Mitrovice [Kosovska Mitrovica], 29 April: UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] police today handed over in a solemn ceremony the police station in Mitrovice south to the Kosova [Kosovo] Police Service [ShPK].
The commander of the Kosova Police Station, Sheremet Ahmeti, described it as a big day not only for the ShPK but also for the whole Mitrovice.
The representatives of Kfor [Kosovo Force], Kosova Protection Corps [TMK], UNMIK Police and OSCE took part in the solemn ceremony.
The police station in Mitrovice south started work in 1 November 1999. It numbers 139 police officers, three lieutenants and 12 sergeants.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 29 Apr 05
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Kosovo president says independence to "stabilize" Balkans - paper
Vienna, 30 April: Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova has said that he will not abandon [the idea of] Kosovo independence and direct recognition by the EU and USA.
In a statement to Vienna newspaper Die Presse he assessed that independence would contribute to stability in the Balkans and Kosovo society.
"The independence of Kosovo will stabilize Macedonia, which has a large Albanian community, as well as Albania, Montenegro, even Serbia," Rugova said.
He said that resolving Kosovo's status in phases would only prolong the situation and stressed that direct recognition was a better option.
"The international community first wants to analyse whether we have fulfilled the necessary standards and only after to turn to the matter of status. The phased approach proposed by the [Brussels-based] International Commission on the Balkans would only complicate matters," Rugova believes.
He said that he did not give much significance to the prospect of meeting and holding talks with Serbian President Boris Tadic.
"Representatives of Belgrade and Pristina are already discussing technical matters. Serbia could participate in an international conference on Kosovo, although without the right to a veto on the future status of Kosovo," Rugova emphasized.
"The progress we have made in Kosovo has brought us international recognition. Now the question is one of independence recognition, which for us has a practical meaning, because without it we do not have access to international financial institutions and are unable to open diplomatic missions abroad," Rugova concluded.
Source: Mina news agency, Podgorica, in Serbian 1104 gmt 30 Apr 05
In a statement to Vienna newspaper Die Presse he assessed that independence would contribute to stability in the Balkans and Kosovo society.
"The independence of Kosovo will stabilize Macedonia, which has a large Albanian community, as well as Albania, Montenegro, even Serbia," Rugova said.
He said that resolving Kosovo's status in phases would only prolong the situation and stressed that direct recognition was a better option.
"The international community first wants to analyse whether we have fulfilled the necessary standards and only after to turn to the matter of status. The phased approach proposed by the [Brussels-based] International Commission on the Balkans would only complicate matters," Rugova believes.
He said that he did not give much significance to the prospect of meeting and holding talks with Serbian President Boris Tadic.
"Representatives of Belgrade and Pristina are already discussing technical matters. Serbia could participate in an international conference on Kosovo, although without the right to a veto on the future status of Kosovo," Rugova emphasized.
"The progress we have made in Kosovo has brought us international recognition. Now the question is one of independence recognition, which for us has a practical meaning, because without it we do not have access to international financial institutions and are unable to open diplomatic missions abroad," Rugova concluded.
Source: Mina news agency, Podgorica, in Serbian 1104 gmt 30 Apr 05
President Rugova: The Time of Hate in Kosovo is Over - Interview in German for the Austrian Daily
"Im Kosovo ist die Zeit des Hasses vorüber"
Von unserer Korrespondentin GERTRAUD ILLMEIER (Die Presse) 30.04.2005
Präsident Rugova beharrt auf rascher Anerkennung der Unabhängigkeit Kosovos durch EU und USA.
Unermüdlicher Kämpfer für Unabhängigkeit. Rugova hält nichts von direkten Verhandlungen mit den Serben. | (c) epa
Die Presse: Ihr Standpunkt hat bisher gelautet, dass die EU und die USA direkt die Unabhängigkeit des Kosovo anerkennen sollen. Werden Sie diesen Standpunkt nicht modifizieren müssen? Die UN-Mission im Kosovo (Unmik) sagt schließlich, dass das letzte Wort über die staatliche Zukunft des Kosovo der UN-Sicherheitsrat hat.
Ibrahim Rugova: Nein, ich werde das nicht modifizieren. Ich bestehe auf die direkte Anerkennung der Unabhängigkeit des Kosovo durch die EU und die USA. Das würde diesem Teil Europas und auch der kosovarischen Gesellschaft Stabilität bringen. Die Unabhängigkeit des Kosovo wird Mazedonien, wo es eine zahlenmäßig große albanische Gemeinschaft gibt, stabilisieren, genauso wie Albanien, Montenegro und sogar Serbien.
Die internationale Gemeinschaft will zuerst evaluieren, ob wir alle nötigen Standards erfüllen und dann erst die Frage behandeln, wie der zukünftige Status des Kosovo aussieht. Wir werden die internationalen Partner dabei nicht behindern. Aber ich beharre auf der raschen Anerkennung der Unabhängigkeit, weil das die bessere Alternative ist.
Kürzlich hat ein wichtiger Think Tank, die Internationale Kommission für den Balkan, ein viel beachtetes Lösungsmodell vorgestellt. Es sieht einen Vier-Stufen-Plan vor, der dem Kosovo in einigen Jahren die Unabhängigkeit bringen soll. Was halten Sie davon?
Rugova: Ich denke, dass die direkte Anerkennung der Unabhängigkeit eine bessere und gesündere Option ist. Dieser Zugang in Phasen verkompliziert die Sache nur. Wir sind bereits seit sechs Jahren in der Phase eines vorübergehenden Status. Wenn bei Verhandlungen der Status des Kosovo zunächst offen bleibt, würde das nur unseren Nachbarn die Möglichkeit für Manipulationen bieten.
Von verschiedenen Seiten, unter anderem von den USA, Russland und den wichtigsten EU-Staaten, kamen aber Signale, dass eine sofortige Unabhängigkeit des Kosovo eher auszuschließen ist.
Rugova: Ich bestehe aber darauf und dafür arbeite ich. Die Fortschritte, die wir im Kosovo gemacht haben, haben international Anerkennung gefunden.
Nun geht es um die Frage der Anerkennung der Unabhängigkeit. Diese hat für uns auch eine praktische Bedeutung, denn ohne sie haben wir keinen Zugang zu internationalen Finanzinstituten und können keine diplomatischen Vertretungen im Ausland einrichten.
Wir sind jetzt in der Phase, in der wir uns auf die innere Entwicklung im Kosovo konzentrieren. Die Zeit des Hasses ist vorüber.
Kosovos politische Parteien haben sich bisher noch auf keine gemeinsame Plattform für die Verhandlungen über die Zukunft der Provinz geeinigt. Wer soll nun bei den Statusverhandlungen die kosovarische Delegation anführen?
Rugova: Es ist im Kosovo wie überall: Wir haben eine Regierung und eine Opposition, die naturgemäß die Regierung kritisiert. Wir sind aber nicht zerstritten. Ein Teil der internationalen Gemeinschaft hat sich offenbar noch nicht daran gewöhnt, dass wir jetzt im Kosovo Demokratie haben. Die gemeinsame Plattform aller Parteien heißt Unabhängigkeit, darin sind wir uns einig. Wenn es Statusgespräche geben sollte, wird die Opposition mit an Bord sein. Selbstverständlich werden die Gespräche von den legalen Institutionen des Kosovo geleitet werden.
Die Staatengemeinschaft besteht auf Direktgesprächen zwischen Ihnen und Serbiens Präsidenten Boris Tadic. Ihre Bedingung ist, dass ein solches Treffen nur im Rahmen einer internationalen Konferenz stattfinden kann. Im Mai gibt es in Paris eine Geberkonferenz für den Wiederaufbau der im Vorjahr zerstörten religiösen Stätten. Wäre dies ein möglicher Ort für ein Treffen?
Rugova: Ich messe einem solchen Treffen keine große Bedeutung zu. Es gibt ohnehin bereits Gespräche zwischen Belgrad und Pristina über technische Fragen. Serbien kann auch gerne an einer internationalen Konferenz zu Kosovo teilnehmen - aber ohne das Recht, ein Veto gegen den künftigen Status des Kosovo einlegen zu dürfen.
Von unserer Korrespondentin GERTRAUD ILLMEIER (Die Presse) 30.04.2005
Präsident Rugova beharrt auf rascher Anerkennung der Unabhängigkeit Kosovos durch EU und USA.
Unermüdlicher Kämpfer für Unabhängigkeit. Rugova hält nichts von direkten Verhandlungen mit den Serben. | (c) epa
Die Presse: Ihr Standpunkt hat bisher gelautet, dass die EU und die USA direkt die Unabhängigkeit des Kosovo anerkennen sollen. Werden Sie diesen Standpunkt nicht modifizieren müssen? Die UN-Mission im Kosovo (Unmik) sagt schließlich, dass das letzte Wort über die staatliche Zukunft des Kosovo der UN-Sicherheitsrat hat.
Ibrahim Rugova: Nein, ich werde das nicht modifizieren. Ich bestehe auf die direkte Anerkennung der Unabhängigkeit des Kosovo durch die EU und die USA. Das würde diesem Teil Europas und auch der kosovarischen Gesellschaft Stabilität bringen. Die Unabhängigkeit des Kosovo wird Mazedonien, wo es eine zahlenmäßig große albanische Gemeinschaft gibt, stabilisieren, genauso wie Albanien, Montenegro und sogar Serbien.
Die internationale Gemeinschaft will zuerst evaluieren, ob wir alle nötigen Standards erfüllen und dann erst die Frage behandeln, wie der zukünftige Status des Kosovo aussieht. Wir werden die internationalen Partner dabei nicht behindern. Aber ich beharre auf der raschen Anerkennung der Unabhängigkeit, weil das die bessere Alternative ist.
Kürzlich hat ein wichtiger Think Tank, die Internationale Kommission für den Balkan, ein viel beachtetes Lösungsmodell vorgestellt. Es sieht einen Vier-Stufen-Plan vor, der dem Kosovo in einigen Jahren die Unabhängigkeit bringen soll. Was halten Sie davon?
Rugova: Ich denke, dass die direkte Anerkennung der Unabhängigkeit eine bessere und gesündere Option ist. Dieser Zugang in Phasen verkompliziert die Sache nur. Wir sind bereits seit sechs Jahren in der Phase eines vorübergehenden Status. Wenn bei Verhandlungen der Status des Kosovo zunächst offen bleibt, würde das nur unseren Nachbarn die Möglichkeit für Manipulationen bieten.
Von verschiedenen Seiten, unter anderem von den USA, Russland und den wichtigsten EU-Staaten, kamen aber Signale, dass eine sofortige Unabhängigkeit des Kosovo eher auszuschließen ist.
Rugova: Ich bestehe aber darauf und dafür arbeite ich. Die Fortschritte, die wir im Kosovo gemacht haben, haben international Anerkennung gefunden.
Nun geht es um die Frage der Anerkennung der Unabhängigkeit. Diese hat für uns auch eine praktische Bedeutung, denn ohne sie haben wir keinen Zugang zu internationalen Finanzinstituten und können keine diplomatischen Vertretungen im Ausland einrichten.
Wir sind jetzt in der Phase, in der wir uns auf die innere Entwicklung im Kosovo konzentrieren. Die Zeit des Hasses ist vorüber.
Kosovos politische Parteien haben sich bisher noch auf keine gemeinsame Plattform für die Verhandlungen über die Zukunft der Provinz geeinigt. Wer soll nun bei den Statusverhandlungen die kosovarische Delegation anführen?
Rugova: Es ist im Kosovo wie überall: Wir haben eine Regierung und eine Opposition, die naturgemäß die Regierung kritisiert. Wir sind aber nicht zerstritten. Ein Teil der internationalen Gemeinschaft hat sich offenbar noch nicht daran gewöhnt, dass wir jetzt im Kosovo Demokratie haben. Die gemeinsame Plattform aller Parteien heißt Unabhängigkeit, darin sind wir uns einig. Wenn es Statusgespräche geben sollte, wird die Opposition mit an Bord sein. Selbstverständlich werden die Gespräche von den legalen Institutionen des Kosovo geleitet werden.
Die Staatengemeinschaft besteht auf Direktgesprächen zwischen Ihnen und Serbiens Präsidenten Boris Tadic. Ihre Bedingung ist, dass ein solches Treffen nur im Rahmen einer internationalen Konferenz stattfinden kann. Im Mai gibt es in Paris eine Geberkonferenz für den Wiederaufbau der im Vorjahr zerstörten religiösen Stätten. Wäre dies ein möglicher Ort für ein Treffen?
Rugova: Ich messe einem solchen Treffen keine große Bedeutung zu. Es gibt ohnehin bereits Gespräche zwischen Belgrad und Pristina über technische Fragen. Serbien kann auch gerne an einer internationalen Konferenz zu Kosovo teilnehmen - aber ohne das Recht, ein Veto gegen den künftigen Status des Kosovo einlegen zu dürfen.
Montenegrin Speaker invites Serbian, Kosovo leaders for status talks - paper
Text of report by Montenegrin Mina news agency
Podgorica, 30 April: Montenegrin Speaker Ranko Krivokapic has invited the political leadership of Serbia and Kosovo to meet in Montenegro for the start of talks on the final status of Serbia's southern province.
He said that Montenegro wanted to help resolve relations between Belgrade and Pristina.
"I have indicated a few times now that Montenegro will offer its services as a good host and I still stand behind this invitation. Podgorica is ready from tomorrow to meet the conditions for dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina," Krivokapic told [the Podgorica-based daily] Dan.
According to him, it is in Montenegro's interest for these talks to begin and for a resolution of the political situation in the Balkans.
"Our aim is for Belgrade and Pristina to reach an agreement. Montenegro will be satisfied if they are satisfied, which again will contribute to the stabilization of conditions and security in the Balkans," Krivokapic pointed out.
Podgorica, 30 April: Montenegrin Speaker Ranko Krivokapic has invited the political leadership of Serbia and Kosovo to meet in Montenegro for the start of talks on the final status of Serbia's southern province.
He said that Montenegro wanted to help resolve relations between Belgrade and Pristina.
"I have indicated a few times now that Montenegro will offer its services as a good host and I still stand behind this invitation. Podgorica is ready from tomorrow to meet the conditions for dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina," Krivokapic told [the Podgorica-based daily] Dan.
According to him, it is in Montenegro's interest for these talks to begin and for a resolution of the political situation in the Balkans.
"Our aim is for Belgrade and Pristina to reach an agreement. Montenegro will be satisfied if they are satisfied, which again will contribute to the stabilization of conditions and security in the Balkans," Krivokapic pointed out.
Kosovo Serb villages reconnected to power grid
Lipljan: Lipljan and five nearby villages early this morning received electricity supplies, after an almost five-month blackout.
The villages of Skulanevo, Suvi Do, Radevo, Lepine and Novo Naselje have been reconnected to the power grid. The Serb representative in talks with Lipljan municipality president Dzevat Oluri, Slavko Janicijevic, told the Beta agency that two thirds of citizens' power bills had been paid, adding that it had been agreed that every household should pay a flat rate of 26.5 euros for electricity spent last month.
The Serb part of Lipljan and five nearby villages had been without electricity since 20 December last year [2004], when a breakdown occurred, after which the Kosovo Energy Corporation [KEK] said that it could not repair it for lack of funds.
Source: Radio B92 text web site, Belgrade, in Serbian 1057 gmt 30 Apr 05
The villages of Skulanevo, Suvi Do, Radevo, Lepine and Novo Naselje have been reconnected to the power grid. The Serb representative in talks with Lipljan municipality president Dzevat Oluri, Slavko Janicijevic, told the Beta agency that two thirds of citizens' power bills had been paid, adding that it had been agreed that every household should pay a flat rate of 26.5 euros for electricity spent last month.
The Serb part of Lipljan and five nearby villages had been without electricity since 20 December last year [2004], when a breakdown occurred, after which the Kosovo Energy Corporation [KEK] said that it could not repair it for lack of funds.
Source: Radio B92 text web site, Belgrade, in Serbian 1057 gmt 30 Apr 05
SRSG in KTV: Political will of Kosovo people to determine status talks
Koha Ditore prints an interview UNMIK chief Søren Jessen-Petersen gave to a Prishtina TV Kohavision where he said that the closer talks on Kosovo status get, the more there is an increase of ambitions but ‘great ambitions can also be great dangers.’
‘I think it would be good if President Rugova met Tadic,’ said Jessen-Petersen in the interview but said it is not fair to say EU is insisting on the meeting between two officials. ‘Dialogue is part of standards,’ added SRSG.
Asked whether he will be the last international administrator to Kosovo, Jessen-Petersen replied, ‘I sincerely believe my work and that of UNMIK should be to finish the job and this can happen only if there is a resolution to define UNMIK’s mandate.’
‘I think it would be good if President Rugova met Tadic,’ said Jessen-Petersen in the interview but said it is not fair to say EU is insisting on the meeting between two officials. ‘Dialogue is part of standards,’ added SRSG.
Asked whether he will be the last international administrator to Kosovo, Jessen-Petersen replied, ‘I sincerely believe my work and that of UNMIK should be to finish the job and this can happen only if there is a resolution to define UNMIK’s mandate.’
Toward status with a five-member forum (Dailies)
All daily papers report about the proposal of SRSG Søren Jessen-Petersen for creation of an informal forum that would focus on key issues and would represent major political factors in Kosovo. Jessen-Petersen made the proposal during a joint meeting with main political leaders in Kosovo.
Koha Ditore notes that the forum will be made out of two parts, namely the political side of the forum and a part consisting of groups of experts. The proposed forum to have five members which would, according to Koha, include Rugova, Daci, Kosumi, Thaçi and Surroi.
Zëri says that the forum will discuss important issues like standards, dialogue with Belgrade, decentralisation and status talks. ‘It will not be a substitute for institutions but support to existing institutions and dialogue on key issues,’ the paper quotes Jessen-Petersen.
The paper notes that exact positions of Kosovo leaders to SRSG’s proposal will be known after they have received a written form of the initiative and that, says Zëri, will be after Monday.
Epoka e Re carries the caption Jessen-Petersen, efforts to join parties he himself strained.
Koha Ditore notes that the forum will be made out of two parts, namely the political side of the forum and a part consisting of groups of experts. The proposed forum to have five members which would, according to Koha, include Rugova, Daci, Kosumi, Thaçi and Surroi.
Zëri says that the forum will discuss important issues like standards, dialogue with Belgrade, decentralisation and status talks. ‘It will not be a substitute for institutions but support to existing institutions and dialogue on key issues,’ the paper quotes Jessen-Petersen.
The paper notes that exact positions of Kosovo leaders to SRSG’s proposal will be known after they have received a written form of the initiative and that, says Zëri, will be after Monday.
Epoka e Re carries the caption Jessen-Petersen, efforts to join parties he himself strained.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Courtside: Beqaj
By Michael Farquhar in The Hague (TU No 404, 29-Apr-05)
Prosecutors this week set out their case against a man who they say tried to get a key witness to withdraw his testimony against three former Kosovo Liberation Army, KLA, members currently on trial in The Hague for war crimes.
Kosovo Albanian Beqa Beqaj is charged with contempt of the tribunal, attempted contempt of the tribunal and incitement to contempt of the tribunal.
If found guilty, he could face up to seven years in prison and a fine of 100,000 euro, around 129,000 US dollars.
Given a chance to address the court at the start of the case on April 25, Beqaj – a heavy-set middle-aged man, dressed in a short-sleeved shirt and cardigan – continued to deny the charges.
"My imprisonment is unjust," he insisted, adding later, "I was never anyone's thug."
Prosecutors say Beqaj contacted the witness in question - known only as B-1 - on behalf of his relative Isak Musliu and another Hague indictee, Fatmir Limaj, and offered him land to pull out of the proceedings against them.
Beqaj is also alleged to have interfered with a second potential witness in the case, known by the pseudonym B-2.
“This case is primarily a case of witness interference and bribery, as opposed to threats and intimidation,” prosecutor David Akerson explained in his opening statement.
Musliu and Limaj are accused – along with a third man, Haradin Bala – of running a KLA prison camp in the village of Lapusnik in 1998 where Serbs and Albanians suspected of collaboration were beaten and murdered.
B-1, the main victim of Beqaj’s alleged interference, has already given “critical” evidence in the Lapusnik trial about the roles played by all three accused, according to Akerson.
He also told judges in that trial how he survived a massacre of a group of prisoners when the Lapusnik prison was closed down in the summer of 1998, and he identified Bala as one of those who carried out the killing.
Akerson said B-1 has been living outside Kosovo under protection since late 2003, having survived two attempts on his life and a series of threats to himself and his family.
Beqaj knew the witness, he said, having been taken in by his father when he was orphaned as a young child. As a result, Beqaj was apparently able to get in touch through a family member to pass on messages from Musliu, with whom he had spoken on the telephone from the UN detention unit in The Hague.
After Hague investigators found out about this contact, Akerson said, they recorded a telephone conversation in which Beqaj urged B-1 to return to Kosovo to discuss withdrawing his testimony.
“Come meet with Limaj’s brother and say you had nothing to do with Limaj or Musliu,” Beqaj was apparently heard saying. “...Fix something up. Give us some help.”
Akerson said clips from this phone call would be played in court, along with other recorded phone calls in which Beqaj used “coded language” to discuss witnesses. The latter clips, Akerson explained, were recorded after prosecutors obtained permission to tap Beqaj’s phone.
In one call, Beqaj apparently seemed to acknowledge that his intervention in the matter amounted to coercion, telling the witness, “We are not pressuring you as to [the third accused] Bala.”
The sound in the public gallery was switched off when these recordings were played to avoid revealing the witnesses’ identity.
The same went for most of the testimony of B-1, when he gave evidence later in the week. The portion of his testimony heard in public was mostly limited to his identification of Beqaj, and a discussion of his life as a protected witness.
“I couldn’t leave my apartment at all without informing the protection forces,” B-1 told judges. “...Just for a simple thing like having a coffee in a restaurant, I was escorted by three or four persons.”
But testimony by a second man, described as a “potential witness” in the Limaj trial, provided greater insight into the case.
The 68-year-old – referred to as B-2 – recounted an incident during which he was accosted by Beqaj’s son, Bashkim Beqaj, outside a kebab restaurant in the town of Shtime/Stimlje last summer.
Bashkim apparently threatened him, saying, “You were the one who brought my uncle [Musliu] to The Hague.” The witness reported that the young man, who seemed to want to do him harm, had to be led away from the scene.
When he later visited the accused to discuss his son’s behaviour, the witness said that Beqaj “received him really well”, served him coffee and tea and clearly “felt really bad about what had happened”.
At that meeting, Beqaj apparently explained that Musliu had called him six times from The Hague and had told him to have a word with B-2. But he was reluctant to act on the request and apparently reassured the old man, “I feel more sorry about you than for Isak. I would never give you up for Isak.”
“Beqa Beqaj is a good person... it’s hard to find someone like him,” B-2 pleaded with judges after he finished giving his testimony. “...I would really wish for him to be set free and for us to go back home together.”
Later in the week, the court heard from Hague investigator Jonathan Sutch, who interviewed Beqaj twice after the allegations of witness interference came to light.
Prosecutors say during those interviews – recordings of which were entered into evidence – Beqaj at first admitted having contact with a witness, then denied knowing B-1 or B-2 or any other witness in the Lapusnik trial, and then later admitted having spoken to B-1 and having talked with Musliu about B-1.
Sutch confirmed that Beqaj was evasive. “The more information was given, the more the accused would start to make certain admissions,” he said.
He also confirmed that Limaj and Musliu would not necessarily find it difficult to manipulate events in Kosovo, despite the fact they are locked up in The Hague.
“The influence he has in Kosovo... there is an element of reputation that comes into play,” he said of Musliu. “And by reputation, there is no reason to think that his wishes wouldn’t be carried out.”
Beqaj’s defence counsel, Tjarda Eduard van der Spoel, refrained from explicitly challenging any of the basic facts of the prosecution case in his opening statement, and declined to call any witnesses for the defence.
But he argued that to secure a conviction, prosecutors would need to show that his client was aware that the individuals in question were potential witnesses and was also aware of the tribunal’s rules regarding contempt of court if and when he broke those rules.
More proof would be needed to convict an “ignorant individual” like Beqaj, he said, in comparison with the kind of evidence necessary in contempt proceedings against those who are familiar with tribunal practice.
The trial will reconvene on May 2 for judges to hear closing statements from prosecutors and defence counsel.
Michael Farquhar is an IWPR reporter in The Hague.
Prosecutors this week set out their case against a man who they say tried to get a key witness to withdraw his testimony against three former Kosovo Liberation Army, KLA, members currently on trial in The Hague for war crimes.
Kosovo Albanian Beqa Beqaj is charged with contempt of the tribunal, attempted contempt of the tribunal and incitement to contempt of the tribunal.
If found guilty, he could face up to seven years in prison and a fine of 100,000 euro, around 129,000 US dollars.
Given a chance to address the court at the start of the case on April 25, Beqaj – a heavy-set middle-aged man, dressed in a short-sleeved shirt and cardigan – continued to deny the charges.
"My imprisonment is unjust," he insisted, adding later, "I was never anyone's thug."
Prosecutors say Beqaj contacted the witness in question - known only as B-1 - on behalf of his relative Isak Musliu and another Hague indictee, Fatmir Limaj, and offered him land to pull out of the proceedings against them.
Beqaj is also alleged to have interfered with a second potential witness in the case, known by the pseudonym B-2.
“This case is primarily a case of witness interference and bribery, as opposed to threats and intimidation,” prosecutor David Akerson explained in his opening statement.
Musliu and Limaj are accused – along with a third man, Haradin Bala – of running a KLA prison camp in the village of Lapusnik in 1998 where Serbs and Albanians suspected of collaboration were beaten and murdered.
B-1, the main victim of Beqaj’s alleged interference, has already given “critical” evidence in the Lapusnik trial about the roles played by all three accused, according to Akerson.
He also told judges in that trial how he survived a massacre of a group of prisoners when the Lapusnik prison was closed down in the summer of 1998, and he identified Bala as one of those who carried out the killing.
Akerson said B-1 has been living outside Kosovo under protection since late 2003, having survived two attempts on his life and a series of threats to himself and his family.
Beqaj knew the witness, he said, having been taken in by his father when he was orphaned as a young child. As a result, Beqaj was apparently able to get in touch through a family member to pass on messages from Musliu, with whom he had spoken on the telephone from the UN detention unit in The Hague.
After Hague investigators found out about this contact, Akerson said, they recorded a telephone conversation in which Beqaj urged B-1 to return to Kosovo to discuss withdrawing his testimony.
“Come meet with Limaj’s brother and say you had nothing to do with Limaj or Musliu,” Beqaj was apparently heard saying. “...Fix something up. Give us some help.”
Akerson said clips from this phone call would be played in court, along with other recorded phone calls in which Beqaj used “coded language” to discuss witnesses. The latter clips, Akerson explained, were recorded after prosecutors obtained permission to tap Beqaj’s phone.
In one call, Beqaj apparently seemed to acknowledge that his intervention in the matter amounted to coercion, telling the witness, “We are not pressuring you as to [the third accused] Bala.”
The sound in the public gallery was switched off when these recordings were played to avoid revealing the witnesses’ identity.
The same went for most of the testimony of B-1, when he gave evidence later in the week. The portion of his testimony heard in public was mostly limited to his identification of Beqaj, and a discussion of his life as a protected witness.
“I couldn’t leave my apartment at all without informing the protection forces,” B-1 told judges. “...Just for a simple thing like having a coffee in a restaurant, I was escorted by three or four persons.”
But testimony by a second man, described as a “potential witness” in the Limaj trial, provided greater insight into the case.
The 68-year-old – referred to as B-2 – recounted an incident during which he was accosted by Beqaj’s son, Bashkim Beqaj, outside a kebab restaurant in the town of Shtime/Stimlje last summer.
Bashkim apparently threatened him, saying, “You were the one who brought my uncle [Musliu] to The Hague.” The witness reported that the young man, who seemed to want to do him harm, had to be led away from the scene.
When he later visited the accused to discuss his son’s behaviour, the witness said that Beqaj “received him really well”, served him coffee and tea and clearly “felt really bad about what had happened”.
At that meeting, Beqaj apparently explained that Musliu had called him six times from The Hague and had told him to have a word with B-2. But he was reluctant to act on the request and apparently reassured the old man, “I feel more sorry about you than for Isak. I would never give you up for Isak.”
“Beqa Beqaj is a good person... it’s hard to find someone like him,” B-2 pleaded with judges after he finished giving his testimony. “...I would really wish for him to be set free and for us to go back home together.”
Later in the week, the court heard from Hague investigator Jonathan Sutch, who interviewed Beqaj twice after the allegations of witness interference came to light.
Prosecutors say during those interviews – recordings of which were entered into evidence – Beqaj at first admitted having contact with a witness, then denied knowing B-1 or B-2 or any other witness in the Lapusnik trial, and then later admitted having spoken to B-1 and having talked with Musliu about B-1.
Sutch confirmed that Beqaj was evasive. “The more information was given, the more the accused would start to make certain admissions,” he said.
He also confirmed that Limaj and Musliu would not necessarily find it difficult to manipulate events in Kosovo, despite the fact they are locked up in The Hague.
“The influence he has in Kosovo... there is an element of reputation that comes into play,” he said of Musliu. “And by reputation, there is no reason to think that his wishes wouldn’t be carried out.”
Beqaj’s defence counsel, Tjarda Eduard van der Spoel, refrained from explicitly challenging any of the basic facts of the prosecution case in his opening statement, and declined to call any witnesses for the defence.
But he argued that to secure a conviction, prosecutors would need to show that his client was aware that the individuals in question were potential witnesses and was also aware of the tribunal’s rules regarding contempt of court if and when he broke those rules.
More proof would be needed to convict an “ignorant individual” like Beqaj, he said, in comparison with the kind of evidence necessary in contempt proceedings against those who are familiar with tribunal practice.
The trial will reconvene on May 2 for judges to hear closing statements from prosecutors and defence counsel.
Michael Farquhar is an IWPR reporter in The Hague.
Rise and Fall of Nebojsa Pavkovic - IWPR
After surviving years of tumultuous Belgrade politics, the Serbian general has ended up in a Hague cell.
By Daniel Sunter in Belgrade (TU No 404, 29-Apr-05)
Serbian general Nebojsa Pavkovic’s first appearance this week before the Hague tribunal closes another chapter in the life of a man who has for years ridden the storm of Belgrade politics relatively unscathed.
As he stood before the court on April 28 to enter a not guilty plea, both the government and Pavkovic tried to paint his decision to surrender as the latest noble gesture in a long career that has seen him transformed from a loyal henchman of Slobodan Milosevic into an advocate of democratic reform and rapprochement with NATO.
Pavkovic is charged along with three other top Serbian army and police generals with four counts of crimes against humanity and one count of violating the laws and customs of war during the 1999 campaign to drive thousands of Kosovo Albanians from their homes following the start of NATO airstrikes. (Lazarevic Faces “Gruesome” Indictment (TU No 392, 04-Feb-05) http://www.iwpr.net/index.pl?archive/tri/tri_392_2_eng.txt)
Vladimir Lazarevic and Sreten Lukic have already given themselves up, while Vlastimir Djordjevic is thought to be hiding in Russia. Following his indictment in October 2003, Pavkovic repeatedly announced that he would never surrender to the UN court.
The general’s change of heart came only after a warrant was issued for his arrest on separate charges in Serbia and as Belgrade faced mounting international pressure to secure his extradition.
His arrival in The Hague on April 25 coincided exactly with a deadline laid down by the European Union for the Serbian government to hand him over or give up on talks that could mark the country’s first step towards EU membership.
With characteristic bombast, however, Pavkovic described the decision to surrender as his “last sacrifice for his country”.
Pavkovic first came to prominence on January 9, 1998 when he took command of the Yugoslav army’s Pristina corps amid the first major armed clashes between Serbian security forces and Albanian rebels in Kosovo. On December 25 that year, he became commander of the Third Army, responsible for Kosovo and all of southern Serbia.
As fighting in Kosovo escalated, Pavkovic’s good looks and grandstanding ensured that his media profile followed the same trajectory, and he soon became the most famous general in Serbia.
His regular public appearances typically consisted of a mixture of up-to-date assessments of the security situation in Kosovo and pro-Milosevic propaganda, rounded off with a few emotive references to Kosovo’s status as a central component of Serb national identity.
“Albanian separatists have attacked our honour and our lives and existence in Kosovo, which has always been ours,” he said in a message to the Pristina corps in February 1999.
During the conflict in Kosovo, Pavkovic and his closest associate Lazarevic – who took the post of Pristina corps commander after Pavkovic was promoted – enjoyed great popularity within the ranks as a result of their regular trips to the front lines.
When NATO launched air strikes in March 1999 in an effort to bring an end to the brutal tactics employed by Serb forces against the Albanian population, Pavkovic was defiant. He told coalition chiefs that their troops should expect hell in Kosovo and that Belgrade would never surrender the “sacred territory”.
Like other regime officials at the time, Pavkovic claimed the outcome of the bombing – which saw the hurried withdrawal of Serbian forces and the deployment of NATO troops and UN administrators in Kosovo – as a victory.
“The United Nations ... are a guarantee of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country,” he told Serbian state television in June 1999.
At the end of the war, he was decorated by Milosevic and, in February 2000, Pavkovic’s close ties with the president earned him the top military post of chief of general staff.
Later that year, Pavkovic returned the favour and, in what was widely viewed as one of the top bootlicking gestures in modern Serbian history, on June 6, 2000 Milosevic was nominated by the army for the Order of National Hero award.
The military’s proposal read like a communist era tract. “His wisdom as a statesman and personal courage in conditions which seemed insurmountable…put him among the [kind of] statesmen and military leaders who are hard to find in recent world history,” it said.
During this period, Pavkovic continued to nurture his public image.
The personality cult that surrounded him peaked with the publication of “On the Media Front”, a compilation of interviews with the general interspersed with portraits – from Pavkovic at war, to Pavkovic enjoying fishing, painting and throwing knives.
During the presidential elections of 2000, he at first sided with Milosevic, but quickly changed his mind when the president was voted out and his regime toppled by civil protests after more than a decade of virtually unchecked power.
On the eve of the regime’s collapse, Pavkovic met with the winner of the election - Democratic Opposition of Serbia, DOS, candidate Vojislav Kostunica - to offer his complete support.
Having been granted a second chance on the condition of loyalty to the new president, Pavkovic kept his post and later returned the favour by openly siding with Kostunica during conflicts with his main rival, Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic.
Despite repeated demands from the international community and the Serbian public, Kostunica continued to oppose changes in the army hierarchy, claiming that dismissals would destabilise the military and the state.
In the post-Milosevic era, Pavkovic underwent a complete makeover, and Milosevic and the war in Kosovo disappeared from his public statements. Instead, he stressed his dedication to the democratic process and the importance of integrating Belgrade into the international community.
But his gradual decline began when the Serbian media discovered that during the Milosevic era generals had secured prime real estate for themselves, and that a luxury villa was being built for Pavkovic in the elite residential suburb of Dedinje.
Also facing rumours that he could be indicted by the Hague tribunal, Pavkovic published another book – this time a compilation of military documents from the war in Kosovo apparently intended to show that the army and he himself had respected international conventions throughout.
According to a source in the Serbian authorities, it was fear of the indictment that then led Pavkovic to offer his support to Kostunica’s rival Djindjic, hoping the prime minister’s influence in Brussels and Washington might help his cause.
But the move proved misjudged and in June 2002, realising he had lost control of his favourite general, Kostunica sacked him. No one was irreplaceable, he said.
An attempt by Pavkovic to return to the political arena, by running as an independent candidate in presidential elections in late 2002, failed.
During the state of emergency imposed in Serbia following the assassination of Djindjic in March 2003, Pavkovic was arrested along with thousands of others as part of a crackdown on organised crime known as “Operation Sabre”. He was held in custody for almost three months before being released.
Later, following his indictment by the Hague tribunal, Pavkovic apparently felt sidelined by the establishment, telling the BETA news agency that he felt “lonely in [his] attempt to defend [Serbia] from accusations of war crimes in Kosovo”.
There then followed a game of cat-and-mouse with the Belgrade authorities, as the indicted Pavkovic continued to make appearances in public and even as a guest on television shows.
The general has often cited the fact that he suffers from an undisclosed serious illness as his reason for not wanting to go to The Hague. When police started looking for him – in the run-up to the date set by the EU for a feasibility study that would decide whether Serbia was in a position to begin talks on membership – he went underground.
A Serbian government source told IWPR that far from being a patriotic “sacrifice”, the deciding factor in Pavkovic’s eventual surrender was probably the news that a warrant had been issued for his arrest after he failed to turn up for routine questioning in connection with the attempted murder of Serbian Renewal Movement, SPO, leader Vuk Draskovic.
“Since the Hague tribunal takes precedence over local courts, immediately after his arrest [on these charges] he would have gone to The Hague,” the source told IWPR.
“When police officers began questioning his friends and searching their houses, this helped him realise this was not a joke, and that he should take advantage of the opportunity and ‘surrender voluntarily’.”
Twelve indictees have arrived at The Hague from Belgrade in the last four months. Ten remain at large with eight assumed to be living on territories under Belgrade’s control.
Daniel Sunter is an IWPR contributor in Belgrade.
By Daniel Sunter in Belgrade (TU No 404, 29-Apr-05)
Serbian general Nebojsa Pavkovic’s first appearance this week before the Hague tribunal closes another chapter in the life of a man who has for years ridden the storm of Belgrade politics relatively unscathed.
As he stood before the court on April 28 to enter a not guilty plea, both the government and Pavkovic tried to paint his decision to surrender as the latest noble gesture in a long career that has seen him transformed from a loyal henchman of Slobodan Milosevic into an advocate of democratic reform and rapprochement with NATO.
Pavkovic is charged along with three other top Serbian army and police generals with four counts of crimes against humanity and one count of violating the laws and customs of war during the 1999 campaign to drive thousands of Kosovo Albanians from their homes following the start of NATO airstrikes. (Lazarevic Faces “Gruesome” Indictment (TU No 392, 04-Feb-05) http://www.iwpr.net/index.pl?archive/tri/tri_392_2_eng.txt)
Vladimir Lazarevic and Sreten Lukic have already given themselves up, while Vlastimir Djordjevic is thought to be hiding in Russia. Following his indictment in October 2003, Pavkovic repeatedly announced that he would never surrender to the UN court.
The general’s change of heart came only after a warrant was issued for his arrest on separate charges in Serbia and as Belgrade faced mounting international pressure to secure his extradition.
His arrival in The Hague on April 25 coincided exactly with a deadline laid down by the European Union for the Serbian government to hand him over or give up on talks that could mark the country’s first step towards EU membership.
With characteristic bombast, however, Pavkovic described the decision to surrender as his “last sacrifice for his country”.
Pavkovic first came to prominence on January 9, 1998 when he took command of the Yugoslav army’s Pristina corps amid the first major armed clashes between Serbian security forces and Albanian rebels in Kosovo. On December 25 that year, he became commander of the Third Army, responsible for Kosovo and all of southern Serbia.
As fighting in Kosovo escalated, Pavkovic’s good looks and grandstanding ensured that his media profile followed the same trajectory, and he soon became the most famous general in Serbia.
His regular public appearances typically consisted of a mixture of up-to-date assessments of the security situation in Kosovo and pro-Milosevic propaganda, rounded off with a few emotive references to Kosovo’s status as a central component of Serb national identity.
“Albanian separatists have attacked our honour and our lives and existence in Kosovo, which has always been ours,” he said in a message to the Pristina corps in February 1999.
During the conflict in Kosovo, Pavkovic and his closest associate Lazarevic – who took the post of Pristina corps commander after Pavkovic was promoted – enjoyed great popularity within the ranks as a result of their regular trips to the front lines.
When NATO launched air strikes in March 1999 in an effort to bring an end to the brutal tactics employed by Serb forces against the Albanian population, Pavkovic was defiant. He told coalition chiefs that their troops should expect hell in Kosovo and that Belgrade would never surrender the “sacred territory”.
Like other regime officials at the time, Pavkovic claimed the outcome of the bombing – which saw the hurried withdrawal of Serbian forces and the deployment of NATO troops and UN administrators in Kosovo – as a victory.
“The United Nations ... are a guarantee of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country,” he told Serbian state television in June 1999.
At the end of the war, he was decorated by Milosevic and, in February 2000, Pavkovic’s close ties with the president earned him the top military post of chief of general staff.
Later that year, Pavkovic returned the favour and, in what was widely viewed as one of the top bootlicking gestures in modern Serbian history, on June 6, 2000 Milosevic was nominated by the army for the Order of National Hero award.
The military’s proposal read like a communist era tract. “His wisdom as a statesman and personal courage in conditions which seemed insurmountable…put him among the [kind of] statesmen and military leaders who are hard to find in recent world history,” it said.
During this period, Pavkovic continued to nurture his public image.
The personality cult that surrounded him peaked with the publication of “On the Media Front”, a compilation of interviews with the general interspersed with portraits – from Pavkovic at war, to Pavkovic enjoying fishing, painting and throwing knives.
During the presidential elections of 2000, he at first sided with Milosevic, but quickly changed his mind when the president was voted out and his regime toppled by civil protests after more than a decade of virtually unchecked power.
On the eve of the regime’s collapse, Pavkovic met with the winner of the election - Democratic Opposition of Serbia, DOS, candidate Vojislav Kostunica - to offer his complete support.
Having been granted a second chance on the condition of loyalty to the new president, Pavkovic kept his post and later returned the favour by openly siding with Kostunica during conflicts with his main rival, Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic.
Despite repeated demands from the international community and the Serbian public, Kostunica continued to oppose changes in the army hierarchy, claiming that dismissals would destabilise the military and the state.
In the post-Milosevic era, Pavkovic underwent a complete makeover, and Milosevic and the war in Kosovo disappeared from his public statements. Instead, he stressed his dedication to the democratic process and the importance of integrating Belgrade into the international community.
But his gradual decline began when the Serbian media discovered that during the Milosevic era generals had secured prime real estate for themselves, and that a luxury villa was being built for Pavkovic in the elite residential suburb of Dedinje.
Also facing rumours that he could be indicted by the Hague tribunal, Pavkovic published another book – this time a compilation of military documents from the war in Kosovo apparently intended to show that the army and he himself had respected international conventions throughout.
According to a source in the Serbian authorities, it was fear of the indictment that then led Pavkovic to offer his support to Kostunica’s rival Djindjic, hoping the prime minister’s influence in Brussels and Washington might help his cause.
But the move proved misjudged and in June 2002, realising he had lost control of his favourite general, Kostunica sacked him. No one was irreplaceable, he said.
An attempt by Pavkovic to return to the political arena, by running as an independent candidate in presidential elections in late 2002, failed.
During the state of emergency imposed in Serbia following the assassination of Djindjic in March 2003, Pavkovic was arrested along with thousands of others as part of a crackdown on organised crime known as “Operation Sabre”. He was held in custody for almost three months before being released.
Later, following his indictment by the Hague tribunal, Pavkovic apparently felt sidelined by the establishment, telling the BETA news agency that he felt “lonely in [his] attempt to defend [Serbia] from accusations of war crimes in Kosovo”.
There then followed a game of cat-and-mouse with the Belgrade authorities, as the indicted Pavkovic continued to make appearances in public and even as a guest on television shows.
The general has often cited the fact that he suffers from an undisclosed serious illness as his reason for not wanting to go to The Hague. When police started looking for him – in the run-up to the date set by the EU for a feasibility study that would decide whether Serbia was in a position to begin talks on membership – he went underground.
A Serbian government source told IWPR that far from being a patriotic “sacrifice”, the deciding factor in Pavkovic’s eventual surrender was probably the news that a warrant had been issued for his arrest after he failed to turn up for routine questioning in connection with the attempted murder of Serbian Renewal Movement, SPO, leader Vuk Draskovic.
“Since the Hague tribunal takes precedence over local courts, immediately after his arrest [on these charges] he would have gone to The Hague,” the source told IWPR.
“When police officers began questioning his friends and searching their houses, this helped him realise this was not a joke, and that he should take advantage of the opportunity and ‘surrender voluntarily’.”
Twelve indictees have arrived at The Hague from Belgrade in the last four months. Ten remain at large with eight assumed to be living on territories under Belgrade’s control.
Daniel Sunter is an IWPR contributor in Belgrade.
Kosovo Mar CPI Up 1.5% M/M - Table
The March consumer price index (CPI) of the U.N.-run Kosovo grew 1.5% on the month, after it was unchanged in February, statistics showed on Thursday.
