Opinion: The New Year in Kosovo

Jan 18 - 31, 2013 Issue No. 103 www.prishtinainsight.com Price € 1 NEWS Sparkes: Privatisation Tangle Leaves Buyer Politics Unusable Business Weigh on > page 3 NEWS EULEX Gjakova Dumps Laws In Rush for EU rule of law mission’s Trash Power former deputy chief says > page 5 successes in fighting NEWS corruption are under- Kosovo and Serbia played - but pressures to preserve Kosovo’s stabil- Militias Threaten ity have sometimes got Violence in the way. > page 6

See Page 4 FEATURE Rise of Conservative Islamists Alarms New Row Buffets Scandal-Hit Kosovars Kosovo Passport Contract Austrian company and Kosovo Ministry of Internal Affairs are locked into a tax dispute over a 14 million euro contract already rocked by allegations of theft and bribery. > page 12-13 By Jeton Musliu, Florent Spahija and back to 2011. Haziraj said the contract required November 2012 after she failed to CULTURE Kreshnik Gashi At the Austrians’ request, the the Austrian State Printing House transfer 1.4 million euro from the two sides have now suspended fur- to pay VAT on the passports it sends Interior Ministry to the Austrian Kosovo Textbooks osovo’s Interior Ministry ther talks until next week. to Kosovo. It is impossible to verify State Printing House, which had and the Austrian company The company declined to com- Haziraj’s claim because the min- hired her as a subcontractor. Soften Line on Kthat prints the country’s biometric passports are in a dis- ment, but Interior Ministry istry has not released the contract. The money from the Interior Ottoman Rule pute over taxes. spokesman Behar Haziraj told Ministry was intended as payment The contract has already been Prishtina Insight on Thursday Missing money: for the passports. > page 14 buffeted by allegations that a con- that a key issue concerns the Kosovo began issuing biometric sultant stole 1.4 million euro. recent shipment of 70,000 pass- The tax dispute between the passports that year as one of pre- Ministry officials and represen- ports from Austria to Kosovo. ministry and the Austrian compa- conditions for visa liberalization. tatives of the privately owned Haziraj said the company had ny follows separate allegations This would allow Kosovo nationals Kosovo’s only English-language Austrian State Printing House met failed to show that it had paid VAT that a subcontractor stole 1.4 mil- to travel without visas into the newspaper is available: in Prishtina this week, but failed on the passports, and so the min- lion euro from the company. EU’s passport-free Schengen area. to resolve disputes about the 14 istry had stopped paying the com- Kosovo Police arrested Natali Delivered to million euro contract, which dates pany. Velija, owner of Consulting EU, in continues page 2 Your Door

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is supported by: 2 Jan 18 - 31, 2013 news New Row Buffets Scandal-Hit Kosovo Passport Contract from page 1 documents to misappropriate about 7,400 euro. But in December 2012, Velija The Austrian Development told the Prishtina daily Koha Agency had given her NGO the Ditore that she had had to spend funds to renovate a school in the the 1.4 million euro on bribes for village of Pobergje in Decan. Interior Ministry officials. Velija denied wrongdoing and She would not specify which returned the money to the Agency, ones, however. according to court records. The Ministry announced the However, the case remains active contract in June 2011. That month and is due to go to trial at some Velija was charged with embezzle- point. ment relating to a separate issue. In this earlier case, police and Earlier case: prosecutors accused Velija, as director of the Dielli i Kosoves, or The fact that the earlier case Kosovo Sun, an NGO, of forging was not closed raises questions about how Velija came to be involved in the passport contract. Under Kosovo’s 2011 Law on Public Procurement, no one con- victed of fraud may obtain public tenders. In practice, those charged with, or being investigated on suspicion Natali Velija is at the centre of the case. of fraud, are also frequently dis- qualified from tenders. Kosovo Police began investigat- awarded to another company, and said the flooring simply fell The law is less clear about ing the school contract in early Iliria, whose owner has since testi- behind schedule. whether these conditions apply to 2011. fied that, after he received the She noted that she had returned subcontractors. After Dielli i Kosoves had funds for the work, Gega wrote to the funds. “I haven’t misappropri- Haziraj, the Interior Ministry agreed to renovate a school at the him saying that the flooring was ated any funds,” she said. She also spokesman, told Prishtina Insight request of the Decan municipality, no longer needed and he needed denied wrongdoing over the ten- recently that checking up on the NGO secured funding from the the money for the windows and ders. Velija’s background had been the Austrian Development Agency to doors. He said he transferred the Christian Geosits, of the responsibility of the Austrian paint its walls and replace doors, money to Gega. Austrian Development Agency in company. windows and flooring. After the flooring was never Kosovo, in January confirmed that Asked if anyone in the ministry Velija and an alleged co-conspir- completed, the Austrian the organisation got its money had been aware that Velija still ator, Gezim Gega, were accused of Development Agency demanded back in September 2011. “As far as faced prosecution over the earlier forging documents to secure a ten- the return of the funds in ADA is concerned, the case is charge, Haziraj said he had not der for Gega’s company, a charge December 2010. closed,” he said. “The criminal known, as “the responsible per- that Velija and Gega have denied. In a court hearing in October case is now with the prosecution sons have been suspended”. The tender for the flooring was 2011, Velija denied embezzlement and the court.” Man Held in Desecration of Serbian Graves perpetrators to be brought to jus- tice. The UN mission in Kosovo, by Edona Peci UNMIK, said that “the destruction of graveyards in any community is contemptible”. Police have detained a man sus- UNMIK said that municipalities pected of destroying Serbian throughout Kosovo have recently Orthodox graves in Kosovo been participating in a restoration Polje/Fushe Kosove but insisted programme for Orthodox cemeter- that he wasn’t motivated by ethnic ies. hatred. “Unfortunately, such incidents Police said a 48-year-old man, seriously impede the progress named as M. Buzuku, an ethnic achieved thus far,” the UN mis- Ashkali, was arrested on Tuesday sion’s statement said. afternoon for allegedly vandalis- The acting head of the OSCE mis- ing more than 50 gravestones. sion in Kosovo, Paivi Nikander, said Police ruled out the possibility that the desecration “highlights the that ethnic or religious motives absolute lack of respect for the dead had caused him to damage the and the ethnicity they belong to”. memorials at the cemetery, saying However the head of the Kosovo that he had stolen some of the Polje municipality, Burim Berisha, stones for personal gain. stressed that the area was “multi- The suspect has been charged ethnic and secure for all communi- with larceny, the statement said. ties living there”. International organisations The Serb population of Kosovo working in Kosovo have condemned Polje has shrunk significantly the vandalism and called for the since the war in Kosovo.

Y M C +381 38 602042, +377 44 243367, +386 49 243367 K news Jan 18 - 31, 2013 3 Privatisation Tangle Leaves Editor’s Word Buyer Unusable Business The Stamp of

Nexhat Kastrati spent 200,000 euro on buying premises for a store in Mitrovica - but his Government Failure inability to evict the current tenant highlights the many risks of privatization in Kosovo. hether it fell apart as a result of corruption, gross incompe- June 21. That day, he set off to the November, Beqiri wrote that he tence, or a combination of both, it’s clear that the troubled con- agency’s offices to close the deal. did contact and meet Kastrati on Wtract to produce Kosovo’s biometric passports represents a He got a phone call that day from several occasions but never threat- colossal failure of government. By Kreshnik Gashi the person renting the facility, ened him to give up Ylli. Many of the facts remain murky. But in November, a woman named and Liridona Hyseni Kasim Beqiri. “He called me on “I wanted him to accept the real- Natali Velija was arrested on suspicion of stealing 1.4 million euro. the phone when the KPA was mak- ity that he’d made a mistake,” The money, at least officially, was supposed to be payment from the ing its decision and wanted to have Beqiri wrote. Ministry of Internal Affairs to the privately owned Austrian State uying Ylli sounded like a a coffee,” Kastrati recalls. Beqiri said he was just trying to Printing House for making passports. good idea to Nexhat Beqiri owns a chain of super- look after the welfare of his Velija, working as a sub-contractor for the Austrian firm, never BKastrati. The state-owned markets, called Florenti, one of employees and their families. transferred the money to her employer. Instead, she claims to have enterprise was in the centre of his whose outlets occupies the space “My reason for not vacating the used the money to bribe government officials. The 1.4 million euro in birthplace of Mitrovica. The 242- now owned by Krasniqi. facility is that, by buying this facil- question happens to be 10 per cent of the tender, which is informally square-meter site “offered very Kastrati accuses Beqiri and ity, Nexhat is putting 20 families in known as the going rate for a government bribe in Kosovo. good conditions for commercial Bekim Shyti, a former Kosovo danger of being put out on the The allegation is troubling — and believeable — but so far unsub- and trade purposes,” according to Liberation Army commander, of street,” Beqiri wrote. stantiated. the March 2012 listing from the first pressuring him to not buy Ylli Kastrati wasn’t dissuaded, how- But it’s clear that Velija should have never been part of the 14 mil- Kosovo Privatization Agency, KPA, and then later of asking him to sell ever. On June 26, he made his first lion euro passport contract, which was awarded in 2011. At the time which was selling Ylli. the property to them for the same installment of his payment to the of her hire, Velija was already charged with embezzling money from Kastrati, who has lived in price he paid the privatisation KPA for Ylli. an NGO she ran in Kosovo. Finland for 20 years, planned to agency. The next day, Kastrati says, a It appears that Velija worked as a representative in Kosovo for the open a shop on the site. The invest- Kastrati reported the case to the person identifying himself as Austrian State Printing House, helping to facilitate the execution of a ment was backed by the 2006 law police, who in turn referred it to Bekim Shyti called him, saying: contract vital to all Kosovars. on foreign investments, which prosecutors. Beqiri and Shyti now “I’m asking you like a brother to A simple background check would have revealed Velija was being guarantees investors full protec- face charges of coercion. Both withdraw from the property prosecuted. Either that never happened or the information was tion of the law. deny wrongdoing. you’ve bought, and we’ll give you ignored. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, whose police officers inves- Or so it seemed, because the pur- Beqiri, who has been renting the your money back.’” tigated Velija in the embezzlement case, insists that it wasn’t respon- chase has since proved to be a space since 2006, says he has paid Kastrati says he again declined sible for looking into her because she was working for the Austrians. nightmare. After spending nearly about 170,000 euro in rent to the to pull out of the deal. The law isn’t clear as to whether the ministry had an obligation to 200,000 euro to buy Ylli, the person management of the state-owned “I see you do not care, so may investigate Velija. But common sense makes it clear that they should running a small supermarket in company and has invested another your rifle become a cannon,” Shyti have, regardless of her not working directly for the government. the space won’t leave. 120,000 euro. responded, according to Kastrati. The Austrian State Printing House, of course, at minimum failed in The case has led to criminal The KPA, in its announcement Shyti, a former Kosovo its obligation to look into whom it was hiring. charges against the store owner about the sale of Ylli, confirmed Liberation Army commander, told But the bigger failure lies with the government, which has a more and an associate, who are accused that Florenti was renting the space Prishtina Insight in November sacred obligation to look out for the citizens it serves and protects. of threatening Kastrati so he at the time. that he had never threatened Bajram Rexhepi, the minister of internal affairs, happily took part would pull out of the purchase. According to the agency rules, a Kastrati. in the the ceremony in Austria to celebrate the production of the first Kastrati also is pursuing a court third party called a liquidating biometric Kosovo passport in 2011. order to clear the space. But authority would be appointed to Charges but no results: But after the scandal broke in November, he shrugged off any Kastrati’s lawyer, Rame Dreshaj, decide what happen to the tenant. responsibilty. fears it could take years to happen. When Kastrati took the case to In a January 10 interview with the Prishtina daily Express, he said “I have had unresolved cases of Urged to withdraw: the police, a report eventually led the contract was the responsibility of the committee that awarded it this nature since 2003-2005,” he to an indictment against Beqiri and the officials under him tasked with implementing it. says. Kastrati says he decided to meet and Shyti, which was confirmed In the Express interview, Rexhepi claimed he told Austrian compa- Kastrati’s purchase highlights with Beqiri at the businessman’s October 27. The two are charged ny representatives in 2011, “If somebody, in any circumstances, asks the many risks associated with insistence. with coercion, but the trial has yet for money or something from you, you should know that’s out of the privatizations in Kosovo. As They met in Skenderaj, where to begin. (contract) terms, since you have won and you were the best bidder." Kastrati has discovered, he has Kastrati was visiting family mem- Kastrati has meanwhile official- In other words, Rexhepi is suggesting he warned the Austrians that been left on his own to contend bers. According to Kastrati, Beqiri ly registered the property and someone might ask for a bribe, and that’s where his responsibility with the tenant. said he’d made a mistake in buy- business. But Beqiri’s supermar- ended. The KPA provides no help in ing Ylli and ought to pull out of ket still occupies the premises, Rexhepi, though, runs the ministry that issues passports in Kosovo. such situations. “If the facilities the purchase. which should have been vacated The passports in question — of the biometric variety — are among or properties are usurped, the buy- “He said, ‘You shouldn’t have by September 1. the myriad reforms Kosovo needs to make until its citizens have a ers need to go to the competent made that offer. You should have Kastrati is awaiting a decision chance of being able to travel to the EU’s Schengen zone without a bodies,” says Ylli Kaloshi, the come to us first to ask about that on his request for a court order for visa. agency spokesperson. store,’” Kastrati says. Beqiri to leave. This wasn’t just a contract to paint police stations. It was a contract According to Kastrati, Beqiri But the President of the Court of that potentially can impact every single citizen of Kosovo. The pressure starts: continued: “You’d better stay far Mitrovica, Rame Hyseni, suggest- The contract, already tainted, now seems on the verge of falling away, because you won’t be able to ed that he may be waiting for some apart because of disputes between the ministry and the Austrian After submitting his offer for take this shop as long as we’re time. State Printing House that may or may not be related to the scandal. Ylli in May, the KPA invited alive.” “This case does not appear of If that does happen, the ministry will undoubtedly have to issue a Kastrati to sign the contract on In a letter to Prishtina Insight in the urgent kind,” Hyseni said. new tender. That will mean more money from Kosovo’s treasury, per- haps even a delay down the road in future passport issuances, and an even bigger failure on the part of the government.

