I'm not sure if it was a joke but a while back there was an email circulating of a supposed survey of the different watches the leaders of the world wore. Russia's Putin wore a $40,000 watch...most of the watches were quite expensive until you got down to US President Bush and you saw that he wears a $20-30 Timex. Anyways, rumors and mystery surround Bush's visit to Albania when a video emerged of the supposed theft of Bush's timepiece. While Bush is shaking hands, his watch disappears. The White House denies that the watch was stolen but still...it's quite interesting and those of us in Kosovo wouldn't put it past someone to cheekily slip the watch off a dignitary's wrist ;o)
Meanwhile, Serbian politicians have lashed out at the US policy towards Kosovo stating the the US needs to find another way to express its love of Albanians besides giving away Serbian territory. Ouch, but well said! Serbia also has welcomed the resumption of EU accession talks but has linked what the EU contends are two separate issues, Kosovo and Serbia's EU status.
The competition for Kosovo's national symbol is now underway. Kosovar and foreign entrants have until June 27th to submit their ideas that incorporate the multi-ethnic makeup of Kosovo and create a symbol that "must not utilize the representation of any eagle symbol, particularly with regard to such depictions in the symbols of other states, and must not exclusively use a red and black color scheme, or a red, white and blue color scheme." The winner of the contest will receive 10,000 Euros with second and third prize receiving generous prizes as well
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
Blah, Blah
The politicians continue to "blah, blah" about Kosovo. President Bush in his European tour to Albanian stated that "sooner, rather than later, you've got to say enough is enough, Kosovo is independent". Bush also stated that he was worried that the expectations of Albanians in Kosovo were not being met and went on to say that there should be a deadline for the UN resolution or else the US would push forward the process in some undetermined way. He later backtracked a bit on the idea of a deadline and seemed to not remember exactly what he had said in Tirana.
However, Serbia's government issued a statement that Kosovo's future is in the hands of the UN Security Council, not the US and that Belgrade is enjoying the firm backing. Russia stated they was pleased that now the other G8 countries were taking its arguments seriously and perhaps now realizing that Russia was serious about using its veto powers.
Meanwhile, Kosovo politicians are under pressure to unilaterally declare independence and deliver on the promises that they've made to the citizens over the past years. The radical Vetevendosje group has called for protests on 30 June because of the delays in the status settlement.
The French plan proposed by President Sarkozy was rejected by most of the G8 countries so there will be no six month plan for delay...but with the continued distance between positions, it would be no great surprise if the status was delayed for that period of time or longer. Russian president Vladimir Putin will visit Bush in Maine on 1 July. Kosovo is likely to be a hot topic of discussion.
The alleged mass grave in Serbia has turned out to be not as expected. Initial reports were that there were 350-500 bodies buried in an abandoned rock quarry in Serbia but after four days of digging, crews have not come across any signs of a mass grave and the government has called off the search in that section of the quarry. The investigator are still looking in other parts of the rock quarry as witness statements are that four trucks dumped what were believed to be Albanian bodies in the rock quarry.
However, Serbia's government issued a statement that Kosovo's future is in the hands of the UN Security Council, not the US and that Belgrade is enjoying the firm backing. Russia stated they was pleased that now the other G8 countries were taking its arguments seriously and perhaps now realizing that Russia was serious about using its veto powers.
Meanwhile, Kosovo politicians are under pressure to unilaterally declare independence and deliver on the promises that they've made to the citizens over the past years. The radical Vetevendosje group has called for protests on 30 June because of the delays in the status settlement.
The French plan proposed by President Sarkozy was rejected by most of the G8 countries so there will be no six month plan for delay...but with the continued distance between positions, it would be no great surprise if the status was delayed for that period of time or longer. Russian president Vladimir Putin will visit Bush in Maine on 1 July. Kosovo is likely to be a hot topic of discussion.
