17 September 2002

· Steiner writes to Crvenkovski: I ask for close cooperation between Macedonia and Kosovo (Zëri)
· PDK launches election campaign with rally in Prishtina (all dailies)
· Kosovo's independence is inevitable, says Biden (Koha Ditore/Zëri)
· KEK has a chairman on 'paper' and a chairman in 'words' (Zëri)
· Steiner meets with Austrian Parliamentary chairman Heinz Fischer (Zëri)
· International Monetary Fund to continue cooperation with Kosovo (dailies)
· German President Rau to visit Kosovo (Koha Ditore/Zëri)
· Serbs announce blocking of border crossing points on Saturday (Zëri)
· Kumnova: War criminals are included on Povratak's list (Epoka e Re)

Kosovo Media Highlights

Steiner writes to Crvenkovski: I ask for close cooperation between Macedonia and Kosovo (Zëri)

Zëri reports that SRSG Michael Steiner said yesterday that he was delighted at how well the elections in Macedonia had been conducted and that he had sent a letter warmly congratulating Mr. Crvenkovski on his victory. "Please accept my warmest congratulations for your victory in yesterday's general elections. The smooth manner in which the elections were conducted was impressive," wrote Steiner. "I am looking forward to close cooperation with you based on mutual trust for the benefit of Macedonia, Kosovo and the entire region."

PDK launches election campaign with rally in Prishtina (all dailies)

All dailies report that the Kosovo Democratic Party (PDK) has launched its election campaign with a rally held yesterday in the Red Hall of the Youth and Sports Center in Prishtina. PDK leader Hashim Thaçi launched the campaign, and the rally was attended by PM Bajram Rexhepi and several Kosovar ministers.

Thaçi reportedly launched the campaign by saying that the PDK congratulates Ali Ahmeti and the Democratic Union for Integration for their victory in parliamentary elections in Macedonia. "The time has come for positive changes and the vote of the citizen will reflect responsibilities and not privileges for our elected officials," Thaçi was quoted as saying.

Thaçi also thanked the US Office and other diplomatic offices that helped co-governance and the western political philosophy. "The formula offered by the PDK for co-governance won, and many dangerous schemes were refused. We avoided inter-Albanian factions and the aggravation of interethnic relations," added Thaçi.

Kosovo's independence is inevitable, says Biden (Koha Ditore/Zëri)

Based on information broadcast by MIA news agency, Koha Ditore and Zëri reports that the US Senator Joseph Biden has said that the independence of Kosovo is inevitable and that the leaders of political parties should work together in order to show the international community that Kosovars want and know how to govern a multiethnic Kosovo. Biden made this statement during a meeting with the Albanian-American community in Chicago.

KEK has a chairman on 'paper' and a chairman in 'words' (Zëri)

Under a subtitle Are there double competencies at the Kosovo Power Corporation, Zëri reports that 'on paper' the top official of the power corporation is still Charles Brown. "However, if chief administrator Michael Steiner has the final say for developments in Kosovo, then the manager of KEK is Josef Rieder who was brought to Kosovo after the explosion at Kosovo B power plant," Zëri added.

"Maybe you have misunderstood the chief administrator, or maybe he confused the boards, and instead of mentioning the Executive Board, he mentioned the Supervisory Board," said Charles Brown.

Steiner meets with chairman of Austrian Parliament Heinz Fischer (Zëri)

Zëri reports that after meeting with chief administrator Michael Steiner, Heinz Fischer, chairman of the Austrian Parliament said he would send to Vienna the message saying that the United Nations mission in Kosovo was on the right path to implement achieve its goals. "I can give you compliments, because your work is every efficient. A positive future is being created here. The international community and Austria see that this is a huge responsibility and I wish you all the best in achieving your goals," Fisher was quoted as saying. Steiner said he was very pleased that Fisher expressed support for UNMIK. "And this is very important because Austria is a country that knows the region and a country that is engaged here," added Steiner.

