MTCowgirl's Kosovo Blog 2008

This is an account of my time spent in Kosovo while working with the United Nations.

My blog is a mixture of personal reflections on what it is like to live here (from an outsider's point of view) and political developments.  Information is from international news agencies or personal opinion and does not reflect the policies of the United Nations.

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26 December 2008 - Happy Holidays
With Serbia refusing to accept goods with a Republic of Kosovo customs stamp, the Kosovo government has announced that they may start barring goods from Serbia. Honestly in times of troubled economy I don't see how the tit-for-tat restrictions on goods will benefit Serbia or Kosovo but that's what's new :) Well, that and Kosovo has said that it may bar Serbian officials from coming into Kosovo.

Allegations of corruption in the United Nations are nothing new however reports have emerged that UN and local officials squandered and stole some 400 million Euros destined for the energy sector. Another scathing article featuring information from former UNMIK employee Jim Wasserstrom states that the UN is not serious about cleaning up its act regarding misconduct and corruption.

Meanwhile, the roles of UNMIK and EULEX continue to be defined amid the confusion as to who does what. News sources report that UNMIK will continue to represent Kosovo abroad while Kosovo government officials say "Ni" and that Kosovo government officials will be representing Kosovo. Serbia has stated that it will intervene in the UN if EULEX fails to properly carry out its mandate. In the meantime, EULEX has taken over its first two organized crime cases in the municipal courts. The transition of the court in North Mitrovica has resulted in demonstrations on Christmas morning with Serbian justice workers protesting their inability to return to work.

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary
As usual, a small disclaimer :) These articles do not necessarily reflect my personal opinion but are posted for informational purposes only as I found them "interesting".

 

15 December 2008 - Is EULEX Neutral?
The debate whether or not EULEX will be able to maintain neutrality over Kosovo's independence still continues with both a former UNMIK SRSG and former Kosovo PM stating that the mission will not be status neutral. Besides becoming operational in Kosovo, EULEX has announced that they will open an office in Belgrade in the near future in order to "establish ties" with neighboring countries.

It's the time of year when the streets of Pristina start looking like an expat ghost town as droves of us head home for the holidays.  The funny thing like last year is that there are all sorts of Christmas decorations and even "Merry Christmas" signs all over the streets of Pristina...odd for a place where most people say they are Muslim.  Of course the term "Muslim Lite" is always applicable in Kosovo (check out the first of my interesting articles for the newest on Kosovo's moderate Muslims!) but it's still really, really, really strange that they are "celebrating" Christmas!  Naturally the Muslim Albanians are not celebrating the "real" Christmas but rather its just the commercial Christmas of trees, lights, Santa, and giving gifts...and maybe an excuse to have another day off from work *grin*  Anyways, I'll be returning home to the US for a few weeks but if anything interesting happens and it reaches my ears, I'll be sharing it with you :) 

The weather has been pretty moderate for December.  We just had the one really big snowstorm and then nothing significant since then.  It rains every once in a while.  With the warmer winter temperatures, the power situation has been pretty good.  It only has gone off every once in a while for 30-60 minutes at a time...hardly worth the effort of going outside to turn on the generator! 

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

 

10 December 2008 - EULEX Officially Launches
  It has actually happened! EULEX has finally become "operational" on 9 December 2008 in Kosovo after much speculation on the date and their capability.  Of course, you have to question just how operational EULEX is based on the fact that most staff are going into empty offices with no desks, chairs, much less a computer.  What's even more amusing is that a friend who walked into his new empty office is due to work in IT and he doesn't even have a computer.  As the saying goes, "nothing to do and all day to do it"!!!

There does seem to be some confusion about the "take over" from UNMIK.  Keep in mind that EULEX is a law mission, not a political one.  EULEX has only taken over the police and justice portion of the UNMIK mission meaning that the political component of UNMIK still remains in Kosovo.  The deployment of EULEX does not mean that all the UN staff are packing their bags and leaving Kosovo...which means you can expect this cowgirl to continue blogging from and about Kosovo for some time to come :o)

MTCowgirl's EULEX Deployment News
A little news on the deployment of EULEX in Kosovo

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

3 December 2008 - The Cowgirl is Angry

Demo Photos

 I have often laughed at the antics of Vetevendosje and their often brilliant ideas of how to get their point across like depositing a ribbon-wrapped toilet to the gate of the UN Mission HQ (now EULEX HQ) but after yesterday, the cowgirl is a bit angry.  I didn't even really mind the last demonstration when Vetevendosje sprayed the UN with sewage water and threw rotting bags of garbage over the fence...but for me yesterday they crossed a line of decency.  So what has the cowgirl so worked up?  The defacing of the blast barrier outside the former UNMIK HQ that was so nicely decorated by the children of Kosovo and the international community!  If I was one of the youngsters who spent my International Children's Festival day working my little heart away on my piece of the wall I would cry to see that Vetevendosje came along and spray-painted over my work of art.  The defacing of the children's artwork demonstrates a clear lack of respect, not towards the UN or EULEX because we all know that it's not there, but for the children of Kosovo whose art is now destroyed.  Vetevendosje, you should be ashamed of yourselves!

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

2 December 2008 - EULEX Delayed
  EULEX has delayed its official start date rumored to be 9 December in supposed response to the massive demonstration called by Vetevendosje today.  Vetevendosje and several NGOs are preparing a cold welcome for EULEX due to the approval of the six-point proposal that Kosovo rejected and that EULEX will deploy under Resolution 1244 with a neutral status towards Kosovo's independence.  Kosovo PM Thaci has stated that the EULEX mission would be debatable if it was not fully deployed in all of Kosovo from Day 1 and warned against non-deployment.

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

 

28 November 2008 - UN Security Council Approves EULEX
The UN Security Council has given their support and approval of the six-point proposal for the deployment of EULEX under the umbrella of UNMIK.  It's is unclear at this time how the two missions will work together but EULEX expects to begin working next week on 2 December.  EULEX is expected to gradually work up to full deployment in all of Kosovo.

The three German "spies" suspected of being responsible for the bomb attack on the EU ICO office in Pristina are due to be released due to a lack of evidence and flown back to Germany.  The German government has admitted that the three men are intelligence officers.  While the debate rages over suspected German spy involvement in the blast, a previously unknown group calling themselves "Army of the Republic of Kosovo" has claimed responsibility for the attack.  In an interesting article, reporters state how the blast is said to have chafed the bond with Germany.

 

22 November 2008 - First Snow

New Photos!

 Shortly after the new day began, it started snowing for the first time this winter in Pristina. By morning, the city was covered with a thick sheet of about six inches of snow and it seems to be staying. Of course I had to revert to childhood and romp around in the snow with Smokey as well as build a snowman on my terrace :) You'll find pictures in my Kosovo Photo Album.

Three German nationals have been arrested in conjunction to the explosion at the EU ICO building in Dragodan last week.  There has been speculation in German media that the trio might be spies working for the German Intelligence Service however the German embassy has stated that they were in Kosovo under personal capacity and did not have diplomatic immunity.  However little information is available in regards to a motive and KPS is remaining tight-lipped on the details of the case.

The EU continues to deploy people to Kosovo and is anticipated to officially take over police and justice duties from UNMIK on 2 December.  Still there are questions of whether or not EULEX will be fully operational by the 2 December deadline and whether or not the UN Security Council will agree in their meeting on Monday for deployment of the EU mission under the umbrella of the UN.  Rumor has it EULEX is pushing to be fully deployed by the end of December in order to utilize their budget for 2008.

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

 

20 November 2008 - Recommendations from the Cowgirl

Updated
Restaurant Info

 It has been a little while since I talked about restaurants in Pristina and I have a couple new favorites such as Basilico and New York Bagel Restaurant. Both are located downtown by OSCE on Fehmi Again Street (going towards Dragodan) so very convenient for lunch and dinner. Basilico has delicious Italian-inspired dishes in a crowded but comfortable setting. New York Bagels offers real NY-style bagels in all the favorite flavors as well as bagel sandwiches.  Plus if you order more than 10� worth of bagels you can get free delivery!

Also traveling around different parts of Kosovo, I've noticed a few nice restaurants outside Pristina.  The coolest one I've visited so far has been Restaurant Illyricum in Gjakove.  Decorated with traditional garb and flags from the tribes of Illyria, the restaurant also serves authentic dishes from days of old.  Also with interesting decor was Art Design Restaurant in Pec/Peja.  The food was very nice and I liked the artwork depicting families and life in Kosovo that hangs in various locations around the restaurant.

It's also a little late to share this information now that the summer is gone and BBQ season is officially over, but next summer when you decide to grill with friends and need ice, call the Ice Man for free delivery of bags of ice.  The Ice Man's English isn't great but you can usually get the message through.  The ice is sold by the kilo and I think the minimum order for delivery is five kilos. 

Oh, and I nearly forgot but if you are looking for a place to spend Thanksgiving and want some traditional food head to Pacific Rim Restaurant & Wine Bar in Dragodan.  Tom and Lali will be cooking up a special meal for Turkey Day for any homesick Americans!

I've updated my Restaurant Guide to include the contact information for all these restaurants so go out and give them a try!

I also have to recommend going to Peja/Pec to Skender Imami for a custom tailored leather jacket.  I've heard of the leather tailor for quite some time and finally just got around to purchasing my own tailored and custom designed jacket.  Based on the prices I've paid for leather coats elsewhere, I got the jacket tailored to fit me for basically nothing!  And it only took a week from when I ordered to get the jacket!  I would be completely useless in giving directions to Mr. Imami's shop but they have a clothing store near the KPS HQ in downtown.  Give them a call (044 255 149 / 039 422 621) for directions.

Oh, and being a girl, I can't help but also recommend a jewelry shop in the old part of Prizren!  If you are shopping for silver or gold, I would suggest popping your head into Kaqinari (044 644 390) which is near the fountain square.  Prices are based on the weight of the item and out of the various shops I visited, Kaqinari seemed to have a good selection of modern and traditional designs.

 

19 November 2008 - Day of Protests
  The Kosovo government has put forth a four-point proposal to counter the UN-EU six-point proposal for the continuation of UNMIK and the deployment of EULEX in Kosovo. However Vetevendosje does not agree with the Kosovo government proposal and has called for a demonstration today. In addition to the Vetevendosje protest, 15 different NGOs and local organizations will protest everything from money for widows to recognition as a political party (War Veterans). Plus there will be a demonstration in Mitrovica over the continued tension over the reconstruction of an Albanian house in the village of Brdjani.  The demonstrations are scheduled to begin at 1200 CET and are due to be peaceful.  

