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NEWS Malcolm: Kosovo Should Lobby Africa on ‘Shared’ Colonial Past

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By Edon Muhaxheri Edon By Prishtina’s Picture Postcard Image: Prishtina Insight commissioned this mock postcard following the municipality’s decision to dig up the city during the height of the summer season. Read more on page 8 > page 6 CITY Mystery of Serbia, Kosovo Plot Strategy Prishtina’s ‘Timeless’ Clock After Court Ruling > page 8 While Prishtina insists the World Court opinion closes the issue of Kosovo’s status, Serbia is gearing for up a new CULTURE UN resolution, which it hopes will keep the subject very much alive. By Petrit Collaku and violate international law, Serbia Skender Hyseni, has began a and Kosovo needs another 25 to Dokufest is Bojana Barlovac reiterated it would not abandon series of meetings in New York to gain a majority in the UN in time the struggle over what it calls its push the process forward, promis- to counter a Serbian resolution in Back in Force erbia and Kosovo have been “Jerusalem”. ing 35 recognitions in the mean- September in the General busy shoring up their respec- Since the World Court delivered time. Assembly, dealing with the ICJ > page 12 Stive positions in the run-up to its advisory opinion, Kosovo said Hyseni’s office said that he has decision. expected negotiations, following it was expecting new recognitions “tens of meetings scheduled” with For UN membership, Kosovo will the ruling of the International from countries that had held back, representatives of countries at UN need a recommendation from the Court of Justice, ICJ, on July 22. waiting for the ICJ to pronounce. headquarters. Security Council before it can be put While Kosovo has declared July It has sent letters to 120 foreign So far, 69 countries, including to the General Assembly. New mem- 22 an historic day, after the Court ministries calling on their coun- the United States and 22 of the 27 bers require approval of a two-thirds ruled that that its unilateral decla- tries to recognise its statehood, EU countries, have recognised majority. ration of independence did not while the Foreign Minister, Kosovo. But around 120 have not, continues page 4 FEATURE Hip Hop Becomes IMF Predicts Sustained GDP New Powers for EU Bosnia the Sound of Kosovo Growth for Kosovo Envoy Questioned > page 14 The IMF is predicting that Kosovo’s GDP A Bosnia-based source confirmed on per capita, currently the lowest in Europe, Wednesday to Prishtina Insight the exis- will grow by 3 per cent from 1,766 to 2,360 tence of the confidential document by euro over the next six years. Europe’s foreign minister, Baroness The analysis came as the IMF approved a Ashton, urging the creation of a powerful grant of 109 million euro over the next 18 new envoy to Bosnia with powers to months to support... impose travel bans and free... business page 6 news page 9

Y M is supported by: C K 2 July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 news Dear Teta Mia... Malcolm: Kosovo Should Lobby

Historian Dr Noel Malcolm, the author of the seminal ‘Kosovo A Short History’, talks of how Kosovo could Teta Mia solves your problems secure more recognitions following the International Court of Justice decision and discusses Kosovo’s place in the world of international diplomacy

for America to have the job of telling graphic study of all the mosques and all Who is George Washington? them what to do in their foreign policy. So, Islamic building that were destroyed or I think it is up to Kosovo itself to do this. damaged by Serbia in 1999. This sort of Patriot, Prishtina And I think it has to deal with several dif- materials has some psychological effect. By Jeta Xharra hat is this ignorance, Patriot? How can ferent problems. One is the pressure of When Saudi Arabia recognised Kosovo, it you not know who George Washington Russian policy. Russia has been very said ‘we do so not only we recogniwe the Wis? Don’t they teach you basic history at active even in the Islamic world putting will of Kosovo people but also we recogni- school? Well, I suppose I must enlighten you. uestion: Dr Malcolm, Kosovo pressure on countries not to recognise we their cultural and religious ties to our In short, George Washington was the first con- has been independent for two Kosovo. own people’. years now but it has only stitutional president of the United States of Q Question: Kosovars are worried to Question: And to the Africans? What attracted recognitions from western America, the flag of which glorious country stress their Islamic identity from fear could we stress when Kosovars talk to countries and it is having problems graces the petrol stations and armoured person- of being identified as an Islamic coun- Africans? That is, if they ever get a communicating and getting recogni- nel carriers of our own dear land. try. Should that worry still persist? chance to go since Kosovo passports tions from countries of Arab, African Answer: As a general statement to the are not accepted there, you can even His role in the American revolution and the and Latin American world. What world about what Kosovo is and how it get the delegation practically there. ensuing independence from Britain was crucial should Kosovars be doing? identifies itself, that is a very reasonable Answer: Well, I think the passport issue to the development of this new nation. Not only Noel Malcolm: Well, it is difficult for me worry. There is no reason for Kosovo to is just a practical detail. This is some- was he an outstanding soldier and strategist, he do give advice because I am not a profes- present itself generally as an Islamic where where Western countries can sure- was also acutely aware of the factional pressures sional diplomat, I am not even a diplomat country, it is very different form the Arab, ly help and if necessary can arrange spe- within his fledgling republic and strove to and I know that the Foreign Ministry in Islamic states. But in its negotiations cial diplomatic passes. I think that is not remain aloof from party politics and representa- Prishtina is doing a lot on this and I don’t with the Islamic the main problem. tive of all Americans. know the details of negotiations. But I states over this Yes, Africa is another case where there Remembered as accepting public office only think there are problems for Kosovo now. issue, I think are other problems. I think one theme that reluctantly (first as Commander-in-Chief of the At the beginning it was clear that the it has the Kosovo can reasonably emphasize talking revolutionary forces in 1775, and then as big Western powers would help with right to to many African and Third World coun- President of the United States in 1789 and again and do the main job of approaching remind tries is that in many ways Kosovo was in a in 1793), George Washington is one of Plato’s other countries and recommending them situation of colonised and a colonialised rare “philosopher-kings”. It seems he even tried recognition of independence. I that the country and society. And these are not to refuse his presidential salary on account of think that the easy countries have majority phrases that I am using widely. being wealthy already – but was persuaded to been done now, the ones that of its In the 1920s Serbia had an official colo- take it in order to open up future presidencies to responded easily to advice popula- nialisation program, they had Office of those with no independent means. Britain or America. tion is Colonialisation in Belgrade, they sent On leaving office, resisting colleagues’ pres- You cannot go to many coun- either 70,000 people to colonise Kosovo, which sure to stay on for a third term, Washington left tries in Africa as an old colonial Islamic or was at that time was 10 per cent of the us some bons mots in his farewell address. I power like Britain and just tell at least of total population. And you know that the think, Confused, that this address may still have them what to do in their foreign poli- the Islamic whole nature of the Serbian policy for some relevance for us today. cy. And America, as we know, has suf- background much of the 20th Century, not the best part For example, Washington is adamant about fered some damage to its reputation and cultural her- of the Tito period, not most of, the rest of respecting the separation of powers of the differ- in foreign policy, particularly, obvi- itage. Perhaps, I the 20th century was very much like the ent organs of state. We need “caution in those ously in the Arab world but also in know there was a colonial policy. So this is something that intrusted with [a country’s] administration,” Latin America. big photo- Africans can relate to very directly. and should avoid “in the exercise of the powers I don’t think Question: You wrote the first inter- of one department to encroach upon another. it is good The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate national history of Kosovo. How root- the powers of all the departments in one, and ed and established do you think thus to create, whatever the form of government, Kosovo is as a distinct territory a real despotism…” For this, we must have “reci- and what do you see as the procal checks in the exercise of political power.” roots of the Kosovar identi- He also warns against developing favouritism ty? for a particular foreign country, because it can Answer: Well, it depends lead to “concessions to the favorite Nation of what you mean by rooted as a privileges denied to others” for various reasons, distinct territory. It is not nec- including that the “Nation making the conces- essary for a particular terri- sions” will unnecessarily [part] with what ought tory to show continuous to have been retained”; and because “ambitious, existence as political enti- corrupted, or deluded citizens” can be allowed to ty since the Middle Ages betray or sacrifice the interests of their own in order to have a gen- country…sometimes even with popularity” in uine and valid claim to the interests of the favoured nation. an independent state His aphorisms, observations and maxims today. If we apply that retain their searing relevance in our new, unpre- test many European dictable century. A few in particular come to countries would fail. mind, which perhaps we can use to build our Belgium became own new state in this diamond-shaped corner of Belgium in 1830. the Balkans: There are many European coun- “Few men have virtue to withstand tries that only the highest bidder.” came together later. Look at Rental of simultaneous translation equipment. Services for conferences, presentations and trainings. Y M For prices and booking call: +381 38 602042, [email protected] C +377 44 243376 [email protected] K news July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 3 Africa on ‘Shared’ Colonial Past Editor’s Word

Germany and Italy as we know many key issues. We have seen Kartolinë them today. So, I don’t think it is that over Kosovo. necessary to ask for long histori- Question: The Balkans has cal justifications for a particular lots of myths, leading some to state borders on the map. believe that the region is What matters is the population uniquely prone to ethnic By Lawrence Marzouk that lives there, the history of ancient hatred. Now, what do perhaps the last 100 years, that’s a you think can be done for human lifetime to the maximum these myths not to hold the rowsing through the Kartolinë, and the political arrangements entire region hostage for the or postcard, section at the that people have lived under. future? BRilindja bookstore, I couldn’t It is absolutely clear that Answer: The myth of the help laugh at the appalling attempts Kosovo lived in a system at least ancient ethnic hatred was some- to promote Kosovo’s image. for the last 50 years approximate- thing produced partly by igno- The photographs for each city were ly, Tito’s constitutions, where rant outsiders, from travelers in each more risible than the next. From Kosovo, with is present borders, the early 20 Century onwards, clapped-out cars on the streets of was a political unit, acting inde- who thought it was easier and Ferizaj to ugly tower blocks in pendently, making its own deci- somehow more exiting for their Mitrovica, the only redeeming feature sions within the federal struc- readers if they said that this is a of these montages was their comic ture, representing itself directly sort of maelstrom of inexplica- value. at the federal level and therefore ble ancient hatred that made it Rather than embellishing these in fact having all the same rights sound exotic and mysterious. It towns and cities, these wish-you-were- and powers, the same justifica- comes partly form that, and part- here offerings made a mockery of tion to become a state after a dis- ly in much more recent history it Kosovo. solution of Yugoslavia. Just, comes from the deliberate But it got me thinking about how the exactly on the same level as manipulation and confusion of country, and Prishtina in particular, Slovenia or Croatia or the others. Western opinion by people who was selling itself. That is enough, that is enough wanted them to think that the I’ve seen quite a number of tourists historically. wars that were caused directly wondering wide-eyed around town, Question: If you look at the by politicians, essentially by Lonely Planet Western Balkans open on map of Europe today and Milosevic in Belgrade, that these the map section as they try to fathom where the Balkans is, would were not caused by any modern the city’s geography and esoteric road you still say that the Balkans politician but they were caused nomenclature. is the playground where the by some ancient people with Prishtina gets a great write-up in the great powers still settle their swords in peoples’ memories. guidebook – it is, in fact, listed as one of accounts? There was stupidity on one hand the highlights of the region, and right- Answer: Well, not in the way it and deliberate manipulation and ly so. was in 19th Century, the confusion on the other. If you The vibrancy of the place, its superb Congress of Berlin, for example. look at the reality, these ancient bars, cafes and restaurants, its people’s Not in the way it was in 1914 hatreds go back no further nor- wholesome welcome and its smattering of history mean it should be on any when one assassination in coming to them from Moscow are not making progress as quickly mally than the middle of 19 backpackers’ itinerary of the region. Sarajevo brought the whole vey mistaken. They are also just as Kosovo should and as quickly Century. And they are products; But, just as those dreadful postcards power system into a World War. being used and manipulated. We as it could. absolutely normal products of fail to portray their subjects in a flatter- Question: But in which have seen it with Russia’s In the case of Bosnia there is a the state formation process that ing light, Prishtina Municipality way? maneuvers on oil pipelines and much more genuine risk, real developed nationalism of differ- appears to have decided to sabotage Answer: In a much more limit- buying up the Serbian oil indus- political risk. I think regarding ent kinds with their national their own tourist season by digging up ed sense. If you look particularly try at a ridiculously low price. your last comment that the atten- myths; and developed political some of the most pleasant parts of the at Russian policy towards That Russia is just playing games tion of Western powers has conflicts on the ground because city centre. Kosovo, it is difficult to see any with them too. And when it has moved elsewhere, that’s absolute- these nationalisms were compet- Mother Teresa, for starters, is intrinsic reason inside of Kosovo used them, they will abandon ly true. And that’s true of ing for territory. So that is the so Kosovo’s capital’s only pedestrianised or inside the narrow Balkan situ- them. So, I think Russia is the America for many years now, the called ancient ethnic hatred. You street. In a city dominated by cars, it is ation for Russia having such one case where it is just great intensive involvement in Iraq question how do we stop them or a wonderful place to take an evening strong views and such a strong power politics. and Afghanistan has taken up reduce them. It really is a ques- stroll and absorb the atmosphere. desire to block Western policy. In the case of European pow- the energies of the State tion of education in the broader Except that, for the past three weeks, This is a game being played on ers they have the direct interest. Department, there is much more sense. Not just what goes into the place has looked like an unfinished the chessboard for other purpos- They are doing this not in the old a sort of holding operations men- school textbooks, but what peo- jigsaw, with piles of slabs dotted along es. And it is part of Putin’s larg- fashioned way but because they tality now when they look at ple say in the public, what politi- the stretch, great mounds of cement er desire to make trouble for want some sort of coherent and Balkans. Much more responsibil- cians say, what is said in the and a gymkhana of cordoned-off areas. Western policy, to show that progressive situation to develop ities lie with the European pow- media. Now, I know that the shoddy work- Russia still has the power to on their own borders. And in the ers. And I am afraid that Europe I am not talking about the manship of three years ago, when the block things, to demand compen- case of US, I think it is closer to is at the awkward moment now, it brainwashing, or some sort of street was first laid, needed remedying, sation on some other points the European position, much is a moment when it is just try- new ideology that the Balkans but did it really have to happen at the where perhaps they really do closer than it is to the mentality ing to develop for the first time was always been a wonderland of busiest and most important time of the care but about something com- of Moscow. officially European foreign poli- mutual tolerance. No, just nor- year for visitors, be they emigrants or pletely outside the Balkans. Question: Then, were would cy, with its own Foreign policy mal history, normal understand- tourists? Russia is still treating Balkans you say the Balkans is going representatives, its own quasi ing. And what of the bustling Fehmi in this instrumental way. I today? Foreign Ministry, its own diplo- Perhaps some normal under- Agani Street, home to Kosovo terrace believe that they are also treating Answer: I wouldn’t generalise mats who would be set up. This is standing that every country in culture in the shape of the Little Café Serbia in this very instrumental about the Balkans. There are a very difficult project because Europe has some elements, some district? Well, that too is being ripped to way. People in Belgrade that risks particularly in the case of ultimately foreign policy in each ethnic minority that is looked pieces for pipe replacement, turning it imagine that they have some Bosnia. I don’t think in the case European country is absolutely a down on by its neighbours or into an obstacle course of rickety great sort of blood brotherhood of Kosovo there is any great risk. national matter. We know that vice versa. There is nothing bridges and giant chasms. and sort of deep Slavic sympathy The only risk is stagnation and these nations do not agree on unique about this. Nothing at all. Bill Clinton Boulevard looks like the dusty site of a modernday excavation. I am not saying that these projects aren’t needed, or aren’t welcome, but ICTY Orders Partial Retrial of Former Kosovo PM that most cities would have decided to he appellate chamber at the Haradinaj, who served as prime minister charges of war crimes and crimes against do the work outside of peak season. International Criminal Tribunal for of Kosovo for a short period in 2004, Idriz humanity. Brahimaj was sentenced to six I simply do not buy the municipali- Tthe former Yugoslavia has ordered a Balaj and Lahi Brahimaj were initially years’ imprisonment for cruel treatment and ty’s argument that these projects could partial retrial of the case of Ramush charged with crimes committed between torture of two persons at the not have been started in spring and Haradinaj and two other former command- March 1 and September 30, 1998 in the Jablanica/Jabllanice headquarters of the completed by now. ers of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), Dukagjin area of western Kosovo against the KLA. Prishtina isn’t awash with world and the immediate detention of the three non- ethnic Albanian population and ethnic The trial chamber’s verdict found renowned monuments or blessed with men. Albanians which the KLA believed were Brahimaj guilty of cruel treatment and tor- perfect beaches – it needs to work hard The court ordered the retrial largely cooperating with Serbs. ture of two victims who had perceived ties, with the hand it has been given. Y because of claims from the prosecution that In April 2008, Haradinaj and Balaj were or were believed to be collaborating with But this time, the municipality has M a number of witnesses had been intimidated acquitted by a first instance verdict on all Serbs. drilled right through its own foot. C over the course of the trial. K 4 July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 news Serbia, Kosovo Plot Strategy After Court Ruling

