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CONTENTS: 16 October 2001 ELECTION CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP
Koha Ditore on page six reported on the promotional rally of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo in the town of Ferizaj. Ramush Haradinaj, chairman of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), paid a visit to the enterprises in Ferizaj. "We must protect the values of our products," said Haradinaj. "It is in the program of the Alliance to give advantage to the local capital for investments in Kosovo. We should build the new technology on top of the old one." In the afternoon, the party's officials held the promotional rally at the Cultural Center in town. During his speech, Haradinaj was quoted as saying, "the November elections is big and should bring law, order and security to Kosovo, because both Kosovo and the region need stability. The independence of Kosovo is not a single process, therefore we must work for integration without improvisations and emotions." According to Koha Ditore's report, the audience gave a warm welcome to Mahmut Bakalli, the party's candidate for the upcoming election and former Kosovar political leader. After anbalyzing both international and local situations, Bakalli said that their assessment was that the program of the Alliance is the best and called on everyone to take part in the elections which must be excellent and democratic. On page seven, Koha Ditore reported on the rally of the Rugova-led Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) in Gjakova. "I have heard that technology doesn't work in Gjakova, and that cables were cut off, however when people are civilized they can talk to each other even without microphones," said Sabri Hamiti, a leading official of the party. The paper added that Hamiti was referring to an incident which took place last year during the election campaign when the microphone cables were cut off during the speech of LDK officials. During the meeting, which was reportedly held under increased security measures, Hamiti also said, "the Democratic League of Kosovo is the home of the political demands of the Albanian people. I think that democracy and independence are closely linked. A democratically created power is independent, whereas power created through violence will also function violently. It should be clear to both the voters and those who aim for power, that in these circumstances power is a privilege but also a responsibility." Nekibe Kelmendi, LDK Secretary General, told the audience that the LDK would respect the people's vote. After calling for a peaceful, democratic and civilized campaign, Kelmendi emphasized the need for the rule of law, economical development, and reforms in all aspects of life, and pensions and social insurance. Kelmendi expressed the party's support for the Kosovo Protection Corps and the Kosovo Police Service and also pointed out the necessity to de-politicize the two structures. On the same page, Koha Ditore carried another report from the LDK's activity on the eve of the upcoming general elections in Kosovo. "Freedom and independence is the main goal of the Democratic League of Kosovo," said Adem Salihaj, during the party's promotional in the town square of Ferizaj. Salihaj, Chairman of the LDK branch and Chairman of the municipal assembly, was also quoted as saying, "Rugova's and LDK's visionary politics and the overall resistance of the people will lead to the realization of all goals. After Salihaj said that LDK leader Ibrahim Rugova would attend the next meeting in Ferizaj, the crowd reportedly rose to its feet chanting: "Mr. Rugova, all of Kosovo is with you." Under the subtitle "Mrs. Brovina says she is sure of victory", Zëri, on page six, reported that the leaders of the Kosovo Democratic Party (PDK) have launched their election campaign in Podujeva. "The mission of the candidates of the Kosovo Democratic Party is to make Kosovo independent, led by the humanist and poetess Flora Brovina," PDK Secretary General Fatmir Limaj told the audience in Podujeva. The paper noted that the interest of the citizens was huge, and the meeting hall was too small for all those interested in the presentation of the party. The meeting was opened by Naim Fetahu, PDK branch chairman and the party's candidate for the future Kosovo Parliament. He received a warm welcome and ovations from the crowd. Limaj called for a peaceful, civilized and democratic campaign. "On 17 November, the citizens of Kosovo will prove that they know how to vote and that they know to whom to give their votes, which is the Kosovo Democratic Party, because the candidates of this party have dedicated their lives to the national cause, science and culture." Flora Brovina, PDK's candidate for Kosovo President, was quoted as saying, "my goal is to bring together all individuals and to unite all energies, so that as a president of Kosovo I can belong to all citizens, and not be the president of a certain faction." Within the same article, Zëri carried the press release of the PDK Election Staff in Podujeva which condemned the defacing of emblems, pictures and posters of the PDK leader Hashim Thaçi. The press release noted: "The election staff of the PDK branch in Podujeva expresses its deep concern and condemn the destruction of emblems, pictures and posters of the PDK and its leader Hashim Thaçi by the activists and sympathizers of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK)." Rilindja on page one reported on the visit of Hashim Thaçi, leader of the Kosovo Democratic Party (PDK), to the Foreign Ministry of Turkey. According to the paper, Turkey's Foreign Minister Ismail Cem expressed