The alleged mass grave in Serbia has turned out to be not as expected. Initial reports were that there were 350-500 bodies buried in an abandoned rock quarry in Serbia but after four days of digging, crews have not come across any signs of a mass grave and the government has called off the search in that section of the quarry. The investigator are still looking in other parts of the rock quarry as witness statements are that four trucks dumped what were believed to be Albanian bodies in the rock quarry.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Kosovo To Run Out of Water In 3 Months
Reports are flowing *har-har* in that Kosovo is going to run out of water in September 2007 unless there is a significant change in the weather and usage habits. Municipal authorities have stated that the water reservoirs are significantly lower than normal and that water rationing will begin in September with only hospitals and emergency services being provided water. With that said, when I was out walking Smokey last night at least three of my neighbors were outside with water hoses washing off their sidewalks and the street in front of their homes. It seems that the local population just doesn't concern itself with the fact that supplies are running short and they will be without water in a couple of months. The UN could also start cutting down on its water consumption by stopping the washing of the compound parking lots. Let it be dusty and let there be water at the end of the summer, I say!
Today's MTCowgirl's Kosovo Update!!!
France has proposed that the Security Council delay voting on the Kosovo resolution for six months and allow Pristina and Belgrade to work out a solution. If no solution is worked out, then the SC can vote on the resolution. This proposal has not made Kosovo PM Agim Ceku happy and he has warned the West not to "betray" the trust of the Albanians.
Meanwhile, Kosovo negotiatior Veton Surroi says that the SC should vote on the Kosovo resolution Russian veto or not. Surroi believes that Kosovo will make a move to unilaterally declare independence if the vote is delayed because the Albanian government has "two obligations towards Kosovo citizens - the process of independence, and the partnership with the international community". While the US has indicated that it will recognize Kosovo should it declare independence, the EU would likely be split. The Economist briefly looks at how a delay in voting may pan out.
BIRN features an article calling Albanians to show their support for the Ahtisaari plan through peaceful means. The author warns that unless the government organizes the people to support the plan people like Albin Kurti will mobilize...and create problems that could adversely affect Kosovo's independence bid.
Today's MTCowgirl's Kosovo Update!!!
France has proposed that the Security Council delay voting on the Kosovo resolution for six months and allow Pristina and Belgrade to work out a solution. If no solution is worked out, then the SC can vote on the resolution. This proposal has not made Kosovo PM Agim Ceku happy and he has warned the West not to "betray" the trust of the Albanians.
Meanwhile, Kosovo negotiatior Veton Surroi says that the SC should vote on the Kosovo resolution Russian veto or not. Surroi believes that Kosovo will make a move to unilaterally declare independence if the vote is delayed because the Albanian government has "two obligations towards Kosovo citizens - the process of independence, and the partnership with the international community". While the US has indicated that it will recognize Kosovo should it declare independence, the EU would likely be split. The Economist briefly looks at how a delay in voting may pan out.
BIRN features an article calling Albanians to show their support for the Ahtisaari plan through peaceful means. The author warns that unless the government organizes the people to support the plan people like Albin Kurti will mobilize...and create problems that could adversely affect Kosovo's independence bid.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Over the Top
<soapbox>I started off on the soapbox today because I came across one article that really made me uncomfortable. Of course in the news, you can always find articles that are very one-sided...but this one was a bit over the top with its accusations.
An author writing in FrontPageMag talks about how he saw many UN staff walking around in "full hijab Islamic head coverings" and that worried him because the "U.N. is suppose to protect the Christians who live there if they are attacked". He even placed a picture of a UN staff member driving in her vehicle who happens to wear a head scarf and dress. The implication that this UN staff member is unwilling to do her job in protecting minorities is quite undeserving. And of the many UN staff this reporter says he saw, the staff member that he took a picture of is the ONLY staff member that I know who chooses to wear the head scarf. In the course of my six years in Kosovo, I have only ever known two staff members who wore Islamic dress. You'll find many more in African traditional clothing than Islamic! How one person making a choice to wear the scarf boils down to many people running around in Islamic dress and the UN being unwilling to protect minorities because somehow our religion prevents our objectivity is quite an interesting jump from reality to fantasy. Further incorrect facts in the authors article made me realize that he really has no earthly idea what he is talking about and probably needs to spend more time in the Balkans learning the facts...and not going around looking for information to support the conclusions he has already drawn up.
And on another point...there is a common misperception that all Albanians are Muslim. The correct phrase is predominantly Muslim as there are several thousand Catholic Albanians. In fact, around 4000 Catholic Albanians participated in a youth festival about a week ago held in Letnice, a cool little village near the Macedonian border. If I remember the story correctly from my visit many moons ago, Mother Theresa, an ethnic Albanian, lived in the nunnery in the village for a time.</soapbox>
Anyways...on to the "real" news...
