independence – Dielli

Kosovo-Toward True Independence

September 24, 2020 by dgreca

By Alon Ben-Meir- September 24, 2020-Kosovo became the youngest country in Europe when it declared independence in 2008. Sadly though, Kosovo continues to suffer from mounting problems, including a lack of experience in governing, rampant corruption (especially at the top echelons of the national government), dislocation of human and natural resources, bitter political rivalries, and undue influence by foreign powers. Although these problems and others have impeded Kosovo’s progress, the country has tremendous potential if it only mobilizes its human and material resources and establishes a cohesive national agenda aimed at addressing its woes and unraveling the web of problems that have plagued the country from its inception.
As a young country, it is expected that many of the following problems would occur. But given its youth and being that its very existence is still contested, Kosovo must focus on addressing its national shortcomings to enable it to stand on its feet and cement its independence while growing and prospering.
Weeding out corruption: There is nothing more debilitating to the country than widespread corruption and organized crime, which have infected much of the government as well as the private sector. Kosovo ranks low—101—on Transparency International’s 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index listing 180 countries from least to most corrupt.
Whether appointing cronies unqualified to government posts, cutting corners in businesses, wantonly spending government funds, compromising national interest for personal financial benefit, making unsavory deals with foreign entities, and squandering money on projects for political favors, all severely limit Kosovo’s progress and undermine its standing in the eyes of the international community. Weeding out corruption is a must, especially if the country wants to attract foreign investment and financial assistance, which are critical for its flagging economy.
Strengthening democracy: Central to its future wellbeing and eligibility for EU accession, Kosovo must adhere to the democratic principles on which it was founded and strengthen its democratic institutions. Moreover, since Kosovo had successive governments characterized by fragile, dysfunctional, and weak coalitions, it must now focus on repairing its mismanagement by being transparent and accountable and scrutinize scandalous decisions by leaders. It must also allow for independent oversight bodies and the enforcement of the rule of law, as progress on improving human rights protections was slow in recent years according to Human Rights Watch.
Despite Kosovo’s comprehensive legal framework for the independent media sector, little progress was made in implementing this framework in practice. In the first eight months of 2018, the Association of Journalists of Kosovo documented 13 cases of threats and violence against journalists. A free media, speech, assembly, and peaceful protest must be treated as sacrosanct as they are the pillars on which democracy thrives or dies. Moreover, the government must ensure individual freedoms in all walks of life, protect minorities and vulnerable groups, and safeguard human rights and equality before the law.
Mobilizing human resources: Kosovo is one of the continent’s poorest and youngest countries. Unemployment is almost 30 percent, disproportionately affecting the young. Kosovo’s treasure of young people—53 percent of the population is under the age of 25—have futures in limbo due to the limited opportunities to grow and prosper professionally.
Many young adults with university degrees who could become significant contributors to the building, growth, and prosperity of the nation end up leaving the country for better job opportunities. This brain drain is the biggest loss for the country. The government must plan and institute national programs to provide a better future for the young who would otherwise be gone permanently.

Investing in sustainable development: Sustainable development projects involving community input-be that land development, afforestation, collective produce and animal farming, and manufacturing of house-hold products—will be a critical national program. These projects will provide thousands of young professionals the opportunity to work closely with their communities, use their skills, and develop a sense of belonging as well as a vested interest in the development of their projects. This will help improve living standards in rural communities, increase competitiveness in agriculture, and allow the young to develop skills to the benefit of all.
For example, $2 million will achieve profoundly impactful community projects in water management (drinking and irrigation) and school infrastructure, women’s cooperatives and adult education, food security and unalienating production, and enterprises based on local capacities and self-described goals. Kosovo represents a real opportunity for widescale poverty alleviation and sustainability driven by people-powered change. However, it requires investment in strengthening people’s skills in local community planning of life-enhancing initiatives and managing participatory movements for development and social change.
Reforming and expanding education: No country can harness its human resources unless it makes education at all levels a priority. Investing in education is the best investment and most profitable in the long-term. In Kosovo, education is lagging behind.

The government must spare no effort in making education available. Although elementary and high school education is compulsory, the government investment should focus on the quality of education and by giving priority to the sciences and technology. Undergraduate and graduate students should be able to earn their degrees free of charge provided that they commit to perform a community service (such as firefighting, disaster relief, and community elder care) for the same number of years as their schooling years.

