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25 December 2002
CONTENTS
· A
successful experimental year for the Assembly (Dailies)
· Kosovo on
leave until Steiner returns (Koha Ditore)
· Trajkovic
statement politicizes killing and interferes with security (Dailies)
· Shala: Boycotting
reality (Zëri)
· Sava Janjic
accuses Kosovo Catholic Church for aspirations for a greater Albania (Zëri)
· Brayshaw
wishes people of Kosovo a peaceful and joyous Christmas (Dailies)
· Will New
York be the centre where UNMIK mistakes will be corrected? (Kosova
Sot)
Kosovo Media Highlights
A successful experimental year
for the Assembly (Dailies)
The Kosovo Assembly and the Assembly Presidency have finished work for
2002. They approved 10 bills and four were signed and two annulled by
UNMIK chief administrator Michael Steiner, reported all dailies.
The Assembly also approved two resolutions. The first was on defending Kosovo's territorial integrity after the Belgrade-Skopje agreement on the border, which was annulled by Steiner and a resolution that opposed the Serb-Montenegro constitutional preamble. Steiner didn't annul the latter, but he reacted with a statement.
"The overall work of the Assembly is evaluated as successful," said deputy Hydajet Hyseni. "Everyone agrees that the Kosovo Assembly had a successful experimental year, during which the basis of a functioning a parliamentary life were laid down. We believe this is going to be a good experience to improve our work in the future," said Hyseni.
Two members of Serb Coalition Povratak were present during yesterday's Assembly Presidency meeting. The Presidency called on the Povratak members to end their boycott and it condemned the killing of the Serb in Cernica. "The Assembly has condemned as it has condemned all previous acts that damage Kosovo's image," said Hyseni in the name of the presidency.
Kosovo on leave until Steiner
returns (Koha Ditore)
Kosovo institutions will be on leave until Orthodox Christmas when UNMIK
chief administrator Michael Steiner will return to Kosovo, repots Koha
Ditore.
Kosovo Assembly Presidency has decided that next meeting will be held on 9 January, while most of the parliamentary commissions will also be on leave until then. The Kosovo Government will meet this week for the last time. The next meeting will be on 8 January, Prime Minister's office said, adding that Prime Minister Rexhepi will work until Friday and then be on leave until after the New Year.
President Rugova's spokesperson Muhamet Hamiti could not say what Rugova will do in the next two weeks. However, he added journalists will told in due time. Hamiti stressed that President Rugova's activities aren't tied to UNMIK chief administrator's vacation.
Trajkovic statement politicizes
killing and interferes with security (Dailies)
Gjilanë Municipal Assembly President Lutfi Haziri has termed Serb
Coalition Povratak Rada Trajkovic's statement on the killing of the Serb
shepherd in village Cërnicë near Gjilanë by unknown persons
that Serbs don't have freedom of movement as seeking to politicise the
killing, reported all dailies.
"Gjilanë municipality is the opposite of what Rada Trajkovic has said, and she is trying politicise this incident and give it an ethnic character. Trajkovic's intervention in the work of security services is another tendency to detract from all the achievements in the Gjilanë municipality, especially in the last year," said Haziri.
"There should be no politicisation because it is still too early to make statements," said Haziri and added that the police will have the last say in the case. "This killing is a tragedy for Gjilanë, regardless of the fact that the person belongs to the Serb community. We have had Albanians killed but we didn't politicise it, we supported the security services as it should be done in this case," said Haziri.
Shala: Boycotting reality (Zëri)
Zëri carried a commentary by editor Blerim Shala, on the Serb boycott
of the Kosovo Assembly.
Kosovo Serb politicians continue to boycott the Kosovo Assembly. In their public appearances they have expressed dissatisfaction with the situation of the Serbs in Kosovo, which according to them is worse than ever in the post war period. UNMIK statistics disprove these assertions.
