Interethnic Dialogue and Reconciliation in Kosovo - Project on ...

PROJECT ON ETHNIC RELATIONSThe <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations (PER) wasfounded <strong>in</strong> 1991 <strong>in</strong> anticipation of the serious<strong>in</strong>terethnic conflicts that were to erupt follow<strong>in</strong>gthe collapse of Communism <strong>in</strong> Central<strong>and</strong> Eastern Europe <strong>and</strong> the former SovietUnion. PER conducts programs of high-level<strong>in</strong>tervention <strong>and</strong> dialogue <strong>and</strong> serves as aneutral mediator <strong>in</strong> several major disputes <strong>in</strong>the region. PER also conducts programs oftra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, education, <strong>and</strong> research at <strong>in</strong>ternational,national, <strong>and</strong> community levels.PER is supported by Carnegie Corporation ofNew York, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation,NCH Capital Inc., the Government of GreatBrita<strong>in</strong>, the Government of Montenegro, theGovernment of Romania, the Government ofSwitzerl<strong>and</strong>, the People Technology FoundationInc., the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the AlfredMoses Family Fund, <strong>and</strong> the United States Agencyfor International Development.R e p o r tFALL 2009–SUMMER 2010 KOSOVOINTERETHNIC DIALOGUEAND RECONCILIATIONIN KOSOVO - YEAR TWOIndividuals <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutions wish<strong>in</strong>g to receivePER publications should write to:15 Chambers StreetPr<strong>in</strong>ceton, New Jersey 08542-3707, USATelephone: (609) 683-5666Fax: (609) 683-5888E-mail: per@per-usa.orgWeb Site: www.per-usa.org

INTERETHNIC DIALOGUEAND RECONCILIATIONIN KOSOVO - YEAR TWOKOSOVOFALL 2009 – SUMMER 2010© Copyright 2010 by <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations

TABLE OF CONTENTSPreface 1Note on Term<strong>in</strong>ology 2Implementation of the Ahtisaari Plan 3Political Will <strong>and</strong> Decentralization 3Consolidation of <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serb Moderate Political Leadership 25Cooperation <strong>in</strong> Regional Context 39Work<strong>in</strong>g with Belgrade 42Promotion of <strong>Interethnic</strong> <strong>Reconciliation</strong> 43Forum for <strong>Dialogue</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Reconciliation</strong> 43Televised Forum Activities 49Other PER Publications 58PREFACEThe activities carried out by PER <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> between the summer of 2009<strong>and</strong> the fall of 2010 were concentrated on help<strong>in</strong>g to resolve specific, practicalissues that the Serbian community encounters <strong>in</strong> everyday life <strong>in</strong><strong>Kosovo</strong> with the purpose of improv<strong>in</strong>g the life of this community as wellas improv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terethnic relations <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>. Issues such as how to dealwith budgets <strong>and</strong> employment <strong>and</strong> how to br<strong>in</strong>g more <strong>in</strong>vestments to acommunity, united Serbs <strong>and</strong> Albanians around the table prepar<strong>in</strong>g themto cope with the real challenges that need to be overcome.Another topic of importance <strong>in</strong> our work this past year was the effort tostart a dialogue between Albanians <strong>and</strong> Serbs to help overcome <strong>and</strong> healwounds that have been fester<strong>in</strong>g for many generations. Although it willtake a considerable amount of time before there will be underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong>acceptance between the two communities, PER through its Forum for<strong>Dialogue</strong> has created one such venue for dialogue. The discussions havebeen very open <strong>and</strong> s<strong>in</strong>cere on both sides. The open TV debates that followedsome of the discussions with key representatives of the Albanian <strong>and</strong>Serb communities showed very clearly that <strong>in</strong>terethnic dialogue can takeplace across the table even on some of the most sensitive topics.We judge that significant progress has been made <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> south of theIbar River <strong>in</strong> improv<strong>in</strong>g the liv<strong>in</strong>g conditions of m<strong>in</strong>ority communities<strong>and</strong> advanc<strong>in</strong>g their political <strong>in</strong>tegration <strong>in</strong>to <strong>Kosovo</strong>’s ma<strong>in</strong>stream society.The local elections that took place <strong>in</strong> November 2009 resulted <strong>in</strong> exp<strong>and</strong>edparticipation by the Serbs. The start of the process of decentralizationwhich marked a significant change <strong>in</strong> access to power <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>fluence at thecommunity level, that is reflected <strong>in</strong> a more relaxed atmosphere <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong><strong>and</strong> is visible <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>teraction of Albanian <strong>and</strong> Serb politicians at all levels.With a number of municipalities now under the control of pragmaticmayors, mostly from the Serbian community, more decisions are made atthe local level <strong>and</strong> this empowerment of the communities has helped toimprove the situation <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>.There are still however, limitations <strong>and</strong> frustration, nevertheless, <strong>Kosovo</strong>Albanians seem more comfortable with their decision to move past grievances<strong>and</strong> address the real every day needs of the Serbian community. Thesituation has also improved due to the less aggressive position of the government<strong>in</strong> Serbia which gave some breath<strong>in</strong>g room to the Serbs <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>1

to allow them to make their own decisions about whether to participatemore fully <strong>in</strong> the life <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>.Thus, PER believes that some build<strong>in</strong>g blocks are now <strong>in</strong> place to improveSerb-Albanian relations <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> for the long term. This report outl<strong>in</strong>es<strong>in</strong> brief the activities that PER organized dur<strong>in</strong>g the time period of theproject. It was written by PER’s Head of Office <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>, Leon Malazoguwho has also been responsible for organiz<strong>in</strong>g the PER meet<strong>in</strong>gs. Thereport was edited by the PER staff <strong>in</strong> Pr<strong>in</strong>ceton, NJ. The text has not beenreviewed by participants <strong>and</strong> PER takes full responsibility for its contents.I would like to thank my colleagues <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> Pr<strong>in</strong>ceton for the outst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>gwork carried out dur<strong>in</strong>g this second year of the project.The <strong>in</strong>itiative was generously funded by the United States Agency forInternational Development (USAID). I would like to express our s<strong>in</strong>cereappreciation to USAID <strong>and</strong> to its mission <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>. I would also like toexpress our s<strong>in</strong>cere thanks to all the participants <strong>in</strong> our events <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>,who came from the government, the Assembly, opposition, civil society<strong>and</strong> the <strong>in</strong>ternational community.Livia B. Plaks, PresidentPr<strong>in</strong>ceton, New JerseyNovember 2010NOTE ON TERMINOLOGYIn the first mention<strong>in</strong>g of a geographic location, both the Albanian <strong>and</strong>Serbian language names are used. However, to simplify the text, <strong>in</strong> anyother mention<strong>in</strong>g the name most commonly used <strong>in</strong> the English languageis provided thereafter.“Serb” is used as an ethnic dist<strong>in</strong>ction, whereas “Serbian” is employedwhen referr<strong>in</strong>g to Serbia.Except as otherwise noted, the terms “Albanian,” “Bosnjak,” “Roma,” <strong>and</strong>“Serb” are used to refer to persons belong<strong>in</strong>g to ethnic groups liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>Kosovo</strong>.IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AHTISAARI PLANPolitical Will <strong>and</strong> DecentralizationThe decentralization process <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> the function<strong>in</strong>g of the newmunicipalities has been one of the ma<strong>in</strong> priorities of the <strong>Kosovo</strong>Government, however, all those <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> this process have acknowledgedthat some difficulties persist <strong>in</strong> its successful implementation particularlywhen it comes to full Serb participation. Responsibilities <strong>and</strong>competencies have been specified on the Law on Local Self Government<strong>and</strong> new responsibilities have emerged s<strong>in</strong>ce becom<strong>in</strong>g more accountableto the citizens.Despite some of the difficult trends <strong>in</strong> the decentralization process, therehas been some evidence that the decentralization process <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> providedmunicipalities with much greater competencies to manage local<strong>in</strong>frastructure projects <strong>and</strong> offer more efficient services to its citizens. Thef<strong>in</strong>ancial resources rema<strong>in</strong> a real challenge for the newly establishedmunicipalities to achieve self-susta<strong>in</strong>ability despite various <strong>in</strong>itiatives <strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>come generat<strong>in</strong>g projects.In the Year Two of the project the activities of PER were ma<strong>in</strong>ly focusedon the follow<strong>in</strong>g multiethnic areas: Gjilan/Gnjilane, NovoBrdo/NovoBerde, Strpce/Shterpce, <strong>and</strong> Gracanica. PER has cont<strong>in</strong>ued towork closely with the M<strong>in</strong>istry for Local Government Adm<strong>in</strong>istrationwith whom it has agreed to become <strong>in</strong>formal partners <strong>in</strong> the process.Central level Roundtable <strong>in</strong> Prisht<strong>in</strong>a – <strong>Interethnic</strong> Relations <strong>in</strong><strong>Kosovo</strong>On 3rd of February, PER organized a high-level roundtable of Albanian<strong>and</strong> Serb political leaders <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational representatives resid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>Kosovo</strong> to discuss the current state of <strong>in</strong>terethnic relations <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>.2Left to Right: Petar Miletic, Alfred Boll, Sadri Ferati, Hashim Thaci, Livia Plaks, <strong>and</strong>Christopher Dell.3

The objective of the meet<strong>in</strong>g was to address the challenges <strong>in</strong> the formationof new municipalities <strong>and</strong> ways central <strong>in</strong>stitutions can assist <strong>in</strong> theprocess. The roundtable was opened by the Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister of <strong>Kosovo</strong>, theUS Ambassador to <strong>Kosovo</strong>, PER President, Livia Plaks, <strong>and</strong> the Presidentof the SLS Parliamentary Caucus, Petar Miletic.The Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister thanked PER for hav<strong>in</strong>g served as a bridge amongcommunities <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>, enabl<strong>in</strong>g an open <strong>and</strong> s<strong>in</strong>cere dialogue <strong>and</strong> wasencouraged by Serb participation. He expressed full support to the newMayors as legitimate partners with democratic m<strong>and</strong>ate to implementprojects to the benefit of local communities. Support<strong>in</strong>g new municipalities<strong>in</strong> their development projects will be among the top priorities of the<strong>Kosovo</strong> Government, he assured.The US Ambassador highlighted that the November municipal electionswere just the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of the decentralization process. No less importantchallenges are impend<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> ensur<strong>in</strong>g that the new municipalities succeed<strong>and</strong> provide the services that their citizens dem<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> need. While<strong>Kosovo</strong> has made great progress, now is the time to deepen engagement<strong>and</strong> strengthen those new <strong>in</strong>stitutions that will carry <strong>in</strong>ter-ethnic dialogue<strong>and</strong> reconciliation forward.Delays are not well-understoodby citizens who havebeen wait<strong>in</strong>g for thismoment for several years.4Municipalities need flexibility <strong>and</strong>control over their own resourceswhile the Government must ensuretimely transfer of competencies.Crimes such as illegal constructionplague <strong>Kosovo</strong> as a whole <strong>and</strong> raise issues of implement<strong>in</strong>g rule of law.These need to be addressed by all levels of government <strong>and</strong> delays are notwell-understood by citizens who have been wait<strong>in</strong>g for this moment forseveral years. To keep the momentum, the new municipal leadership needsto improve the lives of their citizens. To carry the momentum of Serb participationfurther, economic opportunities will sooner or later make skepticswish the same.In her open<strong>in</strong>g remarks, PER President, Livia Plaks, lead the roundtable<strong>in</strong>to the topic. Work has barely commenced with the new situation afterelections. The challenge for the majority was to f<strong>in</strong>d ways to make it notonly palatable but even desirable for the various communities to be part of<strong>Kosovo</strong>. In this regard, she asked what it would take to form <strong>and</strong> consolidatethe new municipalities <strong>and</strong> help them overcome their many upcom<strong>in</strong>gchallenges successfully. Municipal f<strong>in</strong>ances, parallel structures <strong>and</strong>other challenges will def<strong>in</strong>e the level of success of new municipalities <strong>in</strong>improv<strong>in</strong>g the situation of the Serb population of <strong>Kosovo</strong>. The ma<strong>in</strong> communities<strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> should seek to make small steps together but the ma<strong>in</strong>responsibility rests with the majority. The <strong>Kosovo</strong> authorities shouldprove—concretely—that they are partners to the local Serb <strong>and</strong> other populations<strong>and</strong> that they are truly concerned with the well-be<strong>in</strong>g of the ethniccommunities resid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the country.A senior representative of the Government urged all to build on the positiveexamples <strong>and</strong> multiply them. He praised these roundtables for theygathered the most courageous <strong>in</strong>dividuals who helped the process all alongwhen everybody else criticized it. Was it not for the lead<strong>in</strong>g courage shown<strong>in</strong> PER roundtables, it would have taken 50 years for ma<strong>in</strong>stream politicalop<strong>in</strong>ions on both sides to reach to this level. Now the extreme positionshave lost ground <strong>and</strong> he thanked all forgrabb<strong>in</strong>g the chance.Some participants who lost <strong>in</strong> the lastelections were very critical. One labeledthe Serbs who participated <strong>in</strong> the electionsas not authentic <strong>and</strong> accused theauthorities of ‘putt<strong>in</strong>g a s<strong>in</strong>gle family <strong>in</strong>control’. Several mayors reacted <strong>and</strong>Was it not for the lead<strong>in</strong>gcourage shown, it wouldhave taken 50 years forma<strong>in</strong>stream political op<strong>in</strong>ionson both sides to reachto this level.accused him of generaliz<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> urged him not to portray his loss as failureof democracy. Even those who do not participate <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutionssided with cont<strong>in</strong>uation of participation. Problems <strong>in</strong> the election processwere recognized but this rema<strong>in</strong>s to be addressed <strong>in</strong> due course.In order for new municipalities to succeed, one senior politician who worksfor a Belgrade <strong>in</strong>stitution urged the new mayors to be careful <strong>in</strong> appo<strong>in</strong>tmentsfor there are examples of those appo<strong>in</strong>ted who allegedly have crim<strong>in</strong>albackground.The lack of f<strong>in</strong>ancial support is a major problem s<strong>in</strong>ce the ability to make animpact on people’s lives was very limited. A senior member of theGovernment promised that the budget re-balance would occur sometime <strong>in</strong>Spr<strong>in</strong>g. Serb politicians recognized that budget limitations are a problem forall municipalities, Serb <strong>and</strong> Albanian alike, however, the political importanceof Serb municipalities at this juncture should be sufficient to justify an addi-5