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Publisher: Editorial Team: BIRN Jeta Xharra, Marcus Tanner, Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Nate Tabak, Petrit Collaku, Gresa Mensa e Studenteve, first floor Musliu, Parim Olluri, Jeton Musliu and 10000, Prishtina Donjeta Demolli. Kosovo Marketing, Sales & Distribution: Phone: +381 (0) 38 24 33 58 [email protected] Fax: +381 (0) 38 22 44 98 Design & Layout: “Rrjeti” Editor-in-Chief: Arben Grajqevci Artan Mustafa [email protected] Printing: Lindi Printing Center Nexhat Kastrati bought this property in Mitrovica, but the tenant is refusing to move out. Copyright © BIRN 4 Jan 18 - 31, 2013 news Sparkes: Politics Weigh on EULEX EU rule of law mission’s former deputy chief says successes in fight- ing corruption are underplayed - but pressures to preserve Kosovo’s stability have sometimes got

in the way. Andy Sparkes was EULEX's Deputy Chief of Mission.

probes. the war in 1999, has been accused PDK, were leaked onto YouTube. on, in terms of high-profile “I think there was a play in the of intimidating and even of assas- The court-ordered recordings arrests or in terms of activities in Governor of Central Bank case, sinating some of Thaci’s political were done by EULEX as part of a the north, that’s where I see the [though] one of the responsible opponents. corruption case involving the role of strength and training of By Jeta Xharra prosecutors for that case has now Sparkes said he was aware of Ministry of Transport and military personnel,” he said. been indicted for corruption,” he the allegations but wouldn’t say if Telecommunications. But Sparkes added that he was- said. he knew of any connections Members of the PDK con- n’t sure if a military background, he EU’s rule of law mission, Hashim Rexhepi, former gover- between Pichard and SHIK. demned the recordings, which with a tradition of giving and fol- EULEX, raised unrealistic nor of the Central Bank, was “All I would say about the indi- included Prime Minister Hashim lowing orders, was the right qual- Texpectations among the arrested in July 2010 on corrup- vidual in question is that he Thaci, as illegal. ification to be in charge of Kosovo public that “we will come tion charges but the case ulti- would probably be better Sparkes maintains the record- EULEX. in as knights and fight off corrup- mately fell apart. employed in intelligence services ings were legal, but added that “In civilian missions as hetero- tion in a matter of months,” the The lead investigator, Nazmi than in a rule-of-law mission,” he they weren’t intended for public geneous as EULEX, with 32 differ- mission’s former deputy chief said in an interview. Mustafa, head of the anti-corrup- said. consumption. ent nationalities, and with differ- Pichard has never responded Nevertheless, Andy Sparkes, tion task force assembled by “I am absolutely sympathetic to ent cultures of police, customs, Thaci in the Special Prosecutors publicly to the allegations in Blic the outrage that Kosovo politi- prosecutors, judges, forensic sci- who left his position at the end of office, was himself charged with newspaper. cians felt about this material find- entists and diplomats, you need a December, said EULEX isn’t given corruption in 2012. ing its way into the media,” he more inclusive approach, a more enough credit for its successes. said. diplomatic and more empowering “I would say it’s not entirely a Need for stability: The release of the wiretaps has approach,” he said. blank sheet,” Sparkes told Intelligence service links: Sparkes said it was a challenge accelerated the government’s “Expecting prosecutors and Prishtina Insight’s TV affiliate, Sparkes was also asked about to balance the needs of the rule of push to adopt a new law on sur- judges to obey instructions with- “Life in Kosovo,” in an interview one former colleague, Romuald law with the desire of European veillance. out question, as would be the case aired in January. Pichard, the head of mission’s Union leaders to preserve stabili- The draft law would limit in the military tradition, doesn’t Sparkes pointed to EULEX’s senior political advisor, who was ty in Kosovo. EULEX’s ability do conduct phone make sense here,” he added. work in training and collaborat- reported to have had links to “There are occasions when that surveillance independently. So, there is some tension there ing with Kosovo Police and Thaci and to the ruling party [stability] can sit very uneasily But Sparkes takes issue with and it’s not always ideal”. Customs, as well as to a number of Democratic Party of Kosovo, with the requirements of the rule the plan to place all phone-taps successful prosecutions of cor- PDK’s, intelligence service, SHIK. of law,” he said. under the authority of the Kosovo Time to sink or swim: ruption cases. A documentary aired on “The best example is [Serb-run] Intelligence Agency, which comes But he admits that politics France’s Canal Plus in 2011 sug- northern Kosovo. It would not be under the authority of the Prime Sparkes said the mission can- weighed on EULEX, which has gested that Thaci and a French impossible for EULEX to arrest Minister and the President. not stay indefinitely. EULEX’s found itself in the difficult posi- intelligence agency, the some of the people that we need to Such a reform would be “an current mandate runs until June tion of investigating the same Directorate-General for External arrest up there. abuse of the separation of pow- 2014. people whose consent it requires Security, had close ties dating “But in current circumstances, ers,” he said. “I think the time has to come to operate in Kosovo: the coun- back to 1998. if we did it, not only would we for us to remove ourselves and try’s leaders. The report, “Is Thaci a man of involve a lot of our own people… Pitfalls in military leaders: allow Kosovo to, if you like, sink “There have been senior people France?” suggested that Thaci in such an operation, exposing or swim,” Sparkes said. in EULEX’s sight, and who still became a contact for the French them as we know to real risk, but Turning to the requirements of But Sparkes added that if the are. It is very difficult for us to agency and mentioned a purport- we would also inflame the popula- the chiefs of the mission, to date mission was forced to leave pre- divorce ourselves from the poli- ed meeting between Thaci and an tion,” he added. only former military command- maturely, there would be conse- tics,” Sparkes said. agent, Arnaud Danjean, on a train Locals there were “still not ers have headed EULEX, namely quences for Kosovo in terms of During EULEX’s mandate, in Brussels. fully addressing the realities of Yves de Kermabon and Xavier EU integration. some critics have suggested that According to a 2011 report in who is working for their good and Bout de Marnac. “If Kosovo’s elected leaders the mission’s high-level corrup- the Belgrade daily Blic, Pichard who is not,” he continued. Sparkes said it was time for a decide that EULEX is too hot to tion investigations tended to tar- worked with Danjean and had change. handle and we should be thrown get officials who have been thorns close contacts to Thaci’s associ- Wiretapping scandal: “Generals have their strengths out, then the price that Kosovo Y in the side of the Prime Minister, ates and to senior members of the when it comes to the organising will have to pay is waiting many M Hashim Thaci. SHIK. In November 2012, phone-taps and planning complicated and more years to join European C Sparkes admits some substance The Kosovo agency, which was of leaders of the ruling sensitive operations, which might Union,” he said. “It is a heavy K to the charge of politicized established in the aftermath of Democratic Party of Kosovo, involve risk to personnel and so price to pay.” news Jan 18 - 31, 2013 5 Gjakova Dumps Laws In Rush for Trash Power Municipal leaders accused of ignoring a series of legal requirements in their haste to nail an alternative energy project. multiple laws and has failed to obtain the required permits from several government institutions. By Tinka Kurti One problem is that the plant is being built on land that the munic- ipality granted improperly. Another is that the company t sounds like the kind of alter- building it, TCG Green Energy, native energy project that has not obtained the environmen- IKosovo needs: a plant that tal permits it needs from the turns garbage into electricity and Ministry of the Environment and heat. After all, Kosovo doesn’t gen- Energy Regulatory Office. There is erate enough energy to meet its also no official contact between needs but produces plenty of Gjakova and TCG Green Energy. trash. Trash-burning power plants are widely used in northern Europe as Troubled land deal: Gjakova's Mayor, Pal Lekaj, is fast-tracking a garbage-fueled power plant on the basis of an informal agreement. a source of relatively clean, renew- The project dates back to an able energy. Twenty per cent of Property of the Municipality”. tract,” he added. town of Gjakova, though the agreement between Lekaj and home heating in Sweden comes The 2010 law said municipalities mayor says this will come later. TCG Green Energy, co-owned by from trash, as does electricity for could grant land for up to a maxi- Company also flouted law: “These [the benefits] will be Vegim Krasniqi, on June 12. The about 250,000 homes. The mum of 40 years, subject to the foreseen by the contract. Now we municipal assembly then granted Scandinavian country even approval of the three government TCG Green Energy has also not only have an agreement,” Lekaj 3 hectares of municipal land for imports garbage to feed its power ministries. done its due-diligence. It did not said. the plant on December 12. plants. An amended version of the law, seek permission from the Ministry Krasniqi said that Gjakova will But the Minister of Local In December, the mayor of which took effect since December, of Environment and Spatial benefit from having its garbage Government, Slobodan Petrovic, Gjakova, Pal Lekaj, hosted the extended the maximum period to Planning before it started building collected, from cheaper heating wrote to Gjakova town councillors groundbreaking of the plant, the 99 years. the plant, the ministry spokesper- and from the jobs created by the on December 27 to complain that Innovative Centre, which was to But the municipality did not son, Gezime Hasani, said. plant. their decision broke the Law on bring garbage-derived energy to seek approval for the grant from “The company has not submit- In its June agreement with the Allocation for Use and Kosovo. any government ministries, which ted the necessary application to Lekaj, the company said the plant Exchange of Immovable Ramush Haradinaj, former means it broke both versions of start work on construction of the would begin producing energy Municipal Property. prime minister and Hague the law. plant, including environmental with 18 months and hire from 199 The nub of his complaint was indictee, now head of the opposi- Lekaj did not respond to and water permits and construc- to 380 workers. that the council had granted a par- tion Alliance for the Future of Prishtina Insight’s questions tion permits, as the law foresees,” The agreement also said the cel of land for an indeterminate Kosovo, laid the cornerstone. about the legal issues concerning she added. plant would bring an investment length of time, for which the law The promise was to generate up the assembly decision to grant the “Starting work on the part of of $143 million (106.9 million doesn’t allow. to 24 megawatts of energy an hour land. the company cannot be considered euro). The company said it was in He also criticized the way the while burning 500 tons of trash, all But he did say he felt compelled legal, considering the lack of basic a partnership with an American assembly had made its decision, while bringing more than 100 mil- to act quickly, or lose the impor- documentation,” Hasani contin- company, Synergy Energetics, to saying that it had “not respected lion euro in investment and sever- tant investment. ued. secure financing. the open, transparent and non-dis- al hundred jobs. “The investor wanted the cor- The company has also neglected Synergy Energetics criminatory procedure required However, Prishtina Insight can nerstone placed before Christmas. to seek permission from the Technological Research by … the Law on the Allocation for reveal that the project has broken We didn’t want to lose the invest- Energy Regulatory Office, which Investment Corporation is regi Use and Exchange of Immovable ment, since it’s a major one for our must approve any new power gen- stered in the state of Nevada in the municipality,” he said. eration facility, US. In 2011, its stated capital was However, one opposition munic- “There is a lot of documentation valued at $75,000. ipal councillor, Shpetim Rudi, said to fill out, but we will deal with all the mayor had left Gjakova’s elect- of them one by one,” company co- Gjakova’s record: ed officials in the dark about the owner Krasniqi said. fine details of the project. The plant is not the first time “When approval was given, all Benefits unclear: that Gjakova has ignored the law we knew was the name of the com- concerning a municipal project. pany, how many millions would be The potential benefits to Last October, the municipality invested and the date the corner- Gjakova also remain unclear, since began replacing the tiles in its his- stone would be laid,” said Rudi, the project is based simply on a toric Old Bazaar Area, breaking who voted against the land grant. three-page agreement between Kosovo’s Law on Cultural Heritage “Before the vote, municipal mayor Lekaj and TCG Green and angering some local residents. assembly members should have Energy. The municipality eventually received full information about Gjakova’s leaders a championing a garbage-fueled power plant. Above, an operational The initial agreement did not halted the project on the demand plant in Switzerland. the company and the full con- include any profit sharing for the of the Ministry of Culture. Turkey’s Largest Bank Opens Kosovo Branch bank operating in Kosovo. He said that the opening of the Isbank is now open in Kosovo. Isbank is expected to generate branch in Kosovo will contribute new jobs, but it remains to be seen in the Turkish investments in trade that will be realised devel- foreign investments in Kosovo. if its arrival will bring down Kosovo and strengthen the eco- By Donjete Hoxha oped between the two countries,” “The cooperation in the sector interest rates, which are the nomic cooperation with both Bali said. of small and medium enterpris- highest in the region. countries. Adnan Bali, the bank’s general “We believe that economic Kosovo’s Minister of Trade es and foreign direct invest- urkey's largest bank, Isbank, director, said Isbank’s arrival cooperation between two coun- and Industry, Mimoza Kusari- ments will be stronger in sup- Y opened its first branch last will strength Turkish invest- tries will develop in significant Lila, said that the opening of port of “Isbank” and their pres- M Tweek in Prishtina, becoming new bank in Kosovo means a con- ence in Kosovo,” Kusari-Lila the third Turkish commercial ments and economic cooperation steps and we as a bank will be C with Kosovo. good facilitators for foreign crete step towards increase of said. K 6 Jan 18 - 31, 2013 news Kosovo and Serbia Militias Threaten Violence Shadowy armed groups from Kosovo and Serbia have warned they are ready to fight over a controversial monument to Albanian guerrilla fighters.

issued on Monday after the shad- not credible. owy group met in the Kosovo town “Making public threats in the By Bojana Barlovac, of Vushtrri on January 9. media - this is not [a genuine rep- Marija Ristic, The ANA seeks the unification resentation of] Albanians,” Edona Peci of Kosovo, Albania and the south- Rexhep Selimi, an MP from the ernmost tip of Serbia. Self Determination Movement, Its statement came after Serbian told journalists. ensions have escalated fur- deputy prime minister Meanwhile, people claiming to ther over the memorial to Aleksandar Vucic repeated on be former members of Serbia’s Tethnic Albanian fighters in Sunday that the Belgrade authori- much-feared former Special the southern Serbian town of ties will remove the memorial. Operations Unit have said that Presevo which the Belgrade Dedicated to veterans of the they will take down the monument authorities want to demolish but Liberation Army of Presevo, and are ready to fight against eth- whose supporters have vowed to Medvedja and Bujanovac, the mon- nic Albanians. defend. ument was erected last November “We are calling on patriotic Two separate groups – one from in the town, which is home to some organisations, political parties Kosovo, one from Serbia – have 50,000 ethnic Albanians. and individuals to join us in any threatened to take up arms over The ANA's statement was also a form of fight, including an armed the dispute. reaction to Serbia’s parliament one, against Albanians,” said a The Albanian National Army, This memorial to Albanian fighters is a source of tension in Southern Serbia. adopting a resolution on Kosovo statement published on the unit’s ANA, which is blacklisted as a ter- that demands a high-level of terri- website. rorist organisation in the US, said The unit carried out secret oper- Responding to the unit's state- torial and political autonomy for The unit, part of the state secu- it had started mobilising members ations for the state during the con- ment, Serbian Prime Minister Serb municipalities there. rity service, was formed in the against what it sees as Serb flicts and was allegedly responsi- Ivica Dacic said that the threats Uniformed ANA members have 1990s on the order of former leader threats to take part of Kosovo’s ble for mass killings in Bosnia, were "rubbish" and could not be been seen periodically in Kosovo Slobodan Milosevic. territory and forcibly remove the Croatia and Kosovo. taken seriously. since the conflict ended in 1999, It was run by state security chief memorial. It was dissolved in 2003 when a “How can it happen that a dis- and have been filmed patrolling Jovica Stanisic and headed by "We will most definitely enter a number of its members were solved unit issues a statement?” with weapons. The group claimed Franko Simatovic, who have both war with Serbia. It still refuses to either arrested or killed in myste- asked Dacic. responsibility for several bombing been indicted by the Hague see that Presevo, Medvedja and rious circumstances, although “This a reaction to Albanian incidents in Kosovo since 1999. Tribunal for murders, persecution Bujanovac are Albanian land and some of them are still working for threats received via YouTube. It is Kosovo politicians have in the on political, racial and religious that no one should touch them," the state, either in the Special better for [the unit's former mem- past dismissed the ANA as a grounds and inhumane acts dur- Colonel Kacak, an ANA command- Police Unit or in the foreign and bers] to remain in retirement," “phantom” organisation, and one ing the conflicts in Bosnia and er, said in a video communique interior ministries. Dacic added. lawmaker said the new video was Croatia from 1991 to 1995. Kosovo Ex-Fighters Sceptical Kosovo-Serbia Border Talks Over Census of Veterans in Stalemate Former Kosovo Liberation Army members have expressed concerns EU-led talks between Belgrade and Prishtina ended last Tuesday without about a government programme to officially verify how many fought in much progress on a recent border management deal. the 1990s conflict. “We don’t know the criteria on which the verification process will be based. A proper By Marija Ristic law should have been in place before the By Edona Peci verification started. This is not the case,” said Krasniqi. alks on implementing the "Integrated But security forces minister Agim Ceku, Border Management Agreement" and who heads the commission responsible for he verification drive is “just another Tpreparing for the next round of the the verification process, insisted that the joke aimed at intimidating former dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia on work done so far was “successful”. TKLA fighters” said Sabit Krasniqi, January 17 ended inconclusively on head of the War Veterans Organisation in The commission said on Wednesday that Tuesday. Prishtina. it had received 15,225 applications since the Following a meeting of the two working The scheme is intended to identify who is drive started in mid-November. groups, led by Serbia's Dejan Pavicevic and entitled to veterans’ benefits because they Registration continues until February 28 his Kosovo counterpart, Edita Tahiri, nei- fought in the 1990s conflict with Serbian and is expected to lead to a revision of the ther side issued a statement. forces. law regulating the status and rights of for- “The meeting will continue tomorrow,” The authorities launched the programme mer KLA members. Maja Kocijancic, spokesperson of the EU because there have been hugely differing Submitting her application in Prishtina foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, estimates of the number of wartime fight- on Thursday, ex-fighter Ramize Salihu, aged explained. ers. 49, said she wanted to be treated “as all for- One EU senior officer told Prishtina Insight that the talks had ended in near- Locals in Serb-run northern Kosovo After the conflict, the authorities said mer KLA fighters deserve”. strongly oppose the idea of having to pay that some 20,000 KLA members took part in “I think the main challenge in this deadlock, as both sides still had different ideas about the IBM deal. customs on goods coming from Serbia. the fight against Serbia’s security forces, process will be the categorisation of those Some meanwhile have complained that but the KLA’s own veterans' organisation who fought,” she added. Prime Ministers Hashim Thaci and Ivica Dacic agreed to implement the border deal, the head of the Serbian working group in insists that up to 40,000 were involved in the The KLA’s wartime chain of command concluded at the end of 2011, on December 4, the talks has not been sufficiently aggres- insurgency. remains somewhat unclear, causing con- 2012. sive in defending their interests. Veterans’ groups have complained that cerns among veterans’ groups that this On December 10, 2012, Kosovo and Serbia Kosovo Serb leaders in an open letter on registration scheme is not transparent and could lead to further flaws in the verifica- started to implement the deal at the crossing Tuesday said that “the way that Pavicevic is is likely to lead to mistakes. tion process. points in Merdare and Jarinje, and from leading the customs negotiations is not a December 31 at the crossing points of good way”. Brnjak and Dheu i Bardhe. In the open letter to the Serbian govern- The main point of the deal is that customs ment, they asked to be included in the officials from both sides operate under one Serbian VAT system, rejecting the possibili- roof. But disagreements continue. ty of paying customs on the border cross- Belgrade insists that the agreement per- ings at Jarinje and Brnjak. mits excise goods up to 3.5 tons, and all non- The EU-led dialogue between Kosovo and excise goods intended for Serb-run northern Serbia was launched in March 2011 in order Kosovo, to enter Kosovo from Serbia duty- to normalize relations between the parties, free. both of which seek European integration. Y The authorities in Prishtina claim the Serbia says it will never recognise the M opposite, saying that taxes must be paid on independence of Kosovo, proclaimed in C all incoming goods. 2008, but is open to talks on improving peo- K ple's lives on both sides of the border. ski guide Jan 18 - 31, 2013 7