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

15 November 2008 - Explosion at EU ICO
  Yesterday around 1740 hours an explosive device was thrown over the wall and exploded at the EU International Civilian Office in Dragodan.  There were no injuries and minor material damages.  Disagreement over the six-point proposal and doubts over the EU mission in Kosovo has increased tensions in Kosovo and rumored to be a reason for this first attack on EU premise in Kosovo.  Both EU and Kosovo leaders have condemned the attack as well as the US ambassador in Kosovo warned leaders to be cautious of the rhetoric they use.  The Kosovo Liberation Army has threatened war over EULEX if the territorial integrity of Kosovo is threatened.

Kosovo authorities have shut down another health clinic in connection to the illegal kidney transplant clinic in Pristina.  The second clinic was reportedly offering artificial insemination and one person may have died after receiving inadequate treatment.  An Israeli man has been arrested in connection with the case and police are searching for a Macedonian worker who is alleged to have worked at the clinic.

 

13 November 2008 - Six Point Proposal
So it's all over the news and people are probably wondering, what the heck is this six-point proposal thing?!  With Belgade and Pristina bickering of the extent of the EULEX mission, the six point proposal was presented by the UN and EU as a sort of compromise. The six-point proposal is the plan for EULEX to deploy under the umbrella of UNMIK with a neutral status towards Kosovo's independence.  It also outlines administrative divisions between the North of Kosovo and other Serbian enclaves.  It is said that now the EU and UN are pressuring Kosovo to accept the new plan for EULEX deployment.

Naturally with most politics there are conspiracy theories and lots of opinions.  Today's I'll focus on what the news is saying and what opinions are being offered on the six-point proposal.

MTCowgirl's Six Points Articles & Opinions

 

11 November 2008 - UN Security Council Delays Kosovo Debate
The planned debate on Kosovo in the UN Security Council due to take place today has been postponed by the request of two unnamed members. Meanwhile the Kosovo government has rejected the possibility of a "status neutral" in a press conference yesterday.  However former UNMIK SRSG Bernard Kouchner has called on the Kosovo government to accept the plans for the administrative division of Kosovo between EULEX and UNMIK.  It is still expected that EULEX will be operational in December although there are many questions as if the estimate is realistic.

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

10 November 2008 - Kosovo Hostel - Illegal Organ Transplants
Okay, it's not as freaky as the movie hostel where rich Eastern Europeans pay to kill poor unsuspecting American backpackers but an illegal organ transplanting facility has been discovered near the Pristina airport. Over the past week following the discovery of the clinic, several arrests have been made in conjunction with the private clinic from the doctors to the Secretary of the Ministry of Health. Donors reportedly were flying in from all over the world as well as patients.  The investigation was started after a Turkish man was stopped at the airport with no money arousing suspicions. 

The conflict in Northern Kosovo over the reconstruction of a house belonging to Ai Kadriu, an Albanian, in the village of Suvi Do between Mitrovica and Zvecan continues into its second week with reports of stone throwing on Sunday.  Last week following violent clashes between Serbs and Albanians, police prevented reconstruction of the house and the Kosovo Police detained Kadriu.  Questions in regards to Kadriu needing a permit for the reconstruction have been raised.

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News
Articles here are more political in nature in regards to the UN/EU Missions or Kosovo Government

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary
Disclaimer (as always!): These articles do not necessarily reflect my personal opinion regarding Kosovo and/or independence. These are cultural articles or opinion pieces printed in regards to Kosovo and the region which are of interest.

 

4 November 2008 - EULEX to be operational by December (?!?!?!)
  Could Kosovo be on the UN Security Council agenda this Friday? If it is, EULEX just might possibly have a fighting chance to be operational by early December.  With less than half of it's expected force deployed, EULEX will likely need to deploy at least a couple hundred people per week, send them through a week-long induction session, get them to their jobs, and perform a "hand-over" of the work from UNMIK to EU (or maybe it will just be a handing over of the files and a "good luck" handshake?!)  For some time EULEX has been struggling not only with deploying staff but also filling positions...only two weeks ago it was reported that EULEX still needs to fill four of five posts! 

Meanwhile the European Parliament might move to block funding for EULEX if it is not fully deployed through all of Kosovo.  There have been talk of a "watered down" version of EULEX in the north of Kosovo as part of an agreement between EU and Serbia.  Serbia has stated that EULEX would be acceptable under certain conditions such as being "status neutral" and dropping the implementation of the Ahtisaari package.

Today's recommended article is called Tourism in Kosovo? Ha ha ha?  I have to put in my two cents on the article...the author is pretty much right on the money!  After a nice day in Gjakove this past weekend, I find it a shame that Kosovars are letting go of traditions like the traditional "Plisa" (Smurf hats, I know that will get some hate mail but hey, that's what outsiders call them folks!) makers in the old city.  The architecture of Gjakove's old town could easily be compared to that in Sarajevo's Ba�ar�ija but the Plisa makers have gone and been replaced by shop after shop of modern clothing...or worse gaudy formal dress peddlers who take high fashion to an extreme and beyond to a place where it no longer looks nice but just like someone has simply become a "serial fashion victim" (but I digress!  Back to the wiping out of cool old culture!).  Honestly Kosovars, there's nothing interesting about seeing those modern shops or having a coffee in some hip, smoke-filled cafe in the old city but bring back the traditional Plisa makers or women selling hand-knit table linens and you just might bring in people from outside who would enjoy Kosovo's culture!  But alas, it's a lament that probably will never come to fruit as the younger generations don't seem to give a flying rat's buttocks about their slowly disappearing culture...so cheers, enjoy your macchiato in the cool new cafe, and did you see that fantastic dress down the street (yeah, the leopard print one with all the ruffles and sequins?!  To die for...literally!) :P

 

3 November 2008 - Been Saying It For Awhile!
Nah, nah, nah! :P I've been saying it for a while and finally one of the local new sources has caught on to the fact that "Rich Foreigners Keep Kosovo Rental Prices Soaring" and talks about the difference between the "local" rate and "international" rate for apartments particularly in Pristina.  Since the arrival of people from EULEX, it actually has only gotten worse because it seems that some locals believe that EULEX people were just born yesterday and will pay whatever they ask (and as it seems, some will!)  But thankfully some of you have read the information and experiences here and know the three important questions to ask and the approximate reasonable prices for Pristina :o)  So remember to negotiate and don't get suckered in by unscrupulous landlords looking to make a quick profit off your ignorance!

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary
Note: These articles do not necessarily reflect personal opinion but are relevant to Kosovo and the current situation and/or cultural information.

 

30 October 2008 - Armed Fight Breaks Out in N.Mitrovica
An armed fight broke out this afternoon in North Mitrovica, first in a small village and later in the ethnically mixed Three Towers area.  According to the news, five Serbians were injured in a scuffle with Albanians although other reports are that only two Serbs or no one was injured.  The incident reportedly occurred when the Albanians crossed into the north to make repairs on their homes although Serbian politicians have called their actions "provocation" (how repairing a house is provocation I'm not quite sure but that's what was said!)  According to witnesses, there was automatic gunfire although most official accounts say that only wooden and medal sticks were involved.

A member of the European Parliament has rebuked the idea that the EULEX mission will be "status neutral" as it is dependent on the Kosovo constitution and Ahtisaari package.  Meanwhile it looks like EULEX is planning on deploying under UNMIK in North Kosovo after opposition from Serbians on the legitimacy of the EU mission without the approval of the UN Security Council.

The US has signed a deal to send 80 police officers to the EULEX mission and decided to withdraw their 220 officers from UNMIK as of 30 November.  Most of the officer's will just "switch patches" and change over from UNMIK to EULEX however many are turning down EU offers due to a pay-cut and less benefits than EU members.  While both will have weekends off, Americans will accumulate 1.5 days of annual leave each month while their EU counterparts earn 2.5 days.  There also will be no CTO time accrued which means that it takes longer for Americans to build up enough time to go home and then add the rising cost of airline tickets and the end result is it simply does not seem to be worth it to many people who have families stateside to stay in Kosovo.

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

 

18 October 2008 - Montenegro Recognition Sparks Violence
Neighboring Montenegro has officially recognized Kosovo's independence sparking violent protests against the recognition in which 34 people have been detained in relation to the violence. While small in size, both Macedonia and Montenegro's recognitions are supersized important. With such a loud and violent reaction to the recognition, some people wonder if this is the last chapter in the ticking time-bomb of the Balkans.

UNMIK officials have completed a move from the old Mission HQ and will officially turn the compound over to the EULEX mission sometime in the near future. The UN will base its future operations from the Administrative HQ located between Pristina and FKP (Fushe Kosova/Kosovo Polje nicknamed thus for those who have political sensitivity) in the Industrial Zone. It is expected that the EULEX mission and some Kosovo government institutions will gradually move into the compound over the next few months. The upside of the move is that the Admin HQ is pretty far for the Vetevendosje protestors to walk and in the future when they are in the mood to toss tomatoes, we won't be an easy target anymore :o)

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

9 October 2008 - Macedonia Recognizes Kosovo
After months of speculation and missed dates, neighboring Macedonia has finally recognized Kosovo's independence. The move resulting the expulsion of the Macedonian ambassador by the Serbian government. Portugal has also recognized Kosovo. Hungary and Latvia has also agreed to accepting passports from Kosovo.

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

7 October 2008 - Really How Much Worse Could It Get?
Traffic has always been a headache in Pristina. Basically think psychotic kamikaze drivers swerving in and out of lanes from behind semi-trucks over laden with dirt or garbage, the frequent slow moving tractor or Kosovo Harley, and the annoying first-day auto school drivers who attempt highway driving after spending an hour behind the wheel and you have a picture of Kosovo traffic.  After independence the Kosovo government started pouring millions of Euros into expanding the roads and many of us though "Yea! Traffic will get better because really how much worse could it get?"  And so we cursed ourselves in thinking that expanding the roads and making them better would somehow ease the pain of driving.  The one-lane frontage roads that are designed for bus stops, slow moving traffic, and visiting businesses has now become a two lane autobahn in which local (and the occasional ill-behaved, inconsiderate jerky international) drivers believe they can pass all the other traffic stuck on the two-lane main road by driving up on the sidewalk despite nearly plowing down any unfortunate pedestrians who might think that they have the right to enjoy the nice new stone sidewalks :oP  So I guess we have our answer to "how much worse can it get" because it can definitely get much, much worse!

So I have to ask (facetiously of course) "Hey, Mr. PM Thaci, how is that 24/7 electricity promise going?"  My friend very smartly responded that there is 24/7 electricity in Kosovo, just not in all locations :o)  Of course the reason why I'm being smart goes back to the promise that Haschim Thaci made during his election campaign that if he got elected that there would be 24/7 power because some professor was smarter than everyone else before him and figured out a way to keep the power on all the time...and of course like most campaign promises it was nothing more than just bullcrap :P  So now as the weather has started cooling off, the power problems are starting to become evident again.  Granted it is not yet very cold (still in the 50-60�F range) but the electricity is going off regularly for an hour since the temperature dropped.  I can't help but wonder how the people in the small villages in the middle of nowhere will fare this winter! 

