kosovo – Dielli

Kosovo honours late son of U.S. President Biden

August 1, 2021 by dgreca

PRISTINA, Aug 1 (Reuters) – Kosovo’s president on Sunday awarded a medal to the late son of U.S. President Joe Biden for his service in building the country’s justice system after war ended more than two decades ago.

Beau Biden worked in Kosovo after the 1998-99 war, helping to train local prosecutors and judges for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The former Delaware Attorney General died in 2015 of cancer aged 46.

“Beau’s work in Kosovo was heartfelt; he fell in love with the country,” President Biden said in a pre-recorded video message played during the ceremony in Pristina on Sunday.

“Beau could see what you could do, Beau could see even then the future that was possible for your proud country. The future that Kosovo had so long been denied,” Biden said.

In 2016 Biden, then vice president, unveiled a memorial to his son in Kosovo. A road leading to Camp Bondsteel, home to the 700 American soldiers who still help maintain the fragile peace in Kosovo, was also named after Beau Biden.

Naming streets after U.S. officials has become something of a tradition in Kosovo, whose population is mainly ethnic Albanian and which considers the United States its saviour for its support of a 1999 bombing campaign that deprived Serbia of control of Kosovo.

Kosovo declared independence in 2008 with Western backing, but Serbia still refuses to recognise it and considers it part of its territory.

“What the United States and the American people have done for our country, for our freedom, for our right to exist, goes beyond any partnership currently witnessed in the world. Mr. President, Kosovo is your home too,” said Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani while presenting the award.

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Speech by President Vjosa Osmani

Dear President Joe Biden and the entire Biden Family,

Good evening from the most pro-American nation in the world.

Dear Speaker of Parliament Konjufca, Dear Prime Minister Kurti,

Dear Ambassador Kosnett,

Distinguished guests,

“You are not here merely to make a living”, said the 28^th President of the United States of America.

“You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.”

President Wilson, whose actions brought peace to the entire world, in these remarks was referring to an individual’s service to their country.

I too, vehemently believe there is no cause more noble than to serve.

And there are few people like the late Joseph Robinette “Beau” Biden III (the third) who displayed this commitment to country and service day-in, day-out.

From serving as a captain in the Delaware Army National Guard with deployment in Iraq, to serving as a prosecutor in the U.S. attorney’s office in Philadelphia for nine years, or indeed being twice-elected Attorney General in Delaware.

And a little closer to home, Beau Biden worked in Kosovo after the war to build an independent and professional judicial system, and to strengthen the rule of law.

I am, therefore, honored and delighted to gather you all here today to formally recognize and celebrate the contribution Beau Biden has given this country.

Rule of Law, as you know, is not only a subject close to my heart, but also something which I have dedicated my entire professional career to. The pursuit of justice and strengthening the Rule of Law is not just as an abstract theoretical or academic subject; it is close to my heart precisely because I believe it should be present in our actions. And precisely because it directly impacts the lives of our citizens. I believe it is the fundamental precondition to our success as a country.

What Beau Biden started, alongside U.S. colleagues, with the establishment of institutions and training of judges pre-Independence, today forms a key pillar of all of Kosovo’s most important institutions. The desire to further strengthen the Rule of Law was made overwhelmingly clear at the ballot box earlier this year. Our citizens have spoken, and as institutions it is our moral and political duty to ensure we push forward with reforms in our justice system.

In addition to the personal relations and contributions of individuals over the last three decades, what is also truly unique is the genuine bond and affection our two countries have for one-another.

What the United States and the American people have done for our country, for our freedom, for our right to exist, goes beyond any partnership currently witnessed around the world. In the good days, in the bad, in lightness and in darkness, we feel your hand on our shoulder.

Mr President, I say this to you and all citizens of the United States – Kosovo is your home too. To your service men and women, to the diplomatic staff and to all the people of America who wish to visit here – we will always see you as one of our own and you will always be welcomed here by our institutions, but most importantly by each and every one of our citizens.