Restructuring the energy sector: Kosovo needs to embark on a national program that reforms the energy sector by focusing first on renewable energy sources, harnessing in particular solar and wind while tackling major environmental and health problem which are badly affecting the country.
Since Kosovo aspires to become an EU member state and wants to become energy independent, it should not invite Turkish energy companies to explore its vast reservoir of energy as Turkey wants to control the energy sector. Instead, Kosovo should work in partnership with European and Israeli energy companies to guarantee sovereign control over its energy resources while ensuring a reliable energy supply.
Preventing undue influence by foreign powers: Whereas Kosovo needs to work with and establish good neighborly relations with other countries, it must remain vigilant against undue influence by foreign powers, especially Erdogan’s Turkey. Ankara has its own geostrategic agendas, often contrary to Kosovo’s national interests.
Turkey views Kosovo as a province of its would-be neo-Ottoman Empire, and Erdogan’s investments in mosques and major national projects, including Kosovo’s airport and energy distribution network, are controlled by Turkish companies designed solely to keep Kosovo in Turkey’s influence. Yes, Kosovo needs foreign investments, but it must never accept any investments from foreign governments that compromise its independence.
Russia, on the other hand, has used its veto power at the UNSC against recognizing Kosovo. Putin’s aim in this regard is to isolate Serbia from Europe and bring it into Moscow’s orbit: as long as Serbia does not recognize Kosovo, neither country will be eligible for EU membership, as the EU made mutual recognition a pre-condition to their integration.
Expanding the technological sector: Given the rapid development of digital technology, Kosovo has an unprecedented opportunity to further advance in this area, especially now that Israel has recognized Kosovo. Israel, being the world leader in this field, can assist Kosovo in the development of its technological industry without any strings attached.
There are several IT startups in Kosovo who began at the Innovation Center Kosovo (ICK), a high-tech complex whose mission is to create jobs and business opportunities “in Kosovo’s IT and ‘green energy’ sectors through innovation, entrepreneurship and investment.” Indeed, partly due to ICK, Kosovo enjoys thriving IT startups; it can emulate Israel and become the IT hub of the Balkans.
Certainly, many of these programs and initiatives require significant funding. While the EU, the US, the World Bank, and the IMF will continue to assist financially and provide long-term loans, it is essential that Kosovo harnesses its own natural resources, especially in the energy sector. This would give Kosovo over a period of five years the funding it needs to invest wisely and provide job opportunities for tens of thousands of people, especially the young.
Thousands of Kosovar Albanians have sacrificed their lives to see Kosovo rise from the ashes of war. They bequeathed the country to this generation who must honor their sacrifices and never again allow a foreign power to impede their march toward a real democracy. They must stand tall and strong because it is only from that position of strength and vigilance Kosovo will march confidently toward true independence.

NEW YORK: City Hall marks 10th anniversary of Kosova’s Independence

March 1, 2018 by dgreca

By Rafaela Prifti/ Dielli*/

1 Foto 1 City

(Foto: Halil Mula/*

February 27, 2018- US political representatives were joined by high-level government officials of Albania and Kosova and a number of community organizations in marking the first decade of Kosova’s independence. New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson addressed the participants who were gathered at the Council Chambers decked with the colorful flags of New York, United States, Albania and Kosova. The Color Guard by the NYPD Illyrian Society of Law Enforcement set the ceremonial tone of the event. In attendance, there were a few Vatra members: Marjan Cubi, Mehill Gjuraj, Pashke Maksuti. The Invocation was performed by Father Peter Popaj. The main remarks delivered by Council Member Mark Gjonaj drew attention to the sacrifices of the Albanian-Americans to see Kosova free. During the war of 1999-2000, among the freedom fighters, there were three New Yorkers, known as the Bytyçi brothers who were honored at the celebration. Receiving the Proclamation on behalf of the late brothers were their parents and sibling Ilir Bytyçi, who stated that “whilst his brothers fought for this day to come, justice is not yet done”. In her remarks, Ambassador Teuta Sahatqija, the Consulate General of the Republic of Kosova, expressed optimism for Kosova’s future goals towards joining the UN and EU countries. The second Proclamation by the city was awarded to long time professional photographer and philanthropist Fadil Berisha for his contribution in advancing the Albanian culture and art.

After the presentations, Imam Edin Gjoni conducted the Benediction. Speaking as the event’s honoree, Congressman Eliot Engel assured the audience that the ties between the US and Kosova are long-lasting. The program ended with the performance of the Rozafati Dance Group dressed in vibrant traditional costumes.

Rafaela Prifti

For the full-length coverage of the event please read the Dielli issue of MARCH 2018.

Per me shume foto shkoni ne fb dielli vatra

Why Serbia must recognize Kosovo’s independence

September 7, 2017 by dgreca

Lack of progress has a negative impact in both states/

1 David L. Phillips

By David L. Phillips/

Brussels insists Serbia normalize relations with Kosovo before it can join the European Union (EU). So far 114 countries have recognized Kosovo’s independence. However, Serbia campaigns against Kosovo’s efforts to gain greater global recognition. It also supports parallel private structures in North Kosovo, which undermine Kosovo’s sovereignty and foment unrest among Kosovo Serbs. The Kosovo-Serbia conundrum can be solved with more effective international mediation. Diplomacy works best when Europe and the United States work together.

