a symbol of Istria, can be found Motovun, Groznjan or Hum, the world’s in the Motovun forests, and the best time to Getting there smallest city, apparently. look for them, with the help of experts, is Croatia Airlines (www.croatiaairlines.com) offers daily connecting flights from Prishtina to Motovun is the most beautiful medieval from September to December. Pula via Zagreb. Round-trip flights start at 160 euro, including taxes.

Y M C Istria’s old towns compliment the countryside. (Photo/Heather Cowper) K 14 June 21 - July 4, 2013 travel A Different Venetian Vacation With regular flights between Prishtina and Venice, having a weekend on a nearby island is a breeze.

amazing fireworks displays, Beach on Fire, put on by the Marina di Venezia (www.marinadivenezia.it/) – July 8, August By Douglas E Morris 1, and August 24 – visible throughout the entire Lagoon. The Marina di Veneiza is another place where you camp or rent bun- long weekend is coming up. You and galows, and they also have the added treat of your significant other are wondering an extensive water park. Awhere to go. One of you wants to spend some time exploring a European cul- Sant’Erasmo tural center. The other wants to swim, bike, hike, or relax at the beach. Only 15 minutes from the island of What’s a couple to do? That’s easy. Go to Murano, famous for its glass-blowing, and 25 Venice. minutes from the centre of Venice by You heard correctly. Head over to Venice vaporetto, so close that you can hear the on BelleAir Europe’s Thursday flight from bells of San Marco ringing the hour, this is Prishtina — it changes to Friday in July — still a remote and relatively undiscovered and fly back on Monday island getaway. With only one hotel – Lato (http://www.belleaireurope.eu.) However, Azzurro (Via Forti 13, 30141 Sant’Erasmo, don’t stay in Venice proper. Instead, sojourn +39/041/523-0642, www.latoazzurro.it/eng/) on one of the islands in the Venetian – and three restaurants, Sant’Erasmo is pre- Lagoon. dominantly farmland, with country lanes, But not just any island. There are two spe- walking paths, and even a small beach. Stay cial isles where you are within a convenient here for a romantic escape from the every- vaporetto (water bus) ride of the center of day, explore the pathways with bicycles Venice, and which also combine the peace available at the hotel, hike, jog, or just relax and tranquility of a rural getaway, with sea- Venice proper is an easy trip from the Venetian Lagoon. on the grounds of the hotel, sinking into a side sunbathing, with hiking and biking on good book. Everything about Sant’Erasmo serene country lanes – Punta Sabbioni and Atlantic City boardwalk, only 200 metres wifi, and cable TV for as low as 90 euro per is rustic, charming and incredibly relaxing. Sant’Erasmo. away is the agriturismo Ca’ Baccan night – there are also a number of less All while having the skyline of Venice prop- So if you are fretting over the type of (www.agriturismocabaccan.it/en/) sur- expensive options in the area. One of which er visible from the hotel’s veranda. vacation to take – active or cultural – just rounded by farmland, and completely is the nearby Camping Miramare The dining room at Lato Azzurro is quite head to over to the Ventian Lagoon and get immersed in peace and quiet. (www.camping-miramare.it/index-gb.htm) good, and an excellent alternative on the the best of both worlds. At this delightful lodging house, you can that has bungalows for rent as well as other explore a working farm and savour the lower priced offerings. island is Ca’ Vignotto (Via Forti 71/2, Punta Sabbioni serenity of a rural escape. While nearby While out here do not miss having a meal Sant’Erasmo 30141, +39/041/244-4000, there are great restaurants, a bike rental at Sotoriva (Lungomare Dante Aligheri 32, www.vignotto.com.). With bike paths and country lanes tra- place, a resort with 13 kilometres of sandy +39 041 658 343, www.sotoriva.com). A huge Douglas E Morris is the author of 12 books versing the island, a convenient beach on beaches, and everything you need for an restaurant with incredible food. All the active vacation. At the same time, the heart pasta is homemade, their pizzas are huge, as well as a proud resident of Prishtina for the eastern shore, regular ferries to Venice, the last year. For information concerning his of Venice and all of its cultural assets is and their seafood freshly caught. The and inexpensive lodging, Punta Sabbioni is Made Easy series of travel guides about only half an hour away by vaporetto. spaghetti cartoccio – a seafood medley great for families or those interested in trav- Rome, Florence, and Venice, visit Even though the agriturismo is inexpen- baked and served in a decorative tinfoil eling on a budget. That being said, when you https://sites.google.com/site/madeeasytravel sive – offering comfortable two-bedroom cocoon – is absolutely divine. get off the vaporetto (water bus), while it guidestoitaly/. may feel as if you’ve been dropped onto the apartments with kitchenette/living room, A special event on Punta Sabbioni are the

Sant’Erasmo is a quiet romantic alternative to nearby Venice. Lato Azzurro is the only hotel on Sant’Erasmo. It also has great dining. (Photos/Douglas E Morris)