Consumer prices were down 2.0% on the year in March, after falling 3.0% the previous month, the Kosovo Statistics Office said.
Kosovo Consumer Prices Index (pct change):
...........Mar.....Feb......Jan
m/m.......+1.5.....0.0.....-0.3
y/y.......-2.0......-3.0...+2.6
NOTE: Kosovo, a province of two million people, is legally part of the loose union of Serbia and Montenegro, which succeeded rump Yugoslavia in 2003. The province was put under United Nations administration after NATO bombed Serbia in 1999 to halt the Serb repression of the ethnic Albanian majority in Kosovo.
Consumer prices were down 2.0% on the year in March, after falling 3.0% the previous month, the Kosovo Statistics Office said.
Kosovo Consumer Prices Index (pct change):
...........Mar.....Feb......Jan
m/m.......+1.5.....0.0.....-0.3
y/y.......-2.0......-3.0...+2.6
NOTE: Kosovo, a province of two million people, is legally part of the loose union of Serbia and Montenegro, which succeeded rump Yugoslavia in 2003. The province was put under United Nations administration after NATO bombed Serbia in 1999 to halt the Serb repression of the ethnic Albanian majority in Kosovo.
Kosovars Expect Progress on Missing Persons- IWPR
Discovery of bodies of Serbs killed in Kosovo war may, paradoxically, ease talks on missing persons between Belgrade and Pristina.
By Muhamet Hajrullahu in Klina (BCR No 554, 29-Apr-05)
Serbian families laid wreaths and lit candles on April 23 in front of a cave in the Klina region of western Kosovo, where the remains of 22 people were found.
DNA testing has identified seven of the victims, discovered on April 19, as Serbs who went missing in 1998 in Rahovec/Orahovac, 50 kilometres west of the capital, Pristina.
The discovery, near the village of Volljakë (in Serbian, Volujak), marks the first time a mass grave containing Serbs has been found in Kosovo, and both the authorities here and local human rights activists believe it will aid talks between Belgrade and Pristina on missing persons.
Two of the bodies found in the cave were of Olgica Bozanic's brothers, from the village of Opterusa in Orahovac/Rahovec, who until now were considered missing.
She said that until now the family had hoped its missing relatives might still be alive.
"Since their disappearance, we received various information that they were alive and being forced to work in labour camps," said Bozanic.
Seeing the bodies in the cave had been painful, she added, "but finally we know the truth and no one can fool us any longer with stories that our missing people are alive".
The Office of Missing Persons and Forensics, from the UN mission in Kosovo, UNMIK, estimates that just under 3,000 people are still counted as missing in Kosovo. The great majority – around 2,400 - are ethnic Albanians while the rest are Serbs, Roma and others.
Daut Dauti, spokesperson for the Kosovo government, told IWPR on April 26 that the Volljakë/Volujak mass grave discovery shows that Albanians are willing to return the bodies of missing Serbs and were serious partners in negotiations on missing persons in general.
"Negotiations with Serbs on missing persons issues have often been difficult because Albanians have been accused of not revealing and returning the bodies of missing Serbs," explained Dauti.
After a year of stalemate, when almost no progress was made, the working group on missing persons, chaired by the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, met in Belgrade on March 16.
The two sides signed a framework document and accepted ICRC's list of 2,960 still missing as the agreed reference figure. The officials also agreed to meet again on June 9 in Pristina.
According to Dauti, the discovery of the mass grave will strengthen Kosovar attempts to get the Serbian authorities to make more efforts to locate missing Albanians.
"The government supports the initiative to investigate and discover mass graves such as this one," said Dauti, adding that "this discovery will clearly help the Kosovar delegation in talks on missing persons with officials from Belgrade".
However, representatives of human rights groups, such as Jeta Bejtullahu, of the Humanitarian Law Centre, HLC, in Pristina say the grave's discovery will do more than expedite the activities of working groups on the missing.
The generally accurate and unbiased reporting of the event in the Kosovo media, she said, "shows Kosovo Albanian society is ready to accept that Serbs, although on a much smaller scale, were also victims in the Kosovo war".
She added, "This is a step forward from the complete denial that existed in the [immediate] post-war years."
Bejtullahu stressed that much work remained to be done on the issue from the point of view of human rights activists.
"There are still reservations [among Albanians] in accepting that the responsibility for crimes against minorities falls on the shoulders of the majority in Kosovo," she concluded.
Olgica Bozanic, who is now a refugee in Belgrade, told IWPR that she last saw her brothers on July 18 1998, when a battle took place between Serbian forces and the Kosovo Liberation Army, KLA, for control of the Orhavac/Rahovec area.
"During the night between 17 and 18 July 1998, the Albanians attacked the Serbs living in Opterusa, which was mostly Albanian," she said.
The local Serb men had "defended themselves until the morning but then they surrendered to local Albanians and to people ... in black uniforms". She never saw her brothers again.
Dauti is convinced the Kosovo public is becoming more aware that crimes were committed against Serbs in the war.
"Albanian society and institutions have to accept that the Serbs of Kosovo were also victims in the war and the mass grave in Klina proves it," he said.
Bejtullahu says it is time now for Belgrade and Pristina to de-politicise the issue of missing persons.
The entire business should be transformed "from a political perspective to a humanitarian one", she said, as this would "help shed light on what happened to the rest of the missing persons - an issue that so far has been held hostage to political calculations".
Muhamet Hajrullahu is a regular IWPR contributor. Tanja Matic also contributed to this report.
By Muhamet Hajrullahu in Klina (BCR No 554, 29-Apr-05)
Serbian families laid wreaths and lit candles on April 23 in front of a cave in the Klina region of western Kosovo, where the remains of 22 people were found.
DNA testing has identified seven of the victims, discovered on April 19, as Serbs who went missing in 1998 in Rahovec/Orahovac, 50 kilometres west of the capital, Pristina.
The discovery, near the village of Volljakë (in Serbian, Volujak), marks the first time a mass grave containing Serbs has been found in Kosovo, and both the authorities here and local human rights activists believe it will aid talks between Belgrade and Pristina on missing persons.
Two of the bodies found in the cave were of Olgica Bozanic's brothers, from the village of Opterusa in Orahovac/Rahovec, who until now were considered missing.
She said that until now the family had hoped its missing relatives might still be alive.
"Since their disappearance, we received various information that they were alive and being forced to work in labour camps," said Bozanic.
Seeing the bodies in the cave had been painful, she added, "but finally we know the truth and no one can fool us any longer with stories that our missing people are alive".
The Office of Missing Persons and Forensics, from the UN mission in Kosovo, UNMIK, estimates that just under 3,000 people are still counted as missing in Kosovo. The great majority – around 2,400 - are ethnic Albanians while the rest are Serbs, Roma and others.
Daut Dauti, spokesperson for the Kosovo government, told IWPR on April 26 that the Volljakë/Volujak mass grave discovery shows that Albanians are willing to return the bodies of missing Serbs and were serious partners in negotiations on missing persons in general.
"Negotiations with Serbs on missing persons issues have often been difficult because Albanians have been accused of not revealing and returning the bodies of missing Serbs," explained Dauti.
After a year of stalemate, when almost no progress was made, the working group on missing persons, chaired by the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, met in Belgrade on March 16.
The two sides signed a framework document and accepted ICRC's list of 2,960 still missing as the agreed reference figure. The officials also agreed to meet again on June 9 in Pristina.
According to Dauti, the discovery of the mass grave will strengthen Kosovar attempts to get the Serbian authorities to make more efforts to locate missing Albanians.
"The government supports the initiative to investigate and discover mass graves such as this one," said Dauti, adding that "this discovery will clearly help the Kosovar delegation in talks on missing persons with officials from Belgrade".
However, representatives of human rights groups, such as Jeta Bejtullahu, of the Humanitarian Law Centre, HLC, in Pristina say the grave's discovery will do more than expedite the activities of working groups on the missing.
The generally accurate and unbiased reporting of the event in the Kosovo media, she said, "shows Kosovo Albanian society is ready to accept that Serbs, although on a much smaller scale, were also victims in the Kosovo war".
She added, "This is a step forward from the complete denial that existed in the [immediate] post-war years."
Bejtullahu stressed that much work remained to be done on the issue from the point of view of human rights activists.
"There are still reservations [among Albanians] in accepting that the responsibility for crimes against minorities falls on the shoulders of the majority in Kosovo," she concluded.
Olgica Bozanic, who is now a refugee in Belgrade, told IWPR that she last saw her brothers on July 18 1998, when a battle took place between Serbian forces and the Kosovo Liberation Army, KLA, for control of the Orhavac/Rahovec area.
"During the night between 17 and 18 July 1998, the Albanians attacked the Serbs living in Opterusa, which was mostly Albanian," she said.
The local Serb men had "defended themselves until the morning but then they surrendered to local Albanians and to people ... in black uniforms". She never saw her brothers again.
Dauti is convinced the Kosovo public is becoming more aware that crimes were committed against Serbs in the war.
"Albanian society and institutions have to accept that the Serbs of Kosovo were also victims in the war and the mass grave in Klina proves it," he said.
Bejtullahu says it is time now for Belgrade and Pristina to de-politicise the issue of missing persons.
The entire business should be transformed "from a political perspective to a humanitarian one", she said, as this would "help shed light on what happened to the rest of the missing persons - an issue that so far has been held hostage to political calculations".
Muhamet Hajrullahu is a regular IWPR contributor. Tanja Matic also contributed to this report.
SRSG proposes Forum for consultations between main political parties
PRISTINA – SRSG Søren Jessen-Petersen today proposed an informal Forum for consultation between main political leaders on key issues facing Kosovo.
“Kosovo should benefit from an enhanced dialogue between political leaders on issues of vital importance, such as standards implementation, decentralisation, and status preparations. An informal Forum could be the best place to do so – but it would support existing democratic institutions, and not substitute them,” he said.
The SRSG shared his proposal with President Rugova, 1st Deputy President of AAK and Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi, Vice President of LDK Kole Berisha, PDK leader Hashim Thaci, and ORA representative Ylber Hysa, over a working lunch.
“A lot of hard work needs to be done – and needs to be done quickly. The coalition and opposition have their roles to play, and that will not change, but on key issues of Kosovo’s larger interest, a strong dialogue between parties is essential to move Kosovo forward,” said the SRSG.
The SRSG pointed out that the Assembly remained the principal organ for debate between political parties, appealing to all leaders to ensure its improved democratic functioning. However, the informal Forum could contribute to greater dialogue between parties as Kosovo faced many challenges.
The SRSG’s proposal would bring together the President of Kosovo and the leaders of the four main parties in the Assembly on a regular basis for informal discussions. The President and party leaders welcomed the SRSG’s proposal, and agreed to provide their comments and support to the initiative.
“Kosovo should benefit from an enhanced dialogue between political leaders on issues of vital importance, such as standards implementation, decentralisation, and status preparations. An informal Forum could be the best place to do so – but it would support existing democratic institutions, and not substitute them,” he said.
The SRSG shared his proposal with President Rugova, 1st Deputy President of AAK and Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi, Vice President of LDK Kole Berisha, PDK leader Hashim Thaci, and ORA representative Ylber Hysa, over a working lunch.
“A lot of hard work needs to be done – and needs to be done quickly. The coalition and opposition have their roles to play, and that will not change, but on key issues of Kosovo’s larger interest, a strong dialogue between parties is essential to move Kosovo forward,” said the SRSG.
The SRSG pointed out that the Assembly remained the principal organ for debate between political parties, appealing to all leaders to ensure its improved democratic functioning. However, the informal Forum could contribute to greater dialogue between parties as Kosovo faced many challenges.
The SRSG’s proposal would bring together the President of Kosovo and the leaders of the four main parties in the Assembly on a regular basis for informal discussions. The President and party leaders welcomed the SRSG’s proposal, and agreed to provide their comments and support to the initiative.
Office for returns asks for an end to battle with numbers of IDPs and returnees (Koha)
UNMIK Office for Returns has still no precise information on the numbers of displaced persons after the war in Kosovo, said UNMIK official Kilian Kleinschmidt in a press conference.
‘I cannot give exact numbers because the data have so much been influenced by various propaganda and parties that I don’t know what to believe, but the truth may rest somewhere in between’, said Kleinschmidt and urged all parties to end the game with numbers.
The best way to shed light to the actual number of IDPs is through the population census expected to start next year, added UNMIK official for returns and communities.
Kleinschmidt also spoke about the upcoming meeting between Kosovo and Serbian officials on the issue of returns and said that this will be a ‘complicated’ process.
He said that everybody should understand that the return process should not be time-restricted. ‘Return should be free so that people can return to their property whenever they want. If displaced people want to return in 10 years, that is their right’, stressed Kleinschmidt.
‘I cannot give exact numbers because the data have so much been influenced by various propaganda and parties that I don’t know what to believe, but the truth may rest somewhere in between’, said Kleinschmidt and urged all parties to end the game with numbers.
The best way to shed light to the actual number of IDPs is through the population census expected to start next year, added UNMIK official for returns and communities.
Kleinschmidt also spoke about the upcoming meeting between Kosovo and Serbian officials on the issue of returns and said that this will be a ‘complicated’ process.
He said that everybody should understand that the return process should not be time-restricted. ‘Return should be free so that people can return to their property whenever they want. If displaced people want to return in 10 years, that is their right’, stressed Kleinschmidt.
PDK announces shadow government, LDK does not replace Rugova, neither does AAK replace Haradinaj (Zëri)
Zëri reports that the main political parties in Kosovo have announced novelties and party elections.
Although two months have passed since the resignation of Ibrahim Rugova from the post of LDK chief, according the party’s spokesperson, Lulzim Zeneli, the party presidency is dealing with duties and obligations and it will fill the gap the resignation of the president has created.
PDK has announced that there will be plenty of activities over the two months to come, it will elect new party bodies and it will initially create the shadow government.
AAK officials, according to spokesperson Ernest Luma, have a unanimous stance that Ramush Haradinaj remains president, while during his absence, party’s first deputy chief, Bajram Kosumi, will carry out the tasks of the party chief.
Although two months have passed since the resignation of Ibrahim Rugova from the post of LDK chief, according the party’s spokesperson, Lulzim Zeneli, the party presidency is dealing with duties and obligations and it will fill the gap the resignation of the president has created.
PDK has announced that there will be plenty of activities over the two months to come, it will elect new party bodies and it will initially create the shadow government.
AAK officials, according to spokesperson Ernest Luma, have a unanimous stance that Ramush Haradinaj remains president, while during his absence, party’s first deputy chief, Bajram Kosumi, will carry out the tasks of the party chief.
Plasnik: Kosovo in EU in ten years (Koha Ditore)
‘Austria has taken the role to offer unreserved assistance to countries of Western Balkans for faster integration into EU, but the accession of Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia and Montenegro can only happen after ten years’, said Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik.
A bag full of remarks (Express)
Express reports that SRSG Søren Jessen-Petersen has harshly criticized Assembly Speaker Nexhat Daci for his behaviour in the assembly sessions on 21 and 22 April. The SRSG reportedly wrote a letter to Daci and other members of the assembly presidency over the latest assembly session.
Jessen-Petersen called on Daci to respect the rules of procedures and added that the threat to remove assembly members from sessions endangers the assembly’s credibility. He also called on Daci to respect problems raised by the opposition.
Jessen-Petersen called on Daci to respect the rules of procedures and added that the threat to remove assembly members from sessions endangers the assembly’s credibility. He also called on Daci to respect problems raised by the opposition.
UN Strengthens Kosovo Border Controls
The UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has announced new regulations for border crossings into the province with effect from 1 July. All foreigners entering Kosovo will be required to obtain authorisation to enter and stay. Citizens of Serbia and Montenegro, of which Kosovo is formally a part, will not be affected, however, and neither will UN, NATO and other international officials. Authorisation will be valid for 90 days and can then be renewed. Authorisation will be denied to anyone who 'undermines the purpose and principles' of UN Security Council Resolution 1244, which ended the 1998-99 Kosovo conflict, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the person has engaged or will engage in terrorist acts or acts of violence.
Significance: This is the first time that such authorisation requirements to enter Kosovo have been introduced, and they appear to be aimed at preventing Albanian terrorists - or, indeed, any others - from entering as Kosovo enters a particularly sensitive period. UNMIK has blacklisted a shadow Albanian group called the Albanian National Army, which has in the past claimed responsibility for some attacks. Recently there have also been further attacks, including a bomb outside the house of Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova. There are also persistent rumours that Kosovo hosts Islamist militants from further afield. These are often dismissed as Serb propaganda, but UNMIK is taking no chances.
Significance: This is the first time that such authorisation requirements to enter Kosovo have been introduced, and they appear to be aimed at preventing Albanian terrorists - or, indeed, any others - from entering as Kosovo enters a particularly sensitive period. UNMIK has blacklisted a shadow Albanian group called the Albanian National Army, which has in the past claimed responsibility for some attacks. Recently there have also been further attacks, including a bomb outside the house of Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova. There are also persistent rumours that Kosovo hosts Islamist militants from further afield. These are often dismissed as Serb propaganda, but UNMIK is taking no chances.
EU envoy urges Kosovo leaders to accept Serbian offer of dialogue
Prishtina [Pristina], 28 April: Stefan Lehne, special envoy of [EU common and foreign security policy high representative] Javier Solana, called today in Prishtina upon Kosova's [Kosovo] political leadership to accept the offer of Serbian President Boris Tadic for political dialogue.
Lehne called upon the government and the opposition to have a united stance on major issues.
"Kosovo cannot afford a division situation at this critical moment, as it is moving towards a very decisive period. There should be a climate of unification on major issues," he said following a meeting with Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi.
Lehne joined today the international pressure on Kosova authorities for creation of a comprehensive process to discuss the major issues for Kosova in the coming months.
Lehne told KosovaLive that he conveyed the message to the Kosova Assembly speaker, Nexhat Daci, Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi and to the head of the PDK [Democratic Party of Kosovo], Hashim Thaci, for the need of the beginning of political talks between Prishtina and Belgrade.
"I made it clear that we feel that the dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade should not be held only on technical level, but it is also important the dialogue on political level. There is a strong need for a political dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade," he said.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 28 Apr 05
Lehne called upon the government and the opposition to have a united stance on major issues.
"Kosovo cannot afford a division situation at this critical moment, as it is moving towards a very decisive period. There should be a climate of unification on major issues," he said following a meeting with Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi.
Lehne joined today the international pressure on Kosova authorities for creation of a comprehensive process to discuss the major issues for Kosova in the coming months.
Lehne told KosovaLive that he conveyed the message to the Kosova Assembly speaker, Nexhat Daci, Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi and to the head of the PDK [Democratic Party of Kosovo], Hashim Thaci, for the need of the beginning of political talks between Prishtina and Belgrade.
"I made it clear that we feel that the dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade should not be held only on technical level, but it is also important the dialogue on political level. There is a strong need for a political dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade," he said.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 28 Apr 05
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Picture of the Day
Former Yugoslav army chief-of-staff Pavkovic enters the court room for his initial appearance at the Yugoslav War Crimes tribunal in The Hague.
Former Yugoslav army chief-of-staff Nebojsa Pavkovic (L) enters the court room for his initial appearance at the Yugoslav War Crimes tribunal in The Hague April 28, 2005. Pavkovic pleaded not guilty on Thursday at the tribunal to charges of planning and ordering the killing and expulsion of thousands of Kosovo Albanian civilians in 1999. Pavkovic is charged with four counts of crimes against humanity and one count of violations of the laws or customs of war, including deportation, murder and persecution. REUTERS
Former Yugoslav army chief-of-staff Nebojsa Pavkovic (L) enters the court room for his initial appearance at the Yugoslav War Crimes tribunal in The Hague April 28, 2005. Pavkovic pleaded not guilty on Thursday at the tribunal to charges of planning and ordering the killing and expulsion of thousands of Kosovo Albanian civilians in 1999. Pavkovic is charged with four counts of crimes against humanity and one count of violations of the laws or customs of war, including deportation, murder and persecution. REUTERS
Kosovo PM Kosumi: Let us look ahead!
Dailies carry an address of the Kosovo Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi to the people of Kosovo calling on them to be devoted to the road ahead.
‘We are approaching the final Kosovo status phase. The closer we get to our aim, the more, those who do not wish to see progress in creation of Kosovo state, will try to impede the process’, writes Kosumi.
He says that the murder of Enver Haradinaj and the attack against ORA offices were in fact attacks against the process of Kosovo’s independence but he adds that the people of Kosovo understand the fragility of the whole process and the care that should be exercised to preserve it.
‘I call on citizens of Kosovo to have faith that justice will triumph and that all perpetrators, ill doers and law violators will face it, sooner or later. I call on citizens of Kosovo to restrain their just anger and not to stop on the road to creation of the state and democracy’, reads on the letter.
‘Kosovo can be a genuine democratic state, an economically developed state and a factor of stability in the region’, Prime Minister Kosumi says.
Kosumi also calls on all political parties, media and people of good will to refrain from using hate speech. ‘The language used in the recent months during many political discussions and in the press, impairs the good image of Kosovo and creates confusion with the citizens. It should never be forgotten that in a place with a fragile democracy like ours, the hate speech of a politician or a media may incite negative actions with a not well-informed citizen’, goes on the letter.
‘A year from now, when Kosovo will be completely different from what it is today, we will all see how important our commitment to build the future was’, concludes Bajram Kosumi his letter addressed to the people of Kosovo.
‘We are approaching the final Kosovo status phase. The closer we get to our aim, the more, those who do not wish to see progress in creation of Kosovo state, will try to impede the process’, writes Kosumi.
He says that the murder of Enver Haradinaj and the attack against ORA offices were in fact attacks against the process of Kosovo’s independence but he adds that the people of Kosovo understand the fragility of the whole process and the care that should be exercised to preserve it.
‘I call on citizens of Kosovo to have faith that justice will triumph and that all perpetrators, ill doers and law violators will face it, sooner or later. I call on citizens of Kosovo to restrain their just anger and not to stop on the road to creation of the state and democracy’, reads on the letter.
‘Kosovo can be a genuine democratic state, an economically developed state and a factor of stability in the region’, Prime Minister Kosumi says.
Kosumi also calls on all political parties, media and people of good will to refrain from using hate speech. ‘The language used in the recent months during many political discussions and in the press, impairs the good image of Kosovo and creates confusion with the citizens. It should never be forgotten that in a place with a fragile democracy like ours, the hate speech of a politician or a media may incite negative actions with a not well-informed citizen’, goes on the letter.
‘A year from now, when Kosovo will be completely different from what it is today, we will all see how important our commitment to build the future was’, concludes Bajram Kosumi his letter addressed to the people of Kosovo.
Kosovo Protection Corps opens barracks near divided Mitrovica
Mitrovice [Kosovska Mitrovica], 27 April: Members of the 4th TMK [Kosovo Protection Corps] Zone inaugurated the new Shemsi Ahmeti Barracks today in Shipol [Sipolj] near Mitrovice. This zone also marked the 14th Guards Battalion Day. The ceremony was also attended by Lieutenant-General Agim Ceku, commander of the TMK.
"Anniversaries are the best days to look back to the past and see what we have achieved. Your work is valued very highly not only by the TMK General Staff, but also by others," Gen Ceku said.
"Commander Shemsi Ahmeti had a vision, objective, and ideal. His objective and ideal were to liberate the country. He put all his energies and skills to the service of this cause until the day of his heroic sacrifice. For him, the freedom of the country was sacred. He demonstrated this with his actions," said Brigadier General Zymer Halimi, the commander of the 4th TMK Zone.
Gen Halimi added, "He was an example of a sincere man, courageous and committed. He carried out his duties with honesty and a high level of responsibility. He was a man of his word. This is the character of a true soldier. This is a quality that characterizes all great men of our nation."
The inaugurated premises cost 160,000 euros, which came from the TMK budget, as well as from local donations, and the work was carried out by TMK members.
Source: Kosovapress news agency web site, Pristina, in Albanian 27 Apr 05
"Anniversaries are the best days to look back to the past and see what we have achieved. Your work is valued very highly not only by the TMK General Staff, but also by others," Gen Ceku said.
"Commander Shemsi Ahmeti had a vision, objective, and ideal. His objective and ideal were to liberate the country. He put all his energies and skills to the service of this cause until the day of his heroic sacrifice. For him, the freedom of the country was sacred. He demonstrated this with his actions," said Brigadier General Zymer Halimi, the commander of the 4th TMK Zone.
Gen Halimi added, "He was an example of a sincere man, courageous and committed. He carried out his duties with honesty and a high level of responsibility. He was a man of his word. This is the character of a true soldier. This is a quality that characterizes all great men of our nation."
The inaugurated premises cost 160,000 euros, which came from the TMK budget, as well as from local donations, and the work was carried out by TMK members.
Source: Kosovapress news agency web site, Pristina, in Albanian 27 Apr 05
Parties OK, Government without a stance, Presidency hasn’t heard (Koha)
While most of the political parties have supported the initiative of the US Office to create a mechanism that would prepare modalities for the final status talks, Koha Ditore writes that the Government of Kosovo does not have an official stance as yet, while the President is abroad on a visit and his office has not received official information.
Some of the political parties say that the mechanism should get the blessing of the Kosovo Assembly in order to directly represent the interests of the people of Kosovo.
The article further says that the US Office in Prishtina has already confirmed that discussions on creating such a mechanism have already taken place with several players involved. ‘The decision for creating such a mechanism should come from locals as we do not have preferences as to the possible candidate that could chair the mechanism’, information chief at US Office, Lawrence Corwin told the paper.
Name of Blerim Shala, the publisher of daily Zëri, has been mentioned recently as a possible candidate to chair the mechanism. According to the paper, he did not want to comment on it as ‘everything is at the initial stage and that there is nothing final as yet regarding the mechanism’.
Some of the political parties say that the mechanism should get the blessing of the Kosovo Assembly in order to directly represent the interests of the people of Kosovo.
The article further says that the US Office in Prishtina has already confirmed that discussions on creating such a mechanism have already taken place with several players involved. ‘The decision for creating such a mechanism should come from locals as we do not have preferences as to the possible candidate that could chair the mechanism’, information chief at US Office, Lawrence Corwin told the paper.
Name of Blerim Shala, the publisher of daily Zëri, has been mentioned recently as a possible candidate to chair the mechanism. According to the paper, he did not want to comment on it as ‘everything is at the initial stage and that there is nothing final as yet regarding the mechanism’.
EUMIK to replace UNMIK in 2006 (Lajm)
The paper reports on the front page that the UN Security Council has started preparations for the transfer of competencies from UNMIK to the European Union.
Sources of the paper claim that talks on the issue between the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and the EU senior official Javier Solana have already started.
Lajm writes that the UN Mission has started to draft an exit strategy.
Sources of the paper claim that talks on the issue between the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and the EU senior official Javier Solana have already started.
Lajm writes that the UN Mission has started to draft an exit strategy.
[SRSG] Unhappy with Daci (Express)
Express writes that the SRSG Jessen-Petersen is not happy with the recent behaviour of the parliamentary speaker Nexhat Daci.
Sources of the paper say that after a meeting Jessen-Petersen had with Prime Minister Kosumi he complained about the way Daci has chaired the last few meetings of the Kosovo Assembly.
Sources of the paper say that after a meeting Jessen-Petersen had with Prime Minister Kosumi he complained about the way Daci has chaired the last few meetings of the Kosovo Assembly.
Serb general pleads not guilty to war crimes
AMSTERDAM, April 28 (Reuters) - A top Serbian war crimes suspect pleaded not guilty on Thursday at the Hague tribunal to charges of planning and ordering the killing and expulsion of thousands of Kosovo Albanian civilians in 1999.
The surrender of former Yugoslav Army chief-of-staff Nebojsa Pavkovic to the U.N. tribunal on Monday removed what was widely seen as Serbia's last major obstacle to talks with the European Union on closer ties, the first step towards membership.
Pavkovic is charged with four counts of crimes against humanity and one count of violations of the laws or customs of war, including deportation, murder and persecution.
The surrender of former Yugoslav Army chief-of-staff Nebojsa Pavkovic to the U.N. tribunal on Monday removed what was widely seen as Serbia's last major obstacle to talks with the European Union on closer ties, the first step towards membership.
Pavkovic is charged with four counts of crimes against humanity and one count of violations of the laws or customs of war, including deportation, murder and persecution.
New deputy head of U.N. mission in Kosovo appointed
PRISTINA, Serbia-Montenegro (AP) - U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed a new deputy head of the U.N. mission in Kosovo, a statement said Thursday.
Werner Wnendt, a career German diplomat will be in charge of institution building in the U.N.-run province. He replaces a french diplomat, Pascal Fieschi, who finished his tour earlier this month.
Kosovo has been administered by the United Nations since 1999, after a NATO air war ended the Serb crackdown on independence-seeking ethnic Albanians.
Before his appointment to the post, Wnendt held a senior position in the office of the high representative in Bosnia. He assumed his duties Thursday.
Werner Wnendt, a career German diplomat will be in charge of institution building in the U.N.-run province. He replaces a french diplomat, Pascal Fieschi, who finished his tour earlier this month.
Kosovo has been administered by the United Nations since 1999, after a NATO air war ended the Serb crackdown on independence-seeking ethnic Albanians.
Before his appointment to the post, Wnendt held a senior position in the office of the high representative in Bosnia. He assumed his duties Thursday.
Kosovo government rejects "direct talks" with Serbia - official
Excerpt from report in English by independent internet news agency KosovaLive
Prishtina [Pristina], 27 April: The government rejected any possibility for direct talks with Belgrade, as Serbian President Boris Tadic requested, but left open the possibility for talks with Belgrade in an international conference and that at the presence of international community.
The spokesperson for the government, Daut Dauti, made those remarks in a press conference following the government's regular meeting yesterday.
He said that Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi is ready for direct talks with Belgrade, but only for technical issues, which have not to do with Kosova's [Kosovo] political status.
"The stance of the prime minister is clear that there will be no meetings of political nature with Belgrade. First, Belgrade should show seriousness and prove that they have met some international obligations and then there can be talks in an international meeting," Dauti said. [Passage omitted]
Dauti added that it is not ruled out the possibility of negotiations with Belgrade in an international meeting, at presence of the international community, particularity of the United States and Great Britain, who should have a leading role.
"The prime minister has made it clear that there will be no direct talks. The government will not ask Belgrade what status Kosova should have," he said. [Passage omitted]
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 27 Apr 05
Prishtina [Pristina], 27 April: The government rejected any possibility for direct talks with Belgrade, as Serbian President Boris Tadic requested, but left open the possibility for talks with Belgrade in an international conference and that at the presence of international community.
The spokesperson for the government, Daut Dauti, made those remarks in a press conference following the government's regular meeting yesterday.
He said that Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi is ready for direct talks with Belgrade, but only for technical issues, which have not to do with Kosova's [Kosovo] political status.
"The stance of the prime minister is clear that there will be no meetings of political nature with Belgrade. First, Belgrade should show seriousness and prove that they have met some international obligations and then there can be talks in an international meeting," Dauti said. [Passage omitted]
Dauti added that it is not ruled out the possibility of negotiations with Belgrade in an international meeting, at presence of the international community, particularity of the United States and Great Britain, who should have a leading role.
"The prime minister has made it clear that there will be no direct talks. The government will not ask Belgrade what status Kosova should have," he said. [Passage omitted]
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 27 Apr 05
UN Postpones Entry Permits For Foreigners Entering Kosovo
PRISTINA (AP)--The U.N. mission that administers Kosovo postponed the entry into force of a set of rules for foreigners entering the province.
Foreigners will be granted entry authorization for up to 90 days at border points starting from July 1 and not from May 1 as previously announced, the U.N. said.
Those entering this disputed U.N.-run province can extend entry permits at police stations throughout the province. Those working with the U.N. mission or NATO-led peacekeeping force and their children are exempt from the ruling.
Until now, anyone with a valid passport could enter the province.
The new regulations are aimed in part at stopping criminals and terrorists from entering the province.
Kosovo has been administered by the U.N. and patrolled by North Atlantic Treaty Organization peacekeepers since 1999, when a 78-day NATO air war halted a crackdown by Serb forces on ethnic-Albanian separatists
Foreigners will be granted entry authorization for up to 90 days at border points starting from July 1 and not from May 1 as previously announced, the U.N. said.
Those entering this disputed U.N.-run province can extend entry permits at police stations throughout the province. Those working with the U.N. mission or NATO-led peacekeeping force and their children are exempt from the ruling.
Until now, anyone with a valid passport could enter the province.
The new regulations are aimed in part at stopping criminals and terrorists from entering the province.
Kosovo has been administered by the U.N. and patrolled by North Atlantic Treaty Organization peacekeepers since 1999, when a 78-day NATO air war halted a crackdown by Serb forces on ethnic-Albanian separatists
Most poll participants say unemployment is Kosovo's biggest problem
Excerpt from unattributed report: "Kosovo's biggest problem remains unemployment", published by Kosovo Albanian newspaper Koha Ditore on 27 April
Prishtina [Pristina], 26 April: In two surveys conducted by the Index-Kosova agency in November 2004 and February 2005, 1,000 Kosovars (excluding Serbs) were asked to give their opinion about current worst problems in Kosova [Kosovo] and about the Kosova government's talks with Belgrade on technical issues and the country's final status. The results showed that most Kosovars -56 per cent (58 per cent in November 2004) - considered unemployment as the biggest problem in Kosova today.
Asked to give their opinion about which issues the government should be concerned with, most respondents, or 40 per cent, said the status issue is the most urgent of all. It is worth noting that regarding "the biggest problem in Kosova today", the country's unresolved status came second, after unemployment. In November 2004, 19 per cent of respondents were worried about the status issue, while in February 2005 the figure reached 26 per cent. [Passage omitted]
Regarding the level of support for talks with Serbia on Kosova's status, 49 per cent of respondents said they "partially" supported them, while in July 2003 the figure of those who supported talks with Serbia was 59 per cent. [Passage omitted]
Source: Koha Ditore, Pristina, in Albanian 27 Apr 05 pp 1, 5
Prishtina [Pristina], 26 April: In two surveys conducted by the Index-Kosova agency in November 2004 and February 2005, 1,000 Kosovars (excluding Serbs) were asked to give their opinion about current worst problems in Kosova [Kosovo] and about the Kosova government's talks with Belgrade on technical issues and the country's final status. The results showed that most Kosovars -56 per cent (58 per cent in November 2004) - considered unemployment as the biggest problem in Kosova today.
Asked to give their opinion about which issues the government should be concerned with, most respondents, or 40 per cent, said the status issue is the most urgent of all. It is worth noting that regarding "the biggest problem in Kosova today", the country's unresolved status came second, after unemployment. In November 2004, 19 per cent of respondents were worried about the status issue, while in February 2005 the figure reached 26 per cent. [Passage omitted]
Regarding the level of support for talks with Serbia on Kosova's status, 49 per cent of respondents said they "partially" supported them, while in July 2003 the figure of those who supported talks with Serbia was 59 per cent. [Passage omitted]
Source: Koha Ditore, Pristina, in Albanian 27 Apr 05 pp 1, 5
Families of Srebrenica war victims to meet with survivors from Kosovo conflict
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) - Families from the Bosnian enclave of Srebrenica were visiting Kosovo on Thursday to participate in a commemoration ceremony for Kosovo's war victims.
Representatives from Srebrenica left for Kosovo on Wednesday and participated in a commemoration of the 374 victims killed in a village in Kosovo in 1999.
Three family associations of victims of the Srebrenica massacre "will show their solidarity and sympathy for the suffering of the Kosovo families," the International Commission on Missing Persons said in a statement.
The 1995 Srebrenica massacre -- in which Bosnian Serb forces overran the eastern enclave, a declared U.N. safe zone, and killed about 8,000 Muslim men and boys during 1992-95 Bosnian war -- was worst civilian massacre since World War II.
And in neighboring Serbia-Montenegro, thousands were killed in a 1999 war in the province of Kosovo.
Thousands are still missing in both former Yugoslav countries.
"Another objective of the visit is raising public awareness about the missing persons issue in the region and the need for further efforts to clarify their fate," the ICMP said.
On Thursday, they will meet with their Kosovo counterparts to discuss planning annual commemorations, memorials and how to deal with such issues as the identification process, remains found in mass graves and cooperating with government authorities, the group said.
Representatives from Srebrenica left for Kosovo on Wednesday and participated in a commemoration of the 374 victims killed in a village in Kosovo in 1999.
Three family associations of victims of the Srebrenica massacre "will show their solidarity and sympathy for the suffering of the Kosovo families," the International Commission on Missing Persons said in a statement.
The 1995 Srebrenica massacre -- in which Bosnian Serb forces overran the eastern enclave, a declared U.N. safe zone, and killed about 8,000 Muslim men and boys during 1992-95 Bosnian war -- was worst civilian massacre since World War II.
And in neighboring Serbia-Montenegro, thousands were killed in a 1999 war in the province of Kosovo.
Thousands are still missing in both former Yugoslav countries.
"Another objective of the visit is raising public awareness about the missing persons issue in the region and the need for further efforts to clarify their fate," the ICMP said.
On Thursday, they will meet with their Kosovo counterparts to discuss planning annual commemorations, memorials and how to deal with such issues as the identification process, remains found in mass graves and cooperating with government authorities, the group said.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Picture of the Day - Kosovo
Two ethnic Albanian boys play football outside the Ferronickeli mine in Glogovac, 20 kilometres from the Kosovo capital Pristina. Two companies offered 27 and 22 million euros ($35 and $29 million) for the Glogovac ferro-nickel mine in Kosovo on Wednesday in the U.N.-run province's most significant privatisation since the 1999 war.
They will enter a second round on May 11, at which point the U.N.-run province's privatisation body, the Kosovo Trust Agency, will decide whether to sell or re-tender the mine. U.N. officials refused to name the bidders. Picture taken April 15, 2005. REUTERS/Hazir Reka/
They will enter a second round on May 11, at which point the U.N.-run province's privatisation body, the Kosovo Trust Agency, will decide whether to sell or re-tender the mine. U.N. officials refused to name the bidders. Picture taken April 15, 2005. REUTERS/Hazir Reka/
Shaky Balkans need 'new strategy,' panel says - The International Herald Tribune
By Judy Dempsey International Herald Tribune
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2005
BERLIN A high-powered International Commission on the Balkans has issued a scathing critique of EU and UN policies in the Balkans, accusing both organizations of hindering democratic growth and warning that bleak economic and political conditions may lead to renewed instability.
"The red lights could soon start blinking if we don't take stock of the reality on the ground," said Alex Rondos, former Greek ambassador at large and member of the commission. "The region is not as stable as the EU makes out."
The commission asserts that democracy has been stifled in Bosnia "by the coercive authority" of Paddy Ashdown, the EU's high representative.
The international representatives, the commission says, "dabble in social engineering but are not held accountable when their policies go wrong. If Europe's neocolonial rule becomes further entrenched, it will encourage economic discontent and European electorates would see it as an immense and unnecessary financial and moral burden."
The commission challenged the European Union to formally offer Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia, Macedonia and the province of Kosovo a timetable for admission to the Union, warning that failure to do so could lurch the Balkans into another period of instability and leave the EU mired in the region.
The recommendations by the independent commission, made public in Europe's main capitals over the past few days, propose that in late 2006 the EU should sponsor a summit meeting "that aims to present all Balkan countries with their accession road maps."
Once the countries have met the EU's criteria on respect for human and ethnic rights, implementation of the rule of law and the introduction of a functioning market economy, the commission says these countries could start accession negotiations around 2009-2010 and be ready to join by 2014-2015.
The commission's main argument is that the EU and United Nations, two of the biggest international players in the Balkans, must start devising a long-term strategy that will move beyond the 1996 Dayton accords that stopped the five years of brutal civil and ethnic wars between Serbs, Croats and Bosnians.
It says Dayton, brokered by the United States, is inappropriate for tackling unemployment, building strong state institutions, reviving political life and getting rid of a culture of dependence created by largely unaccountable international protectorates in Kosovo and Bosnia.
"The Balkans need a new strategy if it is to translate Brussels' stated political aim to integrate the region into reality," says the 64-page report. "The commission acknowledges there are no quick and easy solutions for the Balkans and that ultimately it is up to the people of the region to win their own future. But we are convinced that the international community and the European Union in particular have a historical responsibility to face and a decisive role to play in winning the future of the region."
The commission - which includes Richard von Weizsäcker, a former German president; Giuliano Amato, a former Italian prime minister; and Kiro Gligorov, a former Macedonian president - pulls no punches in criticizing the UN and EU's performance in Kosovo and Bosnia. In Kosovo, where the NATO military alliance intervened in 1999 to stop the ethnic cleansing carried out against ethnic Albanians by President Slobodan Milosevic of Serbia, the commission says the international community "has clearly failed in its attempts to bring security and development to the province."
It says that UN Mission in Kosovo, the protectorate that is supported by the EU and is known as Unmik, has failed to give the Serb minority any stake in the province. "Serbs in Kosovo are living imprisoned in their enclaves with no freedom of movement, no jobs, no opportunity for meaningful integration into Kosovo society."
Over the past few years, argues the commission, "Unmik has on several occasions been actively involved in a policy of reverse discrimination in Kosovo. Under Unmik's leadership, the number of Serbs employed in the Kosovo Electric Co. has declined from more than 4,000 in 1999 to 29 now, out of a total over 8,000 employees."
Additionally, the commission says it is time that the EU and Unmik tackle head on Kosovo's status with Serbia, of which it is still constitutionally a province. "Kosovo's independence will not solve all the territory's problems, but we are concerned that postponing the status talks will lead to a further deterioration," says the report.
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2005
BERLIN A high-powered International Commission on the Balkans has issued a scathing critique of EU and UN policies in the Balkans, accusing both organizations of hindering democratic growth and warning that bleak economic and political conditions may lead to renewed instability.
"The red lights could soon start blinking if we don't take stock of the reality on the ground," said Alex Rondos, former Greek ambassador at large and member of the commission. "The region is not as stable as the EU makes out."
The commission asserts that democracy has been stifled in Bosnia "by the coercive authority" of Paddy Ashdown, the EU's high representative.
The international representatives, the commission says, "dabble in social engineering but are not held accountable when their policies go wrong. If Europe's neocolonial rule becomes further entrenched, it will encourage economic discontent and European electorates would see it as an immense and unnecessary financial and moral burden."
The commission challenged the European Union to formally offer Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia, Macedonia and the province of Kosovo a timetable for admission to the Union, warning that failure to do so could lurch the Balkans into another period of instability and leave the EU mired in the region.
The recommendations by the independent commission, made public in Europe's main capitals over the past few days, propose that in late 2006 the EU should sponsor a summit meeting "that aims to present all Balkan countries with their accession road maps."
Once the countries have met the EU's criteria on respect for human and ethnic rights, implementation of the rule of law and the introduction of a functioning market economy, the commission says these countries could start accession negotiations around 2009-2010 and be ready to join by 2014-2015.
The commission's main argument is that the EU and United Nations, two of the biggest international players in the Balkans, must start devising a long-term strategy that will move beyond the 1996 Dayton accords that stopped the five years of brutal civil and ethnic wars between Serbs, Croats and Bosnians.
It says Dayton, brokered by the United States, is inappropriate for tackling unemployment, building strong state institutions, reviving political life and getting rid of a culture of dependence created by largely unaccountable international protectorates in Kosovo and Bosnia.
"The Balkans need a new strategy if it is to translate Brussels' stated political aim to integrate the region into reality," says the 64-page report. "The commission acknowledges there are no quick and easy solutions for the Balkans and that ultimately it is up to the people of the region to win their own future. But we are convinced that the international community and the European Union in particular have a historical responsibility to face and a decisive role to play in winning the future of the region."
The commission - which includes Richard von Weizsäcker, a former German president; Giuliano Amato, a former Italian prime minister; and Kiro Gligorov, a former Macedonian president - pulls no punches in criticizing the UN and EU's performance in Kosovo and Bosnia. In Kosovo, where the NATO military alliance intervened in 1999 to stop the ethnic cleansing carried out against ethnic Albanians by President Slobodan Milosevic of Serbia, the commission says the international community "has clearly failed in its attempts to bring security and development to the province."
It says that UN Mission in Kosovo, the protectorate that is supported by the EU and is known as Unmik, has failed to give the Serb minority any stake in the province. "Serbs in Kosovo are living imprisoned in their enclaves with no freedom of movement, no jobs, no opportunity for meaningful integration into Kosovo society."
Over the past few years, argues the commission, "Unmik has on several occasions been actively involved in a policy of reverse discrimination in Kosovo. Under Unmik's leadership, the number of Serbs employed in the Kosovo Electric Co. has declined from more than 4,000 in 1999 to 29 now, out of a total over 8,000 employees."