With the reconfiguration it seemed like a good time to collect clothing from people who are leaving the mission so last week I kicked off another "Dj Vegas & Friends Clothing & Toy Drive" to help families in need in Kosovo.  Friends in the Gnjilane region are working on finding families that are in need of assistance and in early November we will go out for distribution.    

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

6 October 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

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

25 September 2008 - Fighting the Kosovo Krud
Yes, yes, I am still alive (although it feels like barely at times!) After a sudden shift in the temperature last weekend lots of people came down with the flu including yours truly.  Then during the recovery from flu I managed to develop a nasty throat infection from which I am still recovering.  We like to call it the Kosovo Krud...the bi-product of the pollution and other nasty stuff we inhale in Kosovo.

With the campaign for the US elections in full swing, policy towards Kosovo has been in the headlines particularly in reference to where Presidential-hopeful Obama stands in regards to Kosovo's independence.  With statements on both sides of the fence, Obama's camp issued a statement clarifying that he supports Kosovo independence.  Both his running mate, Joe Biden, and personal advisor, Richard Holbrooke, have been long and strong supporters of Kosovo independence so it comes as little surprise to see the clarification come out.

Yesterday there was an explosion in Sunny Hill near a casino as two criminal gangs fought it out on the streets of Pristina in the wee hours of the morning.  The explosion comes in midst of reports of how Kosovo has some of the cheapest narcotics in the region and police arresting arms smuggling gangs as well as the continued news on fuel smuggling in the north of Kosovo. 

The number of countries recognizing Kosovo has gone up to 46 with the tiny Pacific country of Samoa officially recognizing.  Serbia has taken the issue of the legality of Kosovo's independence to the UN and a debate is expected on Serbia's request.  The president of Albania has said that Kosovo should become a member state of the UN.  Meanwhile, the US Ambassador in Serbia has stated that Kosovo's status is resolved (which no doubt will make him popular there!)  And a report has been issued by a Kosovo human rights group stating that independence was "good for Serbs" in Kosovo and that ethnic tensions have decreased. 

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

8 September 2008 - How Time Flies!
The old saying about how "time flies when you are having fun" has to apply to the past few weeks that I haven't had a chance to update the site.  There continues to be speculation about the composition of the reconfigured UNMIK mission and debate on whether or not the EU will be ready to take over at the end of November.

On 28 August there was a "scuffle" in North Mitrovica in which seven people were injured and two UN vehicles were damaged.  There has been lots of talk about the Kosovo government enforcing rule of law in the north of Kosovo.  The Kosovo government has stated that they will not use force in the north...I somehow think that it's a bit surprising that it even was reported but evidently someone suggested it at some point or else it wouldn't have been news!

Recognition of Kosovo's independence may come sometime this month, speculated to be 23 September, however there are questions about whether or not Skopje will request Kosovo's recognition of their constitutional name (Republic of Macedonia) and border demarcation in exchange...and that has upset Kosovo politicians.

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

19 August 2008 - Apartment Hunting In Pristina

New Photos

 Ah, I meant to say hello earlier but alas, it slipped my mind!  Let me give a warm greeting to the new American contingent who arrived early last week.  I got to go flat hunting with a friend who was previously here and boy-oh-boy are people seriously trying to rip-off the internationals!  Eastern European friends say that it's worst when you are from the US, Germany, or other Western European states...they really want to stick it to us for some reason :(  We looked at a one bedroom place where the guy was asking 700 Euros and I had to hold back the laughter...did we really look like we were born yesterday???  Unless you possess fantastic bargaining skills I would estimate that a flat in Dragodan where the landlord isn't really trying to take you for a ride would be around 500 Euros for two bedrooms.  For a one-bedroom pad (which is a little harder to find with the mega buildings) it shouldn't cost you more than 350 Euros all inclusive.

Make sure that you sign that rental contract and specify who will be paying what (all inclusive is best so you know that you won't get stuck paying someone else's power bill!) And the three most important questions to ask in Kosovo when looking for an apartment are 1.) Is there a generator 2.) Is there a water tank (don't fall for the "oh we have water all the time, don't worry" line!) 3.) Is there central heating?  And naturally, if you don't want the landlord coming into your apartment uninvited, make it clear to him from the very beginning that you like your privacy and while you are renting the place, it's yours and he and his family should have permission to enter the place! 

I think I have previously expressed my dismay (ranted, raved) at people traveling the wrong way down the one-way streets in Dragodan where I reside...so last week I decided to tell a few of the law-breakers what I thought of their illegal travels...I got very similar answers from both that just had me shaking my head (blood pressure rising...must control Fist of Death!)  The first guy I stopped expected me to back-up out of a line of parked cars so he could pass.  I did so but partially blocked the end of the lane and rolled down my window to have a "friendly chat".  I asked the law-breaker if he realized that it was a one-way street and that he was going the wrong direction.  The reply I got had me fuming..."it's okay," he tells me, "I just live down the street a couple of houses".  My response to him was "if you live on this street then you should know better than to drive down it the wrong way" :-P Gaaaaa, how does living on the street justify breaking the traffic laws?!  It's almost as good as telling the police that pulling them over is "against their human rights" (read 28 May's entry for that story!)

The big news in Kosovo today is that UNMIK and the EU have signed an agreement that paves the way for the UN mission to begin transferring assets, buildings, but not authority in police & justice over to the EU mission.  The document signed is not what the media has heralded it to be but more of a technical agreement between the two organizations. 

The EU is due to bring more staff in the coming months (currently only approximately 350 of planned strength has been deployed) as the UN continues its downsizing exercise to bring it staffing levels to 30% of the current mission.  100 new EULEX staff are expected to deploy to Kosovo each week until the full 1900 international staff are on the ground.  The planned timeframe for the reconfiguration with the eventual handing over of authority is four months.  Serbia's foreign minister stated the UNMIK was "making a mistake" in turning over policing in Kosovo to the EU mission without the consent of the Security Council.

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

12 August 2008 - UNMIK Begins Downsizing
The spokesman for UNMIK has stated that the mission will downsize by 70% starting yesterday.  Staff are expected to begin receiving contract termination notices and those whose contracts are expiring will not be renewed.  It is expected that the 70% downsizing will happen progressively over the next four months and then a follow-up mission of UNMIK will begin with the remaining staff.

The news paralleling South Ossetia to Kosovo continues with great debate if the two are alike or not.

Kosovo and Georgia: What Gives?!
These articles are mostly commentary expressing the viewpoints from around the world. Articles posted do not necessarily reflect my own opinion.

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary
And since it has been a little while, disclaimer time! These articles posted do not necessarily reflect my personal opinion but they are related to Kosovo in some way and information sharing is the name of the game :)

 

11 August 2008 - Kosovo Lives
The BBC has been running a series of articles on people living in Kosovo from Albanians in the North to a trio of displaced Slovenian-Serb women in Ferizaj.  The articles are quite interesting and give a good perspective of the various problems that face people living in Kosovo.

UNMIK has a new Principal Deputy SRSG in the form of South African Nicholas Haysom who arrived last week to help guide the mission's reconfiguration.  Mr. Haysom met with Kosovo officials shortly after his arrival to discuss the reconfiguration and cooperation with the Kosovo government. 

There are rumors in the media that the new SRSG, Lamberto Zannier, is in conflict with the EU and Kosovo government particularly in regards to suggestions for bringing Serbian KP (Kosovo Police, I don't know, for some reason and it was explained to me but I forgot exactly why...but they aren't called KPS anymore...something to do with independence...) officers under the umbrella of UNMIK and relations with parallel Serb structures.  In fact, last week it was reported that Zannier could become persona non grata in Kosovo should he continue. 

The Kosovo passports have received more recognition in the past week with the US saying that they will accept the documents as well as Turkey and Sweden.  Kosovo has also received formal recognition of their independence from Columbia and Belize.

With the conflict in Georgia over South Ossetia, there are numerous parallels and articles referencing Kosovo's bid for independence.  Some question whether or not it is payback for Kosovo or maybe could South Ossetia become like Kosovo?  Other's say that Georgia, not South Ossetia, is like Kosovo and maybe we could apply a Kosovo Model to South Ossetia.

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

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1 August 2008 - Reconfiguration Delayed
The new SRSG of UNMIK, Lamberto Zannier, has announced that the reconfiguration of the mission has been delayed and will not be completed until late November or early December.

Last week in the Security Council meeting, Zannier conceded that his powers have been drastically reduced following the Kosovo constitution going into effect.  Meanwhile the UN Security Council has continued to be deadlocked on the issue of changing the mission's mandate to allow the EULEX mission to take over police and justice from UNMIK.  Increasingly there is tension between the two organizations as highlighted by the recent disagreement over the sacking of the Head of Customs by the Kosovo Government.

The Kosovo Government has started issuing Kosovo passports to its citizens and UNMIK has acknowledged that it has stopped printing the travel documents previously given out.  Some countries, such as Slovakia, have stated that they will not recognize the new Kosovo documents but will continue to accept those issued by UNMIK.  Kosovo travelers may still face problems in Europe as it is not yet fully clear how countries who have not recognized independence will deal with the new documents.  Problems were reported at the Macedonian border but Macedonians officials have denied the media reports that Kosovars were denied entrance based on travel with the Kosovo passports.  Serbia said that they will negate Kosovo entry stamps in passports and crossing the border from Kosovo into Serbia will continue to be an issue in which travelers will most likely be forced to continue travel via Kumanova to have a Serbian entry stamp in their passports.

The power situation of late has for lack of better description "sucked big time" with most of Pristina being provided 3:3 (3 on, 3 off) although KEK's website says that the situation is supposed to be better (24/7 my behind!).  It does make me wonder what the winter will be like if there isn't enough electricity supply for the summertime.

 

22 July 2008 - Serbia Arrests Karadzic
After years of being one of the most wanted people in Europe, Radovan Karadzic was arrested late Monday evening in a suburb of Belgrade.  Karadzic served as president of the breakaway Republic Srpska.  His top general Mladic still remains at large after nearly 12 years on the run.  The arrest was welcomed a sign that Serbia is still willing to work with the West despite differences on Kosovo's independence.  Some wonder what comes next, if the arrest will help Serbia join the EU, if someone has a lot of explaining to do, or perhaps it's just too late to really make a difference.

Kosovo's corruption watchdog has released a damning report of the government's over-spending on non-essential areas, corruption, and conflict of interest.  One example of the government's lack of fiscal responsibility is the spending of �1.3 million in three months on lunch/dinner by government officials.  The total yearly budget of the Kosovo government is a mere �700 million.