tional impetus to do more. The new mayors were not part of the draft<strong>in</strong>g ofthis budget, but they are all now busy with various meet<strong>in</strong>gs for everyonewants to help them.Several Serb politicians expressed dissatisfaction regard<strong>in</strong>g the tim<strong>in</strong>g of thestrategy for the north. More time was needed to allow municipalities <strong>in</strong> thesouth to show results, but given the low resources given to them, they cannotbe a showcase. A Mayor argued that to portray his municipality as a success,he faced three ma<strong>in</strong> problems: 1. Unemployment, 2. Conduct privatization<strong>in</strong> a way that benefits the public, <strong>and</strong> 3. End illegal construction. Toconsider w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g over the north, <strong>Kosovo</strong> would have match Belgrade’s 4million Euros each month for salaries. This strategy now looks like ‘occupation’of the north by Prisht<strong>in</strong>a <strong>and</strong> will not br<strong>in</strong>g results.A diplomatic representative conceded that the tim<strong>in</strong>g may not be the bestfrom the perspective of us<strong>in</strong>g southern examples. Ideally, a more <strong>in</strong>tensiveoutreach would have been attempted once there were specific successes toshow. But Belgrade’s decision to go forward with its agenda meant that thestrategy on the north would go forward to counteract partition.A Serb representative from northern <strong>Kosovo</strong> warned that the north was amajor challenge <strong>and</strong> it should be approached cautiously with each step for itcould return <strong>Kosovo</strong> back <strong>in</strong> its dark past. He advised not to rush there, butmake small w<strong>in</strong>dows of opportunity <strong>and</strong> use these as entry po<strong>in</strong>ts. It isimpossible to put some functions <strong>in</strong> Prisht<strong>in</strong>a’s h<strong>and</strong>s. He expressed regretthat some gave full control to Belgrade, for Belgrade was not honest either.The north must be l<strong>in</strong>ked to Prisht<strong>in</strong>a <strong>and</strong> Albanians must have sufficientvision to allow solutions that make this happen.A senior government official urged that rule of law must be established bywork<strong>in</strong>g together. He lowered the expectations that anyth<strong>in</strong>g should happenfast, but expressed conviction that citizens <strong>in</strong> the north do not want a vaguesituation <strong>and</strong> would like to see some structures disappear. He blamed the situationpartly on daily politics, which is not necessarily <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with the reallong-term <strong>in</strong>terest of the people.Intra-Serb Roundtable - Role of Belgrade, <strong>in</strong>tra-Serb dynamics <strong>and</strong>Serbian <strong>in</strong>stitutionsIntra-Serb relations are essential to improve relations with the <strong>Kosovo</strong>Albanian majority. The scene is currently dom<strong>in</strong>ated by quasi-patriots <strong>and</strong>quasi-traitors <strong>and</strong> one former mayor thought that this would not improve aslong as Belgrade is ignored. A senior opposition leader assured <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serbsthat <strong>Kosovo</strong> Albanians do not m<strong>in</strong>d their relations with Serbia. “We onlyworry about their relations with <strong>Kosovo</strong>,” he said.A senior Serb official argued that there is no reason for the excessive cautionwhen discuss<strong>in</strong>g about parallel structures. One should dist<strong>in</strong>guish among thevarious types of parallel structures, e.g. education <strong>and</strong> health were well regulated<strong>in</strong> the Ahtisaari package, <strong>and</strong> could be discussed. He went further torequest that parallel plates of Gjilan/Gnjilane (GL) car plates receive thesame treatment as those from Serbia. He called on all <strong>in</strong>stitutions to focus ontheir own tasks <strong>and</strong> if the <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutions work properly, th<strong>in</strong>gs shouldchange <strong>in</strong> several months. He warned the new Serb leadership aga<strong>in</strong>stattempts to put down parallel structures, for this could seriously endangerthem. Several senior Serb leaders arguednot to call them ‘parallel’ but ‘Serb’ <strong>in</strong>stitutions.The process establish<strong>in</strong>g the Serbian TVwas also criticized for the process isoccurr<strong>in</strong>g furtively <strong>and</strong> several SerbDecentralization shouldlead to positive <strong>in</strong>terdependence<strong>in</strong> order to makethe process irreversible.politicians expressed worries that this extremely important process may bego<strong>in</strong>g wrongly.The role of ‘parent’ municipalities <strong>and</strong> the transfer of competences is essential<strong>in</strong> order to deliver services <strong>and</strong> one mayor assured his counterpart of hiswill to transfer competences swiftly <strong>and</strong> effectively. Personnel problems clearlypresent a significant bottleneck for new municipalities s<strong>in</strong>ce the challengesare too high for the low calibre of the staff. Some expressed worried aboutthe lack of university degrees <strong>in</strong> their CVs while the new mayors worriedover the low number of employees under their comm<strong>and</strong>. The high numberof staff employed <strong>in</strong> the parallel adm<strong>in</strong>istration presents an <strong>in</strong>surmountablepotential problem <strong>in</strong> case these were closed.A senior opposition leader argued that Serbs need not just get <strong>in</strong>volved withSerb-specific issues, but need to <strong>in</strong>volve <strong>in</strong> issues of <strong>Kosovo</strong>-wide importance.Serbs are not <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> these discussions <strong>in</strong> the Parliament or elsewhere.It was concluded that decentralization should lead to positive <strong>in</strong>terdependence<strong>in</strong> order to make the process irreversible. There is an urgent needto pass the Law on Local Government through the Parliament. Overall, thediscussions have moved from anger <strong>and</strong> disagreement to search<strong>in</strong>g for solutions.67

Inter-ethnic Roundtable – Consolidation of the new multiethnic<strong>in</strong>stitutions <strong>in</strong> StrpceOn February 4th, the <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations organized a roundtableof Serb <strong>and</strong> Albanian local political leaders from Strpce.Participants were <strong>in</strong>vited to discuss the consolidation of the newlyformed local multiethnic <strong>in</strong>stitutions, the <strong>in</strong>clusion of all stakeholders <strong>in</strong>the political process, <strong>and</strong> widen the support of the local population forthe new municipality. Another goal of the <strong>in</strong>itiative was to improve thecooperation between Albanian <strong>and</strong> Serb leadership as well as between thelocal <strong>and</strong> central authorities <strong>in</strong> a range of issues, such as decentralization,privatization, <strong>and</strong> economic development <strong>in</strong> the municipality.The Mayor opened the roundtable jo<strong>in</strong>tly with the PER President whochaired the discussion. The Mayor highlighted Strpce as the best exampleof multiethnicity <strong>and</strong> listed three ma<strong>in</strong> priorities for the municipality:(1) the function<strong>in</strong>g of the municipality (s<strong>in</strong>ce it has not functioned<strong>in</strong> the past five years) <strong>and</strong> vowed to tackle some of the problems thatnobody tackled <strong>in</strong> the past ten years; (2) address illegal construction <strong>in</strong>the touristic area; <strong>and</strong> (3) improve its relations with Prisht<strong>in</strong>a. Due to thepresence of illegitimate mayors, Prisht<strong>in</strong>a did not want to <strong>in</strong>vest <strong>in</strong> thepast because it did not f<strong>in</strong>d good partners on the other side. Various <strong>in</strong>dividualshave derived benefits due to such state of vacuum <strong>in</strong> the past twoyears.The new leadership came under pressure to do more regard<strong>in</strong>g the parallelstructures. The Mayor compla<strong>in</strong>ed that there is no debate whereparallel structures are not mentioned <strong>and</strong> criticized the Albanian leadershipof hav<strong>in</strong>g done noth<strong>in</strong>g themselves. He retorted that he alreadyremoved them from the build<strong>in</strong>g, someth<strong>in</strong>g that no previous adm<strong>in</strong>istrationcould do. Moreover, he argued that the municipality has manysmarter th<strong>in</strong>gs to do. A former mayor argued that this problem stemsfrom the dispute between Prisht<strong>in</strong>a <strong>and</strong> Belgrade regard<strong>in</strong>g statehood.This problem must be tackled at the highest level which should alsoaddress whether Belgrade can hold future elections there or not.Serb participants see the process of decentralization as just start<strong>in</strong>g,hence the need for substantial support by Prisht<strong>in</strong>a <strong>and</strong> the <strong>in</strong>ternationalcommunity. A senior representative from Prisht<strong>in</strong>a assured that all prioritiesof Strpce will be pushed through the Assembly of <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong>promised that all doors <strong>in</strong> Prisht<strong>in</strong>a are open for Strpce. Besides photoopportunities, real support was needed <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>vestment, <strong>in</strong>frastructure <strong>and</strong>economic development – more specifically, to work as fast as possible <strong>in</strong>the privatization of the Brezovica ski resort. Opposition membersaccused that this outlook focused only on conduct<strong>in</strong>g privatization forprivate benefit.The Albanian deputy Mayor (until recently his counter-c<strong>and</strong>idate)praised the massive Serb turn-out which has ensured the election of alegitimate mayor. The legislative <strong>and</strong> the executive branch were formed<strong>in</strong> record time <strong>and</strong> all expressed hope that the additional m<strong>and</strong>atorycommittees would soon be establishedtoo. A senior political representativepraised Strpce for hav<strong>in</strong>gpassed three democratic tests: (a)Good elections; (b) Elected legitimateleaders; (c) The Mayor hasquickly <strong>and</strong> effectively consolidatedThe Mayor has quickly <strong>and</strong>effectively consolidated the<strong>in</strong>stitutions <strong>and</strong> has shownthat he will be a Mayor ofall citizens.the <strong>in</strong>stitutions <strong>and</strong> has shown that he will be a Mayor of all citizens. Aspart of the priorities, the Mayor listed the school <strong>in</strong> Brod <strong>in</strong> need ofreconstruction. Overall, all Albanian participants expressed confidencethat these accomplishments bode well for the whole m<strong>and</strong>ate.Apart of the general discussion summarized above, the debate also raisedseveral specific issues:1. Recommendation to establish a committee for security;2. Economic development. Strpce is the only susta<strong>in</strong>able municipality<strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>, <strong>and</strong> with some help it could boost self-propelled development.3. Halt illegal construction, especially until the town develops urban,development <strong>and</strong> spatial plans. Albanian participants were aga<strong>in</strong>st aban on construction <strong>and</strong> expressed hope that the municipality willbe able to develop its urban plan as soon as possible <strong>in</strong> order to allowregulated construction to resume.4. Albanian participants highlighted the total absence of <strong>in</strong>formationoutlets <strong>in</strong> Albanian. Numerous past <strong>in</strong>itiatives failed to address thisproblem. The Mayor promised to lobby through a member of theMedia Commission who comes from Strpce.89

5. Albanian participants requested to consider ethnic composition ofthe municipality <strong>and</strong> use an ethnic key for job creation. Some Serbssuggested not to allow workers from other municipalities, whichAlbanians disagreed with.6. The lack of professional staff was also discussed <strong>and</strong> one suggested toestablish a Higher Vocational School for Tourism.7. The lack of Serb opposition <strong>in</strong> the Assembly was also deemed problematic<strong>and</strong> there was skepticism whether the municipality can functionas it should consider<strong>in</strong>g that many Serbs <strong>and</strong> Albanians havenot been <strong>in</strong>volved.Implementation of the Inter-Municipal Agreement on Transfer ofCompetences to GracanicaThe <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations brought together the political leaders ofGracanica <strong>and</strong> senior political leaders of <strong>Kosovo</strong>. The municipality ofGracanica recently signed an <strong>in</strong>ter-municipal agreement to transfer powersfrom the parent municipalities of Prisht<strong>in</strong>a, Lipjan <strong>and</strong> FusheKosove/<strong>Kosovo</strong> Polje.This roundtable gave additional impetus to an effective h<strong>and</strong> over ofresponsibility <strong>and</strong> sought ways for Gracanica to serve as a model fordecentralization <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>. A major positive example of this type of collaborationwas the mutual agreement over the construction of a hospital<strong>in</strong> Prisht<strong>in</strong>a us<strong>in</strong>g public funds. Yet three weeks s<strong>in</strong>ce the sign<strong>in</strong>g oftransfer agreement, there were still a multitude of problems, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g:(a) fund<strong>in</strong>g, (b) illegal construction <strong>and</strong> issuance of permits, (c) cooperationwith ‘parent municipalities’, <strong>and</strong> (d) the transfer of civil documentation.The M<strong>in</strong>ister of Local Government Adm<strong>in</strong>istration stated his commitmentto mak<strong>in</strong>g the municipality a success. The recently signed memor<strong>and</strong>umon the transfer of competences is a work-<strong>in</strong>-progress. He promisedthat the fund<strong>in</strong>g issue would be resolved. Several participantsexpressed high hopes that Gracanica could become a tourist dest<strong>in</strong>ation<strong>and</strong> that this could br<strong>in</strong>g additional revenue to the municipality.The Mayor of Lipjan committed to be<strong>in</strong>g actively <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the transferof competences <strong>and</strong> resources. The h<strong>and</strong>-over has yet to be f<strong>in</strong>alizeds<strong>in</strong>ce it <strong>in</strong>volves h<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g over cadastral records for eight more villages.Illegal construction <strong>and</strong> issuance of permits dom<strong>in</strong>ated the discussion.The lack an urban development plan, the transfer of cadastral documentation<strong>and</strong> the dest<strong>in</strong>ation of l<strong>and</strong> parcels (for <strong>in</strong>dustry, or agriculture)were cited as obstacles to fair issuance of construction permits. TheM<strong>in</strong>ister promised his support for the municipality, <strong>and</strong> committed toguarantee<strong>in</strong>g that m<strong>in</strong>imally the proceeds from licens<strong>in</strong>g belong to themunicipality of Gracanica, <strong>and</strong> not that of Prisht<strong>in</strong>a.Transfer of civil documentation was another issue dependent upon anupgrade of Gracanica’s capacities. The deputy mayor of FushëKosovë/<strong>Kosovo</strong> Polje expressed full support, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a read<strong>in</strong>ess tobr<strong>in</strong>g his staff to the municipality of Gracanica to stay for as long asneeded <strong>in</strong> order to ensure a smooth transition. The officials of Gracanicapraised this read<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>and</strong> noted that they are <strong>in</strong> the process of prepar<strong>in</strong>gthe relevant space <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>frastructure.All agreed that these municipalities need to succeed <strong>and</strong> that all effortsmust be made to see this is achieved. The lessons drawn from theseefforts have the potential to <strong>in</strong>fluence outcomes <strong>in</strong> similar situations<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Partes <strong>and</strong> beyond. PER urged the participants to produceresults <strong>and</strong> committed to organiz<strong>in</strong>g a follow-up roundtable at the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gof July, immediately follow<strong>in</strong>g the deadl<strong>in</strong>e for a full h<strong>and</strong>-over ofresponsibilities.Lessons Learned from the New Municipalities<strong>Kosovo</strong> Serb representatives from Klokot <strong>and</strong> other parts of <strong>Kosovo</strong> metwith <strong>Kosovo</strong> authorities, senior officials from the M<strong>in</strong>istry of LocalGovernment <strong>and</strong> the Municipality of Gjilan. They had an <strong>in</strong>-depth discussionof what the Gjilan <strong>and</strong> central leadership can <strong>and</strong> should do toimprove the situation of the local Serbs. The Mayor of Gjilan advised theSerbs not to waste any more time. The decentralization process is ongo<strong>in</strong>g<strong>and</strong> the Serbs should grab this historic chance to form their ownmunicipality. The Deputy M<strong>in</strong>ister expla<strong>in</strong>ed the benefits of creat<strong>in</strong>g anew municipality <strong>and</strong> how direct grants from the government work <strong>and</strong>what other sources of fund<strong>in</strong>g are available. Several projects were discussed<strong>and</strong> additional needs <strong>in</strong> the area were highlighted. PER committedto return<strong>in</strong>g to Partes after the municipality is formed to ensure asmooth transition.1011

