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CONTENTS: October 26, 2001 HAEKKERUP AND KOSTUNICA DID NOT REACH AN AGREEMENT
All of today's daily papers reported on UNMIK Administrator Hans Haekkerup meeting FRY officials in Belgrade and not reaching an agreement on Kosovo Serb participation in the general elections, which are to take place on 17 November. Following the meetings with Belgrade officials, including FRY President Kostunica, Diplomacy Chief Goran Svilanovic and President of the Coordinating Council for Kosovo Nebojsa Covic, UNMIK Administrator Hans Haekkerup announced that no agreement has been reached on Serb participation in the elections, reported Koha Ditore on page one and four. However, UNMIK and Serbian representatives reached an agreement to establish a joint commission, whose task will be to compile a joint declaration, acceptable for both sides, for calling on Kosovo Serbs to participate in the parliamentary elections. "During the next few days we will see whether there is a basis for us to compile a joint declaration to appeal for Serb participation in the elections," stressed Haekkerup for Koha Ditore. According to him, Kostunica requested the international community to make clear promises to Kosovo Serbs, but he did not say what the promises might be. According to the Belgrade based newspaper Beta, Belgrade requested guarantees for security, freedom of movement, elimination of discrimination within the courts, a serious approach to the return of the displaced and a solution for the cases of the Serb missing. Belgrade authorities requested that the institutions, which will result from the general elections, not have the power to determine Kosovo's future status. However, this would violate the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty, which are determined by UN Security Council Resolution 1244. "The international community did not create the problems of Kosovo Serbs. The crimes, which Serbs committed, brought hatred among Serbs and Albanians. However, Albanians are also to blame. Remember that 40,000 KFOR troops and 8,000 policemen cannot change the way people think," stressed Haekkerup in reply to criticism regarding KFOR and UNMIK not doing enough for the protection of Kosovo Serbs, reported Epoka E Re on page one. Haekkerup pointed out that Serbs boycotting the elections in Kosovo would lead to the isolation of the Serb community, and this would not bring positive results to the community. Koha Ditore quoted Haekkerup as saying that Kosovo Serbs will have an important role in building Kosovo's future and the return of the displaced, which would take place through legitimately elected representatives, meaning through the general elections. "FRY" authorities gave Haekkerup a declaration, with which they believe implements Resolution 1244. But according to sources Zëri on page five said, "Haekkerup refused to accept the preamble of the declaration and considered it very harsh and incorrect." "We held very constructive talks. Haekkerup made a suggestion to us and we made a suggestion to him. We also added several annexes, which are necessary for improving the cooperation between UNMIK and FRY," Zëri quoted Covic. According to the paper's sources, Serbs suggested they administer Kosovo together with the international community. However, the suggestion was considered unacceptable. "A dialogue on all debates is acceptable except on those that make conditions and violate Resolution 1244," stressed the source. Epoka e Re published an article titled "Protests expected for Haekkerup in Belgrade," which reported on 50 members of the Association for the Missing and Imprisoned Serbs in Kosovo protesting in front of the Government Building. They demanded Kostunica or Covic respond to them and they reacted angrily when Haekkerup came out of the building. In a rage, they tore through the police cordon and attacked the vehicle of Haekkerup and his security. They even threw stones at them. The protesters threatened to enter the Government Building if Kostunica or Covic would not come out to talk to them. Koha Ditore also carried an article which said that the Head of OSCE in Kosovo Daan Everts and Haekkerup were not very warmly welcomed in Serbia. According to Everts, this is a result of the Belgrade citizens not being well informed on what is going on in Kosovo. "We have to do something in order for all communities to unite and remain under one roof. We must get together and live in Europe in democracy. You and Belgrade's citizens must one day come to your senses and be capable of becoming European."