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

5 July 2008 - Belated Happy 4th of July
I couldn't help but chuckle at a recent article in the Kosov@ Post about 4th of July celebrations in Pristina. The author of the article talks about how many countries celebrate 4th of July to express their gratitude to the US and that Kosovo is one of those countries. Honestly, I don't think that anyone outside the US except other Americans celebrate the 4th of July and it's a bit interesting to see other people celebrating the Independence Day of my country. I'm sure that someone from Germany or South Africa would find it just as odd if I held a celebration for their independence days...but I can't say that I don't appreciate the vigor in which the Kosovar people appreciate the assistance that the US has provided over the years. Also mentioned in the article is something called the "American Corner in Pristina" which is located near the National Library (that funky building that supposedly looks like a human brain from the air). As an American, I never even knew we had a corner in Pristina or even what an American corner is...but I'll be checking into it when I get back that's for sure.

I again have to put a mention in for Pacific Rim Bistro & Wine Bar in Dragodan for providing a kick-@$$ American-style buffet for my friends on the 4th. They simply can't stop raving (and rubbing it in that I missed it!) about how good the food was and how much they enjoyed the meal. As I've been doing research for my articles (oops, I wasn't planning on tying this blog to the newspaper but it wouldn't be easy to keep it separated for long...I'm the restaurant reviewer for Kosov@ Post), I've been frequenting Pacific Rim to try the different food and so far, two thumbs way up for excellent food. I think that I won't need to feel homesick for American food anymore and Tom's Korean Kalbi is almost as good as Mom's (but you know no one ever does it as good or better than Mom!).

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

2 July 2008 - UN Begins Re-Configuration
The new SRSG, Italian diplomat Lamberto Zannier, of UNMIK announced last week that the mission will begin reconfiguration and transition of the police and justice to the EULEX mission under the umbrella of the UN.  The Security Council has not ruled on changing the mission's mandate as outlined in Security Council Resolution 1244.  Serbia warned UN Secretary-General against any reconfiguration of the mission without the approval of the Security Council and Serbia.

I will be heading home to the US for a couple weeks on Friday but as I normally can't live without the internet for very long, you can count on a couple updates while I'm away :)  Smokey will be going back to the "doggy prison" as I call it and staying at the Kosovo Dog Shelter near the airport.  Volunteer vets Petra & Toni are again visiting for the summer so watch out for charity events to support the shelter and their efforts!

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

24 June 2008 - Kosovo prisoners go on hunger strike
Approximately 560 prisoners in Kosovo are continuing on their second day of a hunger strike in protest over the Kosovo government's failure to pass a "promised" amnesty law that was due to go into force following independence as well as difficult conditions (thought that was what prison was supposed to be!).

A powerful explosion ripped apart a vehicle belonging to a Serbian KPS officer in northern Kosovo in the early hours of the morning.  An investigation is on-going and no injuries were reported.  On Saturday, a bullet-ridden vehicle and body of a Serbian KPS officer was found in northern Kosovo.  This was the second deadly shooting case in a matter of days in the north.

A Montenegrin was reportedly arrested and insulted by Pristina KPS after being removed from Gebo Club for wearing a hat with his national symbols.  The Albanian KPS officers allegedly questioned the chairman of a Kosovo association for Montenegrins if he supported Ramush or Thaci.  A case is due to be filed against KPS and the club for discrimination and intolerance.

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

 

20 June 2008 - A Little Competition

Restaurant Guide

 Many years of not having a decent English language newspaper there are now two papers being published!  The first I mentioned last week and the other one came out on the 14th called Pristina (Prishtine?) Insight.  It appears that Pristina Insight is backed by BIRN which I have always liked for their investigative pieces and balanced reporting.  As we say, a little competition is never a bad thing and it's great to have some quality reporting in English, not just a rehash of translated text from local papers!

It was pointed out to me that while I mentioned Tokyo Restaurant in the blog I didn't have the information in the Restaurant listing so I've updated with some of my favorite menu items and will work on expanding the information next week for both Tokyo and a new restaurant I've recently discovered (I've been driving by for some time but never actually went in!)  There also is an excellent wine bar and Bistro (Pacific Rim Bistro & Wine Bar, 47 Ismail Qemali Street) in Dragodan just down the street from me (I'm thinking just as dangerous as Pinocchio but at least a little more of a walk!)  The menu is diverse with a mixture of Asian, Mexican, and American favorites.  The wine menu is huge and they have many good selections.  They also seem to have a large selection of different beers from local to imports.  I can quickly see Pacific Rim jumping to the top of my favorites! 

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

 

16 June 2007 - Special Price for you, my friend!
With the gradual deployment of EU personnel to Kosovo and the local population aware of the generous living allowance rates, the rental prices in Kosovo has started to increase bring about the old saying "special price for you, my friend" when people are searching for flats.  In the last months, one international found that some landlords have jacked the prices in Dragodan from 500Euros/month to nearly 900E/month which is literally insane.  And many landlords in Kosovo would rather chew on their shoe that negotiate for a lower rent for those expecting long-term assignments opting to keep their flats empty and forgoing a lower rental payment in hopes that that one sucker born every minute will come along and rent the place for the exorbitant amount they are asking.  Luckily not every landlord is out to make a quick dime and with so many people leaving the mission it really is a renter's market so when looking for a flat, remember that there are plenty of places available and if the landlord isn't willing to negotiate it's probably best to move on and look for a better deal (one of the greatest criticisms of Americans is that we often don't negotiate the rents and we tend to spoil the landlords into thinking that everyone is a sucker and will pay more than necessary!  The other big criticism is that we tip too much...but I still leave at least 10% when I get really good service.)

With a relative lack of excitement, the Kosovo constitution came into effect yesterday, two days short of four months after the unilateral declaration of independence.  In what was supposed to mark a handover from the UN to the EU there are still doubts as to when the UN will leave as the EU has failed to establish their mission north of the Ibar river due to strong opposition by the Kosovo Serbians in the area.

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

 

12 June 2008 - 1st English Language Newspaper in Independent Kosovo
The new Kosov@ Press went to print this past weekend with its first issue boasting to be the 1st English language newspaper in independent Kosovo.  The 16-page tabloid-print paper features everything from serious politics to culture in both black/white and color.  The weekly paper will cost 1� and appears it will be available on Mondays. You can pick up a free copy at the reception desk of the Grand Hotel downtown :)

In what could only be described as pure criminal stupidity, a junkie attempted a robbery at the Kosovo PM Thaci's home on Saturday morning and was shot.  The known 19 year-old was turned in by his father after being injured and reportedly didn't realize that he was breaking into the Prime Minister's home.  Initial reports of the break-in were that there had been an assassination attempt on Thaci, who wasn't even home at the time, and even that the PM's house had been mortared...that shows you just how accurate Kosovo rumors can be!

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

13 June 2008 - Border Backs Up after Closure
The Blace border on the Macedonian side has backed up with truck traffic after the seizure of hazardous dimethyldisulfide.  The border is reported to have a sweet, pungent scent and authorities are trying to figure out what to do with the trucks.  Kosovo wants to send it back but Macedonia will not let the truck pass through until the materials are stored correctly. Several police officers came down sick after exposure to the toxic chemical but according to the KPS spokesperson it was due to food poisoning (somewhat difficult to believe!)  When driving down to Greece, there must have been at least 100-150 trucks on the Macedonian side of the border and none-too-happy to be stuck there. 

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News - Related to Toxic Shipment

 

28 May 2008 - Common Courtesy? Not in Kosovo!
This morning as I drove to work I was reminded of how driving in Kosovo is something special.  Courtesy while driving is not something to be expected in Kosovo in fact it's a downright miracle (divine intervention, heavenly music, and angels playing harps!) if it does occur.  As I came out of a circle this morning and attempted to merge into traffic as my lane ended I found myself being forced into oncoming traffic by the anti-merging drivers in the other lane.  But employing one of the rules of the Kosovo Driver's Handbook I managed to merge.  When I looked in my rearview mirror I was happy to see that I forcefully merged myself into traffic as the truck that was attempting to run me off the road was half a football field behind me due to being overloaded and unable to travel at normal speed...yet for some reason he really wanted me to be stuck behind him and didn't want to allow me to merge in front of him :P

Additionally, there is no such thing as a courtesy wave when you allow someone to turn in front of you or yield when you have the right of way...the drivers here act like they own the road and of course you are going to stop for them so why should they thank you?  Oh, and if they are going down the street the wrong way, you should still pull over for them because hey, they own the road (God forbid that KPS do anything about traffic going the wrong way down the one-way street...they're too busy chatting and drinking coffee! Don't believe me???  Go spend two minutes on a street in Dragodan in the morning and see how many vehicles go the wrong way, including police vehicles.  Respect of law?  Ha, who is going to respect the traffic laws if even the police refuse to obey them???) 

Also naturally if someone wants to talk to a friend on the side of the road, they have no qualms about stopping in the middle of traffic completely blocking access for all other drivers and chatting for several minutes.  A friend had a good story from a week or so ago when he was driving home from work and traffic started backing up and everyone was changing lanes.  When he got to the blockage, he pulled over in front of the female (of course!) driver who was stopped on a crosswalk and was chatting with a male friend.  When he showed his police ID and told her to move, he didn't get an embarrassed apologies but instead was basically told that telling them that they couldn't stop in the middle of the street was a violation of their human rights (Um, yeah, I'll have to try that line the next time I get pulled over.  "Oh no officer, you can't give me a ticket for speeding.  That's against my human rights!")

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

 

27 May 2008 - Looking for an Apartment in Kosovo?
After fielding questions about housing prices in Pristina for years, this cowgirl is happy to announce that one of the property agencies has finally started advertising listings online!  If you are looking for an apartment, house, or office in Kosovo, you can now visit Prishtina Property online and view photos and see prices. 

The weather has heated up and it seems that summer has officially arrived.  And of course, there's no better way than to kick off the summer than beach volleyball and a BBQ.  Check your Lotus Notes for more information! 

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

23 May 2008 - Gearing Up for 15 June
Everyone seems to be gearing up for 15 June when the Kosovo constitution is due to take effect.  The International Steering Group has said that Kosovo is ready to take over full authority and cited progress made in the past three months by the government.  The US Under Secretary of State made a comment that the UN was beginning to downsize but that is inaccurate as the mission has orders from NY to continue at full-strength and at normal operation.  Any downsizing would be a natural attrition due to staff departing for better job security but we will see what happens. 

Meanwhile, the EU is still working on staffing for their police mission called EULEX and the US had confirmed that it negotiating its exact role in the mission and will most likely participate.  It is expected that the US contingent will reduce in number from 220 officers to 80 officers for Kosovo under EULEX.