American flags will continue to fly high and with great pride across the Republic of Kosovo – this is our way of showing our gratitude for decades of support through people like Beau and every single United States citizen that has contributed to our peace, security and statehood.

The thing about Beau is, his legacy lives on – his actions continue to inspire us here today in Kosovo and inspire those whose lives he changed throughout the United States. Indeed, President Biden once said “Beau was my soul”, and it’s clear that Beau’s work and commitment continues to inspire President Biden.

He recently wrote to me: Kosovo “holds a special place for the Biden family in honor of the time our late son Beau Biden spent working to ensure peace, justice and the rule of law for all the people of Kosovo.”

And during a previous visit to Kosovo, in memory of his son, President Biden said: “Beau loved it here, he grew to love the people. He had an overwhelming sense of affection” for it.

As our international friends and partners know too well: Kosovo is a small country, but it has a big heart. Many, if not all, fall in love with our country, its people and our traditions when they are given the opportunity to spend time here.

But I have to say, in the same way that Kosovo holds a special place in the hearts of the Biden Family, I can confidently say on behalf of the people of Kosovo that the Biden family and the American people hold a special place in our hearts.

Much like his beloved son, the President has made an outstanding contribution to our country. As I often say, President Biden was our voice when we did not have one. He fought to put Kosovo on the map when many around the world were unwilling to engage with our struggle against systemic discrimination and segregation perpetrated by the then-Milosevic regime. President Biden was a vocal advocate in the Senate for NATO intervention in 1999 which put an end to war crimes and genocide in Kosovo.

And later on, when Kosovo faced some of its biggest post-war challenges, such as preparing our declaration of Independence, President Biden said that it was Beau’s “strong belief from having been here in the depths of very difficult times that made me confident that calling for the independence of this great country was the right thing to do.”

And when he visited our Parliament in 2009, President Biden spoke words that continue to echo throughout our efforts to protect our freedom and strengthen our independence. He said, “your independence is irreversible…absolutely irreversible”.

It’s clear throughout President Biden’s work that his son inspired him when he was alive, but also continues to inspire him today.

And to this very day, the United States continues to show deep respect and affection for our people. Even in the most challenging time for the world, during a global pandemic, America has donated a significant number of Pfizer vaccines to Kosovo. Once again, Mr President, we express our heartfelt gratitude.

To the Biden family,

The loss of a child is the ultimate tragedy. And to possess the strength and the ability to turn that pain into motivation to change the world for the better is something which should serve as an inspiration for all. President Biden’s commitment to his country, and to making this world a better place, is second-to-none.

Before we watch the video address from the US President, I’d like to say a final few words on my impression on the late Beau Biden.

As they saying goes: ‘Good people are like candles, they burn themselves up to give others light’.

And the very best people do this without even knowing it. I believe, the true measure of a good person is the everlasting impact you leave behind. That is, the people you inspire along the way, the hearts you touch and the lives you change without even knowing it.

The late Beau Biden was one of these people. He is the burning candle that has given so many people light.

In our darkest days, the Biden Family has also given the people of Kosovo light.

Mr President,

As President of the Republic of Kosovo, I assure you that Beau’s work and that of his U.S. colleagues will never go to waste. We will make Kosovo the country it has the potential to be. We will make Kosovo the country our people deserve. Mr.President: We will make you proud.

For all you do for the people of this beloved country, Thank you.

God Bless the Republic of Kosovo, and God Bless the United States of America.

May Beau’s soul rest in peace and may his legacy always guide us to do what is right and to serve our people and our country with dignity and honor.

Zoti e bekoftë Republikën e Kosovës, Zoti i bekoftë Shtetet e Bashkuara të Amerikës. I perjetshem qofte kujtimi per Beau Biden.

Faleminderit.

It’s time for Greece to follow Israel’s example and recognize Kosovo

March 1, 2021 by dgreca

– Five EU members do not recognize Kosovo. Greek recognition would send an important message that would surely benefit Brussels’ initiative.