from page 1 Blerim Shala, vice-president of the opposition Alliance for the Serbia’s draft resolution was Future of Kosovo, AAK, agreed the submitted to New York on ruling strengthened Kosovo’s bar- Wednesday calling for ‘acceptable gaining position. solutions for all open issues in the “There are going to be talks, and interest of peace, safety and coop- they are going to be difficult, but eration in the region’. Kosovo is now in a better situa- In the wake of the ruling, Serbia tion,” he said. “Just imagine if the has dispatched delegations to 55 opinion had been ambiguous or in countries in an attempt to stop new favour for Serbia - then certainly recognitions. In Belgrade, the there would be talks on Kosovo’s Serbian parliament on Monday held status,” Shala added. an emergency debate on the advisory However, the word “status” still opinion, reaffirming Belgrade’s com- lingers in the air, despite Kosovo’s mitment to defend ‘Serbia’s sover- best efforts to expel it from discus- eignty and territorial integrity’. sion. Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Hashim A top diplomat, the US ambassa- Thaci, decribed the ICJ opinion as dor to Kosovo, Chris Dell, and an the seal of approval for Kosovo’s advisor to Thaci, Dukagjin Gorani, independence. In an address to were both quoted in separate arti- Kosovo MPs on Wednesday, Thaci cles referring to possible “special said the ICJ opinion brought to a status” for the Serb-ruled north of close the era of so-called “super- Kosovo - though both men have vised” independence, referring to since criticised the articles as inac- the continued presence of interna- curate. tional supervisory authorities, After media in both countries namely the EU rule of law mission picked up the Voice of America in Kosovo, EULEX, and the story, which said Thaci was consid- International Civilian Office. ering offering autonomy to the Thaci and Tadic in a game of chess over Kosovo’s future Neither organisation is in fact north, Dell said: “I did not call for available diplomatic and political Albanians in South Serbia as well asks the UN General Assembly to about to leave Pristina anytime granting northern Kosovo autono- means to preserve Serbia’s sover- as Serbs in Kosovo,” he said, “but include in its provisional agenda a soon. my, nor has the Prime Minister ever eignty and territorial integrity. with such a decision officials have topic on further action following But Kosovo’s government says done so – publicly or privately,” he The opposition Liberal confirmed that they still cling to the announcement of the ICJ’s the ICJ opinion puts Prishtina in a added. Democratic Party, LDP, and the their unreal stance on the issue, advisory opinion. favourable position ahead of future Gorani said that after the ICJ rul- right-wing Democratic Party of continuing to demand new negoti- The text, however, does not men- negotiations, effectively ruling out ing, Belgrade was no longer in a Serbia, DSS, voted against the res- ations on status of Kosovo.” tion talks on status of Kosovo on any need for further discussion of position to place conditions on talks olution, though not for the same Halimi added that not one word which has to date been a central Kosovo’s status. and so was trying “through the reasons. in the document mentioned any of tenet of Belgrade’s position. The speaker of the Kosovo assem- media to send messages to its peo- While the Liberals oppose the everyday problems that his Jeremic has explained that he bly, Jakup Krasniqi, told BIRN’s ple, particularly to the Kosovo nationalist posturing over Kosovo, minority in Serbia faces in con- wanted to see ‘further negotia- weekly television show, Life in Serbs, that autonomy is guaranteed the more nationalist DSS blames nection with the Kosovo dispute. tions on Kosovo’s status as a Kosovo, that the Court ruling gave for Serbs in northern Kosovo”. the government of mishandling “While they are talking about result’ of the UN resolution. Serbia “a great moment” to come to He described the ruling as “a the issue. talks on [Kosovo’s] status, some Djordje Vukadinovic, a Serbian terms with reality and cooperate huge disappointment to the Serbian Petar Petkovic, DSS spokesper- people in Presevo, Medvedja and political analyst, predicted that with an independent and sovereign people, particularly to the Kosovo son, told Prishtina Insight that the Bujanovac [in South Serbia] are the draft resolution would have Kosovo. “It is in the interest of both Serbs, [who now had to realise] that party had been requesting a par- not receiving pensions because been “prepared carefully, to be as Serbia and Kosovo to be together in the policy Belgrade started 11 years liamentary session on Kosovo they worked in Kosovo and diplo- acceptable as possible to those the EU integration process,” he in Kosovo was a mistake”. issue for two years “at which a mas from Kosovo’s university are countries that have already recog- said. A Kosovo government unified stance on the issue would not recognised,” Halimi said, nised Kosovo,” Vukadinovic told spokesman, Memli Krasniqi, said be created in the interest of all referring to two key issues affect- Prishtina Insight. future talks with Serbia would be Serbia’s people. ing Serbia’s ethnic Albanian He said that Belgrade needed to only about technical issues. He told “The fact that the government minority. be flexible in talks with Prishtina Insight the government decided to address parliament on Addressing MPs at the close of Washington and Brussels in order www.prishtinainsight.com had a clear strategy for the north, the issue only today, after the ICJ’ the session, President Tadic said to prevent further recognitions where Kosovo’s law would one day s opinion, represents pure Serbia’s pursuit of its claim to happening before the General Publisher: be applied. hypocrisy,” Petkovic added, main- Kosovo had to be balanced by the Assembly meeting. BIRN taining that a series of govern- need to keep out of the ethnic con- “The text itself will directly Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Serbia Plans UN Vote: ment blunders had led to the advi- flicts that it had been involved in determine the chances of the reso- sory ruling. for decades. “It is time for great lution succeeding,” he added. Mensa e Studenteve, first floor Meanwhile, after more than 11 “The only solution to such situ- patriotism, it’s time for great Serbian deputies expressed hours of debate, Serbia’s parlia- ation is for [President Boris] Tadic work,” the President said. optimism at the session that the 10000, Prishtina ment on Monday night adopted a and all the top officials in the Two days after Serbia’s govern- UN would yet conclude that the Kosovo resolution calling on the govern- country to resign,” he continued. ment took a clear parliamentary Kosovo “secessionists were not Phone: +381 (0) 38 24 33 58 ment to continue its efforts to A new government would then mandate to continue its Kosovo right”, as the Foreign Minister, Fax: +381 (0) 38 22 44 98 defend Serbia’s sovereignty and responsibly commit itself to policy, Serbia submitted its draft Vuk Jeremic, put it. territorial integrity. In the vote, resolving the issue and file a new resolution on Kosovo to the UN Meanwhile, Todorovic, from the [email protected] 192 out of 220 deputies voted in lawsuit before the ICJ. General Assembly, which “clearly opposition SRS, said he was pes- favour of the resolution, 26 were The other major opposition par- states” that unilateral secession is simistic about the outcome of the Editor-in-Chief: against, and two deputies did not ties, the nationalist Serbian not an acceptable means to solve meeting of the UN General Lawrence Marzouk vote. Radical Party, SRS, and Serbian territorial disputes. Assembly in September. “We don’t [email protected] The resolution called for Progressive Party, SNS, both According to a statement issued expect anything good,” he said. Editorial Team: “peaceful negotiations to allow for backed the document. by Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk He told Prishtina Insight that a permanent, sustainable and Dragan Todorovic, from the Jeremic on Wednesday, the Serbia needed to concentrate Ana Petruseva, Gordana Igric, mutually acceptable solution for SRS, told Prishtina Insight that Serbian resolution comes after more on “improving relations Jeta Xharra, Marcus Tanner, Kosovo and Metohija in accor- the government’s handling of the serious consultations between the with countries like China and Petrit Collaku, Shengjyl Osmani and dance with the Constitution of … affair had ended in fiasco, “but country’s diplomats and members Russia, which can resist the US on Belinda Vrapi Serbia, which will allow for the Radicals will not side with the of the international community the [Kosovo] issue.” historic reconciliation of the enemy”, referring to the break- following the International Court Meanwhile, Serbia’s Jeremic Serbian and Albanian people, as away Kosovo Albanians. of Justice’s ruling on Kosovo’s left for New York on Wednesday Marketing, Sales & Distribution: well as peace and stability in the Riza Halimi, the only ethnic independence. in order to discuss the Kosovo [email protected] region”. Albanian MP in Serbia’s parlia- The resolution also calls for dia- issue with UN Secretary-General The document, entitled ment, voted against the document, logue as a way to reach mutually Ban Ki-Moon, as well as a number Design & Layout: “Rrjeti” “Decision on the Continuation of calling the debate a missed oppor- acceptable solutions “for all open of ambassadors accredited to rep- Y Activities in Defence of Serbia’s tunity. issues” in the interest of peace, resent their countries at the UN. M Printing: Lindi Printing Center Sovereignty and Territorial “This was a great chance for the safety and cooperation in the He is also expected to address the C Integrity”, calls for national unity country to try to resolve some region. Forum of the Non-Aligned Copyright © BIRN K and recommends the use of all burning issues affecting ethnic The Serbian draft document Movement. news July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 5

Montenegro: No Evidence of Kosovo Hospitals Hand Out Mass Grave in Andrijevica fter six days of searching, Montenegrin investigators and foren- Asic experts from the EU rule of law Weak Medicine to Children mission in Kosovo (EULEX) say they have not found evidence of mass graves in the area

An investigation by BIRN has revealed that 10,000 bottles of paracetamol, which contained 20 per cent in brief News around Andrijevica, near the border with below the necessary level of active ingredient, have been prescribed to children in state hospitals Kosovo. Biljana Covic, a spokesperson for the high Ministry of Health, and the matter. Yllka Leci-Shulemaja, a court in the town of Bijelo Polje, told Balkan AKPM was not in a position “We have a concrete case pharmacist from JONA MED, Insight that the investigation ended yester- to intervene within the MoH when a medicine is given to the firm that imported the day. By Alban Selimi because we operate as an the population with a differ- product and secured the ten- “After six days of investigating the site, no agency within MoH and all ent content from what is pro- der with the MoH, said that evidence which could confirm the existence the decisions are taken by the scribed.” the medicine was not harm- of a mass grave has been found,” she said. former Minister’s Cabinet.” Haki Ejupi, chief inspector ful to the public and that the She went on to say that the Montenegrin aracetamol bought by Officials from the AKPM at the MoH, confirmed that firm fully complied with the investigating judge would now draft a court’s the Ministry of Health added that the medicine was the medicine has been with- terms of contract by with- record of the investigation and pass it on to Pto be used in public hos- the Prosecutor’s office. brought into the country drawn from the market after drawing the item from the pitals for children has 20 per The search was prompted by allegations of cent less active ingredient without it being registered AKPM’s results. market. a mass grave in the area believed to contain than it is legally supposed to, with the agency, which is the Ejupi added that if the “All the medicine has been bodies of Kosovo Albanians. an investigation by BIRN has legal procedure. medicine had been on sale withdrawn and replaced with revealed. Ilir Tolaj, advisor to the privately it would have been another item. The MoH Skender Musa, head of the Minister of Health, said that easier to get it withdrawn noticed that instead of 95 per EU Appoints New Chief of legal department from this brand of paracetamol quickly, but as he was dealing cent of active concentration Mission in Kosovo Kosovo Agency for was ‘here before minister with officials in a public it was 85 per cent only. Pharmaceutical Products, Bukoshi took the office and institution he was asked ‘to Luckily no damage has been he EU rule- AKPM, told BIRN that it had before we as his advisors keep his mouth shout’. done whatsoever,” she of-law mis- tested the product, produced came to the positions as well’. “If we were dealing with claimed. AKPM, however, Tsion in by Italian firm Ecobi, reveal- Minister Bujar Bukoshi the commercial market we believes the difference was 20 Kosovo, EULEX, ing the low levels of active took over the job from Alush would be looking at punish- per cent, not 10 per cent. has announced ingredient. Gashi in March this year. ment and other legal sanc- Sources in Kosovo Police that Xavier Bout He said: “As based on the Gashi declined to comment tions,” he said. “But here we told BIRN that investigations de Marnhac, a standard operational proce- on the revelations. are dealing with a contracted were ongoing into the matter retired French army general, has dures the results are not usu- Tolaj added: “We have been product which in the terms of and that ‘arrests will take been appointed as ally disclosed, but I can tell facing difficulties when the contract between the con- place soon’. the new head of you that in this case, the test addressing this matter and it tractor and the supplier fore- Despite numerous attempts mission. revelaed less paracetamol is astonishing to learn how sees withdrawal from the to contact the producer of the Bout de [than there should be]. much effort has been made to market if the product proves medicine, Ecobi, the firm Marnhac, who will “The criteria for its import sweep this problem under the not meet the requirements or failed to respond to requests succeed Yves de to Kosovo are set by the carpet – it is a highly serious poses health risks.” for clarification. Kermabon, will take up his duties on October 15. His appointment is Kosovo Transport Official renewable for one year. De Kermabon has served as the EULEX chief since February 2008. “The decision was taken by the European Union Political and Security Committee on a Arrested For Wiping recommendation by the EU High Representative of the Union for the Foreign and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton,” EULEX said in a press release. Ministry Server Bout De Marnhac served previously as the commander of the NATO Kosovo force from 2007 to 2008. Kosovo: Central Bank By Petrit Collaku Governor to Remain in Detention n IT administrator has been arrested on sus- he Governor of Kosovo’s Central Bank, Apicion of having Hashim Rexhepi, has been remanded wiped the Kosovo Ministry of Tin custody for 30 days by a local Tranport’s server as the EU Pristina judge following his arrest. rule of law mission carried “Today in the detention hearing of defen- out corruption raids connect- dant Hashim Rexhepi, a Kosovo Judge in the ed to the minister of trans- District Court of Pristina confirmed the port, Fatmir Limaj. motion of the Special Prosecutor’s Office of On Thrusday in Prishtina, Kosovo for one month of detention on EULEX police’s executive remand,” EULEX, the EU rule of law mission department carried out in Kosovo, said in a press release on Saturday. searches at the home and Rexhepi was arrested on July 23 on suspi- office of the IT administrator. cion of abusing official position or authority, The defendant was arrest- accepting bribes, tax evasion, trading in ed and charged with ‘obstruc- influence and money laundering. tion of evidence’. Kosovo police said that more arrests were According to a well placed possible based on ongoing investigations. source, the man is suspected Rrahmani Petrit by Photo On Thursday, Rexhepi was also charged of having wiped the server of EULEX. The action is in con- jail, if found guilty on corrup- A Prishtina Insight investi- with abusing his official position and receiv- the Ministry of Transport nection with a corruption tion charges, according to gation, published earlier this ing bribes. from his office at the Kosovo probe linked to road tenders EULEX’s chief prosecutor year, revealed that a number Assembly Building in a bid to issued between 2007 and 2009. Johan van Vreeswijk said in of lucrative building con- hamper EULEX’s corruption No arrests have been made an interview in May. tracts appear to have gone to investigation. yet and both men deny all In a frank interview with friends and relatives of Prishtina Insight Takes a Break On April 28, Kosovo’s wrongdoing. Pristina daily Koha Ditore, Fatmir Limaj. Like most of our readers, Prishtina Ministry of Transport and But Kosovo Minister of Mr van Vreeswijk revealed EULEX suspects that homes connected to its minis- Transport Fatmir Limaj and that the officials face charges around two million euro has Insight will be taking a break in Y ter Fatmir Limaj and head of the ministry’s head of pro- of money laundering, organ- been misused in this specific August. We will return on M procurement, Nexhat curement, Nexhat Krasniqi, ised crime, fraud in office and case, adding ‘there are also September 4. C Krasniqi, were raided by could face up to 55 years in soliciting bribes. other charges’. K 6 July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 business Delay to Business Park Sparks Concerns