PrishtinaPrishtina InsightInsight Ski Guide 2013 Foto by: Snownjeri Kosova Snownjeri by: Foto It’s time again to dust of those ski clothes and head to higher altitudes in search of the perfect piste, or spa resort. Prishtina Insight brings you a guide to the best the region has to offer. Brezovica Calls on Ski it is a great place to catch some, And, if you want to check out clean rooms and suites equipped Bar cheap ski action and revel in some the snow or whether the lifts are with a kitchen. Community apres-piste fun. working, it is worth visiting the The restaurant is one of the best Fox Pub Tel. +377 44 98 08 The resort covers altitudes IPKO webcam at in Brezovica, serving up typical, 36/+377 44 38 11 11. This venue is The skiing season officially between 900 and 2,500 metres and http://www.ipko.net/ipko_portal/ hearty mountain fare from the by far the coolest place to hang out opened in Brezovica on Tuesday, claims to have the best snow site/. Strpce region, strong local brandy in Brezovica. With a selection of though the lifts aren’t in opera- record in the Balkans. and some of the best vistas in the card games, Connect 4, snacks, tion. A popular skiing destination in Where to Eat, Drink and resort. Don’t be put off by the decent cocktails and even a pet Brezovica ski centre has five the former Yugoslavia, it was cho- owner’s curmudgeonly iguana, there’s not much missing chairlifts and five ski lifts, which Rest Your Head sen as an alternative site for the demeanour - Ivan is a very affable for après-ski fun. At the weekend it are connected to 16 kilometres of Sarajevo Winter Olympics of 1984. and helpful chap. Restaurant Pizzeria Tina Tel. gets smoky and packed, as the slopes with an average length of Slopes for slalom and giant Find it just beyond the chair +377 45 44 61 11, igor_nikolcevic@ young and cool listen to DJs or 3,000 metres. But none are in oper- slalom have been officially regis- lifts. 9 rooms (6 doubles 20 euro, 3 yahoo.com. warble out karaoke numbers. It ation due to a lack of investments, tered by the Federation suites). A Brezovica institution, com- also serves the best macchiato in and only two chairlifts are slated Internationale de Ski. bining great food and extremely town. Next to Pizzeria Tina. to get up and running during the But the resort has seen little friendly staff. It offers a very wide Woodland Hotel Open 08:00 - 02:00. season. investment since the conflict of selection of dough-based delica- In meantime, skiers can to get to the late 90s and a series of privati- Tel. +377 44 44 44 48/+386 49 44 44 cies, with just about every imagi- These reviews are courtesy of the the top of the mountains through sation bids have been held up 48, [email protected], nable topping, and excellent sal- Prizren in Your Pocket guide, pro- snow taxi run by Dane-Team because of inter-ethnic politics. www.woodlandhotel- ks.com. The ads. viding the best run-down of skiing Brezovica, which costs 20 euro The pistes are wide, pleasant new Woodlands Hotel is by far the Soak up the sun at its pleasant in Brezovica. The guide is avail- and accommodates up to 10 people. and varied and you can still enjoy most comfortable and stylish outdoor area, which is usually able online at Brezovica remains a little rough some great skiing and this bargain option, although the prices are rel- buzzing on sunny days. It’s just a www.prizren.inyourpocket.com, as around the edges, but it, nonethe- basement resort. atively steep. All rooms include shame that the view is the con- a free PDF download and as an less, offers amazing value-for And if you can make it up on a modern bathrooms, flat screen tel- crete base of a ski lift. The pizzeria iPhone app too. money skiing. sunny weekday, you will have the evisions and comfortable beds; is a great source of information According to Woodlands Hotel, place virtually to yourself. apartments have a jacuzzi and and help to find flats or houses to BREZOVICA the only quality offering at the ski The resort boasts snow cover for sleep up to four people. The hotel rent in Brezovica. centre, vistors from Western almost 128 days per year, from is just a few paces from the slopes. Sign posted from the main road, Altitude of the resort -1,718m Europe and the US have been com- December until the end of April, Your bags are delivered to the up a steep and often treacherously Highest Peak - 2,522m ing. and offers good off-piste action. rooms by snowmobile. The restau- slippery path. Open 09:00 - 24:00. Total length of slopes - 16,000m As you stare across the moun- The seasons here tends to start a rant has more of the trendy urban Total number of lifts - 3 tain-sides around the Brezovica little later than other stations in Hotels feel than rustic mountain lodge Number of beginners’ runs ski station, the immense potential the Balkans as extra snow is need- and serves Balkan specialities as (blue slopes)- 1 of the place is all too obvious, even ed for the slightly rough slopes to well some international dishes, a Intermediate (red slopes) - 1 The Mountain Motel to the untrained eye. be in good condition for skiing. rarity in this part of Kosovo. 21 Advanced (black slopes) - 1 Tel. +381 638 16 52 56/+381 638 57 Y It will, undoubtedly, become a Keep your eyes pealed on rooms (12 doubles 70 euro, 3 triples Maximum difference in alti- 68 41. M major skiing destination at some www.njeri.net or www.brezovica- 90 euro, 4 quads 120 euro, 2 apart- tude: 782 m The best budget option in C point in the future, but even today ski.com for information. ments 150 euro). Brezovica offers small, modern, K 8 Jan 18 - 31, 2013 ski guide Kosovo’s Second ‘Alternative’ Outdoor Sport Destination – Boge

estled between the moun- tains of the Rugova Valley, Nat 1,400 metres above sea level, the village of Boge is one of the best places in Kosovo to enjoy the snow. Although it doesn’t offer quite as spectacular views as Kosovo’s main skiing destination, Brezovica, Boge has a friendlier feel and almost all its facilities are handily gathered around the ski lifts. It also has a better range of accommodation close to the lifts, including two venues which offer beautiful log cabins, perfect for a weekend retreat with a group of friends. A ski pass will set you back 10 euro a day, giving you access to the swarming with people enjoying a the hotels are mostly basic but can vary widely depending on the expanding part of the narrow village’s sole lift and around 1km barbeque, even in the freezing comfortable. weather. road. Also, several old bridges are of slopes, with three different weather. Hotel Burri, for example, offers The road which snakes through renovated. Second part includes paths. This area is lit up at night, so small but clean rooms for 22 euro a the Rugova Valley is often snowy laying asphalt which will start in The options aren’t particularly you can enjoy nocturnal sledging, night, three meals with good views at this time of year, but is pretty coming spring. varied or challenging for compe- if it takes your fancy. across the valley, 24-hour electrici- well asphalted and cleared regu- Snow chains are a must, tent skiers, but it’s a great place The cabins offered by Rudi ty and shared bathrooms. larly. although some attempt the route for learners and those wanting to Group and Relax Rugova book up The food at Burri is a bit hit-and- Some 22km along the route from in regular saloon cars. This invari- practice their rusty descent skills well in advance for weekends, so miss, although this is made up for Peja you will reach a T-junction, able ends with numerous stops as before braving the more difficult plan ahead. by the cozy feel of the place. It’s an with one road leading steeply up to the cars or minibuses become terrain at Brezovica. The lift is They offer great accommodation excellent venue for some warming the very pleasant summer resort stuck in the snow. open from 9am to 4pm every day. in four to six people cabins, which glasses of Raki after a bracing day of Guri i Kuq and the other to It’s worth trying to arrive early, Good quality equipment can be include small gardens, kitchens on the pistes. Boge. as there are few passing places hired at Rudi Group and lessons and living rooms. The restaurant attached to the Although some works are done along the route and it gets very can also be organized from this The Relax Rugova cabins are a Rudi Group is right next to the ski but the road to Boge remains still busy on good ski weekends. outfit and a few others around the couple of minutes drive from the centre and offers cheap, tasty food, unpaved and becomes very slip- lift. village, whereas those of Rudi and a healthy dose of mountain pery at this time of year. First BOGE The slopes also offer good sledg- Group are a few feet from the ski spirit. phase of the project rehabilitating Altitude of the resort -1,400m ing opportunities, although you slopes, in the middle of the village. Boge is around a 45 minute drive the 8 kilometre road from Total number of lifts - 1. have to negotiate the often crowd- If you can’t secure a log cabin, from Peja, although travel times Kuqishte to Boge is finished by ed foot of the hill, which is usually Serbia: Kopaonik, Zlatibor

ki lovers are delighted that Kopaonik has 120 teachers in after one of the warmest skiing and snowboard and three Sautumns in decades, the ski schools. snow season has finally started. Zlatibor: Kopaonik: More to Zlatibor than Parties The most attractive ski resort in and Snow Serbia, Kopaonik has numerous The winter resort is well known large hotels in the centre of for ski slopes and parties - but the Kopaonik as well as in Brzece vil- old villages of the Zlatibor area lage at the foot of the mountain, are also worth exploring and are connected by ski lift to the ski increasingly geared for visitors. centre. The idyllic landscape of Slopes are located at a height of Zlatibor and its surroundings 1,100m to 2,017m, and have 24 ski have attracted visitors from lifts that can transport 30,000 across the region for more than a skiers per hour. There are 55km of century, when the tradition of Alpine tracks and 12km of Nordic tourism in the area was first tracks. established. Three tracks were recently cer- Although lots of hotel rooms Its tourist offer has expanded to atmosphere and the hospitality of as a school. Tragically, the owner, tificated as meeting “FIS” stan- are available the resort is often cover authentic old villages, cul- locals in the village itself, it is a Gvozden Terzić, as well as dards, which means international overbooked for the New Year holi- tural events and nature walks, as good launch pad for several Milisav the adopted son of his competitions can be held here. days, as it offers some of the most well as local cuisine. places that can be visited as part late brother, were killed along A one-day ticket for the ski lifts attractive parties and New Year of a guided tour. with 18 other men by the for adults costs about €30. celebrations in Serbia. Going rural In the courtyard itself stand Germans in the war. A monument As of recently there is new However, the Zlatibor area, Near the centre of the village of two houses built more than a hun- shaped like a gallows stands on snow park, and if in future which covers a radius of some 30 Zlakuse, near Užice, lies Terzića dred years ago. One was used by a the spot to recall the grim events Kopaonik gets a so-called “half- kilometres between Užice and Mt avlija, a well-preserved village family and the other was for of August 18th 1941. pipe“, international competitions Zlatibor in southwest Serbia, is with several old houses and sup- guests and celebrations. in extreme sports could be held not just about sports and celebrat- porting tourist objects. Before and during the Second Nemanja Cabric here also. ing. Besides the authentic rural World War the guesthouse served BIRN Belgrade ski guide Jan 18 - 31, 2013 9 Popova Sapka, Macedonia opova Sapka is located in the Hotel Slavija, above the Popova northwestern part of Sapka hotel, is perhaps better PMacedonia, and is one of the appointed and has an indoor swim- most popular winter ski resorts in ming pool. Rooms in both these the country. hotels are around 20 euro per per- It is situated in the beautiful son per night. Shar Mountain at 1,780 metres The ski region’s website above sea level, just 35 kilometres (www.popovasapka.mk) will be of from the capital Skopje. no use unless you speak On average, Popova Sapka sees Macedonian and read Cyrillic 135 days of snow. but the site of the Mountain House The resort is a little more run Granit down than its neighbour Mavrovo, www.popovashapka13.com.mk, Mavrovo, Macedonia but has a pleasant, friendlier feel coincidentally a great value place to it. to stay at 15.50 euro per person per he northwest of Macedonia some evenings, making night-time calves. Rooms start at 100 euro a The view from Popova Sapka is night, has some resort informa- is home to one of the most skiing possible. night for a double room. It is a 15 superb and opens out towards the tion and also, curiously, pictures of Tbeautiful mountain valleys Skiing is cheap with around 17 minute drive to the slopes. neighboring mountains all the other hotels in town.. At in the region, Mavrovo. euro securing a day pass and 100 One downside of the station is it Jakupica and Solunska Glava 11.50 euro a day, the ski passes are It is just one hour’s drive from euro a weekly ticket. sits at just 1,250 metres, meaning (2540m), and also towards the a bargain too. the capital, Skopje, on motorways Close to the slopes, the Hotels that the quality of the snow at low Polog valley. and well maintained roads. Drive Bistra, (www.bistra.com) with 42 levels can sometimes be patchy. The skiing village includes time from Prishtina is likely to be rooms, is a good option. It has a around 250 to 300 chalets to rent POPOVA SAPKA in the region of 3 hours. rustic feel and offers a restaurant, MAVROVO and a smattering of independent Altitude of the resort -1,704m The Zare Lazarevski ski centre serving up hearty fare, a heated, restaurants. Ski-schools and Highest Peak - 2,748m in Mavrovo has been recently ren- indoor swimming pool, sauna and equipment hire can be arranged at Altitude of the resort - 1,250m Total length of slopes - 10km ovated, increasing the capacity of jacuzzi. The same group also owns hotels and in the village. Highest Peak - 1960m Total number of lifts - 11 the ski lifts, and offers good quali- two other nearby hotels. The Hotel Decent Italian food is served up Total length of slopes - 5km Number of beginners’ runs (blue ty accommodation and great Makpetrol (+389 23146273) is a Total number of lifts - 11 lifts at Casa Leone in the village, which slopes)- 2 views. short walk from the pistes. Number of beginners’ runs has amazing views from its ter- Intermediate (red slopes) - 5 The ski trails start at 1960m and The pick of the bunch if you are (blue slopes) - 5 race. The none too imaginatively Advanced (black slopes) - 1 end some 700 metres or so down in looking for luxury is the Hotel Intermediate (red slopes) - 5 named Hotel Popova Sapka (+389 Maximum difference in altitude: the town. Radika Advanced (black slopes) - 5 44361020) is the biggest hotel in the 1,400 m The 5,000 metres of pistes pro- (www.radika.com.mk). Maximum difference in alti- resort with 140 rooms, but the vide opportunities for beginners This five-star resort is certainly tude: 700m and intermediate skiers alike and luxurious and offers a full-range of a short section of the trail is lit up spa options to soothe your aching Montenegro

ontenegro's ski resorts night for bed and breakfast in peak (although to be honest our opinion might not live up in size to season, it's not a budget option. is more positive than the Visit Msome European destina- If you are up for an adventure Montenegro website), but the ski- tions, but quantity and quality is and looking for more demanding ing and the scenery are unmatch- not the same thing. slopes, make your way over to able. The rugged mountains of Zabljak in the Durmitor National The Montenegro resorts can be Montenegro conceal the deepest Park. difficult to reach from Kosovo in canyon in Europe, and they also the winter as the Rozaje pass is hide away Moraca, and Kolasin. Zabljak often closed. It has everything that you could If you have a Serbian stamp or Kolasin, wish for in a ski resort. Located passport, however, it is best to With its ski centre Jerzerine, is deep in a forest with 20 peaks reach the centre passing through a small resort compared to devel- looming up around it, and 18 fairy- Zubin Potok and Serbia. opments in Switzerland, France or tale crystal clear lakes nearby it is Austria but when you are standing a truly breathtaking sight. ZABLJAK/ DURMITOR on the top of the mountain, with The town sits at an altitude of the white powder snow stretching 1456m and if you take yourself up Altitude of the resort - 1,445m out below you, you will begin to to the top of the pistes at 2,313 then Highest Peak - 2,532m ask yourself why you have not you can enjoy a whole 3.5km of Total length of slopes - 15km come here before. 'black run' downhill skiing. Total number of lifts - 6 The slopes are perhaps not the However, in what must be one of Number of baby lifts - 3 most demanding, but the stunning the frankest pieces of PR writing, Beginners' runs (blue slopes) - 6 scenery will more than compen- the Visit-Montenegro website Intermediate (red slopes) - 2 sate for that. speaks of the appallingly low stan- Advanced (black slopes) -1 The really rather lovely Bianca dard of provision for tourists. Max. difference in altitude - Resort, (www.biancaresort.com), So perhaps you may not live in 868m is the place to stay here but with the lap of luxury in Zabljak prices over 100 euro per person per Longest run - 3.5km