a warm welcome and honor for hosting the Kosovar leader, Thaçi. "The righteous stance of the Albanians toward the Turk minority in Kosovo is very encouraging for the Turkish Government. On the eve of the general elections, Kosovo faces an important step," Cem said, adding that he appreciates Thaçi's and PDK's contribution for the integration of the Turk minority in the Kosovar society. On the other hand, Thaçi told leading officials of Turkey's foreign ministry that there are good relations with the Turk minority in Kosovo and that he appreciates their stance toward the political process in Kosovo. Koha Ditore on page nine carried a report from the opening electoral campaign of the Egyptian - Albanian party, The New Democratic Initiative in Kosovo (IRDK). During the rally, which was held in Peja, Xhevdet Neziraj, an IRDK senior official, was said, "we have the utmost respect for the Kosovar Albanians and for their ideals for the independence of Kosovo and the work of the political parties. Albanians always defended our people, therefore the IRDK will be engaged along with the Albanian parties to bring about the independence of Kosovo." After saluting the electorate and the Albanian political parties, IRDK leader Beslim Hoti said, "this is a historical day for our people, because for the first time we have the chance to freely propose and present our candidates for the Kosovar Parliament. Emin Sefaj, a candidate of the party for the future parliament, presented the political and economical program of the party. "Without economic independence, there can be no political independence for Kosovo," added Sefaj. On the same page, Koha Ditore carried an article titled "Belgrade says "yes to the elections, but Kosovo Serbs are getting ready to say "no", noting that the leaders of Kosovo Serbs don't take part in the elections. The leaders of the Serb community living in northern Kosovo have announced that the general elections in Kosovo will most probably pass without the participation of the Kosovo Serbs. They have also refused the proposal of a possible referendum for Kosovo Serbs in which they would vote on their (non) participation in 17th November general elections. Marko Jaksic, deputy chairman of the Serbian Democratic Party (DSS), said that Kosovo Serbs should not participate in the general elections. Oliver Ivanovic, a leader of Serbs in northern Kosovo, said that the decision on the matter has to be made by the highest authorities in Belgrade - the Serbian Democratic Opposition (DOS). "DOS should make the decision and bear the consequences. Never has the people been put in a more difficult situation, when it has to decide on its participation in the elections, without having sufficient information," Ivanovic told the Belgrade-based Beta news agency. Milan Ivanovic, another leader of northern Kosovo Serbs, compared the current regime in Belgrade with Milosevic's government. "I don't expect a decision by the DOS. They need to make concessions. They work similarly to Milosevic, first they make a refusal and then they accept. However, it will be difficult for them to find Serbs that will participate in the elections," Ivanovic said.
The electricity situation in Kosovo is very tense. Block 1 came off the system. Kosova B produces less electricity than it used to before the repair took place, and due to the current situation, KEK is forced to repay the kilowatts it borrowed when Kosovo was in total darkness, reported Koha Ditore on page eleven. Considering the current situation, it is very possible for the Kosovars to remain in total darkness for another week. "Kosova B will come off the system. This will take place following a request of contractor BBP and LLS due to the fact that the repairs have not come to an end," stressed director of Thermal Power Plant Kosova B, Shefqet Avdiu, for Koha Ditore. According to him, there will not be more repairs, except power cuts which might last one or two weeks in order for the repairs to take place. Avdiu and officials of the Department of Public Services did not want to stress the situation of the KEK during these weeks. The Department's Spokeswoman Betty Dawson said that she is not informed of this issue. "I do not know what will happen during the 24th and 31st of October. I believe that it is an import agreement if B1 comes off the system," stressed Dawson. Even KEK Information Manager Fadil Lepaja is "uninformed" of this issue. After it was explained to him, he said, "there is no money for import." According to Avdiu, the power cuts resulted from damages in the electrical generator. "The manipulation that was present during the distribution of the power resulted in B2 coming off the system. At the same time, the blocks A1, A2 and Kosova A have fallen off the system," stressed Avdiu adding that these blocks, except for A1 have begun working once more. Avdiu informed Koha Ditore that from the 1st of November, B1 will be able to import more, maybe 270 MW. KEK is repaying the electricity borrowed by other energy systems of the region, mostly Albania, Montenegro, Serbia and Bulgaria. According to KEK officials, it is crucial to repay the borrowed electricity because the punishments are severe. "For every kilowatt that we do not pay back in time, we will have to pay the amount of two." These officials are aware of the fact that the power cuts cause dissatisfaction and irritation among the population. However, they say that their duty could not be delayed any longer. "Maybe it is better to pay our debts now. The requests for electricity have not reached the maximum yet. We have to consider the fact that every time we want electricity, we will have to borrow it," stressed KEK officials.
