Media Analysis 18 September 2003

After NY meeting, Holkeri's plan to be given to Pristina and Belgrade (Zëri)
Rexhepi won't address KA because he did not receive official invitation (Zëri)
Haradinaj: Currently, no talks (Java)
Baton Haxhiu: Independence in 2008 (Java)
Editorial: Communication (Kosova Sot)
Shala: Competencies for talks (Zëri)
How Rugova prevented JAT from flying in Kosovo? (Java)
Ahmeti: Macedonia must not be divided (Java)

Belgrade Media Update

Pristina court sealed off after bomb warning (Beta)
Kosovo MPs discuss Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (B92)
Serbian Police to participate in UN missions (RTS)

After NY meeting, Holkeri's plan to be given to Pristina and Belgrade (Zëri)
Zëri reported that Kosovo chief administrator Harri Holkeri would host a dinner with Kosovar leaders on Friday to discuss the details of the announced dialogue.

The SRSG's consultations with Kosovar leaders for clarifying the dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade will continue on Friday at a working dinner. UNMIK spokeswoman Isabella Karlowicz and the offices of Kosovar political leaders confirmed this meeting. Holkeri has invited President Ibrahim Rugova, Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi, assembly speaker Nexhat Daci, PDK leader Hashim Thaçi, AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj and Coalition Povratak chief Dragisa Krstovic.

Zëri says its reliable sources have confirmed that the SRSG has been continuously improving his project-plan for the dialogue in order to achieve an accord for it, and that it was written in the English language only. He might possibly add more details to the plan after Friday's working dinner.

As SRSG Holkeri has already announced, after the upcoming meeting in New York, he will have plan or framework for the dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade, supported by the most important international entities.

The paper's source claimed that Holkeri's next step would be presentation of the plan to political representatives from Prishtina and Belgrade. This plan will not be in the style of 'take it or leave it', but Holkeri is expected to be willing to accept suggestions [from Prishtina and Belgrade] if they have constructive proposals.

The date for start of talks will not be determined at the Contact Group meeting in New York next week, but only the confirmation of the desire for dialogue to begin as soon as possible, and that the entities should cooperate constructively with SRSG Holkeri, Zëri source concluded.

Rexhepi won't address KA because he did not receive official invitation (Zëri)
Zëri reported that Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi would not address the Kosovo Assembly today, because he has not received an official invitation.

Today's session will not be a spectacle, as was announced, said several deputies of the Kosovo Assembly. In order to prepare for this session, assembly speaker Nexhat Daci was involved, and he held meetings with parliamentary groups. During these meetings it was not possible to achieve harmonization of positions on whether the assembly should discuss the political situation in Kosovo, talks with Belgrade and/or other issues that are related to Serbian constitutional aggression towards Kosovo, the paper reports.

The assembly also failed to invite Kosovo Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi to address the session, because the Presidency had not sent an official invitation ahead of time. Citing sources from parliamentary groups, Zëri reported that acting PDK parliamentary group chief Arsim Bajrami will present a project-declaration to the assembly. LDK sources could not give details about these issues. While the AAK parliamentary group chief, Bujar Dugolli, expressed dissatisfaction with the results of the meeting with Daci, Hamiti and Bajrami, and he also concluded that the major parties have no clear vision regarding steps that should be undertaken.

He added that AAK wants to declare Kosovo as an independent country and afterwards to compile a strategy for implementing that decision. Regarding dialogue with Belgrade, AAK doesn't think that this is an important decision, because the issues that are due to be discussed with Belgrade fall within UNMIK's reserved competencies, Dugolli concluded.

Haradinaj: Currently, no talks (Java)
Java weekly conducted an interview with the AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj about dialogue with Serbia. He claimed that this dialogue is not a priority for Kosovo.

After all your pronouncements about dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, it is still unclear whether you are 'for' or 'against'….
We are for the advancement of a project, for which we demanded a mandate from the people of Kosovo, to implement the political will of the people of Kosovo. If we achieve progress, if our partners, UNMIK in this case, support further implementation of this political will, we will welcome other issues, such as technical dialogue.

Do you condition talks on a declaration of independence?
We do not think of that as a condition. If we do not act to advance our aims, while at same time we are required to have contacts with Serbia, then we consider this to be disorientation. We understand the logic of dialogue, only if it comes with the advancement of the implementation the people's will.

If this is not the case, do you agree to begin the dialogue?
The declaration of Kosovo's independence and the completion of the Kosovo government is the implementation of the people's political will. When this happens, we will continue with other steps of the joint platform. Then it would be useful to demand contacts, talks and exchanges with Belgrade and other neighbors. If we do not have advancements, then we think that is wrong, it is not in the accordance with our logic and the mandate that Kosovo's people gave us.

So, without independence there will be no talks?
Without progress in implementing our political will, there is no logic to act.

Who should give approval for beginning the talks with Belgrade, the political parties or the Kosovo Assembly through a platform?
We in Kosovo shouldn't be disoriented. Kosovo institutions should understand the issue of talks with Serbia as important. Regardless of the interests that such contacts present, we shouldn't understand it as a priority, as an issue that we should pay attention to. However, we do not deny the necessity of quality work, to be prepared for every contact. We should understand that the biggest help for ourselves is advancement of our political will.

I do not think that we should continue the old ways that the political leaders took decisions. This is useless. We have our institutions and decision-making process; therefore, the Kosovo Assembly decides or makes the decision.

Kosovar political leaders have different stances about the dialogue? Why?
We have no reason to know what will happen with the talks. We haven't demanded such talks. This is a demand of our international partners. As long as they do not have a serious approach, as long as they think that this is an easy issue for Kosovo's future, as long as they do not create concrete project for advancement in Kosovo, then we do not know how to elaborate further.