12Inclusion of Gjilan/Gnjilane villages <strong>in</strong>to NovoberdoAim<strong>in</strong>g to smooth the transition of Serb villages from Gjilan toNovoberdo, PER convened a meet<strong>in</strong>g between five Serb representativesfrom relevant villages with the Mayor of Novobrdo. The mayorexpressed read<strong>in</strong>ess to deal with all the requests <strong>and</strong> do everyth<strong>in</strong>g possibleto <strong>in</strong>clude those villages <strong>in</strong> the service coverage of the municipality.Both sides cited numerous challenges. Cadastral zones need to be transferredto Novobrdo, but this was problematic s<strong>in</strong>ce the boundaries werenot yet clear. Budgets need to be established while the number of residentshas grown. A representative from a radical party that did not takepart <strong>in</strong> elections expressed a will<strong>in</strong>gness to cooperate <strong>and</strong> assist <strong>in</strong> anyway needed.Most of the Serb participants were primarily <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> the issue ofemployment. They feared that the offices for communities <strong>and</strong> the localcommunity office there, which employ around twenty Serbs, would beclosed after they are cut off from the Municipality of Gjilan. There werealso talks underway with the central authorities to secure fund<strong>in</strong>g fromexternal sources s<strong>in</strong>ce Novobrdo’s budget is very small. The Serb participantsexpressed will<strong>in</strong>gness to alter the location of their office <strong>and</strong> providea variety of services on behalf of the municipality. They urged theMayor not to close the local office because it serves as an economic lifel<strong>in</strong>eto numerous families. The Mayor assured the Serb representativesthat he will do everyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> his power to ensure that this does not occur.Serb representatives asked the mayor to help reduce unemployment <strong>in</strong>the Serb community. The Mayor expla<strong>in</strong>ed that the public sector is nolonger engaged <strong>in</strong> direct job-creation.Many of the issues cont<strong>in</strong>ue to rema<strong>in</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>gent on transfer of powerfrom Gjilan. Work<strong>in</strong>g groups with Gjilan are deal<strong>in</strong>g with transfer issues<strong>in</strong> various areas, but there were problems <strong>in</strong> some of the sectors becausenot all officials were ready to fully cooperate. The Mayor also vowed thatdespite fund<strong>in</strong>g challenges, the problems of school supplies <strong>and</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>tenancethat were common under Gjilan’s adm<strong>in</strong>istration would also beaddressed.Significantly, several months after the h<strong>and</strong>-over, the municipality ofNovobrdo was still struggl<strong>in</strong>g to secure the fund<strong>in</strong>g to ensure paymentto health <strong>and</strong> education employees. Some teachers had not been paid formonths. Serb representatives also compla<strong>in</strong>ed that the Municipality ofGjilan took away the only ambulance that serviced the four villages <strong>and</strong>gave it to Silovo, a locale that already has one ambulance.Inter-ethnic Roundtable - Address<strong>in</strong>g Key Challenges of NewMunicipalities: Budget <strong>and</strong> PropertyThe <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations organized an <strong>in</strong>ter-ethnic roundtable onbudgetary <strong>and</strong> property-related challenges fac<strong>in</strong>g new municipalities.Previous PER roundtables revealed that budget <strong>and</strong> property issues arethe two major obstacles fac<strong>in</strong>g new municipal authorities. PER took the<strong>in</strong>itiative to <strong>in</strong>vite a number of officials from new municipalities to discussthose two issues with the central government.The new mayors were not part of the draft<strong>in</strong>g of this year’s budget, <strong>and</strong>a more vigorous relationship is needed to ensure that the 2010 budget isA representative from aradical party that did nottake part <strong>in</strong> electionsexpressed a will<strong>in</strong>gness tocooperate <strong>and</strong> assist <strong>in</strong> anyway needed.able to help them improve the situationon the ground. The roundtableaimed to review obstacles presentedby budget limitations <strong>and</strong> toassess what further support is necessary.The second session discussedwhether the new mayors canbecome fully responsible for developmentswith<strong>in</strong> the boundaries of their municipalities <strong>and</strong> how thismilestone can be achieved as quickly as possible.Dur<strong>in</strong>g open<strong>in</strong>g remarks, a senior Serb leader noted the timel<strong>in</strong>ess of thesubject <strong>and</strong> that there is seem<strong>in</strong>gly the necessary will with<strong>in</strong> the communitiesto resolve these problems. The presence of representatives from allrelevant <strong>in</strong>stitutions was praised.A senior governmental representative <strong>in</strong> charge of municipal budgetssaid he valued the meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> expressed his hope to have regular ones,claim<strong>in</strong>g that many accomplishments <strong>and</strong> good progress has beenachieved. He stated that the challenge that rema<strong>in</strong>s is to make statistics<strong>and</strong> other data compatible among the various <strong>in</strong>stitutions. This <strong>in</strong>cludesissues of property tax <strong>and</strong> the <strong>in</strong>volvement of ‘parent’ municipalities <strong>and</strong>l<strong>in</strong>e m<strong>in</strong>istries. The M<strong>in</strong>istry of Economy <strong>and</strong> F<strong>in</strong>ance organizes regularforums, but this is <strong>in</strong>sufficient for the staff of new municipalities. “Weneed opportunities to tra<strong>in</strong> the staff how to manage budgets, which is anurgent priority to be conducted with the <strong>in</strong>volvement of the Treasury,”he said.13

He reported on the municipalities <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a variety of developments.While the secondary health care facility <strong>in</strong> Gracanica is be<strong>in</strong>g constructedwith 2010 fund<strong>in</strong>g, the M<strong>in</strong>istry has budgeted secondary health carefor Strpce <strong>and</strong> Northern Mitrovica for 2011. The grant commissionallowed extra staff for the two health centers <strong>and</strong> adequate budgetaryresources to ensure their normal functions.An official from a central Serb-majority municipality expressed disappo<strong>in</strong>tmentthat the municipality did not receive the amount of resourcesthe donors promised. New municipalities need disproportionately moreNew municipalities alsoface additional challenges,<strong>and</strong> it takes time for theirstaff to be up to the task.fund<strong>in</strong>g than established ones s<strong>in</strong>cethey have no self-generated revenuesto rely upon. New municipalitiesalso face additional challenges,<strong>and</strong> it takes time for their staff to beup to the task. The authorities feltthat new municipalities have all the<strong>in</strong>formation needed. In turn, municipalities compla<strong>in</strong>ed that the entirebudget is already earmarked for specific purposes (mostly salaries) <strong>and</strong>the newly elected authorities have little flexibility <strong>in</strong> budget<strong>in</strong>g for otherneeds.An Albanian mayor of a Serb-majority municipality expressed his disappo<strong>in</strong>tmentwith the treatment of his municipality. Despite hav<strong>in</strong>g concludeda Memor<strong>and</strong>um of Underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g with the parent municipality,he felt ignored. He was faced with a sudden decision by the Mayor ofGjilan to stop all services to the newly transferred areas, without thetransfer of sufficient resources to replace the resources. Worse still, hisbudget was cut at the same time the municipality acquired a large areawith a number of large villages to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>. In the new areas people aretak<strong>in</strong>g advantage of the legal vacuum <strong>and</strong> have started to build illegally.He expressed dissatisfaction that the allocation of funds is not conductedon the basis of need, while <strong>in</strong>stead politically-important municipalitiesseem<strong>in</strong>gly receive the majority of fund<strong>in</strong>g. The representatives of thecentral authorities expla<strong>in</strong>ed that their <strong>in</strong>itial assumption was thatNovobrdo would not struggle s<strong>in</strong>ce it has existed as a municipality for along time. However they now recognize the challenge they face <strong>and</strong>promised to address it appropriately.Competencies had been transferred to municipalities earlier, howevertheir implementation had only picked up <strong>in</strong> the week before the roundtable.Several participants reported that this is now happen<strong>in</strong>g - the relevantdocumentation <strong>and</strong> files on property are be<strong>in</strong>g transferred. Thisprocess requires some mobilization <strong>and</strong> can be measured by the numberof files that have been transferred. The International Civilian Office(ICO) addressed the dispute of the municipal boundary, <strong>and</strong> the wholeprocess is be<strong>in</strong>g round up. The process has now picked up steam <strong>and</strong> thestakeholders seemed visibly determ<strong>in</strong>ed to speed up to compensate fortime lost.An <strong>in</strong>ternational participant appealed to the participants to realize thatthe changes brought about by decentralization were fundamental. Themunicipal budgets are to double <strong>in</strong> the next five years. Aside from thegrants by the state, municipalities will choose their priorities, <strong>and</strong> theywill be free to hire staff if they are f<strong>in</strong>ancially capable to do so. However,to get to that po<strong>in</strong>t, the municipalities need to negotiate with the centralauthorities.The construction <strong>in</strong> the newmunicipalities is problematic.Procedures are clear <strong>and</strong> mustbe respected, <strong>and</strong> parent municipalitiesshould not be allowedto issue licenses any longer. TheIn the new areas people aretak<strong>in</strong>g advantage of the legalvacuum <strong>and</strong> have started tobuild illegally.deputy mayor of a southern municipality reported that they have fullcontrol over developments with<strong>in</strong> the boundaries of the municipality<strong>and</strong> they have stopped illegal construction <strong>in</strong> three cases. However whilethere is stability, the needs are massive. Besides the lack of resources,there are adm<strong>in</strong>istrative challenges, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g adherence to budgetarycodes. He requested that this be addressed ahead of the re-balance, yetthere are more challenges.A representative of a central <strong>in</strong>stitution responsible for spatial plann<strong>in</strong>gexpressed read<strong>in</strong>ess to support municipalities through direct provision ofmaterial, experts, documents, software <strong>and</strong> hardware, or through donors.Indirectly, this can help the budgets of the municipalities too.1415

Inter-Ethnic Rountable - Future of Brezovica <strong>and</strong> Illegal Construction,StrpceThe <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations organized a meet<strong>in</strong>g of Serb <strong>and</strong>Albanian local political leaders, primarily focus<strong>in</strong>g on the policy on construction<strong>in</strong> the tourist zone. This is a contentious issue with diverseop<strong>in</strong>ions <strong>and</strong> is a press<strong>in</strong>g priority. The central challenge is manag<strong>in</strong>g thisprocess <strong>in</strong> a way that allows <strong>in</strong>vestments to flow but that ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s sensitivityto local needs <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>terests. It is essential to build consensusaround this vital issue <strong>in</strong> order to avoid conflict, as well as to ensure thatthis major asset of the municipality is well-preserved. The mayordescribed the current situation with regard to illegal construction. As aresult of illegal construction, the tourist area has 250 houses, 200 ofwhich are illegal. Any further construction has been banned. The municipalleadership is ready to deal with all the problems there.The second priority is privatization which would create new potential foreconomic growth, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g through promot<strong>in</strong>g summer tourism. Themayor described a ski<strong>in</strong>g resort he recently visited <strong>in</strong> Bulgaria, where theentire tourist <strong>in</strong>frastructure is located <strong>in</strong> the village <strong>and</strong> there are no lodg<strong>in</strong>gfacilities next to the ski slopes. This model has attracted manytourists <strong>and</strong> is similar to the model that Strpce should follow. Strpce hasalready started to do so as they have removed all the construction of temporarynature (st<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> kiosks) <strong>and</strong> they have a multiethnic police <strong>and</strong>court, as well as strong cooperation with their coalition partners.The director of Urban Plann<strong>in</strong>g has <strong>in</strong>itiated a spatial <strong>and</strong> urban plan forthe whole municipality of Strpce, which should address the problem ofconstruction <strong>in</strong> the long-term. S<strong>in</strong>ce the new municipal governmenttook over there has been no new construction. The deputy mayor highlightedthat both partners <strong>in</strong> the new coalition government are <strong>in</strong> unison<strong>and</strong> this has already yielded results. The task is not simply to stop construction,but to pave the way for development of respectful <strong>and</strong> applicablelaw. The municipality has already entered <strong>in</strong>to agreement withLOGOS, a Swiss-funded project for assistance with the development ofthe spatial <strong>and</strong> urban plan. The next task is to f<strong>in</strong>d ways to legalize allbuild<strong>in</strong>gs that can be legalized, as well as to develop a master plan for theprivatization <strong>and</strong> development of the ski resort.All participants supported tax <strong>in</strong>creases which would lead people tobuild smaller houses <strong>and</strong> allow the municipality to ga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> terms of highertax revenues. The municipality will have a higher budget due to the<strong>in</strong>troduction of higher property taxes. The Albanian communityexpressed particular <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> this. They have little <strong>in</strong>terest either <strong>in</strong> sell<strong>in</strong>gassets or <strong>in</strong> participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> construction, but do have an <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong>a larger budget. The opposition was <strong>in</strong> full support of the Mayor, especiallybecause he has begun to clean up the center of Strpce, which itselfis a very rare <strong>in</strong>itiative across <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong> general.It is encourag<strong>in</strong>g that the plans thus far provide for the development ofa large portion of touristic potential <strong>in</strong> the town of Strpce itself, creat<strong>in</strong>gopportunity for a wider array of beneficiaries. <strong>Interethnic</strong> relations areessential to this effort, for tourists will come from various countries, aswell as from with<strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>, <strong>and</strong> they will need to feel comfortable <strong>in</strong>Strpce <strong>in</strong> order to spend their money.All participants agreed that the parallel adm<strong>in</strong>istration has only exacerbatedthe problem. They have controlled the transportation ramp toaccess the touristic area, but illegal construction has only <strong>in</strong>tensified dur<strong>in</strong>gthis period, s<strong>in</strong>ce they have used the ramp simply as a means for rais<strong>in</strong>gmoney for themselves.Review of the Transfer of Competencies to New MunicipalitiesJune 15 2010 was the official deadl<strong>in</strong>e for the transfer of competencies<strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>. PER brought mayors <strong>and</strong> senior officials from ‘parent’municipalities, central authorities <strong>and</strong> new municipalities to Gracanicafor a roundtable discussion about the process <strong>and</strong> to exam<strong>in</strong>e what issuesrema<strong>in</strong> to be addressed. The results were varied: there are l<strong>in</strong>ger<strong>in</strong>g challenges<strong>and</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>ued support from mother municipalities <strong>and</strong> the centralgovernment is needed. At the same time, the new municipalitiesmust develop their resources <strong>and</strong> capacity to effectively h<strong>and</strong>le the newchallenges.A central government official expla<strong>in</strong>ed the process began <strong>in</strong> Marchwhen the transfer agreement was signed. Two divisions were tasked withmonitor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> manag<strong>in</strong>g the transfer of competencies with the primarygoal of <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g the speed of transfer to meet the deadl<strong>in</strong>e. A DeputyAssemblyman from the Serbian community expressed concern about theassass<strong>in</strong>ation attempt aga<strong>in</strong>st a Serb political leader <strong>in</strong> Mitrovica. Heviewed this <strong>in</strong>cident as an added <strong>in</strong>centive to engage <strong>in</strong> the process <strong>and</strong>become part of the <strong>in</strong>stitutions of the state of <strong>Kosovo</strong>. Despite the com-1617