Getting there Belle Air Europe (www.belleaireurope.eu) Getting to Punta Sabbioni Getting to Sant’Erasmo If you are pressed for time and are not offers two flights per week between From the airport: (Option 1) Catch the From the airport: Catch the Alilaguna concerned about expense, you can also Prishtina and Venice, on Mondays and Alilaguna (www.alilaguna.it) waterbus to (www.alilaguna.it) waterbus to Murano. catch a water taxi directly from the airport Thursdays (Fridays as of July). Fares start either Fondamenta Nuove or Lido. From FN From there catch the vaporetto 18 to Forte to Forte Massimiliano. Cost is around 80 at 50 euro each way. Passengers have catch the vaporetto 12. From Lido catch Massimiliano (which is right by the hotel), euros to Sant’Erasmo and 140 euros to reported that Belle Air Europe sometimes either the vaporetto 14 or 14L or vaporetto 13 to Capannone, where the Punta Sabbioni. To book a water taxi visit: changes flight schedules - making depar- (www.actv.it/en). Cost 22 euros. Time 2½ hotel can pick you up in their van www.motoscafivenezia.it, tures earlier or later, sometimes by several hours. (Option 2) Catch the bus to Lido (www.actv.it/en). Travel cost 22 euro. Time www.venicewatertaxi.it, or hours. Belle Air Europe did not respond to Jesolo, then switch buses for Punta www.veneziataxi.it. Y 1½ hours. Prishtina Insight’s questions about the Sabbioni. Cost 4.50 euros. Time 1 hour 20 M reports of schedule changes. minutes. For more information visit C www.atvo.it. K culture June 21 - July 4, 2013 15 World Press Photo Holds First Exhibition in Kosovo July 11. “This exhibition, apart from documenting many events all over the world, is also a compilation of By Donjeta Demolli photographs that have great artis- tic value,” Minister of Culture Memli Krasniqi said at the open- ing ceremony. he photograph is powerful: While Netherlands-based World A group of men carry the Press Photo has held exhibitions Tbodies of young children through the world, this marks the through Gaza City. Suhaib Hijazi, first in Kosovo. Afrim 2, and his older brother , Hajrullahu’s photo of Albanians Muhammad, were killed when being marched to the train station their house was destroyed by an by Serb security forces won an Israeli missile strike. Their father award in 1999. also died, and their mother was seriously injured. “Photo reporters risk a lot and Paul Hensen took the picture on do an extraordinary work to bring November 20 for the Swedish before us images of the important newspaper Dagens Nyheter. It was moments all over the world,” said the winning entry among more World Press Photo exhibition than 100,000 photos considered by coordinator Famke van der Valk. the World Press Photo contest. For more information, visit Nyheter’s picture is among 100 http://www.worldpressphoto.org/ winning entries being shown at exhibition/2013_Pristina. The Kosovo’s National Museum in exhibition is being held at the Prishtina. The exhibition opened National Museum of Kosovo, on on Thursday and runs through Nazim Gafurri street. marketing Best priced English language preschool in Pristina

Apply now for our Summer Camp

Soon the summer holidays will set in. It is the time to We have had a wonderful springing semestersemester andaand looklook forward make decisions about where your child will go to preschool to sharing our experience with ototherher fafamilies.milies in the autumn. The families and staff of Park School Pris- tina want to share one of the schooling options in Pristina The school is for children, aged 2 to 6, before they begin for- with you. We are located in a green, quiet, safe and easily mal schooling. Our lessons are based on a preschool curricu- accessible neighbourhood, close to Pristina’s two largest lum from Massachusetts and are taught by qualified teachers. parks, Tauk Bahqe and Germia. The school’s immediate The school day runs 8am – 3pm with flexible drop-off and surroundings include plenty of trees, open grassy areas and pickup time. Children can stay in school until 6pm. fresh air. Our students enjoy the outdoors every day of the We also offer a playgroup for parents or care-givers and their school year, whether it’s to play, picnic, or explore. children, aged 0 to 3. It’s a place where children can play and Park School Pristina was founded by a group of parents in explore together, and develop new friendships. The group late 2011 who sought for their children an English-language meets twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 08:30 – preschool and kindergarten in an attractive setting just out- 11:00. From 10:00-11:30 one of PSP’s teaching assistants leads side downtown Pristina. the group in organised activities. Only 8 minutes from the centre of town!

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Here is Prishtina Insight’s guide to the best places in town to eat, drink, shop and be merry. We’ll keep this section updated with the newest and coolest places

