Tensions continue to escalate in Kosovo following the explosion that killed an Albanian man, the beating of a Serbian man, and then the shooting of a Serbian in the North.
Albanians reportedly began arming themselves for protection while the Kosovo government and international organizations called for calm. Deputy PM Hajredin Kuci called for an intervention in the North similar to that of July 2011 which led to blockades of EULEX and KFOR in the North but Serbia criticized the statement as inflammatory and warned that it would just further tensions. KFOR is said to be monitoring the Kosovo Police's special riot unit (ROSU) in anticipation that there would be a police action Thursday or Friday.
Showing posts with label Kosovo - Minorities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kosovo - Minorities. Show all posts
Friday, April 13, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year
It has been a while since I posted...so here's a quick catch-up! Plus Happy New Year! This year will mark 11 years of being in Kosovo. Many laugh at the notion but I truly do call Kosovo home. Some have called me crazy after ranting about how bad it is in Kosovo when they find out just how long I have been here...but honestly, they have no idea what bad is in Kosovo. I am glad to say "Kosovo, you've done good" in the incredible amount of progress I have seen since hitting the ground in July 2001. Granted there is still a ways to go but I am thrilled that Kosovo has managed to rebuild and grow!
Kosovo, KFOR, and the Serbs continue their back and forth over the roadblocks in the North. No real viable solution seems to be in sight despite Serbia telling the Kosovo Serbs to remove the barricades and their assurances that freedom of movement will be established.
In mid-December, a Russian aid convoy captured headlines when it was stopped by EULEX customs officials when entering Kosovo. EULEX said the convoy would either have to accept an escort, a move seen to get EULEX, KFOR, and Kosovo police past the still present Serb barricades, or pass through a Pristina controlled border point. A few days later the convoy would be allowed to pass with an EULEX escort.
More than a year after losing his job due to corruption charges, the Director of Kosovo's Central Bank, Hashim Rexhepi, was cleared of all five charges levied against him by EULEX in what was widely criticized as a politically motivated case.
Kosovo, KFOR, and the Serbs continue their back and forth over the roadblocks in the North. No real viable solution seems to be in sight despite Serbia telling the Kosovo Serbs to remove the barricades and their assurances that freedom of movement will be established.
In mid-December, a Russian aid convoy captured headlines when it was stopped by EULEX customs officials when entering Kosovo. EULEX said the convoy would either have to accept an escort, a move seen to get EULEX, KFOR, and Kosovo police past the still present Serb barricades, or pass through a Pristina controlled border point. A few days later the convoy would be allowed to pass with an EULEX escort.
More than a year after losing his job due to corruption charges, the Director of Kosovo's Central Bank, Hashim Rexhepi, was cleared of all five charges levied against him by EULEX in what was widely criticized as a politically motivated case.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
One Serb Killed, Two Injured in Northern Kosovo
One Serb and two were injured in a clash on Wednesday evening in the north of Kosovo. According to a statement from OSCE, one of the injured is reported to be a Kosovo police officer who responded to the initial shooting. Stories on what happened are varying depending on the source. Some say that the shooting is alleged to have taken place during a quarrel between Albanians and Serbs although it is unclear who did the shooting. And other reports are that the shooting occured in response to a robbery when Serbs were trying to break into Albanian homes.
All international organizations and the governments of Serbia and Kosovo have condemned the shooting. Serb residents and politicians are calling for a swift investigation into the incident by EULEX.
All international organizations and the governments of Serbia and Kosovo have condemned the shooting. Serb residents and politicians are calling for a swift investigation into the incident by EULEX.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
KFOR Begins Removing Roadblocks
KFOR has confronted angry groups of Serbs in the North of Kosovo as they begin to remove barricades. Using pepper spray, tear gas, and loudspeakers requesting the groups to disperse, KFOR has acted on the Serb's refusal to agree on removing the roadblocks which have been impeding movement of EULEX and KFOR in the North of Kosovo for the past three months. Stating that the protestors were in a KFOR protected zone, people were warned to go home or else force could be used.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Serbs Clash with KFOR in North Kosovo
At approximately 1300hrs today, a group of Serb protestors clashed with KFOR at the Jarinje border crossing in the North of Kosovo. KFOR reportedly responded to the demonstrators with tear gas and rubber bullets after coming under fire by rocks and guns. Serbian media also states that KFOR used live ammunition and lists one of the injured as being in a coma and the other in serious condition.