plex conditions under which the transfer is occurr<strong>in</strong>g, he expressed gratitudefor the support of the mayors <strong>and</strong> affirmed the central government’scommitment to follow<strong>in</strong>g the matter closely <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>terven<strong>in</strong>g ifnecessary.Challeng<strong>in</strong>g conditions <strong>and</strong> uneven start<strong>in</strong>g ground have led to vary<strong>in</strong>gresults. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to one leader of a larger municipality, overall the transferof competences has occurred <strong>and</strong> the municipalities are operational.Accord<strong>in</strong>g to one deputy mayor of a<strong>Interethnic</strong> relations areessential for tourists willcome from variouscountries, as well as fromwith<strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>, <strong>and</strong> they willneed to feel comfortable <strong>in</strong>Strpce <strong>in</strong> order to spendtheir money.small municipality, the process isslow <strong>and</strong> citizens that have movedfrom one municipality to another arelos<strong>in</strong>g out. In this municipality notall officials had a copy of the transferagreement <strong>and</strong> the participant wasclear <strong>in</strong> his op<strong>in</strong>ion that the municipalitywas not <strong>in</strong> a position to competentlyh<strong>and</strong>le its expansion. Heused this opportunity to request help for those municipalities hav<strong>in</strong>gtrouble complet<strong>in</strong>g the transfer process.One mayor of a ‘parent’ municipality responsible for the transfer of competenciesto 2 municipalities succ<strong>in</strong>ctly outl<strong>in</strong>ed the challenges they face:a. Capacity – human <strong>and</strong> technical; b. Fund<strong>in</strong>g; c. Safe <strong>and</strong> organizedtransfer of documentation <strong>and</strong> databases to new municipalities; <strong>and</strong> d.Timel<strong>in</strong>e for overlap of service provision.Participants at the September 2010 <strong>in</strong>terethnic roundtable <strong>in</strong> Novoberde/Novo BrdoFund<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> timel<strong>in</strong>e issues <strong>in</strong> the municipalities are closely l<strong>in</strong>ked tothe plann<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> execution of decentralization at the upper level.Mother municipalities also have a direct effect on capacity <strong>and</strong> the abilityto organize <strong>and</strong> complete the physical transfer of resources <strong>and</strong> data.In municipalities such as Novobrdo satellite offices are needed closer tothe outer villages. In Gracanica the number of municipal workers formerlyemployed by Prisht<strong>in</strong>a cannot be supported under the currentbudget. There is also a major fund<strong>in</strong>g gap for education. Parent municipalities<strong>in</strong> some cases have agreed to cont<strong>in</strong>ue to cover costs <strong>and</strong> provideservices, but there is concern over how long these subsidies can <strong>and</strong>should cont<strong>in</strong>ue.Many of the participants voiced concerns on the rate <strong>and</strong> the ability totransfer documents, databases, maps, etc. These tasks are technicallydetailed <strong>and</strong> the <strong>in</strong>formation is sensitive. Participants have requestedresources <strong>and</strong> the h<strong>and</strong>s-on procedural guidance of the M<strong>in</strong>istry ofAdm<strong>in</strong>istration. A participant expressed that it was a serious oversight tocreate budgets <strong>and</strong> allocate resources without any hard demographic dataor analysis of new municipalities. Also detrimental to the developmentof the new municipalities is the lack of straight l<strong>in</strong>e provisions to the newmunicipalities.For there to be mean<strong>in</strong>gful transfer of power at the local level municipalitiesmust be able to serve their constituents. In Novobrdo, after thetransfer, all services <strong>and</strong> communication with citizens who rely on theGjilan services were stopped as per the law. However, the <strong>in</strong>ability of thenew municipality to take over services <strong>and</strong> an uproar from the citizenscaused the Mayor of Gjilan to suspend this resolution. It is clear themother municipality's subsidy of the new municipality is not susta<strong>in</strong>able.The central government must provide cont<strong>in</strong>gency plans <strong>and</strong> allocateresources to mitigate this gap <strong>in</strong> service provision.There have been some issues with municipalities effectively cooperat<strong>in</strong>gwith each other. After several missed rounds, the Municipality ofPrisht<strong>in</strong>a attended the meet<strong>in</strong>g. A senior representative of theMunicipality of Prisht<strong>in</strong>a reported that they began work<strong>in</strong>g withGracanica <strong>and</strong> established an agreement that Gracanica h<strong>and</strong>le its ownservices for its citizens start<strong>in</strong>g on April 28th.In the face of these challenges the municipalities <strong>and</strong> their leadershipcont<strong>in</strong>ue to evolve <strong>in</strong> their ability to h<strong>and</strong>le these responsibilities.1819

Directors were noted as hav<strong>in</strong>g established relationships <strong>and</strong> agreementsamongst each other to manage the transfer of services <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>formation.Employment <strong>and</strong> education rema<strong>in</strong> very sensitive issues. The prospectsfor employment are low <strong>and</strong> there are cont<strong>in</strong>ued difficulties <strong>in</strong> resolv<strong>in</strong>gl<strong>and</strong> ownership, corruption <strong>and</strong> cronyism. In Gracanica, there are majoreducation fund<strong>in</strong>g shortfalls expected for both staff <strong>and</strong> students. Themunicipality is actively work<strong>in</strong>g with the M<strong>in</strong>istry of Education to procureadditional funds <strong>and</strong> make arrangements before the start of theschool year. In response to education needs <strong>and</strong> the parallel structuresthat cont<strong>in</strong>ue to exist, several issues were raised by the M<strong>in</strong>istry ofEducation: (a) Salaries from <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> Serbia by the same staff, (b) AllSerbian language texts used for teach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> elementary schools werereviewed, (c) <strong>in</strong>compatible educational systems between <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong>Serbia (5, 4, 3 levels <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> vs. 4, 4, 4 <strong>in</strong> Serbia), (d) that religiousclasses <strong>in</strong> Serbia have become m<strong>and</strong>atory.High level work<strong>in</strong>g d<strong>in</strong>ner, Prisht<strong>in</strong>a - Representation of Serbs <strong>in</strong>Public InstitutionsOn 15 September 2010, PER organized a high-level discussion regard<strong>in</strong>gthe representation of Serbs <strong>in</strong> the public sector. The goal of the meet<strong>in</strong>gwas to identify common ground that can <strong>in</strong>crease employmentamong Serb community members. All participants shared a similar viewof the problem <strong>and</strong> agreed that the level of Serb representation <strong>in</strong> thepublic sector rema<strong>in</strong>s low. Participants also provided some specific ideason how to improve the situation. Consider<strong>in</strong>g the nature of problems<strong>and</strong> the need for a long-term solution, PER committed to review <strong>and</strong>monitor the progress over time.The Office of Community Affairs with<strong>in</strong> the Office of the PrimeM<strong>in</strong>ister of the Government of <strong>Kosovo</strong> presented key f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs of arecently conducted research study regard<strong>in</strong>g underrepresentation ofm<strong>in</strong>orities <strong>in</strong> the public sector. The brief<strong>in</strong>g clearly showed that thenumber of Serbs employed <strong>in</strong> the public service was well below the levelrequired by law. PER urged all attendees to reflect <strong>and</strong> exam<strong>in</strong>e thesechallenges <strong>and</strong> to identify potential avenues for achiev<strong>in</strong>g the requiredquota as outl<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the Comprehensive Status Proposal.In the open<strong>in</strong>g remarks, a senior government official acknowledged theproblem of underrepresentation of the Serb community <strong>and</strong> stressed thatthis hurts the government’s ability to have true representation of m<strong>in</strong>oritycommunities <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutions. Two years ago, <strong>Kosovo</strong>’s declarationof <strong>in</strong>dependence resulted <strong>in</strong> many Serbs leav<strong>in</strong>g their jobs. However,the situation today has changed <strong>and</strong> pa<strong>in</strong>ts a more encourag<strong>in</strong>g picture.All <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutions have expressed their good will for better <strong>in</strong>clusionof Serbs <strong>in</strong>to <strong>Kosovo</strong> societywhich is seen as an important stepfor higher representation <strong>and</strong>employment of Serb community <strong>in</strong>the public sector, particularly after2008. As published <strong>in</strong> the recentgovernment report, the percentageof Serb representation <strong>in</strong> the publicThere is a widespreadperception that “work<strong>in</strong>gwith <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutionsmeans literally recogniz<strong>in</strong>g<strong>Kosovo</strong>’s <strong>in</strong>dependence”.sector st<strong>and</strong>s at around 4% (with variations among <strong>in</strong>stitutions); wellbelow the required 16.67% of the total employed m<strong>in</strong>orities <strong>in</strong> the publicsector.Political membership was identified as another significant problem <strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g the number of employed Serbs <strong>in</strong> the public sector. It wasexpressed that it would be challeng<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>crease the number ofemployed m<strong>in</strong>orities if political divisions persist. Different methods <strong>and</strong>examples should be identified <strong>in</strong> order to overcome this challenge.The government declared it has political will to <strong>in</strong>troduce new opportunitiesfor m<strong>in</strong>ority employment, however, it was stressed that it is also upto the Serbian Government to ease its pressure <strong>and</strong> encourage employmentof Serbs with<strong>in</strong> Kosovar <strong>in</strong>stitutions. Some participants argued thatthe current political climate among Serbs is similar to the Albanianresistance dur<strong>in</strong>g Milosevic’s time.Another issue raised by PER was the misperception with<strong>in</strong> the Serb communityabout employment with<strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutions <strong>and</strong> the recommendationsof the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regard<strong>in</strong>g limitson new public sector employment. Employment <strong>in</strong> public enterpriseswas mentioned as potentially problematic ma<strong>in</strong>ly due to privatization ofcompanies, due the massive expected lay-offs, which reduces the overallnumber of jobs available.One Serbian representative po<strong>in</strong>ted out that a significant reason forunder-representation <strong>and</strong> barriers fac<strong>in</strong>g Serbs <strong>in</strong> apply<strong>in</strong>g to jobs <strong>in</strong><strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutions is a widespread perception that “work<strong>in</strong>g with2021

<strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutions means literally recogniz<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Kosovo</strong>’s <strong>in</strong>dependence”.In addition to this important factor, low salaries <strong>and</strong> the difficulty ofadvertis<strong>in</strong>g positions <strong>in</strong> Serbian media were considered as further impedimentsto efforts to recruit Serbian staff. Based on these facts, it was suggestedthat the Government of <strong>Kosovo</strong> consider the possibility of creat<strong>in</strong>ga central office or committee that would assist the employment ofm<strong>in</strong>orities across the public sector.In the last part of the meet<strong>in</strong>g, PER urged all parties to develop a moreconcrete approach that would produce tangible results <strong>and</strong> desirableprogress. It was suggested that a work<strong>in</strong>g group be formed at the centrallevel. In addition, three levels of challenges were identified for theGovernment of <strong>Kosovo</strong> which were related to employment issues: a) thelocal/municipal level (considered the easiest level); b) the central level (ofmoderate difficulty) <strong>and</strong> c) Mitrovica north (the most difficult level). Itwas proposed that the Government focus on creat<strong>in</strong>g opportunities foryouth employment, scholarship opportunities with some neutral universitiessuch as the American University <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> (AUK), <strong>and</strong> by committ<strong>in</strong>gto help them return <strong>and</strong> to work <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutions <strong>in</strong> thenext three years.More efforts from the Government to work on the <strong>in</strong>clusion of Serbs <strong>in</strong>the public sector <strong>and</strong> encourage employment;• Support <strong>in</strong>itiatives that promote employment of m<strong>in</strong>orities with thesupport of the <strong>in</strong>ternational community;• Consider the creation of a central office or committee that wouldfocus on employment of m<strong>in</strong>orities;• Encourage the Government of Serbia not to put pressure on Serbsemployed <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Kosovo</strong> public sector.Inter-Ethnic Roundtable - The future of Municipal Community Office<strong>in</strong> KusceOn 16 September 2010, the <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations (PER) organizeda roundtable to discuss the future of the Municipal CommunityOffice <strong>in</strong> Kusce/Kufce, now part of the Municipality of NovoBrdo/NovoBerde. The ma<strong>in</strong> objectives of the roundtable were to: (a)look at the outst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g issues for complet<strong>in</strong>g the process of transfer ofcompetencies; (b) identify <strong>in</strong>novative ideas on how to make the most ofsuch an office; <strong>and</strong> (c) to look at potential long-term solutions.22The roundtable was opened by the President of PER who stressed theimportance of the new municipalities <strong>and</strong> their function<strong>in</strong>g as a way forwardfor m<strong>in</strong>ority groups to make decisions on important issues thatdirectly impact their communities. Meet<strong>in</strong>gs of this nature create spacefor communication <strong>and</strong> constructive discussion, which <strong>in</strong> turn is positivefor all communities <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>. The community office <strong>in</strong> Kusce/Kufce isbeneficial for all members of the community, therefore PER urged allparticipants to provide concrete proposals for how to permanentlyresolve the outst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g issue.The Mayor from the host municipality expressed his appreciation for theorganization of this roundtable, call<strong>in</strong>g it an important element to f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gcommon ground <strong>and</strong> address<strong>in</strong>g the challenges of this process.The Mayor provided a brief<strong>in</strong>g regard<strong>in</strong>g the previous meet<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>and</strong> discussionswith the Mayors of Gjilan/Gnjilane <strong>and</strong> Partes/Partesh whichtouched on several issues, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the future of the community office<strong>in</strong> Kusce/Kufce, but he stressed that there is more that needs to be done<strong>in</strong> this regard. F<strong>in</strong>ancial challenges that municipalities are fac<strong>in</strong>g today,<strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> particular new municipalities, are as a result of the Governmentadm<strong>in</strong>istrative <strong>in</strong>struction to all municipalities to establish communityoffices, especially s<strong>in</strong>ce the adm<strong>in</strong>istrative <strong>in</strong>struction does not clearlydef<strong>in</strong>e the f<strong>in</strong>ancial responsibilities for the function<strong>in</strong>g of such offices.He also said that they have requested that the Municipal Committeesdevelop procedures <strong>and</strong> regulations <strong>in</strong> order to facilitate the function<strong>in</strong>gof the Office for Communities, however, the issue of staff<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> thecont<strong>in</strong>uation of their work rema<strong>in</strong> unsolved, therefore he urged all threemunicipalities to make a decision regard<strong>in</strong>g the staff <strong>and</strong> fund<strong>in</strong>g of theOffice <strong>in</strong> Kusce/Kufce.The Deputy M<strong>in</strong>ister of theM<strong>in</strong>istry for Communities <strong>and</strong>Returns emphasized the importanceof this project <strong>and</strong> of thevalue of previous USAID supportedprojects. He also focused ondecentralization <strong>and</strong> expressed acommitment to go forward withthe process enabl<strong>in</strong>g municipalitiesto be closer to its citizens. HeLeft to Right: Srdjan Sentic <strong>and</strong> GradimirMikic23