However, you have to give an answer to the internationals?
We will have an answer on the issues that present a priority for us.

Such a response would stress that talks between Belgrade and Prishtina aren't 'on your agenda'?
Our response is that this is not our priority. We haven't raised this issue. Those who demanded it should make the arguments.

Okay, you haven't demanded it, but international community demanded it. What should we do now?
As it has been demanded, I think that we can make progress in this direction. But in order to achieve more results, we have to get developed. In the current situation, with improper institutions, handicapped institutions, because of the lack of the competencies, we believe that this request is not in accordance with the time and the situation that we currently are.

Therefore, as you said, currently talks will not happen?
Not in the near future, I don't believe.

No?
I think not.

Talks with Belgrade will bring Kosovo close to Belgrade, or not?
These are contacts for mutual exchanges between two neighboring countries. You cannot choose your neighbors. Contacts and exchanges are something that we cannot ignore. We will have it one day. Getting closer to Serbia will happen if that is in the interest of Kosovo. Currently, Kosovo's people have only one interest, to implement their political will. Getting close to Serbia will happen after Kosovo's independence, when we will get closer to every single country in the region, along with European integrations. We have nothing in common with Belgrade. We don't aim to leave. We are here, in Kosovo.

Do you think that before every contact with Serbia, they must apologize first to Kosovo because of the crimes they committed?
If we begin a political process, if we are talking about politics, we must consider such things. These talks are exchanges at different level, e.g., at the level of buying and selling. We aren't talking about establishment of political and diplomatic relations or other relations. In such circumstances, we have a clear stance about past, current and future relations with Serbia.

Bugajski: No serious dialogue without Kosovo's independence/UN departure
Kosova Sot carried an interview with Janusz Bugajski, director of Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Mr. Bugajski, when do you expect the start of dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade? Mr. Holkeri believes that this is going to happen immediately after the Contact Group meeting in New York, whereas Kosovar leaders think that this is too early.
There are going to be many tactics and postponements by both parties before dialogue really starts. In fact, there could even be disagreements regarding the size and shape of the table. However, internationals want something to happen next month, so that they can say that progress is being made regarding Kosovo, because, in essence, they are afraid to address the basic issue of the final status.

Do you think that through dialogue on practical issues efforts are being made to postpone Kosovo's final status? How long is dialogue going to last and do you have any information on the place where dialogue will be held?
Dialogue on technical issues will not lead to discussions on status, because there is really nothing to say about the status. It is very simple, a decision must be made and the same must be implemented. You cannot convince Belgrade to accept the independence of Kosovo and you cannot convince Prishtina to back down from independence and for this to be the end of dialogue. All the so-called technical issues would be resolved with much higher efficiency between two equally sovereign governments that would represent two independent countries. As far as the place of dialogue, it will surely be somewhere in Europe. Maybe Prishtina will insist that it take place in Brussels, if not in Washington.

Kosovar leaders insist that the US and EU should mediate in dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade. Why is there no interest from the US in mediating in these talks? What are the chances that these talks are going to fail?
US is preoccupied and it doesn't want to mediate in a non-violent conflict. The EU is once again working in the backstage to stimulate 'technical talks' but it doesn't want to be too close to these talks, in case they fail. I believe that dialogue shall neither fail nor be successful, but it will simply take place because internationals are asking for something to cover the deficiencies of their political character.

What we are witnessing now is a constant offensive from Belgrade that has resulted in the Declaration for Kosovo. The Kosovo Assembly still hasn't reacted toward this declaration. Do you think that this was a wise decision from their side, or are they perhaps hesitating before the international community?
Now it is elections time in Belgrade. Unfortunately, Serb leaders have constantly shown, ever since the dissolution of Tito's Yugoslavia, that they prefer to make declarations and threats, but when they come to the real battle, they always hide. Their bark is much louder than their bite. Prishtina should not fall for provocations and it should not descend to the aggressiveness of the Balkans.

Who should the Kosovar delegation talk to: Serbia or Serbia and Montenegro? Will Kosovo Serbs be members of the Kosovo delegation or Belgrade's delegation?
If they are under pressure to participate, then they must talk separately to Serbia and Montenegro. Why not include the Macedonian and Albanian delegations and make it a regional technical conference? To be serious, they must talk to the officials who make the decisions on technical issues, regardless of whether they are economic, social or cultural issues. If the leaders of the Serb minority participate in talks as members of the Serb delegation, then leaders of the Albanian minority from Presevo should be members of the Prishtina delegation.

Do you think that Kosovar politicians are prepared to hold talks with Belgrade?
I am sure that Belgrade has many aces up it sleeve and I hope that Prishtina has some too. There must be serious opinions on the agenda and a form for the talks that is not serious.

How can the Kosovo Government enter talks without certain competencies? The majority of technical issues, which are going to be discussed, are in the competencies of UNMIK. What is your comment on this?
This was exactly what I had in mind. You cannot have serious dialogue if the two governments have no control over the issues that are going to be discussed, and this cannot happen without the independence of Kosovo and the departure of the United Nations.

In the end: 'Standards before status'. The international community is insisting on this. Do you think that these standards present obstacles and who is going to say in the end whether or not these standards have been fulfilled?
There can be no standards before status, because every post-communist country would be disqualified from reaching independence. You cannot have standards or roadmaps without knowing the final destination. International actors must understand that slogans cannot replace reality.

Baton Haxhiu: Independence in 2008 (Java)
The Java weekly carried an opinion piece by political analyst Baton Haxhiu who commented 'on the conditions that Kosovars must fulfill if they want independence'.