Additionally, the commission says it is time that the EU and Unmik tackle head on Kosovo's status with Serbia, of which it is still constitutionally a province. "Kosovo's independence will not solve all the territory's problems, but we are concerned that postponing the status talks will lead to a further deterioration," says the report.
High stakes in Kosovo's freedom bid
CHRISTIAN JENNINGS
IN PRISTINA
FOR the people of Kosovo, it is the question on which their future hangs: When and how will they get their independence?
Independence means jobs, self-determination, their own country and a final separation from the hated Serbs in Belgrade for Kosovo’s 90 per cent Albanian population.
For the international officials from the United Nations and NATO, giving Kosovo autonomy could mean putting it on to the train to Europe.
Soren Jessen Petersen, the UN’s de facto pro-consul in Kosovo, is the man whose task it is to negotiate a resolution to the thorny question of the area’s future status.
The tiny former Yugoslav province has been under international supervision by the UN and NATO since Serb forces withdrew in June 1999.
UN Security Council Resolution 1244 mandated the international community’s entry into Kosovo after an illegal but legitimate 78-day NATO bombing campaign forced Slobodan Milosevic’s atrocity-prone Serbs to the negotiating table.
The aspirant statelet has been in political limbo ever since.
"We’re almost into the final stretch, and as we get more close to status discussions the stakes are higher and the risks increase," said Mr Jessen Petersen.
"There are three phases. One is status, two is UN support and monitoring, and three is transition and phasing out. In between phases two and three will come a new UN Security Council resolution."
Kosovo will then have its status determined. But will this be full independence? David Gowan, Britain’s ambassador to Belgrade, suggested this week that independence was one option being considered.
The UK is one of the six countries that make up the so-called Contact Group, along with France, Germany, Italy, Russia and the United States.
The Contact Group is currently considering how much progress Kosovo as a whole has made towards fulfilling an internationally-decided list of "standards" in areas such as good democratic governance and respect for ethnic minorities.
Most importantly, if extremist Albanians can refrain from political and ethnic violence it is likely that the international community will mark their standards box with a tick.
The way will then be clear for talks on "status" to begin. If all goes well, says Mr Jessen-Petersen, UNMIK will then oversee the process of transition of government and sovereignty once a new UN Security Council resolution has been signed.
IN PRISTINA
FOR the people of Kosovo, it is the question on which their future hangs: When and how will they get their independence?
Independence means jobs, self-determination, their own country and a final separation from the hated Serbs in Belgrade for Kosovo’s 90 per cent Albanian population.
For the international officials from the United Nations and NATO, giving Kosovo autonomy could mean putting it on to the train to Europe.
Soren Jessen Petersen, the UN’s de facto pro-consul in Kosovo, is the man whose task it is to negotiate a resolution to the thorny question of the area’s future status.
The tiny former Yugoslav province has been under international supervision by the UN and NATO since Serb forces withdrew in June 1999.
UN Security Council Resolution 1244 mandated the international community’s entry into Kosovo after an illegal but legitimate 78-day NATO bombing campaign forced Slobodan Milosevic’s atrocity-prone Serbs to the negotiating table.
The aspirant statelet has been in political limbo ever since.
"We’re almost into the final stretch, and as we get more close to status discussions the stakes are higher and the risks increase," said Mr Jessen Petersen.
"There are three phases. One is status, two is UN support and monitoring, and three is transition and phasing out. In between phases two and three will come a new UN Security Council resolution."
Kosovo will then have its status determined. But will this be full independence? David Gowan, Britain’s ambassador to Belgrade, suggested this week that independence was one option being considered.
The UK is one of the six countries that make up the so-called Contact Group, along with France, Germany, Italy, Russia and the United States.
The Contact Group is currently considering how much progress Kosovo as a whole has made towards fulfilling an internationally-decided list of "standards" in areas such as good democratic governance and respect for ethnic minorities.
Most importantly, if extremist Albanians can refrain from political and ethnic violence it is likely that the international community will mark their standards box with a tick.
The way will then be clear for talks on "status" to begin. If all goes well, says Mr Jessen-Petersen, UNMIK will then oversee the process of transition of government and sovereignty once a new UN Security Council resolution has been signed.
Official regrets Kosovo Albanians refuse to discuss power supply to Serb areas
Belgrade, 27 April: The dialogue conducted by the Pristina and Belgrade working groups on energy [held in Belgrade today] was constructive and productive, said British diplomat Jolly Dickson, who chaired the meeting on behalf of the EU.
"Both sides agreed to draft reports concerning the situation in the electric energy system, and the reports will serve the preparation of the next meeting of the working groups," Dickson said at the Serbia-Montenegro Palace.
He added that "both sided expressed regret that there was a break in the work of the working groups", noting that the aim of today's meeting was "to conduct professional and technical dialogue" regarding energy issues.
Members of the Albanian working group declined to give any statements to journalists at the Serbia-Montenegro Palace, while a member of the Serbian delegation, [Serb List for Kosovo-Metohija official] Randjel Nojkic, said that "no agreement was reached about supplying Serb villages with electric energy, which was our priority".
"I am sorry that representatives of the international community expressed solidarity with the [ethnic] Albanians who assessed that delivering electricity to Serb villages was Kosovo's internal problem and did not want to discuss this today. Nevertheless, we managed to place this problem on the agenda for the next meeting," Nojkic said.
Nojkic added that "the Serbs must participate in Kosovo institutions", noting that this was the only way for Serbs to show that the Standards were not being fully implemented, and also to exercise their rights.
Source: FoNet news agency, Belgrade, in Serbian 1313 gmt 27 Apr 05
"Both sides agreed to draft reports concerning the situation in the electric energy system, and the reports will serve the preparation of the next meeting of the working groups," Dickson said at the Serbia-Montenegro Palace.
He added that "both sided expressed regret that there was a break in the work of the working groups", noting that the aim of today's meeting was "to conduct professional and technical dialogue" regarding energy issues.
Members of the Albanian working group declined to give any statements to journalists at the Serbia-Montenegro Palace, while a member of the Serbian delegation, [Serb List for Kosovo-Metohija official] Randjel Nojkic, said that "no agreement was reached about supplying Serb villages with electric energy, which was our priority".
"I am sorry that representatives of the international community expressed solidarity with the [ethnic] Albanians who assessed that delivering electricity to Serb villages was Kosovo's internal problem and did not want to discuss this today. Nevertheless, we managed to place this problem on the agenda for the next meeting," Nojkic said.
Nojkic added that "the Serbs must participate in Kosovo institutions", noting that this was the only way for Serbs to show that the Standards were not being fully implemented, and also to exercise their rights.
Source: FoNet news agency, Belgrade, in Serbian 1313 gmt 27 Apr 05
Juncker says not sure time right to solve Kosovo
Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker said on Wednesday he was not convinced the time was right to find a definite solution to the status of Kosovo.
The United States hopes to open final status talks on Kosovo in September, provided the province in southern Serbia proves its democratic credentials.
"I'm not convinced the moment has come to solve the question of the status of Kosovo in a definite way," Juncker, who holds the EU's rotating presidency in the first half of 2005, told a news conference at the Council of Europe.
Kosovo, legally a province of Serbia, has been administered by the United Nations and NATO-led peacekeepers since 1999, after a bombing campaign that pushed out Serbian troops.
The United Nations took control of Kosovo six years ago and put its final status on hold. Final status talks would eventually determine whether Kosovo will become independent, as the majority ethnic Albanians want, or remain part of Serbia.
But before any talks begin, the United Nations has demanded that Kosovo meets standards on issues such as democratic institutions and minority rights.
A spate of bombings and shootings has hit the province since Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj resigned last month to face war crimes charges at the U.N. tribunal in The Hague.
The United States hopes to open final status talks on Kosovo in September, provided the province in southern Serbia proves its democratic credentials.
"I'm not convinced the moment has come to solve the question of the status of Kosovo in a definite way," Juncker, who holds the EU's rotating presidency in the first half of 2005, told a news conference at the Council of Europe.
Kosovo, legally a province of Serbia, has been administered by the United Nations and NATO-led peacekeepers since 1999, after a bombing campaign that pushed out Serbian troops.
The United Nations took control of Kosovo six years ago and put its final status on hold. Final status talks would eventually determine whether Kosovo will become independent, as the majority ethnic Albanians want, or remain part of Serbia.
But before any talks begin, the United Nations has demanded that Kosovo meets standards on issues such as democratic institutions and minority rights.
A spate of bombings and shootings has hit the province since Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj resigned last month to face war crimes charges at the U.N. tribunal in The Hague.
UNMIK says direct talks between Kosovo and Serbia to go ahead
[Announcer] Although President Ibrahim Rugova has rejected direct dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade, the dialogue will happen anyway, UNMIK [United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] officials have said while referring to [UNMIK chief] Soeren Jessen-Petersen's appeal to Kosova [Kosovo] political leaders to find common ground on key issues which would take Kosova towards the final status talks.
[Reporter Aferdita Carkaxhiu] There will be a direct Prishtina-Belgrade dialogue, UNMIK officials said at a press conference. They said that that UNMIK chief Soeren Jessen-Petersen had invited Kosova political leaders to work together towards reaching an all inclusive consensus.
[UNMIK Spokesperson Marcia Poole in English with Albanian voice-over] Jessen-Petersen has encouraged the government and the opposition and all Kosova political leaders to work together to reach an all inclusive consensus on key Kosova issues in the coming months, including decentralization and preparations for talks on the final status.
[Reporter] Kosova President Ibrahim Rugova responded negatively to the invitation by Serbian President Boris Tadic for direct talks. Nonetheless, according to Rugova, there is still a possibility, but only in an international meeting.
Several days ago the UNMIK chief said that he was looking into the possibility of organizing an international meeting but, according to UNMIK Spokesperson Marcia Poole, UNMIK chief Jessen-Petersen had encouraged direct talks between Prishtina and Belgrade.
Referring to Serbian President Tadic's invitation, the UNMIK chief encouraged a direct meeting between Mr Tadic and President Rugova. Jessen-Petersen has said that they are neighbours and although the final status has not been solved they will still remain so. Yet, if there is an international conference in the region or elsewhere it would have been a good opportunity to meet.
Speaking about talks on Kosova's status, Poole said that although there were many partners there are only two secure places on the table - Prishtina on one side and Belgrade on the other, while others are not known.
One thing is clear: the final decision on Kosova's final status will be taken by the [UN] Security Council, UNMIK officials said.
Source: KohaVision TV, Pristina, in Albanian 1700 gmt 27 Apr 05
[Reporter Aferdita Carkaxhiu] There will be a direct Prishtina-Belgrade dialogue, UNMIK officials said at a press conference. They said that that UNMIK chief Soeren Jessen-Petersen had invited Kosova political leaders to work together towards reaching an all inclusive consensus.
[UNMIK Spokesperson Marcia Poole in English with Albanian voice-over] Jessen-Petersen has encouraged the government and the opposition and all Kosova political leaders to work together to reach an all inclusive consensus on key Kosova issues in the coming months, including decentralization and preparations for talks on the final status.
[Reporter] Kosova President Ibrahim Rugova responded negatively to the invitation by Serbian President Boris Tadic for direct talks. Nonetheless, according to Rugova, there is still a possibility, but only in an international meeting.
Several days ago the UNMIK chief said that he was looking into the possibility of organizing an international meeting but, according to UNMIK Spokesperson Marcia Poole, UNMIK chief Jessen-Petersen had encouraged direct talks between Prishtina and Belgrade.
Referring to Serbian President Tadic's invitation, the UNMIK chief encouraged a direct meeting between Mr Tadic and President Rugova. Jessen-Petersen has said that they are neighbours and although the final status has not been solved they will still remain so. Yet, if there is an international conference in the region or elsewhere it would have been a good opportunity to meet.
Speaking about talks on Kosova's status, Poole said that although there were many partners there are only two secure places on the table - Prishtina on one side and Belgrade on the other, while others are not known.
One thing is clear: the final decision on Kosova's final status will be taken by the [UN] Security Council, UNMIK officials said.
Source: KohaVision TV, Pristina, in Albanian 1700 gmt 27 Apr 05
Kosovo president reiterates independence plea in Strasbourg
Brussels, 27 April: Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova spoke today at a Kosovo discussion held in the Belgian senate, with once again, no Kosovo Serb officials present at the conference. Rugova stated that he believed that the US and the European Union would accept the independence of Kosovo. The Kosovo president said that other countries would confirm Kosovo's independence as well.
"Kosovo is able to exist as an independent state, it has natural riches. Independence would mean stability for the entire region and good relations for Kosovo with all of its neighbours, except for Serbia," Rugova said. Rugova said that he was encouraging the integration of Serbs in the region's institutional life and work and was asking for freedom of movement for all minorities. He said that the Kosovo government and UNMIK were working on the restoration of communities, houses and other buildings destroyed in last year's March riots and added that 90 per cent of the reconstruction had been finished.
Several officials who are participating in the discussion today mentioned that, without the presence of Serb officials at the conference, the meeting lost its objectivity and was not a true democratic discussion because the Serbian side could not present its stances and ideas.
Senate representative An Mari Lizen said that the Belgian government asked to have Kosovo Coordination Centre chairman Nebojsa Covic present at the meeting, but Rugova said that he would not participate if Covic was involved. The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs insisted that a Serbian official be present and recommended that the Serbia-Montenegro ambassador to Belgium, Milica Pejanovic Djursic, be called to present the stance of Covic at the conference. The Serbian government rejected this proposal.
Source: Radio B92 text web site, Belgrade, in English 1305 gmt 27 Apr 05
"Kosovo is able to exist as an independent state, it has natural riches. Independence would mean stability for the entire region and good relations for Kosovo with all of its neighbours, except for Serbia," Rugova said. Rugova said that he was encouraging the integration of Serbs in the region's institutional life and work and was asking for freedom of movement for all minorities. He said that the Kosovo government and UNMIK were working on the restoration of communities, houses and other buildings destroyed in last year's March riots and added that 90 per cent of the reconstruction had been finished.
Several officials who are participating in the discussion today mentioned that, without the presence of Serb officials at the conference, the meeting lost its objectivity and was not a true democratic discussion because the Serbian side could not present its stances and ideas.
Senate representative An Mari Lizen said that the Belgian government asked to have Kosovo Coordination Centre chairman Nebojsa Covic present at the meeting, but Rugova said that he would not participate if Covic was involved. The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs insisted that a Serbian official be present and recommended that the Serbia-Montenegro ambassador to Belgium, Milica Pejanovic Djursic, be called to present the stance of Covic at the conference. The Serbian government rejected this proposal.
Source: Radio B92 text web site, Belgrade, in English 1305 gmt 27 Apr 05
Kosovo census to be held in April 2006
Prishtina [Pristina], 25 April: The registration of the population and property in Kosova [Kosovo] will be held in the spring of 2006 at a cost to the Kosova Government of 8 million euros. Officials of the Ministry of Public Services and the Kosova bureau of statistics confirmed this on Monday [25 April].
According to government officials, the population census in Kosova has been dragged out since 1999 as a result of the lack of a law on a census. The Kosova population has not been registered since 1981. Meanwhile, Serbia, which claims that Kosova is part of it, has conducted a census without including Kosova.
It is believed over 2 million people live in Kosova, while a large number of its citizens live abroad and a number of others are displaced.
According to government officials, the population census in Kosova has been dragged out since 1999 as a result of the lack of a law on a census. The Kosova population has not been registered since 1981. Meanwhile, Serbia, which claims that Kosova is part of it, has conducted a census without including Kosova.
It is believed over 2 million people live in Kosova, while a large number of its citizens live abroad and a number of others are displaced.
Senior U.S. defense official visits Kosovo
PRISTINA, Serbia-Montenegro (AP) - A senior U.S. defense official arrives in Kosovo Wednesday for meetings with the disputed province's international administrators and its government.
Mira Ricardel, acting U.S. assistant secretary for defense, is to meet with the top U.N. official in the province, Soren Jessen-Petersen and with the province's Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi.
Kosovo has been administered by the United Nations and patrolled by NATO-led peacekeepers since June 1999 following the alliance's bombing campaign aimed at stopping Serb forces' crackdown on ethnic Albanian separatists.
There are some 1,700 U.S. troops serving with the 17,000 strong NATO-led peacekeeping force in this U.N.-run province. The alliance said earlier it will streamline its force as the time nears to solve the disputed status of the province.
Mira Ricardel, acting U.S. assistant secretary for defense, is to meet with the top U.N. official in the province, Soren Jessen-Petersen and with the province's Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi.
Kosovo has been administered by the United Nations and patrolled by NATO-led peacekeepers since June 1999 following the alliance's bombing campaign aimed at stopping Serb forces' crackdown on ethnic Albanian separatists.
There are some 1,700 U.S. troops serving with the 17,000 strong NATO-led peacekeeping force in this U.N.-run province. The alliance said earlier it will streamline its force as the time nears to solve the disputed status of the province.
Blerim Shala heads preparations for status? (Express)
Express reports on the front page that the US Office in Prishtina has proposed a mechanism that would prepare Kosovars for talks on final status. According to the paper, Zëri publisher Blerim Shala has been proposed as head of this mechanism.
The paper also reports that at the same time, UNMIK is preparing a draft-proposal on this issue. Citing unnamed sources, Express says that UNMIK chief Søren Jessen-Petersen discussed this issue with UN officials in New York last week.
The paper also reports that at the same time, UNMIK is preparing a draft-proposal on this issue. Citing unnamed sources, Express says that UNMIK chief Søren Jessen-Petersen discussed this issue with UN officials in New York last week.
Rugova: EU and US to recognize Kosovo’s independence
All daily newspapers cover the visit that Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova is paying to Belgium. In a debate organized by the Belgian Senate, Rugova said independence was the only solution for Kosovo and the most appropriate for the region.
Zëri quotes Rugova as saying that the European Union and the US should recognize Kosovo’s independence. ‘This is an optimal solution. It is a modern solution in the European spirit,’ he added.
Koha Ditore reports that Doris Pack, member of the European Parliament, called on Rugova to meet Serbian President Tadic. ‘Allow me to call on you not to stagnate but move ahead and meet Tadic and Kostunica. It is very important for you to go to Belgrade,’ Pack was quoted as saying.
The paper also quotes Erhard Busek, coordinator of the Stability Pact, as saying, ‘Kosovo is a European issue and we must work in finding a solution for this.’
Zëri reports that UNMIK has no date for an eventual meeting between Rugova and Tadic. The paper quotes UNMIK DPI Director Hua Jiang as saying, ‘There is no date or timeframe for this meeting.’
In an opinion piece in Express, analyst Mufail Limani says there is no way for Rugova to avoid the meeting with Tadic.
The same paper quotes ORA leader Veton Surroi as saying it is not wise to avoid dialogue with Belgrade. ‘I have supported dialogue with Belgrade and I think it should be more advanced than it is now.’
Zëri quotes Rugova as saying that the European Union and the US should recognize Kosovo’s independence. ‘This is an optimal solution. It is a modern solution in the European spirit,’ he added.
Koha Ditore reports that Doris Pack, member of the European Parliament, called on Rugova to meet Serbian President Tadic. ‘Allow me to call on you not to stagnate but move ahead and meet Tadic and Kostunica. It is very important for you to go to Belgrade,’ Pack was quoted as saying.
The paper also quotes Erhard Busek, coordinator of the Stability Pact, as saying, ‘Kosovo is a European issue and we must work in finding a solution for this.’
Zëri reports that UNMIK has no date for an eventual meeting between Rugova and Tadic. The paper quotes UNMIK DPI Director Hua Jiang as saying, ‘There is no date or timeframe for this meeting.’
In an opinion piece in Express, analyst Mufail Limani says there is no way for Rugova to avoid the meeting with Tadic.
The same paper quotes ORA leader Veton Surroi as saying it is not wise to avoid dialogue with Belgrade. ‘I have supported dialogue with Belgrade and I think it should be more advanced than it is now.’
Kosovo minister approves formation of Standardization Agency
Prishtina [Pristina], 25 April: Trade and Industry Minister Bujar Dugolli signed into effect the administrative directive for organizing and functioning of the Kosova Standardization Agency [KSA], which will deal with accrediting, standardization and ensuring of quality of industrial products.
The minister also has allocated a budget of 60,000 euros for the KSA for 2005.
Minister Dugolli said that the KSA will make sure that the European Standards in terms of quality are applied. "This agency will accredit institutes who will deal with control of products quality," Dugolli said.
In addition, this agency will be a great help for citizens, who often were victims of bad quality, to assess and know the worth of products.
The ministry of trade and industry is cooperating with the Institute for Enterprise Management and Engineering and with the Kosova Chamber of Commerce for better functioning of this agency.
The KSA will be run by the board, which will have an executive director. The standardization, accreditation, and meteorology units will have a director each.
The board is to announce a job vacancy for the position of chief of executive soon.
This will be the year of beginning of the KSA work and of training of its staff, whereas as of the next year the KSA will start with licensing of labs and certification of products that will be launched in the market.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 25 Apr 05
The minister also has allocated a budget of 60,000 euros for the KSA for 2005.
Minister Dugolli said that the KSA will make sure that the European Standards in terms of quality are applied. "This agency will accredit institutes who will deal with control of products quality," Dugolli said.
In addition, this agency will be a great help for citizens, who often were victims of bad quality, to assess and know the worth of products.
The ministry of trade and industry is cooperating with the Institute for Enterprise Management and Engineering and with the Kosova Chamber of Commerce for better functioning of this agency.
The KSA will be run by the board, which will have an executive director. The standardization, accreditation, and meteorology units will have a director each.
The board is to announce a job vacancy for the position of chief of executive soon.
This will be the year of beginning of the KSA work and of training of its staff, whereas as of the next year the KSA will start with licensing of labs and certification of products that will be launched in the market.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 25 Apr 05
Nickel Plant In Kosovo Goes Up For Sale Wed - UN
PRISTINA (AP)--A nickel plant in Kosovo went up for sale Wednesday as the U.N. mission in Kosovo agreed to give a mining license to the most successful bidder, the U.N. said.
Companies have been asked to table bids for Feronikeli plant in central Kosovo, which was badly damaged during North Atlantic Treaty Organization bombing of Serb forces in this disputed province in 1999 and is one of the major plants in the economically depressed province.
The U.N., which administers the province, also agreed to provide potential buyers with the license for exploitation and exploration of the mines, said Mechtild Henneke, a U.N. spokeswoman.
Final agreement with potential buyers will be reached sometime in May, officials said.
Kosovo is the poorest region in the Western Balkans with an annual gross domestic product per capita of around EUR1,000 and a jobless rate of at least 50%, according to European Union figures, despite the fact that is rich in mines and minerals.
The privatization of Feronikeli would be the most important selloff of socially owned enterprises, a term used for enterprises owned by the workers and managers under a system set up under communist-era Yugoslavia.
Privatization is also among the most sensitive economic issues in Kosovo, a disputed province which was put under U.N. protection in June 1999 following a NATO air war that pushed Serb forces out of the province after they cracked down on ethnic Albanians seeking independence.
The process of privatization is complex, in part because it is unclear whether Kosovo will become independent or remain part of Serbia-Montenegro, the successor state of Yugoslavia.
Serbia's authorities have fiercely opposed the process of privatization.
Many of the companies in the province are overwhelmingly inefficient and often dilapidated after years of neglect and ethnic conflict in the province.
Companies have been asked to table bids for Feronikeli plant in central Kosovo, which was badly damaged during North Atlantic Treaty Organization bombing of Serb forces in this disputed province in 1999 and is one of the major plants in the economically depressed province.
The U.N., which administers the province, also agreed to provide potential buyers with the license for exploitation and exploration of the mines, said Mechtild Henneke, a U.N. spokeswoman.
Final agreement with potential buyers will be reached sometime in May, officials said.
Kosovo is the poorest region in the Western Balkans with an annual gross domestic product per capita of around EUR1,000 and a jobless rate of at least 50%, according to European Union figures, despite the fact that is rich in mines and minerals.
The privatization of Feronikeli would be the most important selloff of socially owned enterprises, a term used for enterprises owned by the workers and managers under a system set up under communist-era Yugoslavia.
Privatization is also among the most sensitive economic issues in Kosovo, a disputed province which was put under U.N. protection in June 1999 following a NATO air war that pushed Serb forces out of the province after they cracked down on ethnic Albanians seeking independence.
The process of privatization is complex, in part because it is unclear whether Kosovo will become independent or remain part of Serbia-Montenegro, the successor state of Yugoslavia.
Serbia's authorities have fiercely opposed the process of privatization.
Many of the companies in the province are overwhelmingly inefficient and often dilapidated after years of neglect and ethnic conflict in the province.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Kosovo's Thaci wants US to continue playing "leading role"
Prishtina [Pristina], 25 April: The head of the Democratic Party of Kosova [Kosovo] [PDK], Hashim Thaci, said today that the US should continue to have a leading role on the issue of standards and that of political status for Kosova.
He made those comments following a meeting with the chief of the US Office in Prishtina [USOP], Philip Goldberg.
Thaci said that they both highlighted the need for acceleration of work in implementing the standards "and thus create circumstances to have an international recognition for the reality that has been created in Kosova - recognition of Kosova's statehood," he said.
Thaci also said that he briefed the US diplomat with the concerns of the opposition with "non-democratic actions of the parliament and with the concerns raised by the PDK about instalment of political crime and economic crime in the governmental structures."
"No one is above the law and I believe that we will see quick actions from the side of domestic and international justice," he said.
Whereas Goldberg said that thy discussed the ways to overcome the currently created political climate. "The climate in the parliament and outside the parliament can sometimes become overheated and the idea now is how best to move forward on issues, on which everyone agrees here - on issues having to do with final status, status review - and create a better climate and a better position for both the opposition and the government to work together" he said.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 25 Apr 05
He made those comments following a meeting with the chief of the US Office in Prishtina [USOP], Philip Goldberg.
Thaci said that they both highlighted the need for acceleration of work in implementing the standards "and thus create circumstances to have an international recognition for the reality that has been created in Kosova - recognition of Kosova's statehood," he said.
Thaci also said that he briefed the US diplomat with the concerns of the opposition with "non-democratic actions of the parliament and with the concerns raised by the PDK about instalment of political crime and economic crime in the governmental structures."
"No one is above the law and I believe that we will see quick actions from the side of domestic and international justice," he said.
Whereas Goldberg said that thy discussed the ways to overcome the currently created political climate. "The climate in the parliament and outside the parliament can sometimes become overheated and the idea now is how best to move forward on issues, on which everyone agrees here - on issues having to do with final status, status review - and create a better climate and a better position for both the opposition and the government to work together" he said.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 25 Apr 05
Blerim Shala: Courage for public speaking
The guilty person has been found. Former Foreign Minister of Serbia and Montenegro, Goran Svilanovic, who along with several politicians and diplomats signed the Report of the International Committee on the Balkans, has been experiencing a denigrating and demonizing campaign in Belgrade, because the above-mentioned report foresees the independence of Kosovo.
Posters of Svilanovic with a white Albanian traditional cap have been put up in many places in Belgrade, in order to ‘prove’ his ‘treason’. Well-known Serbian politicians are also among those who criticize the former Serbian top diplomat. Svilanovic in fact was forced to leave the parliamentary group of Boris Tadic’s Democratic Party, while the latter is seen by the West as a leader of genuine democratic forces.
Everything that is happening with Svilanovic only proves what has been known even earlier: the Serbian society is far from reforms; it remains hostage to the political belief that has ruled in Serbia for almost 20 years.
On the other hand, Svilanovic started speaking in public about things that are also known by the Serbian political leadership: Kosovo is de facto independent and there can be no return to pre-1999.
Svilanovic only said aloud what all Serbian politicians say silently in private meetings with Western diplomats and politicians.
Posters of Svilanovic with a white Albanian traditional cap have been put up in many places in Belgrade, in order to ‘prove’ his ‘treason’. Well-known Serbian politicians are also among those who criticize the former Serbian top diplomat. Svilanovic in fact was forced to leave the parliamentary group of Boris Tadic’s Democratic Party, while the latter is seen by the West as a leader of genuine democratic forces.
Everything that is happening with Svilanovic only proves what has been known even earlier: the Serbian society is far from reforms; it remains hostage to the political belief that has ruled in Serbia for almost 20 years.
On the other hand, Svilanovic started speaking in public about things that are also known by the Serbian political leadership: Kosovo is de facto independent and there can be no return to pre-1999.
Svilanovic only said aloud what all Serbian politicians say silently in private meetings with Western diplomats and politicians.
One Serbian Lady gave birth to triplet in Pristina’s Maternity Hospital
Thirty-seven Milica Delibashic from Pristina gave birth on Saturday to triplets in the Obstetric and Gynaecological Clinic in Pristina.
According to the clinic’s doctors, this was her first birth and she gave birth to three children (two boys and a girl) after 18 years of sterility. Prof. Dr. Zylfi Azizi who was her doctor during the pregnancy said that the birth was by caesarean section and she did not have any problems during the birth. Three children and their mother are in the intensive care.
This birth at the clinic happened after COMKFOR Lieutenant-General Yves de Kermabon visited the clinic and called for the return of Serbian doctors and patients.
According to the clinic’s doctors, this was her first birth and she gave birth to three children (two boys and a girl) after 18 years of sterility. Prof. Dr. Zylfi Azizi who was her doctor during the pregnancy said that the birth was by caesarean section and she did not have any problems during the birth. Three children and their mother are in the intensive care.
This birth at the clinic happened after COMKFOR Lieutenant-General Yves de Kermabon visited the clinic and called for the return of Serbian doctors and patients.
British envoy sees independence as one option for Kosovo
Pristina, 26 April: British Ambassador to Belgrade David Gowan said in Pristina on Tuesday [26 April] independence was one of the options for Kosovo.
He thus confirmed the position of foreign ministry political directors of Contact Group countries that Kosovo's independence was not ruled out as a possibility for the solution to the province's status.
Gowan said major effort was being invested in determining Kosovo's final status, but added this called for greater commitment on the part of Kosovo politicians.
He was speaking to the press after talks with Kosovo Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi about current developments in the UN-administered province and its efforts to meet standards. A positive evaluation of the latter will enable the opening of talks on the final status.
Gowan said Britain was still considering the possibility of taking the leading part in the talks on the final status of Kosovo.
Source: HINA news agency, Zagreb, in English 1217 gmt 26 Apr 05
He thus confirmed the position of foreign ministry political directors of Contact Group countries that Kosovo's independence was not ruled out as a possibility for the solution to the province's status.
Gowan said major effort was being invested in determining Kosovo's final status, but added this called for greater commitment on the part of Kosovo politicians.
He was speaking to the press after talks with Kosovo Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi about current developments in the UN-administered province and its efforts to meet standards. A positive evaluation of the latter will enable the opening of talks on the final status.
Gowan said Britain was still considering the possibility of taking the leading part in the talks on the final status of Kosovo.
Source: HINA news agency, Zagreb, in English 1217 gmt 26 Apr 05
Serbian parties dismiss ICG official's remarks on Kosovo's independence
Text of report by Serbian news agency Beta
Belgrade, 25 April: Representatives of parliamentary parties in the Serbian Assembly today said that the ideas presented by James Lyon, the International Crisis Group's representative in Belgrade, were not the official positions of the relevant international organizations and states.
Dusan Prorokovic, a Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) official and chairman of the parliamentary Committee for Kosovo-Metohija, said that too much attention was being devoted to Lyon's statements.
"Lyon showed earlier how he sees not just the problem of Kosovo, but also the problem of Bosnia-Hercegovina and Macedonia, and the International Crisis Group's pronouncements on the problem of the Middle East issue are also doubtful," Prorokovic told reporters in the Serbian parliament.
He termed "interesting" Lyon's explanation that, because of a great deal of frustration among the Albanians, they should be given independence in order to avoid a new rebellion.
"That is incomprehensible, given that there is a great deal of frustration also among the Albanians in Macedonia and western Greece. Frustration is also present in the Basque provinces. Does that mean that they will all get independence?" Prorokovic asked.
Dusan Petrovic, the head of the Democratic Party (DS) parliamentary grouping, said that the official policy on Kosovo of all essential states was very clear and that none had said that they were for independence, neither the United States, nor the United Nations, nor any European state.
"Serbia's policy is also clearly defined. We are entering a period where the issue of Kosovo's status will definitely be raised, and it is necessary to find a solution that will be able to preserve stability in the region," Petrovic told the press.
He said that it was very negative and totally unacceptable for Serbia if Kosovo receives its own army.
"Every item of that issue will be raised and tabled in the coming months. Serbia will of course be a negotiating side," he said, and added that the negotiations would be held within the UN framework.
Petrovic added that "we must all together, as a nation and a state, have a definite firmness and clarity in our position that it is possible to find a solution that will not wreck our state and national interests."
Aleksandar Vucic, the Serbian Radical Party (SRS) secretary general, said that he had heard no official position on Kosovo, that so far there had been unofficial positions, including Lyon's, and that there would be more of them in the future.
Vucic told reporters that the "job of dismembering Serbia cannot be completed without the signature of official Serbia, which is why they are looking for allies in Serbia", and added that, otherwise, the biggest precedent in the history of the United Nations would be set. He said that no serious politician or party in Serbia would ever accept Kosovo's secession from Serbia and that statements like that [Lyon's] were "lobbying designed to persuade some politicians to renounce their territory."
Miroljub Albijanic, head of the G17 Plus parliamentary grouping, said that Belgrade could not sit "with folded arms, not do anything, wait and comment on the reports of others."
Albijanic recalled that a few months ago the G17 Plus had launched an initiative for an international conference on Kosovo to be held and [said] that Belgrade should show determination in the resolution of important state issues.
Zoran Andjelkovic, a Socialist Party [of Serbia, SPS] official, said that people like Lyon should cease being concerned with state issues and leave the resolution of those issues to state parliaments, international institutions and the international community.
Lyon said during the weekend that it was not a question of whether Kosovo would be independent or not, but only of when that would happen. He added that that was the position of both the United States and the EU, one that was not accepted only by Serbia.
Source: Beta news agency, Belgrade, in Serbian 1346 gmt 25 Apr 05
Belgrade, 25 April: Representatives of parliamentary parties in the Serbian Assembly today said that the ideas presented by James Lyon, the International Crisis Group's representative in Belgrade, were not the official positions of the relevant international organizations and states.
Dusan Prorokovic, a Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) official and chairman of the parliamentary Committee for Kosovo-Metohija, said that too much attention was being devoted to Lyon's statements.
"Lyon showed earlier how he sees not just the problem of Kosovo, but also the problem of Bosnia-Hercegovina and Macedonia, and the International Crisis Group's pronouncements on the problem of the Middle East issue are also doubtful," Prorokovic told reporters in the Serbian parliament.
He termed "interesting" Lyon's explanation that, because of a great deal of frustration among the Albanians, they should be given independence in order to avoid a new rebellion.
"That is incomprehensible, given that there is a great deal of frustration also among the Albanians in Macedonia and western Greece. Frustration is also present in the Basque provinces. Does that mean that they will all get independence?" Prorokovic asked.
Dusan Petrovic, the head of the Democratic Party (DS) parliamentary grouping, said that the official policy on Kosovo of all essential states was very clear and that none had said that they were for independence, neither the United States, nor the United Nations, nor any European state.
"Serbia's policy is also clearly defined. We are entering a period where the issue of Kosovo's status will definitely be raised, and it is necessary to find a solution that will be able to preserve stability in the region," Petrovic told the press.
He said that it was very negative and totally unacceptable for Serbia if Kosovo receives its own army.
"Every item of that issue will be raised and tabled in the coming months. Serbia will of course be a negotiating side," he said, and added that the negotiations would be held within the UN framework.
Petrovic added that "we must all together, as a nation and a state, have a definite firmness and clarity in our position that it is possible to find a solution that will not wreck our state and national interests."
Aleksandar Vucic, the Serbian Radical Party (SRS) secretary general, said that he had heard no official position on Kosovo, that so far there had been unofficial positions, including Lyon's, and that there would be more of them in the future.
Vucic told reporters that the "job of dismembering Serbia cannot be completed without the signature of official Serbia, which is why they are looking for allies in Serbia", and added that, otherwise, the biggest precedent in the history of the United Nations would be set. He said that no serious politician or party in Serbia would ever accept Kosovo's secession from Serbia and that statements like that [Lyon's] were "lobbying designed to persuade some politicians to renounce their territory."
Miroljub Albijanic, head of the G17 Plus parliamentary grouping, said that Belgrade could not sit "with folded arms, not do anything, wait and comment on the reports of others."
Albijanic recalled that a few months ago the G17 Plus had launched an initiative for an international conference on Kosovo to be held and [said] that Belgrade should show determination in the resolution of important state issues.
Zoran Andjelkovic, a Socialist Party [of Serbia, SPS] official, said that people like Lyon should cease being concerned with state issues and leave the resolution of those issues to state parliaments, international institutions and the international community.
Lyon said during the weekend that it was not a question of whether Kosovo would be independent or not, but only of when that would happen. He added that that was the position of both the United States and the EU, one that was not accepted only by Serbia.
Source: Beta news agency, Belgrade, in Serbian 1346 gmt 25 Apr 05
SRSG: We are looking into arranging an intl meeting for Kosovo
Asked about a possible meeting between President Rugova and his Serbian counterpart Boris Tadic, SRSG Søren Jessen-Petersen was quoted as saying, ‘We are looking into arranging an international meeting for Kosovo where both Presidents could attend and this would be an opportunity for them to meet.’
The UNMIK chief said that the location and date of the meeting are not known yet.
On the same issue, Express reports that President Rugova is under tremendous pressure to meet the Serbian President.
The UNMIK chief said that the location and date of the meeting are not known yet.
On the same issue, Express reports that President Rugova is under tremendous pressure to meet the Serbian President.
Hungary calls for more substantial EU role in Kosovo talks
Hungary has offered Budapest as a venue for international talks on the future status of Kosovo. This has been announced by Hungarian Foreign Minister Ferenc Somogyi at the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg.
He stressed that the EU's role was essential for Kosovo's operation in any form, therefore the EU should make its participation more substantial.
The province, which is currently under UN administration, demands full independence, while the Belgrade leadership considers Kosovo to be part of Serbia, and it says that it can get independence only within Serbia.
He stressed that the EU's role was essential for Kosovo's operation in any form, therefore the EU should make its participation more substantial.
The province, which is currently under UN administration, demands full independence, while the Belgrade leadership considers Kosovo to be part of Serbia, and it says that it can get independence only within Serbia.
Daily Alert - War Crimes Arrests Still Key To EU Bids
The former Yugolslav Army Chief of Staff Nebojsa Pavkovic is the twelfth indicted war crimes suspect to surrender to the Serb authorities this year. Pavkovic, who has been charged by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia with war crimes in Kosovo, now faces extradition to the Hague. The Serbian government is anxious to step-up its co-operation with the UN as part of efforts to strengthen ties with the EU, with a view to eventual membership. However, despite the flurry of extraditions this year, Belgrade still has much further to go. Serbia is among the last Balkan states to take the first steps of the lengthy accession process. Although the European Commission has recommended that Serbia start negotiations with the bloc on signing a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, EU ministers are unlikely to endorse this until Serbia makes further progress in tracking down war crimes suspects still at large.
There are nine remaining Serb and Bosnian Serb suspects to be arrested. These include Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic, who are wanted in connection with the Srebrenica Massacre of 1995.
The EU demonstrated the importance it attaches to the issue of extradition in its decision to suspend the start of Croatia's accession talks. This followed allegations from the UN tribunal that the Balkan state was not doing enough to track down indicted war criminal General Ante Gotovina. The government hopes to persuade the EU in its review of Croatia's progress tomorrow that it is doing all it can to track down the general. However, without securing the arrest of Gotovina, the government may struggle to convince both the EU and the court of its full compliance.
There are nine remaining Serb and Bosnian Serb suspects to be arrested. These include Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic, who are wanted in connection with the Srebrenica Massacre of 1995.
The EU demonstrated the importance it attaches to the issue of extradition in its decision to suspend the start of Croatia's accession talks. This followed allegations from the UN tribunal that the Balkan state was not doing enough to track down indicted war criminal General Ante Gotovina. The government hopes to persuade the EU in its review of Croatia's progress tomorrow that it is doing all it can to track down the general. However, without securing the arrest of Gotovina, the government may struggle to convince both the EU and the court of its full compliance.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Picture of the Day - Serbian Generals Pavkovic and Lazarevic Both Charged and Incarcerated in the Hague for Crimes Committed in Kosovo
Former army chief-of-staff General Nebojsa Pavkovic, right, is seen with General Vladimir Lazarevic, left, in this March 14 2001 file photo. Pavkovic, one of the most trusted allies of former President Slobodan Milosevic,was to surrender to the U.N. war crimes tribunal Monday, April 25, 2005. Pavkovic, who has been charged in connection with atrocities committed in Kosovo, left for the Netherlands in a government plane accompanied by a Serbian government minister, said an official who spoke on condition of anonymity. General Lazarevic surrendered in February and was released by the U.N. tribunal and allowed to return home until the start of his trial. (AP Photo/Srdjan Ilic)
Kosovo pins economic hopes on bomb-hit mine
GLOGOVAC, Serbia and Montenegro, April 26 (Reuters) - Kosovo's Glogovac ferro-nickel plant looks like a bomb hit it.
Twenty-eight bombs, in fact, dropped by NATO during its 1999 air war to expel Serb forces accused of ethnically cleansing the province's Albanian majority.
Severed pipes hang from the punctured roof, glass litters the floor and drums that once collected waste from the smelter now lie up-turned amid the debris like giant church bells.
"Try to make it look good," the mine's ethnic Albanian technical director says to a visiting camera crew.
Kosovo's United Nations authorities say the damage is purely superficial and have put "Ferronikeli" up for sale, seven years after Serbia closed it down and began using it as a military base in its war on Kosovo's separatist rebels.
Appearances aside, U.N. officials say Ferronikeli and mines like it represent the future for the impoverished province.
The plant is one of the largest nickel smelting and mining operations in Europe, with 13 million tonnes of nickel ore in three open-pit mines valued at around 2 billion euros.
Lured by a potential 100 million euros in annual revenue, four international mining companies including South Korea's Samsung Corp are expected to submit bids for it on April 27.
It is the most significant privatisation undertaken by the United Nations since it took control of the Balkan province in 1999. The buyer is obliged to take on 1,000 workers and invest at least 20 million euros over the first 3 years.
FUTURE IN LIGNITE
Kosovo's U.N. overseers hope the sell-off will breathe life into the dormant mining industry, laid low by chronic mismanagement and under-investment in the 1990s.
Kosovo is rich in nickel - used to produce steel - and lignite - a form of coal used to produce power - but its mines badly need investment. The West plans to decide the province's "final status" later this year, and Kosovo is keen to prove it can become a viable independent state.
"For the long-term sustainable future of Kosovo, the major industry will be mining," says Kirk Adams, the British acting director of privatisation at the Kosovo Trust Agency, KTA.
"It will be a major employer and major source of revenue with a huge and dynamic impact on the economy."
After six years of U.N. micro-management, the province of 2 million people is economically stagnant and unemployment hovers between 50 and 60 percent.
The population, 50 percent of which is below the age of 25, is impatient for change and the streets of Glogovac, 20 km (12 miles) from the capital Pristina, are filled with young men peddling smuggled cigarettes.
The picture is the same in Mitrovica in the north, where the once-thriving Trepca mining complex lies in ruins.
The U.N. hopes a resurgent mining industry can go some way to quelling the impatience that has fuelled bouts of violence against minority Serbs, who want to remain part of Serbia.
LEGAL LIMBO
A recent report by the World Bank and Kosovo's Directorate of Mines and Minerals, DMM, valued Kosovo's total mine resources at 13.5 billion euros, including 6.5 billion at the Sibovc lignite mine just outside Pristina.
"Kosovo has 40 percent of Europe's lignite, and it's good quality," said Adams. "The lignite reserves mean this should be a power-exporting area for the rest of the region."
The DMM estimates the mining sector needs 1.8 billion euros of investment to become fully operational, providing 35,000 direct jobs and at least the same again indirectly.
As a U.N. protectorate, Kosovo's suspended status means its privatisation process has been dogged by ownership disputes and liability concerns.
The U.N.-appointed KTA has managed to sell only around 30 of the 500 socially-owned companies - a unique corporate model of the old socialist Yugoslavia - on its books since May 2003.
But the agency insists most of the problems have been ironed out and there are plans to privatise more of Kosovo's mines.
"Mining is important to Kosovo both historically and in the future," says Adams. "We intend to privatise more mines and they will have a significant impact on jobs and investment in Kosovo.
