The mosquito-born West Nile Virus has claimed its first victim this past week and another two suspected deaths are being investigated as being related to the virus in Kosovo. The disease which is making a debut for the first time in the Balkans claimed three victims in Serbia last month where there were at least 35 confirmed cases. While up to 80% of infected persons will not suffer any symptoms, extreme cases of the virus can lead the swelling of the brain tissue, coma, and eventual death. For those that do contract the virus, common symptoms mirror that of the regular flu.
Now to the local news, this week there has been a large focus on the proposed travel of a large delegation from the Kosovo Government to the US for the UN Assembly meeting which would require 200-300,000 Euros from the limited Kosovo budget. The proposal and cost of sending such a large delegation (20-30 people) to the UN has been met with large skepticism by the opposition parties in the press.
Announced in the news today after reports earlier in the week of being spotted in Kosovo, Naser Kelmendi, who is on the US blacklist, was arrested by Kosovo Police on Thursday (20 September). Kelmendi, who is a Bosnian citizen, is reported to be one of the biggest drug bosses in the Balkans.
The results of the Kosovo census have been revealed. Excluding municipalities in the north of Kosovo who refused to take part in the census, the population of Kosovo has been declared to be 1,739,825 inhabitants. The last known official count of the population of Kosovo was held in 1981 with 1.5 million persons. In 1991, Albanians boycotted the census and the population was estimated to be 1.9 million.
Showing posts with label Local News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Local News. Show all posts
Friday, September 21, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Local News from Kosovo
A quick summary of some of the hot topics in local Kosovo news for the past week...
Serbia Holds General Elections in Kosovo
Probably the biggest story in the local news has been the upcoming Serbian general elections that OSCE has agreed to help facilitate. The US Ambassador, Christopher Dell, has stated that the elections are a good example of how neighboring countries can cooperate but warned that any local Serbian elections would be illegitimate. Tensions remain high over the elections and the Minister of Serbian Secret Services has warned of the potential for violence against Serbs.
Kosovo Press Boycotts Government on Law on Press Freedom
Many of the local newspapers left the spot normally reserved for government politics blank in protest on a law passed by the Kosovo parliament that is heavily criticized as restricting the freedom of the press.
Citizens urged to conserve water
People are being urged to begin conserving water as the weather begins to heat up. The water authority warns that if people do not begin conserving water that the shortage will become more pronounced and there will be more cuts during the hot summer months.
Serbia Holds General Elections in Kosovo
Probably the biggest story in the local news has been the upcoming Serbian general elections that OSCE has agreed to help facilitate. The US Ambassador, Christopher Dell, has stated that the elections are a good example of how neighboring countries can cooperate but warned that any local Serbian elections would be illegitimate. Tensions remain high over the elections and the Minister of Serbian Secret Services has warned of the potential for violence against Serbs.
Kosovo Press Boycotts Government on Law on Press Freedom
Many of the local newspapers left the spot normally reserved for government politics blank in protest on a law passed by the Kosovo parliament that is heavily criticized as restricting the freedom of the press.
Citizens urged to conserve water
People are being urged to begin conserving water as the weather begins to heat up. The water authority warns that if people do not begin conserving water that the shortage will become more pronounced and there will be more cuts during the hot summer months.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Local News from Kosovo
Crime seems to be a big topic in the local news these days from the arrest of the anti-corruption prosecutor to the Klecka trial to an investigation being opened into former President Pacolli.
Prosecution will not present new evidence or revise indictment in Klecka Trial
A letter from EULEX prosecutor, Charles Hardaway, to the court has stated that the prosecution will not present any new evidence and will not revise the indictment as requested by the panel after its dismissal of the Witness X evidence. The letter also requests the panel to reverse the decision on the admissibility of the evidence of Agim Zogaj. In addition to the letter, a few days ago, EULEX prosecution requested that Limaj and the other remaining defendants be placed under house arrest citing flight risk and witness intimidation.