International Monetary Fund to continue cooperation with Kosovo (dailies)

All dailies carry reports from the meeting between President Ibrahim Rugova and a three-member delegation of the International Monetary Fund. Dimitri Demekos, head of the delegation told Rugova, "although Kosovo was still not a member of the International Monetary Fund, we are present here and we are trying to help you as much as possible. In this respect, we have opened an office in Kosovo and now we have our permanent representative here".

Serbs announce blocking border crossing points with Kosovo on Saturday (Zëri)

Zëri reports that the "so-called Serb associations for missing and abducted in Kosovo have called upon all police officers and candidates for Serbian Presidential elections to follow them to Merdare on the 20 September and help them in finding Serbs abducted in Kosovo". "We are waiting for a reply from UNMIK chief Michael Steiner, whereas their lives [referring to the abducted] are in the hands of Hashim Thaçi, Ramush Haradinaj and Agim Çeku and other kidnappers," it was noted in the appeal.

German President Rau to visit Kosovo (Koha Ditore)

Koha Ditore and Zëri quote MNB South spokesman Siegmann as saying that the German President Johannes Rau will pay a one-day visit to Kosovo on Wednesday. During his visit, Rau will meet with COMKFOR General Marcel Valentin in Prishtina, and then will go to Prizren where he will meet with MNB South Commander Skodowski and the soldiers of the brigade.

Kumnova: War criminals are included in Povratak's list (Epoka e Re)

Epoka e Re reports that AAK leader in Gjakova Mazllum Kumnova said yesterday that the list of the Serb coalition Povratak for Gjakova includes war criminals. During a press briefing, Kumnova said that the list includes Milan Sarenac, former chairman of Gjakova Executive Committee and Dr. Savo Stanojevic, member of the municipal headquarters under the command of the Yugoslav Army. "It is outside any human norm to ask the candidates of our party to sit in the municipal assembly with such criminals," added Kumnova.

RTK News Headlines
(19:30 edition)

Macedonian Elections report: Crvenkovski's LSDM Achieves Sweeping Victory, Ahmeti's BDI Satisfied
Report on the Macedonian elections highlights the shift of power in the country due to "landslide" victory by country's Social Democrats and the "triumph" of Ali Ahmeti, former NLA leader, with his newly formed Union for Democratic Integration (BDI). Soundbite: Ali Ahmeti, on "the great responsibility towards the trust demonstrated by the citizens".

Report also emphasizes comments by "international community representatives" regarding the outcome and the voting process, dubbed as "peaceful and correct". Soundbites: Craig Jeness, OSCE Chief of Mission: "an important step for further development of democracy. Politicians have chosen the path of politics, not weapons". Doris Pack, European Parliament: "All I can say is that elections and the voting were correct..."

Report on Macedonian elections was divided into two parts. The second half generally concentrates on greeting statements to Macedonian authorities by EU's Javier Solana and NATOs George Robertson. Also, a special note of congratulations was reportedly sent by PM Rexhepi's office, in which "Kosovo government hopes that election results will pave way to further stability and democratization of the country".

Austria's Parliament Chairman Promises Support to Kosovo
Report focuses on Austria's parliamentary chairman Hans Fischer's visit to Kosovo and meetings he had with his "Kosovan counterpart" Nexhat Daci and President Rugova.

Soundbites: Hans Fischer after meeting Rugova: "I told Mr. Rugova my wish for a stable Kosovo and the strong cooperation of Austria in its path to democracy." Ibrahim Rugova, on "common objectives" of Kosovo government and his personal "insistence for recognition of Kosovo's independence".

Report continues with Fischer meeting PM Rexhepi, Daci. Soundbites: Rexhepi, requesting Austria's "deeper involvment in the Balkans issues, since Austria played a historically important role in the region". Nexhat Daci on the need of the Kosovo parliament to involve "in all aspects of international parliamentary institutions. It is only the parliament that should deal with international counterparts, and no one else..."