Nevertheless simple political logic says that the only way to change the situation is by participation in the Assembly' activities, offering concrete proposals of different issues and insistence of Serb deputies on strengthening the role of KPS and KPC. Because each day it is becoming evident that without the qualitative transformation of KPS and KPC mandate, the results aimed by UNMIK and Kosovars on full stabilization of the situation cannot be achieved. You cannot certainly find a serious Albanian politician who would oppose KPS and KPC to be characterized with professionalism and to reflect Kosovo's ethnic composition-to be a reflection of Kosovar reality. These two things are often pointed out by UNMIK, especially when KPC is mentioned.
But the main question that occurs every time the boycott of the Kosovo Assembly by Serb deputies is raised is what is the aim of this boycott? It is an illusion to think that the boycott could stop time or change reality. No matter what Kosovo's status is, Serbia will not govern it any more. Kosovars will govern Kosovo. If this fact is considered, then it would be much easier to create a functional government in Kosovo, with the participation of all communities.
Sava Janjic accuses Kosovo Catholic
Church for aspirations for a greater Albania (Zëri)
Father Sava Janjic from the Deçan Monastery has sent a letter to
the Serb cultural elite in which he evaluates that "the conduct of
the Kosovo Catholic Church is against building relations of trust between
the Serb Orthodox Church and the Vatican," said the communiqué
released by Information Service of the Rashka Prizren eparchy and was
transmitted by the Serb media, reports Zëri.
"For the last three years the Kosovo Catholic Church has actively taken part in a campaign for historic revisionism that support the so-called historic theories according to which Serb and orthodox monasteries are in fact Catholic churches which were invaded by the Serbs. The Catholic structures in Kosovo support the revisionist theories about the Serbs coming to Kosovo and that the most important Serb churches and monasteries are in fact Catholic Albanian," said the communiqué.
"The main strategic aim of the Kosovo Albanians is to be reconfirmed as a European nation with a Christian tradition, even though most of them are Muslims," said the Serb clergyman.
"The aim is to minimize the importance of Kosovo for the Serb people and creating a new cultural and ethnic identity in Kosovo, which would almost be cleansed of Serbs," said the communiqué.
Brayshaw wishes people of Kosovo
a peaceful and joyous Christmas (Dailies)
On this eve of the celebration of Christmas among many Christians, I would
like to wish all of the people of Kosovo peace, hope and joy.
Christmas is a time for spiritual reflection and sharing our blessings with our friends and family. It is also a time to remember in both our thoughts and in our actions those who have suffered from injustice and deprivation.
I ask the people of Kosovo to take this time to reflect upon how we can work together to build reconciliation and trust in this society. This is the task we have before us and it is a task that will be fostered by treating each other with kindness and generosity.
The message of Christmas reaches to people of all religious faiths - it is a message of love. It is a message that calls for peace on earth and good will to all men. In this spirit, I wish all of you a very peaceful and joyous Christmas.
Messages for Christmas (Dailies)
President Rugova wished Merry Christmas to Kosovar citizens, Bishop Mark
Sopi, KFOR commander Mini and KFOR soldiers, UNMIK and OSCE staff. Dailies
quote Rugova as saying "God willing we will celebrate next Christmas
with the formal recognition of Kosovo's independence with our friends".
The dailies also inform that President Rugova has invited Pope to put the foundation stone of the Pristina Cathedral.
PM Rexhepi in his message on Christmas was quoted as saying "May this holiday serve to enhance understanding, faith, peace…"
Will New York be the centre where
UNMIK mistakes will be corrected? (Kosova Sot)
Kosova Sot carried comments from the Kosovo Assembly session on Monday
in which deputies discussed the 2003 budget. The proposed bill will be
sent to UN Secretary General, the Legal Office in New York and UNMIK chief
administrator Michael Steiner, according to deputy Haki Shatri, head of
the parliamentary finance commission.
"We expect that New York will send us positive signals and that
Assembly's remarks will be accepted," said Deputy Haki Shatri. He
believes that New York will be the place where UNMIK's mistakes will be
corrected.