There will essentially be three different EU components working in Kosovo:  EULEX, EU Special Rep Office, European Commission.  Peter Feith who is featured predominantly in the news is the Special Representative while the EULEX mission will be headed by Yves de Kermabon.  Kermabon was recently in the news stating that UNMIK will no longer be the "main player" in Kosovo soon.

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

16 May 2008 - Smokey Update

Protest Photos

 I know that it has been some time since I updated on Smokey and a few people are asking. I guess Smokey is fine but he has been having seizures lately and it seems that he has developed a form of dog epilepsy in the past year.  My poor puppy!  He is seizing more frequently than before but the seizures are not very long, probably 30 seconds to a minute.  Recently someone warned me about the dog kennel near the airport saying that after they left their dog there for an extended period of time that their dog had problems and had to be put down.  I was surprised to hear this as Smokey has spent several long stays while I've been away but there it is just in case the kennel does factor into the epilepsy (but he'll still be boarded there because they do take good care of him!)  However from reading there is still little known about what causes epilepsy in dogs.  I will take Smokey to the vet later today for a check-up and to buy him a collar to repel ticks as we have been walking in Germia lately and he appears to attract them like nothing else.  I've been pulling small tan/brown ticks out of his skin for the past 24 hours and every time I give him a pet I find another one :P  Yuck!!!

I finally got around to uploading a few of the photos from the Vetevendosje 9 May 2008 demonstration against the Serbian elections in Kosovo.  Interestingly in this demonstration it was Glauk who addressed the crowd and chanted "UCK" instead of normal Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti who quietly stood by and watched.  Perhaps it has something to do with his "house arrest" which strangely enough allows him to do basically whatever he wants to during the day with a curfew of 7pm.

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

14 May 2008 - EU Looks To 15 June
The EU Mission (EULEX) is looking to deploy their mission across all of Kosovo from the 15th of June according to their Special Representative, Pieter Feith.  Officially, the UN still has not received permission to hand over responsibility to the EU mission and the future of the UN/EU missions are still unclear.  Staff working for UNMIK have had their contracts tentatively extended until 31 December.  It is expected that after the Kosovo constitution comes into effect, the Kosovo Government will invite the EU to take up a monitoring role however the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 will still be in effect for the UN which could make for an interesting situation to say the least!  Mostly, it is hurry-up-and-wait for those of us in Kosovo.

I meant to write over the weekend about the Vetevendosje protest on 9 May against the Serbian elections held in the enclaves but time got away from me.  I have lots of pictures but need to sit down and get them ready :)  In short, Vetevendosje was up to its usual antics.  This time they pulled up a truck to the UN Mission HQ gate and started throwing bags of garbage over the fence.  They also brought a water tank of liquid cow manure and sprayed it on the Government and Mission HQ buildings.  The interesting thing that I find about Vetevendosje is that basically all the group does is complain about things but they aren't a political group per se trying to run in the elections to actually try to change things themselves.  No, it seems that they would rather just whine and complain about the way things are than get their hands dirty in politics and try to change their future themselves :P 

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

  • Finding fun in the US presidential debates
  • Swedish politician cleared of hate speech charges regarding Kosovo Albanians
  • We shall overcome, communities works towards reconciliation
  • Kosovo aid the model to use to the question of helping Burma (references to Kosovo)
  • As Burma dies, our macho invaders sit on their hands (references to Kosovo)

 

5 May 2008 - Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
Okay, so most people in Kosovo have no idea what Cinco de Mayo is but some of us will still be celebrating with margaritas and Mexican food later tonight! It's interesting when you think about it of all the different international selections we have in Kosovo due to the Expat community working for the UN and other organizations.  There actually is a decent Mexican restaurant in Sunny Hill that serves up tasty margaritas and has a roaming mariachi band to do table-side serenades while you enjoy your plate of sizzling fajitas :)  Pristina also boasts two sushi restaurants (this cowgirl ended up in Toyko this weekend doing karaoke until the lights came on...whew, what a night!)

But for my long night out this weekend it didn't start at Toyko...oh, no it started far before we ended up there!  A group of friends and I started off at Bo Bowling off of Skopje Highway for five games of great fun (and drinking!)  The games are reasonably priced and it really is great fun when you get a group of friends together.  For a bowling alley, the decor is quite nice and there is a nice seating area with comfy couches and chairs if you just want to chat :)

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

2 May 2008 - TGIF :)
After a warm & sunny Labour Day holiday it is difficult to return back to work for one day but here I am on a beautiful, sunny Friday :~(  Germia Park and Baklava Lake were full of people relaxing and Mother Theresa was crowded with pedestrians yesterday as everyone kicked back and enjoyed the great spring weather.  It seems that spring is finally here as of last week and the sweaters are being packed away until next winter.

This weekend Dj Vegas & Friends are going out to do charity distribution in the Gnjilane Region to the different ethnicities (we always cover all the different ethnicities in Kosovo!)  I will no doubt have pictures and stories from the trip to share on Monday.  A great problem that I have noticed is perhaps due to a lack of education but the families that live in poverty in Kosovo seem to have more children than they can care for which is sad because the children really suffer a miserable existence.  I know that I will have fun tomorrow shopping for toys for the kids and there is great satisfaction in being able to make a child's day by giving them a brand-new toy that they normally wouldn't be able to have because they were born into unfortunate circumstances. 

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

 

30 April 2008 - Nothing Has Changed
After 10 days away from Kosovo I came back to find that basically nothing has changed.  Well I take that back actually, the thing that has changed is that traffic seems to be even worse than it was before I left due to someone's brilliant planning skills.  As I often joke with my friends, "LA, Pristina, what's the difference, same traffic just less people here!" 

Let me elaborate a bit...last year in the fall just before the weather was due to turn to winter (which even I could have told the planners after spending some time in Kosovo!) the Kosovo Road Works or whatever they call themselves tore up the shoulders of Bill Clinton Boulevard going out of Pristina towards the airport.  They then placed little metal poles and wood barriers in an attempt to keep vehicles from plunging off the several meter drop-off but that hasn't helped much as I've seen some good accidents with vehicles skidding off onto the shoulder...oh wait, there's no shoulder anymore! 

Moving on now to the present...the Kosovo Road Works has decided to take up work again on the road after leaving everything untouched for basically the last five months.  But someone decided that they should not just work on the shoulder area but they should work also in the median area in the middle of the road to replace the curbs with absurdly high blocks meaning that the traffic lanes are blocked on both sides.  In fact in one location near the UN Admin HQ you must move from the right lane into the left lane due to work on the shoulder and then immediately move back into the right lane because they are working on the median just 10 meters down the road!  Brilliant!!!

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

16 April 2008 - Going Offline
I will be gone for about 1 1/2 weeks for vacation so don't worry that there aren't any updates from tomorrow to the end of the month...I'm still alive and constantly opinionated *hehe* I'm just going offline due to fulfill a dream of staying on a tropical island and sip drinks from coconuts :)  You can read about my travels in my Travel Log, which I will update while I'm away providing that there is power (yes, not only Kosovo has problems!)

But before I go, here is a bit of reading for everyone :)

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News
These articles are less opinionated than those that are found under my Interesting Articles/Commentary section...

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary
These articles tend to be either opinionated/oriented to one point of view or deal with some interesting aspect of life in Kosovo.  The information presented does not reflect my personal point of view but rather I found the articles interesting and wanted to share them for informational purposes only.

 

15 April 2008 - Human Organ Trafficking Debate Rages
The debate over allegations of human organ trafficking by top-KLA commanders during the Kosovo war is raging online.  In a new book by Carla del Ponte, Kosovo leaders such as PM Thaci and recently acquitted Haradinaj are accused of kidnapping Serbs just after the end of the war, transported them to Albania, and then forcibly removed organs.  So far, Serbia is pressuring for an investigation while a Kosovo NGO is considering filing a slander lawsuit against the former chief prosecutor for ICTY.

MTCowgirl's Kosovo News - Related to Human Trafficking

 

7 April 2008 - Who's Gonna Enforce the New Laws?
A couple weeks ago, the Kosovo parliament passed new legislation in regards to traffic laws which prohibited cell phone usage without hands-free headsets, required headlights at all times, requires seat-belt usage, prohibits stopping on pedestrian walkways or failing to stop for pedestrians, and finally prohibited heavy trucks from using the roads with muddy tires. But after a couple of weeks of being in effect, MTCowgirl is wondering what good is passing laws if there is no one around who is willing to enforce them?! I still see vehicles zipping by pedestrians (or nearly running them over) daily, kids bouncing around the backseats of vehicles with no car-seats or belts, and honestly it's hard to find a driver in Kosovo that doesn't have a mobile phone glued to their ear. In fact, a common sight is seeing a guy smoking with one hand and holding a cell phone with the other while driving down the road :o) If the Kosovo government is looking for a bit of pick-up in the budget, they should think about getting the police to start writing tickets for traffic offenses rather than drinking macchiato (or jaywalking in front of the police station...if the police can't obey the laws how can they except the ordinary citizens to have any respect for them or the police???)

The question still remains about what's going on with UNMIK. The EU has announced that it will close down Pillar IV of UNMIK by the end of June. UNMIK staff have been invited to attend a meeting with the SRSG on Wednesday to discuss the political developments (Nada!) and the "reconfiguration" of the mission. The UN Secretary-General has stated that UN Security Council Resolution 1244 is still in force in Kosovo. And there are also some rumors floating around that both SRSG Ruecker and PDSRSG Rossin have threatened to resign over NY's refusal of Mitrovica regional administrator Gerard Galluci.

Other Kosovo News

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

4 April 2008 - Ramush Haradinaj Acquitted
It has been over two years since Ramush Haradinaj was indicted on war crimes charges, resigned, and went to the Hague to face the International Criminal Tribunal on Yugoslavia but the long court case came to a close yesterday with an acquittal handed down by the panel of judges for both Haradinaj and co-defendant Balaj. A third defendant, Haradinaj's uncle Brahimaj, was sentenced to 6-years for two cases of torture and cruel treatment. Small celebrations broke out in Pristina with fireworks and reports of celebratory gunfire. Serb newspapers spat fire and politicians slammed the release calling it scandalous. Meanwhile Kosovo leaders welcomed the verdict saying that it showed the KLA war was just. Haradinaj is expected to arrive back in Pristina today and has said he will dedicate himself to building a multi-ethnic Kosovo where all rights are respected.

In other Kosovo news, the EU has accepted the Kosovo constitution and it is expected to go into effect on 15 June 2008. The document is said to guarantee the full respect of individual and community rights as it incorporates many points from the Ahtisaari package proposed to the UN last year.