'There is no easy exit-strategy' is an excellent phrase in the West, which is often used to bring countries without democratic ideas into action. And Kosovar Albanians have pointed out the idea that the US must be the main mediator in talks between Kosovo and Serbia. Even though exaggerated and said with emotion, it is believed that the best solution is that the US must be on the top of the talks agenda.

On the other hand, what can be concluded quite easily is that the US Government has been quite absent in Kosovo.

Ever since the Contact Group included Kosovo on the agenda last week, and especially since addressing of the issue of dialogue, Kosovo is once again back on the American agenda. But not in the aspect of positive treatment, and in no way in the role of the victim.

In one way or another, Kosovo has already become a topic of political and moral importance, even for the European Community, even though Kosovar leaders don't hesitate to openly oppose the European idea about mediation.

For all the silliness of western politics in the Balkans in the last decade - useless rhetoric, refusing to accept the reality, half measures - finally Kosovo is presented as an achievement of the joint commitment of the internationals.

However, certainly nothing is over yet. Kosovo continues to be a society with numerous problems and almost completely unorganized and with long-term problems of security.

How long, and to what extent, will western forces be present even after talks begin and what kind of resources are going to be needed will depend on what allies we are going to create in Kosovo and in the region after this period, because we have lost our allies in a very short period of time and at maximum speed.

Talks on technical issues are completely formal
A certain question arises when we talk about the agenda for the talks: is the political and economic development of the country being impeded by the non-resolution of Kosovo's status and will the dialogue provide a solution for the situation in Kosovo. The question hanging over Kosovo is: when and how is status going to be resolved?

The answer to this question is absolutely clear - it is impeding the economic development and it is maintaining ambiguities in security in Kosovo, although it is difficult to assess to what extent.

First: Economic and political decision-making is postponed because the only international mandate is UN Security Council Resolution 1244, and it says that Kosovo is a part of Serbia and Montenegro, and in many cases this leads to delays in creating real institutions led by the people of Kosovo.

Second: It seems that there is permanent confrontation between UNMIK in Prishtina and the UN in New York about the implementation of the mandate and structure and the time-frame for self-government.

Third: For the time being, all members of the Security Council are very much insisting that there should be no changes in Kosovo's international status, not so much because of Kosovo but for the sake of their own principles and opposing the establishment of precedence. Our allies are divided, but most of them still fear that any swift steps towards self-determination for Kosovo and any clear declaration of the independence of Kosovo would pose threats to the region.

Four: Above all, it is not clear or certain that the new government in Serbia has the political will and support to accept changes in the status of Kosovo.

Five: For the time being, it is politically impossible for the international community to change Kosovo's status, because it seems that (at least, among some of the big players) there is still an impression that Kosovo is, in fact, only a part of Serbia.

Six: There will be no talks of great importance this year, because there will be elections in the US, in several European countries, in Kosovo and in Serbia. Serious talks will commence in 2005, and according to European and American officials, they will last until 2007-2008, with a conditional independence for Kosovo and the fulfillment of some new conditions.

Therefore, it is important for the US and EU to make clear their opinions to the people of Kosovo and the whole world: that while Kosovo's status hasn't been resolved yet, Serb rule will not return to Kosovo and independence remains a very likely goal, if conditions that should be fulfilled by the independent state are created in Kosovo.

Conditions for independence
Albanians, on the other hand, must do a lot: they must demonstrate full commitment to protect the rights of minorities and to preserve internationally-recognized borders; they must successfully complete the 2004 elections, a not so easy task, to give legitimacy to the Government of Kosovo and greater responsibility to those who will conduct the dialogue on the status of Kosovo; they must give guarantees for the border with Macedonia and they must not inspire crises in those areas; they must demonstrate clearly and openly that they don't support the idea of uniting with Albania; they must turn the KPC into a National Guard; they must show no tendencies to buy or produce heavy weapons; they must have special agreements with Serbia for non-violation of borders and for respecting religious and cultural sites, as well as thorough respect for the process of decentralization; they must also ask that Serbia not use heavy weapons and tanks to violate the territory of Kosovo…

Briefly, rules for the transition toward what could be an independent Kosovo should start being designated, because otherwise we will allow ourselves to remain hostages to events in Kosovo and the region. All this must continue until 2008, when the US Camp Bondsteel is projected to be shut down, because the Americans are compiling the exit-strategy for a military withdrawal from the Balkans. Even though, one can never know with the Balkans.

All these things should be included in a proposal made by Kosovars, and not by internationals. At least, this is how it should be officially.

In the vocabulary of international officials, there are no substantive arguments that oppose independence, apart from theoretical statements that 'the process of disintegration in the Balkans must stop and it must be reoriented towards integrations'.

Such a formulation of the sentence, also illustrated with the saying that 'integration is a modern European objective,' seems very nice from the outside, but it is being forgotten or ignored that European nations were first liberated, won their independence, and being free and independent, then they decided to integrate. In fact, they even decided about the level of integration and the transfer of a certain part of their sovereignty to Brussels for their joint interests. Every forceful integration against the free will of the people has proved to be unstable. Therefore, the imposition of the idea that Kosovo and Montenegro should be part of a federation with Serbia and Montenegro is not a farsighted position by international envoys and experts on the Balkans.

Editorial: Communication (Kosova Sot)
Kosova Sot commented lack of communication between UNMIK and Kosovo institutions, as well as the insincerity of internationals regarding dialogue with Belgrade.