The world is not the same anymore after the 11th of September. The issue of national security has taken another meaning not only for the USA, but for the entire world. Many things have changed in parts of the world, where the American presence is seen as essential. This part of the Balkans has been left with the hope that their American friends will not forget them due to the war in Afghanistan. However, there are still people in the Balkans who are convinced that Washington and the West will forget all about them and follow their own political agenda, reported Koha Ditore on page one and four. Nonetheless, there were no indications that America is withdrawing from the Balkans. Head of the US Office in Pristina, Ambassador John Menzies said that the USA has never been more devouted toward stability in the Balkans and have no intention of withdrawing from these countries until they accomplish their job. Koha Ditore reported on Menzies statement during a press briefing in which he thanked all Kosovars for their support of the USA and its people in its most difficult days. "This only shows how close our nations are to one another. The USA is not about to leave. We are not turning back or going away," stressed Menzies. "We are more open to cooperation than we have ever been. We are here in the Balkans and determined to finish our job. As far as I know, there are no plans to decrease the number of our troops in the Balkans," stated Menzies, adding that even if this would eventually happen, it would all take place in close cooperation with our allies. Such cooperation has been proven. NATO's latest mission in the FYROM is almost entirely in the hands of Germany due to the fact that the USA and Great Britain, who led the prior mission in the FYROM, are focused in Afghanistan. "It is very natural for the Europeans to take more responsibility in this part of Europe, because geography tells us that this is indeed a part of Europe and it will remain so. However, this does not have to mean that the Americans will withdraw and abandon their role. Remember that America has always had a role, it has one and it will have one in the future as well. As far as we are concerned, nothing will change," stated Menzies. "Even if Kosovars do not trust the Europeans as much as they trust the Americans, there is no need to fear. Kosovars would be happy to be a part of Europe and they would always have Washington engaged for them. I do understand the fact that the people are concerned and have doubts, but I repeat once more the fact that history cannot change. You are a part of Europe and you will soon become a part of the Eurozone as well. Your economy will be linked to this. Kosovo must be a part of Europe. This is the simple truth but it does not mean that we are not included in this equation. We will remain engaged here," said Menzies for Koha Ditore. Almost tired of the Kosovars paranoia of being abandoned, he asks: "have you seen changes or any signs that indicate our withdrawal? We are not withdrawing. I assure you that this will not take place." Kosovo will go through an important transition We have constantly reported that America will not abandon us, therefore we might as well go on to other important issues, such as the elections for Kosovo's parliament, the new institutions, the assembly and Serb participation in the assembly. These elements are only several of the Kosovars' many concerns during the electoral campaign, reported Koha Ditore. As far as Menzies in concerned, the general election is very important, but much more important are the days following the elections. "These will be the first democratic elections, in which the Kosovars will elect the leader of their country. I believe that this is great progress for the people of Kosovo. It is also the Kosovars' first opportunity to show their political will by voting, participate in a democratic process and to collectively become devouted in order to have a bright and democratic future," stressed Menzies. "The true work comes after the elections. The people elected should be ready and willing to work hard," stressed Menzies, adding that the challenges are enormous. It is even more important for the people elected in the assembly to work together. "These people should be loyal to their principles, system of governing and the law. This is the difference between democracy and other forms of governing. Kosovo's people should work together and pursue their goals in cooperation. This is the way democracy works. Democracy requires a great deal of work. The people should be willing to compromise. This is only a part of the political process. These people are now making politics, but they will soon govern. This is the transition Kosovo will go through during the November elections," stressed Menzies. Kosovars will solve their problems in the assembly and not in the streets by applying violence The people in the Assembly are worrying many Kosovars. But for Menzies, too much attention should not be given to this issue, especially since there are so many other problems. According to Menzies, the press exaggerated when they said that Serbs and other minorities in Kosovo will make up one third of the Assembly. Menzies said that Serbs might block the process if they decide to participate in the elections and still take orders from Belgrade. "I believe that the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 is very clear about this issue and many others. I believe that the Kosovars, including the Serbs and other minorities will find a common language and common interests. I am truly optimistic that these people will find a way to proceed forward. I truly believe in democracy here. I believe that they will work in cooperation and find their joint interests. As I said, history is inevitable. There will be no separation. People will live here in coexistence," stated Menzies. Koha Ditore informed that Menzies is hopeful that Kosovo Serbs will participate in the general election, because after all, this is good for them as well. "We believe that it is more than important for Serbs to vote. We hope that the Serb community in Kosovo will refuse to take the advice of those who tell them not to participate in the election. Hopefully they will make the right decision and come to the conclusion that it is in their own interest for their voice to be heard," said Menzies. According to him, regardless of what is happening now, everything will be all right. "I am optimistic that the other issues will resolve by themselves. The people will find out that their interests are crucial. The Assembly will be a place for Kosovars to confront their political differences. They will not be doing this on the streets and by applying violence," stated Menzies. According to him, the assembly will heal the Kosovars' old wounds and overcome