EULEX Conducting 90 Investigations into Organized Crime
EULEX Spokesperson Nicholas Hawthorne has stated that EULEX is currently conducting more than 90 investigations into corruption and organized crime. So far, EULEX has concluded a total of 46 cases but details of the results are not mentioned. While Hawthorne said that he would not provide any information on specific cases, perhaps the most widely known investigation is the MTPT, Ministry of Transport, Post and Telecomms, involving former Minister Fatmir Limaj, to which EULEX has until 23 April to issue an indictment before their time runs out. Another case that recently emerged is that of the head of the anti-corruption task force who was arrested a few days ago under suspicion of accepting bribes to drop charges.
Anti-Corruption Agency Launches Investigation into Behgjet Pacolli
A law exists on Kosovo books to prevent a conflict of interest between business and politics. Called the "Law on Preventing Conflict of Interest in Exercising Public Function" (Nr.04/L-051), the law essentially prevents politicians from being involved in business. It has long been rumored that along with the various recognitions that Pacolli has gotten for Kosovo's independence, he also has been making business deals with companies in those countries. One of the latest, Nigeria, is the alleged reason for the start of the investigation where Pacolli signed a business deal for a company called SEAGAS. No details of the case will be made until the proceedings are finalized.
Prosecution will not present new evidence or revise indictment in Klecka Trial
A letter from EULEX prosecutor, Charles Hardaway, to the court has stated that the prosecution will not present any new evidence and will not revise the indictment as requested by the panel after its dismissal of the Witness X evidence. The letter also requests the panel to reverse the decision on the admissibility of the evidence of Agim Zogaj. In addition to the letter, a few days ago, EULEX prosecution requested that Limaj and the other remaining defendants be placed under house arrest citing flight risk and witness intimidation.
EULEX Conducting 90 Investigations into Organized Crime
EULEX Spokesperson Nicholas Hawthorne has stated that EULEX is currently conducting more than 90 investigations into corruption and organized crime. So far, EULEX has concluded a total of 46 cases but details of the results are not mentioned. While Hawthorne said that he would not provide any information on specific cases, perhaps the most widely known investigation is the MTPT, Ministry of Transport, Post and Telecomms, involving former Minister Fatmir Limaj, to which EULEX has until 23 April to issue an indictment before their time runs out. Another case that recently emerged is that of the head of the anti-corruption task force who was arrested a few days ago under suspicion of accepting bribes to drop charges.
Anti-Corruption Agency Launches Investigation into Behgjet Pacolli
A law exists on Kosovo books to prevent a conflict of interest between business and politics. Called the "Law on Preventing Conflict of Interest in Exercising Public Function" (Nr.04/L-051), the law essentially prevents politicians from being involved in business. It has long been rumored that along with the various recognitions that Pacolli has gotten for Kosovo's independence, he also has been making business deals with companies in those countries. One of the latest, Nigeria, is the alleged reason for the start of the investigation where Pacolli signed a business deal for a company called SEAGAS. No details of the case will be made until the proceedings are finalized.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Anti-Corruption Prosecutor Arrested for...Corruption?!
The head of the anti-corruption task force, Nazmi Mustafa, created by Kosovo PM Haschim Thaci has been arrested on suspicion of accepting bribes in exchange for dropping corruption charges along with two other task force members.
I was traveling last week and didn't have the chance to pounce on this interesting local news..so here it is...
Mayor of Ferizaj Sentenced to Jail Time, Resigns, Extraordinary Elections Announced
The Supreme Court of Kosovo sentenced the mayor of Ferizaj, Bajrush Xhemajli, to two and half years in jail for a traffic accident that left one person dead and injured several others. Following his resignation, Kosovo President Jahjaga announced extraordinary elections to be held on 29 April for a new mayor.
I was traveling last week and didn't have the chance to pounce on this interesting local news..so here it is...
Mayor of Ferizaj Sentenced to Jail Time, Resigns, Extraordinary Elections Announced
The Supreme Court of Kosovo sentenced the mayor of Ferizaj, Bajrush Xhemajli, to two and half years in jail for a traffic accident that left one person dead and injured several others. Following his resignation, Kosovo President Jahjaga announced extraordinary elections to be held on 29 April for a new mayor.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Local News from Kosovo
Edita Tahiri Draws Fire over Expenditures
Edita Tahiri, Deputy Prime Minister and Lead Negotiator for Kosovo, has drawn fire and calls for her resignation following the spending of 50,000 Euros for 36 female staff members to take a three-day trip to Tirana in celebration of International Women's Day. In addition to the travel expenses, the women also received a daily stipend of 209 Euros, nearly a month's salary for many people in Kosovo.