 

2 April 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

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

1 April 2008 - Kosovo Resolves Macedonian Name Dispute!
In a surprising discovery, Kosovo revealed an ancient document showing that it has territorial rights over Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria. Greece and Macedonia will no longer need to fight over the name of FYROM/Macedonia as both will be incorporated into newly independent Kosovo as part of Greater Albania. Kosovo leaders are rejoicing and Western countries are reacting with delight. Read the full story at Sofia Echo :)

 

19 March 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*

 

18 March 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)

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary
(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 :)

 

17 March 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.

 

14 March 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

 

13 March 2008 - Politics-Schmalitics :P
Blah is about the only thing I can think of to say about the situation in Kosovo these days. There is still no clarification from UNHQ in NY for UNMIK and EUPT is in transition to EULEX without us. It is expected that a wave of some 300 people will arrive on 1 April and most of us are scratching our heads trying to figure out where on earth they'll find space since UNMIK officially got its hand slapped for starting transitioning without authorization from NY. The bottom line is that UNMIK is still in full operation according to the UN. So for all this time that we have criticized parallel local institutions now we have created parallel international institutions!

Serbia has requested the Security Council to maintain UNMIK in Kosovo while the UN has told Serbia to respect its mandate. I think a quote from Eric Cartman can be properly inserted...the UN told Serbia "Respect my Authoritah!" :)

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary

 

5 March 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

Other Kosovo News

 

4 March 2008 - Officially Sick of Politics!
MTCowgirl must declare that she is officially sick of politics...

The lack of clear direction from UNHQ in NY regarding Kosovo's independence has left most of the UN staff scratching their heads and wondering "what to do" (to borrow a phrase from the locals). The EU has started transitioning from EUPT (EU Planning Team) to EULEX (LEX meaning "law" in Latin...the mission name is not in fact an acronym) but logistics are proving to be challenging as EULEX was due to move into facilities vacated by downsizing UNMIK. Some on the ground even talk about tension between the two organizations due to the UN's non-commitment to let the EU take over under UNSC Resolution 1244. It is thought that the UN Security Council will meet to discuss Kosovo around the 17th of March, interesting that this is also the anniversary of the day that the 2004 March riots began. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon is expected to submit a report in late March on Kosovo...until then, the UN will just continue to plan to hand things over to the EU whenever (as it seems there is no longer any ifs about it...) that will happen.

 

26 February 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

 

25 February 2008 - Pictures Uploaded!!!
Okay, I finally uploaded most of my Kosovo Independence (or Independance to some) Day photos.  There will be more to come over the next fews days but enjoy these until I finish!

With the continued protests in Serbian and in other Serbian expat communities, you can help but wonder what does Kosovo mean to Serbia as the Serbs struggle with Kosovo's independence and the border begins creeping south. The Serbian government is calling for the US to annul Kosovo independence as Kosovo marks its first week of independence.

While most countries have responded to Kosovo, some are having difficulty deciding what to do. Switzerland's parliamentary committees have come out in favor of recognizing Kosovo but questions have been raised about the affect on relationships with Serbia and the country's famed neutrality. Canada still has not presented their position in Kosovo and some are arguing that Canadian recognition could backfire. So it seems that Kosovo recognition is a tricky question

As countries react to Kosovo's independence, there is a question of what happens next? Now that Kosovo has its state symbols, the authorities will be responsible for issuing their own passports to citizens. With some countries refusing to recognize Kosovo's independence, Kosovars are likely to face even more difficulties traveling abroad as citizens of the independent, mostly-recognized state than previously with the UN-issued documents.

It also appears that the honeymoon period for Kosovo's independence is over. The power situation was nearly 24/7 as promised by Kosovo PM Thaci following the declaration but over the weekend, the power started going off for short periods of 30 minutes to a couple of hours depending on location. The common joke is "I thought everything was going to be better after independence!" when the power goes out :)

MTCowgirl's Interesting Commentary/Articles

Other Kosovo News...

  • Russia will not use force over Kosovo
  • Violence erupts in Vienna during anti-independence demonstration
  • Kosovo survival dependent on other countries
  • US Ambassador: This better not happen again
  • EU withdrawl will not divide Kosovo

 

24 February 2008 - Riot Girls are a big hit on You-Tube
In a surprise hit on YouTube, two Serbian woman can be seen looting chocolates and clothing from stores in Belgrade following the riots last Thursday. In response to the attacks on the US Embassy, the US had demanded that Serbia do a better job protecting the embassy and diplomats and also has begun evacuating non-essential staff to Croatia.  In the meantime, Serbia has launched an investigation into the rioting and is working on identifying those that attacked the embassies.  The body of the rioter found in the US Embassy was identified as a young Serbian man from Kosovo whose family fled in 1999.

In addition to the evacuation of US Embassy staff from Belgrade, the EU has began to remove its staff from northern Kosovo in fear of their safety and the EU representative has asked the Serbs to begin cooperating.

Yesterday marked the 6th day of demonstrations against Kosovo's independence in northern Kosovo.  On Friday, demonstrators hurled rocks, glass bottles, and firecrackers at UN police stationed at the famed bridge that separates the two sides of Mitrovica.  In all actuality there are two other bridges that can be used to cross to the other side but the main bridge in the middle of town is highly symbolic.  The protests and violence are all part of a well-orchestrated plan to sabotage Kosovo's independence according to one article in BBC News.

Independence movements around the world are ignoring the "it won't set a precedent" discussion.  Indians in Kashmir believe they have gained a boost following Kosovo's independence as Bosnian Serbs are threatening secession.  There are additional questions of "if Kosovo, why not Palestine" or what about Tamil movements in Sri Lanka?

MTCowgirl's Interesting Commentary/Articles

 

22 February 2008 - Mixed Responses from the World
The world has responded to Kosovo's declaration with a varying degree of recognitions and condemnations. China and Taiwan clashed over Taiwan's acceptance. Pro and anti-Kosovo demonstrations have been held all over the world by expat communities living abroad. Canada has said much by remaining silent while the US bears the brunt of Serbian anger over its recognition of Kosovo.

Kosovo Serbs in Mitrovica say they will demonstrate every day at 12:44pm, in reference to UN Security Council Resolution 1244. Yesterday around 150 Serbian reservists demonstrated at Gate 3, Podujevo, setting tires on fire and throwing stones and NATO and KPS officers. The US, as well as Slovenian, embassy in Belgrade has been attacked nearly constantly each night by Serbs angry with what they see as renew imperialism.

Out with the old and in with the new it seems! Since the end of the NATO bombing campaign, the bombed out MUP jail building has stood as a ghostly reminder of the Kosovo conflict. The building, officially belonging to the Serbian government, was never demolished as the government refused to give permission. However, now the Ministry of Internal Affairs is moving in to begin demolition on the building next week. Does anyone else get the feeling they were just waiting for the UDI to go ahead??? :)

 

19 February 2008 - NATO Called to Evacuate KPS from Border Stations
1700 CET: A total of 14 international police officers and four Albanian KPS officers were evacuated by Danish and Romanian KFOR from the border with Serbia today. Five of the international officers were temporarily detained by Serbian police in the buffer zone but were later released with their weapons to be evacuated by KFOR. No injuries have been reported in the two incidents at Gate 1 & 31 but both crossings are said to be destroyed. Gate 1 was reportedly burnt to the ground and Gate 31 destroyed by an explosion. KFOR has taken control of both border crossings and currently there is no movement in or out of Kosovo.

1530 CET: It has been confirmed that Gate 31, Banja, was also sacked. Estimates of the crowd is between 1000-3000 people and they are said to be well organized

1400 CET: Kosovo Police Services (KPS) called NATO to evacuate officers from border stations with Serbia after nearly 1000 protestors stormed and burnt down one of the border crossings and attacked another near Zubin Potok. Gate 1 at Jarinje has been burnt to the ground and a KFOR spokesperson said that they would intervene. I will post more info as it becomes available.

 

18 February 2008 - Let the Games Begin!
There were several large protests in Serbian enclaves and North Mitrovica today with thousands of Serbs in anti-independence demonstrations.  The protests ended peacefully with no reported incidents.  In an unusual show of solidarity, the three major political parties in Serbia have called for massive protests on Thursday.  Some Serbian KPS officers have put themselves under the jurisdiction of Belgrade in protest against the independence declaration.

Most businesses are closed today in an expected three days of celebrations, possibly starting counting today as the first real day.  Essentially everything except for restaurants and larger supermarkets are closed and in the morning the streets were nearly as empty as they were following the March 2004 riots...after a wild night of fireworks and gunfire it is very eerie! Yesterday, two people were injured by celebratory gunfire.  An on-duty KPS police officer was shot in the hand and another person was shot in the head by stray bullets.  Today, shell casings from AK-47s and even Luger 9mm could be found littering the streets of Pristina.

Naturally Kosovo is all over the news.  If you don't know what's going on, you are living under a rock!!!  But here is some of the latest and greatest from the world's newest (somewhat recognized) nation!

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary...

Other Kosovo News...

 

17 February 2008 - Kosovo to Declare Independence
2245 CET:  The wild street celebrations started around 1530 today when Thaci declared Kosovo "independent, sovereign, and democratic".  Celebratory gunfire could be heard around Pristina and in the middle of downtown a friend witnessed a local neighbor rattling off half a clip from an AK-47.  In about 15 minutes, a one million Euro fireworks display is expected to go off in Pristina in a culmination of the evening's festivities which included a concert from the Kosovo Philharmonic Orchestra.

The declaration sparked violent protests in Belgrade where youths attacked the US and Slovenia Embassys and clashed with riot police.  There were explosions in the flashpoint town of Mitrovica when hand-grenades were thrown at UN and EU targets.  At least one grenade exploded but did not cause any injuries, only material damage to an OSCE vehicle parked inside.

1130 CET:  Kosovo PM Thaci is expected to appear before parliament today at 1500 hours CET and ask for official permission to declare independence and naturally it is expected that there will immediate approval.  The streets and vehicles are decked out with Albanian, US, UK, German, and EU flags.  Despite the return of winter with freezing wind and new snow, Albanians hit the streets last night celebrating with music, fireworks, and dance near the Grand Hotel.

Who knows what will happen once Kosovo declares independence...one author quotes the Serbian labor minister in saying that this is a "prelude to chaos" while others believe that Kosovo's breakaway is the final chapter in the breakup of former Yugoslavia.  So far the pre-independence celebrations rather remind me of when a person turns 16-years-old and sudden becomes something between a teenager and adult...awkward and wild, maybe not so sure of what will come next in life but just really, really happy to reach that point. 