town. Select a booth, ask the amiable staff to seat, if you intend to make a night of it. Next opening in Kosovo. tune into your match and grab a 'double to A&A restaurant and has round windows. decker' or 'triple burger', which look like Opens: 8pm-to late. Shut on Sundays. Restaurants: community of Kosovo. If you are acquaint- American fast-food classics but taste better. ed with Thai food, you're not in for any sur- Friday night Karaoke is a must-see, must- prises here, with the typical assortment of Fastfood: Liburnia 1 and 2 sing event. curries, salads and deep fried treats, deliv- Rr Meto Bajraktar, tel. +381 (0)38 222 719. Hard Rockers Club ered to decent standards. At 7 or 8 euro for a There are actually two Liburnias opposite Road Ilaz Kodra, contact: vraja_fatos@ hot- Bel Ami main course, it's relatively pricey compared each other, both very similar in style and mail.com. It's one of the few places in Rr Luan Haradinaj, Tel: +377 (0)44 133 848, to its neighbours. Open Monday-Thursday food. Housed in a fine Ottoman abode and Prishtina where you can catch regular live +386 49 133 848. The ideal town-centre stop 11:00-14:00 and 17:45-22:30; Friday-Sunday surrounded by pleasant walled gardens, acts and the only place which caters for for a quick lunch or takeaway snack, Bel 11:00-23:00. Liburnia oozes atmosphere, whether in win- those who like their rock served up heavy, or Ami unceremoniously serves some of the ter or summer. The food is a roll call of hard. On a quiet night, it's quite a comfort- best chicken doner in Prishtina in a surpris- Renaissance II decent traditional Albanian food, including able venue to grab a beer, even if you are not ingly un-greasy, smoke-free environment. Rr. George Bush (behind the Pro Credit Bank the usual stews (tave) and grilled meat. It’s being entertained by hirsute musicians . Ask for a “komplet” to get the classic doner HQ), tel. +377 (0)44 118 796. Renaissance not the best place in town to sample local packed with salad and sauces and wrapped offers arguably the best overall dining expe- delicacies, but a good choice given the set- The Cuban in tin foil. Monday-Friday 9 am - 7.30 pm; rience in Prishtina. It's quite an experience ting. Open 8 am - 11 pm Road Luan Haradinaj Tel: +377(0) 45 620 620. Saturday 9 am - 8 pm. just to find the place. Tucked away along a This is a decent addition to the city's drink- tiny alleyway, you enter the homely, stone Country House ing scene, even if the place can be full of building through heavy wooden doors. It's Clubs: Off road to Podujevo from Pristina, right spivs and tarts who aren't going to a fancy- 15 euro per head, and for that you will be after the Muciqi Mercedes-Benz garage, tel. dress party. The Cuban-themed décor is kept fed, watered and supplied with booze P1 +377 (0)44 656 054. This rustic restaurant is decadent Havana, the food is average, and for at least a three course meal, including a Fehmi Agani, +377 (0)44 608 669. If you’re a 15-minute drive outside Pristina (on a not very Caribbean, but the cocktails are wonderful meze starter and a delicious looking for cool, then P1 is probably not good day) and provides glorious views good. 8 am - 1 am. main course cooked on embers. Open 11 am the spot for you. The decor is pretty unin- across rolling, verdant hills and is especial- spiring, the music is bog standard and the - 11 pm. Xhoni’s Bar ly pleasant place in the summer to watch atmosphere reminiscent of a cattle mar- Rexhep Mala, Pristina, tel. +377 (0)44 750 720. the sunset. The overall food quality is ket. But if your thing is scantily clad Bars: Xhoni’s is, without doubt, a Prishtina insti- decent, with special marks for the fresh young women or packs of amorous boys, tution. It’s small, friendly and smoky, plays bread, straight from the wood stove, and than it’s an excellent choice. And, in the excellent soul, disco and classic rock music speca me maze (peppers in cream). 10 am - Tapë venue’s defence, it does have a pleasant from vinyl and is open until the last man or 11 pm. Hajdar Dushi Street Nr. 2 (next to Zani Bar, outdoor area for summer dancing. woman staggers out. Arrive by 11pm at the Kada Books, in front of the Radio Working hours Wednesday, Friday, weekend to secure a corner, or even better a Princesha Gresa Dukagjini). Tapë — which means “cork” in Saturday from 9 pm to 3 am. 23 Rr. Fehmi Agani, tel. +381 (0) 38 24 58 41. If Albanian but is often used to denote you have a horse-size hole in your stomach extreme drunkenness — is a bar with a to fill, this is the place to come. The meal warm atmosphere in Prishtina’s centre. It starts with some free bread and dips and is serves homemade rakia, as well as a variety followed by gargantuan portions of salad, of beers and other liquors, and, of course, meat, fish, or anything else on this varied Stone Castle wine - all at reasonable prices. menu. The food is sometimes great, some- times average but always served in massive Crème de la Crème portions. Open 10 am - 11 pm. Rr Robert Doll, tel. +377(0)44259912. Crème is probably the best all-round bar in the city. Hemingway It's run for the amusement of the young, Rr Ilaz Kodra, tel. +386 (0)49 145 637. Yes, you arty owners and not for profit, which can get fresh sea fish in landlocked Kosovo. explains the more-than-generous pricing Hemingway is tucked away in an unappeal- arrangements, especially for the perfectly ing end of the city but worth a trip if you executed cocktails. Its five tiny floors heave are craving food of the piscine variety. It's a on Fridays and Sundays with Pristina's cool pretty basic sort of set-up and relatively to the variety of beats. Every Wednesday, expensive for the setting, but undoubtedly Friday and Saturday from 8pm to 3am. one of the best places in town for fish. Open 9 am - 11 pm Filikaqa Rr Mujo Ulqinaku BL 4/1, Pejton, website Le Siam Thai www.filikaqa.com; 038 244 288. Whistle, as it Rr Fehmi Agani, tel. +377 (0)45 243 588. translates from Albanian, offers a dizzying Stylishly designed and smoke-free, Le Siam array of televisions on which to watch your has become a real hit for the international sport of choice and eat the best burgers in Hot Food: VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT (ABOVE), Rruga Garibaldi, Behind Metro Caffe. Tingell-Tengell’s short-lived but much loved vegetarian menu gets a restaurant of its own. It doesn’t have a name, and it’s delicious. There’s falafel, hummus, baba ghanouj and more. The stew is also luxurious. All the food is under 5 euro. The bar also fea- tures a few whiskies you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere in Prishtina, as well as an allegedly 36-year-old rakia. The space also feels like home, in that down-to-earth hipster sort of way. The only quibble is the bread, which is a rather basic white bread that’s toasted and garnished with herbs. It doesn’t do justice to the otherwise spectac- ular fare. Don’t miss the poppyseed cake, either. - Gravlax

FRESCO (LEFT). Rr. Fehmi Agani. The newest eatery to hit Prishtina’s fine-dining scene, Fresco has designs on being one of its best. Forgive the excessive interior design - the food is is elegant and simple, with a gastronomic sense that in-step with the times. The salmon filet (11.50 euro) is a standout: succulent and flavorful, appear- ing alongside a sweet potato puree and tempura-fried zucchini. The steaks are perfect, too. +377 (0) 44 333 772.

PAPIRUN Tel. 045 26 23 23. Papirun has seating at two perpendicular counters in what’s basically a hole-in-the-wall just off Mother Teresa Boulevard, near the Grand Hotel. The menu has 13 options: 6 pizzas and seven sandwiches. The sandwiches are Y the stars, though. Every component is handled with care. The bread alone is good M enough to make just about any sandwich into a glorious feast. It’s freshly baked and seasoned with rosemary. C K June 21 - July 4, 2013 17 Guide Contact Prishtina Insight if you would like your event to feature or to advertise your venue. Email [email protected]

Where to pick up Prishtina Insight?

Prishtina Insight has teamed up with these excellent venues to offer a limited Hotel Prishtina number of complimentary copies of Kosovo’s only English-language newspaper. Hotel Prishtina’s 43 charming guest rooms and suites are Grab a copy of the publication and settle down with a drink or a meal to read it. reminiscent of a small hotel in the European tradition. You'll immediately feel at home in our living room, sipping a glass of wine in our fine restaurant surrounded by a gallery of paintings by local artists. The hotel offers free, fast wifi internet, complimentary breakfast, Papillon Bistro Bar conference room, swimming pool, sauna and laundry service. Hotel Prishtina, This newly reopened bar in Prishtina, Papillon, offers St. Vaso Pasha nr. 20 more than 60 types of wines from France, Italy, Spain, +381 38 / 22 32 84 and Kosovo with great prices and delicious dishes. They serve pasta, sandwiches, salads and different appetizers. You can also try different types of local or internation- al beers. The bar, with it’s stunning new design, is located in the centre of Prishtina, near ProCredit Bank headquar- ter, RTK radio centre, and the Mother Teresa cathedral.