Grand Hotel Woes Continue
Last week I wrote about the problems that Grand Hotel was facing with employees not receiving wages. Shortly afterwards, it was announced that the Kosovo Privatization Agency was considering to withdraw the agreement with the current owner and put the hotel up for bidding again. Now, Limak Company, who runs the Pristina International Airport, reportedly has expressed interest in the hotel.
KEK Announces Increase in Prices
Kosovo Electric Company has raised the ire of many consumers by announcing a rate increase of 23% starting 1 April. Already consumers have been complaining about the increase in bills from January to February when the worst of the winter weather hit Kosovo. The regulatory agency that oversees KEK threatened to fine the company if they stuck with the rate increase and proposed to instead increase the rate at 7.6%.
The number of beggars increases
Honestly it is a yearly phenomenon but this is the first year that I can recall any local news source paying attention to the number of beggars increasing when the weather started warming up.
I have long advocated giving the street beggars, particularly children, items that cannot be "taken away" from them like candy bars, drinks, anything besides money although both Troy and I have recently broken our own rules by "adopting" a few Roma children and their mother who regularly beg near our offices. It isn't much but they are always appreciative of the couple of Euros we give them over the course of the week and the occasional candy bar we buy from the nearby supermarkets when we see them out.
Edita Tahiri, Deputy Prime Minister and Lead Negotiator for Kosovo, has drawn fire and calls for her resignation following the spending of 50,000 Euros for 36 female staff members to take a three-day trip to Tirana in celebration of International Women's Day. In addition to the travel expenses, the women also received a daily stipend of 209 Euros, nearly a month's salary for many people in Kosovo.
Grand Hotel Woes Continue
Last week I wrote about the problems that Grand Hotel was facing with employees not receiving wages. Shortly afterwards, it was announced that the Kosovo Privatization Agency was considering to withdraw the agreement with the current owner and put the hotel up for bidding again. Now, Limak Company, who runs the Pristina International Airport, reportedly has expressed interest in the hotel.
KEK Announces Increase in Prices
Kosovo Electric Company has raised the ire of many consumers by announcing a rate increase of 23% starting 1 April. Already consumers have been complaining about the increase in bills from January to February when the worst of the winter weather hit Kosovo. The regulatory agency that oversees KEK threatened to fine the company if they stuck with the rate increase and proposed to instead increase the rate at 7.6%.
The number of beggars increases
Honestly it is a yearly phenomenon but this is the first year that I can recall any local news source paying attention to the number of beggars increasing when the weather started warming up.
I have long advocated giving the street beggars, particularly children, items that cannot be "taken away" from them like candy bars, drinks, anything besides money although both Troy and I have recently broken our own rules by "adopting" a few Roma children and their mother who regularly beg near our offices. It isn't much but they are always appreciative of the couple of Euros we give them over the course of the week and the occasional candy bar we buy from the nearby supermarkets when we see them out.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Local News from Kosovo
Being in Kosovo, I have the chance to browse through the local newspapers and pick up news items that most would never see. If I can find the time, each week I would like to try to have one blog titled "Local News from Kosovo" quickly giving a blurb about what I have found interesting over the week in the Kosovo news. So to steal the line from Ryan Seacrest "dim the lights and here we go"...
F Mobile refuses to sign contract with Ministry of Economic Development
The mobile phone company, F Mobile, has refused to sign a contract with the Ministry of Economic Development after winning the tender. F Mobile has defended their refusal to sign the contract on the grounds that the Ministry would require the illegal importation of Apple iPhone 4S by the contract.
Grand Hotel Fails to Pay Employees
The employees of the Grand Hotel in Pristina have threatened to go on strike after the owners have failed to pay salaries for the past eight months. The employees have reached the agreement that if they do not receive payment by 12 March, they will "block" the hotel until they are paid.