Albanians in Presevo and Bujanovac municipality have decided to form a joint body to negotiate with the Serbian government to join Kosovo. Statistically, Presevo is around 85% Albanian but Bujanovac is more 50/50 Serb/Albanian. The "National Council" will supposedly negotiate directly with Belgrade rather than become an issue in the Kosovo negotiations.
BIRN features an article on the economic viablity of an independent Kosovo. The author argues that the UN and local government are to blame for the current economic problems because they failed to create good conditions for a stable economy. The author then goes on to discuss some of the economic possibilities in Kosovo should it become independent.
Serbian authorities are looking into an apparent mass grave of Albanians in Serbia. The grave may contain as many as 350-500 bodies and could be the victims of the 1998-1999 war. Reports of four trucks unloading bodies was reported and the possibility of the grave first came to attention a few months ago.
And the new rumors...
So far there has been no progress during the G8 summit in the area of Kosovo. The US and Russia still remain far apart in their ideas of the right solution. Estimates are now that a vote could happen after the G8 summit and Russia will veto. Or...the vote will be delay until after meeting between Bush and Putin at the beginning of July. In speaking to an officer working on coming over with the EU, the earliest that the EU police mission could come to Kosovo would be around the beginning of August.
The following goes under the rumor corner because I cannot find any news in English...but to share what I've heard...here goes! Russia has stated that there are three stipulations that must be met before they will agree to any resolution on Kosovo. The first is that Russian troops will come back to Kosovo to protect the Serbian minority. The second is that Kosovo will be called by its historical name of Kosovo-Metohija. And the last is that Kosovo will not be allowed to join the UN for a set number of years.
An author writing in FrontPageMag talks about how he saw many UN staff walking around in "full hijab Islamic head coverings" and that worried him because the "U.N. is suppose to protect the Christians who live there if they are attacked". He even placed a picture of a UN staff member driving in her vehicle who happens to wear a head scarf and dress. The implication that this UN staff member is unwilling to do her job in protecting minorities is quite undeserving. And of the many UN staff this reporter says he saw, the staff member that he took a picture of is the ONLY staff member that I know who chooses to wear the head scarf. In the course of my six years in Kosovo, I have only ever known two staff members who wore Islamic dress. You'll find many more in African traditional clothing than Islamic! How one person making a choice to wear the scarf boils down to many people running around in Islamic dress and the UN being unwilling to protect minorities because somehow our religion prevents our objectivity is quite an interesting jump from reality to fantasy. Further incorrect facts in the authors article made me realize that he really has no earthly idea what he is talking about and probably needs to spend more time in the Balkans learning the facts...and not going around looking for information to support the conclusions he has already drawn up.
And on another point...there is a common misperception that all Albanians are Muslim. The correct phrase is predominantly Muslim as there are several thousand Catholic Albanians. In fact, around 4000 Catholic Albanians participated in a youth festival about a week ago held in Letnice, a cool little village near the Macedonian border. If I remember the story correctly from my visit many moons ago, Mother Theresa, an ethnic Albanian, lived in the nunnery in the village for a time.</soapbox>
Anyways...on to the "real" news...
Albanians in Presevo and Bujanovac municipality have decided to form a joint body to negotiate with the Serbian government to join Kosovo. Statistically, Presevo is around 85% Albanian but Bujanovac is more 50/50 Serb/Albanian. The "National Council" will supposedly negotiate directly with Belgrade rather than become an issue in the Kosovo negotiations.
BIRN features an article on the economic viablity of an independent Kosovo. The author argues that the UN and local government are to blame for the current economic problems because they failed to create good conditions for a stable economy. The author then goes on to discuss some of the economic possibilities in Kosovo should it become independent.
Serbian authorities are looking into an apparent mass grave of Albanians in Serbia. The grave may contain as many as 350-500 bodies and could be the victims of the 1998-1999 war. Reports of four trucks unloading bodies was reported and the possibility of the grave first came to attention a few months ago.
And the new rumors...