By Akri Çipa*/

Since 2008, the Republic of Kosovo has joined international organizations, has become a vital part of the international community, and has been a key factor of stability in the Balkans. In terms of democratic standards, Kosovo fares better than some of its neighbors, as evidenced by its latest exemplary elections. It is time for Athens to finally join the more than 100 countries that recognize its irreversible independence.

Doing so would advance Greek interests and elevate Athens’ diplomatic clout. Not only Greece would offer an important contribution to peace and regional stability, but it would also be an important gesture to nurture closer Greek-Albanian ties.

This month, Israel established full diplomatic relations with Kosovo, in a move widely supported and coordinated by the United States. Greece has the opportunity to follow Israel’s example and finally establish full bilateral ties with the Republic of Kosovo.

Despite repeated attempts by Serbia and its allies to contest the legitimacy of Kosovo’s sovereignty, its independence was upheld by the International Court of Justice. In its 2010 Advisory Opinion, the court noted that Kosovo’s declaration of independence did not circumvent or break any international law, attesting to its international legality.

Kosovo’s diplomatic ties with Israel countered, once again, the assumption that its independence serves as a dangerous precedent for secessionist movements. The five EU member states that still refuse to acknowledge an independent Kosovo, including Greece, have indirectly hidden behind this argument.

However, Israel’s decision directly contradicts this misleading and outdated narrative. Considering how Israel faces with the Palestinians one of the thorniest and most complex territorial disputes in the world, its recognition showcases and reinforces the fact that Kosovo’s independence is a sui generis case and that in no way can be used to predetermine or influence the outcome of other disputes.

The lack of normalization between Kosovo and Serbia remains the most problematic security issue in the Balkans. At the same time, it hinders their integration in the European Union and creates openings for foreign interference. Outside powers have an interest in preserving the status quo and keeping the region in a limbo.

Greece has the opportunity to contribute in breaking the current deadlock and injecting positive energy that could help facilitate the resolution of the conflict. Such a move would surely be welcomed by most Western countries, as well as EU institutions.

The European External Action Service, which continues its efforts to facilitate a comprehensive agreement between Kosovo and Serbia, has its hands tied in many regards due to the fact that five EU members do not recognize Kosovo. Greek recognition would send an important message that would surely benefit Brussels’ initiative.

Furthermore, the new administration in the United States has pledged to enhance its efforts to settle the conflict and help them towards mutual recognition. This was emphasized most recently in U.S. President Joe Biden’s letter to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

Athens’ recognition of Kosovo now, in line with the U.S. position, would assist this end goal and would earn goodwill in Washington. After all, the moment is especially ripe. As part of the commitments it undertook during the White House summit last September, Serbia has pledged to not lobby other countries against Kosovo’s recognition for one year.

Differently from the other EU non-recognizers, Greece has a Liaison Office in Kosovo, at ambassadorial level, and has emphasized that it seeks to strengthen economic relations. Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias’ visit in Kosovo last October was focused on the region’s EU perspective and the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.

The visit emphasized that there is increasing bilateral engagement. Establishing full diplomatic relations would create new opportunities for deeper cooperation on issues of mutual concern.

The establishment of Kosovo-Israel ties set an important precedent. Athens would be wise to learn from it.

*Article was first published by The Brussels Times

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.

Response to Washington Times- ANALYST’S DISTORTED VIEWS ON US POLICY IN KOSOVO

April 24, 2020 by dgreca

By Elmi Berisha/

President of The Pan-Albanian Federation of America VATRA/

The opinion piece “Let Bill Clinton’s failed Kosovo strategy wither amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” published by Washington Times on 22 April 2020 by J. Michael Waller is factually incorrect and dangerously inflammatory. Although his position is articulated clearly in the title, his opinion is not informed by facts nor reality. The US policy in Kosovo has been shaped and defined by meaningful bipartisanship in Washington.