International Monetary Fund Opens Office in Prishtina
Report focuses on the meeting that Dimitri Demekas, deputy to IMF Dept. Director for Eastern Europe held with President Rugova on Monday.
Soundbites: Demekas giving join statement with Rugova, on the fact that "Kosovo is not a member of IMF, but we're here to help as much as we can... Now, we have a permanent office in Kosovo." Rugova on objectives of Kosovo government, and his "insistence for independence recognition".

New US Chief of Mission Meets Thaci, Haradinaj
Report emphasizes initial visits by new Kosovo US Mission Chief Reno Harnish to PDK HQ and meeting with PDK chairman Hashim Thaci. Piece describes in broad terms the issues tackled during the talks: "actual situation, the necessity of self-government and improvement of position of minorities in Kosovo".

Soundbites: Reno Harnish on importance of municipal elections ahead. Soundbites: Hashim Thaci on "the US readiness to support our efforts for better future, and also opening of the debate on future representation of Kosovo within international mechanisms, fully respecting the Resolution 1244."

Report continues with Harnish's visit to AAK HQ and meeting with Ramush Haradinaj, chairman. Soundbites: Haradinaj on AAK's readiness "for better cooperation with US Mission in the future".

(Break 1, end of top-news)

Municipal Elections campaign coverage: PDK's Opening Rally in Prishtina
Reports starts with PDK's Thaci opening speech, stating that "these elections will accelerate the process of defining final status for Kosovo". Soundbites: Thaci, on the future role of local power and the "positive fact that these elections will be participated by members of all communities of Kosovo".

AAK rally in Peja follows as the second political entity covered in the report. Opening speech was given by AAK chairman Ramush Haradinaj. Soundbites: Haradinaj on party's strategy for Peja municipality development.

Liberal Party of Kosovo held its electoral rally in Obilic. Opening speech was given by chairman Gjergj Dedaj. Soundbites: Dedaj, on the need of fulfilling elementary needs of the population: electricity, security, schooling...

(Break II, World Report)

Other stories:
· Disabled Person's Center Construction Starts Near Prishtina
· Prishtina University Students Apply for Student Center Accommodation
· Agron Dida Appointed First Local RTK Technical Director
· Traditional Clothes Arts Exhibition Opens in Prishtina

Kosovo Press Headlines
Koha Ditore

Front page
· Kosovo's independence is inevitable, says Senator Biden
· BDI/LSDM victories confirmed, Albanians to have over 25 assembly members
· EU: Albanians to be included in the future Macedonian government
· Preferred victims - internationals with armored doors
· Surroi: Offer of 'Bingo-liberation'

Other headlines
· International Monetary Fund will continue cooperation with Kosovo (3)
· German President Rau to visit Kosovo (3)
· Fischer: Good relations bet Kosovo and Austria to remain so forever (4)
· Kosovo heading in right direction, says Head of Belgian Office (4)
· US Govt thanks Albanian parties in Montenegro (4)
· Surroi: Albanian factor in the region, a factor of stability (4)
· LPD candidate, chairman of Bujanovac municipal assembly (4)
· 30 Kosovars arrested with false Shengen visas in Durrës, Albania (5)
· [Albania] Father arrested after selling four of his children (5)
· Reynolds: We should turn to the one-source tender process (6)
· PDK asks Prishtina's vote for Fatmir Limaj (7)
· Haradinaj: We will turn Peja into a strong center of governance (7)
· Kumnova: Justice to deal with Povratak candidates for Gjakova (9)
· Surroi: European and integrations and the Albanian issue (10)

Zëri

Front page
· Ahmeti and Crvenkovski era begins in Macedonia
· Shala: Kosovo and Macedonia
· Editorial office: A victory of political wisdom
· Robertson and Solana pleased with Macedonia elections
· Steiner writes to Crvenkovski: I ask for close cooperation between Macedonia and Kosovo
· It is time for positive changes, says Thaçi
· Chris Patten to visit Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina
· KEK has one chairman 'in paper' and one 'in words'

