Media Analysis 9 October 2003

• Rugova keeps silent, Thaçi in conflict with Daci, Haradinal insists on Ministries (Koha Ditore)
  
• My message for the Kosovan Leaders: Vienna is an opportunity and not a threat (Zëri)
  
• Surroi: Eventual division of Kosovo will have risk of division of Macedonia (Koha Ditore)
  
• Shala: On priorities and improvisation (Zëri)
  
• Editorial: Who decides here? (Zëri)
  
• Editorial: Holkeri, politics and elections (Kosova Sot)
  
• Editorial: The weakest factor in Vienna is the international community (Bota)
  
• Rexhepi: Privatization must not stop not even for half a day (Zëri)
  
• Blocking of privatization is political, say economic experts (Zëri)

Belgrade Media Update

• Kosovo Assembly refuses to discuss Vienna dialogue (B92)
  
• Zivkovic, Covic discuss Vienna talks with opposition leaders (Serbian Government)

Rugova keeps silent, Thaçi in conflict with Daci, Haradinal insists on Ministries (Koha Ditore)

Koha Ditore reports that the five hour meeting between the Quint, Holkeri and the Kosovan leaders ended without results. The paper reports that PDK leader Thaçi asked President Rugova and PM Rexhepi to speak to the Assembly, so that the Assembly could make a decision on the dialogue. The Assembly speaker Daci rejected that idea, saying that the Assembly could discuss it only if there was an agreement between the political leaders. AAK leader Haradinaj insisted on a real offer from UNMIK.

'We discussed the modalities for the talks on practical issues with Mr. Holkeri and the Quint representatives. We will discuss it over the next few days," Rugova said. PM Rexhepi was brief too, saying, 'We made all the requests in the name of the government, so did the other leaders, be those of the institutions or the parties and are waiting for the offer and Parliament will have the final say. After that, we will see'. While Daci was the only one to mention the offer by the internationals; not on paper but expressed in diplomatic words; 'We are close, there is progress in stances, there is progress in cooperation with Quint, and with the SRSG. It is a proposal that cannot be dropped and not accepted. Didn't the PM announce this? Maybe he does not have permission from his party, so let me tell you. The creation of two new ministries was expressed in a diplomatic manner, extension of capacities in the energy sector and cooperation with the internationals. We are insisting on having it briefly and clearly put on paper, however there is time for it. Yet, I am not saying a decision has been taken, since the decision will be shaped by the party leaders who signed the coalition agreement'. According to 'Zëri', Thaçi apart from asking the President and the PM to address the Assembly, and the Assembly to make a decision, did not make clear his or his party's stance. AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj said that the approach to Vienna meeting had become more serious, and that AAK is not going to Vienna unless UNMIK offers more competencies. "We have been clear from the very beginning when this talks project was initiated without our participation and it is improvised. If this proposal, we understood it as an offer, is enriched and made meaningful in building the institutions of Kosovo, then we will change our mind, not otherwise". The head of the US office in Pristina, Marcy Ries called the meeting constructive, but did not want to comment on the declarations by the leaders. "We had a constructive meeting, I think that from our presence and from the presence of the Quint, you can see the importance of the dialogue that will start in Vienna on 14 October, and our wish to support the institutions of Kosovo and the SRSG in this path. I want you to know that we members of the international community are unique in this respect."
The head of the British Office, Mark Dickinson said, "We understand that they have to make a difficult decision, though I think there is only one choice, and we all welcome their presence in Vienna, and building of capacities for the government structure here to face challenges and not only in this dialogue, since it is not the only important thing the Kosovo society is facing."
Earlier in the day, Holkeri urged Kosovo leaders to have a joint platform and the stance of statesmen in the dialogue with Belgrade. "By engaging in a dialogue with their counterparts in Belgrade with a joint platform and behaving like statesmen, the Kosovo leaders will prove to the world the maturity of the institutions of Kosovo" and added that "the dialogue is not about status or politics". He went on to say that UNMIK and the international community are partners with Kosovo, and that they will help Kosovo in all the stages of the process.

My message for the Kosovan Leaders: Vienna is an opportunity and not a threat (Zëri)

Zëri conducted an interview with Larry Rosin, deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Asia affairs in the US about upcoming dialogue and importance of Kosovar participation in Vienna talks.

What is the position of the US government on the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, that is due to begin in Vienna on October 14?
The US government believes that this is a critical step towards stabilization and normalization of situation in Kosovo and also in relations between Kosovo and the region, including Serbia and Montenegro. We think that it is a good opportunity for Kosovars. Kosovars should use this opportunity to improve capacities and their relations with others, in order to get prepared for the period when Kosovo's long-term future is determined.