In addition to the back wages owed to the employees, it is reported that Thermakos, a supplier of central heating, has turned off the heating to the Grand Hotel after its unpaid debt reached 82,000 Euros.
Ferizaj Municipality Purchases 82,000 Euros worth of vehicles
The Kosovo government has a limited budget and has long been criticized for purchasing luxury vehicles, spending massive amounts of money on telephone & services, and basically allowing government officials to treat the Kosovo budget like their own little petty cash fund.
Now, the Head of the Ferizaj municipality, Bajrush Xhemajli, has come under fire for spending 82,000 Euros on vehicles in a time that the Kosovo government has been instructed to reduce spending.
8 March - International Women's Day
Thousands of women and girls gathered for a peaceful demonstration in Pristina for a variety of issues on International Women's Day.
The main focus was to raise awareness for women's rights and against domestic violence which is a common yet ignored part of Kosovo society.
A network of NGOs and the Women's Alliance for Kosovo called for accelerating the trial process of Ramush Haradinaj. Haradinaj is currently standing trial again in the Hague after being previously acquitted due to lack of evidence. The first charges were filed against him seven years ago on 8 March.
Kosovo Government Prepares to Privatize Brezovica
The Kosovo Government has taken steps to begin the privatization process of the Brezovica resort area in addition to plans to create a new Brezovica area.
A conference to gather interest for investment in the new ski resort area which is planned to be adjacent to the current ski resort is planned in 2012 although no date has yet been decided. The master plan for the new resort is to have it be much bigger (reported to be 5X) than Mavrovo in Macedonia (which would absolutely thrill this snowboarder!) The plan also includes to have slopes for beginners (lacking at the current resort which has only two black runs) as well as runs for experts.
F Mobile refuses to sign contract with Ministry of Economic Development
The mobile phone company, F Mobile, has refused to sign a contract with the Ministry of Economic Development after winning the tender. F Mobile has defended their refusal to sign the contract on the grounds that the Ministry would require the illegal importation of Apple iPhone 4S by the contract.
Grand Hotel Fails to Pay Employees
The employees of the Grand Hotel in Pristina have threatened to go on strike after the owners have failed to pay salaries for the past eight months. The employees have reached the agreement that if they do not receive payment by 12 March, they will "block" the hotel until they are paid.
In addition to the back wages owed to the employees, it is reported that Thermakos, a supplier of central heating, has turned off the heating to the Grand Hotel after its unpaid debt reached 82,000 Euros.
Ferizaj Municipality Purchases 82,000 Euros worth of vehicles
The Kosovo government has a limited budget and has long been criticized for purchasing luxury vehicles, spending massive amounts of money on telephone & services, and basically allowing government officials to treat the Kosovo budget like their own little petty cash fund.
Now, the Head of the Ferizaj municipality, Bajrush Xhemajli, has come under fire for spending 82,000 Euros on vehicles in a time that the Kosovo government has been instructed to reduce spending.
8 March - International Women's Day
Thousands of women and girls gathered for a peaceful demonstration in Pristina for a variety of issues on International Women's Day.
The main focus was to raise awareness for women's rights and against domestic violence which is a common yet ignored part of Kosovo society.
A network of NGOs and the Women's Alliance for Kosovo called for accelerating the trial process of Ramush Haradinaj. Haradinaj is currently standing trial again in the Hague after being previously acquitted due to lack of evidence. The first charges were filed against him seven years ago on 8 March.
Kosovo Government Prepares to Privatize Brezovica
The Kosovo Government has taken steps to begin the privatization process of the Brezovica resort area in addition to plans to create a new Brezovica area.
A conference to gather interest for investment in the new ski resort area which is planned to be adjacent to the current ski resort is planned in 2012 although no date has yet been decided. The master plan for the new resort is to have it be much bigger (reported to be 5X) than Mavrovo in Macedonia (which would absolutely thrill this snowboarder!) The plan also includes to have slopes for beginners (lacking at the current resort which has only two black runs) as well as runs for experts.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)