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19 October 2002 Saturday Edition
CONTENTS
UNMIK
holds secret meeting with Serbs in Mitrovica (Koha Ditore)
UNMIK:
If no participation, Steiner won't appoint Serb advisors [sic] as Kouchner
did (Zëri)
Trajkovic:
If we have to choose among three options, it's boycott! (Zëri)
Savic:
There are many reasons why Serbs shouldn't participate (Epoka)
Serbs
from Slivovo vote in Kosovo local elections (Epoka e Re)
Janjic:
Steiner's visit to Belgrade was a mistake (Kosova Sot)
Ukaj:
Steiner should no longer talk to Belgrade about Kosovo (Bota
Sot)
Kosovar
officials convince Albanian-Americans to invest in Kosovo (Koha)
Ongoing
talks between OSCE and KEK on power issue (Koha Ditore)
Does
Del Ponte carry with her The Hague's list for Kosovo? (Koha
Ditore)
Kosovo
pensioners to form a political party (all dailies)
Hoti
mentions UNMIK bureaucracy and lack of transparency to Brown
(Epoka e Re)
Kosovo Media Highlights
UNMIK holds secret meeting with
Serbs in Mitrovica (Koha Ditore)
Quoting international sources, Koha Ditore reports that UNMIK officials
and representatives of Kosovo Serbs and Belgrade officials held a secret
meeting in Mitrovica on Friday afternoon in an effort to negotiate the
participation of Kosovo Serbs in 26 October elections. The same sources
told Koha Ditore that it was an "expert-level" meeting, which
looked into possibilities of how to include Serb requests in UNMIK's plan,
eight days prior to the second municipal elections in Kosovo.
Koha Ditore also claims that UNMIK chief Michael Steiner received a letter from Belgrade, which reportedly threatened that Kosovo Serbs wouldn't participate in the elections if their demands were not taken into consideration.
UNMIK senior officials told Koha Ditore they have no information whatsoever on such a meeting. On the other hand, Rada Trajkovic said she couldn't comment on the meeting and added that tomorrow she would give her definitive position on Serb participation in elections. Trajkovic said she was personally closer to the decision to boycott the elections rather than the option of voting only in municipalities where Serbs constitute a majority.
UNMIK: If no participation, Steiner
won't appoint Serb advisors [sic] as Kouchner did (Zëri)
Zëri reports that the decision of Serbs whether or not to participate
in the upcoming municipal elections has been postponed for another day.
A meeting planned for yesterday in Mitrovica was not held, while Serbian
media report that such a meeting will be held today. Serb leader Milan
Ivanovic said that the meeting would be held at 1200 hrs and would include
all Serb political leaders.
Zëri also quotes UNMIK officials as saying that Michael Steiner will not follow the steps of former UNMIK chief Bernard Kouchner who, in October 2000, facing a total Serb boycott of municipal elections, decided to appoint Serb representatives to municipal assemblies. "We have no plans of appointing municipal assembly members as was done two years ago after the first local elections," said UNMIK spokeswoman Susan Manuel.
Manuel also said that the mandate from the upcoming elections is four years and that Serbs stood to lose a lot if they don't participate. "Non-participation in the elections would damage the Serbs. We have nothing to benefit from this. It is for their own good that they participate, if they want to have their representatives in the municipal assemblies and if they want to accelerate the process of IDP returns," said Manuel.
Trajkovic: If we have to choose
among three options, it's boycott! (Zëri)
"I don't like options such as boycotting the elections, the selective
participation only in some municipalities and the postponement of elections
for six months. However, as long as there are no conditions for us to
participate in the elections, we would have to choose from among these
three choices, and I think that it would be boycotting the elections,"
Coalition Povratak chief Rada Trajkovic was quoted as saying in Zëri.
Savic: There are many reasons
why Serbs shouldn't participate (Epoka e Re)
Epoka e Re reports that Gojko Savic, member of the Kosovo Assembly Presidency,
said that local elections mean a lot for the Serb minority and other minorities
living in Kosovo. "But before deciding whether or not to participate
in the elections, we think that certain conditions should be fulfilled
so that the Serb population can then take part in the elections,"
he added.