It is reported that four (4) members of KFOR were injured and 10 Serb protestors were injured in the clash. The peacekeepers were reportedly injured by makeshift pimp bombs were thrown at their position at the border and one soldier is said to be in critical condition.
Some Serb leaders are urging calm while a group of angry demonstrators attacked and damaged two police vehicles in the North and Serbia's Minister for Kosovo, Goran Bogdanovic, is blaming KFOR for the violence . EULEX and KFOR have deployed reinforcements to the south of the Ibar river.
Earlier today, KFOR used bulldozers to remove mounds of gravel placed as roadblocks in the North. Demonstrators responded by recreating roadblocks in various areas.
In unrelated news, Romania, which has not recognized Kosovo's declaration of independence, has announced that it would be withdrawing its force from EULEX when their contingent members reach the end of their secondment. Currently Romania contributes around 170 police officers and gendarmerie to EULEX.
It is reported that four (4) members of KFOR were injured and 10 Serb protestors were injured in the clash. The peacekeepers were reportedly injured by makeshift pimp bombs were thrown at their position at the border and one soldier is said to be in critical condition.
Some Serb leaders are urging calm while a group of angry demonstrators attacked and damaged two police vehicles in the North and Serbia's Minister for Kosovo, Goran Bogdanovic, is blaming KFOR for the violence . EULEX and KFOR have deployed reinforcements to the south of the Ibar river.
Earlier today, KFOR used bulldozers to remove mounds of gravel placed as roadblocks in the North. Demonstrators responded by recreating roadblocks in various areas.
In unrelated news, Romania, which has not recognized Kosovo's declaration of independence, has announced that it would be withdrawing its force from EULEX when their contingent members reach the end of their secondment. Currently Romania contributes around 170 police officers and gendarmerie to EULEX.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Protestors Clash with EULEX, KFOR During Kosovo-Serb Elections
Riot police and KFOR kept protestors from each other on opposite sides of the Ibar Bridge in Mitrovica over the weekend as Serbia held elections in the North as tensions flared. Albanian demonstrators gathered in the South while Serbs gathered in the North at the infamous Mitrovica bridge, a symbol of the city’s division while police used tear gas to keep the two from clashing. The result of the Serbian election is said to be for the Serb Party for Progress lead by Tomislav Nikoliq.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
12 Injured During Kurti Arrest Attempt
12 people were injured during an attempt by Kosovo Police to arrest Albin Kurti following a funeral on Monday. Kurti was spotted leaving the funeral in a vehicle which KPS attempted to stop but the driver accelerated and ran over three officers resulting in slight injuries to the officers. The vehicle was later stopped and the driver was arrested following the incident. Vetevendosje activists also pelted KPS with stones. The hearing was postponed for the ninth time today after Kurti and his defense lawyer failed to appear in court.
Big in the news this weekend was a move by the Kosovo Regulation Authority on Communications against telecom services by Serbian companies in Kosovo. The Kosovo authority announced that it was shutting down the Serbian services as they are not licensed and have been deemed to be operating illegally in Kosovo following independence. The move has angered Serbian residents of which approximately 40,000 rely on the Serbian mobile phone systems for service.
The news continues on the difficulty of the Serbian families returned to the Zac village near Istog after several nights of harassment. Both the Kosovo government and UN have condemned the incidents.
MTCowgirl’s Kosovo News
Big in the news this weekend was a move by the Kosovo Regulation Authority on Communications against telecom services by Serbian companies in Kosovo. The Kosovo authority announced that it was shutting down the Serbian services as they are not licensed and have been deemed to be operating illegally in Kosovo following independence. The move has angered Serbian residents of which approximately 40,000 rely on the Serbian mobile phone systems for service.
The news continues on the difficulty of the Serbian families returned to the Zac village near Istog after several nights of harassment. Both the Kosovo government and UN have condemned the incidents.