"Ferronikeli is a very important start."
Twenty-eight bombs, in fact, dropped by NATO during its 1999 air war to expel Serb forces accused of ethnically cleansing the province's Albanian majority.
Severed pipes hang from the punctured roof, glass litters the floor and drums that once collected waste from the smelter now lie up-turned amid the debris like giant church bells.
"Try to make it look good," the mine's ethnic Albanian technical director says to a visiting camera crew.
Kosovo's United Nations authorities say the damage is purely superficial and have put "Ferronikeli" up for sale, seven years after Serbia closed it down and began using it as a military base in its war on Kosovo's separatist rebels.
Appearances aside, U.N. officials say Ferronikeli and mines like it represent the future for the impoverished province.
The plant is one of the largest nickel smelting and mining operations in Europe, with 13 million tonnes of nickel ore in three open-pit mines valued at around 2 billion euros.
Lured by a potential 100 million euros in annual revenue, four international mining companies including South Korea's Samsung Corp are expected to submit bids for it on April 27.
It is the most significant privatisation undertaken by the United Nations since it took control of the Balkan province in 1999. The buyer is obliged to take on 1,000 workers and invest at least 20 million euros over the first 3 years.
FUTURE IN LIGNITE
Kosovo's U.N. overseers hope the sell-off will breathe life into the dormant mining industry, laid low by chronic mismanagement and under-investment in the 1990s.
Kosovo is rich in nickel - used to produce steel - and lignite - a form of coal used to produce power - but its mines badly need investment. The West plans to decide the province's "final status" later this year, and Kosovo is keen to prove it can become a viable independent state.
"For the long-term sustainable future of Kosovo, the major industry will be mining," says Kirk Adams, the British acting director of privatisation at the Kosovo Trust Agency, KTA.
"It will be a major employer and major source of revenue with a huge and dynamic impact on the economy."
After six years of U.N. micro-management, the province of 2 million people is economically stagnant and unemployment hovers between 50 and 60 percent.
The population, 50 percent of which is below the age of 25, is impatient for change and the streets of Glogovac, 20 km (12 miles) from the capital Pristina, are filled with young men peddling smuggled cigarettes.
The picture is the same in Mitrovica in the north, where the once-thriving Trepca mining complex lies in ruins.
The U.N. hopes a resurgent mining industry can go some way to quelling the impatience that has fuelled bouts of violence against minority Serbs, who want to remain part of Serbia.
LEGAL LIMBO
A recent report by the World Bank and Kosovo's Directorate of Mines and Minerals, DMM, valued Kosovo's total mine resources at 13.5 billion euros, including 6.5 billion at the Sibovc lignite mine just outside Pristina.
"Kosovo has 40 percent of Europe's lignite, and it's good quality," said Adams. "The lignite reserves mean this should be a power-exporting area for the rest of the region."
The DMM estimates the mining sector needs 1.8 billion euros of investment to become fully operational, providing 35,000 direct jobs and at least the same again indirectly.
As a U.N. protectorate, Kosovo's suspended status means its privatisation process has been dogged by ownership disputes and liability concerns.
The U.N.-appointed KTA has managed to sell only around 30 of the 500 socially-owned companies - a unique corporate model of the old socialist Yugoslavia - on its books since May 2003.
But the agency insists most of the problems have been ironed out and there are plans to privatise more of Kosovo's mines.
"Mining is important to Kosovo both historically and in the future," says Adams. "We intend to privatise more mines and they will have a significant impact on jobs and investment in Kosovo.
"Ferronikeli is a very important start."
Former Serb general transferred to UN tribunal detention unit
Former Yugoslav army chief Nebojsa Pavkovic was transferred on Monday to the detention unit of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia ( CITY), the UN tribunal announced on Monday.
In a press release emailed to Xinhua by the CITY, Pavkovic, Commander of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (VJ) 3rd Army in 1990s, was accused of war crimes during the 1998-1999 conflict in the southern Serbian province of Kosovo.
An indictment issued by the tribunal said Pavkovic, 59, was facing four counts of crimes against humanity and one count of violations of the laws or customs of war.
Pavkovic is the 15th Serb indictee to surrender to the tribunal since November.
Nine other publicly indicted Serbs remain at large, including the two most wanted fugitives -- Bosnian Serb war time political leader Radovan Karadzic and military chief Ratko Mladic -- who are accused of genocide.
In a press release emailed to Xinhua by the CITY, Pavkovic, Commander of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (VJ) 3rd Army in 1990s, was accused of war crimes during the 1998-1999 conflict in the southern Serbian province of Kosovo.
An indictment issued by the tribunal said Pavkovic, 59, was facing four counts of crimes against humanity and one count of violations of the laws or customs of war.
Pavkovic is the 15th Serb indictee to surrender to the tribunal since November.
Nine other publicly indicted Serbs remain at large, including the two most wanted fugitives -- Bosnian Serb war time political leader Radovan Karadzic and military chief Ratko Mladic -- who are accused of genocide.
Who will control the police? (Lajm)
Lajm newspaper reports on page two that the Kosovo Ministry of Interior Affairs will be formed in September; however, it will not have full supervisory authority over the Kosovo Police Service.
The paper says that because the competences have been separated, responsibility for the police will fall along three lines: by the SRSG through the head of UNMIK Pillar I, the UNMIK Police Commissioner and the Ministry of Interior Affairs.
According to Lajm, AAK deputy leader Naim Maloku is mentioned as a candidate for the new ministry. Maloku however said: ‘I have no indications of being appointed Interior Minister. This is speculation’.
The paper added that even after the creation of the Interior Ministry, the Kosovo Police Service will remain under the authority and responsibility of the SRSG and UNMIK Pillar I and less under the Interior Ministry.
‘I think that after the resolution of status, the Ministry should be monitored by UNMIK or the SRSG, because we will have many problems with the rule of law. The Ministry of Order should bring together the government, the opposition and the minorities, in order to avoid a ministry affiliated to political parties,’ Maloku was quoted as saying.
The paper says that because the competences have been separated, responsibility for the police will fall along three lines: by the SRSG through the head of UNMIK Pillar I, the UNMIK Police Commissioner and the Ministry of Interior Affairs.
According to Lajm, AAK deputy leader Naim Maloku is mentioned as a candidate for the new ministry. Maloku however said: ‘I have no indications of being appointed Interior Minister. This is speculation’.
The paper added that even after the creation of the Interior Ministry, the Kosovo Police Service will remain under the authority and responsibility of the SRSG and UNMIK Pillar I and less under the Interior Ministry.
‘I think that after the resolution of status, the Ministry should be monitored by UNMIK or the SRSG, because we will have many problems with the rule of law. The Ministry of Order should bring together the government, the opposition and the minorities, in order to avoid a ministry affiliated to political parties,’ Maloku was quoted as saying.
Kosovo: Poisoned camps for the Gypsies - IHT
Paul Polansky International Herald Tribune
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2005
In its rush to proclaim its assignment a success, the United Nations Mission in Kosovo is ignoring - or covering up - a medical tragedy there for which it is directly responsible.
At three camps built by the UN High Commission for Refugees, some 60 Gypsy children under the age of 6 have been exposed to such high levels of lead that they are highly likely either to die soon or to suffer irreversible brain damage.
This number represents every child born in the camps since they were built five and a half years ago - children whose undeveloped immune systems make them particularly vulnerable.
Rokho Kim, an expert on lead poisoning and a medical doctor for the World Health Organization's European Center for the Environment and Health in Bonn, who visited the camps in February, said he had never heard of such high lead levels in children's blood.
He said that toxicity levels around the camps were three to four times higher than those at Tar Creek, Oklahoma, America's most dangerous hazardous waste site.
The camps, in Zitkovac, Cesmin Lug and Kablare in northern Kosovo, were built starting in November 1999 to house some 500 displaced persons from Kosovo's largest Gypsy neighborhood, destroyed in June of that year by extremist ethnic Albanians after NATO troops took over the city of South Mitrovica.
Today, many children in these squalid camps show obvious symptoms of lead poisoning: loss of memory, loss of coordination, vomiting and convulsions.
Over the past five years, 27 people have died in the camps, many of them very likely from the effects of heavy-metal poisoning, though autopsies are never performed. Two of the dead have been children, and more are expected to die in the next few months.
It didn't have to be this way.
In November 1999, as a representative of the Society for Threatened Peoples, I warned the head of mission of the High Commission for Refugees in Pristina that the location for the camps appeared to be on toxic waste lands, in the shadow of slag heaps from the extensive Trepca mines.
But the commission went ahead with construction, claiming they would be used for only 45 days.
Random blood testing carried out in August and September 2000 by Dr. Andrei Andreyev, a Russian consultant to the United Nations, confirmed dangerous levels of lead poisoning.
He submitted a report to the World Health Organization and to the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, which is known as Unmik, recommending immediate evacuation of the camps.
His report, which is now unavailable to the public, was never acted upon, with one exception: Several international Unmik police officers were tested, since they jogged daily on a path by the slag heaps near the Cesmin Lug camp. Their lead levels were so high, Unmik immediately repatriated them.
But until WHO conducted more blood tests at the camps last July, there was no reaction at all by Unmik health officials to the dangerously high lead levels for the Gypsies.
Capillary tests on 75 people from the camps, mostly children and pregnant women, showed that 44 had blood levels higher than 65 micrograms per decileter, the highest level that the equipment available could measure.
Levels over 10 micrograms are considered the point at which there is a risk of brain or nervous system damage; fewer than 10 people tested under 40 micrograms, the level requiring medical intervention; 70 is considered an immediate medical emergency.
Subsequent tests have corroborated the implications of this data. I took nine children to the hospital to be tested. Seven had lead levels higher than the machine could read. Two were immediately hospitalized without a test, and medical personnel said they didn't think one of the two could be saved.
WHO's 2004 report recommended immediate action, but Unmik's response was to begin holding weekly meetings on the issue. At a meeting last Nov. 16, it was even "accepted that the present lead emergency situation needs immediate action primarily in the form of relocating the IDPs from the camps. ..."
But despite calls by humanitarian groups and health experts and a written demand by the International Committee of the Red Cross for the camps to be immediately evacuated, the only action taken by Unmik has been to hold more meetings, still without a decision.
Last July, Jenita Mehmeti, a 4-year-old girl, died in the Zitkovac camp after being treated for two months in a Serbian hospital for lead poisoning.
She won't be the last. With independence for Kosovo clearly on the UN agenda for this year or next, it appears that Unmik wants only to get out without having to make a decision, or take responsibility for its appalling negligence.
(Paul Polansky is head of mission in Kosovo for the Society for Threatened Peoples and for the Kosovo Roma Refugee Foundation.)
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2005
In its rush to proclaim its assignment a success, the United Nations Mission in Kosovo is ignoring - or covering up - a medical tragedy there for which it is directly responsible.
At three camps built by the UN High Commission for Refugees, some 60 Gypsy children under the age of 6 have been exposed to such high levels of lead that they are highly likely either to die soon or to suffer irreversible brain damage.
This number represents every child born in the camps since they were built five and a half years ago - children whose undeveloped immune systems make them particularly vulnerable.
Rokho Kim, an expert on lead poisoning and a medical doctor for the World Health Organization's European Center for the Environment and Health in Bonn, who visited the camps in February, said he had never heard of such high lead levels in children's blood.
He said that toxicity levels around the camps were three to four times higher than those at Tar Creek, Oklahoma, America's most dangerous hazardous waste site.
The camps, in Zitkovac, Cesmin Lug and Kablare in northern Kosovo, were built starting in November 1999 to house some 500 displaced persons from Kosovo's largest Gypsy neighborhood, destroyed in June of that year by extremist ethnic Albanians after NATO troops took over the city of South Mitrovica.
Today, many children in these squalid camps show obvious symptoms of lead poisoning: loss of memory, loss of coordination, vomiting and convulsions.
Over the past five years, 27 people have died in the camps, many of them very likely from the effects of heavy-metal poisoning, though autopsies are never performed. Two of the dead have been children, and more are expected to die in the next few months.
It didn't have to be this way.
In November 1999, as a representative of the Society for Threatened Peoples, I warned the head of mission of the High Commission for Refugees in Pristina that the location for the camps appeared to be on toxic waste lands, in the shadow of slag heaps from the extensive Trepca mines.
But the commission went ahead with construction, claiming they would be used for only 45 days.
Random blood testing carried out in August and September 2000 by Dr. Andrei Andreyev, a Russian consultant to the United Nations, confirmed dangerous levels of lead poisoning.
He submitted a report to the World Health Organization and to the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, which is known as Unmik, recommending immediate evacuation of the camps.
His report, which is now unavailable to the public, was never acted upon, with one exception: Several international Unmik police officers were tested, since they jogged daily on a path by the slag heaps near the Cesmin Lug camp. Their lead levels were so high, Unmik immediately repatriated them.
But until WHO conducted more blood tests at the camps last July, there was no reaction at all by Unmik health officials to the dangerously high lead levels for the Gypsies.
Capillary tests on 75 people from the camps, mostly children and pregnant women, showed that 44 had blood levels higher than 65 micrograms per decileter, the highest level that the equipment available could measure.
Levels over 10 micrograms are considered the point at which there is a risk of brain or nervous system damage; fewer than 10 people tested under 40 micrograms, the level requiring medical intervention; 70 is considered an immediate medical emergency.
Subsequent tests have corroborated the implications of this data. I took nine children to the hospital to be tested. Seven had lead levels higher than the machine could read. Two were immediately hospitalized without a test, and medical personnel said they didn't think one of the two could be saved.
WHO's 2004 report recommended immediate action, but Unmik's response was to begin holding weekly meetings on the issue. At a meeting last Nov. 16, it was even "accepted that the present lead emergency situation needs immediate action primarily in the form of relocating the IDPs from the camps. ..."
But despite calls by humanitarian groups and health experts and a written demand by the International Committee of the Red Cross for the camps to be immediately evacuated, the only action taken by Unmik has been to hold more meetings, still without a decision.
Last July, Jenita Mehmeti, a 4-year-old girl, died in the Zitkovac camp after being treated for two months in a Serbian hospital for lead poisoning.
She won't be the last. With independence for Kosovo clearly on the UN agenda for this year or next, it appears that Unmik wants only to get out without having to make a decision, or take responsibility for its appalling negligence.
(Paul Polansky is head of mission in Kosovo for the Society for Threatened Peoples and for the Kosovo Roma Refugee Foundation.)
Serbia Acts on War Crimes to Strengthen Ties to West - The New York Times
BANJA LUKA, Bosnia and Herzegovina, April 22 - On Oct. 22, 1999, the morning of his 45th birthday, Zelko Kopanja got into his car in this Bosnian Serb city and turned on the ignition, detonating a bomb.
Mr. Kopanja, editor of the newspaper Nezavisne Novine, contends that the bomb, which cost him both his legs, was planted by Serbia's security services to stop him from publishing articles detailing atrocities committed by Serbs against Muslims during Bosnia's civil war, from 1992 to 1995. A subsequent F.B.I. investigation supported his suspicions.
Six years after the bombing, though, he says he is witnessing a remarkable turn of events, with governments across the region seeking closer ties with the West by taking action against those his articles said were responsible for war crimes.
In the last three months the Serbian government and the authorities in Bosnia's Serb Republic have transferred 11 Serbs accused of involvement in atrocities during the wars of the 1990's to the World Court in The Hague. Another suspect, Gen. Nebojsa Pavkovic, the commander of the Yugoslav Army during the 1999 conflict in Kosovo, is expected to be transferred to the court on Monday.
"Those who labeled me as a traitor and a spy today believe in my concept of life," said Mr. Kopanja, who now walks with prosthetic legs and crutches. "They have become the biggest supporters of Nezavisne Novine." While he said he was not necessarily comfortable with the newfound support, he also said it indicated substantial change in the region.
While many Serbs still regard the war crimes suspects as heroes, the readiness of their governments to surrender them to the court represents weakening nationalism across the region, diplomats and political analysts say. Diplomats say the change results from international pressure, including United States penalties and threats from Bosnia's international administrator to dismiss politicians who did not comply.
But politicians here also say they have little choice but to seek membership in the European Union and NATO to help flagging economies.
The benefits of membership to Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia have become more evident as their former Communist bloc neighbors Bulgaria and Romania have moved within two years of possible membership and have grown substantially.
"We need a proper vision for the future, and right now we can find that in the European vision," said Serbia's agriculture minister, Ivana Dulic-Markova, a member of the G17 Plus change-oriented party.
Serbia has become the last of the former Yugoslav states embroiled in the wars of the 1990's to drop its opposition to the World Court. Croatia transferred eight suspects to the court in 2004. Bosnia's Serb Republic began to comply late last year, and Serbia stepped up its hitherto lackluster cooperation in February.
Serbia has begun to arrest war crimes suspects, albeit declaring they have surrendered "voluntarily," the deputy prime minister, Miroljub Labus, said. Previously, they left it up to those sought on war crimes charges to decide whether to surrender. "We decided to make it or break it," Mr. Labus said recently. He said that G17 Plus, which is also his party, had threatened to quit Serbia's minority government unless it changed its policy and tried to forge closer ties with the European Union.
Serbia's bid for European Union membership had been blocked over its lack of cooperation with the court.
On April 12, the European Commission, the European Union's executive branch, rewarded Serbia for its policy shift with a recommendation for talks on a Stabilization and Association Agreement, a first step toward membership. European foreign ministers are expected to approve that decision on Monday if General Pavkovic surrenders.
Full membership is unlikely, however, until Serbia turns over the tribunal's two most-wanted suspects, Ratko Mladic, the former commander of the Bosnian Serb Army, and Radovan Karadzic, the former leader of the Bosnian Serb government.
Conservatives, including Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, have long contended that it would be hard for Serbia to cooperate with the tribunal because of the strength of the highly nationalistic Serbian Radical Party, which has the largest number of seats in Parliament of any party. Nationalist parties emerged as the strongest in elections in neighboring Bosnia and Croatia in 2003.
But people seem to be realizing that nationalism will not bring them prosperity, analysts say. "The environment is different to what it used to be," Mr. Kopanja said.
"Karadzic and Mladic are less and less the heroes, and more and more of a burden to people psychologically and economically," he said.
Bogdan Ivanisevic, the director of Human Rights Watch in Serbia Montenegro and Bosnia, said, "The public has become more and more aware of the E.U. component in cooperation with The Hague."
Nationalism remains a vocal element of Serbian political life. Ms. Dulic-Markova was condemned after she said Serbia had squandered time in the 1990's in wars with its neighbors instead of undertaking major economic changes.
The government still calls the arrests of war crimes suspects "surrenders," which human rights groups say shows it is still ideologically opposed to the court's mission.
"Absolutely nothing in how the government is cooperating with The Hague tribunal would affect the way a person in the street thinks about war crimes," Mr. Ivanisevic said. Serbia's decision to cooperate with the tribunal, like Croatia's and Bosnia's Serb Republic before it, was a pragmatic one, he said, and while public opinion might be shifting, politicians were not yet ready to examine their country's past.
Mr. Kopanja, editor of the newspaper Nezavisne Novine, contends that the bomb, which cost him both his legs, was planted by Serbia's security services to stop him from publishing articles detailing atrocities committed by Serbs against Muslims during Bosnia's civil war, from 1992 to 1995. A subsequent F.B.I. investigation supported his suspicions.
Six years after the bombing, though, he says he is witnessing a remarkable turn of events, with governments across the region seeking closer ties with the West by taking action against those his articles said were responsible for war crimes.
In the last three months the Serbian government and the authorities in Bosnia's Serb Republic have transferred 11 Serbs accused of involvement in atrocities during the wars of the 1990's to the World Court in The Hague. Another suspect, Gen. Nebojsa Pavkovic, the commander of the Yugoslav Army during the 1999 conflict in Kosovo, is expected to be transferred to the court on Monday.
"Those who labeled me as a traitor and a spy today believe in my concept of life," said Mr. Kopanja, who now walks with prosthetic legs and crutches. "They have become the biggest supporters of Nezavisne Novine." While he said he was not necessarily comfortable with the newfound support, he also said it indicated substantial change in the region.
While many Serbs still regard the war crimes suspects as heroes, the readiness of their governments to surrender them to the court represents weakening nationalism across the region, diplomats and political analysts say. Diplomats say the change results from international pressure, including United States penalties and threats from Bosnia's international administrator to dismiss politicians who did not comply.
But politicians here also say they have little choice but to seek membership in the European Union and NATO to help flagging economies.
The benefits of membership to Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia have become more evident as their former Communist bloc neighbors Bulgaria and Romania have moved within two years of possible membership and have grown substantially.
"We need a proper vision for the future, and right now we can find that in the European vision," said Serbia's agriculture minister, Ivana Dulic-Markova, a member of the G17 Plus change-oriented party.
Serbia has become the last of the former Yugoslav states embroiled in the wars of the 1990's to drop its opposition to the World Court. Croatia transferred eight suspects to the court in 2004. Bosnia's Serb Republic began to comply late last year, and Serbia stepped up its hitherto lackluster cooperation in February.
Serbia has begun to arrest war crimes suspects, albeit declaring they have surrendered "voluntarily," the deputy prime minister, Miroljub Labus, said. Previously, they left it up to those sought on war crimes charges to decide whether to surrender. "We decided to make it or break it," Mr. Labus said recently. He said that G17 Plus, which is also his party, had threatened to quit Serbia's minority government unless it changed its policy and tried to forge closer ties with the European Union.
Serbia's bid for European Union membership had been blocked over its lack of cooperation with the court.
On April 12, the European Commission, the European Union's executive branch, rewarded Serbia for its policy shift with a recommendation for talks on a Stabilization and Association Agreement, a first step toward membership. European foreign ministers are expected to approve that decision on Monday if General Pavkovic surrenders.
Full membership is unlikely, however, until Serbia turns over the tribunal's two most-wanted suspects, Ratko Mladic, the former commander of the Bosnian Serb Army, and Radovan Karadzic, the former leader of the Bosnian Serb government.
Conservatives, including Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, have long contended that it would be hard for Serbia to cooperate with the tribunal because of the strength of the highly nationalistic Serbian Radical Party, which has the largest number of seats in Parliament of any party. Nationalist parties emerged as the strongest in elections in neighboring Bosnia and Croatia in 2003.
But people seem to be realizing that nationalism will not bring them prosperity, analysts say. "The environment is different to what it used to be," Mr. Kopanja said.
"Karadzic and Mladic are less and less the heroes, and more and more of a burden to people psychologically and economically," he said.
Bogdan Ivanisevic, the director of Human Rights Watch in Serbia Montenegro and Bosnia, said, "The public has become more and more aware of the E.U. component in cooperation with The Hague."
Nationalism remains a vocal element of Serbian political life. Ms. Dulic-Markova was condemned after she said Serbia had squandered time in the 1990's in wars with its neighbors instead of undertaking major economic changes.
The government still calls the arrests of war crimes suspects "surrenders," which human rights groups say shows it is still ideologically opposed to the court's mission.
"Absolutely nothing in how the government is cooperating with The Hague tribunal would affect the way a person in the street thinks about war crimes," Mr. Ivanisevic said. Serbia's decision to cooperate with the tribunal, like Croatia's and Bosnia's Serb Republic before it, was a pragmatic one, he said, and while public opinion might be shifting, politicians were not yet ready to examine their country's past.
Ramush Haradinaj close to being released? (Express)
Express reports on the front page that former Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj is expected to get a positive reply from the ICTY for freedom on bail. The paper also quotes Kosovo institutions as saying that they have received promises for his release. ‘UNMIK is willing to provide guarantees and it can do so this week,’ the paper added.
Rugova and Kosumi don’t change stance on Tadic’s invitation (Koha)
Koha Ditore reports on the front page that President Ibrahim Rugova and Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi will not accept a meeting with Serbian President Tadic as a condition for Kosovo Serbs to join Kosovo institutions.
Citing reliable sources, the paper claims that Kosovo Serbs will condition their participation in institutions with a meeting between Rugova, Kosumi and Tadic.
‘I don’t change my stance. My position is that in case of an international meeting on Kosovo, the Serbian side and other neighboring countries can attend this meeting, but they will not have the right of veto,’ Rugova was quoted as saying.
‘Kosovo Serbs don’t need and have no reason to condition their participation in Kosovo institutions. They are citizens of Kosovo and they must be part of these institutions,’ Rugova added.
Koha Ditore quotes unnamed sources as saying that even the government has refused a meeting with Tadic. ‘The Prime Minister has said that he won’t meet Tadic,’ said the sources.
Citing reliable sources, the paper claims that Kosovo Serbs will condition their participation in institutions with a meeting between Rugova, Kosumi and Tadic.
‘I don’t change my stance. My position is that in case of an international meeting on Kosovo, the Serbian side and other neighboring countries can attend this meeting, but they will not have the right of veto,’ Rugova was quoted as saying.
‘Kosovo Serbs don’t need and have no reason to condition their participation in Kosovo institutions. They are citizens of Kosovo and they must be part of these institutions,’ Rugova added.
Koha Ditore quotes unnamed sources as saying that even the government has refused a meeting with Tadic. ‘The Prime Minister has said that he won’t meet Tadic,’ said the sources.
Former Yugoslav army chief to surrender to U.N. court
One of the most trusted allies of former President Slobodan Milosevic, the ex-Yugoslav army chief Gen. Nebojsa Pavkovic, was to surrender to the U.N. war crimes tribunal Monday.
Pavkovic, who has been charged in connection with atrocities committed in Kosovo, left for the Netherlands in a government plane accompanied by a Serbian government minister, said an official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Before surrendering to the U.N. court in The Hague, Pavkovic will make a stopover in Rotterdam for a medical checkup, the official said. Pavkovic is reportedly seriously ill and needs medical attention while in custody.
The general's surrender to the Netherlands-based court comes as Serbia awaits European Union approval for its bid to eventually start membership talks with the bloc. The EU has said that a positive response will depend on Pavkovic's extradition.
Pavkovic, who commanded the military in Kosovo during the 1998-99 war there, was charged in 2003 for war crimes committed during the conflict between the Serb security forces and ethnic Albanian separatists.
Thousands of ethnic Albanians were killed during the war. The brutality of the Serb onslaught prompted NATO to intervene in 1999 to force Milosevic to pull his troops out of Kosovo.
Pavkovic's indictment alleges that troops under his command "murdered hundreds of Kosovo Albanian civilians ... that resulted in the forced deportation of approximately 800,000 Kosovo Albanian civilians from October 1998 until June 1999."
Three more Serb army and police generals have been indicted along with Pavkovic. Two are awaiting trial while one remains at large.
Kosovo has been an international protectorate since 1999, run by the United Nations and NATO-led peacekeepers although it officially remains a province of Serbia.
After the Kosovo war ended in June 1999, Pavkovic and his associates declared victory over the Western military alliance despite their pullout from the province. Milosevic, who is also being tried at The Hague tribunal for his role in the Balkan wars, including Kosovo, promoted him to army chief of staff weeks later.
Pavkovic's surrender was announced last Friday, after weeks of negotiations with the government of Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica.
Kostunica has been reluctant to arrest war crimes fugitives, fearing political backlash from nationalists, but has sought to persuade them to surrender voluntarily instead.
Since October, 13 Serb suspects have given themselves up to the tribunal, which is seeking the arrest of about a dozen more.
The top suspects still at large include former Bosnian Serb army commander Ratko Mladic and the wartime Bosnian Serb political leader, Radovan Karadzic. Mladic is believed to be hiding in Serbia, while Karadzic is likely somewhere in Bosnia.
Government officials in Belgrade have said all suspects will be in The Hague by early fall.
The European Union and the United States have said any political and financial support for Serbia is conditional on the extradition of all suspects to the U.N. war crimes tribunal.
Pavkovic, who has been charged in connection with atrocities committed in Kosovo, left for the Netherlands in a government plane accompanied by a Serbian government minister, said an official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Before surrendering to the U.N. court in The Hague, Pavkovic will make a stopover in Rotterdam for a medical checkup, the official said. Pavkovic is reportedly seriously ill and needs medical attention while in custody.
The general's surrender to the Netherlands-based court comes as Serbia awaits European Union approval for its bid to eventually start membership talks with the bloc. The EU has said that a positive response will depend on Pavkovic's extradition.
Pavkovic, who commanded the military in Kosovo during the 1998-99 war there, was charged in 2003 for war crimes committed during the conflict between the Serb security forces and ethnic Albanian separatists.
Thousands of ethnic Albanians were killed during the war. The brutality of the Serb onslaught prompted NATO to intervene in 1999 to force Milosevic to pull his troops out of Kosovo.
Pavkovic's indictment alleges that troops under his command "murdered hundreds of Kosovo Albanian civilians ... that resulted in the forced deportation of approximately 800,000 Kosovo Albanian civilians from October 1998 until June 1999."
Three more Serb army and police generals have been indicted along with Pavkovic. Two are awaiting trial while one remains at large.
Kosovo has been an international protectorate since 1999, run by the United Nations and NATO-led peacekeepers although it officially remains a province of Serbia.
After the Kosovo war ended in June 1999, Pavkovic and his associates declared victory over the Western military alliance despite their pullout from the province. Milosevic, who is also being tried at The Hague tribunal for his role in the Balkan wars, including Kosovo, promoted him to army chief of staff weeks later.
Pavkovic's surrender was announced last Friday, after weeks of negotiations with the government of Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica.
Kostunica has been reluctant to arrest war crimes fugitives, fearing political backlash from nationalists, but has sought to persuade them to surrender voluntarily instead.
Since October, 13 Serb suspects have given themselves up to the tribunal, which is seeking the arrest of about a dozen more.
The top suspects still at large include former Bosnian Serb army commander Ratko Mladic and the wartime Bosnian Serb political leader, Radovan Karadzic. Mladic is believed to be hiding in Serbia, while Karadzic is likely somewhere in Bosnia.
Government officials in Belgrade have said all suspects will be in The Hague by early fall.
The European Union and the United States have said any political and financial support for Serbia is conditional on the extradition of all suspects to the U.N. war crimes tribunal.
Kosovo prime minister, expert welcome changes in privatization regulation
Excerpt from report by Arbana Xharra entitled "Ruecker creates conditions to finish privatization in one year" published by the Kosovo Albanian newspaper Koha Ditore on 23 April
Prishtina [Pristina], 22 April: "I am committed to privatizing 90 per cent of the assets of socially owned enterprises within one year," UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] Pillar IV chief Joachim Ruecker repeated on Friday [22 April], because it was clear that the changes in the AKM [Kosovo Trust Agency, KTA] Regulation have overcome the barrier called the UN Legal Office.
With these changes, the AKM will have no dilemmas about the sale of socially owned enterprises. From now on, it will not have to determine their ownership before selling them.
On Friday, UNMIK chief Soeren Jessen-Petersen announced changes in the AKM Regulation through which there will be no dilemmas on the privatization process in Kosova [Kosovo]. [Passage omitted]
At the ceremony where these changes were announced, Kosova Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi said that with his participation he showed the Kosova government's strong conviction that these changes will enable advancement of the privatization process.
"The possibility of opening new workplaces, the creation of an adequate legal infrastructure, and the creation of a reliable cadre for capital investments are the government's second priority," the prime minister said, without specifying the first priority of the Kosova government. [Passage omitted]
Local experts said that such changes should have been made a long time ago in order for success in the privatization process to be greater.
Muhamet Mustafa, director of the Riinvest Institute for Developmental Research, said that they proposed this approach much earlier during the privatization of enterprises.
"We proposed consideration of enterprises' status from 1989 much earlier," Mustafa said. He added that this change was welcome, and it enables the privatization process to continue with greater dynamism and without hindrances. [Passage omitted]
Source: Koha Ditore, Pristina, in Albanian 23 Apr 05 pp 1, 5
Prishtina [Pristina], 22 April: "I am committed to privatizing 90 per cent of the assets of socially owned enterprises within one year," UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] Pillar IV chief Joachim Ruecker repeated on Friday [22 April], because it was clear that the changes in the AKM [Kosovo Trust Agency, KTA] Regulation have overcome the barrier called the UN Legal Office.
With these changes, the AKM will have no dilemmas about the sale of socially owned enterprises. From now on, it will not have to determine their ownership before selling them.
On Friday, UNMIK chief Soeren Jessen-Petersen announced changes in the AKM Regulation through which there will be no dilemmas on the privatization process in Kosova [Kosovo]. [Passage omitted]
At the ceremony where these changes were announced, Kosova Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi said that with his participation he showed the Kosova government's strong conviction that these changes will enable advancement of the privatization process.
"The possibility of opening new workplaces, the creation of an adequate legal infrastructure, and the creation of a reliable cadre for capital investments are the government's second priority," the prime minister said, without specifying the first priority of the Kosova government. [Passage omitted]
Local experts said that such changes should have been made a long time ago in order for success in the privatization process to be greater.
Muhamet Mustafa, director of the Riinvest Institute for Developmental Research, said that they proposed this approach much earlier during the privatization of enterprises.
"We proposed consideration of enterprises' status from 1989 much earlier," Mustafa said. He added that this change was welcome, and it enables the privatization process to continue with greater dynamism and without hindrances. [Passage omitted]
Source: Koha Ditore, Pristina, in Albanian 23 Apr 05 pp 1, 5
Albania's foreign minister on visit to Kosovo
Albanian Foreign Minister Kastriot Islami will meet with international and local officials in Kosovo on Monday, as the disputed U.N.-run province nears the start of negotiations on its future status.
Islami is to meet with the top U.N. official Soren Jessen-Petersen, the province's Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi and other officials during his two-day stay.
Kosovo has been administered by the United Nations since 1999, following NATO's war aimed at stopping a crackdown by Serb forces on independence-seeking ethnic Albanians.
Albania is likely to play an important role in the talks on Kosovo's future. Negotiations on whether Kosovo becomes independent or remains part of Serbia-Montenegro are expected to start later this year. First, the province must meet internationally set benchmarks on the protection of minorities, rule of law and democracy.
Islami is to meet with the top U.N. official Soren Jessen-Petersen, the province's Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi and other officials during his two-day stay.
Kosovo has been administered by the United Nations since 1999, following NATO's war aimed at stopping a crackdown by Serb forces on independence-seeking ethnic Albanians.
Albania is likely to play an important role in the talks on Kosovo's future. Negotiations on whether Kosovo becomes independent or remains part of Serbia-Montenegro are expected to start later this year. First, the province must meet internationally set benchmarks on the protection of minorities, rule of law and democracy.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Picture of the Day - Vojislav Kostunica: Serbia is Ready for Compromise on Kosovo
Picture of the Day - Vojislav Kostunica: Serbia is Ready on Compromise for Kosovo
Originally uploaded by kosovareport.
Serbian premier for compromise on Kosovo "without absolute winners or losers"
[Presenter] Serbia is ready for a compromise as far as is concerned, but our country's internationally recognized borders
cannot be changed, Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica has said
in Takovo at a celebration marking the 190th anniversary of the second
Serbian uprising [against Ottoman rule in 1815]. Serbia is faced by
the huge task of achieving its full freedom, and this is possible only
through adopting a new constitution for Serbia, Kostunica emphasized.
presumably: The people] in Serbia know what
their goals are and which road to follow. If all of us worked on
realizing those goals, the results would naturally follow, Kostunica
said.
[Kostunica, speaking with a microphone] Also, we should measure our
own strengths today, too, as well as assess realistic international
circumstances and we should find the true path to a compromise
solution for Kosovo-Metohija in which there will be no absolute
winners or absolute losers, because it cannot happen that one side
gets everything and the other loses everything. We want political dialogue, and we want to find a joint solution
through patient talks which would respect the interest of both peoples
[Serb, Albanian] and contribute to preserving stability both in our
country and in the whole region.
cannot be changed, Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica has said
in Takovo at a celebration marking the 190th anniversary of the second
Serbian uprising [against Ottoman rule in 1815]. Serbia is faced by
the huge task of achieving its full freedom, and this is possible only
through adopting a new constitution for Serbia, Kostunica emphasized.
presumably: The people] in Serbia know what
their goals are and which road to follow. If all of us worked on
realizing those goals, the results would naturally follow, Kostunica
said.
[Kostunica, speaking with a microphone] Also, we should measure our
own strengths today, too, as well as assess realistic international
circumstances and we should find the true path to a compromise
solution for Kosovo-Metohija in which there will be no absolute
winners or absolute losers, because it cannot happen that one side
gets everything and the other loses everything. We want political dialogue, and we want to find a joint solution
through patient talks which would respect the interest of both peoples
[Serb, Albanian] and contribute to preserving stability both in our
country and in the whole region.
[Reporter] The Serbian prime minister emphasized that we had passed
the biggest obstacle now that we had received a positive Feasibility
Study [on joining the EU] and moved on towards the European Union.
The best road to Europe is the union of Serbia and Montenegro,
Vojislav Kostunica said.
[Kostunica] They rightly say: the hardest thing is to make the first
steps, and this is now already behind us. There will still be much
hard work left, which we must do, but from now on we surely know where
we are going, what is our goal and what awaits us on that road.
I am convinced that this first institutional step which our country
made in the process of European integration would act in an
integrative manner, integrative also with regard to relations within
the [Serbia-Montenegro] state union.
[Reporter] Moderation, perseverance and political wisdom were the key
characteristics of Milos Obrenovic's [Serbian leader who won extensive
autonomy for Serbia from the Ottomans, and leader of the second
uprising] policy. It is important that Serbia should continue on that
road, the prime minister said at a celebration prompted by the 190th
anniversary of the beginning of the second Serbian uprising.
Kosovo: World Bank, UNMIK sign investment deal for mining, energy sectors
Prishtina [Pristina], 22 April: The World Bank [WB] will support Kosova [Kosovo] energy and mining sector with a grant of 2.5m US dollars.
The spokesperson for UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] Pillar IV, Mechtild Henneke, said that the agreement was signed yesterday in Prishtina between the DSRSG [Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General] Joachim Ruecker and the World Bank representative in Kosova, Kanthan Shankar.
Shankar said that the continued help in the energy sector reflects the World Bank's strategy based on the Kosova Economic Memorandum, which identifies the energy sector as one of the pillars of growth in Kosovo. [Passage omitted - background]
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 22 Apr 05
The spokesperson for UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] Pillar IV, Mechtild Henneke, said that the agreement was signed yesterday in Prishtina between the DSRSG [Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General] Joachim Ruecker and the World Bank representative in Kosova, Kanthan Shankar.
Shankar said that the continued help in the energy sector reflects the World Bank's strategy based on the Kosova Economic Memorandum, which identifies the energy sector as one of the pillars of growth in Kosovo. [Passage omitted - background]
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 22 Apr 05
Milosevic's popularity in Serbia on rise: Survey
Former President Slobodan Milosevic has been regaining popularity in Serbia despite his trial on war crimes charges at a UN court, a survey published on Friday showed.
The survey, conducted by Faktor Plus polling agency, also said that Milosevic -- who was ousted in a massive popular revolt nearly five years ago -- enjoys more popular backing than the current Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica.
"Milosevic is winning back his supporters, that is a growing trend," Vladimir Pejic, head of Faktor Plus, said. "We believe this is the result of general disillusionment and apathy."
According to the research, about 30 percent of Serbia's citizens trust Milosevic, who is trailing nationalist Tomislav Nikolic and the pro-Western president Boris Tadic, who both enjoy backing of about 38 per cent of the citizens.
The research put Milosevic ahead of Kostunica, the current conservative premier who is backed by some 28 per cent of the citizens. Kostunica beat Milosevic in a presidential race in 2000, which later led to the former president's removal from power. Faktor Plus interviewed 1,200 people this month. The margin of error was 2.5 per cent.
Following his ouster in October 2000, Milosevic was extradited to the tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands, a year later to face charges of genocide for atrocities committed by the Serb troops in the wars in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo.
The survey, conducted by Faktor Plus polling agency, also said that Milosevic -- who was ousted in a massive popular revolt nearly five years ago -- enjoys more popular backing than the current Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica.
"Milosevic is winning back his supporters, that is a growing trend," Vladimir Pejic, head of Faktor Plus, said. "We believe this is the result of general disillusionment and apathy."
According to the research, about 30 percent of Serbia's citizens trust Milosevic, who is trailing nationalist Tomislav Nikolic and the pro-Western president Boris Tadic, who both enjoy backing of about 38 per cent of the citizens.
The research put Milosevic ahead of Kostunica, the current conservative premier who is backed by some 28 per cent of the citizens. Kostunica beat Milosevic in a presidential race in 2000, which later led to the former president's removal from power. Faktor Plus interviewed 1,200 people this month. The margin of error was 2.5 per cent.
Following his ouster in October 2000, Milosevic was extradited to the tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands, a year later to face charges of genocide for atrocities committed by the Serb troops in the wars in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo.
Serbia seeks compromise solution for Kosovo, prime minister says
BELGRADE, Serbia-Montenegro (AP) - Serbia's government leader on Sunday expressed readiness to compromise over the disputed Kosovo province but ruled out a formal change of borders as demanded by Kosovo's ethnic Albanians.
Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica acknowledged that nearly five years after Serbia lost control over its historic, southern province where the local majority of ethnic Albanians took up arms to win independence, "we are facing the enormous task to ... ensure that internationally recognized borders of our country remain where they are."
Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica acknowledged that nearly five years after Serbia lost control over its historic, southern province where the local majority of ethnic Albanians took up arms to win independence, "we are facing the enormous task to ... ensure that internationally recognized borders of our country remain where they are."
Vojislav Kostunica: Serbia is Ready on Compromise for Kosovo
Takovo. The Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica announced that Serbia was ready on dialogue and compromise for Kosovo on condition that the present state borders are preserved, announced the Serbian radio. “Serbia is ready on compromise but demands to preserve its real state and national interests”, said Kostunica. He added that now the Serbian statesmen were facing the hard task to preserve the borders of the state.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Ex-Yugoslavian general agrees to turn himself in / He's wanted by the U.N. tribunal in connection with Kosovo atrocities
BELGRADE, SERBIA-MONTENEGRO
BELGRADE, SERBIA-MONTENEGRO - A former Yugoslav army chief wanted by the U.N. war crimes tribunal agreed Friday to surrender to the Netherlands-based court, the Serbian government said.
Retired Gen. Nebojsa Pavkovic, wanted for atrocities committed during the 1998-99 Serb crackdown on ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo, decided to give himself up voluntarily, a Cabinet statement said.
It quoted Pavkovic as saying he would go to The Hague tribunal as an "honorable soldier who has devoted his life and honor to his country."
The Serbian government has faced mounting pressure to extradite all war crimes fugitives to the U.N. court in order to build closer ties to the European Union and NATO.
The government gave no details of Pavkovic's current whereabouts or where he had been since going into hiding last month, when he failed to answer a summons to appear before a Belgrade court as one of several suspects charged in the attempted assassination of a leading Serbian opposition figure in 2000.
He was to travel to the Netherlands on Monday, accompanied by a government minister and a physician from the Belgrade military hospital that treated him on several occasions over the past years.
Pavkovic's lawyer, Ljubisa Zivadinovic, said his client had given an affidavit announcing his surrender.
Pavkovic, who commanded Yugoslav army units in Kosovo, was a close ally of former President Slobodan Milosevic.
BELGRADE, SERBIA-MONTENEGRO - A former Yugoslav army chief wanted by the U.N. war crimes tribunal agreed Friday to surrender to the Netherlands-based court, the Serbian government said.
Retired Gen. Nebojsa Pavkovic, wanted for atrocities committed during the 1998-99 Serb crackdown on ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo, decided to give himself up voluntarily, a Cabinet statement said.
It quoted Pavkovic as saying he would go to The Hague tribunal as an "honorable soldier who has devoted his life and honor to his country."
The Serbian government has faced mounting pressure to extradite all war crimes fugitives to the U.N. court in order to build closer ties to the European Union and NATO.
The government gave no details of Pavkovic's current whereabouts or where he had been since going into hiding last month, when he failed to answer a summons to appear before a Belgrade court as one of several suspects charged in the attempted assassination of a leading Serbian opposition figure in 2000.
He was to travel to the Netherlands on Monday, accompanied by a government minister and a physician from the Belgrade military hospital that treated him on several occasions over the past years.
Pavkovic's lawyer, Ljubisa Zivadinovic, said his client had given an affidavit announcing his surrender.
Pavkovic, who commanded Yugoslav army units in Kosovo, was a close ally of former President Slobodan Milosevic.
Picture of the Day - Serb General Surrenders to the Hague Over War Crimes Committed in Kosovo
Picture of the Day - Serb General Surrenders to the Hague Over War Crimes Committed in Kosovo
Originally uploaded by kosovareport.