KOLASIN

Altitude of the resort -1,450 Highest Peak - 2,139 Total length of slopes - 30km Total number of lifts - 12 Number of baby lifts - 1 Beginners' runs (blue slopes) – 2

Intermediate (red slopes) - 7 Advanced (black slopes) - 2 Max. difference in altitude - 510m Longest run - 4.5km Longest night skiing route - 500 10 Jan 18 - 31, 2013 neighbourhood

State-Owned Drugs Giant Seeks New Owner Serbia won’t make big money by selling off debt-ridden state pharmaceuticals company Galenika, but it will offload a big problem. the last year when there wasn’t a plant, as well as a favourable sell- “As long as Galenika is in state shortage of its products on the ing price, he is convinced that hands there is little chance that it market. there is a chance for the outcome will be profitable, as its influence By Stevan Veljovic According to Galenika’s data, of the tender to be positive. over the company is only causing its total debts are around 140 mil- “Galenika will certainly attract trouble,” Stevanovic said. lion euro, of which half is a long- interest, but the question is at “It is important that the value term loan with state guarantees. what cost it will be sold and under of the company is estimated prop- he Serbian government is to Another 30 million euro is made which conditions,” Lazarevic erly, as we often tend to believe seek a new owner for up of short-term loans, while 40 said. that a state asset is worth more TGalenika, the last state- million euro represents the owned drugs producer, with the remaining instalments for a loan international tender for a strate- for building a new manufacturing gic partner expected this month. plant, which was completed in Serbia’s finance and economy 2010. minister Mladjan Dinkic The causes of Galenika’s recent described the company’s situation woes are poor management and as “unsustainable”, adding that Zoran Pantelic, union leader the inability to collect what is the state cannot afford its 175 mil- owed by its two biggest debtors, lion euro debt and its surplus of 2010, when the government set the wholesalers Velefarm and BG around 1,000 unnecessary employ- minimum price at 200 million euro Pharm, which are both facing ees who need to be made redun- for a 70 per cent stake in the com- bankruptcy. dant and paid off. pany. Out of Galenika’s total claims of “Galenika will not be able to India’s Surya Pharmaceuticals 110 million euro, these two compa- finance its operations in 2013 only and RPG Partners, an investment nies’ debt is around 95 million through sales of medicines and fund from Cyprus, submitted their euro. will require an additional 50 mil- offers in a pre-qualification tender, The size of the debts will be one lion euro of working capital,” he but the government dismissed of the factors the government has said. them because “the bidders were to take into consideration when The government on December weaker than Galenika itself”. determining the price of 21st approved the launch of pro- Mladjan Dinkic, finance minister Three years on the government Galenika’s assets. ceedings aimed at finding a strate- will again try to sell the company Although the official evaluation gic partner. as part of broader attempts to has not been declared, media “It can draw interest primarily than it really is, which leads to an The government entrusted the offload loss-making enterprises, reports citing government from larger generic companies, unsuccessful sale,” he added. Finance and Economy Ministry to such as Jat Airways, the Serbian sources claim the minimum ask- for example from central and east- Pharma experts believe that a deal with tender preparations and national airline, and steel mill ing price will be around 120 mil- ern Europe, rather than big inno- negative outcome from the tender will also prepare options for work- Zelezara Smederevo, as well as lion euro. vative pharmaceutical companies would shift the balance of power ers prepared to leave the company slashing the budget deficit by Vladislav Cvetkovic, director of or investment funds,” he said. further in favour of importers with severance pay, in cooperation almost half. the state privatisation agency, As he explained, this is mainly and increase the costs paid for with the ministry of labour, Experts say that, despite its stated that “the essential econom- because large generic companies prescribed medicines by the state employment and social policy. problems, Galenika should be able ic value of Galenika is around 100 tend to take over small ones, such health insurance fund. Serbian media have reported to find a buyer provided that the million euro”, a calculation based as Galenika, while big innovative According to Dragomir that Valeant, a Canadian company government sets a realistic asking on the company’s annual income companies are looking to buy Marisavljevic, president of an which is also the owner of ICN price. multiplied by two. large generic producers. association representing domes- Pharmaceuticals, is interested in Pharmaceutical experts, howev- Experts do not expect big tic pharmaceutical manufactur- Galenika. er, warn that failing to find a solu- money from the sale, but insist The risk of price rises: ers, the market share held by ICN Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. tion for Galenika and its possible that the estimation of Galenika’s domestic producers is decreasing company founded by Milan Panic, bankruptcy would disturb the value can’t be based solely on rev- Preparations for the tender are each year and it now represents an American businessman of market and lead to an increase in enues. being closely watched by the com- around 40 per cent in financial Serbian origin and a former the cost of prescribed medicines. Igor Lazarevic, founder of pany’s unions, as they await a final terms, while in terms of products Yugoslav prime minister, priva- Aventin Partners, a consultancy, decision on the model of owner- sold they control around 70 per tised Galenika in 1991, but the Generics on target: and former consultant for the ship transformation, which the cent of the market, as their port- company was returned to majority restructuring of Galenika, does government has not clearly out- folio is significantly cheaper. state ownership in 1997, followed Galenika’s financial difficulties not expect the company to be sold lined. According to Galenika’s report by a series of legal disputes. did not appear overnight; the com- for more than 100 to 150 million “For the government, selling from August 2012, every fifth pre- Dinkic, however, denied specula- pany earlier declared net losses in euro, and probably for an even the company through tender is scribed medication is produced by tion that Galenika would be sold to 2010 and 2011. lower sum than that. the fastest and easiest solution, the company, while its financial Panic. In 2011 its net loss was around He bases his estimate on finan- but we often forget the privatisa- share of the market is around 11 The last attempt to find a strate- 122 million euro, while 2010 was cial factors related to the huge tion is not the goal itself,” said per cent. gic partner for Galenika failed in debts and cumulative losses, Zoran Pantelic, president of the The average price of imported organisational issues, including Independent Union of Galenika. prescribed drugs in 2010 was near- an excess of employees and weak The union believes that recapi- ly 3.5 times higher than the price Galenika’s former management under management, as well as talisation is the best solution for of Galenika’s medicines. Galenika’s non-competitive posi- the moment, as it will allow the “Having in mind its market investigation tion on export markets. state to keep control over the share, the successful sale of On the more positive side, he price of medicines. Galenika would certainly have a Police are investigating alleged wrongdoing in the public says that there is a trend of con- “In two years the company will positive effect on the market share company Galenika on suspicion that former managers solidation in the pharmaceutical stabilise and the sale would be of producers based in Serbia,” industry which has increased the considered from a different per- Marisavljevic said. abused their positions and caused millions of euros of interest in producers of generic spective,” Pantelic explained. “Bankruptcy, on the other hand, damages to the company. drugs. Economist Aleksandar would not only increase the cost of Y The investigation was launched in early 2012 and is still With its brand value and reputa- Stevanovic believes, however, that procurement of prescribed medi- M tion, a strong foothold on the state ownership of Galenika actu- cines for the health insurance C on-going.15 domestic market, experienced ally reduces its chances of fund, but also imperil continuous K employees, a new production revival. supply to the market,” he warned. neighbourhood Jan 18 - 31, 2013 11 Serbia President Slaps Albania PM’s Down Kosovo’s UN Bid Daughter Accused Tomslav Nikolic says Serbia has no intention of allowing Kosovo to obtain a seat at the United Nations. of Seeking Bribe A Pakistani businessman, Zafar Ansar, has accused Argita Malltezi Berisha of having demanded millions of By Prishtina Insight euros in 2007 to secure approval for the construction of a power plant. Ansar and Malltezi’s legal office. peaking on Wednesday, Last week, the opposition President Nikolic said that Socialist Party accused Malltezi of SSerbia would not allow By Besar Likmeta trading in her father's influence to Kosovo to join UN and the issue enrich herself, pointing at the would stay off the table at upcom- power plant case as an example. ing EU-led Belgrade-Prishtina nsar, who was formerly Queried by Prishtina Insight, a talks. Albania honorary consul in spokesperson for the general pros- “If it was acceptable, I would Serbia’s President, Tomislav Nikolic. APakistan, had hired ecutor’s office, Albi Serani, said have written that into the [Serbian Malltezi’s law firm in 2007 to medi- that Ansar’s accusations against seat. United Nations. Are we supposed ate with the local authorities over government's recently adopted] Malltezi "were not being investi- “Kosovo expects at the end of to go on sparring like that for the construction of a power plant platform and resolution [on gated for the time being”. this process of normalization of years?" he asked. in Albania worth nearly 100 mil- Kosovo]," he said. In response to the allegations, relationship with Serbia to obtain So far, 97 UN member states, lion. "The platform lays down that Malltezi on Wednesday said she membership of the UN and other including 22 EU countries and the In an interview with Top Serbia will never accept Kosovo’s had done nothing illegal. international institutions,” he US, have recognized Kosovo since Channel TV on Tuesday, Ansar independence, and by that, we “The businessman in question said. it declared independence in 2008. said that apart from seeking stan- mean never to accept Kosovo join- six years ago contacted me, not the Serbia's Prime Minister, Ivica At their meeting in Brussels on dard legal fees, the Prime ing the UN,” Nikolic added. other way around, requesting Dacic, has not specified his agenda January 17, Maja Kocijancic, Minister's daughter asked for a The Serbian government for- legal assistance in the preparatory in the upcoming talks but has said spokesperson of the EU foreign success fee worth up to 3 per cent mally adopted its political plat- phase of the project,” she said in a that his country aims at a "com- affairs chief Catherine Ashton, of the total investment, as well as form on Kosovo on January 9. statement. “Every action of my prehensive" settlement with and told Balkan Insight that the two pressuring him to buy an expen- It demands a high level of terri- legal office has been totally pri- on Kosovo. statesman will firstly discuss sive plot of land. torial and political autonomy for vate,” she added. "We can agree on everything," implementation of previously “I found the correspondence a Serbian municipalities through- Malltezi also accused the Dacic told reporters. reached agreements. bit odd as a consulting fee with a out Kosovo, including their own Socialist leader Edi Rama of slan- "We are seeking a comprehen- The Belgrade-Prishtina dia- 'success' fee was a bit unusual for police and judiciary. der and said that she would bring a legal firm,” Ansar said. “I On Wednesday, Hashim Thaci, sive settlement, but for that to hap- logue, launched in March 2011, has legal charges against his party. agreed, knowing she was the Kosovo’s Prime Minister, said a pen, something has to be given," he since resulted in agreements on “I wanted to remind Mr Rama daughter of the Prime Minster day before his fourth meeting with added. border management, as well as on that only in dictatorships are the [and] would be instrumental in his Serbian counterpart that one "They [Kosovo] are pressuring Kosovo’s representation at region- legal fees of private businesses set achieving the goal of setting up aim of the EU-mediated talks was us through the European Union, al meetings, university diplomas by governments,” she said. the power plant without difficul- for Kosovo to get a United Nations and we're not letting them into the and trade. “Accusations about blocking ties,” he added. investments are ridiculous,” she Ansar says that after the initial added. contacts, Malltezi pressured him However, Ansar said he believes to buy a plot of land worth mil- that the project was blocked In Pictures: First Skopje lions of euro for the power plant. because he refused to buy the land When he refused, he says, the local that Malltezi had offered. authorities killed the whole proj- After the emails were leaked to ect. the local media in 2007, he says the Galleon Weighs Anchor “The land that she offered me Albanian authorities pressured was a raw piece of land without him to sue the journalist who pub- The first of four old-style sailing ships has weighed anchor in the middle of the Vardar any infrastructural facilities, very lished them. River in the Macedonian capital. expensive and it did not meet the “When my mails were published requirements,” Ansar said. [former Albanian Ambassador to “Since I did not agree to buy, I Saudi Arabia] Admir Banaj asked was told the project to set up 120 me several times to sue the MW power plant would have diffi- reporter who had published my By Sinisa Jakov Marusic culties and might not be emails,” Ansar recalled. approved,” he added. [After I refused] he became very The accusations against upset with me and used his influ- Malltezi surfaced first in 2007, ence in the foreign office and he old-style galleon, built by when the editor of a daily newspa- Prime Minister's office and the local Falanga-DIM com- per Tema, Mero Baze, published a removed me as honorary counsel Tpany, is to be used as an elite series of email exchanges between restaurant. of Albania in Pakistan,” he added. The company won the tender last year to construct and use two of the four galleons. The city has insisted that the replica ships resemble the multi-decked wooden sailing ships that were in use from the 16th to 18th centuries. The concession will last 10 years and the firm will pay about 1,200 euros a month in rent for use of A rendering of a ship that’s yet to be built. each ship. The ships are to be moored in fun!” one passerby told Prishtina grand government-led project, the heart of the city, near Skopje’s Insight. called Skopje 2014, which aims to landmark Stone Bridge and near “That thing looks disgusting give the neglected, grey-looking many of the newly-erected build- and is far from good taste” a less centre of the Macedonian capital ings that form part of the “Skopje impressed middle-aged woman a more monumental appearance. 2014” city makeover. complained. A pensioner added: Drawing inspiration from the While some like the galleons, “They are doing this for profit, not architectural styles of Classic others say they will turn the river- for beautification [of the city]”. Antiquity, the project envisages side area into a “Pirates of the The city is expected soon to the construction of museums, the- Caribbean” theme park. choose the concessionary firm for atres, concert halls, hotels and “I see nothing wrong in a the other two galleons. administrative offices as well as restaurant on the river. It will be The galleons form part of the marble and bronze monuments. The daughter of Albania’s PM is being accused of seeking a bribe. 12 Jan 18 - 31, 2013 feature Fissures in the Faith: Rise of Conse Followers of stricter forms of Islam are demanding more rights in Kosovo, provoking a backlash among secularists. Americanism. Unheard of until 1999, the reli- gious conservatives and hardlin- By Arbana Xharra ers are a tiny but increasingly vis- Prishtina, Skopje and ible group, with followers in all the London big cities and some of the poorest parts of the countryside. he faithful who cannot fit Security officials told the inside the mosque sit down Balkan Investigative Reporting Tat its gates, along a pave- Network (BIRN) that stricter ment carpeted with prayer rugs. forms of the faith had taken root The cleric’s amplified voice travels after the war, following the influx over them, onto the street. of Islamic aid agencies and the At Friday prayers in Prishtina, schooling of local clerics in Arab the capital of Kosovo, the main countries. mosque cannot contain the wor- Interviewed on condition of shippers, or the sound of the ser- anonymity, the officials said they mon they have come to hear. believed as many as 50,000 people “Allah’s enemies are leading in the territory had begun follow- Muslim youth astray,” warns the ing more conservative forms of cleric. He lists alcohol, drugs and Islam. the pernicious influence of the There is no way of independent- internet as part of a concerted ly confirming this figure, which effort “to stop the momentum of represents a tiny fraction of the Islam”. overall Muslim population of “Immorality is on the rise,” he Kosovo, estimated at around 1.8 reminds his listeners. “This million people. Young men from a hardline Islamist group disrupt a ceremony to lay the foundation stone for a new mosque in Prishtina. should not be tolerated. We cannot The rise of the conservatives close our eyes to this phenome- Serbian regime and I can practise “Based on a security assessment struggle against the Serbs. The has alarmed secular Kosovans, as non.” my religion without fear of preju- by the international community in NATO intervention furthered that well as clerics of a more moderate You need not go far to see the dice,” she says. “But people still Kosovo, at the time in question struggle’s aims, and convinced bent. However, the conservatives hints of the immorality that the stare at me just because I wear a there was no need to legislate many ethnic Albanian national- also complain that their opponents cleric decries. A short walk from veil. It is hard for me to find a job against Muslim radical groups,” ists that their closest allies were in all too readily – and wrongly – the mosque, young men and or to apply for work in a public says Olivier Salgado, a spokesman Washington and Brussels. accuse them of links to violent women mingle over coffee and role.” for the mission. Most Kosovans are Muslims, extremists. beers in the trendy bars of down- However, the conservatives’ Behxhet Shala, the head of and practise a relatively relaxed BIRN can confirm that some town Prishtina. complaints have unnerved many Kosovo’s main human rights body, form of Islam, coloured by clerics and converts have attracted Nearby lie the new monuments secular-minded women. also says the risk of extremism Ottoman and mystical Sufi tradi- the scrutiny of domestic intelli- that tell the story of Kosovo’s “I’m a Muslim, as we have has been under-estimated by the tions. Many wish to see their terri- gence agencies. But it has seen no recent past. A large bronze statue always been,” says Linda, a 27- United Nations and the EU, which tory as a secular nation within the evidence to suggest that they rep- of Bill Clinton, hand raised in tri- year-old woman at a café in down- are gradually phasing out their European Union, as envisaged in resent a threat to security. umph or greeting, adorns a boule- town Prishtina who only gave her role in the territory’s day-to-day its constitution and by its current vard that bears his name. The for- ‘European standards’ first name. “But I don’t go to the affairs. government. mer American president is a hero mosque. I’m really concerned “The internationals are here For those who see no contradic- here, hailed for sending NATO jets about this new Islam that came in today, but they will go back. They tion between their faith and their The new breed of religious con- into action against Serbian forces after the war.” are leaving us with a ticking liberal values, the rise of the reli- servatives say Kosovo’s secular in 1999. “We didn’t see young men with bomb,” Shala told BIRN. He says gious hardliners has been unset- constitution discriminates against Another nearby sculpture, a beards and short trousers until Kosovo’s poverty and porous bor- tling. the pious. They have criticised giant model of the English word, then,” she says, referring to the ders make it a fertile ground for “It’s a shame that we have radi- laws that restrict the emphasis on “newborn”, celebrates a milestone hairstyle and attire favoured by radicalism. cals among us because the majori- Islam in education. in the process set in motion by many converts to rigid forms of However, Jean-Francois Fitou, ty of Kosovans don’t support They also want the easing of those NATO air strikes – Kosovo’s the faith. the French ambassador in them,” says Luljeta Shala, an econ- restrictions on religious symbols unilateral declaration of inde- The relationship between the Prishtina, says these conditions omist based in Prishtina. “We are in state schools, which have pre- pendence from Serbia in 2008. state and the conservatives is char- are not unique to Kosovo. He says pro-American, as everyone vented Muslim women and girls Gratitude to the United States – acterised by uncertainty and all potential threats must be taken knows.” from wearing headscarves. and its allies in the bombing cam- unease. Both sides have invoked very seriously. But, he added, the The hardliners appear to be Conservative clerics are paign – underpins the territory’s international human rights provi- response must also be weighed more influenced by Arab interpre- demanding the right to practice vision of itself as a free nation. sions – either as a defence for their against any potential harm to indi- tations of the faith, than by the their faith freely. Their followers But another, indirect consequence position or as a hindrance against vidual liberties. Ottoman traditions more common meanwhile say that they face dis- of that conflict is now being action. “It’s complicated. It’s always a to Kosovo. They are often referred crimination in society at large, viewed with suspicion. “If someone claims we have reli- question of balance,” he told to as Wahhabis, or Salafis, particularly in the job market. An austere strain of Islam is gious freedom, it is not true,” says BIRN, noting that France – home although most of them also reject “After the war, I started learning attracting converts across Kosovo. Shefqet Krasniqi, the head cleric, to the largest Muslim population these labels. more about Islam,” says a young Its rise is challenging the tradi- or imam, at the main mosque in in western Europe – had also pro- The terms derive from Saudi woman who was wearing a head- tions and aspirations of a society Prishtina. “We are asking for the voked fierce debate with its ban on Arabian sects that have become scarf on a bus in Prishtina and