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CONTENTS: 19 Oct. 2001 ELECTION CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP
"After crossing Kosovo's 'northern border', the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo made another specific move close to the border with its other Slav neighbor, Montenegro," noted Koha Ditore on page seven. The paper reported that the Alliance is the first political party in Kosovo to have profiled its electoral campaign, in the town of Peja. The program, compiled in a booklet, was explained by the party's leading officials in front of the town's traders and businessmen. The booklet was reportedly given to every businessman. "Our capital is the state. Our program, compiled by renowned staff, guarantees you that we will win against poverty," AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj told the businessmen who were following his speech attentively. Haradinaj also stated that security and stability for all citizens is the beginning of economic development. "This economic stability and that of the state is guaranteed to you by the Alliance, because it has the list of experts," he added. Bajram Kosumi, deputy leader of the party, said that the Alliance's economic program is based on employment and therefore it can be implemented. Kosumi expressed willingness to co-govern with other political entities in the economic aspect. "The substantiation of laws was an important step toward the economic development of Kosovo," said Kosumi thus trying to make both the businessmen and internationals feel safe for their capital investments in Kosovo. The paper noted that Kosumi also complained that the United Nations left economical legislations incomplete and caused problems with the progress of commercialization. "Stop commercialization," concluded Kosumi. On page six, Koha Ditore carried a report of the meeting between Hashim Thaçi, leader of the Kosovo Democratic Party (PDK), and the students of Prishtina University. "Dressed in a regular jacket worn by students, Thaçi accompanied by Halil Matoshi and Lirak Çelaj, entered the hall and was greeted by chanting of his name," opened the article. "The Kosovo Liberation Army was born in Prishtina University," Thaçi told the crowd of students. The PDK leader and former political leader of the Kosovo Liberation Army reminded the students this was not the first time he had met them. He had previously met with them for consultations regarding the endorsement of the Constitutional Framework for Kosovo. "I have come here to talk with you about all issues that interest you. The PDK is the ally of the voice of students," he is quoted as saying. "Those who voted for other parties in last year's local elections are now disappointed," said Thaçi recalling the endorsement of the Constitutional Framework. "Those that have signed the framework will surely not be the ones who will change it." Thaçi also brought up improved educational possibilities and the future of various foreign colleges in Kosovo. He also demanded interethnic tolerance and elaborated on the merits of the war in Kosovo. Under the title "LPK opposes Resolution 1244", Koha Ditore on page seven carried a report from the opening rally of the Kosovo Popular Movement in Kamenica/Dardana. According to the paper, the meeting began after an hour's delay and with few participants. Urim Hoxha and Ismajl Haxhiu, members of the party's chairmanship and candidates for the future Kosovo Parliament, addressed the attendants. "The main concern that preoccupies the Kosovo Popular Movement is the part of the program for the future status of Kosovo, which we find difficult to implement on our own," said Hoxha. In addition, Hoxha said that there is no national political entity that entirely knows Resolution 1244. "Resolution 1244 prevents all parallel systems, whereas when it comes to the rights of the Serb minority, the international community violates this document and makes compromises with Mitrovica Serbs on the opening of a Serb university. Based on this compromise, who can guarantee us that in the near future the number of Serb troops who are supposed to return will not change from being hundreds to thousands," concluded Hoxha. The Albanian Liberal Party (PLSH) led by chairman Gjergj Dedaj, at the opening of its electoral campaign presented the "triangle" that serves as a foundation for its platform. 'Freedom for all, regardless of their language, culture and race,' is the first side of the party's triangle. 'Equality for all those who live in Kosovo,' is the second, while the third side is 'the independence of Kosovo.' Gjergj Rrapi, leader of the Albanian Liberal Party, was cited as saying, "in the spirit of these principles, we are against the creation of a charismatic state, the elements of which can be seen in the political life here. We are against fake political leaders who have filled our political scene." According to Rrapi, there can be no future for Kosovo if its integrity is not respected and if independence is not achieved.
UNMIK spokespersons admitted Thursday that they had not performed a good job when they reported on the fire incident that demolished the Cultural Center in Suhareka, including LDK and PDK offices. They had referred to it as an 'attack' against the offices of the LDK, reported Koha Ditore on page three. During a press briefing held in Prishtina, the spokespersons said that the mistake was made due to the haste to provide more information on the incident. Commenting on the matter, Susan Manuel, spokeswoman for UNMIK, was quoted as saying, "there was a mistake in the initial report on the explosion of LDK offices in Suhareka. This happens sometimes and puts us in a dilemma between giving information as soon as possible and how to find facts. Consequent assessment of the police changed the term "attack" into "accident". This was discovered after the investigation and of course it required time."
The first generation of the cadets of the multiethnic police in Presevo Valley graduated on Wednesday. Representatives of the Serbian Interior Ministry, OSCE representatives, Albanian representatives, and various international diplomats attended the event, reported Koha Ditore on page four. Addressing the cadets and the attendants, Jan Kubish, OSCE Secretary General assessed the creation of the multi-ethnic police force as an important step for the region. He expressed his belief of a solution for all contesting issues that preoccupy the Presevo Valley region. "This is a very important day. This is an example that trust is possible in the region. However, this depends on the people that live here because they are the ones that have to establish trust," said Kubish. Riza Halimi, the representative of Albanians in Presevo Valley, thanked all international entities, especially the OSCE, which created the project, "because for the time being, this is the only project that has initiated the integration of the Albanian population in state structures."
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