Conditions for Refugee Return in Kosovo Have Been Created
A Kosovo delegation led by the Local Governance Minister, Lutfi Haziri, has met the Macedonian Prime Minister, Vlado Buchkovski and some of the ministers of his cabinet. In these meetings, the possibility for Roma return in their houses was reviewed.
Minister Haziri has emphasized the fact that in Kosovo conditions for return of refugees have been created. During its stay in Skopje, Kosovo delegation has visited the Roma displaced, which have been sheltered in Shuto Orizare, after the end of war in 1999.
According to High Commissioner for Refugees, currently in Macedonia there are more than 2,000 refugees from Kosovo.
Minister Haziri has emphasized the fact that in Kosovo conditions for return of refugees have been created. During its stay in Skopje, Kosovo delegation has visited the Roma displaced, which have been sheltered in Shuto Orizare, after the end of war in 1999.
According to High Commissioner for Refugees, currently in Macedonia there are more than 2,000 refugees from Kosovo.
Serbia-Montenegro Army to act "vigorously" if Kosovo conflict spreads
Text of report by Belgrade-based Radio B92 text web site on 23 April
Belgrade, 23 April: "The Serbia-Montenegro [SCG] Army [VSCG], despite the process of reforms and financial problems, is ready to respond vigorously in the event of any possible conflict spillover from Kosovo into the rest of SCG. We are ready and will not flinch from vigorously responding in order to protect our interests," Davinic has told Radio-TV Serbia.
"This kind of situation could arise if the resolution of Kosovo's final status was not going the way the separatists wanted. We cannot fight in Kosovo, but we will ask the international community for full protection, according to European standards, for the non-Albanian population, and the VSCG will cooperate in the sphere of intelligence," Davinic said.
Source: Radio B92 text web site, Belgrade, in Serbian 1105 gmt 23 Apr 05
Belgrade, 23 April: "The Serbia-Montenegro [SCG] Army [VSCG], despite the process of reforms and financial problems, is ready to respond vigorously in the event of any possible conflict spillover from Kosovo into the rest of SCG. We are ready and will not flinch from vigorously responding in order to protect our interests," Davinic has told Radio-TV Serbia.
"This kind of situation could arise if the resolution of Kosovo's final status was not going the way the separatists wanted. We cannot fight in Kosovo, but we will ask the international community for full protection, according to European standards, for the non-Albanian population, and the VSCG will cooperate in the sphere of intelligence," Davinic said.
Source: Radio B92 text web site, Belgrade, in Serbian 1105 gmt 23 Apr 05
Intensification of Pristina-Belgrade talks expected in two months (Zëri)
Citing international and local government sources in Kosovo, Zëri reported that dialogue on practical issues between Pristina and Belgrade is expected to be intensified in May.
According to the sources quoted by the newspaper, PM Kosumi has asked his ministers to come up with concrete proposals on what areas could the talks with Belgrade be initiated.
According to the sources quoted by the newspaper, PM Kosumi has asked his ministers to come up with concrete proposals on what areas could the talks with Belgrade be initiated.
SRSG gets support of US State Department (Zëri)
During his trip to the US, the SRSG Jessen-Petersen met senior US and UN officials. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, Nicholas Burns assured him of the the full engagement of the US in the processes that will lead to status talks, reported Zëri. On his return to Pristina, the SRSG assessed the meetings as ‘very encouraging’, added the newspaper.
Friday, April 22, 2005
Picture of the Day - Gjakova, Kosova
A ethnic Albanian girl weeps next the coffin with the remains of her father during a funeral in Gjakova, west of the Pristina, April 22, 2005. Thousands of ethnic Albanians mourned their 14 relatives and co-villagers, who killed by the Serbian security forces six years in Gjakova, during the reburial ceremony on Friday. More than 800 bodies were exhumed in 2001 from mass graves near Belgrade and in eastern Serbia. The Serb authorities are slowly returning the bodies to Kosovo. REUTERS/Hazir Reka
Kosovo Kids Relish Playtime With American Troops
PRISTINA, Serbia and Montenegro, April 22, 2005 -- As the last note of music ended, screams and laughter suddenly interrupted the brief moment of silence. Air Force Maj. Brian Benson quickly sat down, but slid off the edge of his seat in favor of a young girl eager to remain in the game of musical chairs.
Benson, currently serving at Kosovo Force Headquarters at NATO Base Film City, chose to be the loser of the game, but he and dozens of other American servicemembers here are winners nonetheless through their efforts to be positive role models to the more than 250 children, ages 6 to 16, enrolled at the Pristina Mother and Child Center.
According to Merita Bajςinca, coordinator of the center, which specializes in caring for children who lost parents during the war, these kids love participating in a variety of special recreational and educational activities. But they especially relish what they consider "playtime" each week with Americans serving in KFOR.
Since 1999, rotations of airmen, Marines, soldiers and sailors have answered the call to take on the mission of bringing cheer to these children who are dealing with lingering effects of the Kosovo conflict.
Whether it's been playing games, providing school supplies, maintaining the facilities, fixing the playground or sponsoring holiday parties, everyone involved has benefited from joining the project, said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kevin Kennedy, the current American coordinator of the weekly visits.
Kennedy, a native of Muncie, Ind., said the Americans that visit the center do so for the chance to have fun, share their love, and affect the children's lives in a good way. "I couldn't pass it up," he said. "Kids understand kindness," Kennedy said. "And just like American children, they love it when adults show them respect and just spend time with them."
Ramize Arifi, an 11-year-old girl, and William Avdiu, a 10-year-old boy, stood in front of the center April 15 when the KFOR vehicles arrived for another visit. Both children were among many who eagerly accepted candy that the airmen who were on this particular mission had to offer. In broken English, grinning with a layer of chocolate around their mouths, they said they really like their American friends.
For Air Force Capt. Laura Bunyan, who works at the U.S. National Intelligence Cell, also at NATO Base Film City, the feeling is mutual. The day of that visit she passed out sweet treats to the kids, interacted with young girls coloring, played games in the center and then spoke afterward about her experience.
The Northridge, Calif., native said she simply had fun. "I enjoy being able to interact with the children and seeing their delight in sharing their activities with us," Bunyan said. "It is as much fun for the servicemembers as the kids at the center."
Bunyan said she volunteers there because it is an excellent opportunity to give a little back to the community she is currently serving in and because of the good it is doing for the children. "Hopefully, our participation provides enjoyment to the children and improves their time at the center."
The Pristina Mother and Child Center, a non-government organization, is dependent on donations and volunteer assistance to continue providing a home away from home for the youngsters, who come from foster or single-parent homes. This fact does not escape the minds of the American volunteers when they spend time with the children there each week.
Benson, who routinely visits the center, said he knows how much he misses his family and children during his deployment to Kosovo, so he can't fully imagine what these children must be feeling having lost a loved one.
The major, a native of O'Fallon, Ill., said he just tries to play with the kids and to let them know he is their friend. When he sees smiles on the children's faces and when they wave as they recognize him, he feels as if he has helped them cope with their situation in some small way, Benson said.
"Kids are kids no matter where you go," he said. "The more positive impact we can have early on in their lives the better they will personally be, and hopefully they will be able to help shape the future of Kosovo."
(Air Force Master Sgt. Lee Roberts is a press officer for Kosovo Force.)
Benson, currently serving at Kosovo Force Headquarters at NATO Base Film City, chose to be the loser of the game, but he and dozens of other American servicemembers here are winners nonetheless through their efforts to be positive role models to the more than 250 children, ages 6 to 16, enrolled at the Pristina Mother and Child Center.
According to Merita Bajςinca, coordinator of the center, which specializes in caring for children who lost parents during the war, these kids love participating in a variety of special recreational and educational activities. But they especially relish what they consider "playtime" each week with Americans serving in KFOR.
Since 1999, rotations of airmen, Marines, soldiers and sailors have answered the call to take on the mission of bringing cheer to these children who are dealing with lingering effects of the Kosovo conflict.
Whether it's been playing games, providing school supplies, maintaining the facilities, fixing the playground or sponsoring holiday parties, everyone involved has benefited from joining the project, said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kevin Kennedy, the current American coordinator of the weekly visits.
Kennedy, a native of Muncie, Ind., said the Americans that visit the center do so for the chance to have fun, share their love, and affect the children's lives in a good way. "I couldn't pass it up," he said. "Kids understand kindness," Kennedy said. "And just like American children, they love it when adults show them respect and just spend time with them."
Ramize Arifi, an 11-year-old girl, and William Avdiu, a 10-year-old boy, stood in front of the center April 15 when the KFOR vehicles arrived for another visit. Both children were among many who eagerly accepted candy that the airmen who were on this particular mission had to offer. In broken English, grinning with a layer of chocolate around their mouths, they said they really like their American friends.
For Air Force Capt. Laura Bunyan, who works at the U.S. National Intelligence Cell, also at NATO Base Film City, the feeling is mutual. The day of that visit she passed out sweet treats to the kids, interacted with young girls coloring, played games in the center and then spoke afterward about her experience.
The Northridge, Calif., native said she simply had fun. "I enjoy being able to interact with the children and seeing their delight in sharing their activities with us," Bunyan said. "It is as much fun for the servicemembers as the kids at the center."
Bunyan said she volunteers there because it is an excellent opportunity to give a little back to the community she is currently serving in and because of the good it is doing for the children. "Hopefully, our participation provides enjoyment to the children and improves their time at the center."
The Pristina Mother and Child Center, a non-government organization, is dependent on donations and volunteer assistance to continue providing a home away from home for the youngsters, who come from foster or single-parent homes. This fact does not escape the minds of the American volunteers when they spend time with the children there each week.
Benson, who routinely visits the center, said he knows how much he misses his family and children during his deployment to Kosovo, so he can't fully imagine what these children must be feeling having lost a loved one.
The major, a native of O'Fallon, Ill., said he just tries to play with the kids and to let them know he is their friend. When he sees smiles on the children's faces and when they wave as they recognize him, he feels as if he has helped them cope with their situation in some small way, Benson said.
"Kids are kids no matter where you go," he said. "The more positive impact we can have early on in their lives the better they will personally be, and hopefully they will be able to help shape the future of Kosovo."
(Air Force Master Sgt. Lee Roberts is a press officer for Kosovo Force.)
Serb general Pavkovic to surrender to Hague
BELGRADE, April 22 (Reuters) - Former Yugoslav Army chief-of-staff Nebojsa Pavkovic has surrendered and will go to the United Nations war crimes tribunal to face charges of war crimes in Kosovo, the Serb government said on Friday.
He is the 12th war crimes suspect to go to The Hague this year in line with a surrender policy that earned Belgrade a positive nod from the European Union on closer ties earlier this month.
The European Commission "feasibility" report on April 12th recommended the EU and Serbia start talks on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, a stepping stone to eventual membership.
But diplomats said EU foreign ministers would only back the proposal after the handover of Pavkovic, a key fugitive among the dozen people still on the run from the Hague.
Pavkovic is due to leave for The Hague on Monday April 25th, the day the bloc's foreign ministers meet to endorse the Commission's proposal.
He is one of four generals indicted in 2003 for the killings of Kosovo Albanian civilians in 1999 while battling ethnic Albanian separatist guerrillas.
His co-indictee army general Vladimir Lazarevic surrendered in February, followed by police general Sreten Lukic in April. Police general Vlastimir Djordjevic fled to Russia in 2001.
He is the 12th war crimes suspect to go to The Hague this year in line with a surrender policy that earned Belgrade a positive nod from the European Union on closer ties earlier this month.
The European Commission "feasibility" report on April 12th recommended the EU and Serbia start talks on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, a stepping stone to eventual membership.
But diplomats said EU foreign ministers would only back the proposal after the handover of Pavkovic, a key fugitive among the dozen people still on the run from the Hague.
Pavkovic is due to leave for The Hague on Monday April 25th, the day the bloc's foreign ministers meet to endorse the Commission's proposal.
He is one of four generals indicted in 2003 for the killings of Kosovo Albanian civilians in 1999 while battling ethnic Albanian separatist guerrillas.
His co-indictee army general Vladimir Lazarevic surrendered in February, followed by police general Sreten Lukic in April. Police general Vlastimir Djordjevic fled to Russia in 2001.
If Kosovo is left in limbo, it will be a victory for Milosevic: Jonathan Steele in Pristina The UN protectorate must be given its independence
Here in Kosovo is where it all began. The cancer that has been eating through Tony Blair's second term started out from this small fold in the Balkans.
As images of tractors crowded with refugees rolled across his TV screen, with their message that full-scale ethnic cleansing was under way, the prime minister's moral instincts were aroused.
In power for barely a year, Blair was eager to take action in what was in 1998 an Albanian-majority province of Serbia. After the west's dithering over Bosnia, he saw Kosovo as the chance to make amends.
Blair did not succeed in persuading Bill Clinton to use ground troops, but he can take credit for convincing the US president that diplomacy was failing to stop Slobodan Milosevic and force was needed. The war took longer than predicted but Nato bombed Serb troops off the field and after 78 days (with diplomatic help from Russia) persuaded Milosevic to withdraw, thereby allowing almost 800,000 Albanian refugees to return home.
So the prime minister had a "good" war. His moral certainty and clout with the White House came together to produce relatively rapid success as well as support from most people in Britain, myself included. Kosovo was liberated and Blair is still a hero in Pristina.
Of course, critics pointed out that there was no UN security council resolution authorising Nato's war on Serbia. It was as illegal as the one on Iraq. True enough. But I felt the Kosovo campaign was legitimate - in a way that the Iraq one was not.
The Serbian government was violating human rights on a huge new scale, activating what is known in UN parlance as the outside world's "responsibility to protect". In Iraq there was nothing new about Saddam Hussein's repression and it was less severe in 2003 than earlier. Those who suspected he had no weapons of mass destruction argued that containment was working. For those not yet sure, the UN inspectors were in Iraq and should have been given more time.
But success in Kosovo had gone to Blair's head. The triumphant loss of his war-virginity made him a crusader, throwing away the necessary sense of caution and creating a stubborn self-righteousness. He assumed that, as with Kosovo, he would be justified and acclaimed once the Iraq war was over.
I regret his arrogance, although it does not weaken the case for the Kosovo intervention. One war need not lead to another, since politicians should judge each crisis on its merits. That said, Kosovo is rapidly returning to the international agenda, and we will need clarity and courage to ensure it does not flare up again.
For six years, the territory has been a UN protectorate. It has an elected president, prime minister and parliament, but ultimate power remains with Soren Jessen-Petersen, a courteous Dane who is the latest administrator of the UN mission in Kosovo (Unmik). He took over last year after clashes between Albanians and Serbs left 19 dead and forced more than 4,000 Serbs to flee their homes. The mobs also burned dozens of Unmik vehicles in frustration at the delay in getting a decision on whether Kosovo will be independent.
Western governments had played for time through a policy called "standards before status". Kosovo had to reach hundreds of benchmarks of democratic behaviour before talks on its future could begin. Jessen-Petersen narrowed the policy. "There was a sense after the March riots last year that we had to accelerate the process and simplify standards implementation, not to reward violence but because to keep this place in limbo for much longer would be rather risky," he told me. "We singled out all those standards that are linked to the minorities. The vast majority are focused on protection of the minorities, their living conditions, their rights and so on."
Now decision day is approaching. Kofi Annan will shortly appoint an envoy to review whether standards have been met sufficiently. If, as expected, the verdict is positive, another UN envoy will get the job of negotiating Kosovo's status.
Governments are already drawing up guidelines. They are likely to contain three noes: no return to the prewar position when Kosovo was under Belgrade's rule; no partition; and no change in external borders, ie no unification with Albania.
There is disagreement on Belgrade's role and how to handle Russia's potential for blocking Kosovo's independence. (It was the threat of a Russian veto that prevented Nato seeking UN authorisation before the 1999 war.) Nor is it clear if Annan will give his envoy a deadline. "I don't think anyone wants an open-ended conference that lasts for years, not a 20-year or 30-year Cyprus-type thing," Jessen-Petersen says. "Periods of six to nine months have been mentioned."
Western governments favour some form of independence, but are uncertain how to define it. Germany, once a firm champion of the Kosovo cause, appears to be backtracking. Its diplomats favour something similar to the conservative conclusions of a recent commission on the Balkans chaired by Giuliano Amato, a former Italian prime minister, and made up mainly of other centre-right politicians.
They proposed keeping Kosovo as a UN protectorate with slightly enhanced self-government under independence without full sovereignty. This is a disastrously condescending hybrid that would anger Kosovans and leave property and ownership issues in the legal limbo that now hinders investment. The commission also argued that Belgrade must agree to any change in status.
The International Crisis Group (ICG), by contrast, advocates full independence but with a continuing role for international monitors, foreign judges in the higher courts for ethnically sensitive cases, foreign troops to train a small Kosovan army, and UN staff checking on minority protection. This would be like East Timor, another recently independent state.
Serbia's objections are a problem, but Britain argues that Belgrade must have no veto. Other European governments should take the same view. The ICG says Belgrade may prefer an "imposed" solution rather than sign up to the "loss of Kosovo". Politicians could complain they were victims of outside forces - not an unusual Belgrade line.
Russia is a bigger problem. If Putin cannot be persuaded that Kosovo needs independence, the rest of the world should recognise the new state anyway. Kosovo can go without a UN seat - the only major consequence of a Kremlin veto.
As long as the EU accepts Kosovo's independence, the new state would have most of what it wants. Protecting the Serb minority is a high priority and, after the folly of last year's clashes, most Kosovans realise the door to EU membership will never open if ethnic violence is repeated.
But western governments must not go on delaying. Anything short of independence will mean that Milosevic, in his jail cell in the Hague, will have won after all.
As images of tractors crowded with refugees rolled across his TV screen, with their message that full-scale ethnic cleansing was under way, the prime minister's moral instincts were aroused.
In power for barely a year, Blair was eager to take action in what was in 1998 an Albanian-majority province of Serbia. After the west's dithering over Bosnia, he saw Kosovo as the chance to make amends.
Blair did not succeed in persuading Bill Clinton to use ground troops, but he can take credit for convincing the US president that diplomacy was failing to stop Slobodan Milosevic and force was needed. The war took longer than predicted but Nato bombed Serb troops off the field and after 78 days (with diplomatic help from Russia) persuaded Milosevic to withdraw, thereby allowing almost 800,000 Albanian refugees to return home.
So the prime minister had a "good" war. His moral certainty and clout with the White House came together to produce relatively rapid success as well as support from most people in Britain, myself included. Kosovo was liberated and Blair is still a hero in Pristina.
Of course, critics pointed out that there was no UN security council resolution authorising Nato's war on Serbia. It was as illegal as the one on Iraq. True enough. But I felt the Kosovo campaign was legitimate - in a way that the Iraq one was not.
The Serbian government was violating human rights on a huge new scale, activating what is known in UN parlance as the outside world's "responsibility to protect". In Iraq there was nothing new about Saddam Hussein's repression and it was less severe in 2003 than earlier. Those who suspected he had no weapons of mass destruction argued that containment was working. For those not yet sure, the UN inspectors were in Iraq and should have been given more time.
But success in Kosovo had gone to Blair's head. The triumphant loss of his war-virginity made him a crusader, throwing away the necessary sense of caution and creating a stubborn self-righteousness. He assumed that, as with Kosovo, he would be justified and acclaimed once the Iraq war was over.
I regret his arrogance, although it does not weaken the case for the Kosovo intervention. One war need not lead to another, since politicians should judge each crisis on its merits. That said, Kosovo is rapidly returning to the international agenda, and we will need clarity and courage to ensure it does not flare up again.
For six years, the territory has been a UN protectorate. It has an elected president, prime minister and parliament, but ultimate power remains with Soren Jessen-Petersen, a courteous Dane who is the latest administrator of the UN mission in Kosovo (Unmik). He took over last year after clashes between Albanians and Serbs left 19 dead and forced more than 4,000 Serbs to flee their homes. The mobs also burned dozens of Unmik vehicles in frustration at the delay in getting a decision on whether Kosovo will be independent.
Western governments had played for time through a policy called "standards before status". Kosovo had to reach hundreds of benchmarks of democratic behaviour before talks on its future could begin. Jessen-Petersen narrowed the policy. "There was a sense after the March riots last year that we had to accelerate the process and simplify standards implementation, not to reward violence but because to keep this place in limbo for much longer would be rather risky," he told me. "We singled out all those standards that are linked to the minorities. The vast majority are focused on protection of the minorities, their living conditions, their rights and so on."
Now decision day is approaching. Kofi Annan will shortly appoint an envoy to review whether standards have been met sufficiently. If, as expected, the verdict is positive, another UN envoy will get the job of negotiating Kosovo's status.
Governments are already drawing up guidelines. They are likely to contain three noes: no return to the prewar position when Kosovo was under Belgrade's rule; no partition; and no change in external borders, ie no unification with Albania.
There is disagreement on Belgrade's role and how to handle Russia's potential for blocking Kosovo's independence. (It was the threat of a Russian veto that prevented Nato seeking UN authorisation before the 1999 war.) Nor is it clear if Annan will give his envoy a deadline. "I don't think anyone wants an open-ended conference that lasts for years, not a 20-year or 30-year Cyprus-type thing," Jessen-Petersen says. "Periods of six to nine months have been mentioned."
Western governments favour some form of independence, but are uncertain how to define it. Germany, once a firm champion of the Kosovo cause, appears to be backtracking. Its diplomats favour something similar to the conservative conclusions of a recent commission on the Balkans chaired by Giuliano Amato, a former Italian prime minister, and made up mainly of other centre-right politicians.
They proposed keeping Kosovo as a UN protectorate with slightly enhanced self-government under independence without full sovereignty. This is a disastrously condescending hybrid that would anger Kosovans and leave property and ownership issues in the legal limbo that now hinders investment. The commission also argued that Belgrade must agree to any change in status.
The International Crisis Group (ICG), by contrast, advocates full independence but with a continuing role for international monitors, foreign judges in the higher courts for ethnically sensitive cases, foreign troops to train a small Kosovan army, and UN staff checking on minority protection. This would be like East Timor, another recently independent state.
Serbia's objections are a problem, but Britain argues that Belgrade must have no veto. Other European governments should take the same view. The ICG says Belgrade may prefer an "imposed" solution rather than sign up to the "loss of Kosovo". Politicians could complain they were victims of outside forces - not an unusual Belgrade line.
Russia is a bigger problem. If Putin cannot be persuaded that Kosovo needs independence, the rest of the world should recognise the new state anyway. Kosovo can go without a UN seat - the only major consequence of a Kremlin veto.
As long as the EU accepts Kosovo's independence, the new state would have most of what it wants. Protecting the Serb minority is a high priority and, after the folly of last year's clashes, most Kosovans realise the door to EU membership will never open if ethnic violence is repeated.
But western governments must not go on delaying. Anything short of independence will mean that Milosevic, in his jail cell in the Hague, will have won after all.
Lawyers request temporary release of Kosovo's former premier indicted for war crimes
PRISTINA, Serbia-Montenegro (AP) - Defense lawyers for Kosovo's former prime minister filed a motion with the U.N. war crimes court in The Hague requesting his temporary release, his legal team said in a statement Friday.
The request was presented on Thursday and the prosecution, which has charged Haradinaj with 37 counts of war crimes stemming from Kosovo's 1998-1999 war, has fourteen days to respond, said Michael O'Reilly, the legal team's coordinator.
The Netherlands-based court is expected to make a decision on the request after the prosecution's response, he said.
The defense team asking for Haradinaj to be released and allowed to return to Kosovo until his trial, for which no date has yet been set.
Haradinaj's "exceptional personal and political reputation is confirmed by a wealth of high-ranking international politicians, military officials, and diplomats in and outside of Kosovo, who are firmly of the view that he will honor all conditions imposed by the Trial Chamber," the statement said.
"Given Mr. Haradinaj's position, the circumstances of his surrender, and his recent period of provisional release, there can be no basis whatsoever to believe that he will not return for his trial and fully comply with all of the Trial Chamber's orders."
The U.N. war crimes court indicted Haradinaj, 36, on March 8. He resigned as the province's prime minister and surrendered to the Netherlands-based tribunal the next day.
He has pleaded not guilty to 37 counts of war crimes allegedly committed in 1998, several months before NATO's air campaign forced Serbian troops to withdraw from Kosovo and end a crackdown on ethnic Albanians.
The former prime minister was a commander of the main ethnic Albanian rebel group battling Serb troops for independence during the 1998-99 war.
He is accused of leading a criminal plan to persecute, murder, rape and abuse Serbs and Gypsies in the ethnic Albanian-dominated province, and of participating in beatings and torture, including the abuse of ethnic Albanian civilians believed to have collaborated with Serbs.
Haradinaj was temporarily released to attend his brother's funeral last week, but was not permitted to talk to witnesses or the media while out of U.N. custody.
The request was presented on Thursday and the prosecution, which has charged Haradinaj with 37 counts of war crimes stemming from Kosovo's 1998-1999 war, has fourteen days to respond, said Michael O'Reilly, the legal team's coordinator.
The Netherlands-based court is expected to make a decision on the request after the prosecution's response, he said.
The defense team asking for Haradinaj to be released and allowed to return to Kosovo until his trial, for which no date has yet been set.
Haradinaj's "exceptional personal and political reputation is confirmed by a wealth of high-ranking international politicians, military officials, and diplomats in and outside of Kosovo, who are firmly of the view that he will honor all conditions imposed by the Trial Chamber," the statement said.
"Given Mr. Haradinaj's position, the circumstances of his surrender, and his recent period of provisional release, there can be no basis whatsoever to believe that he will not return for his trial and fully comply with all of the Trial Chamber's orders."
The U.N. war crimes court indicted Haradinaj, 36, on March 8. He resigned as the province's prime minister and surrendered to the Netherlands-based tribunal the next day.
He has pleaded not guilty to 37 counts of war crimes allegedly committed in 1998, several months before NATO's air campaign forced Serbian troops to withdraw from Kosovo and end a crackdown on ethnic Albanians.
The former prime minister was a commander of the main ethnic Albanian rebel group battling Serb troops for independence during the 1998-99 war.
He is accused of leading a criminal plan to persecute, murder, rape and abuse Serbs and Gypsies in the ethnic Albanian-dominated province, and of participating in beatings and torture, including the abuse of ethnic Albanian civilians believed to have collaborated with Serbs.
Haradinaj was temporarily released to attend his brother's funeral last week, but was not permitted to talk to witnesses or the media while out of U.N. custody.
Displaced Serbs to return to homes in southeastern Kosovo
Prishtina [Pristina], 21 April: More than 20 Serb families have signed yesterday an agreement to return to their homes in the village of Zhiti [Zitinje] in the Viti [Vitina] Municipality [in southeastern Kosovo].
The agreement for return was signed by the families, UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo], Care International organization and Viti municipal representatives.
Mustafa Shabani, a municipal official for return, said that 16 houses are under construction in the village, a project funded by the European Agency of Reconstruction [EAR], worth of 1.2m euros.
"Of those, 12 houses are meant for Serb families and four others for other non-Albanian families," he said.
Shabani said that the number of the interested Serbs to return is growing. "Eight more families are expected to sign the agreement."
The project of return of displaced families to their homes in the village Podgorc [Podgorce] in Viti has been completed, while project for return in village Germove [Grmovo] is pending due to the funds.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 21 Apr 05
The agreement for return was signed by the families, UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo], Care International organization and Viti municipal representatives.
Mustafa Shabani, a municipal official for return, said that 16 houses are under construction in the village, a project funded by the European Agency of Reconstruction [EAR], worth of 1.2m euros.
"Of those, 12 houses are meant for Serb families and four others for other non-Albanian families," he said.
Shabani said that the number of the interested Serbs to return is growing. "Eight more families are expected to sign the agreement."
The project of return of displaced families to their homes in the village Podgorc [Podgorce] in Viti has been completed, while project for return in village Germove [Grmovo] is pending due to the funds.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 21 Apr 05
Kosovo's Pwr, Mining Sector Gets $2.5M From UN, World Bk
PRISTINA (AP)--Kosovo's energy and mining sector received $2.5 million under a grant agreement signed between the U.N. administration and the World Bank in the province, an official said Friday.
The deal was signed by the head of the U.N.'s economy sector, Joachim Ruecker, and the World Bank official in Kosovo, Kanthan Shankar on Thursday, said Mechthild Henneke, a U.N. spokeswoman.
The project aims to support Kosovo's integration in the regional energy market by establishing an independent transmission and system operator, development of a grid code and the development of a policy to utilize Kosovo's mineral resources, a statement said.
The World Bank has supported three projects in Kosovo's energy sector since 2000, mainly focused on technical assistance for developing a strategy for reconstruction of the energy and mining sector and improving the legislative framework for it.
Kosovo, which has been administered by the U.N. since 1999, is rich in coal, lead, zinc, nickel, gold and silver. The industry, however, has suffered from a lack of regulation and investment for years. [ 22-04-05 1002GMT ]
The deal was signed by the head of the U.N.'s economy sector, Joachim Ruecker, and the World Bank official in Kosovo, Kanthan Shankar on Thursday, said Mechthild Henneke, a U.N. spokeswoman.
The project aims to support Kosovo's integration in the regional energy market by establishing an independent transmission and system operator, development of a grid code and the development of a policy to utilize Kosovo's mineral resources, a statement said.
The World Bank has supported three projects in Kosovo's energy sector since 2000, mainly focused on technical assistance for developing a strategy for reconstruction of the energy and mining sector and improving the legislative framework for it.
Kosovo, which has been administered by the U.N. since 1999, is rich in coal, lead, zinc, nickel, gold and silver. The industry, however, has suffered from a lack of regulation and investment for years. [ 22-04-05 1002GMT ]
The British to eliminate SHIK and SIA? (Express)
Express reports on page three that a team of security and intelligence services professionals from Great Britain are staying in Kosovo since April 11th. The Security Sector Development Advisory Team (SSDAT) has arrived in Kosovo following an invitation by SRSG Søren Jessen-Petersen. Their mission is to organize a long-term strategy for internal security in Kosovo. In their suggestions they say that even after the eventual independence of Kosovo the latter cannot have an independent intelligence service.
‘With the proposal to create a united intelligence service in Kosovo, the British Ministry of Defence plans to end the war between local rivals,’ says the front-page caption of the article.
‘With the proposal to create a united intelligence service in Kosovo, the British Ministry of Defence plans to end the war between local rivals,’ says the front-page caption of the article.
The British to eliminate SHIK and SIA? (Express)
Express reports on page three that a team of security and intelligence services professionals from Great Britain are staying in Kosovo since April 11th. The Security Sector Development Advisory Team (SSDAT) has arrived in Kosovo following an invitation by SRSG Søren Jessen-Petersen. Their mission is to organize a long-term strategy for internal security in Kosovo. In their suggestions they say that even after the eventual independence of Kosovo the latter cannot have an independent intelligence service.
‘With the proposal to create a united intelligence service in Kosovo, the British Ministry of Defence plans to end the war between local rivals,’ says the front-page caption of the article.
‘With the proposal to create a united intelligence service in Kosovo, the British Ministry of Defence plans to end the war between local rivals,’ says the front-page caption of the article.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Picture of the Day
Serbian Radicals file lawsuit against former foreign minister of Yugoslavia over International Commission on the Balkans - report that calls for the independence of Kosova. Posters in the street of Belgrade.
Albanian agency views EU document on Kosovo's European future
Text of report in English by Albanian news agency ATA
Tirana, 21 April: The EU confirmed yesterday its utter commitment for the European future of Kosova (Kosovo), presenting a document that lays the foundations for Kosova's integration into the European structures. The EU has put in operation specific instruments to support other countries of the region for their integration. However, it has lacked a golden strategy for a European perspective for Kosova.
The document presented in Brussels backs Kosova's integration into Europe and points out that "Kosova issue will be among EU priorities during the coming months". The European Parliament asked last month the European Council for clarification of Kosova's future, whereas the international officials have constantly called for the determination of the status and the definition of its (European) perspective.
Kosova is presently at a delicate point of its history, because the examination of the standards set by the UN, including the democratization, the rule of law, and the protection of minorities, in summer this year can launch the talks on its final status. But, irrespective of the outcome of these talks, Kosova should continue its efforts not to lag behind the other countries of Western Balkans in the integration process.
While appreciating the contribution made by the European Commission in this direction, EU Commissioner on Enlargement Olli Rehn said that "the economic problems of Kosova cannot wait until the status issue is resolved". "The economic development of Kosova should be encouraged by guaranteeing a better perspective for its residents. We intend to build a multiethnic Kosova, where all its citizens feel safe and respected," he said.
Other EU officials stressed that the document targets the commitment for long-term development of Kosova. "We are ready to assist Kosova to realize its European aspiration if the political leaders in Prishtina (Pristina) will express crystal-clear devotion to observe the democratic principles, human rights, and minorities," they stressed. The European officials have constantly stressed that the future of Kosova is in the hands of its citizens. They have said that for its European integration, Kosova must reach the standards and display those principles and values on which the European block is based.
The document conveys an important message to the interim institutions of Kosova and its people and stresses that "the fulfilment of the standards for a multiethnic society is a long-term commitment and pre-condition for its progress towards EU integration". In the economic aspect, the document points out that the (EU) financial support for Kosova during 1999-2005 (period) reached 1.6m euros and that the future aid will be at the same level. In the political aspect, the EU will back the participation of Kosova in the process of the entire region for its integration into the EU. The document explained that the instrument of the Association-Stabilization process would be applied for Kosova, too. This confirms the devotion of Brussels to assist Kosova in the realization of its European aspiration. It also ensures Kosovar authorities about the EU support on the eve of the status talks.
Source: ATA news agency, Tirana, in English 1547 gmt 21 Apr 05
Tirana, 21 April: The EU confirmed yesterday its utter commitment for the European future of Kosova (Kosovo), presenting a document that lays the foundations for Kosova's integration into the European structures. The EU has put in operation specific instruments to support other countries of the region for their integration. However, it has lacked a golden strategy for a European perspective for Kosova.
The document presented in Brussels backs Kosova's integration into Europe and points out that "Kosova issue will be among EU priorities during the coming months". The European Parliament asked last month the European Council for clarification of Kosova's future, whereas the international officials have constantly called for the determination of the status and the definition of its (European) perspective.
Kosova is presently at a delicate point of its history, because the examination of the standards set by the UN, including the democratization, the rule of law, and the protection of minorities, in summer this year can launch the talks on its final status. But, irrespective of the outcome of these talks, Kosova should continue its efforts not to lag behind the other countries of Western Balkans in the integration process.
While appreciating the contribution made by the European Commission in this direction, EU Commissioner on Enlargement Olli Rehn said that "the economic problems of Kosova cannot wait until the status issue is resolved". "The economic development of Kosova should be encouraged by guaranteeing a better perspective for its residents. We intend to build a multiethnic Kosova, where all its citizens feel safe and respected," he said.
Other EU officials stressed that the document targets the commitment for long-term development of Kosova. "We are ready to assist Kosova to realize its European aspiration if the political leaders in Prishtina (Pristina) will express crystal-clear devotion to observe the democratic principles, human rights, and minorities," they stressed. The European officials have constantly stressed that the future of Kosova is in the hands of its citizens. They have said that for its European integration, Kosova must reach the standards and display those principles and values on which the European block is based.
The document conveys an important message to the interim institutions of Kosova and its people and stresses that "the fulfilment of the standards for a multiethnic society is a long-term commitment and pre-condition for its progress towards EU integration". In the economic aspect, the document points out that the (EU) financial support for Kosova during 1999-2005 (period) reached 1.6m euros and that the future aid will be at the same level. In the political aspect, the EU will back the participation of Kosova in the process of the entire region for its integration into the EU. The document explained that the instrument of the Association-Stabilization process would be applied for Kosova, too. This confirms the devotion of Brussels to assist Kosova in the realization of its European aspiration. It also ensures Kosovar authorities about the EU support on the eve of the status talks.
Source: ATA news agency, Tirana, in English 1547 gmt 21 Apr 05
INVESTIGATION: SERBIA: MORE MACKATICA BODY BURNING REVELATIONS - IWPR
New eyewitnesses are helping to piece together a crime that still
awaits justice.
By IWPR reporters in Surdulica and Belgrade
Eyewitness accounts obtained by IWPR contain dramatic new evidence of
how police working for Slobodan Milosevic burned truckloads of ethnic
Albanian corpses in a factory in southern Serbia during the 1999 NATO
conflict.
IWPR sources have presented fresh testimony on the chronology of the
crime, the way it unfolded and the key role played by the police in
both the burnings and the cover-up that followed.
Their accounts will increase pressure on the courts to resolve the
mystery surrounding who these people were and who ordered their
incineration.
Natasa Kandic, director of the Humanitarian Law Centre, HLC, first
revealed the grisly secrets of the Mackatica aluminum complex, near
Surdulica, in the Pcinj district of southern Serbia, last December.
In an article in daily Danas newspaper on December 24, 2004, she said
the factory's blast furnaces were used to burn the bodies of Albanians
killed in Kosovo on May 16 and May 24, 1999 - during the NATO
conflict.
An IWPR source - a shift worker in the factory - says the whole affair
started with the unexpected arrival at night of a number of unknown
trucks.
"Trucks with mysterious freight kept entering the factory with their
lights off. Third-shift workers, like myself, were sent home at the
factory entrance," the source said.
The IWPR source confirmed seeing the bodies arrive on two separate
occasions, "at the middle and end of May" in 1999.
"No one told us what was being transported and none of the workers had
access [to the place of burning]," he told IWPR. "But I know many
people who took part in it and saw some of it myself.
"Direct participants confirmed to me what I had seen. Bodies were
brought to the factory and burned there. I was not the only one who
watched it.
"I was not present at the very act of the burning of the bodies but I
could see the trucks being unloaded.?
A second IWPR source, whose status and occupation we cannot disclose,
confirmed the shift worker's version of events, saying he also
witnessed the bodies being unloaded. This source added that the bodies
were transported from western Kosovo, mainly from Prizren, Djakovica
and Pec, and surrounding villages.
"When the trucks left [after the burning] so-called 'cleaners' took
over and checked whether any body parts or their personal belongings
had fallen onto the tarmac by the entrance to the plant,? he said.
"For days afterwards, you could smell burned flesh in Surdulica. I
know what this smell is like, as I have been on all the battlefronts
in [the former] Yugoslavia."
This second source said Mackatica was chosen as a site because it was
close to Kosovo, only around 170 kilometres from Prizren, and was
relatively anonymous - few people few people outside the factory even
knew it had blast furnaces.
Kandic's Danas article said both incinerations took place around
midnight under tight security provided by the police's Special
Operations Unit, JSO, then based at Bele Vode, near Vranje, in
southern Serbia.
It said the then JSO commander, Milorad ?Legija? Ulemek, now the prime
suspect for the 2003 murder of Serbian prime minister Zoran Djindjic,
escorted one convoy of bodies to the site and was present as they were
burned in "furnaces numbers four and five".
According to the HLC, top police officials - some of whom are still at
their posts - organised the burnings, while other trusted Milosevic
officials organised the subsequent "cleansing of the terrain".
NEW INFORMATION ON ROLE OF MILOSEVIC?S POLICE IN THE CRIME
A third IWPR source, a former inspector in Milosevic's secret police,
was active at the time of the events at Mackatica, and has assured
IWPR that the police possess "precise and systematised information" on
how the bodies were burned at Mackatica.
"There is clear data on this in local police archives, marked
'strictly confidential'," this source said, referring to the two
burnings.
"The people who participated in the whole action were staying at the
Theranda Hotel in Prizren. Such a job had been prepared for a long
time and could not be completed in a day or two.
"The local public and secret police know everything but this is being
concealed also because current as well as former police officials and
ordinary operatives were involved.
"Everything is contained in the police documentation - from the code
name of the action to the list of people who stayed at the Theranda
Hotel and worked on the 'sanitation of the terrain', to those who
loaded the trucks and drove them to the Mackatica factory, where
Legija and his team took over the whole thing.
"It is also known exactly who drove and who escorted the trucks with
the bodies, who was in charge of covering up the action at the factory
itself and who directly handled the furnaces during the burning."
"The names of those who were later in charge of eliminating the traces
at the factory and those whose job it was to conceal the truth from
the local public are also known. Finally, there is a list of
politicians who were familiar with all of this, when the action was
being planned."
The former police officer claimed he knew most of these names himself
but was fearful of divulging them publicly.
Along with all those who possessed direct knowledge of the burnings,
he had encountered strong pressure to keep quiet.
"All those in any way connected to the events at Mackatica in May 1999
are being exposed to threats, pressures and blackmail," he said.
"I fear for my safety and for that of my family," he said. "The
participants in the crime in Mackatica would know it was me who
revealed the secrets, which they are doing their utmost to hide."
IWPR's first source, the shift worker at Mackatica, says several other
witnesses who saw the trucks with bodies entering the factory are
still out there.
"Other people know what was done, although everything was done for the
operation to be carried out in the utmost secrecy," he said.
They were all subject to threats and blackmail, he added, to prevent
the story from getting further out. In spite of that, this source said
he was ready to testify in public. IWPR has also spoken to a fourth
direct source on the events at Mackatica. This source did not want
either his residence or job divulged but insisted he was present at
both burnings in May 1999.
"Everything took place after midnight, but I remember there was a
clear sky and moonlight," he said. "I saw, for a few minutes and from
a distance of about ten metres, bodies being unloaded from a truck and
transported in a large factory push-cart to the part of the factory
where the furnaces are located."
This source said he "knew for sure" that some of the bodies were or
women and children. He insisted he did not participate in the burning.
None of IWPR's sources was able to estimate the exact number of bodies
unloaded and burned at Mackatica, though one said they had been
transported in "more than ten trucks," which suggests a large number.
THE LIST OF NAMES BEHIND THE BURNINGS
In her article in Danas, Kandic cited several of Milosevic's most
trusted associates as key figures behind the operation. She named
ex-police minister Vlajko Stojiljkovic; a former deputy prime minister
Nikola Sainovic; the then head of the public and state security
Vlastimir ?Rodja? Djordjevic, and Radomir Markovic, former chief of
secret police.
Sainovic, charged by the Hague war crimes tribunal for crimes
committed in Kosovo in 1999, voluntarily surrendered to the
authorities in spring 2003. He was released in mid-April 2005 pending
trial.
Markovic is currently in jail in Belgrade's central prison, facing
criminal proceedings. Stojiljkovic, also on The Hague's list of
persons indicted for crimes in Kosovo, committed suicide on April 11,
2002.
Among all the names Kandic mentioned, the most interesting was that of
Djordjevic. One of four generals wanted by the Hague tribunal for war
crimes in Kosovo in 1999, he was born in Koznica, only miles from
Mackatica.
Djordjevic is known to have been a key figure in the area whose word
was virtually law. He kept all the local power structures, especially
the police, under his control.
After the Milosevic regime fell on October 5, 2000, Djordjevic
reportedly fled the country and is believed to be hiding in Russia.
THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR STARTS TO INVESTIGATE
For several months, after the publication of the groundbreaking
article in Danas, neither the authorities nor the courts in Serbia
reacted publicly to any of the grave claims that it revealed.
However, in mid-April 2005, Vladimir Vukcevic, the special state
prosecutor for war crimes, visited Surdulica.
Acting on Vukcevic's request, the investigating judge of the district
court in Vranje, the deputy special prosecutor and a team of specially
trained court experts also visited Mackatica.
Vukcevic told B-92 radio he had talked to witnesses, but stressed that
most things were still in the stage of "complete secrecy, owing to the
serious nature of the procedure". The prosecution was awaiting the
result of forensic reports, he said.
Detailing the extent of the investigation thus far, he added, "The
blast furnaces at the Mackatica complex were inspected, as were the
places where waste is deposited." He underlined that only experts'
findings would confirm whether traces of human remains were in the
waste.
Vukcevic did not conceal the fact that his decision to personally
oversee the process implied a lack of confidence in the ability and
willingness of the local police to investigate the case.
He also said he regretted that a special police unit had not yet been
set up to investigate such war crimes and help the prosecution team.
An IWPR source close to the police in the Pcinj district confirmed
that the special war crimes prosecutor's initial field work in
Mackatica had upset members of the local police force.
"The police of the Pcinj district still operates according to the same
principles and mostly with the same people as it did in 1999," this
source said.
IWPR has also learned that the case would never have come to light at
all if one former and one active operative from the Security and
Information Agency, BIA - successor to the State Security, DB - had
not sent Kandic the evidence.
Zoran Stosic, head of the regional DB at the time of the Mackatica
case, was dismissed just over a month ago as general inspector of
police in Pcinj district and replaced by Vujica Velickovic, also a key
figure in the regional police over the past decade. IWPR's third
source, the former secret police inspector, reiterated that local
police records contained exact data on the entire affair. "All it
takes is political will for it to be disclosed," he said.