Mr. Waller, a Senior Analyst for Strategy at the Center for Security Policy, should recall that President George H. W. Bush sent a letter on December 1992 to Slobodan Milosevic, which is documented and referred to as “Christmas Warning”. In it, then President Bush Senior warned Serbian leader to keep away from Kosovo to avoid military action. Then, it is was during the presidency of George W. Bush that Kosovo was recognized by the United States. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, a great number of Republican leaders such as former Secretary of State James Baker, Member of the House of Representatives, the late Benjamin Gilman, former Leader of the Senate, Robert Dole, late Senator John McCain, Senator Malcolm Wallop, Senator Mitch McConnell, Congresswoman Sue Kelly, to mention only a few, have consistently supported Kosovo. The Albanian community in the US has continuously expressed gratitude for their efforts and for introducing resolutions concerning the abuses of human rights by the Serbian forces in the former Yugoslavia.

The author slides further into debunked and perverted misconceptions regarding the 1999 Kosovo War by characterizing it as religious: Muslims vs. Christians. Historically, Albanians including ethnic Albanians of Kosovo belong to three denominations living in harmony: Muslims, Catholics and Orthodox. In fact, mosques, churches and cathedrals stand next to one another in townships and municipalities all around Kosovo. It has been Serbia’s policy to continue to push hard to convince the world that the conflict in Kosovo was of religious nature or that religion was a major component. So, in his piece, Mr. Waller brings back one of the Serbian myths that Kosovo’s conflict was between Christian Serbs and Muslim Albanians. Fact is that the conflict was purely political and the extreme oppression of Albanians at the hands of Serbian authorities fueled by war-crime criminal Slobodan Milosevic resulted in several wars in former Yugoslavia. Furthermore, a senior analyst such as Mr. Waller with knowledge of the region’s history should know that Serbia waged wars against Slovenia and Croatia, constituent republics of the Former Yugoslavia with an overwhelming majority of Catholic Christian populations. It was Milosevic’s nationalist rhetoric coupled with his thirst for Serbia’s domination and control that fueled the conflicts and the breakup of the Yugoslav Federation.

The statement of Mr. Waller that “the breakaway landlocked province has zero strategic value to the United States” has no merit and has been proven false by American politicians on both sides of the isle. As recently as last February, America’s Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo, Philip Kosnett, nominated by President Trump last year, speaking at meeting with the community in New York stated that the US presence in Kosovo enjoys bipartisan support.

As a matter of accuracy, even the picture of Kosovo that Mr. Waller paints for the readers is incomplete. He opens his piece with descriptions of boulevards and objects named after US Democratic politicians. To be true, the author speaks of Bill Clinton Boulevard, yet sidesteps, literally, George W Bush Boulevard in Prishtina, which runs from Grand Hotel up to the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa. This is only one ‘urban’ example that deflates the author’s uninformed position of the physical landscape as well as the US policy on Kosovo. Mr. Waller need only recognize that the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa in Kosovo’s capital is dedicated to the founder of Catholic missionaries of charity, who was born in an Albanian family and whose parents were ethnic Albanians of Kosovo.

We wish to thank the editor for allowing the reader to have an informed view based on facts presented in this response.

Elmi Berisha

President of The Pan-Albanian Federation of America VATRA

Kosovo to declare state of emergency to counter coronavirus

March 18, 2020 by dgreca

PRISTINA (Reuters) – Kosovo President Hashim Thaci on Tuesday asked the country’s parliament to declare a state of emergency to halt the spread of coronavirus.

Parliament must vote on the request within 48 hours.

“As a president I never thought that it would come to this moment,” Thaci said at a press conference after meeting with the country’s security council.

The new measures include putting soldiers in the streets, Thaci added.

Kosovo has registered 19 people with the virus since last Friday when the first case was reported.

It has already closed all schools, borders, flights, bars and restaurants. Only supermarkets and pharmacies remain open.

Most of the people with coronavirus came from Italy or are related to someone who returned from Italy.