Kosovar politicians expressed concern regarding lack equality in this process.
I am not sure why they raise these kinds of issues. In this dialogue we have Pristina and Belgrade entity. Belgrade will have politicians and experts, as would Pristina. Do not forget that we are talking about technical issues, which will be discussed in the meetings to follow. Therefore, both sides will be equal and represented by its leaders. I believe that this issue has been raised wrongly. On the dialogue on practical issues, experts from Pristina and Belgrade will be in a room with the moderator or EU experts and will try to solve concrete problems.

Another concern raised by Kosovar leaders is related with the US role in this process. They demanded that US be a mediator in this stage of talks. What can you say about America's commitment in this process?
We have a strong commitment, but we do not believe that it is desirable that US or any Contact Group member should play either the role of mediator or to be directly involved in this dialogue. This is an opportunity to address issues, which constitute a small risk. The Kosovo authorities and experts could test such model of dialogue with Belgrade. It is necessary to gain an experience in these issues, because later bigger issues will come up. If US or somebody else becomes a mediator in this dialogue, responsibility will be of the mediators.

However, US commitment for the Kosovo final status is very important…
We were committed in the past, we are committed now and we will be committed in the future. I really do not understand why people doubt in our commitment. We are committed for this direct dialogue. The US will be present in Vienna. I will be there personally to launch the talks. I do hope that dialogue will begin. If they do not come, they will be held responsible in the eyes of the International Community and their absence will certainly harm their position. We will be present even in talks between working groups. American and Contact Group officials will facilitate either Kosovars or Belgrade in order to keep the dialogue going, and parties to be focused on practical issues and practical solutions. When time comes for the final status, the US will be deeply involved and committed in that process, which should take place in accordance with Resolution 1244.

How will concretely the process of talks on practical issues run, after first meeting in Vienna? As you said before, experts groups from both sides would be created …
This is the exact scenario. Regarding the meeting in Vienna, there will be no negotiations. This is a ceremony to initiate the negotiations, to give political dimension to the practical process that would happen between the experts. So, it is very important for Kosovar leaders to join others in Vienna. There will not be negotiation, but is important for all sides to be present in order to give a positive and encouraging message. After, technical talks will take place between experts of both sides. According to Holkeri's concept, where the talks start between Prishtina and Belgrade experts, there will be a neutral moderator, appointed by a neutral institution. Outside of the room there will be America's and the Contact Group representatives, who will offer their service in case of difficulties during talks. Therefore, either side of the talks could demand our or other contact group services at any time.

You know that another concern of our leaders is related to the transfer of competencies from UNMIK. What do you think about this issue?
These are legitimate concerns expressed by Kosovar leaders. However, my view is that it is a mistake to use this issue as pressure for talks in Vienna. You cannot demand favor for issues that are in you interest. As you know the US has always supported maximal transfer of competencies within authorities of the SRSG. If there is a pressure for transfer of competencies from such fields as defense and foreign affairs, SRSG has no authority from the UN Secretary General to do it. However, there are lots of fields that Holkeri has talked to Rexhepi about which will be further discussed between government and SRSG. I know that it is also desirable by SRSG Holkeri. He shouldn't be treated by Kosovars on basis of unhappiness they proved with Holkeri's predecessor. This is not fair towards him. It is in the interest of Kosovar politicians to talk openly and sincerely with him.

What is your message to our leaders who still hesitate whether or not they should go in Vienna?
My message for the Kosovan leaders is simple: Take this as an opportunity, as a chance and not as threat. Take this as an opportunity to build capacity in the Kosovo institutions, while working on practical issues. Issues that will improve life of people at the same time, these aren't issues which may constitute threat of any kind. Take this as an opportunity to build new relations with the new SRSG. Take this as an opportunity to build practical relations with people in Serbia, these are issue that all countries do. In the end, take this as a possibility for the Kosovan leaders who should show the ability to take the 'risk' of talking about practical issues so that later they will show that they are able to take responsibility for much bigger issues

Surroi: Eventual division of Kosovo will have risk of division of Macedonia (Koha Ditore)
Koha Ditore reported on round table that was held in Skopje on Kosovo's future.

'Kosovo will be either independent or it will be divided and its major part then will become independent. These are the two real options. The third one, the union with Serbia and Montenegro, is desirable neither in Kosovo, Serbia or anybody else,' said Veton Surroi in a round table that was held in Skopje about Kosovo's future. He assessed that the concept of resolving the Kosovo issue will either stabilize or impede the process of Macedonia's integration into Europe.

