03 September 2003

CONTENTS

· Holkeri goes to Moscow via Belgrade (Koha Ditore)
· After Moscow, Holkeri to meet Steiner in Geneva/Solana in Brussels
· Rexhepi: Agenda of talks should be acceptable, not imposed (Koha Ditore)
· US Office in Prishtina condemns killing in Cërnica (all dailies)
· UNMIK: Everyone is responsible for security (Zëri)
· Intl prosecutor finds no evidence against Vladimir Jovanovic (Koha Ditore)
· Majko: This is a correct and realistic position (Koha Ditore)
· Rugova and Rexhepi against new conflict in Macedonia (Zëri)
· Rexhepi and Moisiu condemn activity of extremists in Macedonia (Koha)
· NATO says AKSH has no support among Albanians in Macedonia (Koha)
· Serbian and Montenegrin Parliaments to debate Kosovo tomorrow (Zëri)
· Carla Del Ponte says there is no evidence against former KLA (Zëri)
· Neudeck: Why does Kosovo need new leadership? (Koha Ditore)
· Cufaj: In whose name are killings being committed in Kosovo? (Koha Ditore)
· Kosovo Green Party wants to sue UNMIK (Epoka e Re)

Kosovo Media Highlights

Holkeri goes to Moscow via Belgrade (Koha Ditore)
Koha Ditore reports UNMIK DPI director Simon Haselock, as saying at yesterday’s press conference that Kosovo’s chief administrator, Harri Holkeri, will travel to Moscow on Thursday to attend a meeting of the Contact Group, and before that, he will stop off in Belgrade. UNMIK spokeswoman Izabella Karlowicz reportedly said that Holkeri will have a brief meeting with Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Nebojsa Covic in Belgrade.

After Moscow, Holkeri to meet Steiner in Geneva and Solana in Brussels (Zëri)
Zëri reports that ‘Holkeri’s ‘diplomatic week’ will end in Geneva and Brussels, where he will meet with Michael Steiner and Javier Solana, and then he is expected to return to Kosovo on September 10, together with EU Commissioner Chris Patten’.

Zëri reports that Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi has asked for the Contact Group to be included in the dialogue between Kosovar and Serbian officials.

Rexhepi: Agenda of talks should be acceptable, not imposed (Koha Ditore)
Koha Ditore reports that the some of main topics that were discussed during the meeting between Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi and OSCE Head of Mission Pascal Fieschi were preparations for the upcoming dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade and the security situation in Kosovo.

The paper reports that the main topic on the agenda was the OSCE seminar that will ‘train’ government officials in the techniques of negotiations in preparation for eventual talks between Prishtina and Belgrade. After the meeting, both officials said that if dialogue takes place, ‘we must be prepared’.

US Office in Prishtina condemns killing in Cërnica (all dailies)
All dailies quote Marcie Reis, the head of the US Office in Prishtina, as saying, ‘The meaningless killing of Miomir Savic on Sunday night is a tragedy that represents nothing less than an attack against all good and reasonable people in Kosovo.’

UNMIK: Everyone is responsible for security (Zëri)
‘The latest incidents that have taken place in Kosovo, especially involving the Serb community. In this situation, security is the responsibility of all,’ said UNMIK DPI Director Simon Haselock during a press briefing yesterday in Prishtina.

International prosecutor: No evidence against Vladimir Jovanovic (Koha Ditore)
Koha Ditore reports that Vladimir Jovanovic from the municipality of Leposavic, who was suspected arrested in connection with the killing of the Indian UNMIK policeman, Satish Menon, was released from detention on Tuesday for lack of evidence. [more in afternoon Media Analysis]

Majko: This is a correct and realistic position (Koha Ditore)
Koha Ditore reports that Albanian Defense Minister Pandeli Majko has supported the statement of his Montenegrin counterpart, Boris Tadic, who said that Serbian forces could not return to Kosovo. ‘This is a correct and realistic position in support of the spirit of peace, stability and co-existence in the region,’ Majko was quoted as saying.