Savic says that decentralization should take place in all levels in Kosovo. He also compared Serb non-participation in the elections with the Albanians' boycott of Serbian elections for ten years. "Even non-participation in the elections can be a precondition for solving problems," he said.
Asked to comment on SRSG Michael Steiner's plan for Mitrovica, Savic said he didn't like the part that says 'first elections then decentralization'. "I think it should be the other way around - first decentralization and then elections," he said.
Serbs from Slivovo vote in Kosovo
local elections (Epoka e Re)
Based on information announced by Belgrade-based Beta news agency, Epoka
e Re reports that Serbs from the village of Slivovo, 20 km east of Pristina,
have already voted for local authority bodies in Kosovo.
Janjic: Steiner's visit to Belgrade
was a mistake (Kosova Sot)
Kosova Sot quotes Dusan Janjic, an analyst from Belgrade, as saying that
Belgrade's control over Kosovo Serbs is one of the main reasons for bad
interethnic relations in Kosovo. He also said that after the general elections
in Kosovo, when Serbs were integrated into political life, UNMIK chief
Michael Steiner shouldn't have talked with Belgrade but with Kosovo Serbs.
"Steiner's visit to Belgrade was a huge mistake, because he went
to a place where he cannot get an answer," said Janjic.
Ukaj: Steiner should no longer
talk to Belgrade about Kosovo (Bota Sot)
Bota Sot ran a commentary by Shefki Ukaj, who claims that SRSG Michael
Steiner and international decision-making centers shouldn't talk to Belgrade
regarding the issue of Kosovo. "In this respect, UNMIK chief shouldn't
have gone to Belgrade. He should have asked Kosovo Serbs for participation,
and not talked to the current regime in Belgrade," Ukaj wrote.
Kosovar officials convince Albanian-Americans
to invest in Kosovo (Koha)
Koha Ditore reports that the Albanian Diaspora in the US has been asked
to help economic development in Kosovo at a donors' conference in New
York on Friday. The Kosovo Government and UNMIK, under the leadership
of Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi, have opened the conference which was
organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sport and the UNMIK office of Non-Residential
Affairs.
According to information broadcast on Kohavision, the conference has gathered some 200 participants. Kosovar representatives began the conference by presenting reasons why Albanian-Americans should make investments in Kosovo.
Ongoing talks between OSCE and
KEK on power issue (Koha)
Koha Ditore reports that the meeting between representatives of the OSCE
mission in Kosovo and the Kosovo Power Corporation (KEK) hasn't produced
any concrete results to resolve the problem of OSCE premises being disconnected
from the power supply, due to alleged non-payment of outstanding electricity
bills. Meanwhile, the OSCE has continued operating with power supplied
from its own generators.
Koha Ditore quoted OSCE spokesman as saying that the problem would be resolved soon; whereas, his counterpart at KEK said only that there were "ongoing talks". Sources within the OSCE told the daily paper that there could have been duplicated power bills and various other irregularities.
Does Del Ponte carry with her
The Hague's list for Kosovo? (Koha Ditore)
Koha Ditore reports that The Hague tribunal chief prosecutor Carla Del
Ponte has arrived in Tirana where she will meet with "highest state
officials". Quoting unofficial sources, Koha Ditore reports that
Del Ponte has a list of names of suspects linked to the conflict in Kosovo.
Zëri also carries a report from Del Ponte's visit to Albania. Quoting sources at the Albanian Ministry of Defense, Zëri reports that the main topic was the assistance that The Hague tribunal has asked from Albanian authorities to arrest and try those who caused the Kosovar tragedy, including some former Albanian military officials.
Kosovo pensioners to form a political
party (all dailies)
All dailies report that the chairmanship of the Pensioners' League decided
yesterday to start preparations to form a political party that would present
the interests of pensioners in future elections.