By Lavdim Hamidi

s Kosovo’s First International Business Park nears completion, Atwo years behind schedule, ques- tions are being raised about why it has taken so long to finish the project. Officials backing the scheme in Drenas, in central Kosovo, are claiming it is a suc- cess, as almost all space has been reserved at the site. The Ministry of Trade and Industry, MTI, started the 9-million-euro project in 2005, with the aim of opening it in 2008. The ministry now predicts the park will be finished by the end of this year but admits this depends on the work of the con- tracted companies. “The European standard for the comple- tion of a business park is ten years, where- as we will accomplish it in five,” said Naser Grajcevci, head of the Agency for Support of Small and Medium Enterprises, which The ceremony to mark the start of work at the park in 2005 works under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. “We could have built it faster but there will be no empty spaces left,” said The head of the parliamentary we preferred to do a good job in building it.” Grajçevci, adding that the interested busi- Commission for Trade and Industry, The Park in Figures: But Bujar Dugolli, the former Trade and nesses came from Germany, Greece, Myzejene Selmani, from the opposition Industry minister, during whose mandate Hungary, the US and elsewhere. New Kosovo Alliance, AKR. said the build- The park, covering 24 hectares, and is work started on the park, said there were no According to him, the 45 companies have ing of the park had been a questionable being built 17km from Prishtina on the excuses for the delay. promised to invest around 50 million euro project. Prishtina-Peja highway in the village of “Work started in 2005 and should have and create 1,200 new jobs. “The criteria for “The building of this park started Koretice in Drenas municipality. It was finished in 2008; there is no reason whatso- location in the Business Park in Drenas improperly and so it will end,” she said. “It planned that some 72 local and foreign pro- ever for delays in finishing the building,” were employment, the value of the invest- was started to suit the personal interests of duction enterprises would take up sites, said Dugolli, of the opposition Alliance for ments, the technology that they will bring those in the authorities who are reaching which are 1,000, 3,000 or 6,000 square a New Kosovo, AAK. and production or service capacity,” he secret deals with businesses.” metres in size. The project was initiated by The ministry, meanwhile, said it had con- said. Selmani said she had opposed the park the Ministry of Trade and Industry and is cluded deals with 45 businesses and was Businesses that have won the right to from the beginning, and the delays in com- a joint investment between the ministry negotiating with another eight. “If an places in the park will rent sites for 99 years pleting the project had only added to her and Drenas muncipality. agreement is reached with those eight, at a price of 0.03 euro per square metre. suspicions. IMF Predicts Sustained GDP Growth for Kosovo telecommunications company, “The program seeks to raise PTK, in order to balance the revenues and restrain current books. expenditures in order to limit the By Lawrence Marzouk The IMF approved the money impact of large capital spending last Tuesday, two days after on the fiscal deficit and on the gov- Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Hashim ernment’s bank balances,” he Thaci, and the economy minister, added. he IMF is predicting that Ahmet Shala, visited the institu- “To this end, the Assembly Kosovo’s GDP per capita, tion during the course of their recently revised the 2010 budget Tcurrently the lowest in visit to the US. and raised excise rates. Europe, will grow by 3 per cent “Kosovo’s economic perform- “The authorities are committed from 1,766 to 2,360 euro over the ance has strengthened in recent to improving tax administration, next six years. years, although large fiscal and refraining from unfunded spend- The analysis came as the IMF external imbalances persist, ing initiatives, and ensuring the approved a grant of 109 million which could be exacerbated by credibility of the budget process euro over the next 18 months to considerable capital spending, by revising future budgets exclu- support Kosovo’s economic imbal- including for the country’s first sively in a deficit-neutral fash- ances and help achieve sustain- major highway,” Murilo Portugal, ion,” he concluded. able growth. the deputy managing director of Kosovo joined the IMF on June According to the IMF, despite the IMF, warned. 29, 2009. serious problems in the economy, Kosovo’s growth rate is healthy, though it has mostly been achieved by increasing the role of IMF’s Assessment of Kosovo’s Economy the government in the economy, decade after the end of the conflict that and a sector that could drive sustainable exports have been rebounding so far in 2010 led to Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of particularly through capital growth has yet to emerge. Public expenditure and remittances—an essential source of fund- Aindependence in February 2008, growth has increased due in part to rising subsidies ing for private sector activity—have also been expenditure. prospects continue to be hampered by pro- However, exports are expected and net lending to the publicly-owned loss- recovering. found structural impediments. These include to begin double-digit growth from making electricity company KEK, which However, private sector credit growth con- poor public and private infrastructure, unreli- this year to 2015, after 2009 saw a remains under severe financial strain as a tinues to decelerate. Public spending, especial- able electricity supply, and inadequate region- result of widespread difficulties with billings ly for capital investments, has supported eco- fall in their value of 1.8 per cent. It al connectivity of transportation routes. has also emerged that from 2011 to and collections, and a tariff structure that nomic activity. Real growth therefore declined The economy remains undiversified and does not ensure cost recovery. only moderately to 4 percent in 2009, from 5.4 2011 more than 5 per cent of the dominated by the trade and services sectors total budget will go on the new Nevertheless, economic activity appears to in 2008. Public investment spending is expect- Y that are boosted by the large foreign presence Merdare-Morina highway. be strengthening and the recession in Europe ed to increase in 2010, mainly due to the begin- M and remittances. The export base is narrow The IMF calls on Kosovo to sell in 2009 had only a modest impact on Kosovo’s ning of the construction of the Route 7 corri- C and dominated by low value-added products, off the state-owned post and economy. Following a contraction last year, dor, Kosovo’s first highway. K neighbourhood business July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 7

Serbia: CB Governor Candidate Power Row Shakes Austrian Faces Opposition erbian Opposition MPs said that they do not support the nomination of Dejan Soskic for central bank Investors’ Faith in Macedonia Sgovernor during a debate today in the country’s par- liament. Soskic was named by Serbian President Boris The dispute between Macedonia and its biggest foreign investor, Austria’s EVN, has cooled down. Tadic in July, but he must be approved by the parliament. While the deputies of the ruling majority in the

But the legacy of mistrust may deter much-needed foreign investors in future. Business Brief Serbian parliament have praised Soskic as the best choice for the post, many opposition MPs refused to support him, claiming they are not familiar with his programme and that they cannot judge based on his By Sinisa Jakov biography. Marusic Despite the opposition to Soskic’s nomination, the ruling Democratic Party and its coalition partners acedonia has spent millions of hold enough seats in parliament to push through the euros promoting itself as a nomination, and it is very likely that he will be Mfavorable business destination. approved. Commercials on the cable channel Central Bank governor Radovan Jelasic resigned CNN under the slogan “Invest in from his post on March 23, citing “personal rea- Macedonia” have extolled the benefits sons”, but he has said that he will remain in place of the Balkan country’s low taxes and until a new governor is appointed. labour costs and friendly business cli- Soskic, who was a Fulbright scholar, is a professor in mate. the economics faculty at Belgrade University and a While the response to the campaign has widely-published author of works on financial mar- been mixed, some major Austrian con- kets. He has advised and worked with the Central cerns have taken a keen interest, as a result Bank and other government institutions for many of which Austria has topped the list of for- years. Macedonia has been heavily advertised as a good place to do business eign investors in recent years. However, last year’s bitter dispute Vienna Insurance are also present on the had nothing to do with the row or the WB Revises Croatia GDP Estimate between the Macedonian government and Macedonian market, as are a number of court decision, maintaining it was a spat the country’s biggest Austrian investor, the smaller businesses. between two companies, The Prime roatia’s economic recovery is still a long way off, the power Company EVN AG, which operates But right after the company entered the Minister agreed to talks with EVN. World Bank has said in its latest report. Macedonia’s power supply grid, has dam- market, EVN ran into trouble. That year, Meanwhile, in September 2009, the C aged the investment climate, experts say. the centre-right VMRO DPMNE party, Macedonian appeals court overruled the Croatia’s real GDP is expected to fall by one per The row concerned 200 million euros which had criticized the previous govern- first-grade court, ruling that the order for cent this year according to the institution’s revised that the courts ordered EVN to pay ELEM, ment’s deal with EVN, won general elec- EVN to pay ELEM 200 million euro had predictions. the state-owned operator of the power pro- tions and formed a government. contained procedural flaws. Initial estimates had predicted zero growth, the duction facilities. Macedonia’s new Prime Minister, the Both EVN and the government have Croatian Times writes. In a report evaluating the sit- While EVN says it is optimistic that this VMRO DPMNE leader, Nikola Gruevski, since moderated their tone, though EVN uation in the new member states of the European now notorious dispute will be settled, it has made series of hostile statements against said it would not automatically withdraw Union (EU 10) and Croatia on Thursday, senior already diminished Austrian confidence in the work of EVN in Macedonia in 2009, its lawsuit in Washington until it was con- World Bank economist Sanja Madzarevic-Sujster the independence of Macedonia’s courts, suggesting the company was not honour- fident that similar problems would not said economic recovery for EU10 states is fragile and according to Austrian business and eco- ing the deal. reoccur. Direct negotiations between the uneven, while for Croatia it is not even on the hori- nomic experts. Gruevski raised suspicions about Government and EVN have since zon. Georg Krauchenberg, regional director whether EVN had invested the 90 million resumed. Only in 2011 will the EU10 region reach the levels for South Eastern Europe in the Austrian euro it pledged to put into the grid under Vladimir Gligorov, of the Vienna of economic activity present before the crisis. Some Chamber of Commerce, said the affair the terms of the purchase agreement. Institute for International Economic of the states, including Croatia, will need more time. might deter investors in future. EVN denied the accusation. Research, told Prishtina Insight that In order to ensure growth, the Croatian government “It will be hard to persuade [new] Verbal tensions escalated into legal war- Macedonia had continued to suffer from must implement its economic recovery programme investors after some have had very nega- fare when ELEM then launched and in the reluctance of domestic players to let and reign in the country’s public debt, the institu- tive experiences [in Macedonia] and the April 2009 won a lawsuit against EVN, as a foreign investors in. tion advised. case of EVN is very famous in this result of which a court in Skopje ordered “In Macedonia, as in other countries, Madzarevic-Sujster said she welcomed the govern- regard,” Krauchenberg said. EVN to pay the state company 200 million there has been a problem of closed doors ment’s plan to cut public sector staff by five per cent, The EVN AG spokesperson for Eastern euros. against foreign investors, especially in but warned the government to include the unions in Europe, Stefan Zach, told Prishtina Insight ELEM’s complaint was that EVN had those sectors in which domestic compa- the process, the Croatian news portal Index reports. that “operationally, EVN Macedonia is pro- collected a large sum of old debts from nies have an interest and where political gressing successfully” and the company consumers but had refused to share the interests are also at work,” he said. No Plans for New IMF Loan, was engaged in important talks with the proceeds with ELEM, as an annex to the For a small landlocked country to government over the dispute. 2006 purchase treaty stated. attract serious foreign investors, he added, Bucharest Says “EVN AG is in intensive negotiations During Macedonian’s difficult transi- “you need to offer big advantages such as a omanian Finance Minister Sebastian Vladescu on with the parties involved in the dispute, tion to a free-market economy in the 1990s, quick, transparent and unbiased legal sys- Tuesday dismissed rumors that Romania is in talks especially the government… with Deputy the authorities tolerated a high rate of tem. In Macedonia this is unfortunately Rwith the International Monetary Fund over a new Prime Minister [Vladimir] Pesevski and non-payment of utility bills to keep the not the case”. loan agreement. with the Minister of Economy, Fatmir social peace. After EVN entered the mar- Gligorov said disputes like the one with “The topic is not on the agenda at this point,” Besimi,” Zach said. ket, the company agreed to split any EVN were harming the government’s Vladescu told reporters following a meeting with “We are trying to resolve all the open money it succeeded in collecting from media campaign to sell Macedonia as a IMF representatives in Bucharest. issues and the discussions are going in a debtors with ELEM. good business destination. Vladescu also rejected media reports that constructive direction,” he added. Zach The Austrian firm attacked the court “When there are suspicions of political Romania will face problems paying out pensions this declined to disclose further details on the ruling as “scandalous”, claiming the trial pressures on the courts, or of corruption, year. grounds that “this could endanger a possi- had not been fair. It also opened a lawsuit or of bias by the courts and government, An International Monetary Fund team early this ble positive result”. against the Macedonian state before an this has very negative consequences,” he week started talks with Romanian authorities over Austrian investments in Macedonia international Arbitration Court in said. drastic action to cut back public spending in the began in earnest in 2006 with EVN AG’s Washington. Investors were only comfortable putting country following a 20 billion bailout package entry into the electricity market. The com- The row soured political relations with money into countries that were stable and signed last spring. pany paid 225 million euro for the power Vienna, especially after Austria’s Deputy on course to join the EU, he continued: IMF mission chief Jeffrey Franks has said the supply grid while power production Prime Minister, Josef Proll, in charge of “This signals that these countries will IMF and the Romanian Government would likely stayed in the hands of state-owned ELEM. the economy, wrote in May 2009 to his have to adopt and nurture certain stan- discuss the continuation of their relationship some- Having attracted only a relatively small Macedonian counterpart, Zoran dards, establish certain institutions and time in the future, adding that the authorities in amount of foreign direct investment, FDI, Stavreski, complaining about the affair. be under the supervision of Brussels. Bucharest have voiced interest in new cooperation Macedonia is struggling for each euro. Proll referred directly to the Skopje Macedonia did not join this group of coun- projects. After a surge in 2008, when the country court ruling, criticizing what he claimed tries, which has been a very big draw- The IMF visit comes four weeks after the garnered a record 500 million euro in FDI, were the “more than obvious shortcom- back.” Romanian government’s austerity plan, which includes cuts to the workforce and a 25 per cent slash the global economic crisis that followed ings of the court procedure against EVN”. Meanwhile, Stefan Zach of EVN said he in public sector wages, came into effect. last year cut this figure in half. Later that May, in a separate letter hoped that Macedonia’s new Law on The government had also planned to cut pensions Austrian businesses have contributed addressed to Gruevski, the ambassadors Electricity currently in preparation would by 15 per cent, but the Constitutional Court ruled the very significantly to Macedonia’s FDI. of Austria, Germany, Netherlands, match EU standards and legislation. This measure anti-constitutional, and the authorities According to the Macedonian Statistical Switzerland, France and the United States is “of the utmost importance” for the work pushed up the VAT tax on goods and services Office for 2008, Austria was by far the jointly warned the Prime Minister that of EVN in the country he said. instead. biggest investor that year, responsible for the row had the potential to harm the Y Following the IMF review, Romania should some 100 million euro. Data for 2009 is not country’s EU prospects and deter future This article was produced as part of a receive the sixth disbursement of its loan, worth 900 M yet available. investors. journalistic exchange programme between million euro. C Besides EVN AG, Telecom Austria and After initially claiming the government BIRN and Austrian Der Standard. K 8 July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 city Jasper Tjaden, Intern at GTZ Prishtina through the Eyes of: the Eyes through Prishtina

What surprised you most about Prishtina?

The kindness and hospitality of the people, Tonibler kids, nightlife, schatzis, the EU and Germany affinity, the personal testimonies of colleagues.

What’s your favourite hangout? Photo by Petrit Rrahmani Petrit by Photo Rugova’s grave at sundown. Obilic gently blasts smoke over Prishtina in the distance and the town is a calm and peaceful place from up Mystery of Prishtina’s there.