So far there has been no progress during the G8 summit in the area of Kosovo. The US and Russia still remain far apart in their ideas of the right solution. Estimates are now that a vote could happen after the G8 summit and Russia will veto. Or...the vote will be delay until after meeting between Bush and Putin at the beginning of July. In speaking to an officer working on coming over with the EU, the earliest that the EU police mission could come to Kosovo would be around the beginning of August.
The following goes under the rumor corner because I cannot find any news in English...but to share what I've heard...here goes! Russia has stated that there are three stipulations that must be met before they will agree to any resolution on Kosovo. The first is that Russian troops will come back to Kosovo to protect the Serbian minority. The second is that Kosovo will be called by its historical name of Kosovo-Metohija. And the last is that Kosovo will not be allowed to join the UN for a set number of years.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Decision Soon???
The question on everyone's minds lately is whether or not the UN Security Council will make a decision soon about the future status of Kosovo. If bookies were taking bets on when Kosovo would gain independence, a lot of people would be losing money. No one really knows what will happen in the next few weeks, months, or even years. Kosovo PM Agim Ceku when asked when Kosovo would be independent said "Very Soon" while one Kosovo newspaper quoted an unnamed Western diplomat who said that the vote would occur by June 29th. Meanwhile, the US ambassador, Zalmay Khalilzad, told reporters that the US expects that the issue will be voted on sometime this week.
The issue of deciding Kosovo's status seems to boil down to a situation much like after you've gone all in at a poker game and you are looking around the table to see what everyone else will do. Thinking of poker, to a degree the West has been criticized for not taking Russia's threat to use its veto seriously enough...perhaps they thought to call a bluff when the other side wasn't really bluffing.
The situation does make one wonder if the countries who have been pushing to resolve the status are really overly concerned about what the Albanian population wants. IMHO it's more about "what's in it for me". For the US, it's the creation of a Muslim-state in the "heart of Europe" and proving that our country and government isn't waging a war on Islam just terrorists (who happen to be Muslim?!) For Russia, well it goes both ways, they'd probably be happy with any decision because they can apply it in Chechnya or other breakaway provinces who want to rejoin Russia. Indonesians are looking at how the situation can be applied to them and their two provinces that are vying for independence.
MTCowgirl's Kosovo News Update -->
Albin Kurti was indicted yesterday for having a role in organizing the violent protest on 10 February which resulted in the deaths of two protestors. He also is facing charges for obstructing police and "calls to resistance" according to a UN statement. Kurti was released some time ago from his pretrial detention but was re-arrested shortly after being placed on house arrest for speaking to the media and leaving his home without permission.
Reuters AlertNet takes a look at What's Wrong with Ahtisaari's Plan and the Jakarta Post looks into how some Indonesians seem to be more concerned about Muslims abroad (Kosovo) than at home (Aceh). The LA Times features an article on how the future of Kosovo independence cuts two ways, the Albanians get what they want but the Serbs say it diminishes their chances of returning.
When it comes to separatist movements elsewhere in the world, many politicians have said over and over that the Kosovo situation is unique but others have compared Kosovo to say the Kurdish territory in Iraq and drawn many parallels. No matter what the diplomats or Security Council says, movements around the world are carefully watching the situation and waiting to see if they can apply any decisions made to their own causes. The Washington Times looks into some of the different groups watching Kosovo. The leaders of breakaway republics Abkhazia and South Ossetia signed a joint statement on Monday that states that they have "more rights than Kosovo to be recognized independent". The statement was addressed to the Secretary-General of the UN and Council of Europe as well as the heads of various international organizations in order to "represent Abkhazia's and South Ossetia's position" on the independence of Kosovo.
The issue of deciding Kosovo's status seems to boil down to a situation much like after you've gone all in at a poker game and you are looking around the table to see what everyone else will do. Thinking of poker, to a degree the West has been criticized for not taking Russia's threat to use its veto seriously enough...perhaps they thought to call a bluff when the other side wasn't really bluffing.
The situation does make one wonder if the countries who have been pushing to resolve the status are really overly concerned about what the Albanian population wants. IMHO it's more about "what's in it for me". For the US, it's the creation of a Muslim-state in the "heart of Europe" and proving that our country and government isn't waging a war on Islam just terrorists (who happen to be Muslim?!) For Russia, well it goes both ways, they'd probably be happy with any decision because they can apply it in Chechnya or other breakaway provinces who want to rejoin Russia. Indonesians are looking at how the situation can be applied to them and their two provinces that are vying for independence.