Hoti mentions UNMIK bureaucracy
and lack of transparency to Brown (Epoka e Re)
Epoka e Re carries a report from the meeting between Rexhep Hoti, advisor
to PM Rexhepi, and Donald Brown, head of the Office for Kosovo at the
US State Department. During the meeting, Hoti reportedly mentioned the
bureaucracy and lack of transparency at UNMIK, especially with regard
to the approval of laws.
RTK News Headlines
PM Rexhepi: Donor Conference Success, Expects
US State Dept Meetings
Report starts with statement by PM Rexhepi in New York, doing a wrap-up
of the talks and meetings he had with numerous officials during the donors'
conference in Brussels. Rexhepi also anticipated numerous meetings he
will attend with officials from the US State Dept. and Kosovo Albanian
Diaspora.
UNMIK Brands Belgrade Talks "Positive"
Despite Serb Media Claims
Report focuses on the statement by UNMIK officials that the "message
from Belgrade" remains positive, regarding the intensive talks that
SRSG Steiner held with Serbian leadership in his quest to achieve support
for Kosovo Serb participation in the local elections. UNMIK spokesperson
Susan Manuel was quoted as saying that denials and misinterpretation by
elements of the Serb media, claiming that talks with Orthodox Church leaders
reached no support, - were "difficult to understand."
ICTY's Del Ponte in Tirana
Report gives a wrap-up of the visit by ICTY chief prosecutor Carla Del
Ponte to Tirana. She met with officials from the Albanian government,
including Defence Minister Pandeli Majko and several other officials.
Talks were focused on the improvement of the situation in the country
since the period of the war in Kosovo and the Albanian assistance to Kosovo
refugees at the time.
LSDM and BDI Reach Agreement for Formation of
Future Govt.
Report starts with information on the agreement reached by the two political
parties in Macedonia that won the majority of the votes in general elections
from both communities, Macedonian and Albanian. BDI, led by former NLA
commander Ali Ahmeti, is to get four ministerial posts, Education, Health,
Transport and Industry, as well as the position of deputy prime minister.
US Office's Harnish Meets with Kosovo Municipality
Representatives
Report focuses on the meeting between US head of Mission Reno Harnish
and representatives of the Association of Representatives of Kosovo Municipalities
in Prishtina. Soundbites: Harnish, on the importance of local power and
the responsibility of the local govt. officials in creating conditions
for citizens from all communities to prosper in a democratic environment.
Relatives of the Missing Albanians Conclude Hunger
Strike, Dissappointed with Kosovo Leadership
Report does a critical wrap-up of the 24-hour hunger strike by the relatives
of Albanians who went missing during the war - and the "level of
indifference" by the country's leadership towards this problem. Several
soundbites from participants in the hunger strike noted that the Kosovo
leadership's low level of response and lack of willingness to meet and
visit the relatives of the missing reflects the irresponsible attitude
of local institutions.
Kosovo Press Headlines
Koha Ditore
Front page
· UNMIK holds secret meeting with Serbs in Mitrovica
· Del Ponte carries with her The Hague's list for Kosovo?
· Kosovar officials convince Albanian-Americans to invest in Kosovo
· When boycott isn't boycott
· Kosovo remains a very important issue for the US
Other headlines
· No agreement for forming new government (2)
· Victim fell in a field mined during the war and then cleaned
(2)
· 9th grade learns Newton's three laws in 40 minutes (4)
· OSCE still works on generator power (4)
· Kosovar judges and prosecutors one-week visit to Hague tribunal
(5)
· Albanian students in Montenegro have all rights (5)
· Pensioners to form political party (6)
· Three murders sentenced to 61 years in prison (6)
· Afrim Shasivari was drunk (7)
· Will Gjilan have a white house? (7)
· Dynamic Response 2002 ends successfully (7)
· LDK holds election rallies in Vushtrri and Mitrovica (9)
· Thaçi: PDK victory means the victory of the Kosovar citizen
(9)
· Haradinaj said there shouldn't be a status-quo for another years
(9)
Zëri
Front page
· UNMIK: If no participation, Steiner won't appoint Serb advisors
· Shala: Mental strike
· Everyone should participate in elections, says US Head of Office
Harnish
· Trajkovic: If we have to choose between three choices, it is
boycott!