that has been defined less by its same rights that Muslims in headscarves in schools. synonyms for puritanical Islam. refused to give her name. Muslim faith than by its Albanian London or the US have.” The hard-liners tend to describe “I thought I am free from the ethnicity and its pro- Meanwhile, the interior minis- Resisting ‘secularism’ themselves as defenders of the ter, Bajram Rexhepi, says con- faith who oppose the encroach- cerns about human rights ham- The collapse of socialist ment of “Western” secularism pered his attempts to curb the Yugoslavia was accompanied by a upon Kosovo. activities of suspected Islamist religious revival in the region. The Fuad Ramiqi, a representative hardliners. He told Prishtina Catholic and Orthodox churches of the Bashkohu movement, says Insight he tried to promote a law in Croatia and Serbia are stronger his group favours public protests against “radical sects” during his now than they were before the and non-violent resistance to high- term as prime minister nine years wars of the 1990s. light their demands. They have ago. Kosovo is no exception. New complained about the ban on head- But, he says, he was dissuaded mosques have been built across scarves in schools, as well as the by the “internationals” – the offi- the territory, often financed by prominence of Christian monu- cials in the United Nations mis- donors from Islamic nations. ments in Prishtina. sion that helped administer But as in the rest of the region, “We ask the political class… to Kosovo from 1999 to 2008. nationalism has shaped the recent respect the rights of the Muslim “I asked them if they would tol- past more than religion. Kosovo’s majority in Kosovo,” he told BIRN. erate religious sects who endan- largely ethnic Albanian popula- “They are discriminating against gered their state. They replied that tion often viewed itself as a perse- the majority by trying to present these were European standards.” cuted minority within Serb-domi- themselves as pro-Western.” The UN mission in Kosovo says nated Yugoslavia. “It cannot be a democratic state there had been no requirement for In the late 1990s, they over- that imposes secularism upon Men pray outside a crowded mosque in Prishtina. such measures. whelmingly backed a guerrilla me.” feature Jan 18 - 31, 2013 13 rvative Islamists Alarms Kosovars widows and fatherless families. On a visit to Marina this sum- mer, several residents spoke warmly of the expelled imam. They confirmed that Duka had provided Islamic lessons for schoolchildren, and said his actions were entirely in keeping with his role as a cleric. Duka’s work in Marina was funded by a UK-based Islamic charity, Rahma Mercy. Its chair- man, Khalil Patel, says his organi- sation had been providing human- itarian aid to the villagers since the war in 1999. He said headscarves had been offered to girls who were studying religion, but insisted it had not been compulsory to wear them. “We created a beautiful environ- ment,” he says. “We gave uniforms for boys and veils for girls.” Osman Musliu, a critic of the Wahhabis, was beaten inside a mosque. Proselytising is not illegal in Shefqet Krasniqi dismisses the suggestion that he is a Wahhabi. Kosovo. Many of the charities that men in 2008. He believes he was tigated seven imams on suspicion Ramiqi says he regards himself voked a backlash among secular- operate in the territory have links attacked because of his views. first and foremost as a Muslim, minded Kosovans. of promoting radicalism. to Christian or Muslim institu- Osman Musliu, an imam from then as a Kosovan. He fought in In 2010, Ajnishahe Halimi, a However, no charges had been tions, and openly incorporate a the town of Drenas, was beaten brought against any of the clerics. Bosnia during the 1990s, and was women’s rights activist in the religious element in their humani- aboard the Mavi Marmara, a ship town of Skenderaj, organised a inside a mosque in 2009. “I lost Most of the imams on the list, tarian work. consciousness and my hand was which has been seen by BIRN, bound with humanitarian sup- petition against an imam in a Conservative Muslims across plies for Palestinians in Gaza, nearby village who was said to broken,” he told Prishtina Insight. work at mosques under the control the region, however, complain that “I have always spoken out against of the Islamic Community. when it was intercepted by the have encouraged girls and young they are more likely to be branded Israeli military in 2010. women to wear the headscarf. the Wahhabis in our midst.” Sadria, the senior official at the as extremists. A senior police official, asking community, rejected any sugges- Ramiqi is sharply critical of Halimi’s campaign attracted Bekir Halimi, an ethnic not to be identified, says there was tion that mosques had been infil- Kosovo’s government, as well as several thousand signatures, and Albanian imam, runs a shop and not enough evidence to bring trated by dangerous radicals. the mainstream religious estab- the support of local politicians. “I publishing house in Skopje, the charges over the assaults on “I don’t see any risk here and lishment. However, he insists that had information that village capital of neighbouring Hamidi and Musliu. there is no need to emphasise this his group rejects violence and is women were being misled, and a Macedonia, less than two hours’ Musliu and Verbani say they issue,” he told Prishtina Insight. not a threat to anyone. non-traditional form of Islam was drive from Prishtina. The police were disappointed by the response While there has been no serious “We are careful because our ene- being taught,” she told BIRN. raided his property in 2008, confis- to the attacks from the Islamic extremist violence in Kosovo, mies want to portray us as a desta- Many signatories to the petition cating computers and other reli- Community, the umbrella body some experts believe that the bilising factor in the region,” he were troubled by the imam’s gious material. says. “There is absolutely no risk actions, which – although not ille- that administers the mosques in authorities should continue to lis- The raid was originally reported in giving people the freedom and gal – were seen as an attempt to Kosovo. Both say the institution ten closely to what the hardliners in the local press as a strike right to practice their religious impose religious garb upon young should have condemned the are saying – even in the absence of against terrorism, although beliefs.” children. assaults on its members more any illegal activities. Halimi had denied any link with The imam in question, Kastriot forcefully. “I would say that hate speech violent radicals. The police later Duka, was deported to his native However, Ahmed Sadria, a sen- and radical, extremist sermons Secular backlash returned the confiscated material. Albania in March 2010. A state- ior official from the community, can definitely lead to violence,” He was never charged over any dismisses the suggestion the insti- Several conservative clerics ment from the Kosovo police says says Usama Hasan, a senior offence – but, he says, the damage tution could have done more, argu- have also spoken out against what he was expelled because he had researcher at the Quilliam to his reputation has not been ing that this was the duty of the they regard as the strictures of a violated the terms of his residence Foundation, a London-based repaired. police. secular state, and the dangers of permit, which had been granted think-tank that campaigns against “Nobody reported on the news “It is not true that we did not an irreligious society. specifically for aid work. extremism. Hasan cites cases that we were not involved in radi- react over the beatings. We asked But they too dismiss the sugges- “The residence permit is issued where British Muslims were calism,” he says. Halimi believes the authorities to find out who did tion that they are Wahhabis. for the development of humanitar- reportedly radicalised through the accusations against men such it,” he says. He adds that while the Krasniqi, from the main mosque ian activities and not [for] other sermons. as himself are motivated by petty attacks were worrying, the in Prishtina, says that he does not activities, which Mr Duka has However, legislation in this area rivalry, rather than any genuine motives behind them remain believe in any distinctions or divi- exercised in the territory,” the can often be cloudy, even in the fear of extremism. unclear. sions between Muslims. statement said. It is not clear if UK. While incitement to violence “We cannot allow this to become Nor does he believe that violent Duka’s expulsion was linked to the is illegal, free speech laws also give ‘No risk of radicalism’ a phenomenon,” he says, “but I extremists represent a threat in complaints in the petition. some leeway to criticism based on Kosovo. “Show me an extremist, The village where Duka had cannot comment on these cases Some critics of extremism also religious grounds. radical Wahhabi group,” he asks, worked, Marina, is one of the without knowing the reasons claim they have been assaulted, or Back in Prishtina, the hardlin- rhetorically. poorest in Kosovo. The region was [behind the attacks].” had property destroyed, because of ers from Ramiqi’s Bashkohu The conservative message has at the centre of the conflict Law enforcement officials in their views. They accuse the movement continue to display won followers in impoverished between ethnic Albanian guerril- Kosovo say they keep a close eye Wahhabis of thuggery and intimi- their animosity towards the and rural areas, even as it has pro- las and Serbian forces, and now on Islamist hardliners, and are dation. But the exact motive for authorities. has a disproportionate number of alert to any potential threats to these attacks remains unclear. security. On October 8 this year, the cere- The incidents appear sporadic – “There have been arrests, fol- mony for laying the foundations three in the space of three years – lowed by investigations by the for a new mosque was briefly and only one has led to a success- directorate of terrorism,” says interrupted by a small group of ful prosecution. Shpend Maxhuni, the chief of men from the movement, wearing Musli Verbani, a former imam police in Kosovo. the hardliners’ trademark beards in the town of Kacanik, gave a ser- However, there have not been and shin-length trousers. mon in 2007, warning his congre- any major convictions for terror- The activists whistled and gation against extremism. Shortly ism. Most of the men suspected of chanted during a speech by the afterwards, his parked car was set extremism have been charged over president, before being led away on fire. A local man was convicted the illegal possession of weapons – by the police. over the incident in January 2011 a widespread problem in the terri- Arbana Xharra is a Prishtina- and sentenced to three months in tory and a relatively minor based journalist. This article was prison. offence. edited by Neil Arun. It was pro- Other attacks against people Kosovan security officials, duced as part of the Balkan who spoke out against extremism speaking on condition of Fellowship for Journalistic have not led to any arrests. Xhabir anonymity, also told BIRN that Excellence, an initiative of the Hamidi, a professor of Islamic suspected extremists had been Robert Bosch Stiftung and ERSTE Y studies at Prishtina University under surveillance at 30 of the 650 Foundation, in cooperation with M and a prominent critic of the mosques in the territory. the Balkan Investigative C Buildings in Skopje reflect the Ottoman past, and a more moderate Islamic heritage. Wahhabis, was beaten by masked The officials said they had inves- Reporting Network. K 14 Jan 18 - 31, 2013 culture Kosovo Textbooks Soften Line on Ottoman Rule Changes to school textbooks undertaken at the urging of Turkish officials have toned down the language used to describe the imperial experience. the late Communist leaders of Yugoslavia and Albania. Many Kosovars still look back By Jeton Musliu on the Ottoman era with disdain, as an oppressive period in which the national identity of Albanians was repressed. hen the Turkish Prime The most renowned Albanian Minister, Recep Tayyip hero is George Kastrioti WErdogan, visited Kosovo Skanderbeg, the crusading war- for the first time in 2010, he visited rior who fought the Ottoman some of the country’s historic invaders in the 15th century. His Islamic sites. monument on Mother Teresa “These mosques symbolize the Boulevard is one of Prishtina’s brotherhood between Kosovo and most prominent landmarks. Turkey,” Erdogan said in Prizren. Recent years have seen the two Toned down language: countries develop cozy relations. To date, they have signed 13 agree- Prishtina Insight has obtained ments in matters including the Changes being made in Kosovo school text books. copies of the revised history text- economy, military and education. books that will be used in grades 5, Turkey is also one of the few Replacing “Ruthless Ottoman changes, some quite radical in our authors,” Shkelzen Raca, 6, and 8 starting this autumn. places that Kosovo citizens can rule” with the more neutral sound- tone, reflect the recommendations chairman of the commission, told Some of changes include: visit without needing visas. ing “Ottoman conquest” on page of a five-member Commission on Prishtina Insight. • Replacing “violence” and Relations are slated to get even 83 of the sixth-grade history text- the Revision of the Presentation of The commission met at least “killing” with “conquering” warmer, thanks to planned book. Ottoman and Turkish History, eight times before it issued its rec- and “imprisonment,” on page changes in Kosovo’s school text- * Replacing “They applied strict Geography and Culture, which ommendations and their efforts 62 of a fifth-grade textbook. books. measures against non-Muslim Kosovo’s Ministry of Education were done for the good of Kosovo’s • Deleting the sentence: Nudged by Turkish officials, people” with “All citizens in the set up in 2011 to revise. school pupils, he said. “Ottomans killed many Kosovo educational officials are countries conquered by the The commission’s report, issued “We believe we were construc- Albanians,” on revising history texts to Ottoman Empire, in the daily in 2012, suggested avoiding saying tive and prudent. Our objective page 69 of portray the Ottoman lives, were equal before the law. that the Ottomans used violence was to remove any hate language the same Empire, which ruled Certainly, sometimes, there were against, or killed, Albanians. and some aggressive vocabulary,” book. Kosovo for 450 years, abuses by local Ottoman authori- Instead, the commission wanted it Raca added. • as a kinder, gentler ties.” said that the Sultans, their armies The report, however, is also ruler than was for- The and administrators imprisoned clear in its intentions. merly suggested. people and carried out military “We remind you that school- “Turkey is not interventions. books should give more room to happy that features that bring Turkey and Kosovars learn Mission to Ankara: Kosovo closer together, emphasiz- history as inter- ing positive examples in Turkish- preted by Josip The commission met Turkey’s Albanian relations in the past,” it Broz Tito or Enver ambassador to Kosovo and went to concluded. Hoxha,” Turkish the Turkish capital, Ankara, to visit an institution devoted to Foreign Minister Not consulted: Ahmet Davutoglu school textbooks. said during a “We took into account their At least three authors of the visit in remarks on what could be consid- older textbooks, Frasher Demaj, 2011, ered as omis- Fehmi Rexhep, and Isa Bicaj, refer- sions were not consulted about the ring by revisions. to “It seems a bit illogical that the changes were done without con- sulting with the authors,” Bicaj, a historian who wrote the grade- seven text, said. He doesn’t approve of toning down criticism of the Ottoman Empire, either. “You can cut off my hand, but I will not use the term ‘arrival’ for the Ottomans. They were con- querors,” Bicaj said. Turkey’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Songul Ozan, meanwhile told Prishtina Insight that the changes in the history books will improve Kosovo-Turkey rela- tions, which, according to her, are already excellent. Kosovo is not the only country changing its stance on the Ottoman Empire, Ozan remarked. “Such actions, aimed at the removal of unpleasant terms in Y history books, were also taken by M Germany and France, as well as C by other countries, including my K A warm greeting between the prime ministers of Kosovo and Turkey. own,” the ambassador explained. international Jan 18 - 31, 2013 15 New Questions Arise Over CIA Nominee Denial of Civilian Drone Deaths Claims by the Central Intelligence Agency’s new director-designate that the US intelligence services received ‘no information’ about any civilians killed by US drones in the year prior to June 2011 do not appear to bear scrutiny. flagrant violation of humanitari- an norms and law”.’ Munter also intended ‘to convey By Chris Woods Pakistan’s message to the US Administration at the highest lev- els,’ the Foreign Ministry press release claimed. While some challenge ohn Brennan, President Pakistan’s portrayal of some Obama’s nominee to take aspects of the meeting, it is not Jover the CIA, had claimed in disputed that the Ambassador did a major speech in summer 2011 indeed convey Pakistan’s concerns that there had not been ‘a single to the highest levels in the US gov- collateral death’ in a covert US ernment. strike in the past year due to the precision of drones. He later qual- ified his statement, saying that at It is not disputed that the the time of his comments he had ‘no information’ to the contrary. Ambassador did indeed con- Yet just three months before- vey Pakistan’s concerns to hand, a major US drone strike had killed 42 Pakistanis, most of them the highest levels in the US civilians. As well as being widely government. President Obama’s pick for the CIA, John Brennan, right, once claimed that no civilian had been killed by a drone strike. reported by the media at the time, Islamabad’s concerns regarding speech. Many of those killed had there is explicit intelligence adviser he helped to bring Yemen’s those deaths were also directly died at Datta Khel. posthumously proving them inno- Arab Spring to a reasonably peace- conveyed to the ‘highest levels of ‘Not a single collateral The Bureau presented a summa- cent.’ ful conclusion. And he also played the Administration’ by death’ ry of its findings to the White Since all of the civilians killed a key role in the killings of Osama Washington’s then-ambassador to House and to John Brennan’s at Datta Khel were adult males, bin Laden, Anwar al-Awlaqi and a Pakistan, it has been confirmed to Yet three months after the Datta office in July 2011. Both declined officials may simply have dis- host of other senior militant lead- the Bureau. Khel strike, John Brennan would to comment. counted their deaths. There are no ers. This confirmation suggests that insist that covert US drone strikes Nine months later, George indications that the CIA has Brennan also spearheaded a senior US officials were aware of were so accurate that they were no Stephanopoulos of ABC News amended its records since. massive expansion of US drone dozens of civilian deaths just longer killing civilians, and had challenged Brennan on his origi- The Bureau has now raised its strikes in Pakistan, Yemen and weeks before Brennan’s claims to not done so for the previous 12 nal claims. estimate of the number of civil- Somalia. the contrary. months. ‘Do you stand by the statement ians killed in the period Brennan The American Civil Liberties He told an audience on June 29 you have made in the past that, as claimed none had died to 76, Union urged caution in appointing Jirga deaths that ‘I can say that the types of effective as they have been, including eight children and two him as CIA chief. Calling on the operations… that the US has been [drones] have not killed a single women. The new figures are based Senate to investigate any recent The CIA drone strike in involved in, in the counter-terror- civilian?’ the interviewer asked. in part on our own research and involvement by John Brennan or Pakistan on March 17, which ism realm, that nearly for the past ‘That seems hard to believe.’ on studies by Associated Press and the CIA in ‘torture, abuse, secret bombed the town of Datta Khel in year there hasn’t been a single col- Brennan was robust, insisting Stanford and New York universi- prisons, and extraordinary rendi- North Waziristan and killed an lateral death because of the excep- that ‘what I said was that over a ties. tion,’ the ACLU’s Laura Murphy estimated 42 people, has always tional proficiency, precision of the period of time before my public John Brennan, 57, is Barack also urged an end to the CIA’s ‘tar- seemed a contradiction of capabilities that we’ve been able to remarks that we had no informa- Obama’s first choice as the new geted killing program.’ Brennan’s official statement. develop.’ tion about a single civilian, a non- director of the CIA. As the presi- Mr Brennan’s office did not The attack was later justified by The Datta Khel attack was not combatant being killed.’ dent’s chief counter-terrorism respond when asked to confirm an anonymous US official as a so- the only time that civilians had whether he had been directly called ‘signature strike’ where the died in the period referred to by Military-aged males ‘Do you stand by the state- informed of the Pakistan govern- identities of those killed was Brennan. Working with veteran ment you have made in the ment’s concerns over civilian unknown. They insisted that ‘a Pakistani reporter Rahimullah A later report in the New York deaths back in March 2011. large group of heavily armed men, Yusufzai and field researchers in Times provided a possible expla- past that, as effective as some of whom were clearly con- the tribal areas, the Bureau identi- nation for Brennan’s robustness. they have been, [drones] This story is published courtesy nected to al Qaeda and all of whom fied and published details of 45 The paper revealed that of The Bureau of Investigative acted in a manner consistent with civilians known at the time to have Washington ‘counts all military- have not killed a single civil- Journalism, AQ-linked militants, were killed.’ been killed by CIA drones in ten age males in a strike zone as com- ian? ... That seems hard to http://www.thebureauinvestigates. batants, according to several com, under the Creative Commons In fact the gathering was a jirga, strikes between August 2010 and believe”. or tribal meeting, called to resolve June 2011, the date of Brennan’s administration officials, unless License. a local mining dispute. Dozens of tribal elders and local policemen died, along with a small number of Photo News: Powder Run Taliban. Within hours of the attack Pakistan’s prime minister and army chief publicly condemned Athletes compete in the mass killing of dozens of civil- ians. Pakistan’s president also the skiing portion of the later protested about the strike to a visiting delegation from the US Men’s 15 kilometer House Armed Services Committee, led by Congressman mass start at the Rob Wittman. An official Pakistani govern- Biathlon World Cup in ment document issued at the time Ruhpolding, Germany, reports that Washington’s then- ambassador Cameron Munter was on January 13. France’s summoned to the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad on March Martin Fourcade won. 18 for a dressing-down. A strongly worded statement (AP Photo/Matthias reported that ‘Ambassador Munter was categorically conveyed that Schrader) Y such strikes were not only “unac- M ceptable” but also constituted “a C K 16 Jan 18 - 31, 2013 Guide