MTCowgirl’s Kosovo News
- Brussels wants EULEX to show concrete results
- Kosovo Police take over Albania border functions from KFOR
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Albin Kurti Comedy Tour
Despite re-opening the case for the February 2007 riots against Vetevendosje leader, Albin Kurti, EULEX has failed to hold a court hearing due to the defense lawyers refusing to cooperate and the failure of the Kosovo Police to execute an arrest warrant for Kurti. The announcement of the trial’s postponement have become more of a normal occurence rather than a surprise. The trial against Albin Kurti looks more to be turning into a drawn out demonstration of a lack of willingness of Kosovo officials (both police and justice) for stepping outside their personal politicial beliefs and opinions and getting down to doing their job.
Yes, there is a petition with 175,000 signatures against the EULEX case against Albin Kurti but in refusing to cooperate or recognize the legitimacy of the court proceedings is quite like the stand taken by both Slobodan Milosevic and Karadic against ICTY. So does that mean that because we don’t like the case being prosecuted we can just refuse to show up at court and throw eggs at the appointed defense lawyers who are just trying to do the job they’ve been given? I somehow don’t think that this attitude would fly in a normal functioning society! Albin Kurti is missing an opportunity to show the international community that as proclaimed by the masses he is innocent of wrong-doing but refusing to show up in court does not go far in conveying that message.
Yes, there is a petition with 175,000 signatures against the EULEX case against Albin Kurti but in refusing to cooperate or recognize the legitimacy of the court proceedings is quite like the stand taken by both Slobodan Milosevic and Karadic against ICTY. So does that mean that because we don’t like the case being prosecuted we can just refuse to show up at court and throw eggs at the appointed defense lawyers who are just trying to do the job they’ve been given? I somehow don’t think that this attitude would fly in a normal functioning society! Albin Kurti is missing an opportunity to show the international community that as proclaimed by the masses he is innocent of wrong-doing but refusing to show up in court does not go far in conveying that message.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Serbian Church Fires Hardline Kosovo Bishop
Ultra-nationalist and hardliner Archbishop Artemije, the leader of the Orthodox Church in Kosovo, has been removed from his post due to accusations of the embezzlement of millions of Euros from the church and aid organizations over the past several years. Artemije is widely known for his anti-Western and ulta-nationalistic views. In an interesting twist to the story, monks supporting the newly appointed Bishop Atanasije clashed with monks supporting Artemije on Sunday when he tried to enter the Gracanica monastery.
Them are fighting words!!! The Speaker of the Kosovo Assembly, Jakup Krasniqi, has made statements that if Northern Kosovo refuses to integrate with Kosovo then why don’t ethnic Albanians in Southern Serbia (Presevo Valley) secede and join Kosovo. The statement is made in reference to plans to create a new municipality in the North of Kosovo. Already Serbia has reacted to the statements by Jakup calling it war-mongering and asking the international community to condemn the statements.
Also in Presevo Valley, an Albanian police officer and his family were injured in an apparent car bombing. A police spokesperson has called the bombing a terrorist attack.
MTCowgirl’s Kosovo News
Them are fighting words!!! The Speaker of the Kosovo Assembly, Jakup Krasniqi, has made statements that if Northern Kosovo refuses to integrate with Kosovo then why don’t ethnic Albanians in Southern Serbia (Presevo Valley) secede and join Kosovo. The statement is made in reference to plans to create a new municipality in the North of Kosovo. Already Serbia has reacted to the statements by Jakup calling it war-mongering and asking the international community to condemn the statements.
Also in Presevo Valley, an Albanian police officer and his family were injured in an apparent car bombing. A police spokesperson has called the bombing a terrorist attack.
MTCowgirl’s Kosovo News
- COE says Kosovo repatriations must stop
- Integration strategy to be sent to Belgrade, according to Feith
- Kosovo & EULEX to create corruption, organized crime task force
- EasyJet adds Kosovo as a destination
- Kosovo’s Alternate Outdoor Destination – Boge
- Kosovo Tourism: Belgrade vs. Pristina on Strepce
- Serbian Media: Most Albanians support Greater Albania
- The legal labyrinth of Kosovo
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Kosovo Authorities Eject Serb Officials
In the past few weeks in an effort to crackdown on parallel structures, Kosovo authorities have been arresting and tossing Serb officials out of Kosovo. Approximately two weeks ago the Serbian Kosovo Minister, Goran Bogdanovic, was detained and escorted to the border after engaging in political meetings with Serbs. One point of contention however is that Bogdanovic is actually a Serb born in Kosovo. Yesterday, five Serb officials were arrested and escorted to the administrative line.
