08 November 2002

CONTENTS

Djindjic in Solana's presence: "It will be put in the preamble that Kosovo status has to be solved according to Resolution 1244" (Koha Ditore)

Koha Ditore carries a report by Augustin Palokaj on Solana-Djindjic meeting held yesterday in Brussels. Palokaj says that the inclusion of Kosovo in the draft preamble of the Constitutional Charter was also one of the topics discussed in the Solana and Djindjic meeting, even though there were many issues to be discussed, especially the problems on compiling the S+M Union Constitution, the cooperation with The Hague tribunal and the political problems within Serbia.

Quoting sources, Palokaj says that Djindjic mentioned the possibility of removing the formulation that mentions Kosovo, but he didn't clarify this issue.

Koha Ditore quotes Solana as saying, "This thing doesn't help". These are the same words that Michael Steiner used earlier in Brussels, says Koha Ditore. "As you know, EU's and my stance is that the inclusion of this in the preamble doesn't help. We respect UNSC Resolution 1244, therefore, we don't consider this reference suitable. We will see how the situation develops in the future, but I don't think that this is such a serious issue to be debated, the important issue is the UNSCR 1244 and no other document can change this reality," Solana said.

Koha Ditore asked Zoran Djindjic if this formulation would be removed from the preamble, since it had already created tensions in Kosovo and the international community didn't think that it was a good thing. He was quoted as saying, "It is difficult to change this formulation now, but I can say that we will stress in this preamble that Kosovo's status will be determined based on UNSC Resolution 1244 and that's all".

Djindjic also added: "I don't think that there is any problem in respecting the UN Resolution. Mr. Steiner and Mr. Solana respect it and I think that we all agree on that".

Koha Ditore quotes sources from Solana's cabinet as well as from the EU Commission as saying that the EU advised Belgrade and Podgorica long ago not to mention Kosovo in the preamble and especially not in the context in which it was.

Shala: Dangerous hesitation (Zëri)

Zëri carries an editorial by Blerim Shala who criticizes EU for not being firmer in announcements about the Serbian-Montenegrin draft preamble. He says that it is well known what happened in the Balkans due to Europe's hesitation.

Hesitation, delay and lack of clarity are characteristics of the international reaction to the Serbian provocation on the preamble of constitutional charter of Serbia and Montenegro Union, in which Kosovo was defined as a province of the Serbian state. Of course, UNMIK chief Michael Steiner is not included here. He has truly shown this time the capability to understand properly Kosovo's main problems.

Thus announcements that come from Brussels are incomplete and unclear.

In principle everything is clear: Serbia with its action tries to predict Kosovo's final status, and this violates Resolution 1244 of the Security Council. The reactions that the preamble has no juridical effect for Kosovo or that the only juridical document in power for Kosovo is Resolution 1244, simply don't work. It is known that Serbia's actions don't have any legal consequence and that Kosovo will continue on the path defined by the UN; however, it has political consequences, which could be seen in the hot-blooded speeches heard at the Kosovo Assembly on Thursday while discussing this issue.

What we are trying to say is that when Brussels is quiet or speaks with a muted voice, delays its reaction, that too a vague one, it is not surprising that Belgrade's action should elicit such a reaction in Pristina.

It is well known what happened in this part of the Balkans, as a consequence of Europe's hesitation.

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Rexhepi: Donor's conference went better than expected (dailies)

All dailies report on the return of Kosovo Government from Brussels. "Donor's Conference in Brussels was more successful than expected," said Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi after his arrival at the Pristina airport. He added that most of the donor countries would continue with their support to Kosovo. "It was better than we expected. The conference was very successful. Most of the countries have confirmed that they will not reduce their donations, whch would be at the same level as last year," said Rexhepi, adding that there is support for short-term macro economic projects. "We received full support from the World Bank and the European Union and representatives of the countries present at the conference".

On the possibility of Kosovo receiving loans, Rexhepi said that the World Bank mentioned an old loan from former Yugoslavia. "We have discussed the issue regarding loans, however for the moment it is a little difficult to find a way to get them," said Rexhepi quoting Craig Portman from World Bank who said, "It is very difficult to withdraw loans from this bank because in a way Kosovo has a debt from former Yugoslavia". Rexhepi added, "We hope to find a way for drawing loans. Given the fact that we don't have the needed mechanisms to guarantee these loans, for the moment the loans will not be so high. However, we believe that in the future we will find a banking system to do so".