Papillon Mother Teresa Str. Nr. 51 A [email protected] 044 103 310

Hotel AFA Hotel Gracanica Located in a quiet neighbourhood just A place to relax in the calm and clean outside the city centre, Hotel Afa can air of the country side, just 15 minutes- guarantee guests a peaceful night while from Prishtina city center, 500 m from being within walking distance of all the the center of Gracanica and its UNESCO action. The venue has won a host of World Heritage monastery and a short awards for its excellent service to cus- walk to the archeological site of tomers and offers a good range of facili- Ulpiana. Offering 5 single, 7 double ties, from an exclusive restaurant and rooms, 3 studios as well as two meeting VIP bar to pretty, tranquil gardens. rooms (16 / 6 p.), the boutique hotel com- Rooms start at 45 euro for a single, and bines contemporary architecture with- luxury rooms and apartments are avail- traditional elements to create a unique able. The hotel’s rooms are well appoint- atmosphere that will make you feel at ed and comfortable. home. +381 (0)38 729 888 (landline) 15, Rr Ali Kelmendi, +386 (0)49 764 000 Sunny Hill, Prishtina [email protected] +381 38/225 226 www.hotelgracanica.com www. hotelafa. com www.facebook.com/HotelGracanica

Paddy O’Brien’s A taste of Napoli in Prishtina. The Ninety One The staff at After ten years of making pizza in The Ninety One (91-shi) is back with its Paddy Napoli, and with only love to blame, new location and old tradition. The own- If you live in Kosovo and would like to O’Brien’s have Fatmir, the head chef, returned to ers and the staff are the same. Daily spe- a saying: “It’s receive the hardcopy of the newspa- Prishtina. His pizzas, made in a wood- cials are changed on a daily basis. The easy to walk in, per delivered to your door, you can burn stove, are definitely genuine breakfast is still served as usual while the but very hard napolitanas. Fatmir also has several coffee is served with delicious home- also subscribe for 13 editions, the to leave.” delicious pastas on offer, a true joy for made almond biscotti. Breakfast menu And with its equivalent of the taste buds. Napoli has an excellent includes; English breakfast, French toast warm atmos- selection of red and white wines or, for croissants, puff pastries and omelettes six months, for 13 euro, including phere, fantastic the more ambitious, one of the region's with your choice of toppings. The new range of drinks delivery, or for 26 euro for the whole best quince raki. Napoli makes for deli- menu dishes include: roast fillet of beef and excellent year. cious lunch, dinner or even after-the- served with spinach potatoes & wine, food, it is easy atre time out in the centre of Prishtina. Chicken and confit garlic in bed of mash Please note, deliveries outside of to see why. & thyme juice. Dessert are served and There have been many attempts to establish a Prishtina may be refused due to trans- Pizzeria Napoli garnished with fresh herbs and are all proper Irish pub in Prishtina, but this is the off Luan Haradinaj, opposite home made. Lemon tart and Chocolate port costs. only one to hit the spot. Newborn mouse is a must try. The kitchen is open From classic coffees to cocktails, via, of You can pay through an international 044/409-402402 every day until 11:00 pm. course, Guinness, you really wont find it diffi- bank transfer or in cash at a Kosovo cult to select the perfect drink. Fehmi Agani str., 29/2 (Te kafet e A mouth-watering menu of Irish specialties is vogla) - 044 91 91 91 - branch of Raiffeisen bank. also on offer, spanning from all-day breakfasts to If you are interested in subscribing Irish stews at night. please email us at Options include shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, fish ‘n chips, and whopping great burgers. [email protected] with the Thursday is pub quiz night, but there is always subject "subscription", listing what something going on at the pub, whether it is sport screenings or just a good shindig. type of subscription you require. We Paddy O’Brien’s will then provide you with an invoice Y Tringe Smajli Street, by the Illyria Hotel and bank details. Prishtina: 045-420900 M C K 18 June 21 - July 4, 2013 timeout