stated that one purpose of the adm<strong>in</strong>istrative <strong>in</strong>struction for the Officeof Communities was to have a unified system that would serve as a basefor communities to address their needs. F<strong>in</strong>ancial difficulties wereacknowledged <strong>and</strong> efforts are be<strong>in</strong>g made for all staff to keep their posts.Institutional <strong>and</strong> moralsupport was providedto two newlyestablishedmunicipalities throughmutual trust, <strong>and</strong> someof the tasks werecompleted beyond ourexpectations.One of the Mayors of the ‘parent’ municipality said that the majority oftasks related to transfer of documentation<strong>and</strong> competencies have now beencompleted <strong>and</strong> some progress was alsoachieved <strong>in</strong> regards to staff tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong>provid<strong>in</strong>g copies of the documents. Anadditional challenge was the transfer ofstaff s<strong>in</strong>ce they are currently contractedby the parent municipality. The h<strong>and</strong>overof responsibility <strong>and</strong> budget did notgo h<strong>and</strong>-<strong>in</strong>-h<strong>and</strong> – the new municipalitywas h<strong>and</strong>ed over personnel responsibilitywithout the budget. Future h<strong>and</strong>-over the health <strong>and</strong> education sectorsmay be much more complicated.A representative from the Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister’s Office urged the Mayor ofboth the ‘parent’ <strong>and</strong> the newly established municipality to discuss allrema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g issues thoroughly <strong>and</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d common ground that will lead toeffective function<strong>in</strong>g of the community office <strong>and</strong> the provision of qualityservices to citizens.A representative from the ‘parent’ municipalityurged others not to focus on the problems of the past but to concentrate<strong>and</strong> provide practical suggestions regard<strong>in</strong>g the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g problems.The representative from the M<strong>in</strong>istry of Local GovernmentAdm<strong>in</strong>istration viewed current difficulties be<strong>in</strong>g ma<strong>in</strong>ly of a technicalnature <strong>and</strong> no longer a question of whether the office itself should existor not. He said that the experience of people work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the communityoffices is <strong>in</strong>valuable <strong>and</strong> that municipalities should not only considerwho funds the community office, but should also consider engag<strong>in</strong>g thestaff <strong>in</strong> other municipal departments. Each municipality has its owncompetencies <strong>and</strong> issues related to the community office <strong>and</strong> they can besolved through <strong>in</strong>ter-municipal cooperation.A member of the community of Kusce present <strong>in</strong> the roundtable statedthat the success of these offices depends ma<strong>in</strong>ly on the read<strong>in</strong>ess of theadm<strong>in</strong>istration to work properly, <strong>and</strong> that everyone agrees on ways tosolve the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g issues. The location of the office <strong>and</strong> rent was reportedto be an additional issue as this puts additional burden on the alreadylimited budget of the municipality. Shar<strong>in</strong>g of offices <strong>and</strong> staff by municipalitiesshould be considered a temporary option, however, this wouldcreate additional obstacles.One Serb politician was of the op<strong>in</strong>ion that the completion of the transferof competencies <strong>and</strong> the f<strong>in</strong>ancial resources are the two major issuesthat are regarded as problematic <strong>and</strong> it rema<strong>in</strong>s for the mayors of bothmunicipalities to f<strong>in</strong>d a solution that is acceptable to all. In addition, hesuggested that a meet<strong>in</strong>g be held between the two mayors to discuss thecontracts of the staff work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the community office, as they are contractedto the parent municipality through 2012.There was general underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g among all participants that the ma<strong>in</strong>challenges <strong>in</strong> relation to the function<strong>in</strong>g of the Community Office <strong>in</strong>Kusce are f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong> nature <strong>and</strong> not on the issue of how many staff willwork <strong>in</strong> the Community Office or whether the office itself should existor not. Several mayors agreed <strong>in</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>ciple to to jo<strong>in</strong>tly develop a requestproposal to the M<strong>in</strong>istry of Economy <strong>and</strong> F<strong>in</strong>ances with a specific budgetfor 2011 tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to account the expenses of the community office.They also agreed to be more engaged <strong>in</strong> solv<strong>in</strong>g technical issues <strong>and</strong> communicat<strong>in</strong>gthis to other <strong>in</strong>volved parties. PER further encouraged themto exam<strong>in</strong>e the possibility that staff work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> community offices wouldbe able to work <strong>in</strong> other departments of the municipality, thus keep<strong>in</strong>gexpenses to a m<strong>in</strong>imum;Consolidation of <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serb Moderate PoliticalLeadershipThe Serb political leadership <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> has long avoided discuss<strong>in</strong>g manyimportant issues that have had an impact upon their lives because theywere perceived as relat<strong>in</strong>g to the status. This position has graduallychanged towards a more pragmatic approach whereby the Serb leadershipshowed underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g that the best way to defend the <strong>in</strong>terest of Serbcommunity is to engage with the Kosovar Albanian leadership <strong>in</strong> resolv<strong>in</strong>gpractical issues, primarily <strong>in</strong> form<strong>in</strong>g several new Serb-majoritymunicipalities.2425

26The f<strong>in</strong>ancial support that Belgrade provides to the <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serbs (oftendouble of what is allocated by the <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutions) cont<strong>in</strong>ues torema<strong>in</strong> particularly appeal<strong>in</strong>g. As long as Belgrade provides unconditionalf<strong>in</strong>ancial support to the Serbs, it will rema<strong>in</strong> their ma<strong>in</strong> partner.However, this f<strong>in</strong>ancial support has a significant deficiency—it does notimprove the lives of the Serbs <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>. Very little effort is made <strong>in</strong> creat<strong>in</strong>geconomically susta<strong>in</strong>able <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serb communities. Now mostSerbs south Ibër/Ibar are open to assistance com<strong>in</strong>g from any sides,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Prisht<strong>in</strong>a.Intra-ethnic roundtables – Election campaigns <strong>and</strong> Serb participationOn 18th of November 2009, PER convened two <strong>in</strong>tra-ethnic roundtables<strong>in</strong> Strpce, one among Serb participants <strong>and</strong> one among Albanians.Expect<strong>in</strong>g that a Serb <strong>and</strong> an Albanian would face each other <strong>in</strong> the localmayoral run-off, PER organized this exchange soon after the first roundaim<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>in</strong>fluenc<strong>in</strong>g participation <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>terethnic accord <strong>in</strong> the upcom<strong>in</strong>gperiod.The campaign was described as peaceful, albeit different from the rest of<strong>Kosovo</strong>. Serb leaders compla<strong>in</strong>ed that 80% of their campaign had to focuson expla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g to their Serb co-citizens reasons for turn<strong>in</strong>g out to vote, <strong>and</strong>not on the c<strong>and</strong>idates’ specific programs. Albanians compla<strong>in</strong>ed of a ruralenvironment that prevented them from runn<strong>in</strong>g a ‘normal’ campaign.Tourism, development <strong>and</strong> job creation dom<strong>in</strong>ated the list of top issuesfor the municipality <strong>and</strong> for a future mayor.It was already clear that the run-off is to occur along ethnic l<strong>in</strong>es – a Serbc<strong>and</strong>idate of the Independent Liberal Party was pitted aga<strong>in</strong>st a c<strong>and</strong>idateof the Democratic Party of <strong>Kosovo</strong>. Prior to the run-off, both ethniccamps had sharp political divisions with<strong>in</strong>, which seemed to become irrelevantonce their mayoral c<strong>and</strong>idate had to face ‘the other side’ <strong>in</strong> the runoff.Not that relations are tense, but both ethnic communities have astrong preference to elect on of them to run the affairs <strong>and</strong> sought to usethe next four weeks ahead of the run-off to mobilize the voters along ethnicl<strong>in</strong>es.Despite <strong>in</strong>ternal differences among Albanians, some of them expressed awish that if a large number of Albanians vote <strong>and</strong> majority Serbs boycottthe process, the Albanian c<strong>and</strong>idate may w<strong>in</strong> despite the unfavorable ethnicdemographics. When asked if this was auspicious for good relations <strong>in</strong>Strpce, the Albanian c<strong>and</strong>idate said that it was normal for him to seek thesupport of Albanian political entities, <strong>and</strong> it was also f<strong>in</strong>e for the Serb c<strong>and</strong>idateto do the same. The Serbs accurately assessed that Albanian politicalgroup<strong>in</strong>gs hate each other <strong>and</strong> would not be able to rally beh<strong>in</strong>d onec<strong>and</strong>idate. While this was correct prior to the first round, there are signsthat Albanians may also be overcom<strong>in</strong>g their differences <strong>in</strong> order tomuster sufficient power to channel priorities to the areas that they live <strong>in</strong>.Belgrade’s <strong>in</strong>ability to help Strpce dur<strong>in</strong>g their electricity crisis earlier thisyear was def<strong>in</strong>itely the most important event that helped to persuade thelocal Serbs that they have to take matters <strong>in</strong> their own h<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> ‘th<strong>in</strong>kwith their heads.’ Various <strong>in</strong>dividuals from the parallel structures recordedthose who took part <strong>in</strong> the vote <strong>and</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g day threatened themwith loss of jobs <strong>and</strong> benefits from the Republic of Serbia. Most localpoliticians are conv<strong>in</strong>ced that the threats did not come from Serbia, butfrom the local level. Moreover, the pressure had somewhat of a countereffect<strong>and</strong> reportedly an <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g number of people realize that the realityon the ground has changed <strong>and</strong> they had to make the best of it.Serbs realize that a boycott of elections would complicate matters evenfurther <strong>and</strong> would not resolve anyth<strong>in</strong>g. They can make it difficult for anAlbanian mayor to carry out his function, but could not make it impossible.They lament that most of the projects went <strong>in</strong> the past two years tothe Albanian villages. The opportunity cost for the next m<strong>and</strong>ate is evenbigger consider<strong>in</strong>g the large sums of money to be disbursed to the municipalitiesdue to decentralization. Apart of the Albanian mayoral c<strong>and</strong>idate,most Albanian politicians expressed to PER their relief with the signifi-Left to Right: Mimoza Kusari, Ardian Gj<strong>in</strong>i, Anamari Repic, Srdjan Popovic, BojanaGudzic <strong>and</strong> Ramadan Ilazi.27

cant Serb turn-out <strong>in</strong> Stprce. They realize that the Serb boycott hasharmed them as well, so the advent of a functional municipality was seenas good news regardless of who w<strong>in</strong>s.A former mayor who also ran <strong>in</strong> these elections was forced to swallow abitter pill. He did not stage an active campaign <strong>and</strong> chose to support theSLS c<strong>and</strong>idate for the sake of ‘not los<strong>in</strong>g the municipality’. He criticizedsome of the methods used by the w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g party, but conceded that therewas no other way. “If they would have relied only on those who wouldturn-out by themselves, there would have been two Albanians <strong>in</strong> the runoff,”he said. He was conv<strong>in</strong>ced that the Serb c<strong>and</strong>idate would w<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> thesecond round even if they “have to mobilize all resources” <strong>in</strong> order not tolose the municipality.Serbs realize that a boycottof elections wouldcomplicate matters evenfurther <strong>and</strong> would notresolve anyth<strong>in</strong>g.While this Serb politician was mostcritical towards Belgrade, he was alsocritical towards the <strong>in</strong>ternationalcommunity which, accord<strong>in</strong>g tohim, tried to sort out some issueswith Belgrade, by us<strong>in</strong>g the weakenedSerb community. Due to such policy, he expects the pressure fromBelgrade is to mount on the future Serb mayor if he gets elected. Hethought that regardless of Belgrade’s position, it was an imperative to haveSerb representatives on the ground. But the new mayor will have seriousproblems simply because of this type of strategy of the <strong>in</strong>ternational communitytowards Belgrade <strong>and</strong> it will be unable to help the mayor out.SLS is clearly not appreciated widely. One participant thought that someSerbs would rather see an Albanian mayor than SLS’s Bratislav Nikolic.Other Serbs see Nikolic as useful only because he belongs to a party thathas direct access to the prime m<strong>in</strong>ister <strong>and</strong> the government. Several participantsexpressed read<strong>in</strong>ess to support Nikolic, but mostly from the distanceor with advice. This h<strong>and</strong>s-off approach could mean that from nowon the Serb camp can often mean SLS only, while the rest will have to be<strong>in</strong>volved as former politicians <strong>and</strong> act on the marg<strong>in</strong>s. It is imperative forSLS to try to establish alliances <strong>and</strong> coalitions with other Serb parties <strong>and</strong>groups wherever possible. This may not only <strong>in</strong>crease the pressure on SLSbut also set them up for failure if they cannot deliver quickly, for whichthey need the support of Prisht<strong>in</strong>a <strong>and</strong> the <strong>in</strong>ternational donor community.As both sides were mobiliz<strong>in</strong>g along ethnic l<strong>in</strong>es, it was difficult to getthem to th<strong>in</strong>k about <strong>in</strong>terethnic cooperation. Unfortunately, the battle isperceived as a ‘w<strong>in</strong>ner-takes-all’ situation where one w<strong>in</strong>s or loses themunicipality. Most had not thought about coalition-mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> this wasclearly not a priority. However, a former mayor cautioned the others onsuch a simplistic outlook. He recalled when four Albanian councilorscaused ample obstruction dur<strong>in</strong>g his st<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong> power, <strong>and</strong> now with themajority of councilors, they can do much more. This is somewhat mitigatedby the greater competences of the mayor.The very first issue that is likely to dom<strong>in</strong>ate the agenda of the newmunicipality will be the ‘office space’ <strong>and</strong> the flag <strong>in</strong> front of the municipalbuild<strong>in</strong>g. Both have to do with the parallel structures. They may evenhave to be evicted <strong>and</strong> the flag removed, but it will take much more todismantle the structures themselves, which is the ma<strong>in</strong> expectation of theAlbanian politicians. At the same time, the Serbs expect serious challengesto come from the parallel municipality, <strong>and</strong> the fact that only one Serbc<strong>and</strong>idate will dom<strong>in</strong>ate the political spectrum does not bode well. Along-term deputy mayor expressed caution with regard to the dismantl<strong>in</strong>gof the parallel structures. He saw their marg<strong>in</strong>alization only if the <strong>Kosovo</strong>authorities can offer better economic development <strong>and</strong> offer the Serbs allof the services, to persuade them that they no longer need the parallelstructures. The parallel <strong>in</strong>stitutions will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to pose a challenge <strong>and</strong>exist for some time also because Serbs benefit from them. These bodiesdistribute pensions, run the mail service between Serbia <strong>and</strong> Strpce, etc.Left to Right: Sasa Dedovic <strong>and</strong> Lutfi Haziri.2829

Only a strong municipal adm<strong>in</strong>istration that provides tangible benefits tothe population can successfully battle the parallel structures, agreed boththe Albanians <strong>and</strong> the Serbs.The other serious issue where the two communities have very differentop<strong>in</strong>ions is that of the (illegal) construction <strong>in</strong> the tourist area ofBrezovica. One of the ma<strong>in</strong> fears of the Serb community is the chang<strong>in</strong>gof the ethnic structure of this small municipality, hence they prefer to<strong>in</strong>troduce a total ban on new construction. Albanians, who control halfof the Municipal Assembly consider that permits cannot be limited. Theyargue that some of the illegal construction that egregiously violates st<strong>and</strong>ardsmust be destroyed, but the vast majority should be legalized <strong>and</strong> theproceeds should be sued to raise significant additional fund<strong>in</strong>g for themunicipality. Several participants went further to caution that they willnot allow the municipality to put an end to construction <strong>in</strong> general. S<strong>in</strong>ceSerbs see a major threat <strong>in</strong> this trend, this is bound to cause tremendousfriction <strong>in</strong> the next four years.Relations are improv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> s<strong>in</strong>ce Serb youth is leav<strong>in</strong>g, Albanian youthcan provide the much-needed labor force. With stable supply of electricity,this w<strong>in</strong>ter may also see record Albanian skiers. Despite the multiplechallenges, these <strong>and</strong> other considerations serve as reasons for confidencethat Strpce could be a role-model for <strong>in</strong>ter-ethnic governance.Intra-Serb Roundtable <strong>in</strong> Gracanica – The function<strong>in</strong>g of the municipalityafter local electionsWhen the roundtable on Gracanica occurred, the prelim<strong>in</strong>ary results hadalready given the victory to the SLS c<strong>and</strong>idate without the need for a runoff.Most other c<strong>and</strong>idates expressed dissatisfaction <strong>and</strong> two of them hadscheduled press conferences denounc<strong>in</strong>g the alleged rigg<strong>in</strong>g stat<strong>in</strong>g thesame at the roundtable. The roundtable started off with accusations thatthe elections were falsified <strong>and</strong> that the Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister of <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> theAlbanian mafia were <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the fraud. Some went as far as to concludethat Belgrade was right to suggest that there were no conditions forfree <strong>and</strong> fair elections. The Ahtisaari Package was endangered <strong>and</strong> the parallel<strong>in</strong>stitutions would be strengthened s<strong>in</strong>ce a vassal relationship of rulethrough a s<strong>in</strong>gle Serb family has been imposed upon the Serb people, wasa conclusion of one of the participants.While this was not on the agenda, it was important to spend some timeon the elections before mov<strong>in</strong>g forward. After hear<strong>in</strong>g several key politiciansthat they <strong>in</strong>tend to boycott the future Municipal Assembly, the chairasked them to ponder the consequences of do<strong>in</strong>g so. Serb leaders thatchallenged the electoral outcome vowed to do everyth<strong>in</strong>g to annul theelections <strong>and</strong> the most senior of them predicted that the situation couldgo <strong>in</strong> the direction of Mitrovica, what one participant called“Afghanistanization of Gracanica”. The chance has totally been wasted<strong>and</strong> this would be a reference for the rest of the Serbs about the level oftrust they can have <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>ternational community, he said.The chair tried to expla<strong>in</strong> that such problems affect most transitional societies<strong>and</strong> rem<strong>in</strong>ded them that <strong>in</strong> the immediate neighborhood there areIt is good services bythe local authorities thatprevent the parallelstructures fromstrengthen<strong>in</strong>g theirposition.countries governed by one s<strong>in</strong>gle partyfor very long periods of time. Theywould have to learn to play with<strong>in</strong> thisenvironment, he said, for they lose moreby boycott or parallel action. The addressfor violations is different, <strong>and</strong> the chairencouraged them to pursue those <strong>in</strong> alegal manner. Instead, he urged the participantsto focus on the outlooks for Gracanica from this po<strong>in</strong>t on – Itmay not be what everyone asked, but it is not a complete zero.What is next for Gracanica? What is more important for Gracanica? Is itmore important who runs it or whether it is a strong municipality? Allhave agreed that decentralization is of key importance <strong>and</strong> that this is theonly answer for the municipality. He urged them to focus on what shouldbe done for the next year by the municipality, Government, <strong>and</strong> the <strong>in</strong>ternationalcommunity.Several participants came to his support. An old time Serb leader askedhis peers not to allow these problems to destroy someth<strong>in</strong>g that they havebeen prepar<strong>in</strong>g for seven years <strong>and</strong> from which the community can benefit.The trad<strong>in</strong>g of votes is a common occurrence <strong>and</strong> they have to beready for that battle too. He said that he has more pressure than anybodyelse s<strong>in</strong>ce he publicly supported elections <strong>and</strong> they need to move jo<strong>in</strong>tlyfrom now on. Whatever happened, it is a big mistake to go back now.Now this is a chance to use, because there are divisions <strong>in</strong> Belgrade vis-àviselections. Now is the time to pressure Belgrade <strong>and</strong> Prist<strong>in</strong>a to createbetter conditions <strong>and</strong> allow more people to vote.3031