Kosovo and Serbia today are hostage of each other. Kosovo is kept hostage because of Serbia' aspiration to annex part of Kosovo, while Kosovo keeps Serbia hostage in its way toward integration in Europe. Therefore, common interest of both countries is to eliminate these relations and to create new partnership relations that would accelerate the European integration and will also facilitate resolution of the Kosovo's status, said Surroi.

He further commented work of the international administration. 'UNMIK administration now is an obstacle for itself and Kosovo. Currently we have Kosovar institutions such is the government, the assembly, the president, while we have UNMIK administrative system where its chief is the only decision making authority. SRSG's post includes post of the prime minister, post of the assembly speaker, post of the president and post of the king, not a post of the king of democracy, but post of the king in a feudal system,' Surroi said.

'This paradox has been attempted to be solved with bypass, through the transfer of competencies. Unfortunately, this process is too slow and very restrictive, therefore Kosovars have competencies to decide on very few things. Since two years there is a tense atmosphere between Kosovars and UNMIK administration. There is a game, where UNMIK says that Kosovar institutions are not performing well their duties, while the later says that UNMIK is not performing its duties either, ' he said.

Surroi further commented the idea of the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. 'It is good to have a dialogue, but the unprepared dialogue and lack of concept might bring additional problems. There exist a list of questions. Fist one is why certain topics were chosen for dialogue e.g. electricity, communication, missing persons and returns, rather than numerous other topics,' Surroi asked.

'We have learned from experience that talks might be successful only if there is a strong mediation side, which would facilitate the negotiation process and would care for the implementation of the agreement reached by both entities,' he said.

He further said that another important issue is the framework of the dialogue. 'Instead of framework we have seen various topics, which will complicate even more the process because these are topics which do not belong to the Kosovars competencies. So, they want to initiate a dialogue where one side has full authority (Serbia), while the other side has nothing to decide. It is same if you, for example, invite Macedonia to talk on behalf of Kosovo,' Surroi concluded.

Shala: On priorities and improvisation (Zëri)
Zëri carried a front-page editorial by Blerim Shala who writes:

One of the protective mechanisms, but not an effective one, from the major part of Kosovar leaders when it comes to the dialogue with Serbia and Montenegro is their stance that the dialogue is not their priority.

Of course, they have said (and will say) that they are always ready to talk with officials of neighboring countries, including those from Serbia and Montenegro. In the end, it has been a month since the dialogue topic has not been removed from the agenda of all of us, regardless of our will, which shows that it is a useless to say that dialogue is not a priority for us.

Recently, we have dealt mostly with the meaning of two notions: the improvisation and the priority. Their division is carried out in that way that improvisation belonged to UNMIK and priorities to us. If we stop a bit at the history of preparation for dialogue we will understand that it has been known that UNMIK since the beginning of this year will do everything to start talks between Kosovo and Serbia. The agenda was made public even in February. Before going to the EU Summit in Thessaloniki, our officials were aware that the Vienna meeting could have taken place there. All these facts prove that talks cannot be treated as a big surprise for Kosovo politicians at all. Our politicians, since the dialogue issue was opened, have not considered it seriously, they did not believe that the meeting will take place; therefore they have improvised as much as they could by not listening to the messages coming from the West. Their priority was political improvisation. It seems that this approach has come to an end.

Editorial: Who decides here? (Zëri)

In an editorial, "Zëri" writes that whatever the position of the Kosovar side, it should be announced in the Assembly of Kosovo. Let the address where this is decided be known. Let the leaders of Kosovo explain their stances openly in front of the members of the Kosovo Assembly. Let this political game with dialogue come to an end.