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

Hard Rockers Club Fastfood: opening in Kosovo. Road Ilaz Kodra, contact: vraja_fatos@ hot- mail.com. It's one of the few places in Prishtina where you can catch regular live Bel Ami Restaurants: Stylishly designed and smoke-free, Le Siam acts and the only place which caters for Rr Luan Haradinaj, Tel: +377 (0)44 133 848, has become a real hit for the international those who like their rock served up heavy, or +386 49 133 848. The ideal town-centre stop community of Kosovo. If you are acquaint- hard. On a quiet night, it's quite a comfort- for a quick lunch or takeaway snack, Bel Liburnia 1 and 2 ed with Thai food, you're not in for any sur- able venue to grab a beer, even if you are not Ami unceremoniously serves some of the Rr Meto Bajraktar, tel. +381 (0)38 222 719. prises here, with the typical assortment of being entertained by hirsute musicians . best chicken doner in Prishtina in a surpris- There are actually two Liburnias opposite curries, salads and deep fried treats, deliv- ingly un-greasy, smoke-free environment. each other, both very similar in style and ered to decent standards. At 7 or 8 euro for a The Cuban Ask for a “komplet” to get the classic doner food. Housed in a fine Ottoman abode and main course, it's relatively pricey compared Road Luan Haradinaj Tel: +377(0) 45 620 620. packed with salad and sauces and wrapped surrounded by pleasant walled gardens, to its neighbours. Open Monday-Thursday This is a decent addition to the city's drink- in tin foil. Monday-Friday 9 am - 7.30 pm; Liburnia oozes atmosphere, whether in win- 11:00-14:00 and 17:45-22:30; Friday-Sunday ing scene, even if the place can be full of Saturday 9 am - 8 pm. ter or summer. The food is a roll call of 11:00-23:00. spivs and tarts who aren't going to a fancy- decent traditional Albanian food, including dress party. The Cuban-themed décor is the usual stews (tave) and grilled meat. It’s Clubs: Renaissance II decadent Havana, the food is average, and not the best place in town to sample local Rr. George Bush (behind the Pro Credit Bank not very Caribbean, but the cocktails are delicacies, but a good choice given the set- P1 HQ), tel. +377 (0)44 118 796. Renaissance good. 8 am - 1 am. ting. Open 8 am - 11 pm Fehmi Agani, +377 (0)44 608 669. If you’re offers arguably the best overall dining expe- looking for cool, then P1 is probably not rience in Prishtina. It's quite an experience Xhoni’s Bar Country House the spot for you. The decor is pretty unin- just to find the place. Tucked away along a Rexhep Mala, Pristina, tel. +377 (0)44 750 720. Off road to Podujevo from Pristina, right spiring, the music is bog standard and the tiny alleyway, you enter the homely, stone Xhoni’s is, without doubt, a Prishtina insti- after the Muciqi Mercedes-Benz garage, tel. atmosphere reminiscent of a cattle mar- building through heavy wooden doors. It's tution. It’s small, friendly and smoky, plays +377 (0)44 656 054. This rustic restaurant is ket. But if your thing is scantily clad 15 euro per head, and for that you will be excellent soul, disco and classic rock music a 15-minute drive outside Pristina (on a young women or packs of amorous boys, kept fed, watered and supplied with booze from vinyl and is open until the last man or good day) and provides glorious views than it’s an excellent choice. And, in the for at least a three course meal, including a woman staggers out. Arrive by 11pm at the across rolling, verdant hills and is especial- venue’s defence, it does have a pleasant wonderful meze starter and a delicious weekend to secure a corner, or even better a ly pleasant place in the summer to watch outdoor area for summer dancing. main course cooked on embers. Open 11 am seat, if you intend to make a night of it. Next the sunset. The overall food quality is - 11 pm. to A&A restaurant and has round windows. Working hours Wednesday, Friday, decent, with special marks for the fresh Opens: 8pm-to late. Shut on Sundays. Saturday from 9 pm to 3 am. bread, straight from the wood stove, and speca me maze (peppers in cream). 10 am - 11 pm. Bars:

Princesha Gresa Crème de la Crème 23 Rr. Fehmi Agani, tel. +381 (0) 38 24 58 41. If Rr Robert Doll, tel. +377(0)44259912. Crème you have a horse-size hole in your stomach is probably the best all-round bar in the city. to fill, this is the place to come. The meal It's run for the amusement of the young, starts with some free bread and dips and is arty owners and not for profit, which followed by gargantuan portions of salad, explains the more-than-generous pricing meat, fish, or anything else on this varied arrangements, especially for the perfectly menu. The food is sometimes great, some- executed cocktails. Its five tiny floors heave times average but always served in massive on Fridays and Sundays with Pristina's cool portions. Open 10 am - 11 pm. to the variety of beats. Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8pm to 3am. Hemingway Rr Ilaz Kodra, tel. +386 (0)49 145 637. Yes, you Filikaqa can get fresh sea fish in landlocked Kosovo. Rr Mujo Ulqinaku BL 4/1, Pejton, website Hemingway is tucked away in an unappeal- www.filikaqa.com; 038 244 288. Whistle, as it ing end of the city but worth a trip if you translates from Albanian, offers a dizzying are craving food of the piscine variety. It's a array of televisions on which to watch your pretty basic sort of set-up and relatively sport of choice and eat the best burgers in expensive for the setting, but undoubtedly town. Select a booth, ask the amiable staff to one of the best places in town for fish. Open tune into your match and grab a 'double 9 am - 11 pm decker' or 'triple burger', which look like American fast-food classics but taste better. Le Siam Thai Friday night Karaoke is a must-see, must- Rr Fehmi Agani, tel. +377 (0)45 243 588. sing event.

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

PAPIRUN Tel. 045 26 23 23. Papirun has seating at two perpendicular counters in what’s basically a hole-in-the-wall just off Mother Teresa Boulevard, near the Grand Hotel. The menu has 13 options: 6 pizzas and seven sandwiches. The sandwiches are the stars, though. Every component is handled with care. The bread alone is good enough to make just about any sandwich into a glorious feast. It’s freshly baked and seasoned with rosemary. Hot Shop: SACRO(ABOVE), Rruga Garibaldi, Behind Metro Caffe, Prishtina, tel. +377 44 234 Y 499, www.sacrobio.com Where in Pristina can you buy dried Kamenica mushrooms? M Lentils to help with a vegetarian/ vegan diet? Marshmallow root? Sacro, the newly- C opened shop in central Prishtina, is an education and a delight. K Jan 18 - 31, 2013 17 Guide Contact Prishtina Insight if you would like your event to feature or to advertise your venue. Email [email protected]

Where to pick up Prishtina Insight?