Yesterday people were driving down Police Avenue half-hanging out their car windows, waving huge Albanian flags (Kosovo still has no flag of its own), and just cruising the main streets...of course when you have more than 50% unemployment I suppose that there isn't much else to do besides cruise the streets.  Perhaps Kosovo will not descent into chaos but life will be tough.  Some people mistakenly think that all will be fluffy puppy dogs, sweets, and rainbows but they have another thing coming.  Independence will not solve the many social and still ethnic conflicts that exist in society...only time and education will help...and anyone who hasn't tore through an intersection once the light turns green knows that if it is one thing that Kosovars lack it is patience!

After spending more than 6 1/2 years in Kosovo, I am glad that I have the opportunity to see the status resolved even if it is one-sided.  It seems that there are still lots of issues to be resolved by the international community but there are high hopes for Kosovo.

While the EU deployed its up to 2000-strong mission to Kosovo, the UN has not clarified its position on Kosovo yet and despite EUMIK's deployment, UNMIK still must maintain its police & civilian mission until otherwise instructed. 

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary...

Other Kosovo News...

 

14 February 2008 - Happy Valentine's Day!

 Happy Valentine's Day :)  Kosovo shopkeepers were busy this year as the local population swarmed onto the streets to celebrate and purchase gifts for loved ones in a previously little celebrated holiday.  Some attribute the change to a new ability of the local population to purchase goods that were before considered very luxury.

The power situation has been pretty rough in Kosovo over the past several days.  In fact despite promises for 24/7 power after the elections and new promises for constant power following independence, Kosovo's government declared an energy crisis and KEK is warning that it will cost taxpayers 2 million euros to import enough power for five days.  People living in Pristina can expect to have 4 on: 2 off or even 3:3 when the situation is dire...surrounding towns will be slightly worse off...and villages can expect to have around a total of 4 hours of power each day. 

Lately the news makes my head spin in regards to Kosovo's independence declaration.  There are so many conflicting reports about what will actually take place this Sunday.  Will it be an intent to declare or an actual declaration...at this point, I really can't tell and anyone who reads the news as I do is probably just as confused about what is going on.  The UN has issued a warning to staff to be vigilant and to not take part in any celebrations in their official capacity and Serbia's PM has asked Kosovo Serbs to stay put and reaffirmed that Belgrade will never recognize the declaration. Meanwhile, some Serbs in the north are ready for a fight should Kosovo try to rein in north of the Ibar river. Russia is saying that any recognition of Kosovo's independence will violate international law, is illegal, and hopes to call an emergency session of the UN Security Council in the next few days.

Other Kosovo News...

  • Despite obstacles, Kosovo can only go up, according to an article in Reuters regarding Kosovo's post-indepedence economy
  • Greek Minister says Europe still divided on Kosovo
  • EU in countdown to launching EUMIK mission (I don't know if this will the the actual name but it's a catchy one that Vetevendosje came up with and plastered all over the stoplights in Pristina...Jo EUMIK, meaning No, EUMIK!)
  • EUMIK is due to start deployment on 17 February

 

10 February 2008 - Ticking of the Clock
It seems that the clock is ticking on Kosovo's independence.  It is expected that Kosovo's parliament will sign a declaration of intent to declare independence on 17 February.  The actual declaration is due to take place in early March.  The timing of the decision is interesting as it looks to be set to take place right before the meeting of the EU and on Sunday which would give more than 100 countries a chance to recognize Kosovo's independence before the UN in NY woke up and Russia could call an emergency session of the Security Council to block the move.  There are fears that jovial mobs of Albanians celebrating may attack fleeing, angry, and scared Serb communities who are expected to make a mass exodus from Kosovo following independence despite Kosovo PM's assurances and pretty speeches about how Kosovo Serbs should stay.  This may not be the actual case but don't think there won't be any celebrations because there will be a big party in Pristina with a fireworks display and while not frequently admitted, lots and lots of celebratory gunfire!

Serbia is protesting the expected recognition and already Serbian hardliners are lashing out in anger against an art exhibit of a Kosovo Albanian in Belgrade.  Hardliners clashed with police and the exhibit was closed.  Additionally an explosion rocked a Slovenian owned shopping center resulting in material damages, no injuries and a second threat was called into another Slovenian center.  Some Serbs are calling for a boycott of Slovenian products due to the recent Slovenian takeover of the EU presidency and the support the organization has been giving to Kosovo's independence.

Kosovo Serb politicians are also torn about what to think about the possible EU mission to Kosovo.  Rival factions have differing opinions from boycott to welcoming the mission.  Meanwhile it appears that the recently elected government of Serbia could collapse due to the loss of Kosovo and infighting about the SAA pact with the EU which is supposed to be considered a separate issue but in the minds of the people difficult to distinguish. 

Other Kosovo News...

  • As Albanians complain about poor education, minorities face even more struggles with education in Kosovo
  • Independence moves spur fear on the streets for Serbs in Kosovo

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary...

 

31 January 2008 - Pristina Municipality Begins Culling Dogs
Pristina Municipality in conjunction with Hortikultura started a culling campaign against stray dogs at midnight on 29 January.  The campaign is expected to last several nights and an estimated 700 dogs in Pristina municipality are expected to be killed.  It's very sad that the local government doesn't invest money in the dog shelter located near the airport.  I would think it would be a much more humane and effective way to deal with the stray problem in Kosovo.

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles/Commentary...

Other Kosovo News...

  • Albin Kurti detained (again) for failing to show up for trial
  • Thaci says Kosovo has a "prevention plan" for independence
  • UN Secretary-General says Kosovo is EU issue
  • Thaci says independence "within days" of Serbian elections...(wait, didn't he say something about just days last week???  I think I want to become a bookie and take bets on when Kosovo will declare independence.  The person who correctly guesses would win a lot but I'd make a killing on all the wrong predictions!).  He also says that Kosovo won't wait for independence
  • Justice has failed in Kosovo according to Amnesty International

 

28 January 2008 - Wrapping Up the Clothing & Toy Drive
Yesterday, Dj Vegas & Friends wrapped up the Charity Clothing & Toy Drive in Vitina.  Overall, going out and being involved in the distribution of the aid was very rewarding and sometimes frustrating.  I have great respect for people that work on programs for sustainability or distribute aid on a regular basis.  You can visit my 2007 Clothing & Toy Drive page to see pictures and read about our experiences.  And be on the lookout for Christmas in July with Dj Vegas & Friends because if the UN continues through the summer, I'm planning on striking out again with food, clothing, and toys for vulnerable children in Kosovo!  And a special thank you to everyone who went out with me to distribute!!!

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles...

Other Kosovo News...

 

25 January 2008 - Independence Within Days???
Both Kosovo's PM Thaci and President Sedjiu have been in the media saying that Kosovo's declaration of independence will happen within days.  Meanwhile NATO has boosted its troops levels in anticipation of the declaration and the Kosovo Police Service (KPS) has prepared an operational plan called Operation Status.

The EU is debating whether or not Marija Serifovic, winner of last year's Eurovision Song Contest, will be allowed to continue as an EU intercultural ambassador due to her alleged ties to Serbian ultranationalists. 

Russia has stated that it will not send troops as a show of force should Kosovo unilaterally declare independence.

The EU is considering sending the first batch of police officers to Kosovo before independence is declared (better do it quick though if it will be within days!) however due to objections by Cyprus the plan may not be approved.  Next week the EU is to take a decision about where or not to sign an accord with Serbia for EU accession. 

 

21 January 2007 - Explosion in Dragodan

Updated

Kosovo Tips

 Last night around 1930 CET there was an explosion in Dragodan that injured four people in a dispute between two Albanian families.  I actually heard the explosion as I was going into the house after dinner but I didn't think it was anywhere close...perhaps the sound was muffled by the other buildings.  Shooting was also reported in the area and AK-47 rounds found at the scene.  According to a friend, the explosion was towards the bottom of Dragodan but on the left side (going up) rather than the right side of the hill where most of the offices and houses are located.  It seems that it was a busy weekend for KPS because in two unrelated incidents two officers were assaulted in the Pristina region when intervening between feuding families.

This weekend was the first round of elections in Serbia and this morning the ultra-nationalists lead the polls.  Serbia's electoral commission also confirmed the official ban of UK and US observers from election monitoring. 

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles

Other Kosovo News

  • Serbia: Pride vs. Progress, a view from Forbes
  • New UN prosecutor, fresh approach?  A look at what the new UN war crimes prosecutor might need to do...
  • OSCE Mission in Kosovo to close if independence declared...
  • Albania:  We don't want Kosovo...Albanian PM says that division has created two different Albanian realities
  • Kosovo Government considering to privatize KEK

 

17 January 2008 - Charity Quiz Night!
Dj Vegas & Friends at the Phoenix Bar - 8:30pm!!! Charity Quiz tonight to raise money for Dj Vegas' Charity Clothing & Toy Drive!!!

As the Haradinaj trial wraps up, prosecutors have asked for a sentence of 25 years for Ramush and his other two co-defendants...this kind of busts up the rumor that he had been released but there still may be some truth to the rumormill that politicians are interfering with the International Criminal Court.  With closing statements due to conclude in the next week or two, signs have popped up all over Pristina saying "Ramush we need you here now".  I've been trying to get a good photo but normally there is a stoplight or power pole in the way of a clear shot from the car.

Living in Kosovo is often interesting and sometimes it is difficult to wrap your head around the Kosovar way of thinking.  Those of us who have lived here some time have lots of experiences and stories we can take back with us to tell our grandchildren later on about "when I was with the UN in Kosovo back in..."!  I'm reminded of this today due to a rather funny experience that one of my colleagues had this morning.  The power is always an interesting...phenomenon (guess that is the right way to put it!)...in Pristina.  Often a phase (there are three phases in most houses) will go out either due to wiring problems or KEK shutting it off for repairs.  Today one of the phases in my friend's flat was off so he went to go check the fuse box which is normally the first thing you have to check in Kosovo when there is something wrong with the power.  Often the fuses will blow because the power level dips.  Anyways, when my friend gets to the fuse box he discovered that someone had actually stolen the fuse along with the holder!  (how wild is that to steal a fuse from someone???) 

It's a phenomenon (my word for the day I guess!) that'd I'd like to call Kosovo Kleptomania.  Basically if it isn't too big or bolted down, eventually someone will come along and steal it.  At the UN Mission HQ, building maintenance had to move a light and replace another because someone was coming each and every night and stealing the light bulb.  They ended up moving one light closer to the ceiling so someone couldn't stand on a chair and reach it...and the other one had to be replaced with an encased florescent bulb!  Other things like toilet paper, air fresheners, and paper towels also regularly disappear from the UN bathrooms.  I remember when I brought a couple nice air fresheners to our office because the bathrooms were smelly...the cleaning staff asked me if it was alright to lock them up over the weekend because they were afraid someone would come take them.  Eventually they were left out and disappeared...