It is said that in politics the art of positioning two or more options to solve a problem is reached when each of these options is more or less beneficial and useful. In that case, one should look for the best and most beneficial solution for the society and for the authorities. The other way round, the worst option is reaching the point in politics when all options are detrimental. In this case, analyzing the mistakes of the past that have made an authority and a society face detrimental choices is not of much help. Here, politicians try to go for the option, consequences of which can be overcome or which does not have any consequences that cannot be repaired for the future of the society. Maybe they follow the old English saying; 'when something is bad, it is good to know what is catastrophic.'
These days, Kosovar Albanian politicians need to decide on the international offer to start the dialogue with representative of SCG. They are facing choices to measure damages and not benefits. Whatever they decide, they will think they are wrong. For many reasons, which are almost all known to the public opinion in Kosovo, officials have managed to complicate the political scene even further. The dialogue has been used and misused to open, in most cases without a plan, a concept or a strategy on all the problems in Kosovo over the last four years. The dialogue with Belgrade, which is really not well prepared by either the relevant local or international factors, is causing dramatic tensions in terms of relations between local authorities and UNMIK, and is bringing the non-functioning of the local decision-making mechanisms and problems within the main political parties to surface. So, instead of deciding on the talks in the Assembly of Kosovo, the issue is being dealt with in the political market, on the streets and cafes. They, who everyday ask for more competencies, do not want to take responsibility for talks in their hands. So far, it was assumed that the Assembly of Kosovo was the final body to decide this. But, now we find out, at least from statements by the members of the Assembly Presidency, that the Assembly is no longer discussing the issue. It is fair to say that it takes political courage to be it for a positive or a negative answer. Whatever the position of the Kosovar side, it should be announced in the Assembly. Let the address where this is decided be known. Let the leaders of Kosovo explain their stances openly in front of the members of the Kosovo Assembly. Let this political game with dialogue come to an end.
It is necessary to be open in the Assembly, before the public eye, about the political calculations of loss and benefit of accepting or refusing the Vienna meeting. The latest logic says that there is less damage from going than from not going to Vienna, at least because it is the US and Britain asking us to do so, two states, the role of which in liberating Kosovo is known to us, and whose support is key for the independence of Kosovo. At the end of the day, at the round table in Vienna, nobody can prevent our officials from explaining their political position openly about the present and the future of Kosovo, their stances and the perspectives on this dialogue.

Editorial: Holkeri, politics and elections (Kosova Sot)
Kosova Sot commented on SRSG's speech and the lack of consensus among Kosovar leaders on the eve of the upcoming dialogue.

First the SRSG's speech is a well-known way of communication between people and the chief; in fact it put in nutshell Holkeri's work since his arrival and his deep involvement to bring the Albanians and the Serbs together around the table.

Holkeri said that 'dialogue is not related to status, is not related to politics'. While a few days earlier the former American mediator Holbrooke said that the 'talks are related to the status'. So, it would be fair for the SRSG to clarify the intent of the dialogue and not to ignore it.

Editorial: The weakest factor in Vienna is the international community (Bota)
Bota Sot commented that the weakest point in the upcoming dialogue, which is due to begin in Vienna on October 14, is the international community.

The international community through its messages and activities on the ground is expected to be the weakest element in the Vienna meeting that is due to be held on October 14. The contradictory statements, where the UN says that it would chair the talks, while the EU claims to have the primary voice, shows elements of this confusion. While being the weakest element in the upcoming dialogue, the international community is facing open pressure from Serbia.

The EU mission in Kosovo has suspended the third round of privatization in Kosovo. This was done following direct intervention of Serbia with the international community.

Rexhepi: Privatization must not stop not even for half a day (Zëri)

Zëri reports that PM Rexhepi yesterday sent a letter to Nikolaus Lambsdorff, head of the UNMIK Pillar IV, explaining that the Government does not accept the suspension of privatization even for half a day, because it is a very bad message for potential bidders. In the meantime, the Government has initiated some changes in the Constitutional Framework before presenting the plan for its completion to Parliament.

According to Zëri, Rexhepi's plan to complete the Government with new ministries dictates some changes in the Constitutional Framework. "We discussed the project for new ministries and agreed to set up a working group with officials from the office of PM, Parliament and other experts, for example the University, to initiate changes in some articles in the Constitutional Framework, in order to create a legal basis for the Government and the new ministries," the PM said yesterday.
Commenting on the decision to suspend the process of privatization in Kosovo, Rexhepi said that it came after continuous objections from Serbia. "I do not think it is blackmail, but this is done after demands from Serbia", adding that "Serbia has used all its power over the last few months to make accusations against KTA and to block the process of privatization, since Serbia is interested in stopping every positive process in Kosovo and not only privatization," the PM stressed. The same happened some months ago with the transfer of competencies, Zëri quotes the PM.

Blocking of privatization is political, say economic experts (Zëri)
Zëri reported that the EU mission in Kosovo has canceled a previous decision that said that the third round of tenders for privatization announced on 10th September 2003 would be completed on 11 November 2003. The EU mission in Kosovo feels that that the "Kosovo Trust Agency is based on a privatization regulation that lacks some important aspects and which needs to be revised and fixed."