Ethnic tensions are on the rise with the recent explusions of Serb officials from Kosovo and the Kosovo government’s plans to integrate the North. Authorities in Pristina have been working with the EU’s International Civilian Office (ICO) to come up with a plan to integrate Northern Kosovo and get rid of parallel institutions. EULEX, which should be noted to not fall in the same category as ICO, has said that the integration plan is not an EU strategy. UNMIK which has the UN Kosovo Team in the North has stated that it was not consulted in developing the plan for integration.
In other news, EULEX has summoned Vetevendosje leader, Albin Kurti, to court to face charges stemming from the deadly riots in February 2007. In turn Vetevendosje slammed EULEX for not dealing with parallel structures and lacking will to prosecute Serbs.
Ethnic tensions are on the rise with the recent explusions of Serb officials from Kosovo and the Kosovo government’s plans to integrate the North. Authorities in Pristina have been working with the EU’s International Civilian Office (ICO) to come up with a plan to integrate Northern Kosovo and get rid of parallel institutions. EULEX, which should be noted to not fall in the same category as ICO, has said that the integration plan is not an EU strategy. UNMIK which has the UN Kosovo Team in the North has stated that it was not consulted in developing the plan for integration.
In other news, EULEX has summoned Vetevendosje leader, Albin Kurti, to court to face charges stemming from the deadly riots in February 2007. In turn Vetevendosje slammed EULEX for not dealing with parallel structures and lacking will to prosecute Serbs.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Kosovars apply for Serbian passports
Many Kosovo Albanians have applied for new biometric passports issued by Serbia after the application of the white schengen visa rules. While Kosovo has started to issue new passports, they are not included in the white schengen zone and must obtain visas to travel to Europe.
In other news, Kosovo Montenegrins are working to gain minority status in Kosovo. There are currently two political parties representing Montenegrins and they are seeking to be officially recognized as a minority in Kosovo and to establish better diplomatic ties between Kosovo and Montenegro. Serbia recently withdrew their ambassador to Montenegro following the establishment of diplomatic ties with Kosovo.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon delivered his report on Kosovo to the Security Council last week and called on Serbia & Kosovo to focus on cooperation rather than status issues. Serbian president Tadic will address the council on January 22nd in a meeting focused on Kosovo. Meanwhile UNMIK has announced that it will further downsize by June 2010 by cutting 60 positions bringing the total mission size to approximately 440 staff.
In other news, Kosovo Montenegrins are working to gain minority status in Kosovo. There are currently two political parties representing Montenegrins and they are seeking to be officially recognized as a minority in Kosovo and to establish better diplomatic ties between Kosovo and Montenegro. Serbia recently withdrew their ambassador to Montenegro following the establishment of diplomatic ties with Kosovo.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon delivered his report on Kosovo to the Security Council last week and called on Serbia & Kosovo to focus on cooperation rather than status issues. Serbian president Tadic will address the council on January 22nd in a meeting focused on Kosovo. Meanwhile UNMIK has announced that it will further downsize by June 2010 by cutting 60 positions bringing the total mission size to approximately 440 staff.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Vetevendosje Strikes Again
The Self-Determination Group (Vetevendosje) struck out at EULEX yesterday, damaging 26 vehicles and injuring three KPS officers. Many of the vehicles were overturned and nearly all had their windows smashed out in the Pristina municipal parking (of course there are signs everywhere saying that the Pristina Municipality is not responsible for damage caused to vehicles while in the lot…but somehow this rates up a little higher than a hit&run fender bender in a parking lot in my book!). The EULEX police spokesperson quickly condemned the attack saying that while the organization supports the democratic right to demonstrate the act of criminal damage is unacceptable. Vetevendosje gave the reasoning of the recent signing of a cooperation agreement on organized crime between the Serbian Ministry of Interior and EULEX for the criminal damage. It has been quite some time since Vetevendosje organized a demonstration like this and the first time that the group has attacked EULEX. As usual, Vetevendosje later alleged police brutality and stated that one of its members was being treated in the local hospital. Rumor has it that KPS initially did not want to intervene to stop the destruction of the vehicles but finally did so on the insistence of EULEX management.