Rugova and Rexhepi against a new conflict in Macedonia (Zëri)
Zëri reports that President Ibrahim Rugova and Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi said that a new conflict in neighboring Macedonia would be unacceptable.

‘The coalition government in Macedonia has the support of the government and the legal structures in the state of Macedonia, and every other activity, be it military or political, is unacceptable to us,’ Rexhepi said.

Rexhepi and Moisiu condemn activity of extremists in Macedonia (Koha Ditore)
Koha Ditore reports that Albanian President Alfred Moisiu and Prime Minister Rexhepi have condemned the activity of extremist groups in Macedonia and welcomed the constitutional and legal measures that are being taken against extremists in there.

According to information provided by the office of Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski, Moisiu and Rexhepi conveyed this message to the Macedonian president in a telephone conversation.

NATO says AKSH has no support among Albanians in Macedonia (Koha)
Koha Ditore quotes NATO officials as saying, ‘The Albanian National Army (AKSH) poses no serious danger because people who call on its behalf are in fact small extremist groups. They have very little if not no support among the Albanian population.’ The NATO position was confirmed on Tuesday by NATO spokesman Mark Laity.

Serbian and Montenegrin Parliaments to debate Kosovo tomorrow (Zëri)
Zëri reports that, in addition to the Declaration on Kosovo and Metohija, on Thursday the Serbia and Montenegro Parliament will also discuss proposals from radical Serbs for the return of the Serbian army and police to Kosovo.

Carla del Ponte says there is no evidence against the former KLA (Zëri)
Citing a press release issued by the office of the Serbian Minister of Justice Vladan Batic, Zëri reports that ICTY chief prosecutor Carla del Ponte wrote to Batic saying that there was not sufficient evidence in investigations against the former Kosovo Liberation Army.

Zëri claims that Batic had earlier sent del Ponte a letter allegedly containing evidence against the KLA.

Neudeck: Why does Kosovo need new leadership? (Koha Ditore)
‘Kosovo needs a new leadership which with its forces and young people will move many things, first of all revive the economy and make the country much more attractive for investments and the market economy. The new leadership must take Kosovo towards the European Union,’ writes Rupert Neudeck in an opinion piece for Koha Ditore.

Cufaj: In whose name are killings being committed in Kosovo? (Koha Ditore)
Koha Ditore carries a commentary by its correspondent in Germany, Beqë Cufaj, on the serious crimes being committed in Kosovo and the violation of the human rights of Kosovo Serbs.

‘It is high time to say ‘No’ to violence. Otherwise, afterwards it will be late for everything,’ added Cufaj. [full translation in Media Analysis]

Kosovo Green Party wants to sue UNMIK (Epoka e Re)
Epoka e Re reports that a press release issued by the Kosovo Green Party (PGJK) said that UNMIK’s strategy on electricity aims to turn Kosovo into a small satellite of Russia, thus making the energy problem in Kosovo a major political issue with clear prejudgments of Kosovo’s final status.

‘We want UNMIK to give up this strategy, or else the PGJK will soon file an indictment against UNMIK at the International Court of Justice… We remind SRSG Holkeri that UNMIK has full responsibility over the industrial polluters in Kosovo and it would be good if he ended the negligence of his predecessors in this area,’ it was added.

Kosovo Press Headlines
Koha Ditore
Front page
· Holkeri goes to Moscow via Belgrade
· Situation in the Likovo region remains grave [Macedonia]
· Surroi: In Europe with Turkish beer
· Albanian political parties support resolution on Kosovo [Albania]
· NATO: Albanians do not support AKSH [Macedonia]
· Neudeck: Why Kosovo needs new leadership?