To communicate and to know how to communicate are two different things. For example, UNMIK has turned communications with Kosovar institutions into a routine depreciation of local institutions. It is known that internationals have executive and decision-making powers on different issues. Regardless of this reality that exists in the hands of UN mission, UNMIK has no right to behave in such a way towards legitimate institutions. By communicating first with Belgrade and then with Prishtina, UNMIK is insulting first our 'governors' and then the people of Kosovo. By ignoring the government, assembly and president, they also ignore the people who voted for them. How long will Kosovo leaders be informed about the fate of this country from the papers? When will UNMIK decide to respect the vote of the people? Respect does not mean formal recognition of election results, but it should be comprised of ethics and quality communications. Who could say that the ethics of the relations between UNMIK and the institutions are clean? Nobody. There are lots of shadows, mysteries, unknowns, contradictions and motives that have caused bad communications between locals and the internationals who aspire to govern this country. The latest event is an example of the way UNMIK ignores our institutions. [Leak of Contact Group document, published by Koha Ditore] It is strange that even after four years of UN administration in Kosovo, international officials aren't aware that they should first talk to Prishtina about Kosovo issues and then to Belgrade. [Former SRSG] Hans Hakkerup is responsible for this way of communicating, the consequences of which we are still facing today. Such heated incidents do not facilitate the political climate for the beginning of dialogue. If things keep deteriorating, then UNMIK has to accept its fault for delays in the process.

Shala: Competencies for talks (Zëri)
Zëri carried an editorial by Blerim Shala who commented on the 'eventual' dialogue with Belgrade representatives.

Regarding the issue of possible talks with Belgrade, Kosovar politicians have so far shown most interest on the following issues: what will UNMIK chief Harri Holkeri do, what will be the roles of the US and the European Union in these talks, who will be the members of the Serbian delegation, who is going to represent Kosovo in this dialogue, what will be the position of the Kosovo Assembly? Very rarely have they asked the crucial question on this matter: what is going to be on the agenda of the talks?

The four main topics of dialogue are already known: energy, transport and communications, missing persons and IDP returns. It can be supposed that there will be a number of subtopics that will relate to these four topics. Therefore, the problems of Belgrade recognizing license plates, ID cards and Kosovar travel documents will fit in there somewhere.

However, a realistic problem that could arise if the process of dialogue begins could be the competencies for issues that are included in numerous subtopics.

Kosovar politicians would make no mistake if they asked Holkeri for the full proposal of issues that are foreseen to be included on the agenda of talks. Afterwards, they could look at them carefully and conclude which issues they are competent to discuss and which they are not.

Then if there is the will to move this process forward, there could automatically be requests for Kosovar authorities to have competencies on these issues, in order to take the talks further along. Otherwise, they could find themselves in positions that would point to their secondary roles.

How Rugova prevented JAT from flying in Kosovo? (Java)
Java weekly claimed that the airline of the Union of Serbia and Montenegro, JAT, has once again addressed the issue of operating in Kosovo, by asking to start flying in and out of Sllatina Airport by April 2004, at the latest.

Java says that UN Security Council Resolution 1244 enables JAT's activity in Kosovo's airspace, but this has not happen so far because of the lack of security. The paper says that on the eve of technical talks between Prishtina and Belgrade, the Serbian Government has increased pressure on the international administration in Kosovo to allow JAT to begin operating in Kosovo as soon as possible.

The weekly quoted sources in UNMIK as saying that Kosovar leaders have constantly opposed allowing JAT to fly in Kosovo, and that in the meantime the management of Prishtina Airport said that they would not be involved in any service with the Serb airline.

The paper says that when Michael Steiner came to Kosovo to work as chief administrator, he ran into rather a big problem, the presence of JAT at Prishtina Airport. At that time, an UNMIK delegation, spearheaded by Tom Koenigs and Andy Bearpark, went to Belgrade to talk with the Serbian Minister of Transport regarding JAT's activities in Kosovo and about allowing Serbia to use airspace which is controlled by KFOR. Not forgetting that the security situation in Kosovo was fragile and fearing possible terrorist attacks, the international security bodies in Kosovo refused to take the risk. But it was claimed that Koenigs and Bearpark promised the Serbian Government that it would control one line in the airspace.

A source within UNMIK told the newspaper that the minute he realized what was going on, then-SRSG Michael Steiner urgently asked these two high-ranking officials to return to Kosovo. The paper claims that officials at the airport in Prishtina and President Ibrahim Rugova were informed about the matter.

During a phone conversation with Steiner, Rugova said that there was no security for JAT airplanes, and he added that due to emotions, it could happen that JAT planes could be attacked with rocket-propeller grenades. Afterwards, the UNMIK chief stopped the procedure for allowing JAT to use the airspace and to land in Kosovo until such time as better security conditions were created.

Ahmeti: Macedonia must not be divided (Java)
Java weekly newspaper carried an interview with Ali Ahmeti, current head of the Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) and former leader of the now-disbanded National Liberation Army.

How could the political crisis in Macedonia, created after the action in Breza, be stabilized?
We have worked a lot on lowering tensions and calming the situation that was created after the operation of the security forces in the Skopje Mountains. It is true that there was some shock and concern in the coalition government after the incident. Our constant approach was to try and solve problems through talks, which have been quite intensive in the last couple of days. Party officials have been mobilized in efforts to find a way out of this situation. There are ongoing talks and consultations. The international community in Macedonia is actively involved in this process. The final aim is the stabilization of the security situation and bringing back normality to the country. Through a communiqué issued after the events in Breza, we have asked concrete responsibilities from officials who ordered the actions, and we have also asked for concrete and essential reforms throughout the security and defense system. We still back the position that without the implementation of reforms in these two very sensitive segments, we cannot even talk about the stabilization of the situation and the rebuilding of trust between communities. Concretely, reforms envisage the greater inclusion of Albanians in the police and army, as a key principle deriving directly from the Ohrid Agreement. More Albanians in decision-making positions, and as a result of this more competencies for Albanians so that they can act as partners and not only symbolic factors in the Macedonian Government. In the end, the created situation will be stabilized with the contribution of all parties in taking over responsibilities in order to overcome the situation.