A WALL OF SILENCE IN SURDULICA
Surdulica is a small town of around 10,000 people, some ten km from
the motorway that runs from Belgrade to Skopje. It is less than an
hour's drive either to Bulgaria, or to Macedonia and Kosovo.
People in Surdulica whom IWPR interviewed either did not want to speak
about the body burnings, or defended them. No one denies something
happened, but in the town itself, where the hard-line nationalist
Serbian Radical Party is in power, there is a conspiracy of silence.
In the cafe in the centre of town, a large piece of graffiti proclaims
"Serbia for the Serbs".
"So what if they did burn Shiptars [a derogatory name for Albanians]??
one man said. "They deserved nothing better. Why don't you write about
the crimes against Serbs in Kosmet [a Serb nationalist expression for
Kosovo] today?"
A shop saleswoman was more conciliatory. "Hardly anyone dares to speak
publicly about it," was all that she would say on the grim events in
the nearby factory.
But the arrival in Surdulica of the special state prosecutor for war
crimes suggests that however much the local population wants to a draw
a veil over the affair, the judicial authorities are determined to
confront this painful issue.
Whether justice will ever be done for what happened at Mackatica
remains to be seen.
Bruno Vekaric, spokesperson for the war crimes prosecutor, said it
would not be easy. The facts that the crimes were committed long ago
and that the police and justice ministry were far from cooperative
were just some of the obstacles they faced, he told IWPR.
awaits justice.
By IWPR reporters in Surdulica and Belgrade
Eyewitness accounts obtained by IWPR contain dramatic new evidence of
how police working for Slobodan Milosevic burned truckloads of ethnic
Albanian corpses in a factory in southern Serbia during the 1999 NATO
conflict.
IWPR sources have presented fresh testimony on the chronology of the
crime, the way it unfolded and the key role played by the police in
both the burnings and the cover-up that followed.
Their accounts will increase pressure on the courts to resolve the
mystery surrounding who these people were and who ordered their
incineration.
Natasa Kandic, director of the Humanitarian Law Centre, HLC, first
revealed the grisly secrets of the Mackatica aluminum complex, near
Surdulica, in the Pcinj district of southern Serbia, last December.
In an article in daily Danas newspaper on December 24, 2004, she said
the factory's blast furnaces were used to burn the bodies of Albanians
killed in Kosovo on May 16 and May 24, 1999 - during the NATO
conflict.
An IWPR source - a shift worker in the factory - says the whole affair
started with the unexpected arrival at night of a number of unknown
trucks.
"Trucks with mysterious freight kept entering the factory with their
lights off. Third-shift workers, like myself, were sent home at the
factory entrance," the source said.
The IWPR source confirmed seeing the bodies arrive on two separate
occasions, "at the middle and end of May" in 1999.
"No one told us what was being transported and none of the workers had
access [to the place of burning]," he told IWPR. "But I know many
people who took part in it and saw some of it myself.
"Direct participants confirmed to me what I had seen. Bodies were
brought to the factory and burned there. I was not the only one who
watched it.
"I was not present at the very act of the burning of the bodies but I
could see the trucks being unloaded.?
A second IWPR source, whose status and occupation we cannot disclose,
confirmed the shift worker's version of events, saying he also
witnessed the bodies being unloaded. This source added that the bodies
were transported from western Kosovo, mainly from Prizren, Djakovica
and Pec, and surrounding villages.
"When the trucks left [after the burning] so-called 'cleaners' took
over and checked whether any body parts or their personal belongings
had fallen onto the tarmac by the entrance to the plant,? he said.
"For days afterwards, you could smell burned flesh in Surdulica. I
know what this smell is like, as I have been on all the battlefronts
in [the former] Yugoslavia."
This second source said Mackatica was chosen as a site because it was
close to Kosovo, only around 170 kilometres from Prizren, and was
relatively anonymous - few people few people outside the factory even
knew it had blast furnaces.
Kandic's Danas article said both incinerations took place around
midnight under tight security provided by the police's Special
Operations Unit, JSO, then based at Bele Vode, near Vranje, in
southern Serbia.
It said the then JSO commander, Milorad ?Legija? Ulemek, now the prime
suspect for the 2003 murder of Serbian prime minister Zoran Djindjic,
escorted one convoy of bodies to the site and was present as they were
burned in "furnaces numbers four and five".
According to the HLC, top police officials - some of whom are still at
their posts - organised the burnings, while other trusted Milosevic
officials organised the subsequent "cleansing of the terrain".
NEW INFORMATION ON ROLE OF MILOSEVIC?S POLICE IN THE CRIME
A third IWPR source, a former inspector in Milosevic's secret police,
was active at the time of the events at Mackatica, and has assured
IWPR that the police possess "precise and systematised information" on
how the bodies were burned at Mackatica.
"There is clear data on this in local police archives, marked
'strictly confidential'," this source said, referring to the two
burnings.
"The people who participated in the whole action were staying at the
Theranda Hotel in Prizren. Such a job had been prepared for a long
time and could not be completed in a day or two.
"The local public and secret police know everything but this is being
concealed also because current as well as former police officials and
ordinary operatives were involved.
"Everything is contained in the police documentation - from the code
name of the action to the list of people who stayed at the Theranda
Hotel and worked on the 'sanitation of the terrain', to those who
loaded the trucks and drove them to the Mackatica factory, where
Legija and his team took over the whole thing.
"It is also known exactly who drove and who escorted the trucks with
the bodies, who was in charge of covering up the action at the factory
itself and who directly handled the furnaces during the burning."
"The names of those who were later in charge of eliminating the traces
at the factory and those whose job it was to conceal the truth from
the local public are also known. Finally, there is a list of
politicians who were familiar with all of this, when the action was
being planned."
The former police officer claimed he knew most of these names himself
but was fearful of divulging them publicly.
Along with all those who possessed direct knowledge of the burnings,
he had encountered strong pressure to keep quiet.
"All those in any way connected to the events at Mackatica in May 1999
are being exposed to threats, pressures and blackmail," he said.
"I fear for my safety and for that of my family," he said. "The
participants in the crime in Mackatica would know it was me who
revealed the secrets, which they are doing their utmost to hide."
IWPR's first source, the shift worker at Mackatica, says several other
witnesses who saw the trucks with bodies entering the factory are
still out there.
"Other people know what was done, although everything was done for the
operation to be carried out in the utmost secrecy," he said.
They were all subject to threats and blackmail, he added, to prevent
the story from getting further out. In spite of that, this source said
he was ready to testify in public. IWPR has also spoken to a fourth
direct source on the events at Mackatica. This source did not want
either his residence or job divulged but insisted he was present at
both burnings in May 1999.
"Everything took place after midnight, but I remember there was a
clear sky and moonlight," he said. "I saw, for a few minutes and from
a distance of about ten metres, bodies being unloaded from a truck and
transported in a large factory push-cart to the part of the factory
where the furnaces are located."
This source said he "knew for sure" that some of the bodies were or
women and children. He insisted he did not participate in the burning.
None of IWPR's sources was able to estimate the exact number of bodies
unloaded and burned at Mackatica, though one said they had been
transported in "more than ten trucks," which suggests a large number.
THE LIST OF NAMES BEHIND THE BURNINGS
In her article in Danas, Kandic cited several of Milosevic's most
trusted associates as key figures behind the operation. She named
ex-police minister Vlajko Stojiljkovic; a former deputy prime minister
Nikola Sainovic; the then head of the public and state security
Vlastimir ?Rodja? Djordjevic, and Radomir Markovic, former chief of
secret police.
Sainovic, charged by the Hague war crimes tribunal for crimes
committed in Kosovo in 1999, voluntarily surrendered to the
authorities in spring 2003. He was released in mid-April 2005 pending
trial.
Markovic is currently in jail in Belgrade's central prison, facing
criminal proceedings. Stojiljkovic, also on The Hague's list of
persons indicted for crimes in Kosovo, committed suicide on April 11,
2002.
Among all the names Kandic mentioned, the most interesting was that of
Djordjevic. One of four generals wanted by the Hague tribunal for war
crimes in Kosovo in 1999, he was born in Koznica, only miles from
Mackatica.
Djordjevic is known to have been a key figure in the area whose word
was virtually law. He kept all the local power structures, especially
the police, under his control.
After the Milosevic regime fell on October 5, 2000, Djordjevic
reportedly fled the country and is believed to be hiding in Russia.
THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR STARTS TO INVESTIGATE
For several months, after the publication of the groundbreaking
article in Danas, neither the authorities nor the courts in Serbia
reacted publicly to any of the grave claims that it revealed.
However, in mid-April 2005, Vladimir Vukcevic, the special state
prosecutor for war crimes, visited Surdulica.
Acting on Vukcevic's request, the investigating judge of the district
court in Vranje, the deputy special prosecutor and a team of specially
trained court experts also visited Mackatica.
Vukcevic told B-92 radio he had talked to witnesses, but stressed that
most things were still in the stage of "complete secrecy, owing to the
serious nature of the procedure". The prosecution was awaiting the
result of forensic reports, he said.
Detailing the extent of the investigation thus far, he added, "The
blast furnaces at the Mackatica complex were inspected, as were the
places where waste is deposited." He underlined that only experts'
findings would confirm whether traces of human remains were in the
waste.
Vukcevic did not conceal the fact that his decision to personally
oversee the process implied a lack of confidence in the ability and
willingness of the local police to investigate the case.
He also said he regretted that a special police unit had not yet been
set up to investigate such war crimes and help the prosecution team.
An IWPR source close to the police in the Pcinj district confirmed
that the special war crimes prosecutor's initial field work in
Mackatica had upset members of the local police force.
"The police of the Pcinj district still operates according to the same
principles and mostly with the same people as it did in 1999," this
source said.
IWPR has also learned that the case would never have come to light at
all if one former and one active operative from the Security and
Information Agency, BIA - successor to the State Security, DB - had
not sent Kandic the evidence.
Zoran Stosic, head of the regional DB at the time of the Mackatica
case, was dismissed just over a month ago as general inspector of
police in Pcinj district and replaced by Vujica Velickovic, also a key
figure in the regional police over the past decade. IWPR's third
source, the former secret police inspector, reiterated that local
police records contained exact data on the entire affair. "All it
takes is political will for it to be disclosed," he said.
A WALL OF SILENCE IN SURDULICA
Surdulica is a small town of around 10,000 people, some ten km from
the motorway that runs from Belgrade to Skopje. It is less than an
hour's drive either to Bulgaria, or to Macedonia and Kosovo.
People in Surdulica whom IWPR interviewed either did not want to speak
about the body burnings, or defended them. No one denies something
happened, but in the town itself, where the hard-line nationalist
Serbian Radical Party is in power, there is a conspiracy of silence.
In the cafe in the centre of town, a large piece of graffiti proclaims
"Serbia for the Serbs".
"So what if they did burn Shiptars [a derogatory name for Albanians]??
one man said. "They deserved nothing better. Why don't you write about
the crimes against Serbs in Kosmet [a Serb nationalist expression for
Kosovo] today?"
A shop saleswoman was more conciliatory. "Hardly anyone dares to speak
publicly about it," was all that she would say on the grim events in
the nearby factory.
But the arrival in Surdulica of the special state prosecutor for war
crimes suggests that however much the local population wants to a draw
a veil over the affair, the judicial authorities are determined to
confront this painful issue.
Whether justice will ever be done for what happened at Mackatica
remains to be seen.
Bruno Vekaric, spokesperson for the war crimes prosecutor, said it
would not be easy. The facts that the crimes were committed long ago
and that the police and justice ministry were far from cooperative
were just some of the obstacles they faced, he told IWPR.
Time to End Destructive Kosovo Clan Warfare - IWPR
By Jeta Xharra in Dukagjini
When I first saw the map of the Dukagjini region of western Kosovo in a primary school atlas, the book described it as Kosovo's most fertile, pretty and tourist-friendly landscape.
But when I visited Dukagjini on April 17, rather than fertility, the atmosphere was one of death and self-destruction.
That was the mood that had gripped the 80,000 mourners who had gathered under dark and rainy skies for the funeral of 24-year-old Enver Haradinaj.
Enver, brother of Ramush Haradinaj, Kosovo's former prime minister who is now in The Hague awaiting trial for war crimes, was shot dead in a drive-by shooting on April 15.
His murder was another chapter in the series of mysterious murders and attempted murders that has rocked the region over the last six years.
As the local and international police have failed to resolve most of them, discussion of the subject necessarily involves a degree of assumption.
But from all the information one can obtain, it appears that all or most of the killings stem from the ongoing feud between the Musaj and Haradinaj families, the two most powerful clans in Dukagjini.
It would be welcome news if the police did their job and actually caught the perpetrators. But in the meantime, society needs to do something to stop further violence in Dukagjini.
Inspiration should come from the events of the early 1990s, when the charismatic Anton Çetta led a campaign to end Kosovo's blood feuds.
Then, a core of about 500 activists visited villages, talked to the families involved and held mass meetings to witness the reconciliation of several hundreds feuds.
Discussing this idea this week, some people remarked that it would be difficult to apply the same principle now, because when Çetta was running his campaign, his most persuasive argument was that Albanians could not afford to kill each other when unity was needed against the regime of Slobodan Milosevic.
A Haradinaj-Musaj reconciliation would be difficult to pull off. The dispute involves longstanding grudges and with so many angry men on both sides, it would be hard to be sure all the relatives and supporters of both sides would respect a deal to renounce killing, intimidation and provocation.
On the other hand, there is much to lose if this feud is allowed to go on. With so many things at risk and at a time when Kosovar Albanians need to show they are worthy of the independence they seek, the stakes are too high to allow clan killings to continue.
Kosovar leaders should consider it worth putting their reputations on the line to try their utmost, even if an attempt at reconciliation appears doomed to failure. The alternative means the murders will continue anyway.
It is not only the Haradinaj and Musaj families who need this reconciliation, but Kosovo and the Kosovars beyond Dukagjini.
There will be little point of Kosovo obtaining independence if parts of its society continue to live by backward codes that date from the Middle Ages.
If the irrational urge to exact revenge over the issue of pride, (or because relatives expected it), was taken away, it would not suit either the families or their supporters to continue with tit-for-tat murders.
The Haradinaj family naturally wants to see the person who killed Enver behind bars. The Musaj family also wants the police to catch the killer of Sadik Musaj, whose identity is known to the police. This should happen whether these families manage to reconcile or not.
Reconciliation should not involve legitimising previous murders, but should be seen as a tool to stop any more from occurring.
Although it is supposedly now the turn of the Haradinajs to take revenge, it is the last thing that this family now needs, with two sons left at home from originally seven.
Additionally, Ramush Haradinaj is likely to do all in his power to diffuse the situation.
In a speech that he sent to the funeral of his brother, he said - reiterating the message he delivered to Kosovars as he left for The Hague - that it was important to ensure the “protection not only of the lives of KLA soldiers and KLA veterans but [the] lives of every citizen of Kosovo. This is the best way to support the state-building process that is going on in Kosovo now”.
When I visited the Musaj family, on the other hand, after Sadik Musaj was shot dead on February 2, they seemed scared but also full of resentment towards the Haradinajs.
This family believes the feud began in June 1999, when Daut Haradinaj was involved in the killing of Sinan Musaj, then a member of the KLA’s rivals, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kosovo, FARK.
Six years on, with Enver Haradinaj killed, Ramush in The Hague and Daut serving a five-year jail sentence in Kosovo, the time has surely come for the Musajs to show their maturity through forgiveness.
This reconciliation needs to happen before Daut Haradinaj is released from jail, thereby triggering new tensions.
The tension was so high among the Musaj family two months ago that they were already predicting Daut would come after them unless they got him first.
For Daut to be always watching his back and walking around with bodyguards would be a poor exchange for regaining his liberty.
There is no point in presenting the case of how or why each side involved in the dispute feels it is the chief victim. They both have their reasons.
What is needed now is for an authoritative figure, respected by both sides and preferably from Dukagjini itself, to use the window of opportunity that now presents itself to put an end to the feud.
The lives of the young and old Musajs and Haradinajs have to be made more valuable than those of their predecessors were. Their future is a mirror held up to ourselves and to the type of society that we want to build.
What struck me most when I last visited the Musajs was the pressure they clearly faced from people coming to pay their condolences - to avenge Sadik Musaj's death.
For each sign of reluctance from some member of the family to take instinctive revenge, there came a contrary cry from another relative, saying that if it was "their family member, they would know what to do…".
This mentality is heartbreaking. It is Kosovo's greatest misfortune that men who are not willing to take revenge are seen as cowards and as unworthy.
Instead, through the "forgiveness of blood" process, family heads could release this primitive burden from men's shoulders and society should help them to realise that this would, in fact, be a brave act.
Anton Çetta did precisely that, convincing men from Albanian villages like Gllogjan and Strellc that there are times when "forgiving blood" is brave indeed.
This principle needs to be re-applied in 21st century Kosovo, where two families risk complete extinction, if the outside world does not step in and help.
Jeta Xharra is the IWPR Country Director and recently published Kosovo's Wild West, an investigation on the Dukagjini murders.
When I first saw the map of the Dukagjini region of western Kosovo in a primary school atlas, the book described it as Kosovo's most fertile, pretty and tourist-friendly landscape.
But when I visited Dukagjini on April 17, rather than fertility, the atmosphere was one of death and self-destruction.
That was the mood that had gripped the 80,000 mourners who had gathered under dark and rainy skies for the funeral of 24-year-old Enver Haradinaj.
Enver, brother of Ramush Haradinaj, Kosovo's former prime minister who is now in The Hague awaiting trial for war crimes, was shot dead in a drive-by shooting on April 15.
His murder was another chapter in the series of mysterious murders and attempted murders that has rocked the region over the last six years.
As the local and international police have failed to resolve most of them, discussion of the subject necessarily involves a degree of assumption.
But from all the information one can obtain, it appears that all or most of the killings stem from the ongoing feud between the Musaj and Haradinaj families, the two most powerful clans in Dukagjini.
It would be welcome news if the police did their job and actually caught the perpetrators. But in the meantime, society needs to do something to stop further violence in Dukagjini.
Inspiration should come from the events of the early 1990s, when the charismatic Anton Çetta led a campaign to end Kosovo's blood feuds.
Then, a core of about 500 activists visited villages, talked to the families involved and held mass meetings to witness the reconciliation of several hundreds feuds.
Discussing this idea this week, some people remarked that it would be difficult to apply the same principle now, because when Çetta was running his campaign, his most persuasive argument was that Albanians could not afford to kill each other when unity was needed against the regime of Slobodan Milosevic.
A Haradinaj-Musaj reconciliation would be difficult to pull off. The dispute involves longstanding grudges and with so many angry men on both sides, it would be hard to be sure all the relatives and supporters of both sides would respect a deal to renounce killing, intimidation and provocation.
On the other hand, there is much to lose if this feud is allowed to go on. With so many things at risk and at a time when Kosovar Albanians need to show they are worthy of the independence they seek, the stakes are too high to allow clan killings to continue.
Kosovar leaders should consider it worth putting their reputations on the line to try their utmost, even if an attempt at reconciliation appears doomed to failure. The alternative means the murders will continue anyway.
It is not only the Haradinaj and Musaj families who need this reconciliation, but Kosovo and the Kosovars beyond Dukagjini.
There will be little point of Kosovo obtaining independence if parts of its society continue to live by backward codes that date from the Middle Ages.
If the irrational urge to exact revenge over the issue of pride, (or because relatives expected it), was taken away, it would not suit either the families or their supporters to continue with tit-for-tat murders.
The Haradinaj family naturally wants to see the person who killed Enver behind bars. The Musaj family also wants the police to catch the killer of Sadik Musaj, whose identity is known to the police. This should happen whether these families manage to reconcile or not.
Reconciliation should not involve legitimising previous murders, but should be seen as a tool to stop any more from occurring.
Although it is supposedly now the turn of the Haradinajs to take revenge, it is the last thing that this family now needs, with two sons left at home from originally seven.
Additionally, Ramush Haradinaj is likely to do all in his power to diffuse the situation.
In a speech that he sent to the funeral of his brother, he said - reiterating the message he delivered to Kosovars as he left for The Hague - that it was important to ensure the “protection not only of the lives of KLA soldiers and KLA veterans but [the] lives of every citizen of Kosovo. This is the best way to support the state-building process that is going on in Kosovo now”.
When I visited the Musaj family, on the other hand, after Sadik Musaj was shot dead on February 2, they seemed scared but also full of resentment towards the Haradinajs.
This family believes the feud began in June 1999, when Daut Haradinaj was involved in the killing of Sinan Musaj, then a member of the KLA’s rivals, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kosovo, FARK.
Six years on, with Enver Haradinaj killed, Ramush in The Hague and Daut serving a five-year jail sentence in Kosovo, the time has surely come for the Musajs to show their maturity through forgiveness.
This reconciliation needs to happen before Daut Haradinaj is released from jail, thereby triggering new tensions.
The tension was so high among the Musaj family two months ago that they were already predicting Daut would come after them unless they got him first.
For Daut to be always watching his back and walking around with bodyguards would be a poor exchange for regaining his liberty.
There is no point in presenting the case of how or why each side involved in the dispute feels it is the chief victim. They both have their reasons.
What is needed now is for an authoritative figure, respected by both sides and preferably from Dukagjini itself, to use the window of opportunity that now presents itself to put an end to the feud.
The lives of the young and old Musajs and Haradinajs have to be made more valuable than those of their predecessors were. Their future is a mirror held up to ourselves and to the type of society that we want to build.
What struck me most when I last visited the Musajs was the pressure they clearly faced from people coming to pay their condolences - to avenge Sadik Musaj's death.
For each sign of reluctance from some member of the family to take instinctive revenge, there came a contrary cry from another relative, saying that if it was "their family member, they would know what to do…".
This mentality is heartbreaking. It is Kosovo's greatest misfortune that men who are not willing to take revenge are seen as cowards and as unworthy.
Instead, through the "forgiveness of blood" process, family heads could release this primitive burden from men's shoulders and society should help them to realise that this would, in fact, be a brave act.
Anton Çetta did precisely that, convincing men from Albanian villages like Gllogjan and Strellc that there are times when "forgiving blood" is brave indeed.
This principle needs to be re-applied in 21st century Kosovo, where two families risk complete extinction, if the outside world does not step in and help.
Jeta Xharra is the IWPR Country Director and recently published Kosovo's Wild West, an investigation on the Dukagjini murders.
Kosovo's Rugova gets security boost after threats.
PRISTINA, Serbia and Montenegro, April 21 (Reuters) - U.N. police stepped up security near the house of Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova on Thursday, responding to what police sources said were threats against the ethnic Albanian president.
Vehicles of the U.N. police force and local ethnic Albanian police units were parked on all main intersections leading to Rugova's residence on a hill above the Kosovo capital.
Police were checking cars and only residents could pass.
The measures follow a spate of bombings and shootings in the U.N.-run province since the indictment and surrender of former Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj. Kosovo is also nearing potentially explosive talks on its "final status" in the autumn.
"We've seen some threats over the last few weeks," a senior U.N. police source told Reuters when asked why security had been stepped up. "We're trying to make sure everyone is okay."
Rugova, leader of Kosovo's largest political party, escaped unhurt last month when a roadside bomb exploded in a garbage container as his convoy went past. No arrests have been made.
Kosovo's political scene has become increasingly acrimonious since Haradinaj's resignation on March 8 to face war crimes charges at the U.N. tribunal in The Hague.
On Sunday a bomb exploded at the offices of a small opposition party led by Kosovo Albanian publisher Veton Surroi, two days after gunmen killed Haradinaj's younger brother, Enver.
Diplomats say the departure of the charismatic former rebel commander left a gaping hole in Kosovo's governing coalition.
Opposition parties have since levelled accusations of corruption and criminality against the government, trying to capitalise on the loss of its popular leader.
Kosovo's U.N. overseers have warned extremists could try to destabilise the province as it nears talks on whether the ethnic Albanian majority gets the independence it demands, or Kosovo remains part of Serbia.
The province of 2 million people became a U.N. protectorate in 1999 after 78 days of NATO bombing to expel Serb forces accused of killing and expelling thousands of Albanian civilians as they tried to crush the separatist rebels.
Vehicles of the U.N. police force and local ethnic Albanian police units were parked on all main intersections leading to Rugova's residence on a hill above the Kosovo capital.
Police were checking cars and only residents could pass.
The measures follow a spate of bombings and shootings in the U.N.-run province since the indictment and surrender of former Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj. Kosovo is also nearing potentially explosive talks on its "final status" in the autumn.
"We've seen some threats over the last few weeks," a senior U.N. police source told Reuters when asked why security had been stepped up. "We're trying to make sure everyone is okay."
Rugova, leader of Kosovo's largest political party, escaped unhurt last month when a roadside bomb exploded in a garbage container as his convoy went past. No arrests have been made.
Kosovo's political scene has become increasingly acrimonious since Haradinaj's resignation on March 8 to face war crimes charges at the U.N. tribunal in The Hague.
On Sunday a bomb exploded at the offices of a small opposition party led by Kosovo Albanian publisher Veton Surroi, two days after gunmen killed Haradinaj's younger brother, Enver.
Diplomats say the departure of the charismatic former rebel commander left a gaping hole in Kosovo's governing coalition.
Opposition parties have since levelled accusations of corruption and criminality against the government, trying to capitalise on the loss of its popular leader.
Kosovo's U.N. overseers have warned extremists could try to destabilise the province as it nears talks on whether the ethnic Albanian majority gets the independence it demands, or Kosovo remains part of Serbia.
The province of 2 million people became a U.N. protectorate in 1999 after 78 days of NATO bombing to expel Serb forces accused of killing and expelling thousands of Albanian civilians as they tried to crush the separatist rebels.
World Bank Grants 10 Mln Euro To Back Power Projects in Kosovo
PRISTINA (Serbia and Montenegro), April 21 (SeeNews) - The World Bank has granted 10 million euro ($13.07 million) to Kosovo to improve the electricity supply network of the U.N.-run southern Serbian province, media said on Thursday.
Kosovo power utility KEK would use the money to finance four projects, to be implemented in the next 18 months, Kosovo broadcaster RTK reported.
"The World Bank, which has provided so far 95 million euro, will continue with both investments and technical assistance to Kosovo," the World Bank's representative in Kosovo Kanthan Shankar told reporters.
"The World Bank's financing is very important to us, because Kosovo could hardly sign credit agreements, due to its unresolved status," Kosovo's Minister of Finance and Economy Haki Shatri said.
Kosovo, population two million, is legally part of the loose union of Serbia and Montenegro that replaced rump Yugoslavia two years ago. The province has been under U.N. administration after NATO bombed Serbia in 1999 to halt Serb repression of the ethnic Albanian majority in Kosovo.
The talks on Kosovo's final status are expected to start in the autumn if the province shows by mid-year enough progress on implementing a list of U.N. requirements, known as the "standards".
Kosovo power utility KEK would use the money to finance four projects, to be implemented in the next 18 months, Kosovo broadcaster RTK reported.
"The World Bank, which has provided so far 95 million euro, will continue with both investments and technical assistance to Kosovo," the World Bank's representative in Kosovo Kanthan Shankar told reporters.
"The World Bank's financing is very important to us, because Kosovo could hardly sign credit agreements, due to its unresolved status," Kosovo's Minister of Finance and Economy Haki Shatri said.
Kosovo, population two million, is legally part of the loose union of Serbia and Montenegro that replaced rump Yugoslavia two years ago. The province has been under U.N. administration after NATO bombed Serbia in 1999 to halt Serb repression of the ethnic Albanian majority in Kosovo.
The talks on Kosovo's final status are expected to start in the autumn if the province shows by mid-year enough progress on implementing a list of U.N. requirements, known as the "standards".
Serbian Radicals file lawsuit against former minister over Kosovo report
Text of report by Serbian independent news agency FoNet
Belgrade, 21 April: The Serbian Radical Party (SRS) has said that it filed a lawsuit against former FRY [Federal Republic of Yugoslavia] Foreign Minister Goran Svilanovic [member of Brussels-based International Commission on the Balkans] over undermining the country's territorial integrity.
"While he was discharging his duties as Serbia-Montenegro foreign minister, Goran Svilanovic requested that the so-called West should free Serbia of Kosovo and that Kosovo should gain independence. We are not interested in what Svilanovic says as a private citizen or as an MP, he is entitled to have opinions. However, as a minister he has no right to have personal opinions, because he must advocate the official positions of the government and the state," SRS deputy chairman Tomislav Nikolic told a news conference.
He called on the prosecutor to "do his job", and say whether there are elements of criminal intention in Svilanovic's case. Nikolic recalled that he had also charged [London-based EFT Company directors] Vuk Hamovic and Vojin Dimitrijevic over machinations regarding electricity. [Finance Minister] Mladjan Dinkic was also charged with financial machinations, while [Serbia-Montenegro] Defence Minister Prvoslav Davinic and Chief of General Staff Dragan Paskas were charged with allowing journalists to enter the "Karas" military building.
"I am warning the gentlemen in the prosecution that the charges must not end up in drawers, because the authorities will change and someone will come who will not open the drawers," Nikolic noted.
Belgrade, 21 April: The Serbian Radical Party (SRS) has said that it filed a lawsuit against former FRY [Federal Republic of Yugoslavia] Foreign Minister Goran Svilanovic [member of Brussels-based International Commission on the Balkans] over undermining the country's territorial integrity.
"While he was discharging his duties as Serbia-Montenegro foreign minister, Goran Svilanovic requested that the so-called West should free Serbia of Kosovo and that Kosovo should gain independence. We are not interested in what Svilanovic says as a private citizen or as an MP, he is entitled to have opinions. However, as a minister he has no right to have personal opinions, because he must advocate the official positions of the government and the state," SRS deputy chairman Tomislav Nikolic told a news conference.
He called on the prosecutor to "do his job", and say whether there are elements of criminal intention in Svilanovic's case. Nikolic recalled that he had also charged [London-based EFT Company directors] Vuk Hamovic and Vojin Dimitrijevic over machinations regarding electricity. [Finance Minister] Mladjan Dinkic was also charged with financial machinations, while [Serbia-Montenegro] Defence Minister Prvoslav Davinic and Chief of General Staff Dragan Paskas were charged with allowing journalists to enter the "Karas" military building.
"I am warning the gentlemen in the prosecution that the charges must not end up in drawers, because the authorities will change and someone will come who will not open the drawers," Nikolic noted.
Lyon: Intl community has decided for Kosovo to become independent
James Lyon, director of the International Crisis Group in Belgrade, said yesterday in Novi Sad that the international community has already decided that Kosovo will become independent. Lyon said it was only a matter of time when independence would be officially announced.
According to Lyon, Kosovo will become independent in less than five years and added that he recently heard this from US and EU officials.
According to Lyon, Kosovo will become independent in less than five years and added that he recently heard this from US and EU officials.
New regulations expected to speed up Kosovo privatization process
[Announcer] Changes in Kosova [Kosovo] Trust Agency [KTA] regulations on the privatization process under which discriminatory Serbian laws will no longer be taken into account will come into force on Friday [22 April]. A member of the KTA board, Minister of Trade and Industry Bujar Dugolli said the changes would contribute to a speedy privatization process. The changes made in the KTA regulation will among other things eliminate privatization problems affecting the Gjakova [Djakovica] public enterprises.
[Reporter Menduh Abazi] The head of UNMIK [United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] Pillar IV, Joachim Rucker, said from the day he assumed the post that he would complete the privatization process in Kosova within a year in spite of the legal, property and other obstacles. This, it seems, may now be accomplished after a new bill of Kosova Trust Agency regulations was finalised by the United Nations legal office in New York [Passage omitted]
A source within the Kosova Trust Agency told KohaVision that all public enterprises in Kosova are now under KTA ownership [Passage omitted]
Source: KohaVision TV, Pristina, in Albanian 1700 gmt 20 Apr 05
[Reporter Menduh Abazi] The head of UNMIK [United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] Pillar IV, Joachim Rucker, said from the day he assumed the post that he would complete the privatization process in Kosova within a year in spite of the legal, property and other obstacles. This, it seems, may now be accomplished after a new bill of Kosova Trust Agency regulations was finalised by the United Nations legal office in New York [Passage omitted]
A source within the Kosova Trust Agency told KohaVision that all public enterprises in Kosova are now under KTA ownership [Passage omitted]
Source: KohaVision TV, Pristina, in Albanian 1700 gmt 20 Apr 05
Kosovo President's Residence Surrounded By Police
PRISTINA (AP)--Local police surrounded the home of Kosovo's president and blocked surrounding roads, preventing anyone from entering the neighborhood, officials said Thursday.
Kosovo's police said the operation late Wednesday at President Ibrahim Rugova's home in a Pristina suburb was "a routine control," but declined to give details.
An official from Rugova's party, the Democratic League of Kosovo, told Kosovo's daily newspaper Express the operation was related to security concerns. Express cited other unnamed sources as saying the action had been planned.
An official with the U.N. administration said, however, that police had been responding to an apparent threat. The official declined to elaborate.
Rugova is at the forefront of ethnic Albanian demands for independence, while Serbs want the province to remain part of Serbia-Montenegro, a union that replaced Yugoslavia.
Rugova survived when a bomb, apparently hidden in a trash can, exploded last month as his convoy passed through the center of the provincial capital.
Kosovo's police said the operation late Wednesday at President Ibrahim Rugova's home in a Pristina suburb was "a routine control," but declined to give details.
An official from Rugova's party, the Democratic League of Kosovo, told Kosovo's daily newspaper Express the operation was related to security concerns. Express cited other unnamed sources as saying the action had been planned.
An official with the U.N. administration said, however, that police had been responding to an apparent threat. The official declined to elaborate.
Rugova is at the forefront of ethnic Albanian demands for independence, while Serbs want the province to remain part of Serbia-Montenegro, a union that replaced Yugoslavia.
Rugova survived when a bomb, apparently hidden in a trash can, exploded last month as his convoy passed through the center of the provincial capital.
Rupel: Kosovo, Central Asia Need Immediate Attention
(c) 2005 STA, Slovenska Tiskovna Agencija d.o.o
Vilnius, 21 April (STA) - Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, the OSCE
chairman, has reiterated his belief that the future of Kosovo and the
building of democracy in Central Asia are issues that require immediate
attention.
Addressing an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Vilnius on
Thursday, Rupel said that, although some believe that these two issues
should be tackled slowly, he is of a different opinion.
The main problem faced by these countries is that they are already behind.
This is why I believe democracy-building efforts should be bolstered in
Central Asia and the talks on a final status of Kosovo launched as soon as
possible, Rupel told his NATO counterparts.
The time is running out in Kosovo's case, Rupel said, adding that he had
heard inspiring messages from Serbian officials during his recent visit to
Belgrade.
Rupel, who was on a three-country tour of Central Asia this week, said the
biggest threat in Central Asia is organised crime, porous borders,
authoritarian regimes, poverty and ethnic discrimination.
In his opinion, the chances are very slim that the recent revolution in
Kyrgyzstan will result in a domino effect and the toppling of regimes in
other Central Asian republics.
Prior to today's meeting, Rupel held a brief meeting with US State
Secretary Condoleezza Rice on the situation in Kyrgyzstan. He acquainted
Rice with his recent talks with Kyrgyz officials.
Rupel also met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Boris Tarsyuk, who presented
Ukraine's proposal for resolving the Trans-Dniester conflict.
Ukrainian President Viktor Juschenko is expected to unveil the proposal at
Friday's meeting of the GUUAM group in Moldova's Kishinev.
Rupel also welcomed today's signing of an agreement between Russia and
NATO on military cooperation that will allow joint military exercises.
According to him, the NATO-Russia council is one of the best forums for
bringing Europe and the US closer.
He underscored the importance the OSCE places on cooperation between
Europe - including Russia - and the US. The OSCE is determined to promote
stability in Central Asia and the Caucasus, he added.
Vilnius, 21 April (STA) - Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, the OSCE
chairman, has reiterated his belief that the future of Kosovo and the
building of democracy in Central Asia are issues that require immediate
attention.
Addressing an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Vilnius on
Thursday, Rupel said that, although some believe that these two issues
should be tackled slowly, he is of a different opinion.
The main problem faced by these countries is that they are already behind.
This is why I believe democracy-building efforts should be bolstered in
Central Asia and the talks on a final status of Kosovo launched as soon as
possible, Rupel told his NATO counterparts.
The time is running out in Kosovo's case, Rupel said, adding that he had
heard inspiring messages from Serbian officials during his recent visit to
Belgrade.
Rupel, who was on a three-country tour of Central Asia this week, said the
biggest threat in Central Asia is organised crime, porous borders,
authoritarian regimes, poverty and ethnic discrimination.
In his opinion, the chances are very slim that the recent revolution in
Kyrgyzstan will result in a domino effect and the toppling of regimes in
other Central Asian republics.
Prior to today's meeting, Rupel held a brief meeting with US State
Secretary Condoleezza Rice on the situation in Kyrgyzstan. He acquainted
Rice with his recent talks with Kyrgyz officials.
Rupel also met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Boris Tarsyuk, who presented
Ukraine's proposal for resolving the Trans-Dniester conflict.
Ukrainian President Viktor Juschenko is expected to unveil the proposal at
Friday's meeting of the GUUAM group in Moldova's Kishinev.
Rupel also welcomed today's signing of an agreement between Russia and
NATO on military cooperation that will allow joint military exercises.
According to him, the NATO-Russia council is one of the best forums for
bringing Europe and the US closer.
He underscored the importance the OSCE places on cooperation between
Europe - including Russia - and the US. The OSCE is determined to promote
stability in Central Asia and the Caucasus, he added.
EU Aid to Kosovo Conditional On Reform
The European Commission said yesterday that European Union (EU) aid to Kosovo would be conditional on clear reform steps by the province's leaders. Kosovo, still formally part of Serbia, is administered overall by the UN, but with temporary institutions of government that have increasing competences. The EU has provided US$2.08 billion in aid since the 1998-99 conflict. Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn yesterday stressed the need for Kosovo's politicians to show commitment to the rule of law, democratic principles, minority rights and economic reforms, and also called on President Ibrahim Rugova to reciprocate the overtures for dialogue with Belgrade that Serbian President Boris Tadic had been making. 'An open and constructive dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is necessary', he said, adding that Serbian leaders had 'stretched out a hand'.
Significance: Earlier, it was Serbia that was unwilling to take part in talks - while former prime minister Ramush Haradinaj, now at the Hague tribunal, was still under investigation. Now, however, Albanian politicians appear unwilling, fearful that it will compromise them in the eyes of the electorate. Instead, they prefer to rely on the international community to open talks on final status for Kosovo. However, the EU is making it clear that it wants talks between Belgrade and Pristina as a preliminary to final status talks. Kosovo still has a long way to go to meet the 'standards before status' that the international community has made the key plank of its policy.
Significance: Earlier, it was Serbia that was unwilling to take part in talks - while former prime minister Ramush Haradinaj, now at the Hague tribunal, was still under investigation. Now, however, Albanian politicians appear unwilling, fearful that it will compromise them in the eyes of the electorate. Instead, they prefer to rely on the international community to open talks on final status for Kosovo. However, the EU is making it clear that it wants talks between Belgrade and Pristina as a preliminary to final status talks. Kosovo still has a long way to go to meet the 'standards before status' that the international community has made the key plank of its policy.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Hague tribunal charges Milosevic witness with contempt
THE HAGUE/ZAGREB, April 20 (Hina) - The Hague-based International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) has for the first time turned a witness into an accused after it charged Kosta Bulatovic, a defence witness for Slobodan Milosevic, with contempt of the tribunal on Wednesday for refusing to answer questions asked by the prosecutor.
Kosta Bulatovic, 68, a former Kosovo Serb leader, refused to answer questions by Prosecutor Geoffrey Nice because the former Yugoslav president was not present in the courtroom due to his ill health.
Milosevic, 63, did not appear at the hearing owing to his high blood pressure which, according to a medical report, measured 215/130.
The Trial Chamber decided that the trial should continue with the prosecutor cross-examining the the defence witness. But Bulatovic refused to answer questions by the prosecutor despite warnings from the judges that he would be charged with contempt.
After a lengthy break, during which the Trial Chamber formulated the charge, Presiding Judge Patrick Robinson read that Bulatovic was charged because on April 19 and 20, as a defence witness in the trial of Slobodan Milosevic, he "knowingly and wilfully interfered with the administration of justice by contumaciously refusing to answer questions asked by the prosecutor."
Under Rule 77 of the ICTY Rules of Procedure and Evidence, a person found to be in contempt of the tribunal faces a prison term not exceeding seven years, a fine of up to 100,000 euros, or both.
The Trial Chamber immediately assigned counsel to Bulatovic and decided that he must enter a plea already today. However, his plea was delayed until May 5 after counsel Stephane Bourgon requested that the case be assigned to another trial chamber and that Bulatovic be given time to prepare for the trial.
Kosta Bulatovic, 68, a former Kosovo Serb leader, refused to answer questions by Prosecutor Geoffrey Nice because the former Yugoslav president was not present in the courtroom due to his ill health.
Milosevic, 63, did not appear at the hearing owing to his high blood pressure which, according to a medical report, measured 215/130.
The Trial Chamber decided that the trial should continue with the prosecutor cross-examining the the defence witness. But Bulatovic refused to answer questions by the prosecutor despite warnings from the judges that he would be charged with contempt.
After a lengthy break, during which the Trial Chamber formulated the charge, Presiding Judge Patrick Robinson read that Bulatovic was charged because on April 19 and 20, as a defence witness in the trial of Slobodan Milosevic, he "knowingly and wilfully interfered with the administration of justice by contumaciously refusing to answer questions asked by the prosecutor."
Under Rule 77 of the ICTY Rules of Procedure and Evidence, a person found to be in contempt of the tribunal faces a prison term not exceeding seven years, a fine of up to 100,000 euros, or both.
The Trial Chamber immediately assigned counsel to Bulatovic and decided that he must enter a plea already today. However, his plea was delayed until May 5 after counsel Stephane Bourgon requested that the case be assigned to another trial chamber and that Bulatovic be given time to prepare for the trial.
Kosovo premier praises "very good" cooperation with Albania
Text of report in English by Albanian news agency ATA
Tirana, 20 April: Prime Minister of Kosova (Kosovo) Bajram Kosumi addressed Wednesday (20 April) a message to Prime Minister of Albania, Fatos Nano. Through this message Prime Minister Kosumi expressed the appreciation about the results of his visit to Tirana, as well as the exchange of ideas and viewpoints on the recent developments in Kosova, Albania and region, Council of Ministers Information Department reported.
"I avail myself of the opportunity to express my highest appreciation about your contribution, as well as about the very good and fruitful level of the cooperation between our institutions, in favour of the progress of democratic processes in Kosova, peace and security in the country," Kosumi underlined.
Source: ATA news agency, Tirana, in English 1452 gmt 20 Apr 05
Tirana, 20 April: Prime Minister of Kosova (Kosovo) Bajram Kosumi addressed Wednesday (20 April) a message to Prime Minister of Albania, Fatos Nano. Through this message Prime Minister Kosumi expressed the appreciation about the results of his visit to Tirana, as well as the exchange of ideas and viewpoints on the recent developments in Kosova, Albania and region, Council of Ministers Information Department reported.
"I avail myself of the opportunity to express my highest appreciation about your contribution, as well as about the very good and fruitful level of the cooperation between our institutions, in favour of the progress of democratic processes in Kosova, peace and security in the country," Kosumi underlined.
Source: ATA news agency, Tirana, in English 1452 gmt 20 Apr 05
Rugova again refuses direct talks with authorities in Belgrade
PRISTINA, April 20 (Hina) - Commenting on Serbian President Boris Tadic's invitation for talks, Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova on Wednesday again stated he could not take part in direct talks with Belgrade.
Rugova said the best solution would be to hold an international meeting that would be attended by the presidents of all countries in the region. "I do not want to do anything without the international community which is here, and direct political talks with Belgrade are very difficult and impossible to conduct," Rugova said after meeting a delegation of NATO's Parliamentary Assembly visiting Kosovo.
At the meeting, Rugova reiterated his position seeking independence for the province.
Earlier today, the EU urged the leader of Kosovo Albanians to open a dialogue with Serbia on the future of the UN-governed province.
Rugova said the best solution would be to hold an international meeting that would be attended by the presidents of all countries in the region. "I do not want to do anything without the international community which is here, and direct political talks with Belgrade are very difficult and impossible to conduct," Rugova said after meeting a delegation of NATO's Parliamentary Assembly visiting Kosovo.