Kosovo Press Headlines
Koha Ditore
Front page
· President Rugova announces building a cathedral in Pristina,
invites the Pope to lay the foundation stone
· Government isn't taking seriously the letter from Kosova Petrol
employees
· A successful experimental year for the Assembly
· Kosovo on leave until Steiner returns
· 12 identified victims from Rahovec reburied
· Kosovo education: More money, but not for salaries
Other headlines
· University Health Clinic has a great deal more to do (2)
· Slow services for Pristina dwellers seeking ID's (4)
· One gift - lot of smiles for the children of all ethnicities
(4)
· Albania is part of European family (4)
· Census in Macedonia could create some problems (5)
· Trajkovic's statement politicises killing and interferes with
security (5)
· Kumanovo: Children again complain of poisoning (6)
· A depressing ABC book (10)
Economy Section
· Rexhepi: The struggle of deputies for dignity (1)
· The glitter and misery of a pact (1)
· Euro has simplified but it has made life in Europe more expensive
(1)
· A step nearer to an agreement on free trade (1)
· Tiranë: Where is the money collected from taxes (1)
· Goods that bring 7 billion euros a year (4)
· No hope for refugees (4)
· What are interest rates in Albania (5)
Zëri
Front page
· How will 2003 budget be divided?
· CoE proposes a special negotiating process for Kosovo
· Shala: Boycotting a reality
· Merry Christmas to Bishop Mark Sopi and Christians
· The Assembly finishes an experimental year
· Government condemns the killing of Trajan Trifunovic, asks for
more info
· Kadare: Albanian national symbols are before the state, the politics
and they should not be excluded
Other headlines
· Rugova congratulates citizens and calls Pope John Paul II to
visit Kosovo (2)
· Brayshaw: Treat each other with kindness and generosity (2)
· Rexhepi: Let this holiday bring understanding, faith, peace …(2)
· Ismet Beqiri congratulates Catholic believers (2)
· President Rugova met with Dr. Andrew Gridinsky (2)
· AANC appoints Scot Bates as senior advisor to deal with Kosovo
government (2)
· Covic urges international community to react to Rugova's provocation
(3)
· Sava Janjic accuses Kosovo Catholic Church for aspirations of
greater Albania (3)
· Rada Trajkovic calls for regional talks before approving Serb
constitution (3)
· Yesterday in Shipol 12 missing were re-buried (4)
· Kumanovo: Albanian children poisoned again (4)
· Jashari: It is better for Kosovo to have a social democratic
force (4)
· Marshall: Serb forces were happy they were returning home alive
(7)
· Gen. Bentler: Yugoslav Army will never return to Kosovo (11)
· Gjilanë MA President Haziri refutes Trajkovic statement
(11)
Bota Sot
Front page
· President Rugova invites the Pope to lay foundation stone for
new cathedral
· Bota Sot wishes all Albanians a Merry Christmas
· Moisiu criticized for his interview in Bota Sot
· Kumanovo: more than 28 students again poisoned
· Who gave the orders to kill Kosovo Albanian intellectuals
· Kosovo: a bridge for cigarette smugglers
Other headlines
· God willing next Christmas will be celebrated in a formally recognized
independent Kosovo (2)
· Kosovo Government approves project to declare 'Bjeshkët
e Nemuna' a national park (2)
· Brayshaw: I wish the people of Kosovo, peace, hope and happiness
(3)
· American University, a bright future for Kosovo education (3)
· AANC reacts against so-called Serb-Montenegro Constitutional
Charter (3)
· Prime Minister congratulates all Christians (3)
· A successful year for the Assembly (4)
· 12 martyrs re-buried in Mitrovica (5)
· PSDK: Internationals and local institutions to join together
(5)
· Changes that cannot be found (5)
· An arrest warrant for two Albanian nationals (7)
· Ismet Beqiri wishes all a Merry Christmas (8)
· Gen. Bentler: There will be no return to the past (9)
Kosova Sot
Front page
· Will New York be the centre where UNMIK's mistakes will be corrected?