A taste of Napoli in Prishtina. Hotel Prishtina Prishtina Insight has After ten years of Hotel Prishtina’s teamed up with these making pizza in 43 charming guest excellent venues to Napoli, and with rooms and suites are only love to blame, reminiscent of a offer a limited num- Fatmir, the head small hotel in the chef, returned to European tradition. ber of complimentary Prishtina. His piz- You'll immediately copies of Kosovo’s zas, made in a feel at home in our woodburn stove, living room, sipping a only English-lan- are definitely gen- glass of wine in our guage newspaper. uine napolitanas. fine restaurant sur- Fatmir also has sev- rounded by a gallery Grab a copy of the eral delicious pas- of paintings by local publication and settle tas on offer, a true artists. joy for the taste The hotel offers free, down with a drink or buds. Napoli has an excellent selection of red and white wines or, for fast wifi internet, com- a meal to read it. the more ambitious, one of the region's best quince raki. Napoli plimentary breakfast, makes for delicious lunch, dinner or even after-theatre time out in the conference room, centre of Prishtina. swimming pool, sauna and laundry service. Pizzeria Napoli Hotel Prishtina, off Luan Haradinaj, opposite Newborn St. Vaso Pasha nr. 20 044/409-402402 +381 38 / 22 32 84

Hotel AFA Te Komiteti Located in a quiet neighbourhood just Te Komiteti’s large trees and a beauti- outside the city centre, Hotel Afa can fully garden, which surround the small guarantee guests a peaceful night while outdoor terrace, give you an impression being within walking distance of all the of an exclusive place for ordinary peo- action. The venue has won a host of ple. And this is exactly what it is. From awards for its excellent service to cus- brunch to lunch-time snacks and special tomers and offers a good range of facili- evening meals, this restaurant offers ties, from an exclusive restaurant and dishes comprising quality, varied ingredi- VIP bar to pretty, tranquil gardens. ents, combined to perfection. Alongside Rooms start at 45 euro for a single, and one of Prishtina’s best ‘modern luxury rooms and apartments are avail- European’ style menus, you’ll also find a able. The hotel’s rooms are well appoint- good selection of wine, and great san- ed and comfortable. gria and cocktails . 15, Rr Ali Kelmendi, Te Komiteti Sunny Hill, Prishtina Qamil Hoxha Street +381 38/225 226 Prishtina www. hotelafa. com +381 38 24 96 63

Paddy O’Brien’s Papillon Bistro Bar

The staff at This newly reopened bar in Prishtina, If you live in Kosovo and would like to Paddy O’Brien’s Papillon, offers more than 60 types of wines receive the hardcopy of the newspaper have a saying: “It’s from France, Italy, Spain, and Kosovo with easy to walk in, but great prices and delicious dishes. delivered to your door, you can also sub- very hard to leave.” They serve pasta, sandwiches, salads and And with its different appetizers. scribe for 13 editions, the equivalent of warm atmosphere, You can also try different types of local or six months, for 13 euro, including deliv- fantastic range of international beers. drinks and excel- The bar, with it’s stunning new design, is ery, or for 26 euro for the whole year. lent food, it is easy located in the centre of Prishtina, near Please note, deliveries outside of to see why. ProCredit Bank headquarter, RTK radio There have been centre, and the Mother Teresa cathedral. Prishtina may be refused due to trans- many attempts to port costs. establish a proper Papillon Irish pub in Mother Teresa Str. Nr. 51 A You can pay through an international Prishtina, but this [email protected] bank transfer or in cash at a Kosovo is the only one to 044 103 310 hit the spot. branch of Raiffeisen bank. From classic coffees to cocktails, via, of course, Guinness, you really wont find it difficult to select the perfect drink. If you are interested in subscribing please A mouth-watering menu of Irish specialties is also on offer, spanning from all-day breakfasts to Irish stews at night. email us at [email protected] Options include shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, fish ‘n with the subject "subscription", listing chips, and whopping great burgers. Thursday is pub quiz night, but there is always something what type of subscription you require. We going on at the pub, whether it is sport screenings or just a good will then provide you with an invoice and shindig. Paddy O’Brien’s bank details. Tringe Smajli Street, by the Illyria Hotel Y Prishtina: 045-420900 M C K 18 Jan 18 - 31, 2013 timeout

National Theatre Stacion - Center for Contemporary Art Prishtina

The Slovenian Box Unveiling the Neue Slowenische “Django Unchained” Kunst archive Curatorial by Michele Drascek Every day at Friday, 18 January, 9.30pm 8 pm 18 December 2012 – 26 January With the help of a 2013 German bounty “Auction House” hunter, a freed slave By Fadil Hysaj “In the 1980s, art and culture made sets out to rescue his fundamental contributions to the wife from a brutal Saturday, 19 January, social and political change with Mississippi plantation 8 pm which Slovenia entered the last decade of the second millennium”. owner. Neue Slowenische Kunst played a radical and leading role in this charged time. A high- Director: Quentin “Auction House” ly complex and multi-faced organization, its impact extended beyond the subculture of Tarantino By Fadil Hysaj 1980s Slovenian scene to the whole of Eastern Europe. And further. Writer: Quentin In revealing the archive of Neue Slowenische Kunst, we give to the public the opportu- Tarantino Monday, 21 January, nity to experience the vibe that the collective brought to UK, the feelings instilled in the Starring: Jamie 8 pm audience and the response provoked within the cultural scene during those years. This, Foxx, Christoph Waltz through the selection and display of significant items from the Neue Slowenische Kunst “A tomb for the King’s and Leondardo archives in Slovenia and the David Gothard archive in London. In fact, in 1980s, Gothard Dicaprio Major” was uncovering contemporary culture in Yugoslavia and bringing it to the attention of By Haqif Mulliqi audiences in London and UK. And it was in London that I came across a box of material from Slovenia almost two Tuesday, 22 January, years ago. The resurfacing of the Slovenian archive in London started with the meeting with David Gothard. Knowing that I was based in Ljubljana, he shared his memories “Life of PI” 8 pm related to Slovenia. During long conversations, we proceed in unearthing deep connec- Every day at 7pm “Murlin Murlo” tions between London and Ljubljana. And, right after, Gothard revealed the presence of A young man who sur- By Nikollaj Kloajd, an archive contained in a box labelled “The Slovenian Box”. We came up with the plan to vives a disaster at sea is organize and file his box, containing mostly Neue Slowenische Kunst items from the 80s. hurtled into an epic direcded by Enver The research that followed put in context the content of “The Slovenian Box”. Slowly we journey of adventure Petrovci uncovered, shaped and presented the stories which form the history of Neue and discovery. While Professional Theatre Slowenische Kunst. cast away he forms an “Istref Begolli” Peja unexpected connection The research developed as proper fieldwork in Ljubljana, where most of Neue with another survivor... Slowenische Kunst archives are located. Through meeting with Laibach member Ivan a fearsome Bengal Wednesday, 23 Novak, I gained access to Laibach Kunst archive at MGLC International Centre of tiger. January, 8 pm Graphic Arts. IRWIN archive was collected in AVA Academy of Visual Arts, where Director: Ang Lee “The Open Couple” IRWIN’s member Miran Mohar and the Academy director Pepi Sekulich gave me the opportunity to be based and where from that moment on I have been collecting new mate- Writers: David Magee By Dario Fo, directed by (screenplay), Yann rial that enriched the archive. The search on New Collectivism, coordinated with Darko Martel (novel) Elmaze Nura Pokorn, took place in his studio, which houses a systematized archive. I acquired further Starring: Suraj Professional Theatre informations on Scipion Nasice Sisters Theatre during intensive meetings with Dragan Sharma, Irrfan Khan “Istref Begolli” Peja Živadinov, held either in his studio or in Modern Art Gallery. and Adil Hussain. 8pm Thursday, 24 Building a net with the former members of Neue Slowenische Kunst enhanced the understanding of past events. The priority was to define and classify an archive. But January curating an archive enables its transformation from what could be describes as a collec- “Don Quixote” ballet tion of items to a revealing body of knowledge. And so, the archive was exhibited in “The Expendables 2” Choreograph Israel London, at Chelsea Space, giving the start to a series of succesfull events on Neue Every day at 5pm Rodriguez Slowenische Kunst that shaped new interest and enthusiasm around the collective and Mr. Church reunites the its powerfull presence in the cultural and political scene of the Eighties. Expendables for what Exhibiting archives helps all the actors involved – artists, archivists, curators, publics Friday, 25 January, should be an easy pay- – to reconfigure meanings in the contemporary. It happened in London. And since every check, but when one of 8 pm place and space has its own specificities, Stacion Centre for Contemporary Art Prishtina their men is murdered on “The twelfth night” represents a new call and challenge for the Neue Slowenische Archive. In Prishtina, par- the job; their quest for William Shakespeare, ticularly dear to David Gothard, the archive meets new cultural and political specificities revenge puts them deep directed by Ilir Bokshi and originates, anew, different interpretations and questions. “The Slovenian Box” is in enemy territory and brought again to life and speaks loudly. up against an unexpected threat. Saturday, 26 January, Director: Simon West 8 pm Writers: Richard Wenk “The twelfth night” (screenplay), Sylvester Stallone (screenplay), William Shakespeare, and 4 more credits » directed by Ilir Bokshi Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Liam Hemsworth and Randy Couture Monday, 28 January, 8 pm “As if this was a show” “The last station” “Parental Guidance” “The File on H.” Wednesday, 23 January, 8pm Thursday, 24 January, 8pm By Ismail Kadare, Wednesday, 30 January, 8pm Thursday, 31 January, 8pm "In the bus no. 4...during the The story is situated in the year 2015. Every day at 3pm directed by Agim Sopi war in Prishtina ...a 26 years old - Nowadays and past problems are carried in Old school grandfather young man...is wearing jeans and the year of 2015. Burim is the main character Artie, who is accus- Tuesday, 29 January, black T shirt... At "Union" tomed to calling the who is looking for the truth, for his family and hotel...sniper breaks a window... shots, meets his match 8 pm his fiancé, which are still missing since the and the youngster is shot in the when he and his eager- “The File on H.” war of KLA ended. After many attempts he to-please wife Diane By Ismail Kadare, neck... A lady dressed in white, finds out that his neighbour is still alive and who was standing near him starts that he knows more about his family. Burim agree to babysit their directed by Agim Sopi three grandkids. to scream. When she sees the can’t live in the present; he is always going Director: Andy Fickman blood in her shirt she faints... two back to the past, in the memories of his fami- Starring: Billy Crystal, Wednesday, 30 hours later...she is seen at the Big ly and Behare, his fiancé. Halfway he meets a Bette Midler, Marisa January, 8 pm Mosque...near café "Romantika", young girl called Shpresa who reminds him of Tomei, Bailee Madison, “A tomb for the King’s but this time accompanied by a Behare and finally gets part of Burim’s life. Joshua Rush, Tom friend younger than her... Based on the novel “Birds fly on their own” Major” Everet Scott- Based on the drama by: Almir by Ibrahim Kadriu. Soon: World Premiere of By Haqif Mulliqi Imshireviq Directed by Lirak Celaj and Florent “A Good Day to Die Directed by Agon Myftari Mehmeti Hard” Thursday, 31 January, Cast: Rebeka Qena, Ardian Cast: Besnik Krapi, Liridona Shehu, Ilire 8pm Morina, Armend Ismajli, Besnik Celaj, Adrian Morina, Eshref Durmishi and Krapi “The connection” ballet Kushtrim Sheremeti. Y For any further questions or reservations call at 038 243 M 238 or visit them at www.kinoabc.com Choreograph Mehmet For more information call +381 (0)38 246 555 or write C Ballkan oda@teatrioda.com. K inside kosovo Jan 18 - 31, 2013 19 Ulpiana: Prishtina’s Ancient Roman City East, these same hordes overran Ulpiana. In fact it was this barbarian incursion that caused the legions to pull By Douglas E Morris back from the eastern edge of the Roman Empire in Britain, and rush over here to attempt to buttress this region. They failed, and the ancient world’s map was recently departed ambassador dramatically redrawn. who served two different tours in Before that, Ulpiana’s brief foray into APrishtina did not take the time to historical significance occurred when visit the impressive ancient Roman site two early Christians Florus and Laurus of Ulpiana until the last week of his stay. were martyred here in the 2nd century Please do not make the same mistake. of: the Eyes through Prishtina CE. At that time, Christianity was not yet Though not as grand as many other the religion of the empire, and Florus ruins littered around the ancient Roman and Laurus, two of the builders of the world, Ulpiana is still well worth a visit. Ulpiana is still be excavated. pagan temple for the town of Ulpiana, And as it is only about 10 kilometers had the audacity to sprinkle the temple stand at the archeological site, look from the centre of Prishtina, if you have Milica with carved Christian symbols. They across the paved road, past the farmers’ a vehicle there is no excuse not to go. thought they were being sly, but ended up fields on the other side, up onto the hill Located just outside of the town of being buried alive. For their troubles, in the distance, that was the southern Gracanica, as most of the land is still they became two of the earliest martyrs edge of the town. under agricultural use, and the archeo- Milovic for the new cult. Then, after the 3rd cen- Ulpiana was a huge settlement. It was logical dig is only leasing the land it is tury CE, when Christianity became the at a cross roads for significant trade excavating, much of the ancient town Project Coordinator, Balkan chosen religion of the ancient Roman routes, and the town was the capital of remains covered. However, what has empire, their bodies were exhumed and the Roman province in which it sat, Sunflowers been unearthed is significant. At least to placed in the altar of the temple turned Dardania, as well as the administrative an ancient Rome buff. Granted my basilica, the remains of which can be center for the important mining opera- favorite time period and location is 1.What surprised you most about seen today in Ulpiana. tions in Janjevo and elsewhere. While Roman Britain when the legions pulled Prishtina? In conjunction with the remains of the standing there, gazing at the distant back from the island in the middle of the Same people in same places all the time temple, the northern edge of the city hills, if you look close enough, with a 4th century CE. Even so, Ulpiana is filled :) wall is visible in Ulpiana, along with a wee bit of imagination, you can see the with fascinating stories from before, dur- well-preserved necropolis a short walk curve of an amphitheater waiting to be ing and after that tumultuous time. 2. What's your favorite hangout? from the main site. Keep in mind that unearthed. When the Western Roman Empire was Didn't find it still :) what has been unearthed is less than 5 After a couple decades of tribal control contracting and about to fall, as a result per cent of the town’s expanse. To get an in the 4th century CE, the town re- of barbarian hordes pushing in from the 3. Do you do anything cultural? idea of how large the town was, if you emerged as part of the Eastern Roman Rolling Film Festival and other festi- Empire, which was based in vals... Constantinople, present day Istanbul. And when Ulpiana was leveled by an 4. What is the most annoying thing earthquake in 518 CE, the town was about Prishtina? renamed Justiniana Secunda, after the No place to walk and bike. eastern emperor Justinian, which clear- ly indicated its significance. 5. If you were mayor of Prishtina for Ulpiana may never rival other ancient the day what would you change? Roman sites in quality of excavations, Make a bike roads and clean up all the mainly because the town was used as a cars from the walking parts of the street. quarry by the monastery and town of Gracanica many centuries ago. However, 6. How many macchiatos do you Ulpiana is an archaeological excavation drink a day? with very significant cultural, historical, I drink Turkish coffee or espresso (2 - 5). architectural and tourist potential. With continued conservation and 7. What's the tastiest Kosovar food? restoration Ulpiana is well positioned to Speca me gjiza. have a significant impact on the region. Not the least of which could be to help tie 8. What landmark do you use to tell together a culturally divided country taxi drivers where you live/lived? with a shared bond from the ancient Te qafa. past. So please don’t wait until the last week you are in Prishtina to go visit. Ulpiana is just 10 kilometers from central Prishtina, so there’s no excuse not to go marketing 20 Jan 18 - 31, 2013 opinion Ecosovo Outside In Street Life 1999 & 2013: New Year in Kosovo