The UN is in the process of reviewing the three privatization laws, which Serbia and Montenegro questions. Some officials involved in the process have stated that the decision has directly come from the government of Serbia and Montenegro.

Nagip Skënderi, an economist, told Zëri that "this is obvious, this happened because of international charges made by the Serbian officials".

But no official has been able to confirm whether or not an international indictment was submitted to the International judicial authorities. However an international NGO, which is deeply involved in the privatization process, has confirmed off the record that the international judiciary put forth a number of serious allegations against KTA.

Several experts and representatives of the unions in Kosovo said on Tuesday that the suspension of the privatization process would damage the economical developments in Kosovo. They said that the dilemma is a political one.

The Albanian representatives refused to participate in the meeting held by the KTA board on Tuesday, as a rejection to the latest decision - an official government source confirmed.

According to Nagip Skënderi who says that this is the consequence of hesitations of the Kosovar participation in the dialogue in Vienna.

"I hope that this act is not the beginning of the economical sanctions against Kosovo, and only to be loyal and obedient to the UN in the process of decision making, especially in the talks with Serbia", Nagip Skënderi told Zëri.

The chairman of the Unions (BSPK) Bahri Shabani said that the suspension of the process first "comes from the Serbian Government" and secondly that it is a close matter of the process of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

"The Government of Kosovo should be more firm and determined regarding the process of privatization and in general to protect the enterprises in Kosovo", Shabani said. He assessed that the suspension damages directly the employers and the Kosovo economy.

"This is an obstacle in the economical development", Shabani said.

On the same issue Zëri also reports that officials from Pillar IV at UNMIK now explain the real truth of the suspension of the privatization in Kosovo, under the headline UNMIK admits that the International court charges KTA.

"This occasion drew our attention and made us review the legal situation", UNMIK's Pillar IV spokesperson Monique De Groot told Zëri.

"Only now the legal case has been delivered, in which the KTA is being charged at the International Court", said Monique De Groot. "This is why we have asked the legal office at UN to provide the necessary legal explanations for privatization", she adds.

But up till now, Pillar IV hasn't given any information whether the legal office of UN has given any concrete answer. "This issue is still under consideration", De Groot said. According to De Groot the privatization process will continue as soon as the UN legal office has made clarifications.

"Everywhere in the world the privatization process faces similar problems. It is more important and very much in the interest of all those who are part of the process (UNMIK, people of Kosovo, investors), for us to explain the situation before we continue our way ahead", say officials at the Pillar IV.

On the same issue Zëri continued to cover the suspension of the privatization process. Yesterday, the Spokesperson at the American office in Pristina Michael McClellan stated that "The United States of America strongly support the process of the privatization in Kosovo".

The American office in Pristina, according to him, has been informed of the possible obstacles, which may influence the successful privatization in Kosovo.

"We have been informed that some legal obstacles have appeared and we hope that they will be solved as soon as possible, in order for the process to continue", the Spokesperson at the American office in Pristina Michael McClellan said.

Continuing on the same issue Zëri quotes the Minister of the Trade and Industry Ali Jakupi in saying that UNMIK has invaded the dignity and functioning of the KTA board.

Jakupi is surprised by the decision of the suspension of the privatization process, he assessed that this decision is a form of UNMIK's arbitrary decision. This was also the reason why the deputy chairman of the KTA board Minister Ali Jakupi refused the request from Lambsdorff to be present at the board meeting.

"We have been prepared for this meeting, because we are interested in the success of the privatization process. However, he adds, when they took over the agenda he noticed that some other issues were added to it, which he found surprising.

"One of the issues that were added was the issue of vote, there was also the decision of the chief of Pillar IV of suspension of the third tender of the privatization", says the Minister of Trade and Industry.

"These issues have never been discussed before the meeting, and there were no announcements about this suspention. In my opinion this is an arbitrary decision, which should be investigated", says Minister Jakupi.

UNMIK's decision for the annulment of the third tender of the privatization Jakupi describes as a crushing of the organs specifically formed by UNMIK.

"It is a contempt, surprisingly made up by people who suffocates the dignity, and responsibilities of a board, which they have chosen", says Jakupi.