MTCowgirl's Kosovo News Update -->
Albin Kurti was indicted yesterday for having a role in organizing the violent protest on 10 February which resulted in the deaths of two protestors. He also is facing charges for obstructing police and "calls to resistance" according to a UN statement. Kurti was released some time ago from his pretrial detention but was re-arrested shortly after being placed on house arrest for speaking to the media and leaving his home without permission.
Reuters AlertNet takes a look at What's Wrong with Ahtisaari's Plan and the Jakarta Post looks into how some Indonesians seem to be more concerned about Muslims abroad (Kosovo) than at home (Aceh). The LA Times features an article on how the future of Kosovo independence cuts two ways, the Albanians get what they want but the Serbs say it diminishes their chances of returning.
When it comes to separatist movements elsewhere in the world, many politicians have said over and over that the Kosovo situation is unique but others have compared Kosovo to say the Kurdish territory in Iraq and drawn many parallels. No matter what the diplomats or Security Council says, movements around the world are carefully watching the situation and waiting to see if they can apply any decisions made to their own causes. The Washington Times looks into some of the different groups watching Kosovo. The leaders of breakaway republics Abkhazia and South Ossetia signed a joint statement on Monday that states that they have "more rights than Kosovo to be recognized independent". The statement was addressed to the Secretary-General of the UN and Council of Europe as well as the heads of various international organizations in order to "represent Abkhazia's and South Ossetia's position" on the independence of Kosovo.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Rumors, Rumors :)
There are several different rumors floating around recently and who knows how true they are...but here are a couple that have passed by MTCowgirl. Now remember, these are just rumors and I'm not saying they are true or anything...it's just what several little birdies have told me :)
First for the UNPol (aka Civpol), yes I saw the memo that we aren't supposed to refer to you as Civpol officers anymore less we offend someone in NY who hasn't cared what we have called you for the past eight years but I digress...I've heard that those of you who need extensions are going to receive some sort of extension to October 2007. After October you will go to month by month technical extensions and the two-year limit on contracts will no longer be enforced.
Next is for the mission itself...seems that the UN Security Council doesn't know what to do. Maybe no one took Russia seriously when they threatened to use their veto. Since the UK's plan was rejected, new rumors are circulating that there isn't going to be any decision soon and the UN mission will be extended another year and the EU mission will be delayed. I know that the national (aka local...I'm sure there is a memo about that too) staff have already received one year extensions of their contracts. Many of the international staff whose contracts expire at the end of June are still waiting to see what kind of extension they will receive. It's all a hurry-up-and-wait kind of deal.
The Beach Volleyball Tournament and BBQ was a big success. The members of the Sports Committee really busted our butts to get the event organized and in the end, we had 17 teams registered to play volleyball. So much for getting the entire tournament done in one day! We decided in the evening to postpone the quarters, semis, and final for two weeks to allow us to prepare another party and finish off the tournament in the light. So be on the lookout for more information about our next big party at TSS!!!
In the news, Kosovo Railways is facing a serious theft problem and should it continue they may be forced to shut down. Thieves are stealing infrastructure from railway ties to platform speakers to sell on the black market. In the first three months of 2007, thefts have cost the company more than 90,000 Euros in damages and in 2006, the company lost 740,000 Euros to thieves. A professor of philosophy at the University of Pristina stated that he doubts that the police will be able to stop the thieves but rather an educational program needs to be developed to teach a moral code on public property and perhaps respect for the rule of law. In the 51 cases of theft, Kosovo police have only solved 7 cases.
There is a long but interesting piece on resolving Kosovo's status in the American political newsletter CounterPunch called How to Make a Bad Situation Impossible: Great Power Meddling in Kosovo
First for the UNPol (aka Civpol), yes I saw the memo that we aren't supposed to refer to you as Civpol officers anymore less we offend someone in NY who hasn't cared what we have called you for the past eight years but I digress...I've heard that those of you who need extensions are going to receive some sort of extension to October 2007. After October you will go to month by month technical extensions and the two-year limit on contracts will no longer be enforced.