Is Macedonia in a bad position today?
Macedonia is in the phase of rehabilitation. Certainly, like every other postwar country, Macedonia faces problems such as bringing back security, establishing law and order, the reintegration of regions that were damaged by the crisis, the reconstruction of damaged facilities and the reintegration of persons involved in military activities in 2001. In this respect, a lot remains to be done in the upcoming period; however, it cannot be said that no progress has been made.

Is Macedonia on the verge of going back to the position it was in in 1996, which could have dramatic consequences for the entire region of the Balkans?
The situation in Macedonia today is as follows: on September 15, the government adopted the law on establishing the state university and the curriculum for the work of Tetovo University, and this means an end to a painful chapter in the history of Albanians in Macedonia. The process of the righteous representation of Albanians in state institutions is going in accordance with the action plan adopted by the government early this year, and 2,300 new jobs have been opened for Albanians in the public administration only in 2003… In the next couple of days, the governmental partners will open the major chapter of decentralization and adopt the new law for the new territorial division of Macedonia, for the usage of national symbols, and so on. And while we're talking about the language, it should be noted that the Albanian language has been legally recognized as the second official language in the country. I think that there is not much room to make comparisons between the present time and the early 90's.

It seems that local politicians, Macedonians and Albanians, have somewhat lost control over the situation?
The government partners have agreed to share the responsibility for the situations that are created in the country and to approach problems together in order to find the best solutions. Losing control implies anarchy and it cannot be said that Macedonia is in a state of anarchy today. On the contrary, institutions are being consolidated, and they include Albanians, and law and order is being implemented throughout the territory of the republic.

Can it be said that although they encourage the solution of the problem, western leaders have no direct influence in stopping the crisis?
On the contrary. I think that the international community has been actively involved in solving problems in Macedonia from the very beginning. In the post-conflict situation, they have obliged themselves, with the Ohrid Agreement, to assist the government in overcoming any crisis that came about as a result of a not completely stable situation in the country. I salute their role, first of all the role that NATO, US and EU are playing in building a stable Macedonia with western standards which are preconditions for its integration in NATO and EU.

Who are the armed Albanian groups that are fighting in Macedonia?
We cannot talk about specific groups. We can talk about individuals with certain goals, which in no way can be considered noble and in the interest of solving the Albanian cause, as we had the opportunity to hear and read so often.

Should Macedonia be divided, according to Arbën Xhaferi's proposal?
The Ohrid Agreement has no alternative. Every other proposal, initiative, model or other solution implies the nonexistence of Macedonia, and it would also open debates and aspirations for finding other solutions for other countries of the Balkans and the consequences of such projects could be even worse than those that we have seen in Bosnia and Kosovo. The main dilemma when we talk about division is how to divide it? How can we cope with the consequences that we as Albanians in Macedonia would face in areas where we don't represent the majority? Therefore, the best solution is integration, and not segregation or division of communities, in this case, Albanians and Macedonians. We cannot open a thesis for division at a time when there is intensive talk of removing borders and integration in EU and NATO. Unfortunately, the ideas for ethnically clean countries are behind us for some two centuries, especially when we hear in the modern vocabulary that the world has turned into a global village.

Why do you have faith in a functioning multiethnic country?
I absolutely support a multiethnic country. And this was the reason why I never supported the division of Macedonia. Simply because this is one of the biggest values in advanced democratic societies in the world.

Belgrade Media Update

Pristina court sealed off after bomb warning (Beta)
International troops in Kosovo have sealed off the Pristina District Court after an anonymous warning that an explosive device had been planted in the area. The tip-off came at around 6 am, after which members of the KFOR peacekeeping force blocked one of the city's main roads and the local market near the court. A spokesperson for the Kosovo Police Force said that KFOR and the police were trying to establish whether the warning was genuine.

Kosovo MPs discuss Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (B92)
Parliament in Kosovo is to sit today to discuss upcoming talks between Belgrade and Pristina. The two sides are to meet with the mediation of the international community to discuss matters of practical concern in the province, though not its final status. Oliver Ivanovic, a Serb member of the parliament presidency, predicted a debate on the political situation in Kosovo, but said that Serb MPs would try to steer the discussion onto security. 'We'll try to turn a discussion about the political situation into one about the political and security situation, because we have good reason to be concerned since eight Serbs have been killed in the last three months,' Ivanovic told B92. He said he did not expect any concrete conclusions from today's session.

Serbian Police to participate in UN missions (RTS)
The Serbian Ministry of Interior and UN experts are assessing the possibilities for the Serbian Police to participate in the UN peacekeeping missions, said a statement released by the Ministry. The statement comes in reaction to 'various comments on the participation of Serbian Police forces in the UN peacekeeping operations,' underlining that 'the Serbian Police units are trained, equipped and ready for carrying out even the most difficult tasks, including the participation in UN peacekeeping operations.' The final decision on the Serbian Police's participation in the peacekeeping missions will be passed by the authorized bodies of the Republic of Serbia, and the public will be timely informed about this,' said the statement.