In a separate and unrelated demonstration in the North, EULEX police clashed with demonstrators protesting the rebuilding of Albanian houses in the north of Kosovo. Daily protests continue over the rights of Albanians to rebuild in the north of the Ibar where a Serbian majority resides.
MTCowgirl’s Kosovo News
In a separate and unrelated demonstration in the North, EULEX police clashed with demonstrators protesting the rebuilding of Albanian houses in the north of Kosovo. Daily protests continue over the rights of Albanians to rebuild in the north of the Ibar where a Serbian majority resides.
MTCowgirl’s Kosovo News
- Kosovo elections without cameras
- US Ambassador to Kosovo presents credentials
- Miss Kosovo places third in Miss Universe Pagent
Monday, October 6, 2008
UN Court in Mitrovica Reopens
The infamous UN Court in Mitrovica re-opened eight months after specialized units stormed the building following the occupation by Serbian protestors in February of this year. A few international prosecutors and judges entered the building for the first time on Friday and the court officially will open today. Serbian communities in Gracanica and Mitrovica held demonstrations on Friday against the reopening of the court, EULEX, and minority returns.
There is continued news about the rejection of the nomination of Naim Mala to be Kosovo's ambassador to Switzerland. Switzerland has reportedly expressed concern over Mala's dual Swiss-Kosovo citizenship. There are rumors that Switzerland has stated that he is "not welcome" due to his criminal record however these reports were denied by the Swiss foreign minister who says that there is only a problem with diplomatic immunity due to Mala's dual citizenship. There is speculation that the fuss over Mala's nomination comes from political opposition within Kosovo and has been fueled by the Kosovo media.
MTCowgirl's Kosovo News
There is continued news about the rejection of the nomination of Naim Mala to be Kosovo's ambassador to Switzerland. Switzerland has reportedly expressed concern over Mala's dual Swiss-Kosovo citizenship. There are rumors that Switzerland has stated that he is "not welcome" due to his criminal record however these reports were denied by the Swiss foreign minister who says that there is only a problem with diplomatic immunity due to Mala's dual citizenship. There is speculation that the fuss over Mala's nomination comes from political opposition within Kosovo and has been fueled by the Kosovo media.
MTCowgirl's Kosovo News
- Kosovo will privatize electricity distribution
- Sweden will assist Kosovo property tax agency
- Kosovo police fired for lack of professionalism
- Kosovo universities start new academic year
- Black market petrol rules Northern Kosovo
- EULEX to start by end of year
- EULEX sets six standards for policing
- Canada rules on money laundering case with Kosovo ties
- (When) Will Macedonia recognize Kosovo?
- ICG says West failed to meet commitments in Kosovo
- TV adverts to push Kosovo recognition
- I wonder what will happen if Kosovo request to become a member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference ?
- Kosovo story continues at international level
- Tired story of UNMIK's departure
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Kosovo to go Catholic?
The Vatican is eyeing Kosovo following independence and wondering how much evangelizing it can do in the region. The Kosovo archbishop has stated that Kosovo Muslims need a "cultural baptism" into Catholicism.
In other Kosovo news, the UN mission will remain in Kosovo for the time being according to a report by the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon. The report leaves the question of the legality of the EULEX mission in question as well as the status of the transition between the two organizations.
Kosovo Serbs held a mass protest in N.Mitrovica and Gracanica yesterday promising to continue demonstrating until Kosovo's independence was nullified by the UN. Russia is already threatening to use its power to block Kosovo from joining the UN.
I think I actually forgot to mention that the US is planning on supplying weapons to Kosovo as part of an assistance package. There have been various articles on the topic from Serbia slamming & Kosovo welcoming, Russia's disapproval and US State Department justifications and a summary of different options from RIA Novosti.
Other Kosovo News
In other Kosovo news, the UN mission will remain in Kosovo for the time being according to a report by the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon. The report leaves the question of the legality of the EULEX mission in question as well as the status of the transition between the two organizations.
Kosovo Serbs held a mass protest in N.Mitrovica and Gracanica yesterday promising to continue demonstrating until Kosovo's independence was nullified by the UN. Russia is already threatening to use its power to block Kosovo from joining the UN.