"Among our priorities that we mentioned at the conference were the international telephone code and creating a Kosovo airline. We hope that these requests will be fulfilled," said Rexhepi.

When asked to comment on the Serbian-Montenegro Constitutional Charter which includes Kosovo as part of Serbia and his statement that Kosovo Assembly will be forced to declare Kosovo's independence, Rexhepi said, "I don't have any further comments. We are waiting for the stance of the European Union, Solana, Patten and Lord Robertson".

US wants to transform the KPC? (Koha Ditore)

Koha Ditore carries the statement of KPC Commander General Agim Çeku on the 'earthshaking' recommendations of the US Institute of Peace (USIP) regarding the transformation of the Kosovo Protection Corps.

Koha Ditore claims that Çeku is not satisfied with a large part of the project prepared by the USIP on a request from the US National Security Council.

"The fact that the US National Security Council has engaged the USIP to prepare a proposal for the transformation of the KPC shows that the US administration has reached the conclusion that the KPC should be turned into a security force and no longer be treated as a simple civil force," Çeku said.

The positive part of the proposal, according to Çeku, is that it starts the debate for the future of KPC, a thing which was lacking until now. He also said that another positive aspect is the establishment of the Kosovo Council for Protection and Security and the Office of Exercise Coordination with NATO.

"On the other hand, the biggest part of this proposal is not in accordance with the reality created in the KPC and Kosovo and it doesn't give a clear perspective on our future," said Çeku. "Initially, in the project the KPC is treated as part of the problem and not as part of the solution, which is unacceptable. In this context, the KPC is wrongfully regarded as the main obstacle in implementing UNSCR 1244."

Koha Ditore also reports that the USIP proposal among other things makes two recommendations:

The first recommendation is that the Special Representative of the Secretary General would create a multi-party and multiethnic Council on Protecting Kosovo's Security, which would give advise on issues of public security mainly about minorities and the fight against organized crime. The KPC, the Exercise Coordination Office, the reservists and the Kosovo Police Service should be under the reserved powers of the SRSG.

The second recommendation says that the KPC should be distanced from criminal and extremist elements and to maintain a consistent level with public services in Kosovo, including its primary mission of rapid reaction and reconstruction. The process should be managed by the Council on Protecting Kosovo's Security. The current number of 3,300 members is recommended to be reduced to 2,000.

USIP offers two options to implement these goals. The first is to arrest and punish all KPC members responsible for political violence, and the second is to dissolve the KPC and then to ask its members to reapply, in which event, only those with clear backgrounds would be accepted.

On the issue of changing the name of KPC, in its proposal the USIP suggests that it can be changed immediately or the issue can be postponed after the transformation process, because the changing the name can be perceived as an indicator that the KPC will become the future army of Kosovo. "We support changing the name but not for the reasons that they want. For them this is symbolic, whereas for us it is an essential matter," said Çeku. "The project doesn't make a proper assessment of our three-year long work in rebuilding Kosovo and our contribution to stability in Kosovo and the region."

Çeku also added that the USIP has offered a biased and wrong solution to the KPC, which according to him will be unacceptable because it does not fulfill the aspirations of the citizens of Kosovo. "As such we believe that this project is unacceptable even for the US administration which should engage another institution to prepare an acceptable project or take into consideration our project for the transformation of the KPC which was handed over to the US administration and which is favorable not only for us but also for the international community," concluded Çeku.

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How can Milan Ivanovic be an advisor at Zveçan Assembly? (Kosova Sot)

Kosova Sot reports that Milan Ivanovic, 'who was been accused by UNMIK Police for attempted murder, has been appointed advisor at the Zveçan/Zvecane Municipal Assembly.'

The representatives of the three main political parties said that Ivanovic's appointment is unacceptable, because they claim that Ivanovic is accused of war crimes and is under investigation.

On the other hand, UNMIK and OSCE senior officials said that the appointment is quite normal since he has still not been found guilty and he is still under investigations.

Asked on the issue, Fatmir Rexhepi, member of LDK presidency, was quoted as saying, "If the Zvecan assembly made such a step, it has made a huge mistake in opposition with all norms and regulations on building municipal assemblies and members that have to be elected."