Recent statements by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic give rise to optimism. He called on the Serbian nation to “stop burying its head in sand” on the issue of Kosovo, and start “an internal dialogue.” He told Serbs “to be realistic.”

A grand bargain may be in the works. While normalization starts by addressing many bilateral issues, it all comes down to Serbia’s recognition of Kosovo’s independence. Recognition would lead to Kosovo’s membership in the United Nations. Kosovo and Serbia would negotiate the EU’s membership criteria, ultimately entering the EU at the same time.

A framework for negotiations already exits. The Kosovo-Serbia dialogue was launched by the EU in 2011. Kosovo and Serbia finalized agreements on technical issues such as freedom of movement, integrated border management, and license plates. However, implementation has been uneven. The 2013 Brussels Agreement affirmed a “European future” for Kosovo and Serbia. At best, there is patchy progress on the political track.

Existing agreements must be enforced. The EU should suspend its mediation if either side stonewalls its commitments. An official EU Monitoring Mechanism would report to member states via the Political Security Committee of the EU Council.

The EU should condition funds provided to Kosovo and Serbia through its Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance Program. “No progress, no chapters” would be the guiding principle, linking progress in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue to Serbia’s EU aspirations.

Mediators need an end game to their diplomacy. The Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Martti Ahtisaari, who served as U.N.special envoy from 2005 to 2008, knew the outcome of his efforts before taking the job. Today’s mediators need strategic and moral clarity.

A new format could galvanize negotiations. The EU should appoint an international heavyweight as special envoy. Wolfgang Schauble, Germany’s finance minister, has clout and negotiating experience. He would be formidable in this role. Given her overall experience and work in the Balkans as U.S. secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice would be ideal as the U.S. special representative.

Dialogue cannot be open-ended. Mediators should set a deadline of 18 months. The clock would start ticking when the dialogue is upgraded and relaunched.

The people of Kosovo and Serbia must be kept informed. The Kosovo and Serbia delegations could include a “unity team,” comprised of major political parties and civil society representatives.

A deal won’t be easy. There is a plethora of bilateral issues to be addressed. There are up 1,500 missing persons from the war. A Regional Commission for Facts about War Crimes could help assuage the families of victims. An estimated $1.5 billion in Kosovo pension funds and a $600,000 privatization fund were seized by Serbia. In turn, Serbia wants to recover the value of its investments in Kosovo. A compensation plan is needed. Kosovo needs a comprehensive plan to integrate Kosovo Serbs, while providing local autonomy to enhance minority rights.

The United States has an interest in brokering a deal between Kosovo and Serbia. Kosovo is on the front line of Russia’s new cold war with the West. Moscow has been transferring sophisticated weapons to Serbia, including MIG-29 fighter aircraft, T-72 battle tanks, and BUK surface-to-air missiles. In December, a Russian-made train emblazoned with the message “Kosovo is Serbian” in 20 languages was stopped by Kosovo authorities at the border. The ensuing war of words almost spiraled into a violent confrontation.

Lack of progress has a negative impact in both Kosovo and Serbia. Failure to fully integrate into the international system undermines Kosovo’s economy, which suffers from 30 percent unemployment and even higher youth unemployment. Lack of economic development has fueled an underground economy. Criminality, corruption and cronyism are widespread in the region.

Denial of visa liberalization for Kosovo citizens has made them disillusioned with the West. Islamism is on the rise. Scores of Kosovo Albanians joined the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. With financing from Turkey, the biggest mosque in the Balkans is planned for Pristina, Kosovo’s capital.

Serbia is stigmatized by its genocidal practices during the 1990s. It remains a borderline failed state, caught between its dark history, European aspirations and Russia’s nefarious influence. Absent economic reforms, Serbia has become a hub for organized crime and all sorts of trafficking. North Kosovo is run by a criminal gang under Belgrade’s control. A mutually symbiotic relationship exists between gangs in North Kosovo and their mafia counterparts in Serbia and the region.

Serbia wants to gain EU membership as soon as it normalizes relations with Kosovo. Would Euro-Atlantic integration solve Serbia’s problems with Kosovo? Can Serbia deliver Russia’s agreement for Kosovo to join the U.N.? Would Serbiablock Kosovo’s EU membership once it becomes an EU member? Globalists in the Trump administration can achieve a foreign policy success by engaging in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. An agreement between Kosovo and Serbia would stabilize a strategically important region in Europe, reaffirm the importance of trans-Atlantic cooperation, and underline Washington’s indispensable diplomatic role.

• David L. Phillips is director of the Program on Peace-building and Rights at Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights. He is the author of “Liberating Kosovo: Coercive Diplomacy and U.S. Intervention” (MIT Press, 2012).