If you were mayor of Prishtina for the ‘Timeless’ Clock day what would you change? Great one. I would set up more trash cans, The hexagon-shaped tower is 26 He added that French KFOR took introduce draconian laws on waste disposal, meters tall and is made of red bricks. over the safeguarding of it after the plan a beach bar on the grass at the University The original mechanism of the clock conflict, changed the mechanism in Library, paint all unpainted houses white and By Hana Limani was replaced in the 60s and the bell was 2006 and retain the key to set it. ban car alarm systems and continuous shouting set to ring every half an hour. The 26,000 euro, six month renova- of the neighbour’s kids. I would introduce a tax In 2002, the original bell was stolen. tion of the bell tower last year dealt for internationals and pay teachers a higher But despite its replacement, interior only with the façade and not the mecha- wage. or centuries, citizens of Prishtina renovation work, the switch from cogs nism, he explained. turned to their grand Ottoman and wheels to electrics in 2006 and last “The renovation was done for each How many macchiatos do you drink a Fclock tower to tell the time. But year’s exterior renovation work, the stone of the tower separately. None was day? following the replacement of the mech- clock tower continues to tell the wrong replaced, as that would harm the anism by electric components in 2006, time. authenticity of the old tower. the tower has been misleading those Always one more than my colleagues at work. Haxhi Mehmetaj, the head of “The damaged ones were refurbished unaware of its lack of punctuality, Prishtina Institute for the Protection of and the rest were covered with a protec- despite two sets of restoration works. What’s the tastiest Kosovar food? Monuments, said: “The time has been tive material to preserve them from the Currently the time is around 15 min- wrong most likely from the switch of marks of time.” utes fast, and the custodians of this fine Greek salad. the mechanism to an electric one in The bell tower of Prishtina, known as structure have yet to discover why the 2006. It may be rust, it may be the dis- Sahat Kulla, or Clock Tower, is located clock tower is not telling the correct What landmark do you use to tell taxi ruptions cause by the earlier power out- in the core of the old centre of the city. time. drivers where you live? ages, but we are to look into that soon. It is surrounded by many other build- The bell tower was erected in the late “Back in the days, this bell tower ings that show the history of the city, 19th Century, with the original bell dat- Swiss embassy. What? Ministry of Education. served as the main time reference for including the Turkish Bath, known as ing back to 1764, when it was brought What? University Library? What. Bibliateka the citizens of Prishtina; today is differ- Hamam, and the mosque of Sultan from Moldova as war loot, first to Universitet? Ahh po po. ent.” Mehmet Fatih. Vushtrri and then to Prishtina. Summer Visitors Greeted by Diggers In the height of Prishtina’s tourist season, three of the most popular thoroughfares for strollers and visitors are currently being dug up formed into a car-free zone. work. pality is working hard to finish the do this work at this time, and cer- Fehmi Agani, famed for its out- Muhamet Gashi, spokesman for work on the road, the road expan- tainly not every year, because of door terraces and small cafes, is the municipality, said that the sion, in order to overcome the traf- the pollution from dust that it also under assault from the men three road projects were key to fic jams in this part of the city.” causes. By Shengjyl Osmani in yellow tabards, as Prishtina improving the infrastructure for Gashi said that he expected “It is taking too long for the Municipality replaces the pipes. the city. work to be finished in September. square to be finished and in the And Bill Clinton Boulevard, Gashi explained: “The best peri- Regarding the replacement of meantime many people are suffer- rishtina’s most popular recently adorned with a new stat- od for road construction is the paving slabs on Mother Teresa, ing from the dust.” streets are being dug up in ue of the US President, is also a summer period.” He added that Gashi said that the one-million Shpend Balaj told Prishtina Pthe height of summer, leav- ‘no go’ area for walkers as the carrying out all three at the same euro project carried out in 2008 to Insight: “People need a break from ing tourists and locals feeling hot major thoroughfare is being time meant that the municipality pedestrianised the area had come road works that seem to happen under the collar. widened. could complete the projects this with a ten year guarantee, which every year.” Kosovo’s capital’s only The decision to begin work on summer and coordinate the was now being called in as many of And Flutura Kermija, manager pedestrainised street, Mother these tourist hotspots at the works. the slabs had become loose and of Amelie, which has a branch Teresa Boulevard, has paving busiest time of year has drawn “The new roundabout [at the chipped. with a large outdoor seating area slabs scattered across the street Y criticism from some residents, but end of Bill Clinton Boulevard] is But not everyone is pleased with next to one of the work sites, said: and piles of cement dotted M Prishtina Municipality argues being blocked because of the the work being carried out now. “During the road works we have around. This comes just two years C that the summer is the best time of many vehicles coming from Fushe Prishtina resident Hamit Gashi had a slight decline in visitor at after the area was first trans- K year to carry out this kind of Kosove,” he added. “The munici- said: “It shouldn’t be necessary to our café.” neighbourhood news July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 9 New Powers for EU Bosnia Envoy Questioned Experts and diplomats fear plan to beef up powers of future Brussels envoy is unrealistic - though some in brief News welcome any sign of fresh engagement on Europe’s part in the troubled country. Ejup Ganic Returns Home to Hero’s Welcome

undreds of people gathered at By Marcus Tanner Sarajevo’s airport on Wednesday to Hgreet former Bosnian presidency member Ejup Ganic, a day after a London court rejected Serbia’s request for his extra- Bosnia-based source confirmed on dition on war crimes charges and accused Wednesday to Prishtina Insight Belgrade of political manipulation. Athe existence of the confidential “It was established that the trial against document by Europe’s foreign minister, me was politically motivated and that Serbia Baroness Ashton, urging the creation of a had abused British courts and prosecutors,” powerful new envoy to Bosnia with pow- Ganic told journalists upon his arrival in ers to impose travel bans and freeze Sarajevo. assets of opponents. Ganic added that Bosnia benefited from Britain’s Daily Telegraph on the situation because Belgrade for the first Wednesday reported that the new envoy time acknowledged before the British court to Bosnia would obtain extra powers to that the war in Bosnia was an international push through constitutional changes in armed conflict in which it took part. the country. “I am bringing with me the documents in “In the case of non-compliance... for which Serbia confirmed that it committed example challenges to fundamentals of aggression against Bosnia,” Ganic added. the Bosnia and Herzegovina state, the Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs “Serbia will have to bear the consequences.” [envoy] will be able to recommend to the the US and Turkey, he said neither coun- used. Bank accounts have never been Ganic was arrested in London on March 1 EU High Representative [Lady Ashton] try is a member of the EU, so they would frozen outside the terrorism context,” at the request of Serbia, which claimed he that Council impose travel bans and/or not exercise any direct input into the he added. was responsible for war crimes related to an the freezing of assets in the EU,” the work of the future EU envoy’s office. “When this took place on the basis of attack by Bosnian troops against a column Telegraph quotes the EU paper as say- Bieber said a core question that need- UN Security Council Resolutions, the of Yugoslav Army, JA, troops in Sarajevo at ing. ed to be addressed was whether exter- European Court of Justice overturned the start of Bosnia’s 1992-95 war. The Prishtina Insight source who has nally imposed solutions for Bosnia had the bans, declaring they breached the The judge at the City of Westminster seen the paper confirmed the substance any future. “The fundamental issue is ‘fundamental rights’ of the individuals Magistrates Court said in his ruling on of the Telegraph report, noting that it whether this kind of approach can yield affected. Tuesday that there was no justification to was a short four-to-five page policy results,” he said. “The idea that this power could be try Ganic as independent investigations had paper, not a detailed strategy, the sub- “Bosnia has to work through the will used against recalcitrant Bosnian already concluded that there was no case stance of which was to underline EU of its people, and I’m critical of forcing politicians, who may not have any bank against him. willingness to assume a leading role in through institutional changes,” he accounts in the EU and are not terror- Bosnia, should agreement be reached on added. “You can agree or disagree with ists, seems quite far-fetched,” he con- Macedonian Tour Boats Stay closure of the existing Office of the the Bosnian Serbs but you have to get cluded. In Harbor High Representative, OHR. people to sign up if you want to see any- Striking a more optimistic note, Prishtina Insight contacted the office thing substantial.” Srecko Latal, Bosnia-based analyst of n the midst of the summer tourist season of Lady Ashton in Brussels. A A senior international official based the International Crisis Group, ICG, all tour boats in Macedonia’s Ohrid Lake spokesperson said the paper remained in Bosnia was equally doubtful about said if media reports of the document Ihave been banned from sailing as they “classified” and the office could not the plan, recalling that the idea for an were accurate, at least they suggested lack the newly requested technical safety therefore comment on it. EU envoy to Bosnia arose at a time when Europe was experimenting with new certificates. Brussels` plan to enhance the powers international officials were talking approaches towards Bosnia, having The harbour master in Ohrid has banned of a future EU office in Bosnia, so it can optimistically of a smooth transition of realized the old “carrot and stick” the boats from sailing as their owners refuse punish recalcitrant local politicians, power from the OHR to the EU, which approach of EU membership was not to pay some 7700 thousand euros to a French has meanwhile drawn a skeptical would then usher Bosnia into, or working. company that has been recently contracted response from experts and diplomats in towards, the European club. “Travel bans and other penalties are to conduct the inspection that is carried out the country. Matters had changed as internal con- nothing new, as they were on the table each year. They say it remains unclear who flicts in the country worsened, since 10 or 15 years ago,” he recalled, “but The boat owners are upset with the would give this body a mandate to exer- when talk of EU membership had faded. they effectively fell off the table after Macedonian Ministry of Transport for sign- cise such powers and question whether “There never was a smooth transition the OHR lost international support, ing the deal with the French firm, arguing they would be effective. and the situation [in Bosnia] is now since when it’s lost its capacity to use that similar companies from neighboring Balkan expert Florian Bieber said it dire, which is why the EU is coming up the so-called ‘Bonn’ powers. Serbia or Bulgaria would have charged them not more than 2,500 euros for the same work. was not clear where the new powers for with new proposals,” the official said, “It would be good to see these nega- “We have been requesting since this win- a future EU envoy would come from. speaking anonymously. tive measures reinstated in order to ter that a new [inspection] company be “It’s an old idea to create some kind of “For years the EU has been speaking reward local leaders for their willing- found but the harbour master did not do office to take over from the OHR but it’s about its ‘toolbox’ in Bosnia but the ness to reform,” the analyst added. that,” Goran Ustijanovski, the head of the all very unclear,” he said. toolbox is empty,” he added. He also “The EU does need additional meas- Association of Ohrid Boat Operators, told ‘The OHR had a mandate for its pow- queried the value of such penalties as ures to use the various mechanisms it media. ers from [the 1995] Dayton [peace travel bans and asset freezes, saying: has at its disposal,” he continued. “I But the harbour master said that all boats accord], but the new EU post would have “They don’t add up to much”. hope the EU is coming up with a new that sail without properly undergoing the to get a mandate from the Peace This source said media reports of the strategy towards Bosnia as what they inspection by the French company will be Implementation Council, PIC, which is EU paper “don’t strike me as news. Just had was not enough. fined. the body that beefed up the OHR’s pow- because there is a new paper [on “EU membership has been a ‘carrot “With good will we can solve this prob- ers in Bonn back in 1997.” Bosnia] doesn’t mean this organization and stick’ for too long and the carrot has lem,” Ljupco Nasteski, the head of the har- The expert noted that the PIC, the is ready to take over. It hasn’t been become too far away. The problem is not bour master’s office said. body supervising peace in Bosnia, com- worked out what executive powers it only on the part of the Western Balkan The measure comes after the September prised countries such as Russia that would have. It will need much wider dis- countries but on the part of the EU, 2009 tragedy involving the Ohrid tour boat were not likely to approve changes seen cussion.” which failed to understand the core “Ilinden” when 15 mostly elderly Bulgarian as deeply detrimental to Bosnian Serb Matthew Parish, an international problem in Bosnia and use appropriate tourists died after the ship capsized in the interests. lawyer who formerly worked in Bosnia, measures. lake. Bieber, soon to take up the chair of said imposing asset freezes would prove The Bosnian Serb leader, unsurpris- South East Europe studies at Graz difficult to enforce in practice. ingly, has given the idea of a travel ban University, said reports of the classified In principle, the EU Council of the thumbs down. Speaking on TV in document appeared confusing, because Ministers had the power to do so under the Bosnian Serb entity, the Republika the EU did not need a new body, or new the Lisbon Treaty but this power can Srpska, RS, the RS Prime Minister, powers, to impose travel bans on only be used “for combatting terrorism Milorad Dodik, said the first official in Bosnian officials. and related activities” and must be Bosnia who needed to be placed under Y Furthermore, while noting that the approved by the European Parliament,” an EU travel ban for breaking the terms M ideas contained in the reported docu- he said. of the 1995 Dayton agreement was the C ment would meet strong approval from “This power has very rarely been OHR. K 10 July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 Neighbourhood Corruption Rows Stall Albania’s War on ‘Grey’ Economy

investment schemes plunged Albania into deep crisis. “The process of distributing By Besar Likmeta and and using the cash registers was Gjergj Erebara never carried out as envisioned because of generally poor respect for the rule of law, the tax admin- hird official campaign to istration’s inability to inspect the suppress cash-only economy process and the political tensions Tby forcing companies to use of the period,” recalled Xhavit registers looks like running into Curri, former deputy head of the sand again - drawing complaints General Directorate of Taxation. that the machines don’t work and In 2001, the government tried claims of conflicts of interest. again to boost installation of cash An investigation by Prishtina registers, taking a less centralised Insight has found that a campaign approach. Business could acquire to force businesses in Albania to cash registers from any source as use cash registers - so that tax long as the machines met certain officials can see their transac- criteria. tions - ricks being derailed by But the Socialist-led govern- rows over sales of faulty ment’s decentralised approach machines and complaints of con- meant companies felt little incen- flicts of interest. tive to import cash registers or The universal use of cash train employees in their mainte- machines forms a major element nance. of a government drive to reduce In 2008, the government the cash-only “grey” economy, launched yet another drive. To which is robbing the authorities secure the sale and distribution of of vitally needed tax revenues. the new cash registers, now envi- But documents seen by sioned as transferring data elec- Prishtina Insight show that the tronically to the tax authorities, companies licensed to install the the government licensed five com- machines have often installed panies: CVC-NOKI, IVA substandard registers that then Electronik, PKP-Rilindja, AED need replacing. and BNT Electronics. These com- Some tax officials meanwhile panies would have a virtual link these glitches to an alleged monopoly on the machines’ conflict of interest. This is import, distribution and mainte- because one of the firms that nance. installed the substandard machines is owned by the hus- band of the former head of the Faulty machines: General Directorate of Metrology, The process of installing the The third attempt to get Albania’s businesses to adopt fiscal cash registers has been fraught with difficulties the government agency that certi- new cash registers started early fied the quality of the registers. at the General Taxation said. till April 2010. last year. For large businesses, Lack of confidence in the Directorate and the Ministry of Concerning her alleged conflict Meanwhile, the Council of paying VAT, the deadline was set machines means that many busi- Finance at which the licensed of interest, because of her hus- Ministers issued a new decision, at March 31, 2009. Smaller enter- nesses have now ignored the June companies were urged not to sell band’s part ownership of PKP- which specified many of the prises had a later deadline. 31 deadline to have them any more cash registers without Rilindja, Pazaj said that she requirements not fulfilled earlier Because both the companies installed. As a result, they could modems, but the problem persist- reported this to the authorities by the five licensed companies. distributing the registers and the be liable to significant fines. ed. herself “and then withdrew from A new commission was set up businesses installing them were Before the cash registers, the decision-making process in in the Ministry of Finance, where Third time unlucky: slow in getting up to speed, the imported from different coun- accordance with the law on con- registers will need to pass one government extended the dead- tries, were to be sold, the General flict of interests”. more certification test before line to December 31, 2009. The first attempt to introduce Directorate of Metrology and But Rista still says that it was being released onto the market. Although the extension gave cash registers in Albania was Calibration, DPM, was tasked wrong that Pazaj, “who was But Rista noted that although businesses plenty of time to made back in 1994. The idea was with certifying their quality, charged with supervising the the government does not plan to secure a machine from one of the to reduce the scope of the infor- based on the Council of cash register companies, owned again extend the installation five licensed companies, most mal or grey economy, which is a Minister’s specifications. one [via her husband]. deadline, which expired on June waited until last December to major problem for the govern- Rista says the companies reject- “From what we have seen on 31, confidence in the entire order one, creating a sales rush. ment, reducing tax intake by sev- ed the tax authorities’ efforts to the ground a good part of the reg- process is now low and few busi- It was during this sales rush eral hundred million euro a year, have some of them upgrade their isters sold by PKP-Rilindja were nesses that have installed the new that the tax authorities started distorting the labour market and substandard registers, arguing totally lacking standards,” he registers. noticing that the companies creating unfair competition. that the DPM had certified the added. However, businesses found licensed to sell the registers were Albania’s Finance Ministry and machines. Prishtina Insight has obtained without cash registers from now selling registers without modems the IMF have both estimated that documents showing that the tax on will be liable to fines of 100,000 or SIM cards. the informal economy could be Conflict of interest? authority later found that some of lek (800 euro). If they are then Renald Rista, head of IT in the worth as much as 40 per cent the machines that PKP-Rilindja found again making transactions General Directorate of Taxation, more than its official, visible Myrvete Pazaj, head of the imported - which the DPM certi- without a cash machine, they risk in charge of supervising the dis- counterpart. metrology directorate at the time, fied and Pazaj signed - were larger fines, or being shut down. tribution of the cash registers, Distribution and sale of the whose husband partly owns of indeed substandard. said Albania’s Council of new machines was entrusted to a one of the companies, PKP- Prishtina Insight was also Ministers had failed to specify state-owned company, the Center Rilindja, denied that her agency shown a memo that the General Besar Likmeta is BIRN Albania that each register needed to have for Financial Informatics, also knowingly certified substandard Directorate of Taxation sent to Editor. Gjergj Erebara is a free- a modem or a SIM card, though tasked with their maintenance. machines. the Minister of Finance, request- lance journalist based in Tirana. the Council had implied it, by Most retail businesses in urban “All cash registers certified by ing the revocation of PKP- Ard Kola, a business journalist requiring that each machine areas duly obtained cash regis- the DPM were in accordance with Rilindja’s license due to the sale with the daily Shqip also con- transfer data at least once a Y ters. But they rarely used them the decisions of the Council of of sub-standard registers. tributed to this report. This article month automatically to the tax M properly and the process of Ministers, but the government As problems piled up, the gov- was made possible through the authorities. ernment froze the sale of regis- support of the National C installing them halted in 1997, later decided to upgrade the reg- Rista recalls several meetings ters for two months, from March Endowment for Democracy. K when the collapse of pyramid- isters’ security features,” she 11 Neighbourhood July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 Opinion Macedonia ‘Should Play Better than A Pyramid Scheme French Footballers’