· Main Stories 18 September 2003
· Rexhepi: International community is ignoring Kosovar institutions (dailies)
· After NY meeting, Holkeri's plan to be given to Pristina and Belgrade (Zëri)
· Assembly still has no response for Serbia (Koha Ditore)
· Rexhepi won't address assembly because he received no official invitation
· Assembly Speaker Daci doesn't have much hopes for successful dialogue
· Ivanovic expects assembly to give overall support to dialogue (Koha Ditore)
· Bugajski: No serious dialogue w/out independence/UN departure (Kosova Sot)
· President Rugova asks for US military assistance for Kosovo (all dailies)
· Pentagon wants to withdraw troops from the Balkans? (Zëri/Financial Times)
· Kelmendi: Deflowering of Albanian-Serb dialogue of (Koha Ditore)
· Shala: Competencies for talks (Zëri)
· Luma: A joint picture, guaranteed success of eventual talks (Epoka e Re)
· EU pessimism regarding Kosovo's economy (Zëri)
· UNMIK says building of church in Mitrovica north was public event (dailies)

Kosovo Media Highlights

Rexhepi: International community is ignoring Kosovar institutions (dailies)
All dailies quote Kosovo Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi as saying that Kosovar institutions are feeling ignored by not being informed about the project for talks between Prishtina and Belgrade.

'These are all preparations that were made with the international community and the Union of Serbia and Montenegro, and not with Kosovar institutions,' he said.

After NY meeting, Holkeri's plan to be given to Pristina and Belgrade (Zëri)
Zëri reports that Kosovo chief administrator Harri Holkeri will host a dinner with Kosovar leaders on Friday to discuss the details of the announced dialogue.

Citing a reliable source, the paper reports that after the meeting of the Contact Group in New York, SRSG Holkeri will have the plan for talks between Prishtina and Belgrade, supported by the most important international entities, which he will then hand over to both parties.

Assembly still without response to Serbia (Koha Ditore)
Koha Ditore reports that apart from the statements of assembly members, the assembly session on the overall security in Kosovo, which will be held today, isn't expected to produce concrete conclusions.

A meeting between the chiefs of the three leading parliamentary groups, LDK, PDK and AAK, has ended without an agreement on future steps, added the newspaper. 'There was no agreement on a united stance of the three parliamentary groups and except for a dry debate nothing concrete is expected from this assembly session,' a source close to the meeting told Koha Ditore.

Rexhepi won't address assembly because he received no official invitation (Zëri)
Zëri reports that Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi will not address the Kosovo Assembly today, because he has received no official invitation.

Citing sources from parliamentary groups, Zëri reports that acting PDK parliamentary group chief Arsim Bajrami will present a project-declaration to the assembly. [more in Media Analysis]

Assembly Speaker Daci doesn't have much hope of successful dialogue (Koha)
Koha Ditore reports that Kosovo Assembly speaker Nexhat Daci said Wednesday that Kosovar institutions and citizens have said supported the idea of dialogue, but he added that he personally didn't expect much from the announced dialogue 'because of the behavior of Serb leaders'.

Ivanovic expects assembly to give its overall support to dialogue (Koha Ditore)
Koha Ditore quotes Oliver Ivanovic, member of Kosovo Assembly presidency as saying that he didn't expect the assembly to make a declaration pro or against dialogue, but added that he expected assembly members to voice their overall support for the beginning of talks.

Bugajski: No serious dialogue without Kosovo's independence/UN departure
Kosova Sot carries an interview with Janusz Bugajski, director of Center for Strategic and International Studies.

'Dialogue on technical issues will not lead toward discussions on status, because there is really nothing to talk about the status. It is very simple, a decision must be made and the same must be implemented. You cannot convince Belgrade to accept the independence of Kosovo and you cannot convince Prishtina to back down from independence and for this to be the end of dialogue. All the so-called technical issues would be solved with much higher efficiency between two equally sovereign governments that would represent two independent countries,' Bugajski said.

President Rugova asks for US military assistance for Kosovo (all dailies)
All dailies carry reports from the meeting between Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova and General Richard Mayers, top military advisor to US President George Bush.

After the meeting, Rugova said that the recognition of Kosovo's independence was the road of the future, the path calms the country and the region and that leads toward integration North-Atlantic structures, NATO and the European Union.

'We work together with UNMIK. This is the international path, but we insist on the formal recognition of Kosovo's independence,' Rugova added.

Pentagon wants to withdraw troops from the Balkans? (Zëri/Financial Times)
Zëri carries an article that was originally published in Financial Times and which quotes a former high-ranking official of Pentagon as saying that the US Department of Defence wants to withdraw troops from the Balkans.

An official in the Bush administration told the UK-based newspaper that in essence the Balkans was always a European rather than an American challenge.

On the other hand, Koha Ditore quotes a NATO official in Brussels as saying that there are no preannouncements that the US are planning to withdraw from NATO peacekeeping missions in the Balkans.

Kelmendi: Deflowering of Albanian-Serb dialogue of (Koha Ditore)
In an opinion piece for Koha Ditore, Adriatik Kelmendi writes that 'the invitation for a meeting at the same table between two parties that for the last time through the barrel of the gun implies more than an agreement for more electricity'. [full translation in Media Analysis]

Shala: Competencies for talks (Zëri)
Editor Blerim Shala writes that a realistic problem that could arise if the process of dialogue begins could be the competencies for issues that are included in numerous subtopics.

'Kosovar politicians would make no mistake if they ask Holkeri for the full proposal of issues that are foreseen to be included in the agenda of talks. Afterwards, they could look at them carefully and conclude for which issues they are competent and for which they are not,' added Shala. [full translation in Media Analysis]

Luma: A joint picture, a guaranteed success of eventual talks (Epoka e Re)
Epoka e Re carries an opinion piece by columnist Ernest Luma who writes that 'if the final aim of all this noise about the dialogue is a joint picture of Serbs and Albanians in the table of talks, after a horrible war then this aim will be achieved with little effort. The picture will be taken, it will be seen everywhere in the world and Javier Solana and the United Nations can be proud of it as their 'masterpiece'.'