Other headlines
· Ahmeti's victory confirmed, Georgievski accepts defeat (2)
· BDI to have 17 assembly members (2)
· Internationals: Macedonia elections in accordance with intl standards (2)
· General Mayor Sylejman Selimi congratulates Ali Ahmeti (3)
· Daci asks for Assembly to be integrated in European institutions (4)
· A positive future is being created in Kosovo (4)
· Rugova asks western diplomats to recognize Kosovo's independence (4)
· PM Rexhepi congratulates Ali Ahmeti on his victory (4)
· Hashim Thaçi: Time has come for positive changes (5)
· PDK leader engaged for KPC and KPS advancement (5)
· Harnish: AAK ideas for municipal elections - modern and efficient (5)
· Serbs announce blocking border crossing points on Saturday (6)
· Biden: Kosovo's independence is inevitable (6)
· Johannes Rau to meet German soldiers in Prizren tomorrow (6)
· Bearpark: Another argument that Kosovo is moving ahead (7)
· Haradinaj promises 'developing and creating management' for Peja (8)
· 'Everyone in elections for LDK…' (8)
· AAK objects to list of Povratak Serb candidates (8)
· Vote for PLK will be a vote for changes (8)

Bota Sot

Front page
· BDI and LSDM celebrate the victory
· Biden: Kosovo independence is unavoidable
· Rugova asks for speedy membership in IMM
· Why will LDK win again the local elections?
· The free vote and party that has worked the most should win
· NATO military training supported by Kosovars
· Secret anti-Rugova coalition Surroi-Maliqi-Haxhiu harmed indep. process
· We don't expect Gligorov's party to be better (2)
· Belgium promises cooperation in legislation and police (3)
· Final results of Macedonian elections on Wednesday (3)
· LDK in Ferizaj 24 September (4)
· Efforts to enlighten the missing fate intensify (4)
· German president arrives tomorrow in Kosovo (5)
· I cannot afford to work (5)
· IRJM Albanians the greatest losers (8)
· Austrian parliament ready to help Kosovo (9)
· Traffickers of a female arrested (12)

Kosova Sot

Front page
· How have Serb refugees from Croatia and Bosnia become Kosovars?
· Why do the same people hold several posts in Kosovo institutions?
· What are the arm smuggling channels in Kosovo?
· Winners: Crvenkovski and Ahmeti
· Parties again make many promises in Peja
· PDK in Prishtina: Time has come for positive changes
· Haradinaj: Now creative acts are required, consideration of all issues
· Do present municipal board directors have right to participate in campaign?
· Were pedagogues directors' right hands?
· The list of Peja and Istog candidates

Other headlines
· Steiner impressed with election process in Macedonia (2)
· Rexhepi congratulates Ahmeti (2)
· Final results made public (2)
· USA: Example of democracy [Macedonia] (2)
· Xhaferi accepts failure and congratulates Ahmeti (2)
· International Monetary Fund will support Kosovo (4)
· Kosovo independence unavoidable (4)
· Harnish talked to political leaders (4)
· Belgium ready to continue cooperation with Kosovo (4)
· Austria will continue to help Kosovo (4)
· KFOR three day training in Zllatar (4)
· Masked persons rob two internationals (4)
· Judiciary, an important pillar for independence (5)
· AAK knows and is able to lead us towards secure future (6)
· Mass non-response to elections would be another disappointment (6)
· Unachievable promises call off voters (7)
· Liberal party presents its program in Obilic (7)
· Will population respond on paying power fees? (9)
· ICG: Why so many processes remain unsolved? (10)
· Exchange of experiences on urban planning (11)
· Why is NGO activity decreasing? (11)

Epoka e Re

Front page
· Thaçi starts election campaign by congratulating Ali Ahmeti
· Ahmeti: All Albanians won with us
· Kosumi (AAK): LDK local government, cowards
· The first Western announcement to support KLA
· "Informative talks" on Hajra case continue
· Demaçi: Ahmeti's victory - new Albanian reality
· PKAK presents its program in Suha Rekë
· CMB commander Mayal kneels in front Adem Jashari's grave