A Roma leader said that these were dirty elections, but next ones will beeven dirtier. The price may even go up, but this only means that they haveto put even more efforts to do what needs to be done. Several disagreed,argu<strong>in</strong>g that the Serbs are too small to <strong>in</strong>fluence overall mode of governance<strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>, but due to their importance, they need to be treated differently.The President of PER pleaded that giv<strong>in</strong>g up poses the greatest danger tothe future. The chair highlighted the importance of the moment. It canbe concluded that this period will def<strong>in</strong>e the degree that the new structuresmay be considered illegitimate by a most other political parties <strong>and</strong>the majority of the population <strong>in</strong> Gracanica. If SLS is left alone <strong>in</strong> theprocess, it will come under severe attack by the parallel structures. UnlikeStrpce, there is no fear of an Albanian mayor tak<strong>in</strong>g over. Like <strong>in</strong> Strpce,a quick attention <strong>and</strong> delivery of projects by the newly empowered leadershipcan boost their chance of success. It is also essential to persuade awide array of stakeholders to <strong>in</strong>volve themselves <strong>in</strong> the political process asmuch as possible <strong>in</strong> order to convey an image of legitimacy.Inter-ethnic roundtable <strong>in</strong> Novobrdo: Serb Leaders from new villagesMeet with the MayorOn 20 November 2009, PER organized a discussion <strong>in</strong> Novo Brdo. Thepeaceful relations <strong>in</strong> this municipality received a jolt as the run-off is tak<strong>in</strong>gplace between an Albanian <strong>and</strong> a Serb c<strong>and</strong>idate. The relations werepeaceful but there seems to be greater mobilization among both sides toelect one of them.The participants appreciated the organization of elections <strong>and</strong> all notedthat it is <strong>in</strong>evitable for Novo Brdo to avoid a battle among a Serb <strong>and</strong> anAlbanian <strong>and</strong> prevent the second round from turn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to an ethnic race.Most even expressed fear that this dynamic may become a def<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g featureof electoral contests from now on with adverse effects on <strong>in</strong>terethnicrelations.The Serb side criticized the majority of Serb voters for not tak<strong>in</strong>g part <strong>and</strong>blamed Belgrade for the low turn-out which will allow the Albanianmayor to most likely w<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> the second round. They expect a higher turnoutfor the second round but they can hardly quadruple the turnout theyneed <strong>in</strong> order to w<strong>in</strong> aga<strong>in</strong>st the <strong>in</strong>cumbent.The Albanian mayoral c<strong>and</strong>idate expects that a number of Serbs will votefor him once aga<strong>in</strong>. The Serb mayoral c<strong>and</strong>idate recognized the positivegovernance of Ymeri <strong>and</strong> vowed to follow his steps <strong>and</strong> make no dist<strong>in</strong>ctionsbetween Serbs <strong>and</strong> Albanians if he w<strong>in</strong>s. Both c<strong>and</strong>idates are try<strong>in</strong>gto demonstrate <strong>and</strong> to prove their cross-ethnic outreach. The currentmayor appreciated that <strong>in</strong> the past years the Serbs have chosen not toblock the work of the municipal authorities. “They could have blockedus, I thank them for not do<strong>in</strong>g so”, he said.Most Serb representatives argued that all they can do is to provide theservices that the parallel adm<strong>in</strong>istration does, <strong>and</strong> it is not the m<strong>and</strong>ate ofthe local authorities to dismantle the parallel structures. Some Albanianrepresentatives said that there will be no s<strong>in</strong>cere <strong>and</strong> serious cooperationbetween Albanians <strong>and</strong> Serbs as long as parallel <strong>in</strong>stitutions <strong>and</strong> theirextensive bodies such as security service operate. The two sides also agreed(though not all participants) that the most effective way aga<strong>in</strong>st the parallelstructures is a good work of the future municipality <strong>and</strong> delivery oftangible improvements <strong>in</strong> the lives of those who live there.Intra-ethnic discussion on Institutional Consolidation of theMunicipality of GracanicaOn February 5th 2010, the <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations organized aroundtable of Serb political leaders <strong>in</strong> Gracanica. The objective of themeet<strong>in</strong>g was to discuss <strong>in</strong>stitutional consolidation of the new municipality.In his open<strong>in</strong>g remarks the chairman confronted the numerous Serbpoliticians who did not w<strong>in</strong> the race for mayor, to weigh the importancefor the municipality of Gracanica to succeed despite the imperfect processthat may have taken place dur<strong>in</strong>g elections. He also urged the participantsto leave aside the disputes dat<strong>in</strong>g from the time of elections, for a greaterchallenge <strong>and</strong> common cause ly<strong>in</strong>g ahead.The Mayor of Gracanica reported that the municipality was <strong>in</strong> the processof transferr<strong>in</strong>g competences from the ‘mother municipalities’. In thisregard, Gracanica is rather specific for it needs to transfer from three‘mother municipalities’. While Prisht<strong>in</strong>a, Fushë Kosovë/<strong>Kosovo</strong> Poljewere cooperat<strong>in</strong>g partially, Lipjan was not cooperat<strong>in</strong>g at all. The mapthat was presented to Gracanica did not reflect the map as prepared by theAhtisaari Plan, a problem that the Mayor managed to resolve with thehelp of the <strong>in</strong>ternational community. He listed other challenges for whichhe needs support, e.g. the fund<strong>in</strong>g for capital <strong>in</strong>vestment had not been3233

allocated yet. The problems are politicized by default <strong>and</strong> he called todepoliticize them. The Mayor expressed dissatisfaction with the work ofthe MPT. He criticized the organogram that provides for 37 staff, whereashe <strong>in</strong>sists to have 60.All agreed that if this Mayor fails, the biggest losers would be the peopleof Gracanica. He said that they were no one’s stooges <strong>and</strong> will protecttheir <strong>in</strong>terests robustly, <strong>and</strong> asked for support of all those <strong>in</strong> the roundtable.In order to help, some argued that the mayor has to open the doors<strong>and</strong> call them. The latter committed to <strong>in</strong>troduce regular meet<strong>in</strong>gs withthem as people with experience <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>vited all to be part of the process.A parallel official criticized Serb politicians <strong>in</strong> the north who have sent avery worrisome message that they only care about themselves. By do<strong>in</strong>gso, they push the rest of the Serbs <strong>in</strong> Prisht<strong>in</strong>a’s embrace but at the sametime dim<strong>in</strong>ish their barga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g position. Several compla<strong>in</strong>ed that Serbianauthorities do retribute towardsIf this Mayor fails, thebiggest losers would be thepeople of Gracanica.those participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Kosovo</strong><strong>in</strong>stitutions. Others argued that thispressure does not come fromBelgrade, but from local scions drivenby their personal <strong>in</strong>terest. Theyexpressed belief that Serbia was not a cruel country, but they do not havethe good <strong>in</strong>formation from field.The lack of <strong>in</strong>formation was also a problem for Gracanica for all participantshighlighted the need for a media outlet <strong>in</strong> Gracanica. Severalexpressed concerns that the community is fac<strong>in</strong>g serious processes, <strong>and</strong>despite their great will, the human resource capacities may not be up tothe task.One compla<strong>in</strong>t that all shared was the recent arrest of <strong>Kosovo</strong> citizenswho work for the Serbian Government. They argued that this wouldmobilize those <strong>in</strong> the north to fight tooth-<strong>and</strong>-nail aga<strong>in</strong>st the northernstrategy. While all agreed to try to depoliticize issues, they saw thesearrests as political. It becomes very difficult to tell their supporters to be<strong>in</strong> favor of <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutions when such arrests occur.The test for the hearts <strong>and</strong> m<strong>in</strong>ds was real, <strong>and</strong> most participants had nodilemma as per the w<strong>in</strong>ners of such a race. The next three months weredeemed decisive <strong>in</strong> this regard. There is ample support from all sides, butmore is needed <strong>and</strong> of a different k<strong>in</strong>d. It is <strong>in</strong>sufficient to receive justadvisory support. Specific support is needed, mostly <strong>in</strong> assum<strong>in</strong>g thecompetences. They are currently still try<strong>in</strong>g to resolve problems throughthe structures at the lower levels.Regardless of pressure, several argued that chances must no longer bemissed. The municipality could have prevented the construction of manyresidential build<strong>in</strong>gs. This regret has now mobilized them to stop a neighborhoodplanned for 1,500 houses. If they failed to assume the municipalitynow, they could have ended up with a change of Gracanica’s demographicstructure. All agreed that should the Mayor do what he committeddur<strong>in</strong>g this roundtable, he would have their support. As a follow-up,it was requested from PER to host an <strong>in</strong>tra-roundtable with Belgrade.Intra-Serb Retreat on the Future of the <strong>Kosovo</strong> SerbsSerb leaders from various parts of <strong>Kosovo</strong>, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the north, gatheredfor a one-day event that was held <strong>in</strong> Kolas<strong>in</strong> (Montenegro). The aim ofthe event was to address the various challenges fac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serb <strong>in</strong> aconstructive sett<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>and</strong> encourage them to seek a jo<strong>in</strong>t vision <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>terestfor <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serbs as one united front. Several senior Belgrade participantswere also <strong>in</strong>vited, but only one agreed to jo<strong>in</strong> along with severalother local representatives from Serbia. As PER expected, the discourse ofSerbs who participate <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutions was heard clearly <strong>and</strong> wasbetter understood by those who do not. There was no hope that thiswould change the position of those <strong>in</strong> the north, but PER concludes thatit has blunted their criticisms of those <strong>in</strong> the south, <strong>and</strong> lowered the pressureon those from the north who may decide to cooperate further with<strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutions.Participants were <strong>in</strong>itially encouraged to explore possibilities for practicalimprovement of the Serbian community. Inter-community dialogue ismore widely understood as a m<strong>in</strong>imum condition to enhanc<strong>in</strong>g the positionof the <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serb community <strong>and</strong> other communities as well. Inlight of the recent <strong>in</strong>cidents <strong>in</strong> Mitrovica, participants were encouraged toopenly discuss the challenges fac<strong>in</strong>g the community.<strong>Kosovo</strong> Serb communities <strong>in</strong> the north <strong>and</strong> other parts of <strong>Kosovo</strong> are fac<strong>in</strong>gdifferent challenges. PER emphasized the importance of a constructivedialogue that focuses on similarities first. The importance of ga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g3435

36a better underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g of each others’ position was also underl<strong>in</strong>ed; Theparticipants believed that a stronger position for the Serbian communitywould be essential <strong>in</strong> order to ensure their dem<strong>and</strong>s are met. Moreover, amore unified position would also encourage Belgrade to be more supportive<strong>and</strong> sympathetic to the position of Serbs throughout <strong>Kosovo</strong>.Belgrade <strong>and</strong> Prist<strong>in</strong>a were equally important for the Serb participantsfrom southern <strong>Kosovo</strong>, <strong>and</strong> all emphasized that it was important to haveflexibility regard<strong>in</strong>g Serbian participation <strong>in</strong> Kosovan. Some participantsbelieved that good will fromMore support is needed<strong>and</strong> of a different k<strong>in</strong>d. It is<strong>in</strong>sufficient to receive justadvisory support.Belgrade as well as Prist<strong>in</strong>a is a preconditionto improved <strong>in</strong>terethnicrelations. Until Belgrade <strong>and</strong>Prisht<strong>in</strong>a do not start to talk to eachother it is difficult to expect any furthermajor improvements <strong>in</strong> thefield. The climate for dialogue was considered to be improv<strong>in</strong>g. Severalparticipants expressed regret that some radical Serb representatives fromnorthern <strong>Kosovo</strong> chose not to attend the roundtable.There was wide agreement that the political goals of Serbs from thenorthern municipalities are different from those <strong>in</strong> the south. Participantsfrom northern <strong>Kosovo</strong> generally agreed that there is a need for impos<strong>in</strong>glaw <strong>and</strong> order <strong>in</strong> the north but had refused that education <strong>and</strong> health systemshould be the subject of any changes.Just one day before the roundtable, a Belgrade media outlet quoted a senior<strong>Kosovo</strong> official stat<strong>in</strong>g that Prisht<strong>in</strong>a may use force to impose itsauthority <strong>in</strong> northern <strong>Kosovo</strong>. Forceful attempts by Prist<strong>in</strong>a to impose itsauthority <strong>in</strong> North <strong>Kosovo</strong> would be counterproductive <strong>and</strong> would certa<strong>in</strong>lyresult <strong>in</strong> conflict. One of them said, “If someone wants to comeforcefully to the north there will be thous<strong>and</strong>s of dead people as a result”.All agreed that there is little communication between northern <strong>Kosovo</strong><strong>and</strong> Prist<strong>in</strong>a <strong>and</strong> that such a channel of communication should be established.Once the accumulated energy from the recent turmoil was out of the way,participants focused on the representation of the Serbian community <strong>in</strong><strong>Kosovo</strong>. One of the leaders emphasized that there are not enough Serbs<strong>in</strong> relevant political positions <strong>in</strong> the Government of <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> this isone of the reasons why the Serbian community is not sufficiently active.To amplify their voice <strong>and</strong> create unity, most participants expressed adesire for some type of a body that would br<strong>in</strong>g together representativesof all Serbs of all factions <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g those currently represent<strong>in</strong>gSerbian <strong>in</strong>stitutions. North <strong>and</strong> south Serbs should form a panel <strong>and</strong>f<strong>in</strong>d a common ground to fight for. The community support of bothgroups was questioned, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g by those from the north. Several suggestedthe formation of an association of Serb-majority municipalities. Itwas also noted that Ahtisari’s proposal was convenient ground for developmentof southern municipalities, but it was not sufficiently used by thecommunity.A civil society representative underl<strong>in</strong>ed the need for <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serb representativesto develop a common ground for participation <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>stitutionsof <strong>Kosovo</strong>. <strong>Kosovo</strong> Albanians will only accept the Serbs if the latterhave unity <strong>in</strong> their dem<strong>and</strong>s. Serbs must develop ownership of those <strong>in</strong>stitutions,for they will not get much if they see them as merely ‘Albanian<strong>in</strong>stitutions’. Ultimately, the Serb community must become a factor <strong>and</strong>acquire real power, electoral <strong>and</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ancial, <strong>in</strong> order to matter <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>politics.The issue of returnee’s emerged as an important topic <strong>and</strong> everyoneagreed that all groups have a responsibility to work on this issue. It wasfurther concluded that Serbian leaders from <strong>Kosovo</strong> should impose them-Left to Right: Lejla Kolenovic, Ferhat D<strong>in</strong>osha, Livia Plaks, Alfred Boll, Sasa Djokic,<strong>and</strong> Slobodan Petrovic.37