EU pessimism regarding Kosovo's economy (Zëri)
Zëri correspondent from Brussels Ekrem Krasniqi claims that EU officials who visited Prishtina recently with High Commissioner Chris Patten, were never more pessimistic about the current situation of economy in Kosovo. [more in Media Analysis]

UNMIK says building of church in Mitrovica North was public event (dailies)
All dailies quote UNMIK spokesperson in Mitrovica Gyorgy Kakuk as saying that the UNMIK Administration in northern Mitrovica has received a request to build an orthodox church in northern Mitrovica and now is the phase when a decision will be made on that request, whereas the laying of the foundations was done without UNMIK's decision. 'The people who want to build the church have sent all the necessary documents and they are following a legal path,' Kakuk added.

Kosovo Press Headlines

Koha Ditore
Front page
· Rexhepi: This is ignoring Kosovo's institutions
· KEK imports electricity even when there is surplus
· Jamie Shea NATO spokesperson again
· Assembly has no answer to Serbia
· Municipality announces control of working hours for businesses

Other headlines
· Ivanovic expects that Assembly will support dialogue (2)
· Daci has no hope in dialogue (2)
· Foundations of Church were laid without UNMIK's approval (2)
· 165 Serbs took number plates in Mitrovica and Gracanica (3)
· Rugova demands military assistance from US (3)
· Rexhepi doesn't go to Assembly, received no invitation (3)
· Succession commission established structures and modalities of Kosovo (4)
· Pharmaceutical association admitted to international structures (4)
· Replacement of old driving licenses (4)
· BPK takes over control of Drini insurance company (5)
· Assistance for some miners causes sadness amongst rest of workers (7)
· Inauguration of sewage equipment (5)
· New director in old building (5)
· EU isn't thinking about amnesty for Breza [Macedonia] (6)
· Moisiu: Do not become involved in politics [Albania] (6)
· Fines and prison for domestic violence (6)
· Sentenced to eight months in prison for bomb scare (7)
· No weapons are handed in (8)
· Elimination of expired food items in Rahovec and Malisheve (8)
· Williams: Military mission supports civil mission [Peja/Prizren] (9)
· Kelmendi: Deflowering of Albanian-Serb dialogue (10)

Zëri
Front page
· Rexhepi: International community is ignoring Kosovo's institutions
· EU pessimistic about Kosovo's economy?
· Shala: Competencies for talk
· Wesley Clark is candidate for US president
· PM Rexhepi will not address assembly because he wasn't invited
· Jamie Shea is NATO spokesperson
· War in Kosovo as seen by a Serb woman

Other headlines
· Rugova demands US military assistance (2)
· Mayers: American forces have achieved mutual trust with Kosovars (2)
· Magnificent visit of Clinton (2)
· Holkeri's plan will be handed to Prishtina and Belgrade (3)
· No talks with Belgrade before finding missing persons (3)
· Kosovar deputies participate in international conference in Sarajevo (3)
· Bussek offers assistance to begin dialogue (4)
· Serwer about situation in Kosovo (4)
· Pentagon wants to withdraw troops from Balkans? (4)
· CoE is interested convincing Prishtina and Belgrade of need for dialogue (4)
· PM demanded creation of a pact amongst govt, employers and employees (5)
· Kassof talks to Kosovar leaders about dialogue (5)
· Succession in ex-Yugoslavia is made without Kosovo (5)
· Thaçi supports proportional system (6)
· Police: Progress in finding perpetrators [Cernica incident] (6)
· International administration against domestic violence (6)
· Do not make speeches to improve our life [Presevo Valley leader] (7)
· Dika: University of Tetovo doesn't fulfill Albanian's interests [Macedonia] (7)
· Serbian union achieves agreement with Covic (7)
· UNMIK Pillar II chief Francesco Bastagli visits Peja (9)
· Kakuk: Building of Church is public event (9)

Bota Sot
Front page
· Rugova demands US military assistance
· Rexhepi: I am willing to report, but I have no invitation
· Criminals should face justice
· Students: Bota Sot paper was always with us
· Albright: It is time to give up violence
· Attack on Jahja Rexhepi house
· There is still no integration of town [Mitrovica]
· Our Wesley Clark
· First plane will fly without Kosovo's logo

Other headlines
· Kosovo can talk to former occupier only as an independent (2)
· Buçpapaj: Anti-Albanian regime in Manastir [Macedonia] (3)
· Conference for investments in Kosovo (4)
· Peacekeeping forces from Kosovo will not withdraw unilaterally (5)
· Minister of Education participates in European conference (5)
· Ex-US president Clinton to visit Camp Bondsteel (5)
· Ajeti: Biggest credit for legalization of U. of Tetovo belongs to Sulejmani (6)
· Baze: War between Nano and Moisiu [Albania] (8)
· Agim Hyseni should be responsible for loss of classes (9)
· There is still no information about 3,124 missed Albanians (9)
· Police reforms will happen [Macedonia] (10)
· BDI and PPD are happy while PDSH expresses reservations [Macedonia] (10)
· Prishtina municipality suspects registration of internationals as locals (12)

Kosova Sot
Front page
· Bugajski: No serious dialogue w/out Kosovo's independence/UN departure
· Rexhepi's absence, parties without consensus
· Ministry of Health cannot guarantee transparence about drugs
· Thaçi supports proportional system
· Ministries justify themselves about misuses in tenders
· Rugova to Mayers: We are proud of beautiful Camp Bondsteel
· Editorial: Communication