Theatre

“World War Z” 3D “The last station” Sheremeti. Every day at 8 pm Every Thursday at United Nations employee 8pm “As if this was a Gerry Lane traverses the world The story is situated show” in a race against time to stop in the year 2015. Every Wednesday the Zombie pandemic that is Nowadays and past at 8pm toppling armies and govern- problems are carried "In the bus no. ments, and threatening to in the year of 2015. 4...during the war destroy humanity itself. Burim is the main in Prishtina ...a 26 Director: Marc Foster character who is look- years old - young Writers: Matthew Michael ing for the truth, for man...is wearing Carnahan, Drew Goddard Starring: Brad Pitt, his family and his jeans and a black T- MireilleEnos, DaniellaKertesz fiancé, which are still shirt... At "Union" missing since the war hotel...sniper of KLA ended. After breaks a window... “The Croods”3D many attempts he and the youngster During the weekends at finds out that his neighbour is still alive and that he is shot in the neck... 2pm The Croods is a prehistoric knows more about his family. Burim can’t live in A lady dressed in comedy adventure that follows the present; he is always going back to the past, in white, who was standing near him starts to scream. the world's first family as they the memories of his family and Behare, his fiancé. When she sees the blood in her shirt she faints... embark on a journey of a life- Halfway he meets a young girl called Shpresa who two hours later...she is seen at the Big time when the cave that has reminds him of Behare and finally gets part of Mosque...near café "Romantika", but this time always shielded them from dan- Burim’s life. accompanied by a friend younger than her... ger is destroyed. Traveling Based on the novel “Birds fly on their own” by Based on the drama by: Almir Imshireviq across a spectacular landscape, Ibrahim Kadriu. Directed by Agon Myftari the Croods discover an incredi- Directed by Lirak Celaj and Florent Mehmeti Cast: Rebeka Qena, Ardian Morina, Armend ble new world filled with fantas- Cast: Besnik Krapi, Liridona Shehu, Ilire Celaj, Ismajli, Besnik Krapi tic creatures -- and their outlook is changed forever. Adrian Morina, Eshref Durmishi and Kushtrim Director: Kirk De Micco, Chris Sanders Writers: Chris Sanders, Kirk De Micco etc. Starring: Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds. Prishtina Diary Hamam Jazz Bar Groove(RKS) “Epic” 3D Friday, 21 June @Oda Theatre Every day at 4pm Friday, 21 June, 8pm Nesim Maxhuni& Hip-bop Entry Fee: 5 EUR A teenager finds herself quintet By purchasing this ticket you “A tomb for the King’s Mayor” transported to a deep forest set- donate to SOS Kinderdorf. ting where a battle between the By Haqif Mulliqi Crème de la Crème Tickets will be available at: forces of good and the forces of Wednesday, 26 June Crème de la Crème, evil is taking place. She bands Saturday, 22 June, 8pm Hackney Colliery Band(UK), TingellTangell, Dit e Nat and together with a rag-tag group “A tomb for the King’s Mayor” BllaBllaBlla(MK), Gipsy Shallter characters in order to save their By Haqif Mulliqi world -- and ours. Director: Chris Wedge Multimedia Centre Writers: James V. Hart, Monday, 24 June, 8pm National Gallery of William Joyce etc. “The clashes” Kosovo “PRST/Gishti” (The finger) Starring: Collin Farell, Josh By Ekrem Kryeziu by Doruntina Basha Hutcherson, Beyonce Knowles. 28 June - 28 August "The Finger" is about a Tuesday, 25 June, 8pm Retrospective – Simon woman and her mother-in-law “The clashes” Shiroka who live together after the war “After Earth” Personal exhibition Every day at 6 pm By Ekrem Kryeziu in Kosovo, and their husband Curated by Erzen Shkololli A crash landing leaves and son, who disappeared dur- KitaiRaige and his father ing the war. Ten years after his Wednesday, 26 June, 6pm disappearance his mother still Cypher stranded on Earth, a “Narnia” millennium after events forced hopes that he may be alive, but humanity's escape. With From “The lion, the witch and the his wife has doubts. The rela- Cypher injured, Kitai must wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis tionship between the two embark on a perilous journey to Directors: Arjeta Ajeti and Antti women is strained; a struggle signal for help. Sevanto for dominance looms. But at the Director: M. Night same time the two of them Shyamalan share their sorrow for their lost Thursday, 27 June, 8pm loved one, and together they try Writers: Gary Whitta, M. Ballet “The graduation ball” Night Shyamalan to face the truth about his ulti- Starring: Jaden Smith, Will Choreograph: Ilir Kerni mate fate. Smith, SophieOkonedo Friday, 28 June, 8pm, The performance will be held “The twelfth night” in Serbian with simultaneous “Evil Dead” By William Shakespeare Albanian subtitles. Brining this Every day at 10.30 pm play to Kosovo was made possi- Five friends head to a remote Directed by Ilir Bokshi ble by KFOS. cabin, where the discovery of a Book of the Dead leads them to Saturday, 29 June, 8pm Tickets are free but must be unwittingly summon up demons “The twelfth night” reserved before hand. Please living in the nearby woods. The By William Shakespeare contact Qendra Multimedia for evil presence possesses them Directed by Ilir Bokshi reservations by email or phone: until only one is left to fight for survival. The Gallery of the [email protected] Director: Fede Alvarez +381 38 555 799 Writers: Fede Alvarez, Ministry of Culture Address: RodoSayagues 20 June – 20 July Qendra Multimedia Rr. Idriz Gjilani 7/9 - 1, Starring: Jane Levy, Shiloh The National Museum Arvan Berisha & Gëzim Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci LagjaDardania, Y Ramizi & Zgjim Elshani – (In front of "Xhemajl 19 June – 12 July M “The perspective ‘13” Mustafa" elementary school) For any further questions or reservations call at 038 243 238 or C “World Press Photo” exhibition visit them at www.kinoabc.com Group exhibition 10000, Prishtine, Kosove K inside prishtina June 21 - July 4, 2013 19 Katror’s Square Meals Are Good Deal