· Serb deputies waiting for "Santa"
· Rugova invites Pope to lay foundation stone for Cathedral in
Pristina
· Governing Mitrovica - a critical cross-road
· Some institutions prefer to remain quiet
· Kosovar experts criticize UNMIK fiscal policy
· Games of chance continue, executive sleeps
Other headlines
· Mitrovica remembers victims of Serbian terror (2)
· Government condemns the killing the Serb in Cernica (2)
· A direct threat to Balkans stability (2)
· Opening of American University supported (4)
· What are the ambitions of PSDK? (4)
· 17 specialists and 24 technicians for family health care (4)
· Bentler: We are here to lead Kosovo towards Europe (4)
· How can the rule of law be strengthened in Kosovo? (5)
· The achievements cannot be denied (5)
· Pristina celebrates Christmas (6)
· Çeku: May Albanians be owners of their homes in 2003 (6)
· Brayshaw: For conciliation and understanding (6)
· How is the plan for integration of the city developing? (8)
· Faculties 'rob' students (9)
· Meta: Greece to start resolving the Çam issue (10)
· Albania ratifies Rome agreement (10)
· Kumanovo: 23 other primary school students poisoned (10)
Epoka e Re
Front page
· Why didn't Fazli Neziri accept 100,000 DM for false testimony?
· Commander Çeku: FMK would be the symbol of self-determination
and national unity
· Sopi: Let us melt the positive energies for the good of Kosovo
· AANC nominates Scot Bates as advisor for relations with the government
· Kosovo Art Gallery opens exhibition "Artists of the future"
· PM Rexhepi and President Rugova wish Marry Christmas
· Ancient Christian roots in Albania
· Muslim believers and Christmas
· Peacekeepers in Kosovo dream of their homes
· Where will Kosovar leaders celebrate New Year?
· Epoka e Re wishes Marry Christmas to all Catholic brothers
Other headlines
· General Mini for Kosovo holidays (2)
· Bota Sot changed President Moisiu's interview (3)
· Beqiri: It seems that we don't understand the importance of fire-brigade
(6)
· Lutfi Haziri refutes Rada Trajkovic (6)
· Bentler: Kosovars shouldn't fear for the future because KFOR
is here (6)
· Kosovo Assembly had a successful experimental year (7)
· EU calls Balkans to act against corruption (7)
· Minister Morina reports on "Vala 900" (7)
· Dissatisfactions in Viti's new MA increase (8)
· PDK press conference in Ferizaj (8)
· Jashari: Responsibility for institutional actions is with three
big entities (8)
· No one can guarantee that there will be electricity for New Year
(9)
· Gjilanë and 24 April earthquake (11)
24 Orë
Front page
· Çeku: Next year Kosovars will be owners of their own homes
· Bentler: The pre-war situation will never return
· EU calls Balkan countries to fight corruption
· Kadare: Campaign to make two Albanian nations is an old Serb
propaganda
· Kllokoçi: Status quo cannot remain forever in Kosovo
· It is a shame that Albanian Drajfus - Gen. Haradinaj - was sentenced
· Only in Pristina hard drugs can be bought without doctors' prescription
· 23 other students poisoned in Kumanovo
· 24 Orë wishes Merry Christmas to all Christians
Top
Other headlines
· Kosovo Assembly goes on leave after an experimental year (4)
· Brayshaw: Peace, hope and happiness for Kosovo population (2)
· Kosovo government holds its last meeting for this year (2)
· Government and PM Rexhepi congratulate Christians (2)
· Kosovo government condemns the killing of Serb in Cërnica
(2)
· Steiner: Kosovo is still not in this phase (3)
· S and M Union Constitutional Charter endangers stability in Balkans
(3)
· PSDK: Resolving Kosovo status requires more institutional cooperation
(3)
· UNMIK and KPS distribute presents for Christmas (3)
· Without the blood of martyrs Kosovo wouldn't have freedom (4)
· Rugova congratulates Pope and Kosovars (4)
· Alvazi: Christmas holidays (5)
· Will opposition return to Rahovec MA? (8)
· This is where the myth for undefeated Serbian army was broken
(8)
· Development of agriculture is priority in all countries (9)
· Kosovo, the poorest place in Balkans (9)
· MA authorities in Mitrovica: We want transparency and apolitical
administration (10)
· PDK in Viti insists on the post of deputy president (10)
Police confiscates Motorola in northern Mitrovica (10)