By Sinisa Jakov Marusic

acedonia should play smart if it wants to join the EU and NATO soon, visiting MFrench Minister of European Affairs Pierre Lellouche told media in Skopje. Speaking on Thursday at the joint press confer- ence with his host, Macedonia’s Vice Prime Minister in charge of European affairs, Vasko Naumovski, Lellouche said that his country would like to see Macedonia join the European family. “The ball is in your court. Try to play better than the French football team,” Lellouche said, refer- ring to the scandals that marred his country’s team at the recent World Cup in South Africa. The French official reiterated that in order for the Macedonian EU and NATO bids to be unlocked, a solution to the Athens-Skopje name dispute needs to be found as soon as possible. “We are looking forward to a settlement between [Macedonian PM Nikola] Gruevski and [Greek PM George] Papandreou. We are here to assist and move the process forward. The sooner a solution is reached, the better it will be for all,” Lellouche said. Athens and Skopje are locked in a long lasting The ‘pyramids’ in Visoko, Bosnia, have generated plenty of tourism for the region dispute over the use of the name Macedonia. Athens has blocked Skopje’s entry into NATO and its progress towards EU accession pending a reso- closest to the town. A large white sign stone wall, its cement crumbling. Was lution to the row. Greece claims that the country’s welcomed me to the “world’s largest this Visoki, I thought? Surely it would formal name, the Republic of Macedonia, implies complex of pyramids”, and a perspex have some notice, some fence sur- territorial claims against Greece’s northern By Rob Miller box filled with coins invited donations rounding it? But it was; I was standing province of Macedonia. to help fund further research. on one of the outer walls. Climbing After several missed opportunities in the past Eventually, I came to the dig site. further up, I eventually summited the two years observers now see the November NATO Inside trenches, Malaysian archaeolo- hill and saw the rest of the structure. n 2005 Semir Osmanagi , an summit as an informal deadline for solving the gists carefully probed the ground, The sandy rock blazed yellow-white expatriate Bosnian metalworker spat. scraping the soil from what looked under the early afternoon sun, and as Iliving in Texas, made a most star- Lellouche said that the country has still home- simply to be ordinary rocks. To the tling announcement. The hills that I walked further I saw the remains of work to do on its path to full accession and that in surround the central Bosnian town of side, a large section of hillside was one of the fortress’s towers, covered in that regard it should speed up the pace of reforms Visoko were not—as had always been fenced off, its exposed stone on display a plastic wrapping but otherwise neg- that would ensure rule of law, an independent judi- thought—mere hills, but were in fact to the world: made up mostly of brec- lected. There was no fence, not even a ciary, effective police, and a more intense fight pyramids, man-made and ancient, cia, it looked perfectly natural, and notice warning of the site’s impor- against corruption. built by a prehistoric civilisation that did not have even the illusion of tance; it was thoroughly exposed, to “The Macedonian government remains commit- rivalled the ancient Egyptians in tech- design about it. the elements and to human interfer- ted to the fulfillment of the priorities from the nological and cultural sophistication. As I prepared to ascend again past ence. European agenda regardless of whether the coun- That Osmanagi ’s own consulted the dig site and to the top of the pyra- Looking around, I saw why its loca- try formally starts EU accession talks this year or experts found his theories to be rid- mid, a guide approached me and asked tion had been chosen: the fortress next,” Macedonia’s Naumovski said. dled with inaccuracies did not dis- what I was interested in. I mumbled offered its defenders an unimpeded At the following afternoon meeting the French suade him. Nor did the fact that something awkward about the pyra- view of the whole Bosna valley, and diplomat met Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Bosnia was in an ice age 12,000 years mids, but also mentioned Visoki, the approach to it was restricted to the Gruevski. The two also talked about the poor eco- ago, the time when the pyramids were ruined medieval fortress town that shallower side of the hill. I thought of nomic cooperation between the two countries, supposedly built. Nor, either, did the sits atop the so-called pyramid. the bustling groups of tourists I had local media reported. fact that Bosnia’s inhabitants at the “Visoki? You don’t want to go there,” seen at the mock archaeological sites, Lellouche also met the head of Macedonia’s time were itinerant hunter gatherers, the guide snorted. “All it has is some barely metres away from where I main opposition party, Branko Crvenkovski of the old walls and views of the valley. You who built no permanent structures— stood; none had thought to ascend the Social Democrats. let alone huge monoliths. Five years must go to the tunnels; to go to Visoko hill any further, to see Visoki. After his stay in Macedonia Lellouche heads to on, the archaeological digs continue and not see the tunnels would be mad- This seems to me the great tragedy neighbouring Kosovo. unabated, and the tourists arrive in ness!” He insisted that he drive me the of the pyramid hoax. I can understand droves. two kilometres in his car—for 10, of its motivation, of course. Bosnia is not The pyramids have taken over every course—but I declined; I had wanted a rich country, nor Visoko a rich town; aspect of the town; they have become to see Visoki for far longer than I had in the wake of the “discovery” the its identity. Stepping out of the bus the pyramids. Visibly frustrated, he increase in tourist visits to the other- station when I arrived in Visoko, left me and headed back to his tourist wise-overlooked Visoko must have looked up at a cluster of roadsigns; all group, and I resumed my ascent. been welcome. But Visoko has real his- of the local Visoko ones bore on their The route was treacherous, and tory, real wonder, that is being neglect- left side a stylised pyramid, yellow on barely a path at all; the forest grew ed and ignored in the hurry to capi- white. Crossing the bridge into town, I more dense the higher I went, and the talise on the fame of the Bosnian pyra- saw what used to be the Motel loose, sandy loam beneath my feet mids. Osmanagi has shown himself to Hollywood; now, inevitably, it has offered little traction. In places, the be a canny operator, able to mobilise become the Motel Piramida Sunca. hill became near vertical, and its and orchestrate the press with ease; Local restaurants serve “pyramid ascent more a process of rock-climb- that he felt the need to do so in promot- pizza”. The town is gripped with pyra- ing than ofhiking; I thought with bit- ing a false history of his own making— mid fever. ter amusement of the idea that this rather than the rich history to which I headed towards the “Pyramid of colossus had been crafted by human Visoko was already legitimately home— the Sun”, the most overtly pyramidal hands. says much of his ego, and is far less than of the four claimed pyramids and the Eventually, bursting through a thicket, I found myself on a loose Visoko deserves. French Minister of European Affairs Pierre Lellouche 12 July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 Culture Dokufest is Prizren’s inimitable documentary film festival gets underway this weekend offering 156 films from 34 countries, as well as a week-long schedule of parties, art events and even a new screen in the city’s fort

fans who have been enjoying the alfresco screening. organise the festival in the best way that it screenings in Kosovo’s most beautiful city Various, non-film related events will also can. since the festival launched in 2002. be held within the scope of the festival: “Dokufest has been selected as among the By Shengjyl Osmani But it has served to raise the internation- workshops, DokuPhoto exhibitions, festival best 25 international film festival and we al profile of the event, which takes place camping and concerts. have also increased the number of awards, between July 31 and August 7 this year. Festival executive director Aliriza so more sections have been added to the fes- In this ninth incarnation, Dokufest will Arenliu told Prishtina Insight that Dokufest tival, which gives floor to more films. okufest was voted among the best be screening films up to five times a day in can competes well with its international “For the last eight to nine years, the documentary film festivals in the two open air cinemas as well as in two regu- peers. awareness about cinema has drastically Dworld this year, by American film- lar cinemas. He said: “The enthusiasm for the festival increased and people from Prizren see the maker and critic AJ Schnack. Added to the films, the festival is also has changed a lot, and more and more young festival as part of their city cultural her- That will come as no surprise to it’s many well-known for lively nights after the people are interested to volunteer and help itage.”

Dokufest: The Facts

he 2010 festival, as each year, will take place, in Prizren. The event will present 156 films representing 34 countries, selected from more than 1300 submissions. In addition to this, DokuKids, the children and youth section of DokuFest, will present another 45 films in two competi- Ttions and two special programmes. A retrospective of acclaimed Yugoslav filmmaker Zelimir Zilnik and Philippine wunderkind Khavn de la Cruz are themes this year. Other themes include Spotlight Afghanistan, Cities on Speed, Europe Next Door and Made In Finland, dedicated to the recent production of documentaries and short films from Finland. The event kicks off on the night of Saturday, July 31.

Y M C K Culture July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 13 Back in Force Arenliu added that more films have been added to the programme each Dokufest Essentials Dokufest: year as well as new, creative places Acommodation What the Critics Said for screening. This year Dokufest is launching screenings in Prizren’s There are about 15 small hotels in One said: “Honest to God, I would say it was magnificent fort. Prizren spread in various parts of the my best festival experience ever. Part He said: “The festival overall has town. Although they might have 3-4 of the festival experience is going to interest- contributed a lot to increasing cul- stars, all, except Hotel Residence and ing places and for me it’s this town in the south tural values in Prizren, and eco- Hotel OK, would be equivalent to 2 of Kosovo. It’s really young there. nomic incomes, since the hotels stars hotels accommodation, and do not have capacity for all the cost from 10 to 70 euro depending on Another said: “Everyone seems to be a volun- guests so many private houses are hotel. They are likely to be full at this teer at the festival. They do a lot of being rent during the festival.” time, although it’s worth giving them outdoor screenings and I remember going to For more details of the pro- a try. Camping is also available, as an outdoor screening that was gramme, see our Timeout page well as rooms in private homes. dealing with the very recent past with mass or visit www.dokufest.com/2010 Hotel Tirana (downtown) graves and everything. And +37744216155 there are all these young people there. And Hotel Alvida (10 minutes of walk) you could look up from the +37744217167 screening and see all these bombed out build- Hotel Residence (8 minutes of ings. It’s one of these walk) +37744256774 festivals that are really relevant. That festi- Hotel City (10 minutes of walk) val experience is great.” +37744952392 Comments posted on the website run by AJ Bujtina (downtown) +37744113252 Schnack, the author and editor in chief of “All Hotel OK (5 minutes of drive) these wonderful things”, a webpage dedicated +37744131761 to art and craft of non-fiction filmmaking.

Y M C K 14 July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 Feature Becomes HIP HOP the Sound of Kosovo Rap music now rules. But as Kosovars get used to independence, local rappers are trading in old themes about struggle for a more US-style culture of ‘sex, fame and money’.

the operations of the country’s The passion for hip hop also second mobile phone operator, embraces local artists. Kosovo IPKO, said the choice of rap over rappers have built up a massive By Shega A’Mula other musical genres was simple. fan base among young people at “We consulted local and region- home and among the big diaspora. al promoters and music managers Even the government’s t’s Wednesday night in and our evaluation showed the spokesman, Memli Krasniqi, used Prishtina and people are queu- majority of Kosovars prefer hip to be a rapper. Iing for Fullhouse, the city’s hop,” he says. “If big companies Guxim Gerxhaliu, 23, is a local most up-to-the-minute nightspot. want to market successfully, they rapper, graffiti artist and DJ. DJ Epps, official hip hop DJ of need to identify with stars that the Known as DJ Pamon to his follow- rapper 50 Cent’s G-Unit label, is public want.” ers, Gerxhaliu has been living and the act drawing in the crowds. Other companies have followed breathing hip hop practically If rap music isn’t your cup of suit. Z-mobile, the country’s third since childhood. tea, you might as well skip having mobile operator, flew the notori- He explains how Kosovo’s hip an evening out, as two of the city’s ous US rapper Snoop Dogg to the hop culture emerged under the other major night clubs are also same venue in July to meet an harsh Serbian regime in the hosting hip hop DJs. equally passionate crowd of Nineties, when access to the “Kosovars want hip hop,” Drin young hip hoppers. world’s hip-hop scene was limited Zatriqi, owner of Fullhouse, says. “After researching the market and anger about what was hap- “When I book a hip hop DJ, the through interviews, radio prefer- pening to the country was over- club is not only full but more peo- ences and more, we came to the flowing. ple are waiting to get inside than conclusion that this [rap] music is “I was only ten when I felt hip ever before.” Snoop Dogg played in front of a packed crowd in Prishtina earlier this month the most listened to in the country hop emerging all around me,” he Wednesday’s queue is full of recalls. “At that time, it was all by our target market, which is “For me, it was never about the Commenting on growing refer- Beyonce-impersonating young about the struggle of Albanian people between 18 and 30,” money. I used to struggle to find 25 ences in lyrics to sex, drugs and women and a string of baggy- youth, and it was very under- Valdrin Lluka, head of marketing euro to record a song three to four money as opposed to struggle, trouser-clad young men, all inti- ground. years ago, but I did it because I Humphreys Kosovo’s rappers and and sales for Z-mobile, says. mate with Epps’ work but also “We couldn’t have open con- believe hip hop is the easiest way their audiences have become According to Z-mobile, more with the man that made him big, certs and performances back for young people to express them- accustomed to their country’s than 15,000 people sang along to 50 Cent. then. Now, you see hip hop every- selves.” independence and to freedom. where in the city, from the way Rexha writes and records music “Freedom and democracy are people dress to the way they with his group, TDS, which stands being taken for granted through dance,” he adds. for The Dark Side. This refers to these references, which means While Gerxhaliu spends many the deep social and economic that society is developing and nights of the week DJing in cities problems that Kosovo’s youth young people are engaging in around the country, most of his encounter. aspiration; they want the lifestyle fellow hip hop artist are putting “We want our songs to shed that we [Americans] have,” he out albums and recording MTV- light on the dark problems says. style videos. He laments that the Kosovo’s young people face, like “Hip hop represents the mix- music is no longer a means of unemployment, lack of freedom ture of cultures and races, and protest but a commercial venture. of movement, and more,” he says. because it’s part of current popu- “Now it’s all about fame, girls “Although I work with rappers lar culture, its emergence in and money,” he explains, compar- that live for fame, I won’t lose my Kosovo indicates the development ing the scene to that of the values,” he adds. “Most young of modern democracy within Nineties. people don’t have the money to society,” he concludes. Gerxhaliu is not the only one to record music, so I want to give Rap Lyrics – From Corruption note the commercialization of them a reason to believe.” to Champagne Kosovo’s hip hop industry. Tere Humphreys, professor of A TDS song, called “Criticism”, Kastriot Rexha, 20, an emerging music at Arizona State University, complains about the corruption local rapper who has recently now at the University of Prishtina affecting daily life: Kastriot Rexha, 20, an emerging local rapper become hugely popular under the International Summer School, “People are getting corrupt, name of Dr Mic, says everyone says the evolution of hip hop cul- playing the main role. Patriotic? The sixth-best artist of the past Snoop Doggs’s rap anthems that wants in on the hip hop game. ture in Kosovo, from a vehicle of Damn there ain’t a problem you decade, according to Billboard evening, which followed warm-up “Every other guy my age or angry protest to a means to can’t solve with deep pockets, Magazine, performed in front of a acts by local hip hop artists. younger wears baggy clothes and parade wealth, reflects positive ‘cause what they see, they own.” sold-out crowd of more than Since 50 Cent’s performance in wants to be a rapper,” he explains, changes taking place in society. In contrast, a rapper called F- 25,000 fans at Prishtina’s open-air 2007, a string of other famous decked out in loose clothing. “You “As Kosovo becomes more dem- Kay says in his song “One More”: football stadium in December American rappers have made have all these rappers mimicking ocratic and wealthier, pop culture “When you see me in the club, I’m 2007, becoming the first high-sta- their debut in front of a Kosovar the lives of American rappers, will become more prevalent. Hip- so fly. Everyone knows who the fly Y tus star to perform in the country. audience. They include Fat Joe, rapping about being famous, hop represents modern pop-cul- guy is. I’m dressed in a million M Petrit Selimi, one of the organ- Redman, Method Man and sleeping with many girls and buy- ture everywhere in the world,” he bucks, VIP style, champagne on C isers of the event, which launched Chamillionare. ing expensive cars. says. the rocks.” K 15 Guide July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 Three Decades of Visions Alter Medjugorje beyond Recognition While the Pope’s new commission is set to finally clarify the shrine’s final status, whether anything that Rome says can stop the flow of pilgrims at this stage looks debatable.