However, the staff is friendly and helpful and our food arrived quite fast. By Femke Dekker Katror indeed serves their piz- zas differently; the Genovese was a big square pizza crust with tomato sauce and drips of green pesto. As ecently, I heard about a new in many other restaurants in restaurant has been added Kosovo, the starter arrived at the Rto the extensive list of same time as the pasta; a huge por- places to eat in Prishtina. I figured tion of light red penne, also served out that it was an Italian restau- on a square plate. Unfortunately rant located behind Grand Hotel. the Rossa was a bit too hot and Indeed, on Garibaldi Street you besides its spiciness it was pretty can see the brand-new big roof ter- tasteless. It came with parmesan race belonging to another branch of Prishtina’s famous coffee house cheese and spring onions. There and cake shop Ma Belle, and were no real tomatoes on our indeed there is a big black-and- hand-stretched flat bread - only red white sign with the new restau- sauce and green pesto - but for an rant’s name on it, Katror. appetizer it wasn’t a bad choice. After climbing up the stairs, it Now I understood why the waiter was a bit confusing which area of asked us whether we were sure the terrace belongs to the restau- about ordering a starter and two rant; there is no clear division. main dishes; the servings were Inside it was also hard to find the enormous. However, eating it all at demarcation. Eventually, after once was a huge undertaking and I walking to the end of the place, we only got half way. For the same bumped into a creative wall paint- reason we didn’t check out the ing, which included Katror’s delicious cakes for dessert at the glass case; an advantage if you eat square logo. We picked a table next with pesto and tomato” called at a restaurant that shares it’s to the big window with view on Genovese (2.50 euro). space with one of Prishtina’s most Boro Ramiz. I had trouble deciding my main famous cake houses. Since there was no Katror menu course. The Square Chicken (3.80 Katror, meaning square in on the table, we had to ask the euro) - chicken fillets with creamy Albanian, is really a place that waiter. He came back with a spinach sauce and mush served lives up to its name. Although the scrunched menu card and I started with fries - sounded nice. However food itself is not of particularly studying the square shaped menu. I wasn’t sure about the “mush,” so distinctive, their different way of On top of it said “Ha² ‘We serve it ordered the ‘twists of pasta in a square servings makes it definite- in a different way’” which made red pesto with pieces of spiced ly worth trying. In case you are a me curious about how distinctive chicken and spring onions,’ which light eater, the quantity of the Katror could be from all other they call Rossa (4.50 euro). The meals might be slightly over- restaurants in Prishtina. It is not waiter told me it was not too spicy, whelming but it offers good value because of the seleciton the pizza so it seemed to be a good choice. for money. For a 5.50 euro (without and pasta dishes they offer (3.00- While waiting for our meals, I appetizer) it’s a decent place to 5.00 euro) or the selection of burg- took a good look around. A large have a nice lunch or dinner. The ers (2.30-3.90 euro). However, the part of the terrace was empty, concept is innovative and it’s a ‘make your own pizza’ option (2.50 probably because of the rainy pity they share the space with euro) on the Kid’s Corner was weather. Inside only a few tables another eating house because something I haven’t encountered were occupied and the only per- Katror specializes in square food. Katror deserves a place of its own. in other restaurants. sons eating were two of the wait- After a thorough look at the Turkish Soup. After I inquired lentils and vegetables. I’m not a ers. The place is big and suitable to menu I started to get hungry and Katror what exactly a Turkish Soup is, he big fan of lentils, so I decided to serve a lot of people but at the longed for a starter. For the soup of Garibaldi Street, behind the took the Ma Belle menu and point- share with my fellow diner “a bas- same time it might give you a bit of the day (1.50 euro) I had to ask the Grand Hotel, Prishtina ed at the Turkish Soup with red ket of hand-stretched flat bread a cheerless canteen feeling. waiter. He told me that it was a Monday - Sunday 08:00 - 22:30 Beating the Heat Children get some relief from the heat at a new fountain on Mother Teresa Boulevard in Prishtina on Wednesday. Temperatures hit 34 degrees in Kosovo as part of a heatwave in the region. (Visar Kryeziu/AP via Beta.) 20 June 21 - July 4, 2013 opinion Ecosovo New Bag Rule is Beginning of the End for Kosovo’s Plastic Pollution Opinion is divided on whether biodegradable corn starch bags - using crops that could otherwise be used for food - or the bags made from biodegradable plastic with additives, which still require precious and finite resources of oil in By Elizabeth Gowing their production, are better for the environment overall. But no-one disputes that either is better than the non- biodegradable plastic, which has plagued Kosovo’s waste systems for two generations.