Other headlines
· BDI count votes satisfied, coalition still too far (2)
· Kosovo congratulates Ahmeti on victory (2)
· Xhaferi's PDSH will have seven seats in Parliament (2)
· Kumnova [AAK]: War criminals included in Povratak list (5)
· AAK knows and is capable (5)
· AAK candidate list in Peja (5)
· This is why LKÇK calls to boycott elections (6)
· LDK is also convinced on victory in Llap region (6)
· AAK starts campaign in Gjilan (6)
· Skënderaj: PDK starts election campaign on Wednesday (6)
· LPK publishes names of its candidates in Suha Rekë (6)
· Malishevë: PDK opens campaign in Mirushë and arrallukë (6)
· Regrets for given votes, heard in a city minibus (7)
· Municipal Judiciary annuls the decision of local government (7)
· Two years in jail for false promises (8)
· Harnish informs Haradinaj about America's plan for Kosovo (8)
· German President Rau visits Kosovo on Wednesday (8)
· Police is looking for the falsifier of 31 visas for Kosovars (8)
· Serbia prepares polls in Kosovo for presidential elections (8)
· Brilliant KPC-KFOR cooperation (10)
· Gjilan: Dr. Rexhepi refutes to have dispatched patients (10)
· Gjilan: Municipal commission ruins three illegally built houses (10)
· Artanë: Two board directors returned from the seminar in Tirana (10)
· Three years wait for rebuild of houses (11)
· Mitrovica: Two female foreign citizens robbed and threatened (11)
· An international policeman attacked (11)

24 Orë

Front page
· Haradinaj: AAK strongly supports positive changes
· Haradinaj: Development rhythm and way of governing have to change
· Ahmeti calls Albanians to Unite
· UNMIK has violated Albanian dignity in Kosovo
· Serbian secret service in Kosovo
· Thaçi: Local elections don't solve Kosovo final status
· I am not on PDK election list nor candidate for 2002 municipal elections
· Where have you seen to have Serb criminals in election list?

Other headlines
· Tolaj's response to article in 24 Orë (3)
· AAK in Mitrovica: Shala will have water, bus and fast employment (4)
· Sharr: 10 candidates for deputies on AAK list (4)
· Leaders of PDK lists in 28 municipalities (4)
· Deçani a week after the start of election campaign (5)
· AAK holds a press conference in Gjilan (5)
· AAK candidates in Gjilan (5)
· LKÇK in Prizren calls on boycotting elections (5)
· We are for a real memorial center with national values (7)
· Facts on forgotten martyrs families (7)
· Arms confiscated, four arrested in Sopot (8)
· Fiscal politics strangles local producers, dispatches foreign investments (9)
· Exchange of experiences with states in transition (9)
· Daci meets Chief of Belgian Office (10)
· Fisher: Where Kosovo is discussed, Kosovars should be present (10)
· Ahmeti's victory, victory of Albanians in Macedonia (10)
· Ahmeti: I have prepared the platform for government (10)
· Denekas: Kosovo in IMM after independence (10)
· Commander of MNB Center visits memorial complex Adem Jashari (10)
· Congratulations on Ahmeti's victory (11)

Belgrade Media Highlights

Danas/Beta: No injured in a bomb explosion
Earlier on Monday, unknown perpetrators threw a bomb in front of the house of Ranko Mihajlovic in the northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica. UNMIK police confirmed there had been no casualties. UNMIK police has visited the blast scene and is currently tracking down the perpetrators.

Blic/Tanjug: 31 Albanians arrested
A group of 31 Albanians from Kosovo has been arrested near the port of Drac in Albania following an illegal crossing into Italy, the Albanian Interior Ministry announced. These Kosovo Albanians bought false visas in Pristina from between 1,200 and 1,500 euros.