I think I actually forgot to mention that the US is planning on supplying weapons to Kosovo as part of an assistance package. There have been various articles on the topic from Serbia slamming & Kosovo welcoming, Russia's disapproval and US State Department justifications and a summary of different options from RIA Novosti.
Other Kosovo News
- Kosovo oil smuggling gang caught at checkpoint
- Spain holds back personnel from EU mission
- Dyncorp wins $16 million contract for Kosovo NATO bases
- One Killed, three injured in apparent left-over land mine explosion near Pristina airport.
- International community makes a terrible mess wherever it goes
- Its either Uncle Sam or Russia in the Balkans
- US acceptance of Kosovo poses a problem
- Pristina newspaper insists MUP in Kosovo
- Kosovo justice system extremely weak according to watch-group
- Ethnicity trumps nationality in many nations
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
13 Injured in Pristina Shootout
13 people were injured in an apparent shootout between criminal gangs late last night on Bill Clinton Boulevard. It is possible that one of the injured persons later died of their injuries but that information is unconfirmed at this time. Most of the wounded were innocent bystanders, including an 8-year-old girl, who happened to be walking past at the time when one man reported opened fire with an AK47. Police have arrested four people in connection with the shooting.
Following Monday's events, NATO has imposed de facto military law in N.Mitrovica following the riots. The UN has accused Serbian officials of inciting the violence however Serbia denies that there were any members of its Ministry of Interior in the court building. The Kosovo press has also been busy writing about the violence and lack of authority in northern Kosovo. Ukraine is considering the possibility of pulling out their troops from Kosovo following the death of one of their international police officers.
I was sent a link to a very good collection of photos from the riots in N.Mitrovica. Thanks, ER, for passing on the info :) Photos from Italian La Republica
And finally, taking a break from politics for a moment as becoming a news & politics blog was never really my true intention, last night the rain turned to snow and this morning we were greeted with what is probably the last snowfall of the winter which was a total of about 1.5 inches over the course of the night. Kosovo is beautiful after a snowfall until later in the day when all the vehicles have turned the white streets into muddy messes. The temperatures are supposed to stay down in the mid-30�F range for the next week. The talk on the street these days is that MSN Weather is kicking butt in weather reporting for Kosovo and seems to be the most accurate weather reporting site the days.
I realized as well that I never updated my Restaurant Guide to include one of my favorite newer places to go, Odyssea Bistro Bar. I know that I talked about Odyssea Bakery which has heavenly desserts and breads but I never got around to mentioning that earlier this year they opened up a very nice restaurant in Pejton Place. The restaurant interior would make you forget you were in Kosovo with a large central bar, posh bathrooms, and excellent ventilation. Odyssea Bistro is a great place to head if you want a quick meal or just to hang out to talk to friends. The background music is relaxing and kept low enough so that you can have a normal conversation across the table on a Friday night but still loud enough so that you can enjoy listening to the lively collection. The bar's cocktail menu is extensive and includes Caipirinha when they have cacha�a and my personal favorite, the Appletini although you have to say Apple Martini to the waiters or I need to work on my English *hehe*
Following Monday's events, NATO has imposed de facto military law in N.Mitrovica following the riots. The UN has accused Serbian officials of inciting the violence however Serbia denies that there were any members of its Ministry of Interior in the court building. The Kosovo press has also been busy writing about the violence and lack of authority in northern Kosovo. Ukraine is considering the possibility of pulling out their troops from Kosovo following the death of one of their international police officers.
I was sent a link to a very good collection of photos from the riots in N.Mitrovica. Thanks, ER, for passing on the info :) Photos from Italian La Republica
And finally, taking a break from politics for a moment as becoming a news & politics blog was never really my true intention, last night the rain turned to snow and this morning we were greeted with what is probably the last snowfall of the winter which was a total of about 1.5 inches over the course of the night. Kosovo is beautiful after a snowfall until later in the day when all the vehicles have turned the white streets into muddy messes. The temperatures are supposed to stay down in the mid-30�F range for the next week. The talk on the street these days is that MSN Weather is kicking butt in weather reporting for Kosovo and seems to be the most accurate weather reporting site the days.