At the meeting, Rugova reiterated his position seeking independence for the province.
Earlier today, the EU urged the leader of Kosovo Albanians to open a dialogue with Serbia on the future of the UN-governed province.
Kfor troops, Kosovo police conduct joint patrols, vehicle checks
Text of report in English by independent internet news agency KosovaLive
Prishtina [Pristina], 19 April: Danish soldiers operating in Kfor [Kosovo Force] Multinational Brigade [MNB] Northeast have conducted joint patrols with the Kosova [Kosovo] Police Service (ShPK) as part of a training.
"During those days, the Danish Mechanized Infantry Company joined the patrols of ShPK officers and together conducted many vehicle checkpoints," reads a Kfor press release.
The company commander, Maj M. G. Salomonsen, on this occasion said that establishing a safe and secure environment is their common task.
"The police is gradually taking over the competencies. At the same time, more and more responsibilities are handed over from UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] to the local (ShPK) police. The police officers that we meet are professionals and devoted to their work," the major said.
He emphasized that working with the local police is a really good experience and that they are doing everything possible to support them over this transitional period.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 19 Apr 05
Prishtina [Pristina], 19 April: Danish soldiers operating in Kfor [Kosovo Force] Multinational Brigade [MNB] Northeast have conducted joint patrols with the Kosova [Kosovo] Police Service (ShPK) as part of a training.
"During those days, the Danish Mechanized Infantry Company joined the patrols of ShPK officers and together conducted many vehicle checkpoints," reads a Kfor press release.
The company commander, Maj M. G. Salomonsen, on this occasion said that establishing a safe and secure environment is their common task.
"The police is gradually taking over the competencies. At the same time, more and more responsibilities are handed over from UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] to the local (ShPK) police. The police officers that we meet are professionals and devoted to their work," the major said.
He emphasized that working with the local police is a really good experience and that they are doing everything possible to support them over this transitional period.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 19 Apr 05
Report on Standards fulfilment not yet received - Kosovo government spokesman
Text of report in English by independent internet news agency KosovaLive
Prishtina [Pristina], 19 April: The government has not discussed even today during the regular meting the draft report on line-by-line assessment of Standards fulfilment.
Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi said today that the signals coming form those who assessed the standards are positive. But Kosumi added that it has remained the report to be analysed in details and supplemented with government comments.
"According to the work made, we expect it to be reflected and thus have a positive evaluation," he said.
He did not specify if the government has the draft report in its hands. But Deputy Adem Salihaj said yesterday that the government has received the draft report.
Meanwhile the spokesperson for the government, Daut Dauti, said that this report has not arrived yet. "The government has not yet received it, although it has learned that it was positively evaluated," he said.
Dauti said that all information for this report will be made known in the coming days.
But the sources within KosovaLive said that UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] has submitted the document on Monday [18 April] and it is being reviewed by the Contact Group, as well.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 19 Apr 05
Prishtina [Pristina], 19 April: The government has not discussed even today during the regular meting the draft report on line-by-line assessment of Standards fulfilment.
Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi said today that the signals coming form those who assessed the standards are positive. But Kosumi added that it has remained the report to be analysed in details and supplemented with government comments.
"According to the work made, we expect it to be reflected and thus have a positive evaluation," he said.
He did not specify if the government has the draft report in its hands. But Deputy Adem Salihaj said yesterday that the government has received the draft report.
Meanwhile the spokesperson for the government, Daut Dauti, said that this report has not arrived yet. "The government has not yet received it, although it has learned that it was positively evaluated," he said.
Dauti said that all information for this report will be made known in the coming days.
But the sources within KosovaLive said that UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] has submitted the document on Monday [18 April] and it is being reviewed by the Contact Group, as well.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 19 Apr 05
Kosovo's Haradinaj thanks Rugova for tribute to late brother
Prishtina [Pristina], 19 April: The former prime minister, Ramush Haradinaj, thanked Kosova [Kosovo] President Ibrahim Rugova for the care and appreciation for the deeds of his recently killed brother and for the deeds of his family in general.
The president received today Ramush Haradinaj, who was granted a provisional release by the Hague Tribunal to attend his brother's funeral and post funeral ceremonies.
Rugova has expressed his condolences personally to Ramush Haradinaj for the murder of his brother. "I highly appreciate the merits of freedom fighter Enver Haradinaj for the freedom and independence of the country," he said.
Also, the president has expressed his gratitude to the Hague Tribunal for the opportunity given to Ramush Haradinaj to participate in his brother's funeral ceremony.
It is learned that Ramush Haradinaj will go back today to the Scheveningen detention centre at The Hague.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 19 Apr 05
The president received today Ramush Haradinaj, who was granted a provisional release by the Hague Tribunal to attend his brother's funeral and post funeral ceremonies.
Rugova has expressed his condolences personally to Ramush Haradinaj for the murder of his brother. "I highly appreciate the merits of freedom fighter Enver Haradinaj for the freedom and independence of the country," he said.
Also, the president has expressed his gratitude to the Hague Tribunal for the opportunity given to Ramush Haradinaj to participate in his brother's funeral ceremony.
It is learned that Ramush Haradinaj will go back today to the Scheveningen detention centre at The Hague.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 19 Apr 05
A European Future for Kosovo
A European Future for Kosovo[1]
The European Commission today adopted a Communication highlighting its contribution to making Kosovo’s European perspective a reality. Kosovo will be high on the agenda in the months to come. The upcoming review in 2005 of the UN Standards, including democratisation, the rule of law and minority protection, could be followed by discussions on Kosovo’s future status. Independently of the outcome of these future talks, Kosovo needs to be kept firmly anchored in the progress of the Western Balkan region in the Stabilisation and Association Process.
Welcoming the Commission’s contribution Olli Rehn, Commissioner for Enlargement said: “Kosovo’s economic problems can not wait until the resolution of the status question. The economic development of the province needs to be fostered to guarantee a better future for all people in Kosovo. Our aim is to build a truly multiethnic Kosovo in which all citizens feel secure and equally treated. Our contribution today sets out the Commission’s approach to Kosovo’s long-term development. We are ready to continue helping Kosovo to make progress towards its European aspirations, provided political leaders demonstrate a clear commitment to democratic principles, human rights, protection of minorities, rule of law, market economic reform and the values on which the European Union is based. Ultimately, Kosovo’s future is in the hands of its people.”
This document is about explaining what the European Commission is doing now and will we do in the future to help Kosovo. It sets an important message to the Provisional Institutions of Self-government and the people of Kosovo that achieving the standards for a secure, stable and multiethnic society is a long-term commitment that goes beyond the status settlement and a prerequisite for progress towards the European Union.
The political context
The European Commission’s engagement with Kosovo has been huge in political and financial terms €1.6 billion 1999-2005. Unfortunately, six years after the conflict, the territory remains fragile. The Commission’s political and technical capital needs to be further mobilised in support of Kosovo to enhance its economic development and facilitate its constructive participation in the region’s progress towards European Union integration. This Communication explains how the Commission is going to apply the instruments of the Stabilisation and Association Process and the experience developed during the pre-accession and enlargement process to Kosovo.
What is in the Communication?
The main areas covered in the document are:
• Reiteration of the overall policy framework of the SAP and how it relates to Kosovo,
• Economic development: growth, regional economic integration,
• Building institutional capacity,
• Financial assistance,
• Kosovo’s links with the rest of the region.
Why this Communication now?
The Conclusions of the General Affairs Council of 21-22 February 2005 invited the SG/HR and the Commission, in close cooperation with the Presidency, to examine with the United Nations and other relevant players what might be the future contribution of the European Union to the efforts of the international community in Kosovo. This communication is a first contribution to that joint work that the Commission will do with the HR/SG and the Presidency.
More information:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/see/fry/kosovo/index.htm
[1] Kosovo is at present under the administration of UNMIK, pursuant to UNSC Resolution 1244 (1999).
The European Commission today adopted a Communication highlighting its contribution to making Kosovo’s European perspective a reality. Kosovo will be high on the agenda in the months to come. The upcoming review in 2005 of the UN Standards, including democratisation, the rule of law and minority protection, could be followed by discussions on Kosovo’s future status. Independently of the outcome of these future talks, Kosovo needs to be kept firmly anchored in the progress of the Western Balkan region in the Stabilisation and Association Process.
Welcoming the Commission’s contribution Olli Rehn, Commissioner for Enlargement said: “Kosovo’s economic problems can not wait until the resolution of the status question. The economic development of the province needs to be fostered to guarantee a better future for all people in Kosovo. Our aim is to build a truly multiethnic Kosovo in which all citizens feel secure and equally treated. Our contribution today sets out the Commission’s approach to Kosovo’s long-term development. We are ready to continue helping Kosovo to make progress towards its European aspirations, provided political leaders demonstrate a clear commitment to democratic principles, human rights, protection of minorities, rule of law, market economic reform and the values on which the European Union is based. Ultimately, Kosovo’s future is in the hands of its people.”
This document is about explaining what the European Commission is doing now and will we do in the future to help Kosovo. It sets an important message to the Provisional Institutions of Self-government and the people of Kosovo that achieving the standards for a secure, stable and multiethnic society is a long-term commitment that goes beyond the status settlement and a prerequisite for progress towards the European Union.
The political context
The European Commission’s engagement with Kosovo has been huge in political and financial terms €1.6 billion 1999-2005. Unfortunately, six years after the conflict, the territory remains fragile. The Commission’s political and technical capital needs to be further mobilised in support of Kosovo to enhance its economic development and facilitate its constructive participation in the region’s progress towards European Union integration. This Communication explains how the Commission is going to apply the instruments of the Stabilisation and Association Process and the experience developed during the pre-accession and enlargement process to Kosovo.
What is in the Communication?
The main areas covered in the document are:
• Reiteration of the overall policy framework of the SAP and how it relates to Kosovo,
• Economic development: growth, regional economic integration,
• Building institutional capacity,
• Financial assistance,
• Kosovo’s links with the rest of the region.
Why this Communication now?
The Conclusions of the General Affairs Council of 21-22 February 2005 invited the SG/HR and the Commission, in close cooperation with the Presidency, to examine with the United Nations and other relevant players what might be the future contribution of the European Union to the efforts of the international community in Kosovo. This communication is a first contribution to that joint work that the Commission will do with the HR/SG and the Presidency.
More information:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/see/fry/kosovo/index.htm
[1] Kosovo is at present under the administration of UNMIK, pursuant to UNSC Resolution 1244 (1999).
New Course For Kosovo - Richard Holbrooke in The Washington Post
Rice Makes Her Presence Felt
By Richard Holbrooke
Wednesday, April 20, 2005; Page A25
Significant differences between the first and second Bush terms continue to emerge. After studied silence in her White House years, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is beginning to reveal her style and values, clearly with presidential approval. She seems to be a pragmatic conservative, oriented toward problem-solving, pursuing essentially non-ideological policies. She is careful (and politically smart) to keep faith, in all her statements, with neoconservative values, but she is also finding high-profile, low-cost ways, such as extensive travel, to improve America's shaky image and relationships around the world. Several recent events are worth attention:
• The dramatic policy reversal -- personally shaped by President Bush -- resulting in a decision not to veto a U.N. Security Council resolution authorizing a role for the International Criminal Court in Darfur. This was the first time in four years that the Bush administration had departed from its practice of opposing anything having to do with the ICC.
- Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick's well-orchestrated trip to Sudan, following the U.N. vote, to hammer the Khartoum government on Darfur. Zoellick became the first U.S. official to embrace the suggestion of several people, including U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Jon Corzine, that NATO could play a role in support of an African Union peacekeeping force. (Next: Appoint a high-level special envoy for Darfur and a separate, full-time ambassador accredited to the African Union.)
• The appointment of outgoing World Bank president James Wolfensohn to the new post of special coordinator for development of Gaza -- an inspired choice, given Wolfensohn's reputation in this field; also a rather bold one for an administration that has famously subjected its appointees to a political litmus test that the liberal Wolfensohn, a Bill Clinton appointee, could never have passed.
One notable policy change has gone virtually unnoticed -- the one concerning Kosovo, where, after four years of neglect and mistakes, the administration has made a major shift. Ever since the 78-day NATO bombing campaign freed the Kosovar Albanians from Slobodan Milosevic's oppressive grip in 1999, political control of Kosovo has been in the semi-competent hands of the United Nations, while NATO has maintained a fragile peace between the majority Albanian and minority Serb populations.
Under Security Council Resolution 1244, passed in 1999, the final status of Kosovo was supposed to be worked out through negotiations that would result in either independence, partition or a return by Kosovo to its former status as part of a country once known as Yugoslavia, now "Serbia and Montenegro." But instead of starting this process years ago, Washington and the European Union fashioned a delaying policy they called "standards before status," a phrase that disguised bureaucratic inaction inside diplomatic mumbo-jumbo. As a result, there have been no serious discussions on the future of Kosovo for the past four years, even as windows of opportunity closed and Albanian-Serb tensions rose. Finally, bloody rioting erupted last March, leaving eight Serbs and 11 Albanians dead, a thousand people injured and the region teetering on the brink of another war. Tensions have remained high ever since; just two days ago there was a bomb attack on the offices of an opposition party in Kosovo.
Last month, after warnings about the explosiveness of the situation from Philip Goldberg, America's senior diplomat there, Rice sent Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns to Europe for meetings with the nearly moribund Contact Group (the United States, Britain, France, Italy, Russia and Germany). Burns told them that the situation in Kosovo was inherently unstable and, unless there was an acceleration of efforts to determine its final status, violence would probably increase, with NATO forces, including U.S. troops, tied down indefinitely.
Under American pressure -- always the necessary ingredient in dealing with the sluggish, process-driven European Union -- a new Contact Group policy has begun to emerge. This summer a special U.N. representative will "determine" that Kosovo has met the necessary standards -- self-governance, refugees, returnees, freedom of movement, etc. -- and is therefore ready for status talks. (Of course, this should have been done years ago, but better late than never.) Then will come the really tough part: What should Kosovo's final status be? Separate nation, Serb province, partition?
Although no one is talking on the record in Washington or in Europe, I find it hard to see any ultimate outcome for Kosovo other than independence, perhaps on a staged basis over the next several years. But such an outcome requires strong guarantees for the endangered Serb minority that remains in Kosovo -- between 100,000 and 200,000 people. The protection of Kosovo's Serbs will require some sort of continued international security presence. In addition, the deeply divided Kosovar Albanians, whose last prime minister is now facing war crimes charges in The Hague, must achieve a much higher level of political maturity.
Ultimately, Belgrade will have to accept something politically difficult: giving up Serbian claims to Kosovo, which Serbs regard as their historic heartland. The Serbs will have to choose between trying to join the European Union and trying to regain Kosovo. If they seek their lost province, they will end up with neither. But, if it can opt for the future over the past, Serbia would have a bright future as an E.U. member, and the ancient dream of an economically integrated, peaceful Southeast Europe (including Greece and Bosnia) would be within reach. The European Union, however, must make a real deal on Kosovo an integral part of the membership process for Serbia.
There are many complicated subplots here, involving Montenegro, Bosnia, Albania, the United Nations, the E.U. and NATO. But for now the important thing is that after ignoring the issue for four years, the administration is doing something in the Balkans, where nothing happens without U.S. leadership. Given that instability in the Balkans -- and Kosovo is highly unstable now -- has historically spread into other parts of Europe, and that the region lies in the heart of the growing NATO sphere, this is the sort of problem that must be addressed before it grows again into a major crisis.
Richard Holbrooke, a presidential envoy for Bosnia and Kosovo during the Clinton administration, writes a monthly column for The Post.
By Richard Holbrooke
Wednesday, April 20, 2005; Page A25
Significant differences between the first and second Bush terms continue to emerge. After studied silence in her White House years, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is beginning to reveal her style and values, clearly with presidential approval. She seems to be a pragmatic conservative, oriented toward problem-solving, pursuing essentially non-ideological policies. She is careful (and politically smart) to keep faith, in all her statements, with neoconservative values, but she is also finding high-profile, low-cost ways, such as extensive travel, to improve America's shaky image and relationships around the world. Several recent events are worth attention:
• The dramatic policy reversal -- personally shaped by President Bush -- resulting in a decision not to veto a U.N. Security Council resolution authorizing a role for the International Criminal Court in Darfur. This was the first time in four years that the Bush administration had departed from its practice of opposing anything having to do with the ICC.
- Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick's well-orchestrated trip to Sudan, following the U.N. vote, to hammer the Khartoum government on Darfur. Zoellick became the first U.S. official to embrace the suggestion of several people, including U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Jon Corzine, that NATO could play a role in support of an African Union peacekeeping force. (Next: Appoint a high-level special envoy for Darfur and a separate, full-time ambassador accredited to the African Union.)
• The appointment of outgoing World Bank president James Wolfensohn to the new post of special coordinator for development of Gaza -- an inspired choice, given Wolfensohn's reputation in this field; also a rather bold one for an administration that has famously subjected its appointees to a political litmus test that the liberal Wolfensohn, a Bill Clinton appointee, could never have passed.
One notable policy change has gone virtually unnoticed -- the one concerning Kosovo, where, after four years of neglect and mistakes, the administration has made a major shift. Ever since the 78-day NATO bombing campaign freed the Kosovar Albanians from Slobodan Milosevic's oppressive grip in 1999, political control of Kosovo has been in the semi-competent hands of the United Nations, while NATO has maintained a fragile peace between the majority Albanian and minority Serb populations.
Under Security Council Resolution 1244, passed in 1999, the final status of Kosovo was supposed to be worked out through negotiations that would result in either independence, partition or a return by Kosovo to its former status as part of a country once known as Yugoslavia, now "Serbia and Montenegro." But instead of starting this process years ago, Washington and the European Union fashioned a delaying policy they called "standards before status," a phrase that disguised bureaucratic inaction inside diplomatic mumbo-jumbo. As a result, there have been no serious discussions on the future of Kosovo for the past four years, even as windows of opportunity closed and Albanian-Serb tensions rose. Finally, bloody rioting erupted last March, leaving eight Serbs and 11 Albanians dead, a thousand people injured and the region teetering on the brink of another war. Tensions have remained high ever since; just two days ago there was a bomb attack on the offices of an opposition party in Kosovo.
Last month, after warnings about the explosiveness of the situation from Philip Goldberg, America's senior diplomat there, Rice sent Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns to Europe for meetings with the nearly moribund Contact Group (the United States, Britain, France, Italy, Russia and Germany). Burns told them that the situation in Kosovo was inherently unstable and, unless there was an acceleration of efforts to determine its final status, violence would probably increase, with NATO forces, including U.S. troops, tied down indefinitely.
Under American pressure -- always the necessary ingredient in dealing with the sluggish, process-driven European Union -- a new Contact Group policy has begun to emerge. This summer a special U.N. representative will "determine" that Kosovo has met the necessary standards -- self-governance, refugees, returnees, freedom of movement, etc. -- and is therefore ready for status talks. (Of course, this should have been done years ago, but better late than never.) Then will come the really tough part: What should Kosovo's final status be? Separate nation, Serb province, partition?
Although no one is talking on the record in Washington or in Europe, I find it hard to see any ultimate outcome for Kosovo other than independence, perhaps on a staged basis over the next several years. But such an outcome requires strong guarantees for the endangered Serb minority that remains in Kosovo -- between 100,000 and 200,000 people. The protection of Kosovo's Serbs will require some sort of continued international security presence. In addition, the deeply divided Kosovar Albanians, whose last prime minister is now facing war crimes charges in The Hague, must achieve a much higher level of political maturity.
Ultimately, Belgrade will have to accept something politically difficult: giving up Serbian claims to Kosovo, which Serbs regard as their historic heartland. The Serbs will have to choose between trying to join the European Union and trying to regain Kosovo. If they seek their lost province, they will end up with neither. But, if it can opt for the future over the past, Serbia would have a bright future as an E.U. member, and the ancient dream of an economically integrated, peaceful Southeast Europe (including Greece and Bosnia) would be within reach. The European Union, however, must make a real deal on Kosovo an integral part of the membership process for Serbia.
There are many complicated subplots here, involving Montenegro, Bosnia, Albania, the United Nations, the E.U. and NATO. But for now the important thing is that after ignoring the issue for four years, the administration is doing something in the Balkans, where nothing happens without U.S. leadership. Given that instability in the Balkans -- and Kosovo is highly unstable now -- has historically spread into other parts of Europe, and that the region lies in the heart of the growing NATO sphere, this is the sort of problem that must be addressed before it grows again into a major crisis.
Richard Holbrooke, a presidential envoy for Bosnia and Kosovo during the Clinton administration, writes a monthly column for The Post.
EU head office says reconstruction aid for Kosovo must be maintained in years ahead
BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - The European Union must continue to provide significant financial assistance for Kosovo in the coming years, provided political leaders in the southern Serb province and Belgrade resolve their disputes peacefully, the EU head office said Wednesday.
In a report to the 25 EU governments, the European Commission said the union must maintain economic assistance and other programs that have cost euro1.6 billion (US$2.08 billion) since 1999.
It said assistance must be maintained "to enhance its economic development and facilitate its constructive participation" in the Balkans' progress toward European integration.
The ethnic Albanian majority in Kosovo wants the province to be independent, while Belgrade insists it have autonomy but remain within Serbia-Montenegro.
Kosovo has been an international protectorate administered by the United Nations and a NATO-led peacekeeping force since 1999, when a NATO air war against the former Yugoslavia ended a Serb crackdown on ethnic-Albanian separatists.
In a report to the 25 EU governments, the European Commission said the union must maintain economic assistance and other programs that have cost euro1.6 billion (US$2.08 billion) since 1999.
It said assistance must be maintained "to enhance its economic development and facilitate its constructive participation" in the Balkans' progress toward European integration.
The ethnic Albanian majority in Kosovo wants the province to be independent, while Belgrade insists it have autonomy but remain within Serbia-Montenegro.
Kosovo has been an international protectorate administered by the United Nations and a NATO-led peacekeeping force since 1999, when a NATO air war against the former Yugoslavia ended a Serb crackdown on ethnic-Albanian separatists.
EU Commission:Kosovo Reconstruction Aid Must Be Continued
BRUSSELS (AP)--The European Union must continue to provide significant financial assistance for Kosovo in the coming years, provided political leaders in the southern Serbian province and Belgrade resolve their disputes peacefully, the E.U. head office said Wednesday.
In a report to the 25 E.U. governments, the European Commission said the union must maintain economic assistance and other programs that have cost EUR1.6 billion since 1999.
It said assistance must be maintained "to enhance its economic development and facilitate its constructive participation" in the Balkans' progress toward European integration.
The ethnic Albanian majority in Kosovo wants the province to be independent, while Belgrade insists it have autonomy but remain within Serbia-Montenegro.
Kosovo has been an international protectorate administered by the United Nations and a North Atlantic Treaty Organization-led peacekeeping force since 1999, when a NATO air war against the former Yugoslavia ended a Serb crackdown on ethnic-Albanian separatists. [ 20-04-05 1033GMT ]
In a report to the 25 E.U. governments, the European Commission said the union must maintain economic assistance and other programs that have cost EUR1.6 billion since 1999.
It said assistance must be maintained "to enhance its economic development and facilitate its constructive participation" in the Balkans' progress toward European integration.
The ethnic Albanian majority in Kosovo wants the province to be independent, while Belgrade insists it have autonomy but remain within Serbia-Montenegro.
Kosovo has been an international protectorate administered by the United Nations and a North Atlantic Treaty Organization-led peacekeeping force since 1999, when a NATO air war against the former Yugoslavia ended a Serb crackdown on ethnic-Albanian separatists. [ 20-04-05 1033GMT ]
Kosovo's president congratulates new pope
PRISTINA, Serbia-Montenegro (AP) - Kosovo's President Ibrahim Rugova congratulated Pope Benedict XVI Wednesday on his election.
Rugova, an ethnic Albanian president of the disputed province of Kosovo, where the majority of its inhabitants are Muslim, called on the new pope to pray for the future of this U.N.-run province.
"I plead with you to continue praying for the formal recognition of (Kosovo's) independence that would calm the soul of my people," Rugova said in a statement.
Kosovo has been under U.N. administration since 1999, following a NATO war aimed at stopping Serb forces crackdown on independence-seeking ethnic Albanians. Rugova is at a forefront of the ethnic Albanian demands for independence, while Serbs want the province to remain part of Serbia-Montenegro, a union that replaced Yugoslavia.
Rugova declared two days of mourning following John Paul II's death, whom he met five times. Large photographs of one of those visits are prominently displayed in Rugova's office and residence.
Rugova, an ethnic Albanian president of the disputed province of Kosovo, where the majority of its inhabitants are Muslim, called on the new pope to pray for the future of this U.N.-run province.
"I plead with you to continue praying for the formal recognition of (Kosovo's) independence that would calm the soul of my people," Rugova said in a statement.
Kosovo has been under U.N. administration since 1999, following a NATO war aimed at stopping Serb forces crackdown on independence-seeking ethnic Albanians. Rugova is at a forefront of the ethnic Albanian demands for independence, while Serbs want the province to remain part of Serbia-Montenegro, a union that replaced Yugoslavia.
Rugova declared two days of mourning following John Paul II's death, whom he met five times. Large photographs of one of those visits are prominently displayed in Rugova's office and residence.
European Commission supports Kosovo's European prospects
ZAGREB, April 20 (Hina) - The European Commission on Wednesday adopted a document underlining its wish to support Kosovo's European prospects and pledging that Kosovo will be high on the Commission's agenda in the coming months.
Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said the economic problems in Kosovo could not wait until a solution was found for the UN-administered province. He added Kosovo's economic development must be strengthened to guarantee a better future for all residents of the province.
Rehn said the European Commission's goal was to build a genuine multiethnic society in which citizens felt safe and were treated in one way.
He said the Commission was willing to help Kosovo in its European aspirations provided that its political leaders showed unequivocal commitment to democratic principles, rule of law, protection of human rights and minorities, a market economy, and values on which the European Union was founded.
The document adopted today shows what the European Commission is doing and intends to do to help Kosovo, and tells interim institutions and the people of Kosovo that achieving standards for a safe, stable and multiethnic society is a long term commitment which is above the settlement of Kosovo's status and comes before progress towards the EU.
The EU General Affairs Council's conclusions of February 21-22 call on the high representative for the common foreign and security policy, Javier Solana, and the European Commission to consider, in close cooperation with the EU presidency, ways in which the Union can help Kosovo.
Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said the economic problems in Kosovo could not wait until a solution was found for the UN-administered province. He added Kosovo's economic development must be strengthened to guarantee a better future for all residents of the province.
Rehn said the European Commission's goal was to build a genuine multiethnic society in which citizens felt safe and were treated in one way.
He said the Commission was willing to help Kosovo in its European aspirations provided that its political leaders showed unequivocal commitment to democratic principles, rule of law, protection of human rights and minorities, a market economy, and values on which the European Union was founded.
The document adopted today shows what the European Commission is doing and intends to do to help Kosovo, and tells interim institutions and the people of Kosovo that achieving standards for a safe, stable and multiethnic society is a long term commitment which is above the settlement of Kosovo's status and comes before progress towards the EU.
The EU General Affairs Council's conclusions of February 21-22 call on the high representative for the common foreign and security policy, Javier Solana, and the European Commission to consider, in close cooperation with the EU presidency, ways in which the Union can help Kosovo.
EU presses Kosovo's Rugova to talk to Serbia.
BRUSSELS, April 20 (Reuters) - The European Union urged Kosovo's ethnic Albanian president, Ibrahim Rugova, on Wednesday to start a dialogue with Serbia about the future of his United Nations-run province.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said the move would help possible international negotiations later this year on the status of Kosovo, which has been a U.N. protectorate since NATO warplanes drove Serbian forces out in 1999.
Serbia's pro-Western president, Boris Tadic, has signalled he is ready to meet Rugova on the future of the province, where 90 percent of the population are ethnic Albanian, but Kosovo's leader has ruled out direct talks in his drive for independence.
"It is very important to start a constructive dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina (Kosovo's capital)," Rehn told a news conference, unveiling a paper by the executive European Commission's on assistance to Kosovo.
"I have noted positive developments in this regard - the willingness to stretch the hand by President Tadic, and I encourage President Rugova to take this seriously and proceed to have a constructive dialogue," he said.
Rugova led a campaign of passive resistance against Serb domination in the 1990s.
Brutal Serbian tactics to put down an ethnic Albanian insurgency and accusations of "ethnic cleansing" eventually provided the grounds for a 1999 NATO air war against Belgrade and its forces in Kosovo.
Rehn said the Commission was ready to help Kosovo's gradual integration with the rest of Europe, including with more financial aid, if the province's leaders were serious about a peaceful settlement of the conflict and political reforms.
"The Commission will ... help Kosovo to make progress towards its European aspirations, provided its political leaders demonstrate a clear commitment to democratic principles, human rights, rule of law and economic reform," he said.
The EU has spent 1.6 billion euros since 1999 on reconstruction, humanitarian aid and economic assistance to Kosovo, but Rehn acknowledged the international community had not yet succeeded in fostering a viable economy there.
The Commission recommended last week opening talks with Serbia and Montenegro on a first association agreement with the EU that could eventually lead to the former Yugoslav republic's entry to the bloc.
Under its well-tested policies, the EU makes democratic, human rights and free market reforms in European countries a condition for eventual membership prospects.
"Ultimately, Kosovo's future is in the hand of its people," Rehn said.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said the move would help possible international negotiations later this year on the status of Kosovo, which has been a U.N. protectorate since NATO warplanes drove Serbian forces out in 1999.
Serbia's pro-Western president, Boris Tadic, has signalled he is ready to meet Rugova on the future of the province, where 90 percent of the population are ethnic Albanian, but Kosovo's leader has ruled out direct talks in his drive for independence.
"It is very important to start a constructive dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina (Kosovo's capital)," Rehn told a news conference, unveiling a paper by the executive European Commission's on assistance to Kosovo.
"I have noted positive developments in this regard - the willingness to stretch the hand by President Tadic, and I encourage President Rugova to take this seriously and proceed to have a constructive dialogue," he said.
Rugova led a campaign of passive resistance against Serb domination in the 1990s.
Brutal Serbian tactics to put down an ethnic Albanian insurgency and accusations of "ethnic cleansing" eventually provided the grounds for a 1999 NATO air war against Belgrade and its forces in Kosovo.
Rehn said the Commission was ready to help Kosovo's gradual integration with the rest of Europe, including with more financial aid, if the province's leaders were serious about a peaceful settlement of the conflict and political reforms.
"The Commission will ... help Kosovo to make progress towards its European aspirations, provided its political leaders demonstrate a clear commitment to democratic principles, human rights, rule of law and economic reform," he said.
The EU has spent 1.6 billion euros since 1999 on reconstruction, humanitarian aid and economic assistance to Kosovo, but Rehn acknowledged the international community had not yet succeeded in fostering a viable economy there.
The Commission recommended last week opening talks with Serbia and Montenegro on a first association agreement with the EU that could eventually lead to the former Yugoslav republic's entry to the bloc.
Under its well-tested policies, the EU makes democratic, human rights and free market reforms in European countries a condition for eventual membership prospects.
"Ultimately, Kosovo's future is in the hand of its people," Rehn said.
Ex-Kosovo premier returns to The Hague after brother's funeral
(c) 2005 The British Broadcasting Corporation. All Rights Reserved. No material may be reproduced except with the express permission of The British Broadcasting Corporation.
Text of report in English by independent internet news agency KosovaLive
Prishtina [Pristina], 19 April: The former [Kosovo] prime minister, Ramush Haradinaj, left for The Hague this afternoon.
He was granted a provisional release to attend this funeral and post funeral ceremonies of his brother Enver Haradinaj, who was killed in as yet unexplained circumstances in the village of Raushiq [Rausic], Peje [Pec] municipality, on Friday [15 April].
Ramush Haradinaj resigned on 8 March and left immediately to The Hague after the tribunal brought an indictment against him.
He pleaded not guilty on 37 counts of the indictment against him.
Haradinaj was commander of the Kosova [Kosovo] Liberation Army for the Dukagjin Zone during the wartime.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 19 Apr 05
Text of report in English by independent internet news agency KosovaLive
Prishtina [Pristina], 19 April: The former [Kosovo] prime minister, Ramush Haradinaj, left for The Hague this afternoon.
He was granted a provisional release to attend this funeral and post funeral ceremonies of his brother Enver Haradinaj, who was killed in as yet unexplained circumstances in the village of Raushiq [Rausic], Peje [Pec] municipality, on Friday [15 April].
Ramush Haradinaj resigned on 8 March and left immediately to The Hague after the tribunal brought an indictment against him.
He pleaded not guilty on 37 counts of the indictment against him.
Haradinaj was commander of the Kosova [Kosovo] Liberation Army for the Dukagjin Zone during the wartime.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 19 Apr 05
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Serbian party to stay in government if Kosovo not given up for EU integration
(c) 2005 The British Broadcasting Corporation. All Rights Reserved. No material may be reproduced except with the express permission of The British Broadcasting Corporation.
Text of report by Belgrade-based Radio B92 on 19 April
[Announcer] The leader of the Social Democratic Party [SDP] and chairman of the Coordination Centre for Kosovo-Metohija, Nebojsa Covic, has said that one of the conditions for his party remaining in the Serbian government is a clear position that there will be no giving up Kosovo-Metohija for the sake of European integration. According to Covic, the independence of the province will be a prelude not to the creation of a greater Albania, but rather a greater Kosovo.
[Covic] The price of our European integration cannot and must not be Kosovo-Metohija. Let us find a solution according to European integration, according to international norms, and also according to the preservation of the integrity and sovereignty of a country with due regard for the real situation in Kosovo-Metohija where the Albanians are an absolute majority.
Source: Radio B92, Belgrade, in Serbian 1500 gmt 19 Apr 05
Text of report by Belgrade-based Radio B92 on 19 April
[Announcer] The leader of the Social Democratic Party [SDP] and chairman of the Coordination Centre for Kosovo-Metohija, Nebojsa Covic, has said that one of the conditions for his party remaining in the Serbian government is a clear position that there will be no giving up Kosovo-Metohija for the sake of European integration. According to Covic, the independence of the province will be a prelude not to the creation of a greater Albania, but rather a greater Kosovo.
[Covic] The price of our European integration cannot and must not be Kosovo-Metohija. Let us find a solution according to European integration, according to international norms, and also according to the preservation of the integrity and sovereignty of a country with due regard for the real situation in Kosovo-Metohija where the Albanians are an absolute majority.
Source: Radio B92, Belgrade, in Serbian 1500 gmt 19 Apr 05
Albanian Speaker says Kosovo's status serves Balkans' integration
(c) 2005 The British Broadcasting Corporation. All Rights Reserved. No material may be reproduced except with the express permission of The British Broadcasting Corporation.
Text of report in English by Albanian news agency ATA
Tirana, 19 April: Speaker of Assembly, Servet Pellumbi, during a meeting held Tuesday (19 April) in Tirana with the head of Bosnia-Hercegovina Chamber of Representatives, Sefik Dzaferovic, emphasized: "The quick solution of the status of Kosova (Kosovo) serves not only its long-term stability, but also the regional integration processes."
Assembly Speaker Pellumbi assessed the cooperation between both countries, putting the emphasis on the necessity for the enhancement of the bilateral relations in economy, trade, educational systems and others. According to him, "the exchange of the parliamentary experience is worthy for both countries, in the process of the approximation of the legislation with EU legislation".
Focusing on the issue of coming parliamentary elections, Assembly Speaker Pellumbi expressed the commitment of the Assembly to realizing free and fair elections, accepted by all actors.
The head of Bosnia-Hercegovina Chamber of Representatives assessed the stand and the important contribution of the Albanian institutions in favour of the regional stability. Bosnia-Hercegovina parliamentary delegation arrived today to Tirana at the invitation of Assembly Speaker Pellumbi on a two-day official visit. Its representatives are expected to hold meetings with Albanian senior officials.
Source: ATA news agency, Tirana, in English 1511 gmt 19 Apr 05
Text of report in English by Albanian news agency ATA
Tirana, 19 April: Speaker of Assembly, Servet Pellumbi, during a meeting held Tuesday (19 April) in Tirana with the head of Bosnia-Hercegovina Chamber of Representatives, Sefik Dzaferovic, emphasized: "The quick solution of the status of Kosova (Kosovo) serves not only its long-term stability, but also the regional integration processes."
Assembly Speaker Pellumbi assessed the cooperation between both countries, putting the emphasis on the necessity for the enhancement of the bilateral relations in economy, trade, educational systems and others. According to him, "the exchange of the parliamentary experience is worthy for both countries, in the process of the approximation of the legislation with EU legislation".
Focusing on the issue of coming parliamentary elections, Assembly Speaker Pellumbi expressed the commitment of the Assembly to realizing free and fair elections, accepted by all actors.
The head of Bosnia-Hercegovina Chamber of Representatives assessed the stand and the important contribution of the Albanian institutions in favour of the regional stability. Bosnia-Hercegovina parliamentary delegation arrived today to Tirana at the invitation of Assembly Speaker Pellumbi on a two-day official visit. Its representatives are expected to hold meetings with Albanian senior officials.
Source: ATA news agency, Tirana, in English 1511 gmt 19 Apr 05
Kosovo agreement paves way for return of Roma refugees to Mitrovica
(c) 2005 The British Broadcasting Corporation. All Rights Reserved. No material may be reproduced except with the express permission of The British Broadcasting Corporation.
Text of report in English by independent internet news agency KosovaLive
Mitrovice [Kosovska Mitrovica], 19 April: An agreement has been signed on Monday [18 April] by UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo], UNHCR, OSCE and the Mitrovice local authorities, which creates a framework and paves the way for the return of Roma to their homes in the south of the city.
The agreement outlines returning of former residents of the Roma Neighbourhood, who currently live in Mitrovice north and Serbia-Montenegro, in three phases.
UNMIK's regional representative in Mitrovice, Rashed Ahmed, said that this is a very important project for the municipality.
"We feel that this agreement could create an environment in which all IDPs [internally-displaced persons] in Mitrovice could return to their homes," said.
Based on the agreement, the UN and other international stakeholders are willing to organize a donors' conference in order to raise funds for the reconstruction project.
The municipality agreed that the former residents of the Roma Neighbourhood will receive all legal and administrative assistance for a swift and, if requested by the beneficiaries, immediate reconstruction and return.
"This agreement will be welcomed by the international community and will be good for Mitrovice, as well as attract much needed donor support for the city," Ahmed said.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 19 Apr 05
Text of report in English by independent internet news agency KosovaLive
Mitrovice [Kosovska Mitrovica], 19 April: An agreement has been signed on Monday [18 April] by UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo], UNHCR, OSCE and the Mitrovice local authorities, which creates a framework and paves the way for the return of Roma to their homes in the south of the city.
The agreement outlines returning of former residents of the Roma Neighbourhood, who currently live in Mitrovice north and Serbia-Montenegro, in three phases.
UNMIK's regional representative in Mitrovice, Rashed Ahmed, said that this is a very important project for the municipality.
"We feel that this agreement could create an environment in which all IDPs [internally-displaced persons] in Mitrovice could return to their homes," said.
Based on the agreement, the UN and other international stakeholders are willing to organize a donors' conference in order to raise funds for the reconstruction project.
The municipality agreed that the former residents of the Roma Neighbourhood will receive all legal and administrative assistance for a swift and, if requested by the beneficiaries, immediate reconstruction and return.
"This agreement will be welcomed by the international community and will be good for Mitrovice, as well as attract much needed donor support for the city," Ahmed said.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 19 Apr 05
Delo on Serbia and Montenegro's Steps Towards EU
(c) 2005 STA, Slovenska Tiskovna Agencija d.o.o
Ljubljana, 19 April (STA) - Kosovo is becoming a major obstacle for Serbia
and Montenegro, as the country cannot see its way out of the European
waiting room. At the same time, Kosovo is the best opportunity for Serbia
and Montenegro to join the EU, Delo observes in a commentary on Tuesday.
Contrary to the Montenegro government, the paper says, the Serbian
government of Vojislav Kostunica will have its work cut out to persuade
its citizens that EU membership is the only way to a brighter future.
However, both governments will have plenty of work elsewhere too, as
European standards will be harder to meet than Belgrade's obligations
towards the International Crime Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.
According to Delo, Serbia's problem is not only organised crime, which was
controlled only during the investigation of the assassination of former
Serbian PM Zoran Djindjic, while the trial of his assassins gives an
impression that the country is protecting the Zemun mafia.
Yet as Delo sates under the headline "Finally the Light at the End of the
Tunnel", Belgrade was more thorough than Podgorica in preparation for EU
negotiations, which are expected to start this summer before the
stabilisation and association agreement is signed.
If the country's thorough preparations were to be followed by substantive
changes, Delo adds, then Serbia and Montenegro would not have waited two
years to sign the stabilisation and association agreement, which was
almost complete before Djindjic's assassination.
Due to crisis in Iraq, Iran, Central Asia, the Middle East and Kyrgyzstan,
the US and the EU wish to step up the stabilisation process in the Balkans,
especially in Serbia-Montenegro, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia.
Delo therefore believes that this year may be of great significance for
the Balkans. That is, if the US and the EU can persuade Belgrade to accept
their project for Kosovo to become a kind of an EU constituency. If Serbia
wants what is best for the country and its people.
Ljubljana, 19 April (STA) - Kosovo is becoming a major obstacle for Serbia
and Montenegro, as the country cannot see its way out of the European
waiting room. At the same time, Kosovo is the best opportunity for Serbia
and Montenegro to join the EU, Delo observes in a commentary on Tuesday.
Contrary to the Montenegro government, the paper says, the Serbian
government of Vojislav Kostunica will have its work cut out to persuade
its citizens that EU membership is the only way to a brighter future.
However, both governments will have plenty of work elsewhere too, as
European standards will be harder to meet than Belgrade's obligations
towards the International Crime Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.
According to Delo, Serbia's problem is not only organised crime, which was
controlled only during the investigation of the assassination of former
Serbian PM Zoran Djindjic, while the trial of his assassins gives an
impression that the country is protecting the Zemun mafia.
Yet as Delo sates under the headline "Finally the Light at the End of the
Tunnel", Belgrade was more thorough than Podgorica in preparation for EU
negotiations, which are expected to start this summer before the
stabilisation and association agreement is signed.
If the country's thorough preparations were to be followed by substantive
changes, Delo adds, then Serbia and Montenegro would not have waited two
years to sign the stabilisation and association agreement, which was
almost complete before Djindjic's assassination.
Due to crisis in Iraq, Iran, Central Asia, the Middle East and Kyrgyzstan,
the US and the EU wish to step up the stabilisation process in the Balkans,
especially in Serbia-Montenegro, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia.
Delo therefore believes that this year may be of great significance for
the Balkans. That is, if the US and the EU can persuade Belgrade to accept
their project for Kosovo to become a kind of an EU constituency. If Serbia
wants what is best for the country and its people.
Kosovo government condemns "premeditated" attack on party offices
Text of report by Kosovo Albanian Kosovapress news agency web site
Prishtina [Pristina], 18 April: This terrorist attack was premeditated and, as such, it is aimed at escalating the security situation in Kosova [Kosovo] and at hindering the political processes in the country, as these processes are leading towards realization of the citizens' objectives of a free and democratic Kosova, the government's reaction reads.
The Kosova government said in a statement for the media today in Prishtina that last night's attack against The Hour [opposition party ORA] offices was a premeditated attack against political institutions and democracy in the country.
The Kosova government calls on the bodies in charge of security in Kosova to take all measures in order to find and apprehend the authors of this criminal attack.
As has been reported, an explosion last night at The Hour offices in downtown Prishtina injured three small children and caused material damage. The perpetrators of this act are unknown.
Source: Kosovapress news agency web site, Pristina, in Albanian 18 Apr 05
Prishtina [Pristina], 18 April: This terrorist attack was premeditated and, as such, it is aimed at escalating the security situation in Kosova [Kosovo] and at hindering the political processes in the country, as these processes are leading towards realization of the citizens' objectives of a free and democratic Kosova, the government's reaction reads.
The Kosova government said in a statement for the media today in Prishtina that last night's attack against The Hour [opposition party ORA] offices was a premeditated attack against political institutions and democracy in the country.
The Kosova government calls on the bodies in charge of security in Kosova to take all measures in order to find and apprehend the authors of this criminal attack.
As has been reported, an explosion last night at The Hour offices in downtown Prishtina injured three small children and caused material damage. The perpetrators of this act are unknown.