Kosovo Related News...

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles...

  • Vermont watches Kosovo independence, state wants to secede from the US and hopes Kosovo will show them the way (how wild is that???)
  • Kosovo independence would not contribute to Balkan stability according to a political scientist
  • SRSG sings praises on freedom of movement while remaining evasive on investigation...

And just a quick shout-out to all my Italian readers who I met at Ciao the other night...forgive me if I don't recognize you in uniform, just poke me!  Also, hey to my new bud Max & his Slovenian crew...see you guys at the party! :)

 

15 January 2008 - Illegal Woodcutters Rampage...
This one is just too good to pass up so here's the story...a couple days ago a report came in to KPS that seven known Albanian illegal woodcutters tied up and assaulted four Albanian employees of the Forestry Department.  The illegal woodcutters allegedly bound and beat the Forestry employees with axes and chairs before fleeing the scene.  The victims of the assault sustained various injuries which were treated at a local hospital and the attackers were detained in conjunction with the investigation.  How wild is that???

On Thursday, 18 January, Dj Vegas & Friends will be at the Phoenix Bar to raise donations for the Dj Vegas Charity Clothing & Toy Drive.  While I was hoping to have the fundraising and distribution done already, the Ministry of Labor & Social Welfare has been a bit slow in identifying the families in need and we are still waiting on them to correct the lists they gave us of the vulnerable pupils.  I don't remember if I mentioned but a couple of the lists had only a pupil's name & age but when the family showed up we discovered that there were younger or older children in the family that also needed aid, so I asked the DCA to request the Ministry to correct the list and we have been waiting ever since.  But thankfully the Phoenix Bar has graciously agreed to donate the proceeds from the Thursday night quiz to the drive (details below!)

 

14 January 2008 - Happy Orthodox New Year!
Happy Orthodox New Year!  We celebrated in style with a big dinner party at Ciao Restaurant in Caglavica.  We ate and danced to Serbian music well past 1am...which was bad considering that none of us had the day off the following day!  I never actually realized that New Years was celebrated late by the Orthodox but it does make sense considering Christmas is on 7 January! 

Unfortunately I didn't get my New Year off to a good start as I ended up with food poisoning over the weekend from eating sushi in Pristina.  I managed to last about 1 1/2 hours after dinner before I started paying homage to the porcelain gods.  By T-5 hours (or maybe it should be S for Sushi?) S-5 hours, I was only getting worse and basically wanted to die right then & there on my bathroom floor which I discovered was very comfortably heated and okay to sleep on!  S-16 hours I still couldn't hold down anything, my body even rejected plain bottled water!  Finally S-26 hours I actually started to feel hungry and was able to hold down my first meal since eating the infamous sushi.  But still even two full days after eating the sushi my stomach still isn't 100% recovered which is kind of scary! 

A Ministry of Labor and Welfare vehicle with four Albanian passengers was blown up at approximately 1330 hours, seriously injuring one of the occupants.  A KPS spokesperson verified that the explosion was caused by a hand grenade.  It is not known if the government vehicle was the intended target or what was the motive.

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles (So with the new year upon us, I will again say that these articles do not reflect my personal opinion but after reading them, I did find the articles interesting so I want to share them.  Besides, you should always try to see things from different perspectives.  After all if you want to make an argument for or against something it's best to see what opinions are out there!)

Other Kosovo News (Regular News Articles about what's going on in Kosovo)

 

11 January 2008 - Haradinaj Released Because of Politics?
Rumor has reached MTCowgirl that former Kosovo PM Ramush Haradinaj was ordered to be released from the Hague and all charges to be dropped due to "political reasons".  While so far I haven't found any news reports (the chance of this hitting the headlines is slim given the chance for criticism of the decision) the news came from an extremely reliable source and MTCowgirl is inclined to believe the information to be true...but you do never know!  In late December, Ramush and another Kosovar on trial at the Hague were released for the winter break and France's Le Monde took a scathing look at the release.

Other Kosovo news is that the US and Germany are planning to recognize Kosovo's declaration of independence according to a "senior European official" who of course remains anonymous.  The quote that I like in the article is "The cake has been baked, because the Americans have promised Kosovo independence"...that's a great line, I'll have to use it sometime :)

Other Kosovo News...

MTCowgirl's Interesting Articles...these articles are more commentary/editorial and not checked for accuracy!

 

8 January 2008 - Slush Fest
Well, over the weekend the temperatures started climbing, the fuel unfroze, and the snow melted.  Now what was a beautiful winter wonderland is now a slushy disaster...just waiting to ruin the back of those freshly laundered pants! 

There are questions about the EU possibly tempting Kosovo with aid in exchange for less than complete independence.  The idea is that Kosovo truly cannot be independent because it relies so heavily on foreign investment, particularly the EU, and in exchange for continuing the support the EU wants to take a supervisory role.  At the beginning of January, Slovenia took over the presidency of the EU and placed Kosovo as a priority for 2008.  In fact, Slovenia hopes that a solution for Kosovo is found before the end of its presidency in June.

What does the phrase spiritual cradle of Serbia really mean?  An interesting article found in Balkan Analysis explores the term that is often mentioned in media but never really explained.  The article also looks into how one organization is seeking to educate and preserve.

With winter upon us, there have been severe power outages in C-areas prompting cries of electrical discrimination along ethnic lines.  Over the past few days, the power seems to go for an hour or two in Pristina which most is categorized as A-area so it is likely that C-areas are seeing 2:4 (on:off) or even 1:5.  Having experienced living in a C-area in the dead of winter I know that it is difficult to keep the house warm and overall living difficult unless you have a generator and a wood stove. 

I found it interesting when speaking to an Albanian about the power situation and whether or not he believed Thaci could come through on his promise of 24/7 power once elected, he naturally believed that things would change but the thing that really caught my attention was that he blamed the UN for all the power outages.  To my knowledge, the power plant is actually overseen by a local ministry and managed by an independent company for the past several years.  My jokingly tossed back reply was that it was okay to blame the UN for all the problems in Kosovo now and then the EU when it comes in but eventually the local government and its people will need to start taking responsibility for the continuing problems in Kosovo (another common joke is that if the US was going to bomb Kosovo the one thing above all else that should have bombed was the power plant).

I think back to the phrase "people only change when they want to change" and wonder if the same can be kind of applied to the situation in Kosovo...maybe that the situation in Kosovo will only change if the people really are willing to work at changing the situation.  Now it is easy to blame someone else and hope that they will fix the problem...but maybe it would be better for the local populus to roll up their sleeves and force their politicians to fix the issues that they really care about.  After all, what good is independence if you don't have a job, the electricity and water is off, and your life never improves despite all the promises?

 

4 January 2008 - Speed Racer
I expected a response this morning when I floored the accelerator but again this year the UN is plagued with low-quality diesel problems (water in the diesel freezes & clogs the filter).  You would think that the lesson was learnt last year when the temperatures dropped into the double-digit negatives but rather it seems that it would take a ton of bricks falling from a considerable height in order for the point to get through that they need to make sure that they switch to higher quality fuel during the cold winter months.  Compared to many of the other UN vehicles on the streets I was Speed Racer as I passed them going a whopping 40kph!  Man, I was flying with my accelerator pushed to the floor and my engine revving up to an impressive 1500rpms (Yippee).  It basically took forever to get out to TSS as all the local traffic passed and gave me a dirty looks for going so slow :)

Besides having difficulty with the fuel, I don't think anyone has come to plow my street for more than a week now.  I did see a snowplow at the bottom of Dragodan earlier this week but I guess with all the snow they haven't had enough time or people to take care of all the heavily used roads in Pristina.  It can and is fairly interesting to nearly slide down one of the hills in Dragodan sideways in a 4-wheel drive due to the slick build-up of snow and ice :) 

It's again time to do the waddle walk!  The waddle walk is an art form that I have mastered since arriving in Kosovo and is performed ritually every winter.  It consists of waddling much like a duck when you walk on the sidewalks in an effort not to lose your balance and fall on your...you know...in front of everyone.  The concept of shoveling the sidewalks in front of businesses or on main pedestrian areas is unknown to Kosovars so you end up trudging (sorry, waddling!) through the built-up dirty slush-snow.  Crossing the street is also interesting as vehicles in one lane will often stop to let you pass and when the guy in the other lane tries whipping by (and you freeze like a deer in the headlights) he ends up sliding to a stop mere meters away from you (thank goodness for anti-lock brakes I guess!)

 

3 January 2008 - Mother Theresa - What's the Deal?
I came across a fun article titled 50 Cent, emergency generators and contraband tobacco, a blog-type article from Cafe Babel.  Not all the information is correct in their articles (Mother Theresa has been under construction for 4 months, not years) but for the most part I think they have captured the spirit of Pristina pretty well!  I'm interested to see what else comes out of Cafe Babel :)

Thinking of  the recent renovation of Mother Theresa where the government decided to close off one of the main downtown arterials and make it a pedestrian walkway forever condemning the city's citizens to be stuck in bumper to bumper traffic when attempting to do business in the downtown area...I along with many of the local population have to ask "what's the deal?"  In speaking with local friends, many are beyond disgusted with the local government's payout of more than a million and half euros to export granite from China and create the walkway. 

Then there is radioactive granite debate which still rages.  The story is that the granite that was imported (and you have to ask why they chose to import rather than use the plentiful granite/marble supplies in the Balkans and further stimulate their own economy!) from China has radioactive levels that are above the norm and above what is considered safe for the people living in the streets surrounding the walkway. 

So first the government screws up traffic, then they import granite when it's available locally and pay a lot of money for it, and finally the imported granite turns up to be radioactive???  Seems like it just wasn't meant to be...especially since there are rumors that all the renovations will be torn up due to the radioactive nature of the granite.  

 

1 January 2008 - Happy New Year
Despite the expectations of possibly being gone by the end of the year, it appears that I will be spending another full winter in Kosovo.  And what a winter it is turning out to be!  There has been lots of snow, it's cold...and while I will complain that I'm miserably cold (years in Las Vegas spoiled my Montana winter temperament!) I'm very happy to see the amount of snowfall we've had because that means the water reservoirs will be replenished in the spring and hopefully there will not be the same concern in the coming summer that Kosovo will run out of water supplies!

Kosovo started New Year's celebrations with a bang...literally!  An explosive device was placed in front of the door of the Commercial Bank in Dragash and caused considerable damage to the building.  It is thought that the incident was more criminally than ethnically motivated...probably more like someone thinking about a smash & grab rather than targeting a Serbian bank.  However, there are reports that on New Year's Day there have been several attacks on Serbian homes in North Mitrovica.  One house was set on fire and seven others were stoned according to the Serbian Coordination Office. 

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