· Don Brown: US are very interested in developments in Kosovo
· Macedonia to have a new government by the end of the month
· Del Ponte asks for Albania's help in arresting war crimes suspects
· No election result will endanger LDK-PDK-AAK co-governance
Other headlines
· Pensioners to form a political party? (4)
· KPC Training and Doctrine Center inaugurated yesterday in Prishtina
(4)
· Two-day conference for investments in Kosovo (5)
· Serb woman fell on a mine planted by Serbs (5)
· Bus driver was drunk (6)
· Murderers of former KLA soldier sentenced to 22 years in prison
(6)
· Rugova meets electorate in southern Mitrovica (8)
· Thaçi: PDK victory is the victory of the Kosovar citizen
(9)
Bota Sot
Front page
· Bekim Kastrati's immortality
· UNMIK Police willing to help shed light on attack on Bota Sot
in Zurich
· US Government has info on secret Hussein-Milosevic connections
· Sejdiu: Kosovo Assembly has proved maturity
· [Macedonia] BDI will head education, healthcare, justice and
transport
· Dr. Rugova: Two-headed eagle was first used by Isa Boletini in
Mitrovica
Other headlines
· Responsibilities to be transferred to local authorities ASAP
(3)
· Rugova inaugurates ambulance in Mitrovica (3)
· Manuel: A peaceful and dignifying campaign (4)
· Another ugly act against Bota Sot (4)
· Who orders political murders are capos of political crime in
Kosovo! (5)
· Ukaj: Steiner should no longer talk to Belgrade about Kosovo
(8)
· According to latest reports, Sharr Pllana released from prison
(9)
· KFOR finalizes investigations on mine explosion in Klokot (9)
Kosova Sot
Front page
· Harnish: You can't complain, if you don't vote
· First security, then investments
· What is happening with the Kosovo Trust Agency?
· Serbs resume their map for Kosovo's cantonization
· SC members will not come to monitor election day in Kosovo
· Families of missing end 24-hour strike
· How much will students pay for one year of studies
· [Macedonia] BDI wins four ministries and post of deputy Prime
Minister
Other headlines
· Janjic: Steiner's visit to Belgrade was a mistake (2)
· Belgrade protests to UN for new border points bet Albania and
Kosovo (2)
· Driver, guilty for bus incident near Peja (2)
· President Rugova inaugurates ambulance in Miners' Hill (4)
· Washington shows interests in developments in Kosovo (4)
· How much are journalists threatened? (4)
· Kosovo's status shouldn't be an obstacle for regional integrations
(4)
Epoka e Re
Front page
· Here is the list of usurpers
· Pensioners and war invalids say they will win over 20 deputies
· Historic proof of a letter sent from Drenica
· Irony speech grows: LDK's Hyseni wishes success to other parties
· PDK victory is a victory of the Kosovar citizen, says Thaçi
in Klina
· It is time for self-management, says AAK in Ferizaj
Other headlines
· Mothers of missing return disappointed to Gjakova (2)
· Ali Ahmeti appoints his ministers in Crvenkovski's government
(2)
· Government respects Diaspora (3)
· Harnish says participation in elections is a patriotic obligation
(3)
· Hoti mentions UNMIK bureaucracy/lack of transparency to Brown
(3)
· Bukoshi: Time is to build Kosovo's independence (7)
· Ruzdija Krijestorac: We expect full victory (9)
· Savic: There are a lot of reasons why Serbs shouldn't participate
(9)
· Serbs from Slivovo vote for municipal elections (9)
· Kosovo Serbs to decide on participation today (10)
24 Orë
Front page
· Haradinaj: Prishtina is truly the mirror of all of Kosovo
· Another step toward the professionalism of KPC
· Ali Ahmeti's BDI runs four ministries
· 22 years in prison for the murderers of Virgjil Elshani and Sanela
Kojiq
· LDK or the sunset of the golden age of improvisation
Other headlines
· Kosovo is an important issue for US (2)
· Thaçi: I bring you the message of victory (6)
· The people of Ferizaj should decide who will lead them (6)
· Investments in private sector - a stimulation for economic revival
(9)
· KFOR finalizes preliminary investigations on Klokot incident
(9)
Belgrade Media Highlights
· Serbs from Slivovo already voted in Kosovo local elections
(Politika/Beta)
· Decision on local elections on Saturday (Vecernje Novosti)
· Council of Europe report on Kosovo (Danas/Tanjug)