Danas: The first post-war political debate in Prizren
In the organization of Alem, a journal in the Bosnian language, and in cooperation with the OSCE Department for democratization, the debate of political leaders, entitled "The civil bridge", was held on Sunday. Famous Kosovo attorney Azem Vlasi has pointed out in his introductory speech that such public debates are very useful for the development of Kosovo democracy, and at the same time an opportunity for political leaders to get to know each other through an open discussion, but also to resolve some mutual problems. Slobodan Zrnzevic of the KP was interesting to journalists and present debate listeners with his speech on the plan of the return of Serbs in Prizren and their first post-war attendance in the upcoming municipal elections.

Glas/Tanjug: KP to renounce to its election list in northern Mitrovica in favor of the SNC list led by Ivanovic
KP Caucus Whip Rada Trajkovic announced that she would propose to KP to renounce to its list of candidates for the municipal elections in northern Mitrovica in favor of the SNC election list, led by Milan Ivanovic. "Disunity among the Kosovo Serb political leaders belongs to the past," Rada Trajkovic told Tanjug. She added that the first positive step was when the SNC President Bishop Artemije had expressed his solidarity with Ivanovic and harshly condemned his attempted arrest.

Glas/Tanjug: Tachi at an election gathering
PDK leader Hashim Tachi has said at the promotion of his party in Pristina that the Kosovo local elections scheduled for 26 October are not directly linked with the final status of the province, but if they are fair and democratic they could accelerate the issue of the region's final status.

Vecernje Novosti: Gvozden Gagic on newly discovered mass graves in Kosovo
"Apart from the works we are performing on the already existing, specifically established locations of mass graves, we are also working on discovering new, both mass and individual, graves that are, unfortunately, all around Kosovo and Metohija," said the head of the CCK working group for missing and kidnapped persons, Gvozden Gagic. "So far, a complete identification had been performed of ten post-mortal remains of Serbs and non-Albanians who were handed over to the families. Underway is the identification of 24 exhumed bodies, while exhumation at the newly discovered location in Orahovac is to soon commence," said Gagic.

Nacional: Simo Spasic on the announcement of the mass return
Simo Spasic of the Association of the families of the kidnapped and missing persons from Kosovo and Metohija recalls that Kosovo Serbs tried last year to organize a return on 17 September when the Albanian elections were held, but that they were not backed by the state bodies in charge. "The international community wanted those elections at any cost, and the Serbian state had to condition them with liberating imprisoned Serbs, arresting and requesting responsibility of the kidnappers and creating security for Serbs who remained to live in the province with this same international community. This did not happen, and this is why we must not miss the opportunity on 20 and 21 September.

Radio TV B92/Fonet: IDP Association "Vidovdan" to join the mass return scheduled for September 21
The IDP Association "Vidovdan", consisting of around 4.500 members, will join the mass return scheduled for September 21. " We will not go there to attack the international community, we simply want to go to our homes. The ball is in its court, as the international community has to prepare all necessary conditions for our mass return and prevent possible incidents," the President of the association Caslav Bojovic said. "By doing this we want to show our determination to return," said Bojovic and added that the international community had exclusive responsibility to
create security conditions for self-initiative returns, considering that it had failed to create adequate conditions for planned returns.

Politika: How much has been invested in Kosovo's power system?
Since the arrival of the international peace forces to Kosovo in 1999, at least 260 million euros has been invested in its power system according to official data, which did not give any results since the generators of the Kosovo power system are at peace, production is equal to zero, and restrictions are a daily thing.

Politika: A disputable electoral body
In an attempt to respond to the question what is the road towards correct elections, the participants in the debate at the Media Center Press Club stated that special difficulties in view of this represents the determination of Serbia's electoral body. Slobodanka Nedovic of CESID says that practically only one vote can determine whether the elections are a success or not, which provokes many confusions in the undefined status of Albanian voters but also other Kosovo inhabitants.