Next is for the mission itself...seems that the UN Security Council doesn't know what to do. Maybe no one took Russia seriously when they threatened to use their veto. Since the UK's plan was rejected, new rumors are circulating that there isn't going to be any decision soon and the UN mission will be extended another year and the EU mission will be delayed. I know that the national (aka local...I'm sure there is a memo about that too) staff have already received one year extensions of their contracts. Many of the international staff whose contracts expire at the end of June are still waiting to see what kind of extension they will receive. It's all a hurry-up-and-wait kind of deal.
The Beach Volleyball Tournament and BBQ was a big success. The members of the Sports Committee really busted our butts to get the event organized and in the end, we had 17 teams registered to play volleyball. So much for getting the entire tournament done in one day! We decided in the evening to postpone the quarters, semis, and final for two weeks to allow us to prepare another party and finish off the tournament in the light. So be on the lookout for more information about our next big party at TSS!!!
In the news, Kosovo Railways is facing a serious theft problem and should it continue they may be forced to shut down. Thieves are stealing infrastructure from railway ties to platform speakers to sell on the black market. In the first three months of 2007, thefts have cost the company more than 90,000 Euros in damages and in 2006, the company lost 740,000 Euros to thieves. A professor of philosophy at the University of Pristina stated that he doubts that the police will be able to stop the thieves but rather an educational program needs to be developed to teach a moral code on public property and perhaps respect for the rule of law. In the 51 cases of theft, Kosovo police have only solved 7 cases.
There is a long but interesting piece on resolving Kosovo's status in the American political newsletter CounterPunch called How to Make a Bad Situation Impossible: Great Power Meddling in Kosovo
Friday, June 1, 2007
Weekend Events!!!
Dj Vegas is returning to the Phoenix Bar on Friday to mix up the best of the hits from the 70's, 80's, 90's, electronica/dance, and maybe even a bit of country music for my fellow Americans (if you show up!!!) It may turn into a regular event and I'll keep you posted :)
On Saturday, the SRC Sports Committee is having a Beach Volleyball Tournament followed by a FREE (yup, F-R-E-E!) BBQ. There are currently 14 teams registered for the tournament with room for 2 more so get your forms in now if you want to play this weekend!!! The BBQ will begin at 1600 hours and includes everything from food to beer & sangria :)
In Kosovo news, Russia has rejected the joint US-EU resolution put forth in the Security Council. The resolution introduced by the UK makes some concessions to Russia such as creating a special representative to look over minority returns while continuing to support Ahtisaari's proposal for supervised independence. However Russia insists that the Security Council must find a solution that is mutually agreed upon and so far Belgrade has rejected Ahtisaari's plan. It was hoped that a vote would take place this week however now it seems unlikely that there will be any voting before a G8 summit that ends the 8th of June.
Eight people were arrested in an organized crime investigation into business dealings of the Private Bank for Business (BPB) in Kosovo. One of the eight was identified as the former chairperson of the Board of Directors. Some of the others were also members of the Board of Directors. The eight will face possible charges of misusing authorizations and funds. The individuals are thought to have cost the bank more than 10 million euros in business deals designed for self-profit. The bank's new management is thought to have insisted on the investigation when the Kosovo Central Bank found irregularities in August 2006.
In a rather interesting article, Serbia is accusing the West of ethnic cleansing of the Kosovo-Serb population by offering immigration visas to those living in enclaves. Serb representatives state that NGOs have been touring enclaves and luring away young Serbs by promising and delivering quick immigrant visas to European countries. According to one Serb rep, in the past year 300 Serb couples have been granted immigrant visas to northern European countries.
Today is International Children's Day. I recall stumbling upon a celebration a couple years ago on Mother Theresa Street and being able to capture some of Kosovo's children performing traditional dances in full dress. It was quite enjoyable and I wonder if there might be another street party. Unfortunately I haven't seen any advertising...only a brief article on how OSCE is supporting the day.
Yesterday, the Kosovo government announced a two-week contest for the design of a new state symbol, required by the Ahtisaari proposal. The new symbol must reflect the multi-ethnic nature of Kosovo according to the proposal. The contest will begin 4 June. In the meantime, it has been decided that Kosovo will issue passports without a crest but the words "Republic of Kosovo".
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