selves as partners with the <strong>in</strong>ternational community. They should proactivelyparticipate <strong>in</strong> decision mak<strong>in</strong>g processes <strong>and</strong> act through <strong>in</strong>stitutionsof <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong> order to facilitate the return process. Until now, theirrepresentation <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutions has not yielded significant results <strong>in</strong>the process of returnees. Although laws are <strong>in</strong> place there is a low level ofimplementation. Leaders said that the role of Belgrade is quite confus<strong>in</strong>g<strong>and</strong> destructive <strong>in</strong> this regard.<strong>Kosovo</strong> Serb participants were jo<strong>in</strong>ed by a prom<strong>in</strong>ent Serb politician fromBelgrade dur<strong>in</strong>g the last session of the roundtable. His knowledge ofBelgrade’s reason<strong>in</strong>g turned the session <strong>in</strong>to a question <strong>and</strong> answer sessionabout Belgrade’s position towards <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong> general <strong>and</strong> the <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serbs<strong>in</strong> particular. Most of the participants were pos<strong>in</strong>g questions try<strong>in</strong>g to discernthe true position of Belgrade towards <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> the related issues.He also reflected on the long historic roots of Serbian politics towards<strong>Kosovo</strong>. The position of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) has beenradical <strong>and</strong> its <strong>in</strong>fluence is higher than is often portrayed – <strong>and</strong> it is ris<strong>in</strong>g.An additional reason for such low flexibility is that Serbia’s consensusfor a European future is built precisely on its consensus over <strong>Kosovo</strong>.These factors seriously reduce Serbia’s maneuver<strong>in</strong>g space towards <strong>Kosovo</strong>render<strong>in</strong>g it very <strong>in</strong>flexible.This session enabled the <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serb politicians to underst<strong>and</strong> the positionof Belgrade better, conclud<strong>in</strong>g that the <strong>in</strong>ternational community isclearly discourag<strong>in</strong>g current actions of Belgrade towards <strong>Kosovo</strong>. Heexpected a clear decision from the ICJ that will not necessarily be <strong>in</strong>Serbia’s favor. Despite Belgrade’s official position, <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serb participantswere encouraged to participate <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutions. He advised<strong>Kosovo</strong> Serb representatives to build a clear position towards Belgrade<strong>and</strong> Prist<strong>in</strong>a. Belgrade’s position will not change by itself.Overall, the roundtable po<strong>in</strong>ted out the different <strong>in</strong>terests <strong>and</strong> agendasbetween the Serbs <strong>in</strong> the south <strong>and</strong> those <strong>in</strong> the north, but also the need<strong>and</strong> desire to f<strong>in</strong>d common ground. It was encourag<strong>in</strong>g that the northernparticipants did not object to the necessity of those <strong>in</strong> the south to participate<strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>’s <strong>in</strong>stitutions. Most importantly, all the participantsshared the op<strong>in</strong>ion that if they came up with a jo<strong>in</strong>t stance, their positionvis-à-vis all other actors would be stronger.Cooperation <strong>in</strong> Regional ContextPER’s experience shows that <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serbs are more comfortable <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>teract<strong>in</strong>gwith their Albanian counterparts <strong>in</strong> a regional sett<strong>in</strong>g. In fact, forsome topics it is almost the only way they are will<strong>in</strong>g to meet with <strong>Kosovo</strong>Albanian officials. Over the past eight years, sessions with regional participationplayed an important role <strong>in</strong> strengthen<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>ter-ethnic dialogue<strong>and</strong> complemented other activities <strong>in</strong> promot<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ter-ethnic relationsat all levels. Past experience of regional participants who wentthrough PER’s dialogue events <strong>in</strong> the past was <strong>in</strong>dispensable to help thosestill <strong>in</strong> the dispute learn about examples from other countries.Regional roundtables addressed a range of issues related to <strong>in</strong>terethnicrelations <strong>and</strong> regional cooperation. Participants from Serbia, Montenegro,Macedonia, <strong>and</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> have used these opportunities to exchange theirexperience regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terethnic relations at municipal level, the transferof power from the central to local level, level of participation of m<strong>in</strong>orities<strong>in</strong> public life. <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serbs of various political backgrounds alsoattended these meet<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>and</strong> exchanged ideas <strong>and</strong> received tips how toimprove their situation. Cooperation with central authorities was one ofthe ma<strong>in</strong> topics discussed as well as lessons learned from other multi-ethnicmunicipalities.Regional <strong>Dialogue</strong>: The Future of the <strong>Kosovo</strong> SerbsOn purpose of follow<strong>in</strong>g up with the <strong>in</strong>tra-Serb discussion, PER exp<strong>and</strong>edthe dialogue with regional participants to cont<strong>in</strong>ue the discussionabout the future of the <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serbs. The previous day’s meet<strong>in</strong>g pavedthe way to a more honest discussion on how the region sees the future ofthe <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serbs. This was a good opportunity for the <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serb leadersto acquire new experiences <strong>and</strong> recognition from others; <strong>in</strong> addition itopened a path for northern participants to meet with southern Serbs aswell as the <strong>Kosovo</strong> Albanian participants.The discussion focused ma<strong>in</strong>ly on the outst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g issues of the Serb communitysuch as the issue of returns, establishment of new municipalities<strong>and</strong> the relationship with Belgrade.A diplomatic representative opened the discussion with a reflection on theneed to resolve problems with<strong>in</strong> <strong>and</strong> between Serb <strong>and</strong> Albanian communities<strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>. He reiterated that the political position of the UnitedStates of America has not changed, <strong>and</strong> underl<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>Kosovo</strong>’s sovereignty.3839

A representative of the host country also addressed the participants withan example of the status of Albanians <strong>in</strong> Montenegro <strong>and</strong> how this couldserve as a good illustration for the Serb community <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>. He mentionedthe challenges of the past <strong>and</strong> difficulties <strong>in</strong> confidence thatAlbanians had towards the government. However, today some of thesechallenges were left <strong>in</strong> the past <strong>and</strong> Albanians do now participate <strong>in</strong> thegovernment <strong>in</strong> an active way <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>fluence positive change <strong>in</strong>Montenegro.A senior <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serb leader praised the decentralization process <strong>in</strong><strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> the high turn-out of <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serbs <strong>in</strong> the recent local elections.He also praised the efforts of the authorities <strong>in</strong> Prist<strong>in</strong>a <strong>and</strong> underl<strong>in</strong>edthat the Government of <strong>Kosovo</strong> has <strong>in</strong>vested much more thanplanned for the development of new municipalities <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>.A long-time Serb official from <strong>Kosovo</strong> argued that <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serbs facediverse obstacles <strong>and</strong> hence cannot achieve the types of results thatAlbanians had <strong>in</strong> Montenegro. A different situation is with the Serb community<strong>in</strong> the south who have now decided to participate <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutionsof <strong>Kosovo</strong>, partially thanks to Belgrade <strong>and</strong> the fact that the Government<strong>in</strong> Belgrade was not aggressively aga<strong>in</strong>st the elections as before.In light of the develop<strong>in</strong>g position of the Serbian community, it was concludedthat progress was needed on three fronts: (a) dialogue by <strong>Kosovo</strong>Serbs with Belgrade, (b) returns, <strong>and</strong> (c) decentralization. One of theSerbian representatives stated that only three out of five municipalities arefunctional <strong>and</strong> this process is still too slow, <strong>and</strong> added: “Decentralizationis an ongo<strong>in</strong>g process <strong>and</strong> we should def<strong>in</strong>itely take part <strong>in</strong> it as a community,but there is also economic development that is needed <strong>and</strong>human rights compliance which is also very important”.Establish<strong>in</strong>g a process for returnees was identified as one of the ma<strong>in</strong> prioritiesfor the Serb community, <strong>and</strong> most highlighted by a participantfrom a northern municipality of <strong>Kosovo</strong>. A <strong>Kosovo</strong> Albanian parliamentarymember stressed that <strong>Kosovo</strong> has failed <strong>in</strong> issues of returnees <strong>and</strong> thatproblems rema<strong>in</strong> for those return<strong>in</strong>g back home.Mitrovica was another topic discussed <strong>in</strong> the roundtable. One of theSerbian representatives from the South stated that any conflict <strong>in</strong>Mitrovica would reflect negatively on the Serbs <strong>in</strong> southern <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong>added that both Belgrade <strong>and</strong> Prist<strong>in</strong>a must talk about the situation <strong>in</strong> thenorth. The representative of Serbs from Mitrovica stated that the police40<strong>and</strong> justice system is disorganized <strong>in</strong> the north <strong>and</strong> this is the ma<strong>in</strong> problemfor this part of the region.One of the Serbian civil society representatives from Mitrovica stated thatthere are many problems <strong>in</strong> Mitrovica <strong>and</strong> that too much pressure was puton citizens <strong>in</strong> the north. He identified three options for Mitrovica; thecurrent status quo, autonomy with<strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> or an exchange of territories.“The EU should take over the responsibility of north <strong>Kosovo</strong> until Serbia<strong>and</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> enter the EU.”Belgrade politics towards <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> the <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serbs was also elaboratedby a dist<strong>in</strong>guished Belgrade <strong>in</strong>tellectual <strong>and</strong> political leader fromBelgrade. There is a wide consensus about <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong> the political scene ofSerbia, <strong>and</strong> the political <strong>in</strong>fluence of the church has contributed to thisconsensus. There is a gap <strong>in</strong>Serbian politics towards <strong>Kosovo</strong><strong>and</strong> Serbia has many problems <strong>in</strong>def<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g its new regional politics<strong>and</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g a relationshipwith neighbor<strong>in</strong>g countries.Establish<strong>in</strong>g a process forreturnees was identified asone of the ma<strong>in</strong> prioritiesfor the Serb community.A representative of the EU praised the fact that all participants <strong>in</strong> the discussionbelieve <strong>in</strong> the European perspective of the region. <strong>Kosovo</strong> has betterchances to jo<strong>in</strong> the EU before Turkey given the unresolved issues overTurkey’s c<strong>and</strong>idacy. He added that the respect of m<strong>in</strong>orities is an importantcondition towards this path. “The EU is the only option for all thecountries <strong>in</strong> the region <strong>and</strong> we are work<strong>in</strong>g hard to get you there.” A representativeof the m<strong>in</strong>ority community from northern Serbia stated thatthere are many parallels between m<strong>in</strong>ority communities <strong>in</strong> northernSerbia <strong>and</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>. He stressed the progress made <strong>in</strong> Serbia with theestablishment of m<strong>in</strong>ority councils represented <strong>and</strong> elected by the m<strong>in</strong>orities.These councils are seen as a very good tool for self-protection wherethe m<strong>in</strong>orities participate <strong>in</strong> decision-mak<strong>in</strong>g on issues related to education,employment <strong>and</strong> other practical issues for protection of the community’snational identity.F<strong>in</strong>ally participants concluded that the discussion was very concrete <strong>and</strong>constructive. There are conditions which the <strong>Kosovo</strong> Government muststill fulfill. On the other h<strong>and</strong> people should not hide beh<strong>in</strong>d status. Adiplomatic representative condemned the shoot<strong>in</strong>g on the member of theparliament <strong>and</strong> a tragic death of a doctor <strong>in</strong> Mitrovica.41

Work<strong>in</strong>g with BelgradeAs part of its work <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> to encourage better relations among thecommunities, especially between the majority Albanian <strong>and</strong> the Serbs,PER also carried out a side dialogue with politicians <strong>in</strong> Serbia <strong>in</strong>terested<strong>in</strong> the situation <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>. S<strong>in</strong>ce PER is also engaged <strong>in</strong> Serbia, PER stafftook the opportunity of be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Belgrade <strong>and</strong> met on several occasionswith the leadership of the M<strong>in</strong>istry for <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> Metohija, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>gwith the M<strong>in</strong>ister <strong>and</strong> the State Secretary of the m<strong>in</strong>istry. In addition,there were meet<strong>in</strong>gs with members of the Serbian Assembly <strong>and</strong> its committeesdeal<strong>in</strong>g with issues related to <strong>Kosovo</strong>, as well as with politicianswho are part of the government <strong>and</strong> those who are <strong>in</strong> the opposition.Discussions with Serb civil society members <strong>and</strong> the <strong>in</strong>ternational communitypresent <strong>in</strong> Serbia also took place.The ma<strong>in</strong> topic of discussion with the above offices centered on how toimprove the life of the Serbian community <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> whether toencourage the participation of the community <strong>in</strong> the political <strong>and</strong> adm<strong>in</strong>istrativelife of <strong>Kosovo</strong>, regardless of the status issue.It was clear from our discussions <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> that one of the ma<strong>in</strong> concernsof the Serbian community is to get a clear message from Belgrade as towhether they should become more active <strong>in</strong> affairs that concern theSerbian community, or whether they should cont<strong>in</strong>ue stay<strong>in</strong>g on the sidel<strong>in</strong>es<strong>and</strong> let the majority there make decisions that affect the wellbe<strong>in</strong>g ofthe community. This was even more relevant at a time when decentralizationwas tak<strong>in</strong>g place <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> when competences were about to bemoved from the central level to the local level <strong>and</strong> when “parent” municipalitieswere obligated to rel<strong>in</strong>quish power to the new municipalities,most of them to be controlled by the Serbian community.The position of Belgrade was not clear <strong>and</strong> no clear signals were given tothe Serbian leadership <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> as to how to act dur<strong>in</strong>g the upcom<strong>in</strong>glocal elections. As a result, there was a split among the Serbian leadership<strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> but with a strong lean<strong>in</strong>g towards more participation. The endresult brought heavy <strong>in</strong>volvement from one segment of the Serbian leadership,those adher<strong>in</strong>g to the Serbian Liberal Party who managed toobta<strong>in</strong> the leadership of several municipalities. Others who stayed on thesidel<strong>in</strong>e were contemplat<strong>in</strong>g becom<strong>in</strong>g part of the municipal structures<strong>and</strong> contribut<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> other ways. All of this was relevant only south of theIbar river.PROMOTION OF INTERETHNIC RECONCILIATIONForum for <strong>Dialogue</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Reconciliation</strong>Forum for <strong>Dialogue</strong> - The formal launchIn February, the <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations marked the formal launch ofthe Forum for <strong>Dialogue</strong>, comprised of dist<strong>in</strong>guished Albanian <strong>and</strong> Serbpolitical <strong>and</strong> civil society representatives. PER has organized a series ofdiscussions <strong>in</strong> the past year with various representatives of both communitieswho fully supported the <strong>in</strong>itiative.The purpose of this event was to outl<strong>in</strong>e an agenda of issues that theForum for <strong>Dialogue</strong> should address <strong>in</strong> the upcom<strong>in</strong>g year. The Forum hastasked itself to organize a series of debates at the central <strong>and</strong> local levelson ways how to improve <strong>in</strong>terethnic underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>, <strong>and</strong> eventuallybr<strong>in</strong>g about reconciliation among <strong>Kosovo</strong>’s communities throughdialogue. The Forum plans to organize dialogue <strong>and</strong> roundtables, as wellas public outreach activities.Although the <strong>in</strong>clusion of other communities had already been decided,several new members made the teamrevisit the issue. The rest of theForum had clearly <strong>in</strong>ternalized theprevious discussions for they allspoke <strong>in</strong> unison, of a need for a Serb-Albanian forum for this is the ma<strong>in</strong>It is precisely the Albanian-Serb dimension that makesthis Forum unique.divid<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>. A senior representative of the Government saidthat it is precisely the Albanian-Serb dimension that makes this Forumunique. That the Forum should not be restricted to one topic only wasaccepted <strong>and</strong> room was left for the <strong>in</strong>clusion of other communities <strong>in</strong> thefuture.Despite other PER activities, it was concluded that there is merit to havea structured dialogue where the same participants discuss on periodicbasis, issue written statements <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>fluence the op<strong>in</strong>ion. This dialogueoutlet should take a life of its own as soon as possible. There were recommendationsto <strong>in</strong>clude some additional participants, namely the Serbmayors of the new municipalities. People are ahead of politicians <strong>in</strong> dialogue<strong>and</strong> reconciliation <strong>and</strong> the Mayors could br<strong>in</strong>g some of those stories(e.g. the mixed marketplace <strong>in</strong> Kamenica <strong>and</strong> Gracanica) to the restof the group.4243