Other headlines
· Majko: It is a correct and realistic attitude (2)
· US Office condemns killings in Cernice (2)
· Hundreds of Serbs at Miomir Savic burial (2)
· Rexhepi: Agenda should be acceptable but not imposed (3)
· Talks for Kosovo will open new problems in Balkans (3)
· International prosecutor found no evidence against Serb suspect (3)
· Rexhepi and Moisiu condemn extremist activities (4)
· Strike continues, some schools open and some not (5)
· Ferizaj: Problems over flats of former VJ officers (6)
· Jakupi: Coal miners’ demand is unrealistic (6)
· Trade with Albania without customs duties begins on October 1 (6)
· Wanted Agim Pepa has new appearance (7)
· Gjakovë: Figures show an increase in incidents (8)
· Cufaj: In whose name are killings being committed in Kosovo? (10)

Economy Section
· ‘I am not Mother Teresa,’ says company owner
· Montazhi workers: For whom do we work?
· September 3

Zëri
Front page
· After Moscow, Holkeri to seek Steiner’s and Solana’s opinions
· Albanian deputies trying to avoid war in Vaksince [Macedonia]
· Shala: Strike, classes and paradox
· Rugova and Rexhepi against conflict in Macedonia
· US Office condemns killings in Cernice
· Ministry of Education and SBASHK exchange accusations
· Serb suspected of killing Indian policeman is released
· How can Kosovars get their pensions?

Other headlines
· UNMIK: Everybody is responsible for security (2)
· Serbs threaten protests (2)
· Trajkovski talks to Moisiu and Rexhepi about situation in Likovo (3)
· Five AKSH demands (3)
· There is no illegal entrance to Macedonia (3)
· KFOR: We are doing our job normally (3)
· Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister interview with Radio Free Europe (4)
· Training of Kosovo government begins (4)
· UNMIK: Holkeri doesn’t need to be trained (4)
· Xhaferi: Cervenkvski’s government is not able to calm the situation (4)
· Serbian and Montenegro Parliament discuss Kosovo (4)
· Majko: Tadic’s statement is realistic (4)
· Rugova: Garancher was part of our progress (5)
· Appreciation of cooperation between France and Kosovo Assembly (5)
· Carla Del Ponte: There is no evidence against KLA (5)
· Jakupi and Ries: No political stability without economic stability (5)
· Daci and Rexhepi meet at farewell meeting with Austrian Office chief (5)
· Ministry of Education and union exchange messages (6)
· Strikes in schools, Ministry and union exchange accusations (6)
· Shterpce: Albanian children were stopped from entering school (7)
· Mitrovice: KFOR removes obstacles from Iber bridge (7)
· Spahija: Implementation of law is strategy for Mitrovica (8)
· Hague witnesses will live in another country (9)
· Hundreds of businessmen interested in purchasing SOEs (10)
· KTA is not fully transparent (11)

Bota Sot
Front page
· Albanian deputies meet with armed persons [Macedonia]
· Bill Clinton is awarded a ‘Doctor Honoris Causa’
· We want to build Kosovo with standards of Switzerland
· When Serbs think that every evil comes from Albanians
· Schools are social(real)ist property
· Positive assessments by US Office, encourage investments in Kosovo
· Block B2 returns to work, reductions continue

Other headlines
· Internal political games weakens Kosovo’s institutions (2)
· Weapons amnesty will promote better future for Kosovo (2)
· There is no doubt in Kosovo’s future led by President Rugova (3)
· American Institute for peace created good image in Kosovo (3)
· Kosovo’s deputies to visit Austria (3)
· Seminar for the Prime Minister and Ministers (4)
· Buçpapaj: Covic is hunter of Serbs in Kosovo (5)
· Season of weddings (6)
· Kelmendi: Heralds of national issue (6)
· France demands deepening of cooperation (7)
· Strike of workers in Kaçanik (7)
· US Office condemns killings in Cernice (8)
· Rexhepi: Austria always helped Kosovo (8)
· Problem can be solved by political means [Macedonia](10)

Kosova Sot
Front page
· Parties in conflicts are on stand-by [Macedonia]
· International reactions reason for Contact Group meeting
· American Institute for Peace trains Kosovo’s negotiators
· Today new owners will be announced
· Contradictions between Ministry of Education and union’ continue
· Editorial: Autumn, social unrest