Belgrade Media Update
Kosovo Assembly refuses to discuss Vienna dialogue (B92)
The Kosovo Assembly this morning refused to discuss next week's planned dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. Members of the Assembly dismissed a motion from Hashim Thaçi's Democratic Party of Kosovo to discuss the talks which are set to begin in Vienna on Tuesday. Thaqi told the house that after four years it was time for the Assembly to say clearly whether it wanted dialogue with Belgrade. "But the Democratic Party of Kosovo will not accept the Vienna talks because the Kosovo Assembly has not established any platform for these," he added. Political analysts in Pristina say that there will be a delegation from Pristina in Vienna next week, but that it will be decided on by political leaders away from the Assembly. They also warn that as Thaçi's party and those led by President Ibrahim Rugova and Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi become increasingly polarized, the Belgrade dialogue is being seen as the beginning of a campaign for next year's elections.

Zivkovic, Covic discuss Vienna talks with opposition leaders (Serbian Government)
Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Zivkovic and Deputy Prime Minister Nebojsa Covic, also head of the Coordinating Centre for Kosovo-Metohija, talked today with the Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) President Vojislav Kostunica, about the forthcoming Belgrade-Pristina talks in Vienna scheduled for Oct 14.
Zivkovic, Covic and Kostunica agreed that the Serbian delegation at the upcoming Belgrade-Pristina talks in Vienna should once again reiterate the firm commitment of the Republic of Serbia and the State Union of Serbia-Montenegro that UN Security Council's Resolution 1244 should be fully respected, especially in parts referring to the return of refugees and their safety in Kosovo-Metohija.
They pointed to the need that our delegation at the Vienna talks should comprise experts in those fields that will be discussed and representatives of those political parties that participated in drafting the Declaration on Kosovo-Metohija adopted in the parliament. This declaration will be the Serbian delegation's starting point at the talks. The collocutors also agreed that the Serbian public and the parliament must be fully informed on the outcomes of the Vienna talks.
After the meeting with Kostunica, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister met with President of New Serbia (NS) party Velimir Ilic, who said that unity of all political entities must be provided before the talks with Kosovo Albanians. Ilic gave support to our delegation as saying that he hopes that the Declaration on Kosovo-Metohija will serve as the platform for the talks. They concluded that the priority task of the Serbian delegation will be to secure conditions for the return of refugees to the province.
Zivkovic and Covic also met with Socialist People's Party (SNS) leader Branislav Ivkovic, who gave full support to the Serbian state delegation and stressed that conditions for the return of Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija must be secured.
The Belgrade-Pristina dialogue aimed at solving the current problems in Kosovo-Metohija is to take place in Vienna on Oct 14. The Contact Group adopted this decision at the meeting in New York on Sept 24 when UNMIK chief Harri Holkeri presented the plan of the talks.

· Main Stories 9 October
· Rugova keeps silent, Thaçi in conflict with Daci, Haradinal insists in Ministries (Koha Ditore)
· Ries: Dialogue starts in Vienna on October 14 (Koha Ditore)
· My message for the Kosovan leaders: Vienna is opportunity and not threaten (Zëri)
· Holkeri: Dialogue is in interest of people and Kosovo institutions (Zëri)
· Busek: Elections obstacle for Serbia to make concessions (Koha Ditore)
· Surroi: Eventual division of Kosovo has risk of division of Macedonia (Koha Ditore)
· Shala: For priorities and improvising (Zëri)
· Instead of privatization, KTA Board discusses agreement between RTK/KEK (Koha Ditore)
· EU calls nonsense relation between privatization and dialogue (Koha Ditore)
· Mild Alcock asks for 20 months imprisonment for Ivanovic and Jovic (Kosova Sot)

Kosovo Media Highlights
Rugova keeps silent, Thaçi in conflict with Daci, Haradinal insists on Ministries (Koha Ditore)

Koha Ditore reports that the five-hour-meeting between the Quint, Holkeri and the Kosovan leaders ended without results. The paper reports that PDK Thaçi demanded Rugova and Rexhepi to need to speak before Assembly, while assembly speaker Daci rejected that and said that the Assembly discusses only an agreement between the leaders. The AAK leader Haradinaj insists on real offer from UNMIK.

'With Mr. Holkeri and the Quint countries we discussed about modalities for talks on practical issues…please… we will talk,' Rugova was quoted as saying.

'We demanded on behalf of the government, and we will wait until tomorrow when the assembly would give its last decision. We will see after the assembly's decision,' Rexhepi said.

'We are close. There are lots of advancements in the cooperation with the Quint and the SRSG.. It is a proposal that we must accept… the creation of two ministries it was said in a diplomatic way, a ministry of energy and one of international cooperation was discussed,' Assembly speaker Daci said.

'It is the obligation of the president and the prime minister to address the assembly and to clarify the international offer before the assembly members and not to win votes on behalf of independence while on the other hand the independence in the assembly is blocked. It is very simple, PDK thinks that the Assembly should give its approval for the talks or cooperation with Serbia,' PDK leader Thaçi said.