I realized as well that I never updated my Restaurant Guide to include one of my favorite newer places to go, Odyssea Bistro Bar. I know that I talked about Odyssea Bakery which has heavenly desserts and breads but I never got around to mentioning that earlier this year they opened up a very nice restaurant in Pejton Place. The restaurant interior would make you forget you were in Kosovo with a large central bar, posh bathrooms, and excellent ventilation. Odyssea Bistro is a great place to head if you want a quick meal or just to hang out to talk to friends. The background music is relaxing and kept low enough so that you can have a normal conversation across the table on a Friday night but still loud enough so that you can enjoy listening to the lively collection. The bar's cocktail menu is extensive and includes Caipirinha when they have cacha�a and my personal favorite, the Appletini although you have to say Apple Martini to the waiters or I need to work on my English *hehe*
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Morning After Hang-over
It is with sadness that I write today that one Ukrainian peacekeeper with the UN was killed yesterday during violent clashes between Serbs, UN, and NATO in North Mitrovica. Around 40 UN peacekeepers and a handful of NATO troops were injured in the clashes which also left some 70 Serb civilians injured, one reported to be in critical condition. The situation appears to be calm and quiet this morning, perhaps there is a bit of a morning after hang-over from yesterday that has people wondering what exactly went wrong.
Kosovo News - (Related to yesterday's events)
(And since it has been a while, my little disclaimer...these articles/commentary do not reflect my personal opinion but while reading, I found them interesting with possibly some valid points hence my reason for sharing them. Perhaps you agree, maybe you don't but at least by reading them you'll be better informed about the arguments people make for (it's harder to find those articles for some reason!) and against Kosovo's independence and the difficulties an independent Kosovo face :)
Kosovo News - (Related to yesterday's events)
- After Kosovo violence, NATO vow to restore order
- Russia blames UN for Kosovo violence
- Ukrainian police officer dies of injuries sustained during riots
- UN police withdraw for Northern Kososo
- NATO holds line in tense north Kosovo
(And since it has been a while, my little disclaimer...these articles/commentary do not reflect my personal opinion but while reading, I found them interesting with possibly some valid points hence my reason for sharing them. Perhaps you agree, maybe you don't but at least by reading them you'll be better informed about the arguments people make for (it's harder to find those articles for some reason!) and against Kosovo's independence and the difficulties an independent Kosovo face :)
- After Kosovo, the Dilemma of Colonialism
- After Kosovo, the Deluge
- Serbs in Kosovo call for Russian weapons
- The hidden danger in Kosovo
Monday, March 17, 2008
UN Retakes UN Court in N.Mitrovica
1400 CET: Reports from this morning are that approximately 30 UN Special Police, at least 22 Polish, and 8 French KFOR soldiers were injured in this mornings operation and violent riot. UN police were ordered to evacuate North Mitrovica as a result. One can only wonder who was the brain-child behind having the operation to storm the courthouse on the anniversary of the March 2004 riots...kind of makes you go "hmm" or "duh"! Police used tear gas & stun grenades to dispere the rioters and there are reports that they came under fire from automatic weapons in addition to facing grenades and Molotov cocktails. 20 Serb demonstrators are reported to have been injured in the mornings events and there is a rumor that one Serb was shot and killed while another is seriously injured. There is also information that one international officer was shot. There is a quite good picture of the UN vehicle set alight in the Telegraph.
1000 CET: UN Special Police backed by NATO peacekeepers stormed the UN Courthouse in N.Mitrovica arresting 53 Serbian demonstrators who had been holed up in the building since last Friday's demonstation. Three UN police and two NATO peacekeepers were reported to be injured during an apparent hand grenade explosion during the operation. Thousands of Serbs turned up to protest the retaking of the court, stopped a UN convoy transporting the courthouse detainees releasing approximately 20 people, and activated an air raid siren during the demonstration. There are rumors that the UN police were ordered to evacuate N.Mitrovica following the demonstration. There are some reports of a few UN vehicles attacked and at least one set on fire during the course of the operation and subsequent demonstration.