"The LDK has remained the strongest and most organized political entity in Kosovo and in the entire Albanian world. The identity of this party is a personification of Kosovo's long journey," stated LDK Secretary General Fatmir Sejdiu, during the electoral rally that took place in the Klina municipality on Thursday, reported Koha Ditore on page eight. According to Sejdiu, the LDK is working on two main principles, reaching independence and establishing democratic institutions on the Western level. "The LDK wants a Kosovo without any enclaves, corruption or masks. We are devoted to establishing a stable economy, improving the educational system, caring for the families of the martyrs, war invalids, etc. All these tasks will challenge our already proven reality," stressed Sejdiu for Zëri. "We did not arrive here to convince you to vote for us. We appeal to the citizens of the Klina municipality to vote for the LDK. I assure you that Kosovo will either be democratic or it will not be at all," Koha Ditore quoted LDK Deputy Chairman Kolë Berisha. "We are moving toward independence and there is no turning back. You are welcome to follow us. But if you decide not to, we will continue on our own, the way we did in the most difficult of times," stressed Representative of LDK Youth Forum Grainca. Zëri on page six carried a report on the LDK promoting its electoral campaign in Loxhë, which is located in the Peja municipality. LDK member Niman Alimusaj summarized the history of the LDK and its activities during the past decade. "We will enter the elections with all the characteristics a serious political entity must have. The LDK is capable of building the state of Kosovo, governing it and leading it toward a safe future. We enter these elections with the best list for Kosovo's Parliament, and with the best man, which is LDK Chairman Ibrahim Rugova," stressed Alimusaj. Alimusaj had another argument, which he believes proves that the LDK is the best choice: "We promise rapid integration in NATO, Europe, the West and close relations with the USA, which have proven to be our closest allies." Zëri quoted Alimusaj. "I call on you to vote for the LDK and Chairman Ibrahim Rugova because with Rugova leading, victory is inevitable. This is due to the fact that God sent us Rugova to become president and gain independence," stressed Tahir Zemaj. Kosova Sot on page five reported on the LDK's first electoral rally in Skënderaj in the presence of its members and sympathizers. The main motto during this rally was "freedom, independence and democracy." The chairmanship and sympathizers began their program with a minute of silence to honor Kastrati and Dajaku, who were killed in the Skënderaj municipality. Thereafter, the LDK Chairman in Skënderaj Sejdi Koca introduced the program and pointed out that the policy of the LDK is a policy of tolerance and trust. According to Koca, the principles of the LDK are to establish the state of Kosovo and integrate Kosovo within NATO and Western Europe. "If you vote for the LDK, you have voted for the state of Kosovo, in which corruption and crime will be eliminated," stressed Koca, quoted Kosova Sot. "The national elections on 17 November are a chance for the people of Kosovo to express their democratic will and legitimately elect the men who will represent Kosovo in the future," stated Faruk Spahija. With one minute of silence for the men and women who have fallen for freedom, the PDK began its electoral rally in Prishtina. The PDK's candidates who will run for deputies in Kosovo's Parliament participated in the rally. Isë Bicaj introduced the program, its candidates and told the electorate that the PDK is promising only the things that it can fulfill. According to him, the PDK will be devoted to replacing Kosovo's Constitutional Framework with its own constitution, which will include a referendum in order for the Kosovars to vote on Kosovo's final status, reported Bota Sot. Thereafter, Bicaj discussed the many problems that are evident in Kosovo and pointed out that the PDK has the right experts, which are capable of solving them. Other deputies said that they will fulfill the last wish of the martyrs and bring democracy and independence to Kosovo. Zëri on page nine carried an article titled "We are ready to face all problems", in which the PDK branch in the village of Rogana, located in Dardana, launched its electoral campaign. "17 November is not just a day when we will elect Kosovo's parliament. This day is very significant due to the fact that we will determine Kosovo's future, which we have always wanted," stressed PDK member Hajdin Abazi. According to him, the target of the PDK is to establish genuine and strong institutions, which will protect the human rights of all Kosovars. Further on, Zëri quoted Abazi as saying that the PDK is capable of fulfilling its promises because this political party consists of experts in various fields, for example PDK Chairman Hashim Thaçi. "Although still very young, Thaçi has proven that he is very intelligent and has the courage to face all the problems which Kosovo and its citizens are dealing with." "UNMIK tried to integrate the minorities in the Kosovar system. However, we guarantee that no one will be privileged in Kosovo any longer. As far as the criminals are concerned, we will be devoted to bringing these people to justice. The court, and not specific individuals, will try them," stressed Abazi for Zëri. "If it were up to PDK Chairman Hashim Thaçi, Covic would have never laid a foot in Kosovo. Covic is well aware of the fact that he will never again be able to play games with Kosovo," stressed PDK member Hydajet Hyseni regarding Covic's visit ton Kosovo. "Belgrade will never decide the fate of Kosovo" was the article published in Kosova Sot on page five. The paper reported on the PDK branch in Vitia launching its electoral campaign in the presence of its