'We have said that this project is improvisation. Currently there is a serious approach, but this doesn't give us the possibility to participate in the talks on October 14,' AAK leader Haradinaj said.

Following the same issue Epoka E Re carried a front-page title as saying 'Big division of leaders'

Ries: Dialogue starts in Vienna on October 14 (Koha Ditore)

'We had a constructive meeting. I think that our and the Quint's presence show the importance that we give to the dialogue which will start in Vienna on October 14. I would like to say that the international community is fully united in this aspect,' the head of the US liaison Office in Prishtina, Marcie Ries, said, Koha Ditore reported.

My message for the Kosovan Leaders: Vienna is an opportunity and not a threat (Zëri)

Zëri conducted an interview with Larry Rosin, deputy assistant of the secretary of state for European and Asia issues in the US.

'My message for the Kosovan leaders is simple: Take this as an opportunity, as a chance and not as an intimidation. Take this as an opportunity to build capacity in the Kosovo institutions, while working for the practical issues… In the end, take this as a possibility for the Kosovan leaders who should show the ability to risk on practical issues therefore later they will show that they are able to take responsibility for the bigger issues,' Rosin said.

Holkeri: Dialogue is in interest of people and Kosovo institutions (Zëri)

Zëri reports that SRSG Holkeri addressed Kosovo's citizens on the eve of the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. 'While Kosovo is walking towards Europe, its leader should be ready to talk to its neighbors, with all neighbors. This is what leaders exactly do. Recently the attention of the world is focused in other global problems. The dialogue has refocused the international community's attention here. The eyes of the world are on Kosovo,' Holkeri was quoted as saying.

Busek: Elections obstacle for Serbia to make concessions (Koha Ditore)

The Stability Pact Coordinator for South East Europe, Erhard Busek, said the most experienced diplomats should be involved in the dialogue. He said that the upcoming elections make it impossible for Serbs to make concessions, while contradictory stances of Prishtina and Belgrade could make the dialogue fail, Koha Ditore reported.

Talks between Prishtina and Belgrade are talks 'between entities of a state' (Epoka e Re)

The talks between Prishtina and Belgrade will be held at the Austrian government building Epoka e Re reported. According to Austrian media, the beginning of the dialogue will be at a round table on which insisted SRSG Harri Holkeri in order not to create the impression that the negotiates are between two states.

Surroi: Eventual division of Kosovo will have risk of division of Macedonia (Koha Ditore)

'Kosovo will be either impendent or will be divided and the major part of it then will become independent. These are the two real options. The third one, the union with Serbia and Montenegro is desirable neither in Kosovo, Serbia or somewhere else,' Veton Surroi said in a round table that was held in Skopje about Kosovo's future.

Shala: For priorities and improvising (Zëri)
Zëri carries a front-page editorial by Blerim Shala who writes:

'One of the protective mechanisms, but not an effective one, from the major part of Kosovan leaders when it comes to the dialogue with Serbia and Montenegro is their stance that the dialogue is not their priority. (full translation in the media report)

Instead of privatization, KTA Board discusses agreement between RTK/KEK (Koha Ditore)
Koha Ditore reported that the KTA Board meeting was useless because of the boycott from two Kosovans members.

'The KTA Board held its meeting shortly because of the absence of Kosovan members. The main issues wasn't discussed as it was planed before,' UNMIK Pillar IV spokeswoman Monique De Groot was quoted as saying.

EU calls nonsense relation between privatization and dialogue (Koha Ditore)

Koha Ditore reports that EU claims that the decision for stopping the privatization is taken simply by UNMIK and it was stopped for legal reasons. 'It is complete nonsense to connect these two things [dialogue and the stop of the privatization process] with each other,' said an EU official in Brussels and added that responsible for the privatization process in Kosovo is UNMIK.