not qualify for such celebrations demonstrated that we have erased and parties. As Prishtina entered from our memory the troubles we 1999, a pyrotechnic show from the experienced and we have buried By Elizabeth Gowing Serbian population of the capital those noble virtues, which once By Kreshnik Hoxha flooded Prishtina, who seemed to guided us through hardship. be celebrating in spite of Entering 2013, similar to the last love Kosovo’s street life – the fact that things happen in Albanians who were tucked away few years, was characterised with the cities’ shared public spaces here. Prishtina is still in their homes. There wasn’t much our new societal virtues that we Imainly a pedestrian city and walking from home to work he contrast between 1999 and reason to celebrate for Albanians seem to have acquired since 1999: or from one part of town to another is not merely the 2013 is vast for all of us living in in the city given the danger of pretentiousness. This societal hyphen in A-B; it’s a chance to see old friends, to buy a bat- Ttoday’s Kosovo. We now have extinction that was on the rise. metamorphosis is visible in all the things which we did not have in the tery-operated small barking dog, or to feast on roasted chest- However, it was still worth toss- aspects of life in today’s Kosovo nuts served up in recycled paper cones (is it just my experi- past, but we also lost things that can ing a drink for the sake of all the starting from television pro- ence, or have others also found that it’s the minutes of be characterised as a treasure for a solidarity and unity that we head grammes all the way to the celebra- obscure ministry meetings that have somehow found their society. Once we used to celebrate the for each other throughout the tion across the cities in Kosovo way to the nut sellers to wrap your purchase? It makes eat- New Year around a dinner table with ing the chestnuts a bit like having a fortune cookie, being Russian salad, few glasses of raki and years of the parallel system of sur- after midnight. served unexpected or unintelligible wisdom with your food). VHS recordings in Albanian in order vival in the city, which had become We seem to have entered a On Prishtina’s streets you can also have your shoes to avoid the propaganda of RTS. On a a symbol of exclusion of vicious circle where we continue to cleaned. The Ideas Partnership has a project where unem- societal level we were extremely poor, Albanians. The celebration of the lie to ourselves that the arrival of ployed men have been equipped and trained as shoeshiners but spiritually there was an unwaver- past were simple, modest and quiet iPhone, Zara and laptops to Kosovo – you’ll see them on Mother Teresa, or you can contact us for ing solidarity holding us together. but they fostered humanity, a sense as well as the possibility of going a shoeshiner to visit your home or office. As of last month, Today, the same dinner table of community and unlimited cour- to Tirana in three hours – all are there’s another new street opportunity. Borrowing from the gathers us all for celebration, but tesy. major achievements that represent 40 street magazines around the world (think The Big Issue to many ingredients of the Kosovar Many of you, including myself, progress. The aforementioned support the homeless in the UK, Street News in New York, New Year have altered their form would be wondering why we were might be seen as progress for a Aluma in Sweden) the magazine Ball’ Për Ball’ (‘face to and meaning. With the fading of so closely tied to these virtues. country, but the backbone of a face’) has launched in Kosovo. As with other street maga- VHS it seems that many virtues Why would we embrace them in the country is its society and the zines, the sellers are from marginalised communities – the that we were proud of and that occasions of happiness and cele- virtues that define it. magazine is working with Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian held us together have also faded bration? The answer is simple. It is worth researching and groups and with Down Syndrome Kosova - and take 50 per- away. Because they were the only things analysing as to how the egocen- cent of the cover price as their livelihood. I believe that many Kosovars that did not cost any dinar com- trism, jealousy and inat (spite) as The magazine’s content is a refreshing celebration of remember the last minutes of 1998. pared to everything else which the three main pillar which hold models of social change. Articles deal with vegetarianism, Parents were wishing a good year either was expensive for the our collective pretentiousness have the Freecycle initiative, the role of art in developing society, to their children, while hiding the Albanian family budget or replaced the virtues that saved us a travel piece about Pakistan, and gender stereotyping and uncertainties that were bombard- unreachable due to our “incorrect” from collapse back in the 90s. children’s toys, and are accompanied by haunting landscape ing their head regarding the near ethnic background. Celebrations in 1999 at the heart of photographs of Kosovo. The current edition is the first, and future. We could see on TV the cel- It appears that time is the key a war zone were definitely bitter they’re promising 5 to 6 issues a year. ebration across the world for the indicator that secures the validity and gloomy. However, the tossing of I dream of even more possibilities for Prishtina’s streets, New Year and we would make com- of the virtues a society brags the drinks that happened then for though, and since it’s a time for resolutions, I’ve decided this parison with the celebration occur- about. In addition, the conclusions our solidarity and unity made the month to do something about my dream. I’m launching a ring within four walls of our hous- that this indicators brings about entire even much more meaningful. “Pavements are for People” initiative to try to make it easi- es. The contrast was immense. But, are definitely unquestionable and The passing of time and arrival er – for everyone - to walk around the city’s streets safely. In the joy of being surrounded with they represent a mirror image of of 2013 is showing that our unity order for parents to push their babies in pushchairs, for the the family was special to us all. what we really are. and solidarity today can be tackled elderly to get around safely, for runners to use the sidewalks, Back in those days, the concept A very long time has passed since only as concepts that we once had or indeed for all of us to walk comfortably, and without risk, of going out to celebrate the New 1999. But, not long enough for for- — because similarly to VHS tapes, away from the threat of cars, we have to be certain that pave- Year after midnight did not exist – getting all the things we went these virtues also belong to the ments are for people. That means that pavements can’t be for simply because our nationality did through. The celebration of 2013 past. cars. It means that Prishtina’s drivers will have to take the trouble to look for a parking lot rather than abandoning their vehicles illegally where people want to walk. It may mean that they have to pay a euro for their parking. Goodness, it may even mean that they can’t jump out of the car exactly at their destination, but have to walk for a minute or so at the end of their journey. In other countries I’ve seen “Pavements are for People” stickers which are placed by pedestrians in an irritatingly central place on the windscreens of cars which are illegally parked on pavements. Maybe people will be inspired to do something similar here. For pavements to truly be for peo- ple, the police will have to be better at fining those that break the law by leaving their cars there. It should also mean that the municipality will have to provide more park- ing space around the city. It could even (January is a time for dreaming) mean a ‘park and ride’ service so that cars could be left cheaply outside the city with buses to bring their drivers into the centre of town. We plan to talk to all those agencies to see if they will help with ensuring that Prishtina’s Pavements are for People, but ultimately nothing can be achieved if individual drivers don’t commit to the idea – of a more beautiful Prishtina, a city where the old and the infirm are helped to get around, and a city where having a car doesn’t give you the right to prevent the freedom of movement of less wealthy/less lazy citizens. Get in touch if you’d like to be part of an initiative to enable us all to stroll around the city, availing yourself of all the opportunities that a human-sized city should have: meet- ing friends, eating chestnuts, shining your shoes, buying the Ball’ Për Ball’ magazine, all as you walk your town leaving no carbon footprint behind you.

Elizabeth Gowing is a founder of The Ideas Partnership, a Kosovan NGO working on educational, cultural and envi- Y ronmental projects. She is also the author of “Travels in M Blood and Honey; becoming a beekeeper in Kosovo” (Signal C Books, 2011). She can be reached on theideaspartner- K [email protected] opinion Jan 18 - 31, 2013 21 Serbia in 2013: Creating The Chickens

Confidence Through Transition With the holidays finished, it is time to start Like the Mayan Apocalypse that wasn’t, the harbingers of doom that held a negative getting up early again. I tell people that I work better outlook for Serbia’s economy after a new nationalist government was formed in the morning. And while I have been sticking this summer have awakened to a new reality: the prospects are not as bleak to that story since the late 50s, I wonder if it as some would have us believe. is very true anymore. past year alone. SME exporters on a fiscal consolidation drive will provide the engine for and is seeking to resume the IMF Serbia’s transformation and programme abandoned in By James Gunn growth. February. Much needed austeri- By Chris Farmer More tolerance: ty measures are underway. After The Economist commented on the extreme summer drought, December 15th that the Serbian agricultural production will he monopolists, media government is confounding resume and commodity prices etting up with the chickens” is often how it is called – this habit of barons and murky business- expectations and a new more tol- should stabilise. The country rising at dawn. But I have no empirical proof that chickens do get men that cosied up to the for- up THAT early (I have never felt compelled to make a study of it) T erant persona seems to be will also benefit from a full year G mer Democratic Party (DS) admin- or that they make effective use of their time, having woken up with… emerging. As Serbia prepares to of Fiat production in their plant istration are learning a hard les- well … themselves. Still, the name sticks. celebrate next year’s 1700th in Kragujevac and the efforts son: Change is good. anniversary of the Edict of from the National Bank of The electorate, facing rising Chickens are a strange, silly, and tragic breed of bird. Milan in Nis, the birthplace of Serbia will likely curb double unemployment, higher living Emperor Constantine, who halt- digit inflation by mid-year. costs and that specific form of I know people who keep chickens right here in Belgrade, in their ed religious persecution and While the former DS govern- Serbian slavery where employers homes. Their chickens and adherent eggs are touted as being of supe- proclaimed tolerance across the ment is criticised by some for just stop paying salaries, do feel rior quality, otherwise known as “domaci.” Domestic eggs and chick- Roman empire, this trend can the inertia that developed dur- better represented by the ens MUST be better even if they are raised in dark cellars and base- only be encouraging. ing the end of the administra- Progressive Party-led coalition. ments rather than on industrial farms. Graduating from technical to tion and its failure to implement The government’s push to inves- But I digress. Chickens don’t fly, they don’t hunt. What, then, are political matters, the Serbia- legislative reforms, there are tigate the tycoons who grew fab- they doing getting up so ridiculously early in the morning? Is it only Kosovo dialogue finally saw dynamic municipalities across ulously rich as the rest of the for the benefit of our being able to think there is another poor creature goods begin to move through the country that now seek to country slid into turmoil is very that has to greet the rising sun as do we when we get up for work? border crossings on December take advantage of the pro-mar- popular. When the alarm goes off and we groan, does it give us a wry smile of 10th after many months of block- ket frameworks developed by the While some may question the Schadenfreude to think that, out there, on some farm, far away, the ade. A growing sense of realism DS. Aided by organisations like political motivation behind the Chickens are already up and moving about? is emerging as Belgrade seeks to the National Alliance for Local recent arrests, the government protect Kosovo Serb minority Economic Development is complying with European Chickens don’t even need coffee. communities while recognising (NALED), which educates and Union requests to investigate that the re-integration of Kosovo advises local authorities and and prosecute 24 allegedly cor- These days I would like to get up with those annoying chickens again. into the republic will simply medium-sized enterprises, cities rupt privatisations. Serbia Active and Productive do not engage much before 9 anymore, but when I never happen. like Cacak, Nis, Novi Sad and remains on a pro-European path. allow myself to sleep until 9, 10, or 11, I end up feeling guilty – as though Pancevo are exploring the oppor- All of this works towards a I have lost the day, slept through it. tunities to encourage inward- possible opening of EU acces- Economic bright spots And inexorably my mind returns to the chickens. They are up early, investment and modernise infra- sion talks as early as June next yes, but they are doing little else than scurrying around and making a and outlook: structure via municipal bonds year, starting with the law and great deal of noise. They have no email to answer, no pitch proposals to and public-private partnerships. order chapter. In time, this create, no columns or blogs to write. Their early-rising is senseless and Across the country there are With glimmers of hope that should improve Serbia’s futile. Do I really need to emulate this behaviour? Am I really unable to bright spots in the economy too. the Euro-zone sovereign debt cri- Transparency International cor- use my 16 or 17 hours of consciousness effectively if they begin mid- People are becoming more entre- sis is coming to an end, it is ruption perception ratings and morning? preneurial. Despite the state’s clear that pre-crisis growth rates boost the confidence of citizens The answer is quite simple. I shall rise with and/or before these flight- firm grip on the economy, it is will not return to Serbia funded and businesses in Serbia’s jus- less fowl in order to assert my Humanity. Getting up and doing things failing to provide employment by cheap capital, credits and tice system. while still sleepy, I defy my own nature and stick a finger in the eye of the opportunities and income government intervention. Some observers warn the cor- Designer. But do I truly need to prove to anyone that I am somehow bet- growth. As a result, many are Serbians are learning to rely on ruption investigations could ter than a chicken? deciding to go it alone. The their own resources to create a scare off foreign investors as London-based European Bank better standard of living. past privatisations unravel and [AUTHOR’S NOTE: These are the thoughts which occur between the for Reconstruction and agreements are rescinded. But, first alarm and the hitting of snooze button. Wake me later Development (EBRD), which James Gunn, Corporate Affairs policymakers should identify and we can discuss.] deploys new capital to fund & Investor Relations Advisor the responsible investors that Christen Bradley Farmer is founder and president of small businesses via intermedi- British-Serbian Chamber of Serbia needs and work to attract MACH IV Consulting. Farmer also regularly shares his aries like Banca Intesa, recog- Commerce, Greenhouse Capital, those. observations on life in Serbia in Politika, LivingIn Belgrade.com, nises that such companies are Poseidon Group Large greenfield investments, and in his B92.net VIP blog. the key driver of Serbia’s recov- where major multinational com- ery. panies start a new venture in a New research undertaken by foreign country by constructing Petar Petrovic, University of new operational facilities from Sheffield, in association with the ground up are certainly less the British-Serbian Chamber of Youth Ambassadors likely. These organisations typi- Commerce, suggests that foreign cally demand huge concessions, businesses intend to invest mod- repatriate profits to their home erately in Serbia over the com- markets and pay little corpora- for Reconciliation ing three-year cycle, with any tion tax, while the state supports downsizing of operations com- During six days of intense lec- Kosovo, Bosnia Herzegovina, and the cost of employment. pleted already. A British devel- tures, participants from Kosovo, Serbia had the opportunity to Instead, focusing on attracting oper will start the construction Bosnia Herzegovina, and Serbia share knowledge and interesting small and medium-sized enter- of a retail and logistics park in discussed about the dissolution of experiences. The main benefit for prises (SMEs) from the EU to off- By Prishtina Insight Vojvodina in the spring. It is the former Yugoslavia, transition- all participants was the opportuni- shore production in Serbia plays just one example of how the to its human capital strengths – al justice, European integration ty to open a constructive debate, investment community contin- in agriculture, engineering, and the non-violent resolution of especially given the lack of infor- ues to see Serbia as the Western he Youth Education information technology, manu- problems. In addition, students mation about the war crimes com- Balkans’ commercial and indus- Committee NGO and the facturing and mining. All these visited several important institu- mitted in the Republic of Kosovo trial hub. TBritish Embassy in sectors are seeing active tions. and subsequent positive develop- While market analysts’ opin- Belgrade organised a seminar last investor interest. Companies month gathering youth from One of the participants from ments in the country,” Zatriqi said. ions will always vary, many do like the British-owned Albon Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Prishtina, Astrit Zatriqi, said the At the end of the workshop, all see a modest recovery in 2013 Engineering have doubled and Serbia to discuss and compare program was challenging and fun. participants received diplomas for forecasting real economic employment and manufacturing the experiences of their societies “The seminar in Belgrade was a participation and are expected to growth of up to two per cent. of machine components in the on reconciliation. welcome initiative where young share their experiences in their The government has embarked people from the Republic of home countries.

If you would like your NGO to appear in our Making a Difference feature, please email [email protected] 22 Jan 18 - 31, 2013 Life in Focus

Students March Against Serbia’s Monument Threat

Hundreds of students assembled in downtown Prishtina to protest against Serbian govern- ment’s threat to remove a memorial to Albanian fighters in South Serbia. Protesters carried signs with messages including “Don’t touch my heroes,” “You are not alone” and “Wake up Albanians.” (Betaphoto/Armenija Zajmi Besevic)

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American JOB VACANCY Address: "Nazim Hikmet" no. 30 Arbëria/Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Outreach Officer (15/01/2013 > 29/01/2013) Phone: +381 (0) 38 549 516 Austrian EUSR Vacancy Notice: LS 001/2013 Address: "Ahmet Krasniqi" no. 22 Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina Phone: +381 (0) 38 249 284 1. Position title: Outreach Officer and implement them. Kosovo. Belgian Address: "Taslixhe" I, 23 A VN Number: LS 001/2013 • Assist the EUSR in protocol events • Proven knowledge of photography 10000 Prishtina 2. Category/Grade: Grade 2 by planning, conceiving and organ- and basic graphic design will be con- Phone: +381 (0) 38 734 734 3. Vacancy Notice issued on: 15 January izing them. sidered as strong added assets. British 2013 - Deadline for applications: 29 • Establish and sustain trustworthy • Possession of valid driving licence Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 6 January 2013 contacts with Kosovo authorities, (category B) obtained at least two Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina 4. Unit/Office/Section: Office of the civil society stakeholders and local years ago and ability to drive EUSR Phone: +381 (0) 38 254 700 European Union Special media. official vehicles. Bulgarian Representative in Kosovo • Perform other duties as assigned. 8. How to Apply: Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 12 5. Scope of the Position: To conduct 7. Qualifications and Experience: Applicants need to complete a EUSR Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina activities in the broader field of out- • University Degree in European Application Form for Local Staff (avail- Phone: +381 (0) 038 245 540 Dutch reach, protocol and digital diplomacy Studies, Political Sciences, Law, able under Vacancies – Related Address:" Xhemal Berisha" no. 12 for the EUSR in Kosovo. Works under Journalism, Marketing, Social links).No application submitted on any direct supervision of EUSR Sciences, Economics, or other rele- Velania, 10000 Prishtina other application form will be accepted. Spokesperson / Press and Public vant academic training. Phone: +381 (0) 38 224 61 Applicants are required to send their Information Officer and is adminis- • A minimum of 5 years of working Finnish applications by e-mail to e-mail Str. Perandori Justinian No. 19 tratively attached to the EUSR Office experience in journalism, public address: [email protected] Pejton in Pristina. relations, political marketing, public Only short listed applicants will be 10 000 Prishtina 6. Duties and Responsibilities: communication or a related relevant Phone: +386 43 737 000 informed of the outcome of their appli- • Assist in developing and imple- field. French cation in due course. menting outreach strategies to • Excellent skills in writing, editing Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 67 improve awareness amongst Kosovo and organization. Applications received after the applica- Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina public of the European perspective • Proven experience in working with tion deadline will not be considered. Phone: +381 (0) 38 22 45 88 00 of Kosovo with a particular focus on-line media (editing, writing or Applicants who do not comply with the Greek Address: "Ismail Qemajli" no. 68 on the consolidation of a multi-eth- programming). aforementioned application guidelines or do not meet the essential require- Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina nic society and communications to • High proficiency in spoken and writ- Phone: +381 (0) 38 243 013 ments specified in this Vacancy Notice Kosovo citizens. ten English, Albanian, and Serbian. German • Assist the EUSR spokesperson with • Ability and commitment to work will not be considered. Adress: "Azem Jashanica" no. 17 media and Public Information work, under demanding deadlines, in Recruitment will be on a LOCAL BASIS Arbëria /Dragodan, 10000 Prishtina especially with developing integrat- teams, and in a multi-ethnic and only. Testing will be part of the recruit- Phone: +381 (0) 38 254 500 ed EU on-line communication (web multi-national environment. ment process. Italian page, social media) and daily editing • Excellent interpersonal and commu- 9. E-mail address to send the EUSR Job Address: "Azem Jashanica" no.5 content for it. nications skills. 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