chairmanship and sympathizers. According to the PDK Chairman in Vitia municipality Xhevat Bislimi, the leaders of the PDK have proven that they posses the national and professional skills to lead Kosovo toward Europe and they will fulfill the Kosovars' wishes and turn Kosovo into a democratic and independent state. Koha Ditore on page seven carried a report on AAK Chairman Ramush Haradinaj repeating the AAK's stances, perspectives and objectives to the electorate and appealing to the population of Galab, which is located along the border with Serbia to vote for the AAK. "Let me explain why independence is not a priority for the AAK. First, we will have to prove our capabilities," stressed Haradinaj, adding that after the general elections, every incorrect event will be addressed by the government of Kosovo and the current level of poverty and unemployment will decrease. Considering the citizens' worries regarding the security along the border with Serbia, Haradinaj stressed the need for Kosovo's own border police, which Kosovo's future Parliament can establish in cooperation with UNMIK. Koha Ditore quoted AAK Deputy Chairman Naim Maloku pointing out the necessity for a greater Albanian presence along the border with Serbia and repeated the fact that the current situation, the citizens departing this zone, was not just a coincidence. According to him, the contrary is the case. "The Albanian presence along the border with Kosovo is the best guarantee for Kosovo's integrity." Zëri on page seven reported on the last IAC meeting, which took place on Tuesday where AAK Deputy Chairman Muhamet Kelmendi requested the international administration fulfill the requests of the Kosovar retirees in order for this part of the population not to have a reason to boycott the parliamentary elections. Two days Kelmendi pointed out that the international community is doing everything in its power to convince Kosovo Serbs to participate in the elections and is not doing anything about the requests of the 100 thousand Kosovar retirees. An AAK delegation also visited the headquarters of the retirees. According to Zëri, during a meeting that took place with the leaders of the Kosovar retirees, Haradinaj appealed to retirees to participate in the elections regardless of the many difficulties and problems they have been facing since the war came to an end. Haradinaj promised to find a rapid solution for this delicate issue. "If a regulation is not signed by the end of the year, then it is the job of Kosovo's Assembly to do this as soon as possible," stressed Haradinaj and promised that the retirees will get their payments by January. Several of today's papers reported on another party, PDASHK (Albanian Democratic Party of Ashkalis) launching its electoral campaign in front of the National Theatre in Prishtina. A great number of sympathizers held posters with new sayings such as, "freedom for the prisoners", "equality", "unite Mitrovica", "security for all", reported Zëri on page eight. PDASHK Chairman Sabit Rrahmani requested the international community allow Kosovars to govern Kosovo, acknowledge Kosovo's independence and unite the separated city of Mitrovica. He also thanked the former KLA warriors for their contribution to protect the Ashkali community in Kosovo and for making it possible for 45 thousand Ashkalis to live in Kosovo. Koha Ditore on page nine quoted Rrahmani saying, "for us, there is no other state than Kosovo. We will never allow Serb sovereignty to return to Kosovo."
Zëri on page fifteen informed that the exposition called "Serb Genocide in Kosovo During 1840-1999", which was supposed to take place today, was postponed and is to take place after the November elections due to a declaration issued by the culture Department. "This exposition is a part of Kosovo's Archive's work and we informed the Department of Culture on 17 September about this expedition. We also requested the material means to realize the exposition, however we did not receive an answer. Yesterday during a consultative meeting regarding the exposition, we were told that the expedition cannot possibly take place before the elections," stated President of Kosovo's Archive Jusuf Osmani. Head of the Organizing Council and author of the exposition Nusret Pllana said that it is an illogical decision not to hold the expedition and it is simply unacceptable to announce this only a day before. Hakif Bajrami, a Member of the Organizing Council, said that he has legally defended the professional rights of the archive, which are expositions, publications, gathering the archival data, and he has come to the conclusion that displaying the work of the exposition is not against the civilized norms. According to Bajrami, the archive did not make up the exposition. The exposition is a historic fact and a documentary. He added that a much more humane exposition would make him a lot happier. He asked the question of why a similar exposition was allowed for Human Rights Watch and it is not allowed for a Kosovo institution, which has the right to do this. "The exposition displays only twenty percent of what has occurred against the Albanian community in Kosovo. Our work is not a call for hatred, but it is a reminder for this never to happen again. I am the author of this exposition and I will not allow anyone to remove anything, not even a comma," stressed Bajrami. "We, as a governmental organization, do not believe it is the time to hold such things due to the fact that we are in the middle of electoral campaigns and on the verge of the general elections. Therefore, we made the decision to postpone the exposition. I hope that you will respect the decision of the Department of Culture," stressed Interim Coordinator of Department of Culture Biyyala V. Rao. The Organizing Council will hold a meeting today and decide whether
they will respect the decision of the international coordinator. |