Kosovo Press Headlines
Koha Ditore

Front page

· Rugova silent, Thaçi in conflict with Daci, Haradinal insists on Ministries
· Instead of privatization, KTA Board discusses agreement between RTK/KEK
· Surroi: Eventual division of Kosovo will have risk of division of Macedonia
· Busek: Elections prevent Serbia from making concessions
· Blic: All members of Kosovo government have Yugoslav passports

Other headlines

· Government doesn't make a move about dialogue (2)
· Women lobby urges a well prepared dialogue (2)
· EU calls relation between privatization and dialogue a nonsense (2)
· Prosecutor would be happy even with a conditional punishment (4)
· Privatization should start before enterprises rust (5)
· Road is fast and expensive (5)
· Kukes airport will be ready for Olympic games 2004 [Albania] (5)
· Problem of several thousands of Albanians in Macedonia is resolved (6)

Zëri

Front page

· Rosin: My message to K leaders; Vienna is an opportunity not a threat!
· Editorial: On priorities and improvisations
· Participation of Kosovans in Vienna still unclear
· Editorial: Who decides here?
· Holkeri: Dialogue in interest of the people and the institutions
· Holkeri to expect an answer from Kosovans on Vienna by Friday
· McClellan: US strongly supports privatization in Kosovo

Other headlines

· PM Rexhepi: Privatization should not stop even for half a day (4)
· Even Daci asks for starting to change the Constitutional Framework (4)
· Haradinaj met head of French Office, Gerard Sallier (4)
· Assembly decision on dialogue with Belgrade depends on party leaders (4)
· LPK asks for a protest on 14 of October (4)
· Covic says he will be in Vienna for sure (4)
· UNMIK admits KTA is charged by the international court (5)
· Blocking of privatization is political, say economic experts (5)
· USAID successfully completed CISP project (5)
· Holkeri: Without education, there no life for democracy (6)
· Haradinaj: The time of wars and conflicts in the region is over (6)
· Int. prosecutor wants six to 15 months detention for attackers of Polish Police (6)
· How does "Serb state" act in Kosovo (7)
· Should the issue of Albanians in Presevo Valley be included in Vienna (8)

Bota Sot

Front page

· Ries: We had a constructive meeting and did a very good job
· Holkeri: Kosovo leaders to demonstrate maturity of Kosovo institutions.
· Surroi's "Koha Ditore" and Shala's "Zëri" to declare if they support Belgrade or Holkeri?
· Youth to be trained for life and work
· 25-30 million Euro to Kosovo

Other headlines

· Editorial: The weakest factor in Vienna is the international community (2)
· Body of Bislim Ademi identified (2)
· Government asks for changing the Constitutional Framework (2)
· Bildt: Status of Kosovo to be solves as soon as possible (2)
· Buçpapaj: K political class to have understanding for strategy and tactics (4)
· No money for public companies without submitting report to the ministry (4)
· Sejdiu: US best guarantee for any agreement reached (5)
· Elections in Albania like in Chechnya (5)
· K Albanians are building state with one common voice, word and stance (6)
· Accusations for corruption in municipal bodies not to consider valid (6)
· Process of privatization in question (8)
· Baleta: Thoughts and books on terrorism (9)

Kosova Sot

Front page
· No decision
· Editorial: Holkeri, politics and elections
· Parliament, one day without a dialogue
· Government initiates changing the constitutional framework
· SRSG: Dialogu has not to do with status
· Mild Alcock asks for 20 months imprisonment for Ivanovic and Jovic
· 14 of October expected with protests
· KTA meeting fails

Other headlines

· Humolli: Talks will bring losses (2)
· Rexhepi writes to Daci (2)
· Rexhepi: After competencies Serbia is blocking privatization (5)
· Busek: Dialogue toward failure (5)
· USAID spent over $ 18 million in more than 20 projects (6)
· Deed (land patent) of former owner waits for misty justice (7)
· Suspension of privatization a blow to Kosovan economy (8)
· Switzerland 30 million Euro in Kosovo (9)

Epoka e Re

Front page

· Big division among leaders
· Demaçi: Albanians should not take part in the talks
· Without equality and justice cannot be trust
· LPK: Protests on 14 of October

Other headlines

· Pristina-Belgrade talks are talks between 'sides of the same state' (2)
· Rexhepi: I am not taking part in talks without Assembly decision (3)
· Government reviews project for new ministries (3)
· What should be done against Serbia (4)
· Surroi: 1244 is an obstacle for its own self, and for Kosovo (4)
· Busek: Different stances in favor of failure of the talks (4)
· UNIKOMB: Starting talks a hasty step and with consequences (5)
· Students call politicians for unity (5)
· Bogdanovic: K Albanians do not want dialogue with Serbs (6)
· 47 Kosovan patients in psychiatric ward in Nish (6)
· Bulgaria opens its diplomatic office in Pristina (6)
· Switzerland promises to invest 30 million Euro in Kosovo (6)
· Fikret Spahiu from Prizren apprehended (6)
· Servile politics of Albanians with international to a dead end (7)
· SHISH members testify against AKSH (7)
· How was the Serb wounded and what does the accused say (7)