ummer is here and Kosovo’s fields and roadside verges are blooming. You Scan’t fail to be stunned by the land- scape’s display - of poppies, facelia, dogros- es - and plastic bags. There are multiple reasons for the plastic bags which are strangling Kosovo’s ecosys- tems, whether in fields or rivers. Rather than reusing a bag, individual consumers take bags they don’t need when they’re at the shop. When they’ve finished with it, some individuals throw their litter away irresponsibly. But even plastic thrown away by those who dispose of their waste careful- ly might end up in the fields thanks to the poor collection and waste management poli- cies at municipal level: 70 per cent of Kosovo’s villages have no waste collection. But those who are used to the sight of such plastic strewn in the wilderness are in for a shock: this week marks the beginning of the end for Kosovo’s plastic crop. Of course the end will take a long time to come – one of the evils of plastic is its longevity, so that bag that you threw away last week will still be lying in long grass in 400 years time. But the bag you threw away yesterday, by law, that bag should now be made of dif- ferent plastic and it should biodegrade to leave nothing behind among the poppies. The new Administrative Instruction issued by the Ministry of the Environment came into force on June 20. It requires every bag produced, imported or sold in Kosovo to be made from plastic with additives intro- duced during production in order to speed up the process of biodegradation. Some supermarkets started using these bags over a month ago, and you may have seen on bags at the store the printed infor- mation required by the new law – stating the fact that the bags are made of additive- enriched plastic, with the time which the bag will take to biodegrade, and the month and year of production. The latter informa- tion enables you to test for yourself the claim made for biodegradation. (It’s also useful information if you plan to use such a bag for storage – when I went recently to retrieve a bag of things I had put away in a cupboard I found what I thought was proof that mice had infested my closets. Closer Plastic bags have menaced Kosovo’s environment for decades. inspection revealed that I had used a very eyes, into a little pile of plastic scraps.) of types of biodegradable bags, including And no-one disputes that it’s better still to biodegradable bag I’d brought back from In countries like the UK there are a range those made from corn starch, which are not reuse an existing bag than to take a new one. England which was biodegrading before my only biodegradable but also compostable – The Environment Ministry’s new meaning that they will break down into Administrative Instruction is a fantastic components forming humus. Instead, in step forward. We should celebrate by taking Kosovo, the approach being required by the the newly reengineered bags and reusing Ministry of the Environment is to require them week after week on our trips to the during bag production that substances are store, until they fall to pieces in our hands. added which enable microorganisms to use the carbon within the polymer chains which make up the plastic Elizabeth Gowing is a founder of The Opinion is divided on whether biodegrad- Ideas Partnership, a Kosovan NGO using able corn starch bags - using crops that volunteer power to tackle educational, cul- could otherwise be used for food - or the tural heritage and environmental chal- bags made from biodegradable plastic with lenges. She is also the author of Travels in additives, which still require precious and Blood and Honey; becoming a beekeeper in finite resources of oil in their production, Kosovo (2011) and Edith and I; on the trail of are better for the environment overall. But an Edwardian traveler in Kosovo – no-one disputes that either is better than the www.edith-and-i.com – published this Y non-biodegradable plastic, which has month. She can be reached on theideaspart- M plagued Kosovo’s waste systems for two gen- [email protected] C erations. K Biodegradable plastic bags start to break down at a landfill in the UK. opinion June 21 - July 4, 2013 21 Outside In From Solidarity to Entitlement Whereas those Kosovar Albanians who were expelled and became refugees were of a less importance because their dedication By Kreshnik Hoxha to Kosovo was somewhat tarnished by their expulsion. As a result, the existence of “we” became a concept of the past. The very recent protests and scandals in nniversaries mark strong turning Kosovo regarding the trials of former KLA points in the life of an individual or members shows how unprepared Kosovar the history of a society. It is precisely Love and Tobacco A Albanians are when it comes to facing the on these days that collective evaluation injustice and crimes committed on their begins in order to understand the metamor- and the same report adds, “20.9 per cent of behalf. The issue goes back to the mindset of phosis undergone by a nation. But, a socie- pregnant [Kosovo] women smoke during fighters and refugees, which is not to be tal evaluation bears much more gravity pregnancy and 60 per cent of newborns are challenged or changed. By Rand Engel when the anniversary is related to the end of exposed to smoke on a daily basis”; Participation in the war was deemed as a a war. Such anniversary marks a new chap- 5. Children selling cigarettes is ter that resonates differently for the two good excuse to exempt people from compli- harmful for their future. It makes smoking member of the Assembly was over- parties involved in the war. It represents ance with rules and laws. Sadly, this still easier for them and may lead to their own heard telling a colleague, “I’m so in hope for one and doubt for the other. continues to be one of the guiding pillars in use. It gives a message that cigarettes and Kosovo. Alove. My sweetheart is everything I children together is okay. Exploitation and Last week marked the 14th anniversary have always wanted. I don’t mind saying it. since the end of the Kosovo war, which fol- Becoming rich at all costs, even illegally, endangerment is a real risk, and even Europa is my love, my dear heart.” “Yes, lowed a NATO air campaign against Serbia. was not frowned upon simply because by more so for the many children who are sell- indeed,” said a second lawmaker, “she is a The signing of the Kumanovo Agreement this point the focus had moved from the fair- ing at night. The new law’s prohibition fol- ness to entitlement. And if one could claim good match for you.” “Of course,” said the brought an end to the Serbian terror and first, “she can be demanding. For just one lows the practice of all of Europe and the massacres perpetrated against Kosovar that they fought for Kosovo, then all their United States, and should obviously be the means of reaching their goals in post-war example, she wants me to give up smoking. Albanians and ensured the return of nearly Of course, I say, ‘Yes, dear, yes Europa, for same for Kosovo, too. Kosovo, however unfair they might have a million refugees expelled from their you anything.’ Once we are married, she 6. Smoking is incredibly expensive. been, were overlooked and swept under the homes by Serbian military and police will be a good wife and not bother me about Smoking one package per day is like burn- carpet. A concept emerged whereby the con- forces. a cigarette here or there.” ing four 100 Euro bills every year: 4,000 tribution to Kosovo’s fight for freedom could For Kosovar Albanians this was a clear The Assembly has – in the name of the euro in 10 years. If two people in the house negate anything in a post-war Kosovo, even indication that a new life and better people – adopted on April 4 a very stringent smoke: 8000 euro. Imagine! Or, if you if this was detrimental to Kosovo’s rebuild- prospects are looming. For Kosovar Serbs, new anti-smoking Law, and President wish, do not use imagination – just do the ing. this was a clear indication that hardship Atifete Jahjaga signed it on 26 April. In math. As a result, today, 14 years on from the and fear are ahead. For the inter-ethnic rela- fact, the many fiendishly addicted smokers 7. It is harmful to people who serve war, every aspect of life in Kosovo is led by tions, this was loss of the very last traces of of the Assembly voted for the new law, us. How many of us would choose to give a the principles of “I deserve this more than trust, which hindered any possibility for almost unanimously. Which leads us to a person we hardly know and who has never you”. Kosovo finds itself struggling to build truth telling and truth finding. It also question: Did they vote for the new law done us any harm a deadly disease? Would a functional and strong state where fairness marked the beginning of trouble within the with honest conviction of its social good – you? Of course not! Yet, we make the and ethnic diversity thrives. This is not groups themselves. even though restricting smoking will be atmosphere of the restaurant where we because Kosovo’s majority Albanian popu- Having experienced a devastating war, very inconvenient for many of them – or eat, thick with toxic gases that waiters will lation are of any less capability to run their Kosovo started a new path. Thousands of were their votes something forced on them, breathe in hour after hour every day, own country, but it is merely due to the crip- Albanians poured into the workplaces that while they have no intention, neither men, increasing their risk from all the fatal dis- pled values which engulfed the post-war era. they had left 10 years earlier desperately neither women, of obeying the new law? eases in the next point. Isn’t it at least a lit- The entitlement syndrome will continue seeking return to their jobs. While this was Making dear Europa content may be rea- tle reasonable to decide not to contribute as Albanians bicker with each other on who a remarkable step following a decade of son enough to make a law – but it may not to such harm for others? should enjoy Kosovo more: fighters or Milosevic’s apartheid in Kosovo, it also be reason enough to obey it. To help us be 8. Smoking is absolutely shown to refugees, while fully disregarding the Serb marked the day when Kosovar Albanians motivated, I will propose 8 reasons why all be a major cause of all of these diseases: debate on the issue. Similarly, debates on began to bury their sense of community of us (smokers and non-smokers!) should lung cancer, throat cancer, pancreatic can- entitlement to Kosovo will also continue and solidarity, which had held them togeth- try to make the new smoking law succeed: cer, stomach cancer, bladder cancer, among Serbs of south and north Kosovo er during the years of oppression. There 1. Laws should be real – obeyed or esophageal cancer, mouth cancer, throat plainly based on who is remaining more was one goal and it was very clear: to sort changed. Phony law undermines public cancer, larynx cancer, erectile dysfunction, loyal to Serbia, while utterly ignoring the yourself out first, others are just others. trust and confidence, and sham laws are emphysema, congestive heart failure, debate happening among Albanians. With the end of the war, the Albanian truly harmful when dealing with public cataracts, dental problems, pneumonia. In And in all this vicious circle, Kosovo quest for survival moved into greed and health and safety. the US, for example, smokers die 13 to 14 abandons another generation, which has entitlement. The system of values under- 2. Smoking in Kosovo is the number years younger than non-smokers - a figure succumbed to living without a clear purpose went a detrimental transformation. A con- one public health issue – and disaster. The similar to comparing Kosovo and Sweden where people are driven by self-granted cept seemed to emerge whereby those who average Kosovar lives 11-plus years less life expectancies, and for similar reasons. rights, without any vision for a better life fought for freedom and stayed in Kosovo than the average Swede. That is almost 21 How do we persuade people to give up and deeply enmeshed in division, prejudice during the war were entitled to everything. million years of life the present population this deadly, expensive, smelly habit? Make and lack of trust. of Kosovo is losing. Though there are many it more difficult. That’s how. If the law is reasons – pollution, inadequate health supported, smoking will be a little more care, the stresses of decades of oppressive difficult. That will improve Kosovo health, politics and war – smoking is probably the contribute to longer healthier lives, allow main reason. investment in more useful expenditures, 3. Smoking is very harmful for chil- protect Kosovo’s children, show increased dren – and this means smoking around respect for rule of law – and make Europa them. How do we assure that children are happy. However, the goal of this article is protected? Children are protected when not to convince you not to smoke. The goal smoking in education facilities is severely is to convince non-smokers and smokers penalized, when public areas do not allow alike to demand that the new law be smoking, when cigarette advertising is pro- enforced, because it is good for Kosovo hibited, when society agrees that smoking today, and a contribution to a much is a bad idea. All of this is in the new law. stronger, healthier, wealthier Kosovo Indeed, the Office of Good Governance’s tomorrow – a contribution to you, your annual review of Kosovo’s Strategy and family, your children being protected today Action Plan on children’s rights, reported: and tomorrow. “Smoking is children’s biggest health How do we do it? We – smokers and non- risk.” Of course, smoking in the home is smokers – need to agree that the govern- not covered by this law. At the same time, ment should enforce the law, and that we the law – if enforced – will remind every- will respect the law. We need to complain to one that smoking is an extreme endanger- restaurants and other places that break the ment to health, and more and more people law. We need to use our summer warm will on their own stop smoking when and weather to get used to the new situation. We where children may be affected. – even the smokers – need to want this to An American solider in Kosovo after the war in 1999. 4. For infants, the threat is greatest, succeed. 22 June 21 - July 4, 2013 culture Alarm Raised For Roman Amphitheatre in Albania