Other headlines
· Rugova: Conflict in Macedonia is unacceptable (2)
· Rexhepi: Illegal activities are unacceptable (2)
· Macedonian government: No ultimatum or negotiations (2)
· KFOR: There is no movement on border with Macedonia (2)
· PM Rexhepi meets with OSCE chief Fieschi (3)
· Serwer leads OSCE negotiation seminar (3)
· Cooperation with police is necessary (3)
· Del Ponte: There is no evidence against KLA (3)
· US Office condemns killings in Cernica (4)
· Crime has no political identity (4)
· Garancher is part of Kosovo’s progress (4)
· Good cooperation between two parliaments [France/Kosovo] (4)
· Serbian Orthodox Church announces memorandum on Kosovo (4)
· Vogel: Kosovo has made great progress (4)
· Ombudsperson requires information about attack in Merdare (4)
· Will pensioners join strikes in Kosovo? (7)
· Coal miners strike continues (8)
· All Kosovars should participate in developing economy (8)
· Fire fighters’ intervention was successful (9)
· Cernica incident shouldn’t be prejudged (9)
· Removal of obstacles from the Iber bridge (9)
· KFOR is monitoring border points with Macedonia (9)
· Post offices will be established in suburban areas (10)
· Clinton is rewarded ‘Doctor Honoris Causa’ (10)

Epoka e Re
Front page
· Ponte: There is no evidence against KLA
· Two Macedonian policemen killed
· Suspect in killing of Indian policeman is released
· By protecting Limaj, we protect KLA values
· Osmani loses another battle
· Çakalla is citizen of FYROM
· Independence ship enters the Assembly
· Irrelevant proposals
· Agent’s liars
· Return to the trenches

Other headlines
· Kosovo security in Contact Group meeting (2)
· Majko: Correct and realistic attitude (3)
· Jovicevic: Montenegro is Kosovo’s victim (3)
· PDK: Citizens should support Limaj fund (3)
· Wounded Serbs refused assistance of Albanian doctors (4)
· US Office condemns killings in Cernice (5)
· Serbs from Cernice will decide whether to stay or leave the village (5)
· Green Party will sue UNMIK (5)
· Mercenaries, directors and thirteen salaries (6)
· Union’s are determined in their demand (6)
· Government goes to school (8)
· Coal miners expect response from UNMIK and government (8)
· Hunter: Internationals should wait for Kosovo’s final status (9)
· PM Rexhepi: No compromise with Kosovo’s independence (9)

Belgrade Media Highlights

· Savic buried in Cernica (Danas)
· No trace of killers of Serb from Cernica (Glas/Tanjug)
· ANA preparing for combat and threatening UNMIK (Danas/Beta/Tanjug)
· Del Ponte: Not enough evidence against KLA (Politika/Beta)
· Jovanovic released (Vecernje Novosti)
· SaM Parliament to discuss Kosovo and Metohija (Politika/Tanjug)
· Montenegro is Kosovo’s victim (Glas/Beta)
· Seminar for dialogue (Glas/Tanjug)
· Robert Hunter on Balkan’s future (Vecernje Novosti/Beta)

Savic buried in Cernica (Danas)
In the presence of 500 Serbs from Kosovo Pomoravlje, Milomir Savic was buried at the village cemetery in Cernica, Radio KiM from Caglavica reports. The announced meeting, where the Serbs who remained to live in Cernica were supposed to decide whether they would leave their homes collectively or stay in the village, was postponed for several days. Most of the inhabitants wish to leave or thinks that at least 55 Serb children should be evacuated since it is “obvious that it is not safe for them to be in Cernica,” the Information service of the Raska-Prizren Eparchy reports.