By Marcus Tanner

t is late afternoon on the “Apparition Hill” in the shrine Itown of Medjugorje and the Italians are going up and the Croats are coming down. But the Croat pilgrims have a loudspeaker, so their harsh-sounding chants of “Zdravo Marijo” drown out the softer sounding murmur of “Santa Maria, prega per noi pecca- tori” as the two groups pass one another mid-way. It’s hot and dangerous on these slippery, sharp rocks where, almost 30 years ago, six Bosnian children had the first vision of the Virgin Mary, the first of thousands because the visions never stopped, prompting long-lasting controver- sy over their authenticity. People have stumbled and been injured on this hillside. One priest tripped and died. But still they come, in all weathers, older folk panting and gasping in the heat; up they go, battalions of Croats, Italians and Irish alongside small- er contingents of Spanish, French, English, Germans, Czechs and even Lebanese. Down below, Medjugorje, unrec- ognizable to anyone who hasn’t been here for years, shimmers in the haze. Down there, huge, shiny air-conditioned coaches rumble through the streets day and night, disgorging hordes of passengers into what now must be the most questions from a semi-circle of pil- that the messages just keep on to take me back to Dubrovnik, I insisted on going to Mostar, it international town in Bosnia - a grims gathered outside. “What coming. meet an angry old Italian who has made him more determined to go. place where everyone seems to colour is purgatory?” I remember Medjugorje church had enough. His Italian tour guide Meanwhile, the long-awaited speak some English, German and one of them asking. “Yellow,” she Medjugorje church told him he was going to go to hell seal of papal approval for the Italian as well as Croatian and answered, not missing a beat. “Most other shrines are totally for asking stupid provocative ques- visions appears to be on its way. where you can pay your bills in an “Can we get souls out of hell with dead compared to this place,” tions and for saying he wanted to It’s no secret that the old Polish amazing variety of currencies. our prayers?” Answer: No. “Help explains an Irish priest, Fr Terry, “go see how the Muslims live in pope looked on the phenomenon Twenty-two years ago, on my me, I have cancer; ask the Virgin to reeling off the names of several he Mostar”, he told me. “It’s almost with deep sympathy and that his first journalistic assignment for cure me,” shouted a woman from had visited or worked in, includ- impossible to get out of this place. German successor, Benedict XVI, the new Independent newspaper, I Mexico. “Our Lady hears every- ing Fatima in Portugal and the They don’t want us to see anything does likewise. A new Vatican com- came to Medjugorje to see the one’s prayers,” Vicka replied, Virgin of Guadeloupe in Mexico. of Bosnia,” he grumbled. mission, tasked with determining visionaries and meet their bitter- calmly. Fatima had been just a “big empty He had a point. Life in the shrine’s final status, has been est critic, their own bishop, in She was a fresh-faced teenager square”, he recalled. “There was Medjugorje can resemble that working under Cardinal Ruini, a nearby Mostar. then, with apple cheeks, sweet no buzz”. dark US comedy, The Truman close friend of the Pope’s, since It was a village of one-storey cot- smile and perfect skin. The smile Medjugorje, on the other hand, Show - a film set from which March. The visit paid to tages back in those days, off the is still there, but I feel shaken on has buzz. Wandering up to the escape is not exactly encouraged. Medjugorje last December by beaten track, where pious peas- seeing the rest of her prematurely church for a late-night service of Visitors are invited to stay within Cardinal Schonborn of Vienna, ants rented out rooms for nominal aged, lined and pain-ravaged face Benediction, I’m astonished to bounds, to walk from the another close papal ally, was a fee. Chickens clucked and in a recent photograph. Her find a huge crowd there, even at Apparition Hill to the Cross straw in the wind. scratched around in the dirt lanes. visions may have helped to bring this hour. All on their knees, in the Mountain, go to St Jacob’s church It’s exciting stuff for Vatican A ceaseless flow of visitors - and of unimaginable wealth and prosper- darkness, eyes fixed on the Host several times a day, to buy sou- observers. But whether anything money - has swept that village ity to the dusty and obscure village held aloft in a golden monstrance. venirs (grappa, cigs and rosaries) that Rome said would actually stop away. in which she was born but her own There is a 24/7 character to the from the thousands of stalls, to eat the flow of pilgrims at this stage is The cottages have gone, convert- health has not been spared. place, as Fr Terry suggested: Mass dinner in their pensions and when more debatable. “People come ed into grim-looking five-storey The power behind the in English, followed by Mass in not doing the above, to unwind in from all over the world, from pensions and hotels. The livestock Medjugorje phenomenon is the Spanish; followed by Mass in the countless bars and cafés. Ireland, from as far as the has disappeared, too. There is not repeat nature of the original mira- Croatian; followed by Confession; The vast majority of visitors Philippines,” Franjo Topic, mem- a rooster in sight on the neat cle – the constant series of visions, followed by the Rosary; followed by arrive in curtained, air-con coach- ber of the Vatican commission and lawns, kept green by hissing sprin- the latest of which I see flagged up Benediction. One crowd leaves the es and leave in the same a few days head of Napredak in Sarajevo, told klers. in several languages, including church, another pours in. No won- later, having seen nothing of the me. If the village has changed dras- Arabic, on a screen outside the der Fr Terry wanted to move here country beyond the limits of “This cannot be ignored, nor the tically, so have the visionaries. church. It’s not the content of the permanently. Medjugorje. My old Italian was fact that so many have been con- Y They grew up, married and had messages, banal and almost Not everyone appreciates the having none of this; when his tour verted,” he added. “Even if the families. In my minds’ eye, I still unvarying that they are, that “Medjugorje experience”, of guide told him he’d be “beaten up commission’s verdict was nega- M see Vicka standing on the thresh- draws most pilgrims; more the fact course. Waiting for a bus to Mostar and robbed by the Muslims” if he tive, people would still come.” C old of her parents’ home, fielding K 16 July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 Food & Drink Gio Grill and Bar: Late Night Delicacies it’s not, and serves up exactly what it says it will. It focuses mainly on Kosovar staples – which usually focus on meat – and favourites such as pizza and pasta. By Maneater Appetizers include the usual Kosovar meze, or meat and cheese platter, and bak- ery favourites such as flia and mantia. Fried orget greasy 3am downtown burgers mushrooms and fried cheese are non-tradi- and long queues at Grand Store’s Gizzi tional options. FGrill. Gio Grill and Bar is Prishtina’s Every meal begins with a complimentary newest late night eatery, just in time for summer’s remaining nights of festivities starter of freshly baked bread rolls, known and sleeplessness. as pitalka in Albanian, and a side dish of Gio is located next to Albi Shopping cen- zesty garlic flavoured cream. tre, just a few kilometres outside of the city We went with hot peppers in sour cream, centre, and is visible from the main road and fried crepes to kick the meal off. The leading to Skopje. The large terrace, indoor peppers were definitely fiery, but combined dining area and kitchen are open 24 hours a well with a thick and zesty country-style day, seven days a week. sour cream. Considering its mundane surroundings, It was the first time my dining partner Gio does well to create a restful outdoor and I had sampled breaded and deep fried seating area, suited for either lounging or crepes in Prishtina, and we were positively Forget these greasey kebabs and bad burgers, Gio is serving up great food at all hours dining. White curtains and copious surprised. With a crispy exterior and soft bles. The simplicity of the side dishes socialiser. amounts of tropical plants are in stark con- filling of chopped prosciutto, pickles, hard- allowed the piece of steak to excel, and for And prices are lower than those of Gizzi trast to the surrounding industrial area and boiled egg and cheese, this delicate crepe Grill’s, giving this place even more of an noisy neighbouring highway. with a hearty stuffing can serve as a meal in good reason – it was very fresh, and grilled edge on it’s competitor. Inside, dining tables are well spaced out itself. exactly to our yearning. and well dressed for large parties. The wait- For our mains, we decided to test the meat The shank meat casserole proved our Gio Grill and Bar ing staff are oddly gracious compared to the favourite of the evening. Succulent pieces of options, so we ordered a classic veal steak, 044 240 130 usual Prishtina standards, and readily lean beef, which fell apart at the touch of a and a shank meat tava, which can be best Albi, on the Skopje Highway available. In our case, even the head chef described as a mini casserole. fork, were teamed up with roasted potatoes came out to recommend items on the menu. The steak arrived plated next to adequate and supple carrots to create a wholesome Gio’s menu doesn’t try to be something portions of white rice and grilled vegeta- meal ready to energize any late clubber, or Where to pick up Prishtina Insight? Prishtina Insight has teamed up with these five excellent venues to offer a limited number of complimentary copies of Kosovo’s only English-lan- guage newspaper. Grab a copy of the publication and settle down with a drink or a meal to read it.

Filikaqa Sports Bar Cavallero Mexican Restaurant

Prishtina’s best sports bar offers the perfect setting to watch a You can almost transport yourself to the Mexican coast, with game on over a dozen HDTV screens, guzzle down a metre of beer soaring palm trees and an immaculate five star resort, while dining and tuck in to some delicious food. There is enough space to at Cavallero Mexican Cantina. Mouth-watering appetizers and accommodate large crowds and still maintain enough legroom savoury main dishes are nicely washed down with countless cock- It could be you? and breathing space between rival supporters, or those wanting tail options and even imported Mexican beer. Gather you’re friends Prishtina Insight is looking to watch different games, whether it is a Liverpool match, NFL and bring on the fiesta. Cavallero has a great terrace where you can game, or cycling race. Filikaqa’s menu includes spicy chicken enjoy the summer breeze. For for a small number of addition- wings, beef nachos, cheese-stuffed pizza, fried chicken, burgers more information, visit their al partners to offer complimen- and fries. Every Friday, join facebook page, or contact them. tary copies of the newspaper. Filikaqa for karaoke nights. Cavallero, And for a small fee, you will Filikaqa Located next to the ex-UNMIK also be included in our listings Rr. Mujo Ulqinaku BL 4/1 building ‘where to pick up Prishtina Pejton, Prishtina Prishtina Insight’. Contact Prishtina www.filikaqa.com +377 44 508 980 Insight on +381 38 24 33 58 for +381 38 244 288 Facebook page more information. Prishtina Insight

Cantina am-pm Restaurant Hotel AFA Te Komiteti Prishtina Insight is Kosovo’s only English-language newspa- Cantina AM-PM, formerly known as Located in a quiet neighbourhood just Te Komiteti’s large trees and a beauti- per. It is available: Mexican Cantina, recently went through a outside the city centre, Hotel Afa can guar- fully garden, which surround the small transfer to new management, and although antee guests a peaceful night while being outdoor terrace, give you an impression On its publication date, hardly noticeable from a distance, the new within walking distance of all the action. of an exclusive place for ordinary peo- every other Friday, delivered to owners have transformed the venue into a The venue has won a host of awards for its ple. And this is exactly what it is. From your door or your inbox for as more grown-up affair with good, cheap food. excellent service to customers and offers a brunch to lunch-time snacks and special little as 10euro for six months. Cantina offers Mexican dishes at reasonable good range of facilities, from an exclusive evening meals, this restaurant offers Visit www. prishtinain- prices, starting from less than 5 euro. Although restaurant and VIP dishes comprising quality, varied ingre- sight.com for more details. the majority of the food is Mexican-influenced, bar to pretty, tranquil dients, combined to perfection. Cesar salad and pizza have been included too. garden. Rooms start at Alongside one of Prishtina’s best ‘mod- From news-stands in Mexican favourites 45 euro for a single, ern European’ Prishtina, Prizren, Peja, served up at Cantina and luxury rooms and style menus, Mitrovica, Gjakova, Gjilan and include tortilla, thicker apartments are avail- you’ll also find a Ferizaj on Saturdays for just pan-friend tortilla, able. The hotel’s rooms good selection of one euro. nacho chips and burri- are well appointed and wine, and great to. Cantina’s also offers comfortable. sangria and cock- From one of our partner a very pleasant area for 15, Rr Ali Kelmendi, tails . organisations (see above). al fresco dining. Sunny Hill, Te Komiteti Grab a drink, meal or a bed for Cantina AM-PM Prishtina Qamil Hoxha the night and enjoy a compli- Rr Qamil Hoxha +381 38/225 226 Street Y mentary copy from Mondays Prishtina www.hotelafa.com Prishtina after publication. M +377 49 710 710 +381 38 24 96 63 C K By Shengjyl Osmani July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 17 in Prishtina Timeout Contact Prishtina Insight if you would like your event to feature or to advertise your venue. Email [email protected]

Prishtina Diary Morcheeba Cinema Full House Youth Centre, Friday, July 30 2010, Sexy House night with Wednesday, 11 August 2010, Morcheeba DANI BRAVO & DEAR-D in Prishtina Saturday, July 31, 2010 Tom Boxer feat. Antonia Morcheeba, one of the most famous bands of trip- hop genre in the world, will perform in Prishtina. The English band will perform as part of the Amelie, Fehmi Agani urban summer festival SURF. Saturday, July 31 2010, Morcheeba has released five best-selling albums Amelie’s first year and has been highly successful in the last two Anniversary party and decades. Beach Party. After a break, this year the band returned in its Amelie is celebrating its complete form, including the famous singer Skye. first anniversary, and is In April 2010, they began their world tour with inviting you to come and stops in over 30 cities. join them for the first ever And on August 11 they will arrive in Prishtina. Amelie birthday party Morcheeba’s performance in Prishtina is assisted with free tapas food, live by IPKO company, which had previously brought music and a great sur- 50 Cent and Buena Vista to Kosovo. Prishtina prise for the winner of the Insight are also media sponsors. lottery. Throughout the This time around, IPKO and other sponsors have day a 10% discount for the supported Gani Bobi Centre in organizing the con- entire menu. cert that is expected to turn Kosovo into the epi- From 2pm to 5pm listen to D.J. Uran B centre of music events this summer. The concert will be held as part of a month-long Square 21 summer festival in the two Kosovo cities of Saturday, July 31, 2010 Prizren and Prishtina. ALBAN HI-DINI So far, the festival has included a modern art exhi- bition in the comic strip bar, Strip Depot, and a very day at 6 and 8 pm, ABC will screen the final chapter of concert by Petrit Ceku, the famous Kosovo guitar r Shrek, It Ain’t Ogre...Till It’s Ogre. ABC cinema also contin- player. Eues to screen the movie Robin Hood at 10 pm. The cinema will Morcheeba’s concert will be the highlight of the DUPLEX Club also screen the movie It’s Complicated, Divorced... with Benefits festival and it will be held at the Youth Centre in Friday, July 30 2010, D with Merly Streep, Steve Marin, and Alec Baldwin in the main Prishtina. Master Hip Hop & RnB roles. And starting from August 6, ABC will start screening the Doors will open for the concert at 7 pm. Saturday, July 31 2010, DJ PROFESSIONAL (House movie Being Azem. Tickets are being sold throughout IPKO sales and Hip Hop) For ticket reservations and further information visit points and in other sites for 6 euro only, while on Sunday, August 1, live concert from Alban www.kinoabc.info or call 038 243 117 the day of the concert the tickets will cost 8 euro. Skenderaj Warm up acts include Genc Salihu, Shpat Deda and Pischmen. Following Morcheeba, revellers will be enter- tained by DJ Alban Hi-Dini DOKUFEST July – 7 August 2010 in Prizren More details can be found at: www.morcheeba.co.uk Highlights: www.summerurbanfestival.com Saturday, 31 July – Kino Kala, Welcome Europe, Bruno Ulmer, France www.ganibobicenter.org Sunday, 1 August – Kino Lumbardhi, War and Love in Kabul, Helga Reidegel Germany Monday, 2 August – House of Culture, Europe Next Door, Zelimir Zelnik, Serbia Other events at SURF: Tuesday, 3 August – Kino Lumbardhi Nirgendwo.Kosovo, Silvana Santamaria, Germany Wednesday, 4 August – Kino Bahce, Unearthing the Pen, Carol Salter, UK, Uganda Urban Graffiti workshop from 21 to 22 August in Thursday, 5 August – Kino Lumbardhi, Dreamland, Torfinnur Gudnason, Andri Snar Magnason, Iceland Prizren Friday, 6 August – Kino ne Lum, Married to the Camera, Doga Kilcioglu, Turkey MM regional literary workshop from the 28 to Saturday, 7 August – Kino Lumbardhi, Recipes for Disaster, John Webster, Finland The full version of all movies screening at DokuFest can be downloaded at www.dokufest.com/2010 30 August in Prizren

Dhermi, Havana Beach Saturday, 31 July, 2010 Paul Van Dyk World Tour Y The Grammy Award–nominated Electronic Dance Music DJ plays the beautiful Albanian beach this M weekend. Don’t miss it. C K 18 July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 Inside Prishtina