fered from continued deteriora- Located in the very centre of the tion and the major challenge is city, known in antiquity by the By Besar Likmeta therefore to ensure its successful name of Epidamnos or integration into the urban fabric Dyrrachium, and with a capacity of Durres,” the European heritage of 15,000 to 20,000 spectators, it is he heritage organisation organisation said. one of the most remarkable her- Europa Nostra has listed the “This heritage gem is also itage sites in the whole Balkan TRoman amphitheatre in threatened by lack of financial region. Durres as one of the seven most resources, natural causes and neg- Apart from the amphitheatre of endangered cultural heritage sites lect,” it added. Durres, Europa Nosta listed the in Europe. Built in the 2nd century AD, the historic centre of Nicosia in “The monument has endured Roman amphitheatre of Durres Cyprus, the 17th-century fortifica- The Roman amphitheatre in Durres is one of the most endangered cultural heritage chaotic urban planning, which remained unknown to the world tions at Briançon in France, the sites in Europe. (Photos/Europa Nostra) affects its structure, and has suf- until it was excavated in the 1960s. monastery of San Benedetto Po in Italy, the 15th-century monastery at Setúbal in Portugal, the historic mining landscape of Rosia Montana in Romania and the Armenian church of St George in Mardin in Turkey as most threat- ened landmarks. “These monuments and sites were selected not only because they tell a fascinating story about our shared past, anchoring a sense of belonging to a European family, but also because they are highly valuable to the local communities who are strongly engaged in sav- ing them,” Placido Domingo, President of Europa Nostra, said. “Rescuing these sites would also act as a catalyst for the social and economic revitalisation of entire cities or areas,” he added. marketing

Y M C K June 21 - July 4, 2013 23 Classified Contact Prishtina Insight if you would like to advertise Email [email protected]

Embassies and Liaison Offices in Prishtina

American Address: "Nazim Hikmet" no. 30 Arbëria/Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 549 516 Austrian Address: "Ahmet Krasniqi" no. 22 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 249 284 Belgian Address: "Taslixhe" I, 23 A 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 734 734 British Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 6 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 254 700 Bulgarian Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 12 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 038 245 540 Dutch Address:" Xhemal Berisha" no. 12 Velania, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 224 61 Finnish Str. Perandori Justinian No. 19 Pejton 10 000 Prishtina 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 Alcoholics Anonymous Personal Trainer Phone: +381 (0) 38 249 995 Luxemburg Classified Ads Address: "Metush Krasniqi" no. 14 (English speaking) Mentor Azemi - 044 811 921 Do you have a flat to rent? Position to fill? Students to find for a language Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina course? Why not speak directly to Kosovo’s international community Personal attention and Phone: +381 (0) 38 226 787 through Prishtina Insight classified ads. training schedule Malaysian Almost every international organisation, embassy, NGO and many oth- For further information... Time and place of your Address: "Bedri Shala" no. 48 ers subscribe to Kosovo’s only English language newspaper, which is also choice 10000 Prishtina on sale at newsstands in seven cities and received in electronic format by Contact : 3 per week = 150 month Phone: +381 (0) 38 243 467 scores of paying clients across the world. Erik - tel nr.: 044937397 5 per week = 200 month Norwegian (Other schedules possible) Address: "Sejdi Kryeziu" no. 6 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 232 111 00 Saudia Arabian Easy Medium Hard Address: Dardania SU 7, building 2, #1 | 10000 Prishtina 85 4 Phone: +381 (0) 38 549 203 653 5 Slovenian Address: "Anton Ceta" no. 6 26 78 26 79410000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 244 886 81962 28 79 Swedish Str. Perandori Justinian No. 19 47171 8 9 2496Pejton 10 000 Prishtina 137698 9 547 6 7 Phone: +381 38 24 57 95 Swiss 97 6 52 83 3615Address: "Adrian Krasniqi" no. 11 10000 Prishtina 3649 6 17 49 Phone: +381 (0) 38 248 088 7997 31 39 8 Turkish Y Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 59 M Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina C 834 697 4 Phone: +381 (0) 38 226 044 K 24 June 21 - July 4, 2013 advert

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