Hydajet Hyseni, member of PDK presidency, was reportedly surprised by Ivanovic's appointment. "This seems impossible and this is the first time I hear about this. If this is true, this needs no comment," he added.

Naim Maloku, deputy leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), said that there was an ongoing court procedure toward Ivanovic and that he never should have been in the list of assembly members in the first place.

Kosova Sot quotes UNMIK spokesman Sunil Narula as saying, "He is being investigated, but has not been proven guilty… So he could contest elections."

Quoting official sources from UNMIK, Kosova Sot reports that the indictment against Ivanovic was never raised, and that he is only under investigation.

KFOR stops escorting Serb journalists from Gracanica to Pristina (Koha Ditore)

Koha Ditore reports, based on information provided by Beta news agency, that international peacekeepers in Kosovo have cancelled the escort for Serb journalists from Gracanica to Pristina, saying that the security conditions have now improved.

The same agency reports that Belgrade and local journalists are not convinced that the are conditions are right for them to travel to Pristina without escort of internationals. They said that this is the reason why they couldn't report directly from the Kosovo Assembly session yesterday.

Serb journalists have asked Serb members of the Kosovo Assembly to help them to get a security escort while traveling to the capital, says Koha Ditore.

Senator Bob Dole appointed Kosovo's senior representative in US (Koha)

Quoting information provided by a press release issued by the Presidency of Kosovo, Koha Ditore reports that Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova has appointed the US Senator Robert Bob Dole as Kosovo's ambassador to the US.

President Rugova justified the appointment by saying that the 'legendary senator Dole' is Kosovo's big friend and has supported Kosovo movement for freedom, independence and democracy for over a decade.

The press release also informs that Dole will represent Kosovo's interests in Washington D.C. at the Administration, Congress, Senate and the US business community. "The appointment of Senator Dole is an important moment for me and the people of Kosovo," noted Rugova.

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Regional Update
Macedonia Update

Kosovo border is a closed issue for Crvenkovski government

The Macedonian Foreign Ministry reacted to Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi's statement in Brussels that UNMIK, the Kosovo institutions without Belgrade and the Macedonian authorities should sit down to resolve the issue of the disputed border between Kosovo and Macedonia, reports Koha Ditore.

The ministry released a communiqué in which it said that two countries which are UN members signed the agreement. This agreement is in full accordance with the UN Charters, the OSCE and other international organizations. According to the ministry, the agreement has the full support of the international community, the UN, European Union, NATO and all other relevant international institutions. The Foreign Minster Ilinka Mitreva, member of the new LSDM government, led by Prime Minister Crvenkovski, signed the statement.

Crvenkovski and Ahmeti form a super government

BDI and LSDM plan to form"Partnership Council" that could also be called "Super Government". Leaders of both parties, Ali Ahmeti of BDI, and Branko Crvenkovski for LSDM, will lead this council which will deal with issues that cannot be resolved within the government, repots Zëri.

BDI and PDSH greet Kosovo Assembly Resolution

Two main Albanian political parties in Macedonia, BDI and PDSH, greeted the resolution approved by Kosovo Assembly, which opposes the Serbia-Montenegro Constitutional Charter, which includes Kosovo as part of Serbia. PDSH General Secretary said that they fully support PM Rexhepi's statement that if Kosovo is included in the preamble then Kosovo would declare its independence, repots Zëri.

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Albania Update

Albania strongly objects to the preamble of S+M const. charter (all dailies)

All dailies report that the Albanian Government has objected to the inclusion of Kosovo in the preamble of the draft constitution of Serbia and Montenegro. Albanian Foreign Minister Ilir Meta said yesterday that the preamble doesn't take into account UNSC Resolution 1244 for Kosovo.

"The defining of Kosovo's status depends only on the will of the people of Kosovo and its democratic institutions. This status is not within the competencies of parties involved in the process of compiling the Constitution, therefore, it is not in the competencies of Serbia and Montenegro," added Meta.

Meta said that Serbia and Montenegro have their legitimate right to decide on their own future. "But on the other hand, every attempt to include Kosovo in it, while not taking into account Resolution 1244 and Kosovo's political will, is a partial effort."

Koha Ditore reports that the Albanian Parliament has also reacted through its commission on foreign policy. The commission said that the abovementioned act is a provocation for the people of Kosovo and for regional stability.