Ecosovo Bar Review: A to B without Churchill inston Churchill was a man in posses- Wsion of undeniable the CO2 leadership, a trait captured by Albert Sylejmani, the to accurately budget the time to owner of a new Prishtina say hello to the people you know pub named after the leg- you will bump into en route), good By Elizabeth Gowing endary British leader. exercise and carbon neutral. Not Albert, a professional everyone likes it though – a friend actor, recently transformed told me ‘I hate walking in a residential home, in a tuck for something to say? Prishtina because of the terrible mainly residential area, There are two subjects it is air quality. That’s why I drive into the city’s newest Salways safe to open a conver- everywhere.’ English-style pub. sation with in Prishtina; the The two-story venue is located weather, and the traffic. And the OK, if you are addicted to just behind the downtown block safest way to deal with either is to wheels, how about: apartments home to Metro Café complain that there is just too and a string of retail outlets. much of it. While the area is full of shabby I love the excesses of Prishtina’s Alternative no. 3: homes and minimal business microclimate - from the blazing Carpooling activity, Churchill definitely sun that makes the cafes open up stands out, and for good reason. like flowers, to the sudden snow- For regular journeys to work, The pub’s front yard is greener fall that gives every building in the for weekend trips out of town, for than the rest of the neighbour- city a little white plis hat. But it field visits by your organisation – grownup, with specific details billiard’s room, or lounging on hood, encircled by large green would be hard for anyone to enjoy are there ways that you can share which add distinctive character the massive leather-bound sofas hedges and shelters by tall leafy the excesses of Kosovo’s traffic. So your (and the Earth’s) resources to the space. positioned in a way very familiar trees. Simple terrace chairs and the exchange of complaints and with people travelling the same A collection of eminent to one’s own living room. tables occupy the downtown depressing anecdotes trails on and way? Opportunities for learning Winston Churchill quotes swathe A series of flat screen TVs are space, which oddly feels like a on, like the cars backed up along about your neighbour’s or col- the walls of the staircase leader located around the pub for, ready retreat away from the busy city. Bill Clinton Bulevard. You take a league’s CD collection? The to the second level of the pub. It’s for football games and other pop- The bar area is located on the deep breath – and wish you hadn’t, Facebook group ‘Pristina carpool’ hard not to stop and read every ular matches. first level, which is fully open to because congestion isn’t the only offers a space to match up people single one, intricately written in Food will also soon be readily the front terrace. Masculine fur- problem caused by all those cars; wanting to go to the same place at bold differentiating fonts. available at Churchill, and will niture and dark wood panelling there’s the city’s terrible air quali- the same time. “Never, never, never give up”, include pub favourites such as emphasize the varying colours of ty too, as well as the unseen impact one of them reads. hamburgers, steaks, and salads. liquor present behind the bar, of all the irreplaceable fossil fuel Actors, artists, journalists and Regular barbeques are also held Alternative no. 4: Trains and a couple of paintings depict- that’s going up in smoke. other expressive individuals are on the terrace. Details will be ing the London skyline. These are Kosovo’s best-kept part of the usual crowd at available at www.churchillpub- Thankfully, tacky pub orna- secret. In 2006, shortly after Churchill. You can usually find ks.com very soon. So what are the alterna- ments are avoided at Churchill. Kosovo’s rail network had been them on the second level, playing 044 207 067 tives? The decor is extensively relaunched, I took a train from a game of pool in the pubs open Rr. Johan V. Hahn Alternative no. 1: Buses Prishtina to Skopje . I noticed that my ticket was numbered 00010. A few weeks ago I caught a train Shop Review: They’re cheap; they’re surpris- from Prishtina to Peja and my ingly frequent. And with the city’s ticket was numbered 09055, which buses donated from countries suggests that the three interven- across Europe, there is something ing years have not been packed Souvenir Shop Delvina magical about the choices avail- with customers. This train was able to you. You can stand on a hile the streets of busy, though - carrying all kinds of broken pavement in Kosovo and Prishtina are littered with people - kids listening to MP3 play- hail a bus that advertises itself as Wsubstandard souvenirs ers, men carrying sacks of pep- heading for an affluent Swiss sub- mostly made in China, Souvenir pers, old women deep in conversa- urb, or perhaps the Hauptbahnhof. Shop Delvina provides alternative tion and shopping. The seats are Of course, at the city’s bus sta- keepsakes all produced at home. like armchairs and you can make While mostly focused on traditional tion you really can take the first yourself comfortable and look out costumes, other items are also plen- step on the way to a of the window as if you are start- tiful. Hauptbahnhof, with the regular ing a particularly good movie, or At first glimpse, Delvina comes international and national depar- perhaps a trailer for the feature across as a hectic bazaar stall, with tures from Prishtina. I’ve spent film that awaits you when you some of my happiest hours in heaps of fabric, rugs, costumes and reach your stop. You travel past Kosovo on intercity buses, watch- ornaments hanging from walls and haystacks, men minding cows, ing the countryside and towns sitting on every available surface. apple trees, mosques and church- whizz by, unbothered by driving The store may be small, but its col- es. You remember that this is a stress, and listening on my iPod to lection is quite eminent. beautiful country. My journey anything loud enough to drown Due to its long-standing family took just under two hours and cost out the ‘comedy’ shows running on tradition, Delvina has earned a 3 euros. Find the timetable for all a loop on the bus video player. reputation for meticulously stitch- rail travel starting in Kosovo, at Sense of humour failure aside, the ing traditional costumes for both www.kosovorailway.com, click for buses are good value (3 euros men and women. The methods and the English version and then on between Prishtina and Gjakova, materials used to sew the folkloric ‘passenger transport’ and ‘train for example) and as punctual as wear are equivalent to those used schedule’ any you would find in an affluent hundreds of years earlier. Prices for males begin at 150 Colourful and heavily embroi- So there are at least four alter- Swiss suburb. The times to all Although traditional Kosovar euro, and can reach 300 euro dered materials can be used for natives to grumbling about major towns in Kosovo are dis- dress varies from region, many depending on the materials used. home decorating and interior Prishtina’s traffic. The next time played above the windows within aspects are staples seen in many Heavier wool traditionally used design. conversation turns to the city’s the bus station and are usually parts of the Balkans. Delvina uses for trousers contributes to the ele- Other souvenirs available at the traffic, are you still feeling stuck (OK, it’s best to ask someone, to varying styles, from Kosovo and vated price. shop include traditional instru- for something to say? check) reliable. neighbouring Albania. For female costumes, prices ments, footwear, headwear, jewel- Elizabeth Gowing is a founder Although costumes are readily begin at 80 euro and reach about ry, mini clay monuments, bowls member of The Ideas Partnership, Alternative no. 2: Walking available at the store, the family 200 euro. However, rare finds such and plates, bags, and postcards a Kosovan NGO working on educa- Y also creates custom designs for as accessories created a century Souvenir Shop Delvina tional, cultural and environmental M No unpredictable jams (the only clients. These creations take earlier can cost more. Rr. Bill Clinton, projects. Contact her at theideas- C unpredictable thing about walking between four to five days to be [email protected] Delvina’s fabrics can also be above TEB bank K a small city like Prishtina is how completed. used for alternative purposes. 044 336 159 By Shega A’Mula 19 in Prishtina Inside Prishtina July 30 - Sep 3, 2010

Outside In Scientific Conclusion on Kosovo

By Kreshnik Hoxha

his edition’s column is the last one of the season before Prishtina Insight Ttakes its summer break, and also Outside IN’s one-year birthday. Twelve months of writing for a small country like Kosovo with the potential to produce stories every minute was quite a marathon. With a greying Prime Minister, vertically challenged Foreign Minister, a uniquely polarised coalition and with two million Kosovars being used as guinea pigs, the now- ICJ-Approved Republic of Kosovo has seemed like a gigantic research laboratory, where great world powers perform a wide range of experiments to test their foreign policy. And this, undoubtedly of course, brings to mind the topics discussed in this column about the progression of these experiments and the results produced. Outside In started off with the visit of my British friends to Kosovo which added context to the biggest issue of the time. This was the road construction between Prishtina and the airport, which took a lifetime to complete. Well, thank God, Fatmir Limaj has managed to tick that one off his list. But the experiment demonstrated the great reserves of patience Kosovars have in almost absolutely anything, which probably plays to their disadvantage when it comes to holding politicians accountable. Accountability testing brings us to egging politicians as a sign of anger towards them. This experiment successfully proved that if Kosovars were to egg politicians whenever they messed up, then Kosovo would be a world leader in egg production with the potential to export some to the region too. What a brilliant method for economic resurrection? Building Review With the onset of local elections in Kosovo, the Central Election Commission extended to me their warmest regards by asking me to vote. It was an interesting experiment conduct- Prishtina Golf ed by Nesrin Lushta aimed at testing the effi- ciency of the postal service in Kosovo and, in rishtina’s recreational activities were inclined to visit courses outside of tors, with a total distance of 250 metres. conclusion, successfully putting Kosovo on the have recently surpassed that of café the country before its development. A maximum of seven people can prac- list of countries with the slowest postal system Phopping with the opening of “Internationals would head to Greece tise their swing at the same time and in Europe. Prishtina Golf, the country’s first mini golf and Bulgaria for the weekends in order to around 50 people can play simultaneously The most expensive experiment to date has course and driving range. play golf. Now, a lot of them our staying in on the mini course. to be the one conducted by Hashim Thaci, in The impressive piece of green is located Prishtina and enjoying our facility here,” A game of mini golf proves quite relax- December last year, when he dished out 5.7 mil- just 7 km away from the downtown area, he added. ing for those used to the Prishtina’s usual lion euro to pay Saatchi & Saatchi to help us next to a village known as Llapnaselle. For The facilities were built by City Golf chaotic nature. paint a new image in the eyes of the world, in those of you familiar with Ciao Group, ‘the market leader in golf courses Prices are also quite reasonable – 5 euro the vain hope that it would bring us more Restaurant, Prishtina Golf can be found since the 1950s’, according to its official per person for the first game, 3 euro for the recognitions. just down the road from the Cagllavica website. second. Club prices for the driving range The experiment showed that Thaci was eatery. The company’s expertise can certainly are 5 euro, while 50 golf balls cost 5 euro short of results, especially when you look at Initiatives to begin the project began two be seen on the mini golf course. 18 differ- and 100 cost 8 euro. Vuk Jeremic’s success in encouraging recogni- years ago, beginning with the development ent putting greens, furnished with inter- You’re also free to bring your own clubs, tions through his appeal to the ICJ. And of the driving range. According to Lavdim esting obstacles and deflectors varying by evading the need to pay the 5 euro rental Jeremic did it all for free too! Zylfiu from Prishtina Golf, the venture level, add spice to the game. charge. These are the key findings of the research. reached an estimated cost of 600,000 euro, Each putting area is also a direct adap- When in need of a break, Prishtina Moving forwards, it is recommended that with the addition of a world-class mini golf tion of a prominent international green Golf ’s outdoor terrace and restaurant is future experiments are performed on Kosovo’s course and high-quality restaurant and located outside of the region, which is ready to accommodate your requests, with EU integration prospects and speeding up bar. indicated on a sign depicting the number quality food options, drinks and alcoholic recognitions. “We wanted to create something that is a of the area and the technique recommend- beverages. All these should be done in conjunction with step ahead for Prishtina and its young ed for the best putting results. Prishtina Golf is open from 12 pm to 12 changing the current political scene of Kosovo Europeans, and the absence of a gold “The course represents some of the am every day. Visit www.prishtinagolf.com and serving something new and fresh to the course was it,” said Zylfiu. world’s best putting greens, from Scotland, for more info. voter in 2011 general elections. Y Nevertheless, Zylfiu admits that the Ireland and the US,” said Zylfiu. Prishtina Golf And those with greying hair could do with M country’s international residents will also Zylfiu admits that the driving range is Llapnaselle reviewing their experiments or just taking C benefited greatly from the project, as they more popular among international visi- 045/049 34 34 33 early retirement of some sort. K If you would like your NGO to appear in 20 July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 our Making a Difference feature, please NGO Focus email [email protected] Forum for Civic Initiative’s Innovative Grant Scheme he Forum for Civic Initiatives, FIQ, has been an innovative NGO since its Testablishment in Ferizaj in 2000. But the organisation turned a new page this year with the launch of it’s new grant- making progranmme, which provides funds for eco ideas, active citizenship and unique ideas “Our short term vision is to expand our grant-making programmes, provide more grants for organisations and informal groups and be able to reach out to more com- munities and assist them to address daily problems,” FIQ head Ferdinand Nikolla told Prishtina Insight. “In addition, FIQ will further strengthen the networking and partnership with our valuable partners from other big municipal- ities in Kosovo, and continue our advocacy work at the national level by overseeing rule of law institutions in order to make them more effective and accountable to the peo- ple,” he added. “FIQ believes that by possessing all these work elements, we will be able to encourage and support civic initiatives in addressing daily problems, and in the other side, make our institutions perform according to peo- ple’s demands.” During its 10 years of operation, FIQ has evolved into an organisation with a focus on FIQ’s tent at Freedom Festival which was used to promote green living transparency and accountability of the gov- actions, by facilitating a constructive dia- aged to increase the trust among donors, sations, nongovernmental organisations ernment and the strengthening of the logue and cooperation between people and and other stakeholders, and considerably and networks who aim to contribute to the capacity of civil society through debates, private and the public sector.” expanded our work programmes and staff,” overall development of society are eligible training and grant making support. During their operations, the initiative has he said. to apply for a grant, which must be in the For its work on the national level, FIQ’s faced different challenges for different peri- In the following two year, from 2003 to sphere of ecology, active citizenship or objectives are to advocate for advancing and ods of time. 2005, the challenge became to overcome the unique ideas. defending public interest so that institu- Nikolla said that during its first three disillusionment at the perceived lack of Nikolla added: “FIQ aims to raise the level tions develop people-focused, locally appro- year FIQ had to work hard in establishing results that donor money had brought to of civic involvement in improving the qual- priate and effective policies. itself as a ‘respected and credible actor’. Kosovo and problems with the perception of ity of life by creating sustainable communi- Nikolla explained: “We do this through “For us, not being a huge organisation at corruption. ties, clean environment and effective part- research and policy recommendations. The that time [made it] not easy to convince This year, FIQ became a grant-making nership between community, civil society, other objective at the local level is to engage donors that it is worth investing in us, but organisation and is encouraging other business sector and institutions of Kosovo.” directly with people in measuring the step by step, working together with people, groups to apply for funds. For more information visit impact of these policies and government with institutions, and with them, we man- All informal groups, community organi- www.fiq-fci.org NGO NEWS 700million Euro Road Contract to Remain Secret he Ministry of Transport and Telecommunication to obtain the agree- must be made available to the public. Telecommunications has blocked ment between the ministry and con- But according to the ministry’s offi- Ta request by civil society organi- struction consortium Bechtel Enka for cial reply, issued by its legal department sation FOL Movement to release the the 700million highway, which will span and signed by the secretary general Mr contract for the construction of the Kosovo, from the Albanian to Serbian Skender Gashi and the director of the Morine-Merdare highway border. legal department Avdi Kamerolli, the The NGO sent an official request to According to the law on access to pub- contract and the tender documents are the Ministry of Transport and lic documents, institutional documents too sensitive to release. “Referring to the law number 2003/12 for Access to Public Documents, amend- ment 4, because of the fact that those documents are of major public interest and sensitive documents, your request has been denied,” the letter reads. Petrit Zogaj, programme manager of movement FOL, told Prishtina Insight that the decision to withhold the infor- mation suggested the ministry had something to hide. “We won’t give up until we have access Y to those public documents, and we will M pursue all legal procedures and actions C in order to find out how the 700million K euro will be spent,” added Zogaj. opinion July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 21 Kosovo Ruling Reveals World Court’s Darker Side Judges’ opinion will fuel suspicions that power, not law, is the fundamental factor behind the success or failure of secessionist movements.