· Polling stations in Serbia to be ready (Danas/Tanjug)
· Kosovo IDPs to vote in Serbia (Nacional)
· Rugova in Mitrovica (Glas)
Serbs from Slivovo already voted for Kosovo local elections (Politika/Beta)
Serbs from the village of Slivovo, some 20 km east of Pristina have already
voted for the local authority bodies in Kosovo and Metohija, along with
the distribution of the humanitarian aid by the Serbian government. On
the day of the second round of the Serbian presidential elections, mobile
OSCE teams organized according to a special program voting for the Kosovo
local elections, during the humanitarian aid distribution. The Serbian
government approved the humanitarian aid through the CCK and the Kosovo
district at the end of May, but it was realized only now. KP caucus whip
Rada Trajkovic condemned the operation by the OSCE and assessed this organization
was exerting pressure on Kosovo Serbs to vote before the final decision
on election turnout.
Decision on local elections on Saturday (Vecernje Novosti)
SNC leader Milan Ivanovic announced that the final decision on the Serb
participation in the municipal elections would be made on Saturday. He
announced that the decision would be made at a meeting of "all Serb
political representatives in Kosovo", which is scheduled for noon
Saturday in the northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica. He points out that
three options are possible: the first one is that Serbs will entirely
boycott the elections; to selectively participate in five municipalities
where Serbs are a majority, and to request a six-month postponement of
the elections towards enabling the international administration to "approach
a real decentralization." He says that if such decentralization is
not implemented, then there remains a possibility for Serbs to organize
their own parallel elections. Ivanovic added that if a decision were made
not to participate in the elections, all Serb candidates would withdraw
their candidacies.
Council of Europe report on Kosovo (Danas/Tanjug)
Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Alvaro Gil-Robles calls for
an urgent serious investigation of crimes committed against Serbs and
other non-Albanians in Kosovo. These crimes, say the report, have continued
since the deployment of NATO troops and the arrival of the UN mission
in the province. Robles warns that an adequate level of security still
does not exist in Kosovo, adding that measures must be implemented against
ethnically or politically motivated crimes, as well as measures for protecting
certain groups and individuals.
Polling stations in Serbia to be ready (Danas/Tanjug)
Polling stations in all 76 municipalities on the territory of Serbia will
open on 26 October in case Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija turn out for the
local elections, it has been confirmed at the Serbian Commissariat for
Refugees. Preparations are underway, while polling stations will open
at the same places as last year during the general elections, said the
Advisor to the Commissioner for Refugees Natasa Mandic. She recalled that
there were 101,700 persons with the voting right among the IDPs in Serbia.
Kosovo IDPs to vote in Serbia (Nacional)
Serbian Commissioner for Refugees Sanda Raskovic-Ivic and OSCE head of
mission Ambassador Pascal Fiesci have signed in Belgrade the Memorandum
on Understanding towards implementing the pending local elections in Kosovo
and Metohija for IDPs who are presently in Serbia. "The Memorandum
was passed by the Yugoslav and Serbian governments, thus creating Conditions
for Kosovo IDPs, potential voters, to achieve their voting right at the
local elections on 26 October," stated the announcement by the Serbian
Commissariat for Refugees.
Rugova in Mitrovica (Glas)
Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova visited northern Mitrovica where he opened
an ambulance in the Mikro settlement where Albanians reside. Rugova arrived
with strong KFOR security. Some 3,000 Albanians live in the Mikro settlement,
and they uneasily move around northern Mitrovica, the only multi-ethnic
town on the entire territory of Kosovo and Metohija. There were no incidents
during his visit in the part of the town mostly inhabited by Serbs.