Other headlines
· Gen. Mayers compares Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq (2)
· Daci disappointed from Serbian behavior (2)
· Kosovo law makers participate in international conference (2)
· Brovina: No dialogue unless missing persons issue is resolved (2)
· Rexhepi: UNMIK is ignoring us (3)
· Stability Pact, assistance for dialogue (4)
· Creation of Media Council (4)
· Clinton is part of history as protector of freedom and world civilization (6)
· Adoption of regulation against violence in family (6)
· UNMIK: A public meeting that is not related to the Church (6)
· 165 Serbs took number plates (6)
· Everybody wants to know Kosovo's final status (7)
· Rexhepi: Government should not play role of firefighter (8)
· Project to clean up environment (8)
· Action to collect debts of consumers [KEK] (8)
· Operations cannot start unless UNMIK determines logo (9)
· After midnight, work with special license (10)

Epoka e Re
Front page
· Twenty-year-old boy who leads American School
· Luma: Joint photo only success of dialogue
· Bread is expensive, risk of social unrest
· Our eyes are towards Kosovo and not Belgrade
· No weapons handed in in Istog
· Kurteshi: If there are talks, who is talking and about what?
· Avdyli: What Kosovo should and shouldn't do
· Biography of our hero Rexhep Bislimi
· Çeku: What we are doing for Kosovo?
· Unemployment: Who is working in Kosovo?
· Criticism of institutions about spatial planning
· IWPR: Trafficking of people in Eastern Europe

Other headlines
· Assembly doesn't invite PM Rexhepi (2)
· Rexhepi: Institutions are ignored (2)
· Clinton should not be welcomed with killings and explosions (3)
· Bussek and Covic: Dialogue on technical issues to begin (4)
· Mini and Majko: Division of Kosovo is unacceptable (4)
· Daci doesn't expects too much from dialogue, Thaçi demands consensus (4)
· Sewer: Even talks on technical issue will be complicated (4)
· Attorneys: The Hague decision is biased (5)
· Bajrami: Egyptian minority respects Limaj as freedom fighter (5)
· Brovina: Before talks to raise charges for genocide against Serbia (5)
· Serbs demand to return to their property (6)
· Rexhepi: change for of expressing you opinions (6)
· KPC Major's house is searched (6)
· Peja pensioners will protest in Prishtina (6)
· What are preoccupations of Shefqet Mutezi? (7)

Belgrade Media Highlights

· Presidential elections scheduled in Serbia (Politika)
· Covic following talks with Busek (Vecernje Novosti)
· ANA threatens UN in Pristina (Balkan)
· Trade unions from Kosovo reach agreement with Covic (Danas/Beta)
· Clinton in Kosovo (Glas/Tanjug)

Presidential elections scheduled in Serbia (Politika)
Serbian Parliament Speaker Natasa Micic has brought the decision to schedule presidential elections for 16 November this year. The deadlines for "performing election activities" start as of Thursday. The Parliament Speaker elaborated this decision with the need to stop with the bidding on whether the laws and the Constitution must be respected. According to her, this is what the debate on whether we need the elections now or not has come down to. The authorities stress at this point the fact also stressed by the Parliament Speaker - that regulations must be respected and that elections are, therefore, unavoidable.

Covic following talks with Busek (Vecernje Novosti)
The announced Belgrade-Pristina dialogue will commence with the technical issues, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Nebojsa Covic and the Coordinator of the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe Erchard Busek have agreed. Following this meeting, Covic said that the composition of the Serbian delegation was not yet established, but that it is known that competent ministers or deputies, and CCK representatives in charge of certain spheres will be in it. He couldn't specify the exact date of the beginning of the dialogue, but reiterated that they would discuss power, traffic, pensions, but also the problem of safety, freedom of movement and the return of IDPs. He mentioned Brussels or Vienna as the possible meeting places. He added that these talks would be continued with working groups that would specify the agreed things. The Coordinator of the Stability Pact favored a speedy beginning of the Serbian-Albanian dialogue, announcing technical assistance in that process. He warned that the countries in the region should more actively deal with the problem of organized crime, as well as to soon sign agreements on free trade.

ANA threatens UN in Pristina (Balkan)
Posters and leaflets that threaten UN representatives, Albanian politicians that cooperate with them, and compatriots who are employed in international organizations, have surrounded Pristina, Balkan learned in UNMIK. The terrorist organization ANA is signed below the threatening text on the posters. Our source says that the posters have been removed "expressly in the early morning hours." Describing the situation in UNMIK, the source adds that this "action by the extremist forces in the Albanian community" has disturbed UN representatives, and that this was obvious in the premises they are employed. As the source stresses, even prior to these threats, Albanian translators and other employees have already been given double ID cards with foreign names, but there has not yet been a concrete decision on stepping up the safety of UN employees and premises.

Trade unions from Kosovo reach agreement with Covic (Danas/Beta)
The trade unions of the Serbian power industry companies from Kosovo and Metohija have reached an agreement with the Head of the CCK Nebojsa Covic for the status of the employees in these companies and the manner of paying compensations of their earnings to remain unchanged until the end of the year. The statement by the Coordinating Board of the trade union organizations of power industry companies from Kosovo and Metohija says that the Serbian deputy Minister for Energy Slobodan Ruzic and the Director General of the Serbian Power Industry (EPS) Ljubomir Geric "have obliged themselves to find a way of engaging as many as possible employees in the EPS companies.

Clinton in Kosovo (Glas/Tanjug)
Former US President Bill Clinton is arriving in Kosovo on Friday, it was confirmed at the UN Belgrade office. Clinton will talk in Pristina with Albanian officials, and within the Balkan tour he is to visit Srebrenica in Republika Srpska where he will attend the opening of the Memorial Center dedicated to the victims of the 1995 massacre. Electronic media in Pristina reports that Clinton will receive during his visit in Kosovo an honorary doctorate of the University in Pristina.