1000 CET: UN Special Police backed by NATO peacekeepers stormed the UN Courthouse in N.Mitrovica arresting 53 Serbian demonstrators who had been holed up in the building since last Friday's demonstation. Three UN police and two NATO peacekeepers were reported to be injured during an apparent hand grenade explosion during the operation. Thousands of Serbs turned up to protest the retaking of the court, stopped a UN convoy transporting the courthouse detainees releasing approximately 20 people, and activated an air raid siren during the demonstration. There are rumors that the UN police were ordered to evacuate N.Mitrovica following the demonstration. There are some reports of a few UN vehicles attacked and at least one set on fire during the course of the operation and subsequent demonstration.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Serb Protestors Take Over UN Court in N.Mitrovica
1210 CET: A couple hundred of former court employees took over the UN Court Building in North Mitrovica this morning when Polish and Ukrainian UN Special Police Units (SPU) backed down. There were reports that some protestors were beating police with metal bars but overall the protest has been said to be peaceful. The group managed to break through the court's outer gate and enter the building. Details are still sketchy at this time but I'll post more as it comes out.
Meanwhile, Kosovo PM Thaci has asked the UN and NATO to restore order to northern Kosovo. Also, Kosovo has unveiled a new design for their national passports which will replace the ones issued by UNMIK . The government is additionally planning on opening some 20 embassies around the world in 2008.
MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary
Meanwhile, Kosovo PM Thaci has asked the UN and NATO to restore order to northern Kosovo. Also, Kosovo has unveiled a new design for their national passports which will replace the ones issued by UNMIK . The government is additionally planning on opening some 20 embassies around the world in 2008.
MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary
- Kosovo women suffer
- Kosovo government lauches brain gain campaign.
- Who is in charge of Kosovo?
- Further proof of American geography prowess, poll shows people believe Chechnya not Kosovo broke away from Serbia
- Kosovo and some other disputed territories
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
As the Locals Say, What to Do?!
Serbs in North Mitrovica continue their daily protests at 12:44pm each day. There have been several incidents at the UNMIK HQ in the north of town with vehicles being damaged and some shootings. Additionally Serbian civil servants have been rejecting the authority of Kosovo instutions from KPS to the local government. And the UN has been fighting Serbia over control over the rail line in the north.
In other Kosovo-related news, Azerbaijan is planning on withdrawing its 34 peacekeepers from Kosovo due to the unilateral declaration. And singer Bjork was reportedly kicked out of the Exit Festival due to her Kosovo politics. Also, while it may not be a priority, one must wonder what about football in Kosovo?
MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary
In other Kosovo-related news, Azerbaijan is planning on withdrawing its 34 peacekeepers from Kosovo due to the unilateral declaration. And singer Bjork was reportedly kicked out of the Exit Festival due to her Kosovo politics. Also, while it may not be a priority, one must wonder what about football in Kosovo?
MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary
- The limits of analogy on Kosovo
- Kosovo as a Muslim State, false fears and false hopes
- Give Kosovo a chance
- Kosovo independence provides opportunities for the Gospel
- In newly independence Kosovo, what's the UN to do?
- The Albanization of international law
- Bulgaria's cowardice on Kosovo
- Kosovo history depends on which historian you ask
- The meaning of Kosovo's independence and new Western imperialism
- Serbian government near collapse over Kosovo
- UN Security Council unable to solve Kosovo status
- Kosovo identifies corrupt officials
- NATO eyes reinforcements as Serb boycott continues
- Kosovo assembly passes 30 laws, most relating to Ahtisaari package
- Kosovo starts campaign to destroy small arms
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Police use tear-gas to disperse Serb rioters
Yesterday, police and NATO peacekeepers used tear-gas against approximately 150 Serb reservists during a violent protest at the Mutovid checkpoint between Kosovo and Serbia. The protestors were hurling rocks and bottles at the police. The security forces reportedly charged the crowd with riot shields before firing off the tear-gas. It was reported that up to 18 KPS officers were injured in the incident at the border. In a separate protest in North Mitrovica, protestors burned a picture of moderate EU-leaning Serb president Boris Tadic and EU flags.
With all the events in Kosovo, there is a ton of information being published daily. Naturally there is an exponential number of commentaries...as usual, I am posting not because the views presents are similar to my opinion but because I found the article interesting and believe that in order to understand things you need to know all you can about what people think of certain situations :)
With that said here are MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary
With all the events in Kosovo, there is a ton of information being published daily. Naturally there is an exponential number of commentaries...as usual, I am posting not because the views presents are similar to my opinion but because I found the article interesting and believe that in order to understand things you need to know all you can about what people think of certain situations :)
With that said here are MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)