No trace of killers of Serb from Cernica (Glas/Tanjug)
UNMIK police spokesman Berry Fletcher said at a news conference in Pristina that police was searching for the killers of Miomir Savic, but that there was no trace as to who the perpetrators were.
A KFOR representative could not confirm, or deny allegations in the media that US troops with KFOR had searched the house of the murdered Savic!

ANA preparing for combat and threatening UNMIK (Danas/Beta/Tanjug)
Vigan Gradica, the chief of General Staff of the illegal Albanian National Army, ordered today two divisions of that terrorist organization - the Skenderbeg and Adem Jasari divisions - to get prepared for combat and start moving towards the north of Macedonia. This order was published on the web site, on the eve of expiration of the ultimatum that ANA made on September 1, to the government in Skopje, demanding Macedonian police to withdraw from the country’s north until Tuesday, in order not to be faced with units of that organization. At the same time, ANA addressed a letter to the UNMIK in Kosovo, which Simon Haselock characterized as threatening, by he did not disclose details. In the region of Kumanovo, towards the border with Serbia, Macedonia has enforced police forces, in order to arrest armed Albanian group of Avdil Jakupi, responsible for several crimes in the country, and hundreds of Albanian civilians have already left that region, in expectance of an armed conflict.

Del Ponte: Not enough evidence against KLA (Politika/Beta)
ICTY Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte has informed the Serbian Ministry of Justice that the Prosecution does not have enough evidence in the investigation against former KLA members. As announced from the Ministry, Del Ponte voiced readiness to invest additional efforts to bring all war criminals, including KLA leaders, to justice. Del Ponte supported the initiation of war crime proceedings before Serbian courts, assessing that is in line with the Tribunal’s strategy. Serbian Minister of Justice Vladan Batic recently sent the ICTY a comprehensive material with evidence on crimes committed by members of the KLA.

Jovanovic released (Vecernje Novosti)
Vladimir Jovanovic, a 21-year-old Serb from Ibarska Slatina, Leposavic municipality, who was suspected of murdering UNMIK officer Satis Menon, has been released from custody in Mitrovica on the basis of findings by forensics that not a single gun confiscated during the raid in that municipality has been fired from.

SaM Parliament to discuss Kosovo and Metohija (Politika/Tanjug)
At the session convened for Thursday, September 4, SaM Parliament is to discuss the situation in Kosovo and Metohija. Beside the previously proposed declarations and the resolution on Kosovo, the Parliament has recently received a proposal by 4 deputies of the ruling DOS, regarding the adoption of a declaration identical to that, recently adopted by the Serbian Parliament.

Montenegro is Kosovo’s victim (Glas/Beta)
Unless it takes a wise stand on the manner of resolving the thorny issue of Kosovo, Montenegro, which is already a victim of the unresolving of the problem, risks becoming even more so, assessed Svetozar Jovicevic, Group for Change NGO council president. Commenting on the announced beginning of debates on Kosovo in the parliament of the state union, Jovicevic told the Montenegrin state radio that Montenegro "cannot distance itself from the problem."

Seminar for dialogue (Glas/Tanjug)
Sven Linholn, the spokesperson of the OSCE Office in Pristina, announced that upon the initiative of the US Institute for Peace, a seminar dedicated to future Belgrade-Pristina dialogue would begin in Vucitrn on September 6. The seminar will be organized by the OSCE. Linholn specified that Kosovo Prime Minister, his cabinet ministers, as well as their advisers, would participate in the seminar aimed at better preparation of the Kosovo side for the future dialogue with Belgrade which should take place in an as successful as possible manner.

Robert Hunter on Balkan’s future (Vecernje Novosti/Beta)
Former US Ambassador in NATO and the EU Robert Hunter has stated that the time when Kosovo’s final status will be possible to determine is yet to be waited upon, “when many of the things discussed presently will not be as important as they are now.” “We still have NATO troops in Bosnia and Kosovo. Nobody still knows exactly what is Serbia going to look like in the future. Macedonia, although it is showing positive signs, still has a long way to go.” The task is actually for the people in that region to be given the hope in the future and to be occupied with the present, said Hunter.