the animosities among communities with opposite interests. Menzies believes that Kosovo Serbs will find their interests in Kosovo. "This will soon be the case. Right now we are dealing with a lack of trust, which is very understandable considering what both sides have gone through. The people are frightened and they suspect one another. It will take time for these feelings to go away. But, I strongly believe that the human system heals. It takes a great deal of engagement to keep the wounds open and not allow them to heal. We offer a chance to heal these wounds. Things are much better than they used to be and they will be more so tomorrow," said Menzies. "Do not forget that things will change after the 17 of November. People will have the power to speak, suggest and take measures. They will begin taking control over their lives. Things will change so much that we will not be able to compare this period of unclearness with the period following the elections," said Menzies. The concern regarding the potential of violence "Kosovars should be much more patient now. We should allow the election to take place and then we will see what will happen. We are concerned about the potential of violence. We believe that this is very dangerous now. A very serious message was given to those who might be members of an armed group. For the USA, every provocative act supports terrorist forces. People should be very careful about this. Violent acts that have taken place in the past must come to an end. This goes for Presevo Valley, Macedonia and Kosovo. We believe that violence is very dangerous for all the nations living in Kosovo and I am convinced that Kosovars do not want others to see them as supporters of terrorist forces. They probably want to be seen as people who are in a secure environment, where the law dominates and they surely want to be part of democratic communities," said Menzies. Kosovo's assembly and not the international community will talk to Belgrade Menzies assured Koha Ditore that the international community and Belgrade officials would not be the only ones holding talks with Belgrade in the future. Kosovo's future Assembly will do this as well. "Everything will change. But please, be patient for another thirty days. For now, only UNMIK representatives and Belgrade representatives talk to Belgrade. This will soon change, because the Assembly will be interested in Kosovo's future and will find a way to talk to Belgrade. It is in Kosovo's interest to talk to Belgrade and Kosovo's representatives to be a part of the discussions." Depending on the point of view, Kosovo was not only an unjust place, it was a ray of light as well Referring to the statement of NATO Secretary General George Robertson regarding the alliance not allowing the Balkans to turn into a black stain, Menzies stated, "we have not come here to fail. We are here to build a financially stable and successful democratic society. We are here to accomplish everything what the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 says. We will stay here as long as it takes to do this." "Kosovo is a ray of light. It was a place where a majority of the population was dismissed from work, school and from the net of social services. However, it still managed to establish a non-governmental organization, which served to assure so many, something which the government (Serbia) denied to do. We can say that the Belgrade government refused sovereignty upon the majority of the population in Kosovo. Therefore I believe that the past decade was a decade of great hope, because these years showed the determination and will of the Kosovars to survive. History will appreciate this." "I am well aware of the people's hopes and aspirations and we, the international community, have promised autonomy and self-governance. I believe that the Kosovars will have the greatest role in what will happen with them, their future and the final political solution of their country. No one wants to see a country, which is a cradle of crime in Europe. Law and democracy must be applied. People must be safe in their homes and free to move. This goes for all of Kosovo's citizens." "The most important thing in the future will be the people's behavior. The leaders' behavior will have to be in accordance with the requests of the society. The international community will see if you are capable of establishing a nation that can respect the law, the rights of an individual and not the rights of a specific group, a nation that respects democratic processes and is willing to take over the role of a responsible member of the United Nations. This will deeply influence the future of Kosovo. Kosovars have their future in their own hands and it is time for them to act," said Menzies. The US Office is engaged in assuring American investments in Kosovo "Several of the enterprises probably won't rejuvenate. Privatization will be very important in the future. We are very engaged in this field of assuring investors. This is very difficult if we consider the current regulations and the unsolved property statuses of many enterprises. It is difficult to find investors for these enterprises. We are working towards finding an agreement for defending the investments, which would offer security for the American investors. This would be wonderful because it would open the way for investments. We are working with the UN towards getting approval of this. I can say that there are indications that we might be successful.
Serb authorities announced that the parallel university for the Serb minority in Northern Mitrovica will begin its work today due to the fact that several faculties have transferred from Serbia to Kosovo. The establishment of the Serb University in Northern Kosovo is probably a result of the talks between UNMIK Administrator Hans Haekkerup and high Belgrade authorities. And then they say that this does not mark the establishment of parallel structures in Kosovo, reported Kosova Sot. Haekkerup is cited to have said that the Serb community will attend lectures in the university in Northern Mitrovica due to their insecurity in the Pristina University. According to UN officials, the education institutions, which act in Kosovo should work under UNMIK's administration. Meanwhile, Head of Public Information, Simon Hasselock, affirmed that these institutions should have a program compiled by the Education Department of Kosovo. "UNMIK will not acknowledge any university that is located in Serbia and is attempting to establish a parallel university anywhere in Mitrovica," stressed Hasselock for Kosova Sot. Meanwhile the Rectorate of the Pristina University, which is acknowledged by UNMIK, opposed the establishment of a university that conducts its lectures in Serbian in Northern Kosovo.
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