Source: Kosovapress news agency web site, Pristina, in Albanian 18 Apr 05
Minister denies Kosovo, Russian firm close to signing deal on power plant
Text of report by Salie Gajtani: "Russians want 'Kosova B'", published by Kosovo Albanian newspaper Koha Ditore on 19 April
Prishtina [Pristina], 18 April: The Kosova [Kosovo] Ministry of Energy and Mines has refuted Podgorica media allegations that Russian company RUSAL, which will soon become the main shareholder of the Podgorica Aluminium Complex (KAP), is about to reach an agreement with Kosovar authorities on leasing for several years the "Kosova B" thermal power plant.
Energy and Mines Minister Ethem Ceku told Koha Ditore that it is not true that the Russian company is close to signing an agreement on Kosova's power plants. He said had had been informed by AKM [Kosovo Trust Agency] about a visit by a Russian company to Kosova, and that its representatives met with AKM and KEK [Kosovo Electricity Corporation] officials, but he explained that during those meetings they had only mentioned the possibility of investing in "Kosova A", and nothing was discussed about the conditions or modalities of possible investments.
"I have information that nothing was promised to the Russian company," Minister Ceku said. According to him, the company is interested in buying the Ferronikeli [mine and factory in central Kosovo] operation and power plant in the same way that four other companies are, because, he explained, electricity supplies entail 30 per cent of Ferronikeli's costs.
But according to the Podgorica daily Republika , the Russians are on the verge of signing an agreement with Kosovar authorities. Moreover, the daily said that the Russians are willing to build two new plants at "Kosova B" and in this way they would resolve KAP's power supply problem after 2009, when they will not have the right to use electricity in Montenegro at the standard price.
The newspaper explained that good long-distance power lines existed between the power plants in Kosova and Montenegro since the time of the former SFRY [Social Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]; through these lines the company in Montenegro would get a cheap supply of power. Vojin Djukanovic, member of the KAP Board of Directors, was quoted as saying that he had specific information about the plans of the new buyers of the company. He believes that the Russians "will most likely ask for concessions in the 'Kosova B' power plant for several consecutive years." He noted that the electricity from power plants in Kosova is expensive for the KAP, but the situation would change with the construction of a new plant.
Source: Koha Ditore, Pristina, in Albanian 19 Apr 05 p 1
Prishtina [Pristina], 18 April: The Kosova [Kosovo] Ministry of Energy and Mines has refuted Podgorica media allegations that Russian company RUSAL, which will soon become the main shareholder of the Podgorica Aluminium Complex (KAP), is about to reach an agreement with Kosovar authorities on leasing for several years the "Kosova B" thermal power plant.
Energy and Mines Minister Ethem Ceku told Koha Ditore that it is not true that the Russian company is close to signing an agreement on Kosova's power plants. He said had had been informed by AKM [Kosovo Trust Agency] about a visit by a Russian company to Kosova, and that its representatives met with AKM and KEK [Kosovo Electricity Corporation] officials, but he explained that during those meetings they had only mentioned the possibility of investing in "Kosova A", and nothing was discussed about the conditions or modalities of possible investments.
"I have information that nothing was promised to the Russian company," Minister Ceku said. According to him, the company is interested in buying the Ferronikeli [mine and factory in central Kosovo] operation and power plant in the same way that four other companies are, because, he explained, electricity supplies entail 30 per cent of Ferronikeli's costs.
But according to the Podgorica daily Republika , the Russians are on the verge of signing an agreement with Kosovar authorities. Moreover, the daily said that the Russians are willing to build two new plants at "Kosova B" and in this way they would resolve KAP's power supply problem after 2009, when they will not have the right to use electricity in Montenegro at the standard price.
The newspaper explained that good long-distance power lines existed between the power plants in Kosova and Montenegro since the time of the former SFRY [Social Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]; through these lines the company in Montenegro would get a cheap supply of power. Vojin Djukanovic, member of the KAP Board of Directors, was quoted as saying that he had specific information about the plans of the new buyers of the company. He believes that the Russians "will most likely ask for concessions in the 'Kosova B' power plant for several consecutive years." He noted that the electricity from power plants in Kosova is expensive for the KAP, but the situation would change with the construction of a new plant.
Source: Koha Ditore, Pristina, in Albanian 19 Apr 05 p 1
Monday, April 18, 2005
Serb health workers, patients encouraged to return to Kosovo hospitals
Announcer] Kfor [NATO-led Kosovo Force] and University of Pristina Hospitals and Clinics [QKU] officials have introduced a project to integrate Serb health workers and patients into these clinics. Kfor Commander Ives De Kermabon visited the clinics today as part of the project implementation.
[Reporter] Medicine should be at the service of all citizens and have a multi-ethnic nature, Kfor Commander Ives De Kermabon said during a visit to the university hospitals and clinics. He said that a physician's role is to help whenever and wherever he is needed, because a doctor belongs to everyone.
[Ives De Kermabon speaking in French with superimposed Albanian translation] It would be a great step forward if these physicians who have close ties to the Kosovo Protection Corps and Kfor can implement the project to bring back Serb medical personnel and patients. Therefore, I am determined to support the project so that Serbs can work alongside their fellow Albanians and bring patients into the University Hospitals and Clinics.
[Reporter] The QKU executive director, Fadil Beka, said the Kfor commander had informed him of the support Kfor has provided in transport and supplies for numerous QKU wards.
[Fadil Beka] One of the Health Ministry's projects, as well as a strategy of QKU and the Centre of Telemedicine is to integrate the entire health system through information technology. This will be another step towards the integration of all health structures that currently exist in Kosova [Kosovo].
[Reporter] Beka said that QKU has minorities in its midst but no Serbs. He said they are investigating concrete forms of integrating the Serb minority.
Source: KohaVision TV, Pristina, in Albanian 1700 gmt 18 Apr 05
[Reporter] Medicine should be at the service of all citizens and have a multi-ethnic nature, Kfor Commander Ives De Kermabon said during a visit to the university hospitals and clinics. He said that a physician's role is to help whenever and wherever he is needed, because a doctor belongs to everyone.
[Ives De Kermabon speaking in French with superimposed Albanian translation] It would be a great step forward if these physicians who have close ties to the Kosovo Protection Corps and Kfor can implement the project to bring back Serb medical personnel and patients. Therefore, I am determined to support the project so that Serbs can work alongside their fellow Albanians and bring patients into the University Hospitals and Clinics.
[Reporter] The QKU executive director, Fadil Beka, said the Kfor commander had informed him of the support Kfor has provided in transport and supplies for numerous QKU wards.
[Fadil Beka] One of the Health Ministry's projects, as well as a strategy of QKU and the Centre of Telemedicine is to integrate the entire health system through information technology. This will be another step towards the integration of all health structures that currently exist in Kosova [Kosovo].
[Reporter] Beka said that QKU has minorities in its midst but no Serbs. He said they are investigating concrete forms of integrating the Serb minority.
Source: KohaVision TV, Pristina, in Albanian 1700 gmt 18 Apr 05
Kosovo opposition party leader wants direct Pristina-Belgrade talks
Announcer] Kosovo Police Service [KPS] spokesman Refki Morina has said that three children were slightly injured in Pristina last night after an explosive device went off and damaged the premises of the opposition ORA party, headed by [publisher and owner of Koha Ditore Group] Veton Surroi. The explosive device was planted in a residential building in central Pristina and the children were hurt by shards of broken glass. Surroi said that the explosion was a politically-motivated attack against his party and the fight against organized crime, assessing that the situation in Kosovo is worsening. Danica Vucinic has a report.
[Reporter] In an interview with Radio B92's "Index Finger" programme, Surroi assessed that Kosovo is entering a period of crisis, which had started with the accusations made by a section of the opposition that members of [Kosovo President] Ibrahim Rugova's DSK [Kosovo Democratic League; LDK in Albanian] were linked to organized crime.
[Surroi, in Serbian] I expect that, in the days to come, the whole story about people who were in some way or other in a symbiosis of politics and unlawful activities will be broadened out. This is a very serious accusation, and it must be treated seriously. I think that UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] has already realized the seriousness of the situation.
What I expect to happen in the coming week and month is that we will have an escalation of those accusations and counter-accusations, and this will be an interesting but also very difficult period, this war over secret files [as heard].
[Reporter] Referring to future negotiations about Kosovo's [status], the ORA leader said that status was not an issue to be solved exclusively between Belgrade and Pristina. This problem is to a large extent an issue between Pristina and the international community. What Belgrade can and must discuss is the problems and legitimate interests of Kosovo Serbs.
In contrast to Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova, our collocutor believes that direct talks between the Belgrade and Pristina political leaderships were necessary, adding that they should be attended by the international community.
[Surroi] I think that both Belgrade and Pristina should list a catalogue of open issues that must be solved. At any rate, both Pristina and Belgrade will have to sit down, because the list of those things, those open issues, is so long that a few rounds of talks can serve only to make a list of what those issues are and identify them.
I think that the pressure by the international community will be much stronger than it is now, pressure for those talks between Pristina and Belgrade, and I think that Kosovo politicians must bear this in mind.
[Reporter] Asked what guarantees could be offered to Kosovo Serbs so that they might agree to live in an independent Kosovo, Surroi answered as follows:
[Surroi] Kosovo Serbs must take part in this whole process of defining status, and defining the manner in which internal relations within Kosovo are regulated. They will create guarantees for themselves, precisely through their participation.
The problems are so big, but not only because of the conflict and transition. Even if there had been no interethnic problems, the problems with the inclusion of different opinions in the institutions would always be a problem.
I often joke with the Kosovo Serbs. The other day, I saw them, we were at a round table, and I told them: Come on, return to the institutions so that these autocratic authorities beat us up together in the same way, because now it is only we who are at the receiving end of those political blows.
[Reporter] Veton Surroi believes that the Kosovo Serbs will very soon re-join the institutions.
Source: Radio B92, Belgrade, in Serbian 1500 gmt 18 Apr 05
[Reporter] In an interview with Radio B92's "Index Finger" programme, Surroi assessed that Kosovo is entering a period of crisis, which had started with the accusations made by a section of the opposition that members of [Kosovo President] Ibrahim Rugova's DSK [Kosovo Democratic League; LDK in Albanian] were linked to organized crime.
[Surroi, in Serbian] I expect that, in the days to come, the whole story about people who were in some way or other in a symbiosis of politics and unlawful activities will be broadened out. This is a very serious accusation, and it must be treated seriously. I think that UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] has already realized the seriousness of the situation.
What I expect to happen in the coming week and month is that we will have an escalation of those accusations and counter-accusations, and this will be an interesting but also very difficult period, this war over secret files [as heard].
[Reporter] Referring to future negotiations about Kosovo's [status], the ORA leader said that status was not an issue to be solved exclusively between Belgrade and Pristina. This problem is to a large extent an issue between Pristina and the international community. What Belgrade can and must discuss is the problems and legitimate interests of Kosovo Serbs.
In contrast to Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova, our collocutor believes that direct talks between the Belgrade and Pristina political leaderships were necessary, adding that they should be attended by the international community.
[Surroi] I think that both Belgrade and Pristina should list a catalogue of open issues that must be solved. At any rate, both Pristina and Belgrade will have to sit down, because the list of those things, those open issues, is so long that a few rounds of talks can serve only to make a list of what those issues are and identify them.
I think that the pressure by the international community will be much stronger than it is now, pressure for those talks between Pristina and Belgrade, and I think that Kosovo politicians must bear this in mind.
[Reporter] Asked what guarantees could be offered to Kosovo Serbs so that they might agree to live in an independent Kosovo, Surroi answered as follows:
[Surroi] Kosovo Serbs must take part in this whole process of defining status, and defining the manner in which internal relations within Kosovo are regulated. They will create guarantees for themselves, precisely through their participation.
The problems are so big, but not only because of the conflict and transition. Even if there had been no interethnic problems, the problems with the inclusion of different opinions in the institutions would always be a problem.
I often joke with the Kosovo Serbs. The other day, I saw them, we were at a round table, and I told them: Come on, return to the institutions so that these autocratic authorities beat us up together in the same way, because now it is only we who are at the receiving end of those political blows.
[Reporter] Veton Surroi believes that the Kosovo Serbs will very soon re-join the institutions.
Source: Radio B92, Belgrade, in Serbian 1500 gmt 18 Apr 05
Albanian Assembly "honours" killed brother of ex-Kosovo premier
Tirana, 18 April: At the beginning of its session on Monday [18 April], the Assembly of Albania observed one-minute silence to honour the memory of Enver Haradinaj, former member of Kosova (Kosovo) Liberation Army (KLA; UCK in Albanian), killed at an assassination attempt in Peja (Pec) some days ago.
The victim Enver Haradinaj was the brother of the former prime minister of Kosova, Ramush Haradinaj.
Source: ATA news agency, Tirana, in English 1901 gmt 18 Apr 05
The victim Enver Haradinaj was the brother of the former prime minister of Kosova, Ramush Haradinaj.
Source: ATA news agency, Tirana, in English 1901 gmt 18 Apr 05
European Parliament: Kosovo, no return back, no unification with other States, no division (Zeri)
Zëri reports on the front page that the European Parliament is calling on Europe to take on the main role in preparing negotiations for the final status and to exclude the following scenarios; return of constitutional relations with Serbia and Montenegro, union with Albania or with another state or territory in the region, and division of Kosovo, because as they say this would facilitate the process.
European Parliament adopted last week a Resolution on the situation of regional integrations in the Western Balkans and they offered recommendations for Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro and Macedonia.
They also call on Belgrade and Pristina to engage in dialogue and find a constructive solution for the future of Kosovo.
All sides should be aware of the European future of the entire region, the Resolution points out.
European Parliament adopted last week a Resolution on the situation of regional integrations in the Western Balkans and they offered recommendations for Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro and Macedonia.
They also call on Belgrade and Pristina to engage in dialogue and find a constructive solution for the future of Kosovo.
All sides should be aware of the European future of the entire region, the Resolution points out.
Balkan Commission's idea for Kosovo independence unacceptable - Serbian DSS
[Presenter] Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) spokesman Andreja Mladenovic said today that the idea put forward by the International Commission for the Balkans about gradual independence for Kosovo was utterly unacceptable.
Mladenovic told a news conference that it was especially upsetting that former Serbia-Montenegro Foreign Minister Goran Svilanovic, who is now a deputy of the Democratic Party (DS) in the Serbian parliament, was taking part in the International Commission for the Balkans.
"It is strange that neither DS chairman Serbian President Boris Tadic nor the party have distanced themselves from Svilanovic's statement, which is very harmful and dangerous," Mladenovic said. He said that he expected the Serbian president to react and "show the citizens of Serbia what he advocates".
Mladenovic said that the "less than status, more than autonomy" proposal was a good basis for further negotiations on the status of Kosovo, but that it was still too early to comment what sort of position precisely this should be.
Asked whether "making concessions on" Kosovo-Metohija could be a condition for further accession to the European Union, Mladenovic said that "no-one has set such a condition" and that the DSS would never agree to Kosovo-Metohija being an independent state. [Passage omitted]
Source: FoNet news agency, Belgrade, in Serbian 1153 gmt 18 Apr 05
Mladenovic told a news conference that it was especially upsetting that former Serbia-Montenegro Foreign Minister Goran Svilanovic, who is now a deputy of the Democratic Party (DS) in the Serbian parliament, was taking part in the International Commission for the Balkans.
"It is strange that neither DS chairman Serbian President Boris Tadic nor the party have distanced themselves from Svilanovic's statement, which is very harmful and dangerous," Mladenovic said. He said that he expected the Serbian president to react and "show the citizens of Serbia what he advocates".
Mladenovic said that the "less than status, more than autonomy" proposal was a good basis for further negotiations on the status of Kosovo, but that it was still too early to comment what sort of position precisely this should be.
Asked whether "making concessions on" Kosovo-Metohija could be a condition for further accession to the European Union, Mladenovic said that "no-one has set such a condition" and that the DSS would never agree to Kosovo-Metohija being an independent state. [Passage omitted]
Source: FoNet news agency, Belgrade, in Serbian 1153 gmt 18 Apr 05
Internationals, Kosovo government failed to stop Haradinaj murder - analysts
Prishtina [Pristina], 16 April: Total madness is being allowed before our very eyes by an authority that is called UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo]. The Kosova [Kosovo] and international police, NATO peacekeepers [Kfor, Kosovo Force] operate throughout the entire territory of Kosova and killers can still move about unhindered. [Passage omitted] The crime is even greater given the defects of society and criminalized politics, which sees blood and killing as a daily occurrence, the country's analysts told Kosovapress, commenting on yesterday's heinous murder of Enver Haradinaj, brother of the former prime minister, Ramush Haradinaj.
Enver Haradinaj, 24, was killed yesterday in an ambush while travelling from Peje [Pec] to Decan [Decani] by as yet unknown individuals.
Adem Demaci, prominent activist of our national cause, told Kosovapress that the tragedy and the criminal act that took place yesterday as a consequence of which Enver Haradinaj was killed, had its roots in Serbia.
"Similar killings have been happening for a long time in Kosova, committed by the black hand of Serbia, given that no one else but Belgrade is interested in killing Kosova's patriots and liberators. Due to our backwardness and fanaticism, our best boys are assassinated for a handful of cash. The latest killing, too, has originated in Serbia and has been carried out by people who are undoubtedly close collaborators of the Belgrade regime, that black hand that has not ceased killing the chosen Albanians over the past 100 years," Demaci said.
According to him, the killings that have taken place since the war are a consequence of extreme chaos among the international police, while the ShPK lacks powers.
"The local police lack the necessary powers and the ShPK has been cleansed of patriots who love their country. There is no other way but to establish a police force with those who are willing to serve their people. Only they can prevent crime and solve those already committed. Since this is lacking in Kosova, crime has not been prevented and the people are at the mercy of criminals," Demaci said. [Passage omitted]
According to [analyst Baton] Haxhiu, structures responsible for justice are just for show and that was what makes them responsible for events such as that of 15 April.
"Kfor and UNMIK, Kosova's local authorities, and the international community are to blame because they have failed to bring criminals to justice. This can be explained in one word. Total madness is being allowed before our very eyes by an authority that is called UNMIK," Haxhiu concluded. [Passage omitted]
Source: Kosovapress news agency web site, Pristina, in Albanian 16 Apr 05
Enver Haradinaj, 24, was killed yesterday in an ambush while travelling from Peje [Pec] to Decan [Decani] by as yet unknown individuals.
Adem Demaci, prominent activist of our national cause, told Kosovapress that the tragedy and the criminal act that took place yesterday as a consequence of which Enver Haradinaj was killed, had its roots in Serbia.
"Similar killings have been happening for a long time in Kosova, committed by the black hand of Serbia, given that no one else but Belgrade is interested in killing Kosova's patriots and liberators. Due to our backwardness and fanaticism, our best boys are assassinated for a handful of cash. The latest killing, too, has originated in Serbia and has been carried out by people who are undoubtedly close collaborators of the Belgrade regime, that black hand that has not ceased killing the chosen Albanians over the past 100 years," Demaci said.
According to him, the killings that have taken place since the war are a consequence of extreme chaos among the international police, while the ShPK lacks powers.
"The local police lack the necessary powers and the ShPK has been cleansed of patriots who love their country. There is no other way but to establish a police force with those who are willing to serve their people. Only they can prevent crime and solve those already committed. Since this is lacking in Kosova, crime has not been prevented and the people are at the mercy of criminals," Demaci said. [Passage omitted]
According to [analyst Baton] Haxhiu, structures responsible for justice are just for show and that was what makes them responsible for events such as that of 15 April.
"Kfor and UNMIK, Kosova's local authorities, and the international community are to blame because they have failed to bring criminals to justice. This can be explained in one word. Total madness is being allowed before our very eyes by an authority that is called UNMIK," Haxhiu concluded. [Passage omitted]
Source: Kosovapress news agency web site, Pristina, in Albanian 16 Apr 05
Enver Haradinaj murder "attempt to destabilise Kosovo" - premier
Gllogjan [Glodjane], 17 April: Former prime minister Ramush Haradinaj's brother Enver Haradinaj, a former soldier of the Kosova [Kosovo] Liberation Army [UCK] and a wounded war veteran, was buried today with high military honours at the Dukagjin [western Kosovo] martyrs' cemetery.
Despite it being a rainy day, thousands of citizens from Dukagjin, Kosova and other Albanian areas attended the funeral ceremony. [Passage omitted]
Addressing the funeral ceremony, Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi called on citizens not to use the language of hatred for solving problems.
Kosumi said that on the day Enver was killed he [Kosumi] had immediately met UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] and police officials whom he had called on in the strongest terms to do everything necessary to apprehend the perpetrators of the crime.
"Even though the perpetrators remain unknown, the message of the crime is clear: this is another attempt to destabilize Kosova. In this case, the most sensitive and painful target has been hit - the Haradinaj family. During the war, the family made an unprecedented contribution to the freedom of Kosova and it has continued with the same determination in peacetime, too," the prime minister said.
Kosova Assembly chairman Nexhat Daci said that, regardless of the challenges, Kosova would continue to make steps towards independence. He said that he was going to do his utmost to make sure that Enver was the last victim in this struggle.
The Kosova Protection Corps [TMK] commander, General Agim Ceku, said that Kosova would never be a safe haven for criminals.
At the funeral ceremony, a telegram of condolence from Kosova President Ibrahim Rugova was also read to those present.
An increased presence of the ShPK [Kosovo Police Service] and the international police could be seen along all the roads leading to the village of Gllogjan. The funeral ceremony was concluded without any incident.
The Haradinaj family has received telegrams of condolence from all Albanian lands, such as Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Presheve Valley and representatives of associations of the Albanian Diaspora. [Passage omitted]
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in Albanian 17 Apr 05
Despite it being a rainy day, thousands of citizens from Dukagjin, Kosova and other Albanian areas attended the funeral ceremony. [Passage omitted]
Addressing the funeral ceremony, Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi called on citizens not to use the language of hatred for solving problems.
Kosumi said that on the day Enver was killed he [Kosumi] had immediately met UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] and police officials whom he had called on in the strongest terms to do everything necessary to apprehend the perpetrators of the crime.
"Even though the perpetrators remain unknown, the message of the crime is clear: this is another attempt to destabilize Kosova. In this case, the most sensitive and painful target has been hit - the Haradinaj family. During the war, the family made an unprecedented contribution to the freedom of Kosova and it has continued with the same determination in peacetime, too," the prime minister said.
Kosova Assembly chairman Nexhat Daci said that, regardless of the challenges, Kosova would continue to make steps towards independence. He said that he was going to do his utmost to make sure that Enver was the last victim in this struggle.
The Kosova Protection Corps [TMK] commander, General Agim Ceku, said that Kosova would never be a safe haven for criminals.
At the funeral ceremony, a telegram of condolence from Kosova President Ibrahim Rugova was also read to those present.
An increased presence of the ShPK [Kosovo Police Service] and the international police could be seen along all the roads leading to the village of Gllogjan. The funeral ceremony was concluded without any incident.
The Haradinaj family has received telegrams of condolence from all Albanian lands, such as Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Presheve Valley and representatives of associations of the Albanian Diaspora. [Passage omitted]
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in Albanian 17 Apr 05
Year 2005 decisive for Kosovo (Zeri)
Zeri writes that Washington’s stance is that year 2005 is decisive for Kosovo, as according to the paper the US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, Nicholas Burns has recently said in London that the US has listed Kosovo and the Balkans as one of the eight global priorities of the US in 2005.
The paper writes that this could not even be imagined last year.
The paper writes that this could not even be imagined last year.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Picture of the Day - Kosova
Kosovo's former prime minister Ramush Haradinaj covers the face of his younger brother during the funeral ceremony of Enver Haradinaj in Glodjane a village 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Kosovo's capital, Pristina, Sunday April 17, 2005. Enver Haradinaj, was fatally shot Friday by unknown gunmen who sprayed his car with bullets in western Kosovo and then escaped. (AP Photo/ Visar Kryeziu)
Powerful blast in front of Kosovo opposition party's headquarters
A powerful blast Sunday in front of the offices of an opposition party's offices in the center of the Kosovo capital Pristina injured two people and caused serious damage, witnesses said.
An explosive device went off at around 10:30 pm (2030 GMT) in front of the headquarters of Kovovo's second-largest opposition group, the ORA party led by Veton Surroi, a prominent journalist-turned politician.
Two children were slightly injured by a shattered glass and immediately hospitalized, witnesses said.
Police cordoned off the area, banning any approach to the site of the blast. However, neither police nor United Nations spokesmen were available for comment late Sunday.
Kosovo has been administered by the United Nations since the NATO-led bombing campaign forced Serbian forces under strongman Slobodan Milosevic to pull out in 1999.
An explosive device went off at around 10:30 pm (2030 GMT) in front of the headquarters of Kovovo's second-largest opposition group, the ORA party led by Veton Surroi, a prominent journalist-turned politician.
Two children were slightly injured by a shattered glass and immediately hospitalized, witnesses said.
Police cordoned off the area, banning any approach to the site of the blast. However, neither police nor United Nations spokesmen were available for comment late Sunday.
Kosovo has been administered by the United Nations since the NATO-led bombing campaign forced Serbian forces under strongman Slobodan Milosevic to pull out in 1999.
Former Kosovo premier, provisionally freed, attends brother's funeral
Former Kosovo prime minister Ramush Haradinaj, freed for the occasion by the UN war crimes tribunal, attended Sunday the funeral of his brother Enver in western Kosovo, watched over by a strong police and NATO presence.
Tens of thousands of people from all over the UN-administered province were present at the funeral in the village of Glogjane to pay their respects to the Haradinaj family.
Haradinaj, who is not allowed to talk to the media during his "limited period" release by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), called on the mourners to support ethnic Albanian authorities in Kosovo to win independence for the province.
"With a huge pain in my heart, I would like to tell you that your biggest support and share in the pain of my family would be if you support the current processes in Kosovo which lead to the statehood of Kosovo," Haradinaj said in front of Enver's coffin.
Police units and NATO troops were deployed across the province to monitor main roads leading to the west of it, though the authorities described the situation as calm and without incidents.
"According to our reports, 70,000 people from all over the province attended the funeral... There was no significant incident in Kosovo reported to us during the day," police spokesperson Refki Morina told AFP.
Haradinaj's brother Enver, 22, was killed on Friday by unknown attackers in an ambush on the road leading from the western town of Pec to his home in Glogjane. Police are still investigating the killing.
He was a member of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) -- the ethnic Albanian guerrilla force that fought in 1998-1999 to oust Serbian forces.
Kosovo has been administered by the United Nations since the NATO-led bombing campaign forced Serbian forces under strongman Slobodan Milosevic to pull out in 1999.
Ramush Haradinaj resigned at the beginning of March after being indicted by the ICTY over his role as a KLA commander in the conflict.
On Saturday, the ICTY said it had agreed to the temporary release of the former Kosovo prime minister "for a limited period" so he could attend the funeral without specifying the length of the period.
Haradinaj arrived from The Hague in Kosovo earlier Sunday and was escorted by a special police unit to the village where the funeral was held according to the Albanian tradition, with only men taking part in the ceremonies.
Members of the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC), an emergency response unit created out of the KLA after the war, carried the coffin, covered with the red Albanian flag with its two-headed eagle, from the Haradinajs' home to the cemetery.
Kosovo Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi and parliamentary speaker Nexhat Daci led a large group of senior politicians, among them Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Namik Dokle.
Two other Haradinaj brothers, fighting with the guerrillas, were killed by Serbian security forces.
A third brother, Daut Haradinaj, also a former guerrilla, is serving a five-year prison term for the murder and illegal detention of four ethnic Albanians in 1999, still missing and presumed dead.
However, the UN mission which has administered the province since 1999, released him for a few hours to attend the funeral.
Frasher Haradinaj, 17, is the only one of the Haradinaj's six brothers who is still free and at home.
Tens of thousands of people from all over the UN-administered province were present at the funeral in the village of Glogjane to pay their respects to the Haradinaj family.
Haradinaj, who is not allowed to talk to the media during his "limited period" release by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), called on the mourners to support ethnic Albanian authorities in Kosovo to win independence for the province.
"With a huge pain in my heart, I would like to tell you that your biggest support and share in the pain of my family would be if you support the current processes in Kosovo which lead to the statehood of Kosovo," Haradinaj said in front of Enver's coffin.
Police units and NATO troops were deployed across the province to monitor main roads leading to the west of it, though the authorities described the situation as calm and without incidents.
"According to our reports, 70,000 people from all over the province attended the funeral... There was no significant incident in Kosovo reported to us during the day," police spokesperson Refki Morina told AFP.
Haradinaj's brother Enver, 22, was killed on Friday by unknown attackers in an ambush on the road leading from the western town of Pec to his home in Glogjane. Police are still investigating the killing.
He was a member of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) -- the ethnic Albanian guerrilla force that fought in 1998-1999 to oust Serbian forces.
Kosovo has been administered by the United Nations since the NATO-led bombing campaign forced Serbian forces under strongman Slobodan Milosevic to pull out in 1999.
Ramush Haradinaj resigned at the beginning of March after being indicted by the ICTY over his role as a KLA commander in the conflict.
On Saturday, the ICTY said it had agreed to the temporary release of the former Kosovo prime minister "for a limited period" so he could attend the funeral without specifying the length of the period.
Haradinaj arrived from The Hague in Kosovo earlier Sunday and was escorted by a special police unit to the village where the funeral was held according to the Albanian tradition, with only men taking part in the ceremonies.
Members of the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC), an emergency response unit created out of the KLA after the war, carried the coffin, covered with the red Albanian flag with its two-headed eagle, from the Haradinajs' home to the cemetery.
Kosovo Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi and parliamentary speaker Nexhat Daci led a large group of senior politicians, among them Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Namik Dokle.
Two other Haradinaj brothers, fighting with the guerrillas, were killed by Serbian security forces.
A third brother, Daut Haradinaj, also a former guerrilla, is serving a five-year prison term for the murder and illegal detention of four ethnic Albanians in 1999, still missing and presumed dead.
However, the UN mission which has administered the province since 1999, released him for a few hours to attend the funeral.
Frasher Haradinaj, 17, is the only one of the Haradinaj's six brothers who is still free and at home.
Kosovo ex-PM among thousands at brother's funeral.
GLODJAN, Serbia and Montenegro, April 17 (Reuters) - Former Kosovo prime minister Ramush Haradinaj, on temporary release from the U.N. war crimes tribunal, joined some 20,000 ethnic Albanians at the funeral of his brother on Sunday.
Enver Haradinaj, a 24-year-old student and former guerrilla, was shot dead on Friday in what a source within the NATO-led peace force in the province said was an apparent clan dispute.
Ramush Haradinaj, who resigned in March to face war crimes charges in The Hague, was released to attend the funeral in his hometown of Glodjan, 90 kilometres west of the capital Pristina.
Enver Haradinaj was buried between the graves of two other Haradinaj brothers, who were killed in fighting during an ethnic Albanian separatist insurgency in the late 1990s.
The rain-drenched crowd applauded as Ramush Haradinaj, the 36-year-old former guerrilla commander, stood to speak.
"His death was unexpected. But my message is as it was before: to support the processes underway in Kosovo, to continue to work and to build Kosovo" he said, echoing an appeal for calm before his departure in March that won him international praise.
The province of 2 million people became a U.N. protectorate in 1999 when NATO bombing drove out Serb forces accused of atrocities against Albanian civilians as they fought to crush the rebels.
The West plans to open talks late this year on whether Kosovo becomes independent - as the 90-percent Albanian majority demands - or remains formally part of Serbia.
Haradinaj arrived five minutes before Sunday's ceremony began, released on condition he did not try to contact potential prosecution witnesses or talk to the media.
He is charged with crimes against Serb civilians and Albanian "collaborators" during the war.
Enver Haradinaj, a 24-year-old student and former guerrilla, was shot dead on Friday in what a source within the NATO-led peace force in the province said was an apparent clan dispute.
Ramush Haradinaj, who resigned in March to face war crimes charges in The Hague, was released to attend the funeral in his hometown of Glodjan, 90 kilometres west of the capital Pristina.
Enver Haradinaj was buried between the graves of two other Haradinaj brothers, who were killed in fighting during an ethnic Albanian separatist insurgency in the late 1990s.
The rain-drenched crowd applauded as Ramush Haradinaj, the 36-year-old former guerrilla commander, stood to speak.
"His death was unexpected. But my message is as it was before: to support the processes underway in Kosovo, to continue to work and to build Kosovo" he said, echoing an appeal for calm before his departure in March that won him international praise.
The province of 2 million people became a U.N. protectorate in 1999 when NATO bombing drove out Serb forces accused of atrocities against Albanian civilians as they fought to crush the rebels.
The West plans to open talks late this year on whether Kosovo becomes independent - as the 90-percent Albanian majority demands - or remains formally part of Serbia.
Haradinaj arrived five minutes before Sunday's ceremony began, released on condition he did not try to contact potential prosecution witnesses or talk to the media.
He is charged with crimes against Serb civilians and Albanian "collaborators" during the war.
Former Kosovo PM Arrived in Pristina
ristina. Former Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj has arrived to Pristina, the Kosovo media reported. The U.N. war crimes tribunal decided to temporarily release him so he can attend the funeral of a brother who was shot dead. Haradinaj, who resigned as Prime Minister in March to face charges at The Hague Tribunal, was granted the release on condition he did not try to contact potential prosecution witnesses or talk to the media, the court said in a statement.
Haradinaj's brother Enver, a student, was killed on Friday in what a source in NATO-led peacekeeping forces said was an apparent clan dispute. Three of Haradinaj's brothers have died violently since 1997.
Haradinaj's brother Enver, a student, was killed on Friday in what a source in NATO-led peacekeeping forces said was an apparent clan dispute. Three of Haradinaj's brothers have died violently since 1997.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Kosovo court charges Serb who paid Albanians to kill Serb couple
Excerpt from report by Nexhat Buzuku entitled "Serb pays two Albanians to kill two Serbs in Mogille" published by the Kosovo Albanian newspaper Koha Ditore on 13 April
Gjilan [Gnjilane], 12 April: The public prosecution office in Gjilan [Gnjilane] has initiated investigations into Sinisa M. [Serb first names], Xhafer A. of Mogille, Heset A. (Viti [Vitina]) [Albanian first names], Dragoljub Dj. and Sasa M. [Serb first names] (Mogille), who are suspected of committing a criminal offence - aggravated attempted murder of Serb couple Nebojsa and Dusanka Przic from Mogille, Viti.
The entire plot was prepared in such a way that the two Albanians would commit the killing, while they were given the weapons and promised an amount of money after they committed the crime.
The case was initiated on 29 December 2004, when the Kosova [Kosovo] Police Service [KPS - ShPK in Albanian] presented to the public prosecution office in Gjilan the criminal charges against the persons suspected of committing the attempted murder. The incident took place on 6 October 2004 in Mogille village, Viti. On 30 December 2004, the public prosecution office filed a request to discover the suspected perpetrators and to gather the required information by the ShPK's Regional Investigation Unit.
On 8 April 2005, the Regional Investigation Unit in Gjilan presented charges to the Public Prosecution against five suspects: Sinisa M., Xhafer A., Heset A., Dragoljub Dj. and Sasa M. The public prosecution office in Gjilan initiated investigations into the first four people and on the judge's instructions, Sinisa M. was detained because of a well-founded suspicion that he committed three crimes: encouraging commission of attempted murder; providing assistance in committing the crime; and possession of an illegal [fire]arm.
A well-founded suspicion exists that Xhafer A. and Heset A. received a hand grenade and an AK-47 from Sinisa M. and they were also promised 10,000 euros after killing the Serb Przic couple.
After being armed by the Serb, the two Albanian suspects started the action, by throwing a hand grenade towards the Przic couple, but at that moment they lay on the ground and escaped the grenade. The two suspects returned the AK-47 to Sinisa, but they never received the money, because, when they asked for the money, Sinisa told them they did not finish the job. [Passage omitted - elaboration]
It has not been clarified yet whether the motive for ordering the murder of the Przic couple has been discovered, although it is suspected that the motive was personal benefits.
The office of the prosecution said that this case shows that there are murders being committed with this scenario - paid murder for certain reasons - but the public could reflect with various colourings and connotations [sentence as published].
Gjilan [Gnjilane], 12 April: The public prosecution office in Gjilan [Gnjilane] has initiated investigations into Sinisa M. [Serb first names], Xhafer A. of Mogille, Heset A. (Viti [Vitina]) [Albanian first names], Dragoljub Dj. and Sasa M. [Serb first names] (Mogille), who are suspected of committing a criminal offence - aggravated attempted murder of Serb couple Nebojsa and Dusanka Przic from Mogille, Viti.
The entire plot was prepared in such a way that the two Albanians would commit the killing, while they were given the weapons and promised an amount of money after they committed the crime.
The case was initiated on 29 December 2004, when the Kosova [Kosovo] Police Service [KPS - ShPK in Albanian] presented to the public prosecution office in Gjilan the criminal charges against the persons suspected of committing the attempted murder. The incident took place on 6 October 2004 in Mogille village, Viti. On 30 December 2004, the public prosecution office filed a request to discover the suspected perpetrators and to gather the required information by the ShPK's Regional Investigation Unit.
On 8 April 2005, the Regional Investigation Unit in Gjilan presented charges to the Public Prosecution against five suspects: Sinisa M., Xhafer A., Heset A., Dragoljub Dj. and Sasa M. The public prosecution office in Gjilan initiated investigations into the first four people and on the judge's instructions, Sinisa M. was detained because of a well-founded suspicion that he committed three crimes: encouraging commission of attempted murder; providing assistance in committing the crime; and possession of an illegal [fire]arm.
A well-founded suspicion exists that Xhafer A. and Heset A. received a hand grenade and an AK-47 from Sinisa M. and they were also promised 10,000 euros after killing the Serb Przic couple.
After being armed by the Serb, the two Albanian suspects started the action, by throwing a hand grenade towards the Przic couple, but at that moment they lay on the ground and escaped the grenade. The two suspects returned the AK-47 to Sinisa, but they never received the money, because, when they asked for the money, Sinisa told them they did not finish the job. [Passage omitted - elaboration]
It has not been clarified yet whether the motive for ordering the murder of the Przic couple has been discovered, although it is suspected that the motive was personal benefits.
The office of the prosecution said that this case shows that there are murders being committed with this scenario - paid murder for certain reasons - but the public could reflect with various colourings and connotations [sentence as published].
U.N. tribunal to release Kosovo's former prime minister for brother's funeral
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - The U.N. war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia said Saturday it would temporarily release Kosovo's former prime minister to attend the funeral of his younger brother.
Former Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj's 23-year-old brother, Enver, was fatally shot Friday, when unknown gunmen sprayed his car with bullets in western Kosovo and then escaped.
Ramush Haradinaj, who surrendered to the U.N. court last month to face war crimes charges, will be allowed to attend his brother's funeral Sunday afternoon in Kosovo, but will not be permitted to talk to witnesses or the media while out of U.N. custody, according to tribunal rules.
He "shall not have or attempt to have contacts with potential prosecution witnesses in the case against him or any of the surviving witnesses," the court said in a statement.
Ramush Haradinaj, 36, has pleaded not guilty to 37 counts of war crimes allegedly committed in 1998, several months before NATO's air campaign forced Serbian troops to withdraw from Kosovo and end a crackdown on ethnic Albanians.
The former prime minister was a commander of the ethnic Albanian rebel group battling Serb troops for independence during the 1998-99 war.
He allegedly led a criminal plan to persecute, murder, rape and abuse Serbs and Gypsies in the Albanian-dominated province of southern Serbia in 1998-99. He is accused of participating in beatings and torture, including the abuse of Albanian civilians believed to have collaborated with Serbs.
Enver Haradinaj was also a rebel fighter in the war, during which two other brothers were killed. Another brother, Daut, is serving a five-year sentence for participating in the torture and killing of members of rival ethnic Albanian rebel group.
Former Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj's 23-year-old brother, Enver, was fatally shot Friday, when unknown gunmen sprayed his car with bullets in western Kosovo and then escaped.
Ramush Haradinaj, who surrendered to the U.N. court last month to face war crimes charges, will be allowed to attend his brother's funeral Sunday afternoon in Kosovo, but will not be permitted to talk to witnesses or the media while out of U.N. custody, according to tribunal rules.
He "shall not have or attempt to have contacts with potential prosecution witnesses in the case against him or any of the surviving witnesses," the court said in a statement.
Ramush Haradinaj, 36, has pleaded not guilty to 37 counts of war crimes allegedly committed in 1998, several months before NATO's air campaign forced Serbian troops to withdraw from Kosovo and end a crackdown on ethnic Albanians.
The former prime minister was a commander of the ethnic Albanian rebel group battling Serb troops for independence during the 1998-99 war.
He allegedly led a criminal plan to persecute, murder, rape and abuse Serbs and Gypsies in the Albanian-dominated province of southern Serbia in 1998-99. He is accused of participating in beatings and torture, including the abuse of Albanian civilians believed to have collaborated with Serbs.
Enver Haradinaj was also a rebel fighter in the war, during which two other brothers were killed. Another brother, Daut, is serving a five-year sentence for participating in the torture and killing of members of rival ethnic Albanian rebel group.
Kosovo government to launch "pilot decentralization projects" by July 05
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Text of report in English by independent internet news agency KosovaLive
Prishtina [Pristina], 15 April: The Government said that the pilot projects for decentralization are expected to begin in the end of June or beginning of July. The spokesperson for the government Daut Dauti announced it after a meeting the Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi, his Deputy Adem Salihaj, and some other Ministers, who head the Working Groups on Standards, had with the chiefs of the liaison offices of the EU state members in Prishtina.
Decentralization was the main topic of discussions. "The pilot projects for decentralization are expected to begin in the end of June or beginning of July, whereas the testing phase will last for 18 months," Dauti said. He also said that the Minister of Returns and Communities Slavisa Petkovic reported for his visit to the displaced in Montenegro. He said that the displaced persons are willing to return.
"There are some 3,000 families with 12,000 members interested to return," Petkovic is quoted as saying in the meeting.
Dauti also said that it was discussed about the current developments in the country, the progress made in the area of implementation of priority programs, especially on the standards and level of their fulfilment, integration of ethnic minorities in central institutions, and Prishtina-Belgrade technical talks. The spokesperson emphasized that the institutions are encouraged with the recent stance of the EU and Contact Group for the future of Kosovo.
The Ministers also reported about their engagement and achievements in fulfilment of standards, citing the issue of reformation of local government, creation of a democratic environment, which is a precondition for returning of the displaced citizens.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 15 Apr 05
Text of report in English by independent internet news agency KosovaLive
Prishtina [Pristina], 15 April: The Government said that the pilot projects for decentralization are expected to begin in the end of June or beginning of July. The spokesperson for the government Daut Dauti announced it after a meeting the Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi, his Deputy Adem Salihaj, and some other Ministers, who head the Working Groups on Standards, had with the chiefs of the liaison offices of the EU state members in Prishtina.
Decentralization was the main topic of discussions. "The pilot projects for decentralization are expected to begin in the end of June or beginning of July, whereas the testing phase will last for 18 months," Dauti said. He also said that the Minister of Returns and Communities Slavisa Petkovic reported for his visit to the displaced in Montenegro. He said that the displaced persons are willing to return.
"There are some 3,000 families with 12,000 members interested to return," Petkovic is quoted as saying in the meeting.
Dauti also said that it was discussed about the current developments in the country, the progress made in the area of implementation of priority programs, especially on the standards and level of their fulfilment, integration of ethnic minorities in central institutions, and Prishtina-Belgrade technical talks. The spokesperson emphasized that the institutions are encouraged with the recent stance of the EU and Contact Group for the future of Kosovo.
The Ministers also reported about their engagement and achievements in fulfilment of standards, citing the issue of reformation of local government, creation of a democratic environment, which is a precondition for returning of the displaced citizens.
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 15 Apr 05
Kosovo president declares day of mourning for ex-PM's murdered brother
Prishtina [Pristina], 15 April: Kosova [Kosovo] President Ibrahim Rugova has declared a day of national mourning for the day of the burial of Enver Haradinaj, former Kosovo Liberation Army [UCK] fighter and brother of former prime minister Ramush Haradinaj.
"As a sign of respect for the life and deeds of the slain UCK fighter Enver Haradinaj, Kosova President Ibrahim Rugova has declared the day of the burial of this fighter a day of national mourning in all of Kosova," reads the Kosova president's order. [Passage omitted - background]
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in Albanian 15 Apr 05
"As a sign of respect for the life and deeds of the slain UCK fighter Enver Haradinaj, Kosova President Ibrahim Rugova has declared the day of the burial of this fighter a day of national mourning in all of Kosova," reads the Kosova president's order. [Passage omitted - background]
Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in Albanian 15 Apr 05