which Balkan politicians would be nothing to say on this topic is to separated itself from Serbia. tition in the Western Balkans. proud, opining that the General denude the discipline of much of Under UNMIK’s guise, it had creat- Where secession and division of Assembly had asked the wrong its normative force. ed a different legal system, curren- territory between warring ethnic By Matthew Parish question. The Court tries to evade this cy, immigration rules and car groups has taken place, it has ush- It was not the interim self-gov- implication by drawing another licence plates and its own passport ered in peace and political stabili- erning institutions of Kosovo that technical distinction. It avers that regime, taxes and administration. ty. Formerly hostile groups, each had declared independence on 17 it is not ruling on whether Kosovo For good or ill, meanwhile, act- in possession of a new sense of nternational law concerning February 2008 but “persons who has actually seceded from Serbia, ing in flat contravention of its own nationhood, have found reconcilia- state secession may be com- acted together in their capacity as but only on whether the mandate, which was to preserve tion through common economic plex: James Crawford’s flag- I representatives of the people of Declaration of Independence was the territorial integrity of and political interests, as can be ship textbook, The Creation of Kosovo outside the framework of consistent with international law. Yugoslavia, UNMIK instead pur- seen in the recent renaissance in States under International Law, the interim administration”. However, such a distinction will sued a covertly partitionist agen- diplomatic relations between though 870 pages long, contains This logic is very stretched. The da, the logical consequence of few certain conclusions. be lost upon the people of the Serbia and Croatia. President and the Prime Minister which came to fruition in 2008. In But one of the strangest features Balkans, who perceive the ICJ’s By contrast, where different of Kosovo, both positions created 1999, Slobodan Milosevic had pre- of the ruling of the International opinion as a hands-down win for peoples who harbour animosity to by Kosovo’s interim constitution, dicted the independence of Kosovo Court of Justice, ICJ, on 22 July in Kosovar Albanians and a debacle one another are forced into the enacted by UNMIK, invited the were NATO permitted to occupy its Advisory Opinion on Kosovo’s for Serbia. confines of a unified state, politi- Kosovo Assembly - another institu- the territory; in this, at least, his Declaration of Independence is Imagine a court ruling that a cal stability is undermined. Power tion created by UNMIK - to adopt a instincts were right. the pretence that the subject is not declaration of marriage was law- sharing becomes impossible in the declaration of independence. It must not be forgotten that the a part of international law at all. ful, but adding that it made no pro- face of mutual suspicion. Thus we But none of these institutions, ICJ case was brought at the The judges’ majority opinion nouncement on whether the indi- witness the perennial paralysis request of Serbia, which thought breezily declares that internation- the Court declares, acted in their viduals in question were actually inherent in Bosnian and indeed al law has nothing to say on decla- official capacities; instead they married as a result. Such a result it had a watertight legal case. Belgian politics. rations of independence. To many were representing the people of would be incomprehensible to Instead, the Court hijacked But the challenge facing inter- lawyers, this will appear thread- Kosovo in an abstract role, outside anyone but lawyers. The world Serbia’s goal of vindicating its national diplomacy is that legit- bare. the formal governing institutions sees the ICJ as vindicating legal position, and used the ruling imizing this message creates haz- While at face value the Court’s of Kosovo, even though the Kosovo’s statehood, and this to validate the positions of the ards: affirmation of one secession- opinion is voluminous, at 252 Declaration of Independence was attempt to dodge the issue cannot prime movers in the international ist act may trigger nationalist pages, the greater part of it con- tabled as a resolution of the succeed. community who had pushed for movements across the world that sists of French translation, dis- Assembly. the independence of Kosovo, might otherwise have lain dor- senting opinions and the recital of The political implications of A political ruling: including the US, Britain, France mant. background facts. There is little or this reasoning are striking. Acting and Germany, all of whom have For this reason, it would have no significant, credible, legal on this logic, the Prime Minister of The ruling will confirm suspi- judges on the court. been better had those in charge of analysis. the Bosnian Serb entity, the cions that the Court arrives at These countries, occupying international institutions that The issue for the Court, as Republika Srpska, RS, could call a judgments on political grounds, Kosovo through the medium of confer legitimacy, such as the ICJ, framed by the UN General meeting of the RS National while the threadbare legal reason- UNMIK and faced with the mutual not lent their moral authority to Assembly, was whether the decla- Assembly, which then declares ing will enable anyone who wishes hostility between Serbs and what has taken place in Kosovo. ration of independence by independence from Bosnia acting to reject the decision as political Kosovar Albanians, could not Alas, the judges of the ICJ, being Kosovo’s interim self-governing as representative of the people of theatre comfortably to do so. devise an exit strategy. They had lawyers rather than diplomats or institutions of 17 February 2008 Republika Srpska rather than as Significantly, of the ten judges no desire to spend years repress- politicians, may not have had in was consistent with UN an institution established under who voted in Kosovo’s favour, eight ing the Albanian insurgency that mind the practical consequences Resolution 1244. the 1995 Dayton peace accords. came from nations that had recog- would have erupted had UNMIK of their abstract declarations. This was the Resolution that It appears that representatives nized Kosovo while one was from determined to hand Kosovo back Lawyers do not make good policy- authorized the creation of of the people who act “outside the Mexico, which has not taken a to Serbia. Nor did Serbia have the makers. It was open to the ICJ not UNMIK, the UN agency that framework of the administration” position. Only one was from a military resources to suppress the to rule on the issue at all. Five of administered Kosovo from 1999 to are not bound by the legal obliga- country opposed to Kosovo’s inde- territory. The independence of the fourteen Judges thought the its independence in 2008, and tions imposed upon those adminis- pendence, Brazil. All four dissent- Kosovo was probably the least bad Court should have declined to pro- which in theory, if not in practice, trations - even when those repre- ing judges who supported Serbia option available as of 2008. vide an opinion. That would have still does so. sentatives are one and the same were from countries that have not But this decision will make no been the more prudent course. The Court faced the argument people as the administration. recognized Kosovo. The way the difference to the relationship The enormity of the legal prece- that the declaration contradicts Court divided along lines of between Serbia and Kosovo. Serbia dent being set by Kosovo’s inde- the Resolution as this explicitly Not within the scope of national interest thereby under- knows Kosovo’s independence is a pendence cannot be overlooked. In refers to preserving the territorial international law? mined claims to impartiality. political fact that cannot be chal- Kosovo a consortium of foreign integrity of the then Federal It may be that international law lenged for the foreseeable future powers, acting initially without a lest it jeopardize the country’s EU Republic of Yugoslavia. The other limb of the ICJ’s argu- has so little to say about this sub- United Nations mandate, inter- accession negotiations. Moreover, The self-governing institutions ment amounts to an assertion that ject because, ultimately, the suc- vened using force in a sovereign Serbia has neither the resources of Kosovo, including its Assembly, issues of state secession are not cess or otherwise of declarations state to resolve that country’s eth- nor the inclination to use force to were created by orders of the head within the scope of international of independence turns not upon nic conflict. They then occupied take back control of the rebellious of UNMIK, acting pursuant to law at all. By this reasoning, the the ruling of a judicial institution part of the country and oversaw territory. executive and legislative authority declarations of independence of but on the military and economic its secession over a nine-year peri- However, Serbia will continue to given to him by 1244. By law, every- South Ossetia, Abkhazia, strength of the seceding territory, od. It is not clear that the ICJ refuse to recognize Kosovo, and its thing UNMIK did had to be consis- Transdniestr and every other and on the support, or lack of it, of should have lent its imprimatur to rejection of the ICJ ruling will be tent with Resolution 1244. autonomous territory emerging the Great Powers. such an exceptional event. sustained by attacks upon the poor Thus, UNMIK was not entitled from “frozen conflicts” are also Transdniestr, South Ossetia and Whatever one’s view of Kosovo’s quality of the Court’s reasoning. to do anything to prejudice consistent with the law of nations. Abkhazia all survive thanks to independence, it must be conceded The ICJ ruling may cause a few Yugoslavia’s territorial integrity. Furthermore, it does not seem to Russian support, while Kosovo that the events that led to more countries to recognize From this it is a small step to con- matter who makes a declaration of survives with EU and US support. UNMIK’s occupation and separa- Kosovo. But the Court will not clude that no institution created independence. Even if not made Kurdistan - and Republika Srpska - tion of the province from the rest sway the likes of Russia, Romania by UNMIK could do anything to by the proper institutions of the have not achieved independence of Serbia were unique. and Slovakia, which still strongly prejudice Serbia’s territorial territory but, on the Court’s rea- from the countries of which they To have lent these events a cloak oppose its independence. integrity either. Thus, Kosovo’s soning, by a group representing reluctantly form a part because of legal support may be to suggest assembly, which UNMIK created, the people of the region, a declara- the Great Powers in their regions that other disputed territories could not legally declare independ- tion of independence can still be oppose their attempts to do so. A boost to separatism have a similar “right” to secede, ence from Serbia. legitimate as a matter of interna- Power, not law, appears to remain everywhere: potentially fuelling ethnic civil This logic looked so persuasive tional law. the fundamental causal dynamic wars elsewhere in the world. that Serbia clearly felt confident of The more one reflects on this, in the success or failure of seces- Where the ruling may make a the outcome of the case. The issue the more absurd it seems. sionist movements. more important difference, howev- The author, an international would never have reached the ICJ International law has as its subject Viewed through this lens, the er, is in other countries with seces- lawyer based in Geneva, formerly but for Serbia’s lobbying of the UN the relationships between states. A independence of Kosovo might be sionist movements. It may turn worked as Chief Legal Adviser to General Assembly, which then fundamental question within this accepted as a settled political fact. out to be a matter of regret that the International Supervisor of referred the issue to the Court. discipline must be when states are While it sets a regrettable prece- the ICJ did not accord that consid- Brcko. His book on post-war How then did the ICJ escape the created, and thus when it is proper dent, it was certainly a fait accom- eration greater weight in its delib- Bosnia, A Free City in the straightjacket of this apparently to extend to them diplomatic pli long before the Declaration of erations. Balkans: Reconstructing a Divided unanswerable legal argument? recognition and membership of Independence. Anyone travelling In support of the Kosovar Society in Bosnia, is published by The answer is that the Court international organizations. To to Kosovo in recent years could see Albanians, it is tempting to adopt I.B.Tauris. exhibited a judicial ingenuity of pretend international law has it had for all intents and purposes a reluctant advocacy of ethnic par- www.matthewparish.com

To send a letter to Prishtina Insight, email [email protected]. 22 July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 interview Ivan Vejvoda: ‘Serbia Should Accept Kosovo Passports’

There are grounds for cautious optimism over Kosovo in that all sides have chosen the EU option and wish to resolve the dispute peacefully, says the head of the Balkan Trust for Democracy.

question, they all approached me and Czechoslovakia, we went Kosovo’s independence while recognitions; it is struggling to afterwards and said how glad they down the road to hell… Kosovo maintains that it is fully retain what it can. But it needs to were about the way I’d spoken We also had the wrong people in independent and has a right to a be recalled that we are still under By Artan Haraqija about the region and about indi- the wrong place at the wrong time, UN seat. Yes, there are things to the UN Security Council vidual issues. We need to simmer which is the result of communism. sort out. But I would say that two- Resolution 1244, which keeps the down and find that middle ground, You had assent though hierar- and-a-half years after Kosovo’s sovereignty over Kosovo in : How much better or those voices of moderation. And chies, loyalty and obedience, not unilateral declaration of inde- Serbia’s hands at a formal level. worse is Serbian diplo- eliminate the extremes that through meritocracy, so you get a pendence, things have simmered No in practical terms - but yes in Qmacy right now, not brought us to the conflict in the person like [Slobodan] Milosevic down. I don’t think we will go to the [Serb-ruled] north of Kosovo. only when dealing with Kosovo 1990s. in Serbia, [Franjo] Tudjman in war. On the contrary, I think we The reality on the ground is that but in general? Q: Why did all this tragedy Croatia and [Alija] Izetbegovic in have two presuppositions to be and both Pristina and Belgrade A: I am not a diplomat; I work in happen and why did so many Bosnia. cautiously optimistic. One is that understand this; that this is not civil society, with the Balkan Trust people lose their lives in our Q: There was no such person- all governments in the region, resolved. for Democracy, an independent former country? ality in Kosovo, so why were so including Pristina and Belgrade, Because we have these presup- institution. Serbian diplomacy, A: In a nutshell, because we were many innocent lives lost there have opted for EU integration. positions of wanting to resolve like any other diplomacy in the a communist country and didn’t too? Secondly, both sides have declared outstanding issues peacefully, we world, takes care of its national have democracy. We didn’t have the A: Clearly, in sorting out the they want to resolve outstanding need to find the modalities in interests and tries in the difficult institutions or the tools to resist to legacy of communism in its insti- issues peacefully. which we can slowly come togeth- world of the global financial crisis what I would call a power retention tutional and constitutional struc- Q: As a Kosovo citizen, with er through dialogue; words are to find its way. Any diplomacy, strategy on the part of the commu- ture, economic and other reasons, my documents, should I have complicated here, whether we talk including Serbia’s, is trying to vie nist elites. They realised that the we have to delve deeply. Yes, the right to travel freely to about negotiations, or status and for whatever position that can cre- world had changed overnight on Milosevic took away the autonomy Serbia? so on. Let’s leave those words to ate jobs. I would say it’s doing no November 11, 1989, when the Berlin of Kosovo in 1990… but I don’t A: You should, absolutely. I lived the side. What we have is an unre- better or no worse than any other Wall fell. Suddenly, Yugoslavia, want to go down that road because in a communist country, had that solved problem; we all want to go diplomacy, even vis-a-vis the ques- which had had a very specific, priv- as I said it would take us very long famous passport and travelled to Europe, to return to normalcy tion of Kosovo. ileged position in the Cold War, lost [to discuss]. freely. I am also someone, like all of and we don’t want to do it in the Q: Sometimes you are also all its privileges. Those in power But … the end result is not what us in this region, who lived under bad way that it was done in the seen as a stronger figure in the realised that there would need to be we wanted in terms of the social, sanctions and had to travel to 1990s. I think that with the help of world of diplomacy than the rationalization of all sorts of gov- economic situation. We would all Budapest to fly to other countries. the United Nations, the main Foreign minister of Serbia. Is ernance and institutions and they like to be at least at the same level I have been in that undignified European countries and Brussels that correct? How does that knew they would lose out in this [economically] as the Czech position, as all of us have. of course, we can find ways to make you feel? ? rationalization, so there was a grab Republic, but we are not, and Recently, three countries, move slowly forward. I would add A: I don’t see the world in black for power. remain far from that. In fact, we Macedonia, Montenegro and that I see on both sides a political and white colours but in shades of Q: Why do you see it like are not at the level we had in 1989. Serbia, obtained a visa-free regime will not to let this linger but to act grey. We had a tragedy in our for- that? I think that 20 years on, Croatia [to the EU] because they did the sooner than later. mer country, Yugoslavia, which A: Because the world functions has just now attained the level homework that was required of Q: Do our representatives in broke down in violence and blood on the base of world order. they had [in 1989]. Serbia’s GDP is them. Hopefully, Bosnia and Pristina or Belgrade have the and we all paid a huge price. We Whether is 1815 after the fall of around 60 per cent of its 1989 level. Herzegovina and Albania will get will to really move forward have to tread very carefully, Napoleon, or 1918 with Versailles We have all lost out. the same status. with the EU? whether we are diplomats, govern- Europe, or 1945 at the time of Yalta Q: Why is the relationship That leaves Kosovo, and it’s not A: I would say yes. I know more mental, nongovernmental people and Potsdam, when the roof of the between Serbs and Albanian in good for there to be a territory in about the situation in Belgrade or ordinary citizens. As citizens, Cold War closed over us. This roof Kosovo so appalling? the region or Europe whose inhab- than I do here than about the poli- we want normality and a return to disappeared that night and sud- A: I don’t think it is. I would dis- itants cannot travel freely, because tics in Pristina. But what I detect a life in which there is a minimum denly everything changed. agree on that. it only creates additional prob- and hear when I go to Washington of decency and dignity. So, I’m Yugoslavia had been an in- Q: There is almost no commu- lems. and Brussels is that there is an careful in what I say, because it is between country and suddenly it nication. Q: Do you believe that the understanding that Brussels does only by moderation, by approach- was not in-between; it had to A: Yes, there is. current situation [with Kosovo] not want a new Cyprus in its ing each other, by addressing each choose. There was a run for Q: Like this interview? has satisfied one side entirely midst. It does not want another other and trying to find that mid- Europe in all other post commu- A: Like this, and like trade as and left the other disappointed? frozen conflict. I remind you that dle ground, that we can resolve nist countries but instead of run- well. I came by car from Belgrade A: The unilateral declaration Cyprus has been lingering for 40 our situation. ning to Europe our country decid- yesterday. I saw hundreds of gave Kosovo independence, which years, and they have been endless- Q: What is the reason for ed to “sort out” a number of issues trucks waiting to come over. 69 nations have recognised and I ly negotiating, trying to find that being so careful? created by the grievances of the Trade, as the French philosopher suspect that there will be more common ground, yet Cyprus still A: For example, I was at a hear- nationalities. The elites used Montesquieu said, has a soothing recognitions. This is just over a got into the European Union. ing at the US Senate Foreign nationalism to mobilise their pop- effect on relationships between third of the members of the Y Affairs Committee on April 15. ulations in that process of power nations. If there is trade, there are United Nations. But Kosovo does M There were the ambassadors of all retention. And instead of perhaps deep relations. not have full recognition in the This is an abridged version of an C countries there, including necessarily breaking up in a mod- What you are alluding to is that sense of being a full member of interview first broadcast on BIRN’s K Kosovo’s. After answering this erate fashion like the Soviet Union Serbia does not recognise the UN. Serbia lost through these Life in Kosovo show. July 30 - Sep 3, 2010 23 Classified Contact Prishtina Insight if you would like to advertise Email [email protected] Research and Embassies and Liaison Profiling Offices in

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