There should be noforbidden issues for theForum, but all agreed tostart with those that canmake it easier to discussmore difficult ones later on.As planned, the rest of the discussion focused on potential topics for discussionfor the rema<strong>in</strong>der of the year. One suggested to approach by thesystem of elim<strong>in</strong>ation, <strong>and</strong> start from what one should not discuss, forexample the miss<strong>in</strong>g persons or status. A senior leader of the oppositionargued that there should be no forbiddenissues for the Forum, but allagreed to start with those that canmake it easier to discuss more difficultones later on.Participants were also cautiouswhether they would have to takepositions or not, <strong>and</strong> this dependson the technicality of the topics. For example, one said that he could notcontribute anyth<strong>in</strong>g to a topic such as health. Another participant arguedthat the Forum should speak with one voice on some issues <strong>and</strong> make ita consensual body.The follow<strong>in</strong>g specific topics were suggested for discussion:1. Selected parts of the Ahtisaari Plan <strong>and</strong> their implementation. Whilethe Ahtisaari plan is gradually mov<strong>in</strong>g forward, Serb <strong>and</strong> theAlbanian communities have different views regard<strong>in</strong>g its implementation.The Forum could give comments, feedback, lessons learned,or measure the level of progress.2. Challenges that the new Mayors are fac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Gracanica <strong>and</strong> Strpce.The Forum should see if there is any possibility to assist them.3. Inter-Governmental Relations. The Forum should encourage the<strong>Kosovo</strong> adm<strong>in</strong>istration at all levels to show read<strong>in</strong>ess to cooperatewith the Serbs who have entered the <strong>in</strong>stitutions but who faceobstructions.4. Discuss issues that are not discussed <strong>in</strong> the Assembly. A senior oppositionleader assessed that Serbs are not mean<strong>in</strong>gfully <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> thegovernance of <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong> general. Serbs should not only be part ofSerb-specific matters, but they should be part of the general discourseof issues of national importance for this does not occur <strong>in</strong> theAssembly.5. Relations of <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serbs to Belgrade <strong>and</strong> reflection on the Albaniancommunity. <strong>Kosovo</strong> Serbs desire to nurture their relations toBelgrade but fear its reflection among <strong>Kosovo</strong> Albanians. MostAlbanian participants thought that Serbs have noth<strong>in</strong>g to hide, <strong>and</strong>this should be discussed openly. They expressed worry about theSerbs’ relations with the <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutions.6. Other issues that were proposed, but were not elaborated <strong>in</strong> greaterdetail, were: (a) Decentralization; (b) Security <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>ghuman security); (c) Use of language <strong>and</strong> script; (d) Formation ofSerbian TV, or TV <strong>in</strong> Serbian language; (e) <strong>Kosovo</strong>’s role <strong>in</strong> CEFTA<strong>and</strong> potential reciprocity measures; (f) Economic activities <strong>in</strong> Serbareas; (g) Property.One new participant still thought that this project was too ambitious.“These topics could drive us further apart <strong>in</strong>stead of br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g us closer”,he said, but the others thought the same <strong>in</strong> previous meet<strong>in</strong>gs, <strong>and</strong> weremuch more upbeat this time. At this stage, the participants agreed thatPER makes the decisions for the next topics. A statement <strong>in</strong>tended to goto the press was circulated <strong>in</strong> the roundtable <strong>and</strong> commented by themembers.The Forum for <strong>Dialogue</strong>: Should it support the New Municipalities?The fifth meet<strong>in</strong>g of the Forum for <strong>Dialogue</strong> was the first to start withdeliberations over specific topics. As agreed upon, PER outl<strong>in</strong>ed a practicalagenda of issues that the Forum should address <strong>in</strong> 2010, <strong>and</strong> consolidationof the new municipalities was atop the list. PER suggested beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gby discuss<strong>in</strong>g ways to further consolidate the new municipalities.Regardless of one’s outlook on the elections, it was <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>terest ofAlbanians <strong>and</strong> Serbs alike for these municipalities to succeed.The roundtable highlighted some new realities created by the recent localelections, which could potentially improve relations between the twomajor communities. With the formation of the new Serb municipalities,the ongo<strong>in</strong>g decentralization presents additional opportunities to improve<strong>and</strong> strengthen the dynamics of the political dialogue <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>.This roundtable <strong>in</strong>vited two guests, the mayors of two municipalities (onenew municipality <strong>and</strong> one exp<strong>and</strong>ed municipality). The mayors briefedthe Forum about the challenges that they face <strong>and</strong> one said that the modelof decentralization was not to be carried out as orig<strong>in</strong>ally envisaged. TheForum deliberated ways these municipalities could be more effective <strong>and</strong>how dialogue could be one of the key strategies to success.4445

Some saw decentralization as a form of political postur<strong>in</strong>g that would notbr<strong>in</strong>g mean<strong>in</strong>gful benefits to citizens. Politicians who put their popularityat stake by encourag<strong>in</strong>g Serbs to turn out to vote now worry about aletdown <strong>and</strong> are eagerly await<strong>in</strong>g the opportunity to illustrate its benefitsto the public.Local mayors are confront<strong>in</strong>g obstruction from their respective ‘parent’municipalities, i.e., Kamenica <strong>and</strong> Ranillug. For example, the staff wastransferred from the Municipality of Gjilan to Novo Brdo without a reallocationof the budget to reflect the staff<strong>in</strong>g changes. The mayors alsocompla<strong>in</strong>ed that Gracanica receives a disproportionate share of the fund<strong>in</strong>gdest<strong>in</strong>ed for new municipalities.Some municipalities were not fully prepared when they <strong>in</strong>itially assumedpower. It is evident that every beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g is difficult <strong>and</strong> these municipalitiesare still build<strong>in</strong>g up their capacities. Resistance is also to be expectedfrom parent municipalities, which are reluctant to cede their significantpowers. The division of responsibilities <strong>and</strong> the rate of h<strong>and</strong>-over stillrema<strong>in</strong> somewhat unclear. A Serb civil society representative called for themayors to be more transparent, <strong>and</strong> highlighted the need to strengthenthe human capacity of the new municipalities.The discussion was <strong>in</strong>structive for future municipalities, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Partes.One positive lesson is that the new municipalities have seem<strong>in</strong>gly beenwell accepted by the majority. Unlike the difficult beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g, this roundtablewas a jo<strong>in</strong>t endeavor to seek consensus on ways to make new municipalitiessuccessful. PER <strong>in</strong>sisted upon issu<strong>in</strong>g a jo<strong>in</strong>t statement of supportfor the new municipalities to be signed by all the participants dur<strong>in</strong>g thenext roundtable.The Forum for <strong>Dialogue</strong>: New municipalities <strong>and</strong> transfer; Contribut<strong>in</strong>gto a jo<strong>in</strong>t visionOn 1 June 2010, the <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations organized a roundtablediscussion for the Forum for <strong>Dialogue</strong>, where it focused on the specificchallenges faced by the new municipalities. The Forum affirmed <strong>in</strong> a jo<strong>in</strong>tstatement the need to support new municipalities <strong>and</strong> agreed that ensur<strong>in</strong>gnew municipalities are a success must be a shared priority for all of<strong>Kosovo</strong>. It was also agreed that competencies were not be<strong>in</strong>g transferredat a satisfactory pace from “parent” municipalities to new ones.In the second session, the Forum was encouraged to discuss open-endedissues that can contribute to build<strong>in</strong>g a jo<strong>in</strong>t Albanian-Serb agenda. PER46encouraged the Forum to prioritize elements of the Ahtisaari proposalwhich have mutual agreement but that have not yet been implemented.The Forum realizes it may be <strong>in</strong> a position to advance the implementationof Ahtisaari.The Forum then opened to discuss<strong>in</strong>grevisions of the jo<strong>in</strong>t statement regard<strong>in</strong>gthe Forum’s support for newmunicipalities. There was a long discussionover the appropriate degree ofcriticism regard<strong>in</strong>g the pace of decentralization.Realiz<strong>in</strong>g that they agreedon on a majority of the po<strong>in</strong>ts with<strong>in</strong>the statement, the participants adoptedthe statement with limited changes .The Forum is comprised ofdist<strong>in</strong>guished Albanian <strong>and</strong>Serb political <strong>and</strong> civilsociety representatives <strong>and</strong>has a m<strong>and</strong>ate to organizea series of debates at thecentral <strong>and</strong> local levels onhow to improve <strong>in</strong>terethnicunderst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>.One civil society participant suggested the Forum request support fromBelgrade for the Serb municipalities. Most of the participants disagreedwith this suggestion. Others <strong>in</strong>cluded a call for all <strong>in</strong>stitutions, especiallythe m<strong>in</strong>istries, to build up the capacities of the new municipalities by contribut<strong>in</strong>gto their <strong>in</strong>frastructure.The Forum probed its capacity to engage <strong>in</strong> mediation processes. Therehave been a number of disputes among other stakeholders, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>gamong several mayors, <strong>and</strong> an attempt by the Forum to mediate these disputescould be helpful. Most participants were not amenable to this typeof activity. Some felt this was a lowly task for them, while others felt thatthis was a task for the M<strong>in</strong>istry of Local Government Adm<strong>in</strong>istration(MLGA).A fester<strong>in</strong>g issue at the time was the issu<strong>in</strong>g of licenses by the Municipalityof Prisht<strong>in</strong>a for the territory of Gracanica. Some feared that if the Forumentered <strong>in</strong>to such ‘details’, it would fall <strong>in</strong>to a trap. “We should be do<strong>in</strong>gmore global <strong>and</strong> bigger th<strong>in</strong>gs, <strong>and</strong> not deal<strong>in</strong>g with issues such as licenses,”one of the participants said. Others supported this view argu<strong>in</strong>g thatthe Forum needs to address jo<strong>in</strong>t problems of greater substance <strong>and</strong>weight, such as reconciliation <strong>and</strong> dialogue. They contended that if theForum discussed technical issues it would reduce its own value.At the same time, even if it was not mediat<strong>in</strong>g specific issues, one mayorsaw the Forum as a useful tool for repair<strong>in</strong>g relations among municipalities<strong>in</strong> the long run. A Serb participant understood PER’s attempt to havethe Forum mediate as an attempt to transfer the power of PER to the47

Forum. However, the Forum cannot <strong>in</strong>tervene <strong>in</strong> the competencies of<strong>in</strong>stitutions; it can only organize small forums where issues can be discussed<strong>and</strong> proposals can be put forward. A senior government officialshared <strong>in</strong> the notion that it is important to have greater ambitions, “Wehave sufficient weight, <strong>and</strong> we should get <strong>in</strong>volved,” he said. TheChairperson also encouraged the Forum not to underestimate its ownstrength, <strong>and</strong> this issue was left open for future discussion.In the third part of the roundtable, several participants suggested discuss<strong>in</strong>gcultural heritage <strong>and</strong> special protective zones <strong>in</strong> the next rounds.There is a specific dispute with the Municipality of Deçan which is notallow<strong>in</strong>g a Monastery to build a wall around its compound. Due to theconstruction projects occurr<strong>in</strong>g adjacent to protected sites, the Monasteryof Deçan feels it is necessary to build a wall to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>tegrity ofthe Monastery.<strong>Dialogue</strong> is aimed at the prevention of <strong>in</strong>cidents, <strong>and</strong> discussion shouldtake place despite disagreements over the subject. A senior opposition participantargued that the Forum is overestimat<strong>in</strong>g its potential <strong>and</strong> its role<strong>in</strong> the settlement of the dispute over the Decani Monastery. He furtherstated that the Forum is at an early stage of its development <strong>and</strong> wouldrisk its own function<strong>in</strong>g if it attempted such a challeng<strong>in</strong>g task so earlyon. A Serb participant contended that the Forum should openly discussthe issue as its strength will emerge from the strength of its members. “Iperceive the Forum as an <strong>in</strong>formal gather<strong>in</strong>g. If we conclude with th<strong>in</strong>gswithout build<strong>in</strong>g a jo<strong>in</strong>t consensus, then this could be counter-productive,”he said.The same participant also opened up to all the participants by analyz<strong>in</strong>gthe rebellious mentality that flourishes dur<strong>in</strong>g conflict. He stated that<strong>Kosovo</strong> is fac<strong>in</strong>g this challenge because it is mov<strong>in</strong>g from a rebelliousmentality to an <strong>in</strong>stitutional mentality, <strong>and</strong> this shift is not easy. “It isquite difficult for us to adapt to someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>visible, such as <strong>in</strong>stitutions.I ask the Serbian community for some patience as we go through thistransition,” he added.A Serb participant was delighted with the discussion, not because the previousparticipant ridiculed his people, but because of the s<strong>in</strong>cere messagesto the Serbs about how they should make the best of a difficult situation.Such an open dialogue is very important, <strong>and</strong> it should try to produce asmany small-scale solutions as possible. Another participant added thatsuch messages should be forwarded on to ord<strong>in</strong>ary people as well. She48added that the Serb community should be critical too, s<strong>in</strong>ce it has lost itscourse as a community as well, <strong>and</strong> it has grown too accustomed to play<strong>in</strong>gthe role of a victim. F<strong>in</strong>ally, she also praised PER for organiz<strong>in</strong>g the<strong>in</strong>tra-Serb dialogue.The roundtable closed with a message that the m<strong>in</strong>ority cannot go veryfar if it does not earn the trust of the majority. Perhaps this can be the primarytopic of the next roundtable, while cultural heritage is put on thebackburner for a while.Televised Forum ActivitiesTV Debate: <strong>Dialogue</strong> about the life of Albanians <strong>and</strong> Serbs <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>The <strong>in</strong>ter-ethnic agenda is <strong>in</strong> many ways a precondition to achiev<strong>in</strong>gprogress <strong>in</strong> other fields, rang<strong>in</strong>g from economic development toEuropean <strong>in</strong>tegration. PER’s work has begun to br<strong>in</strong>g the dialogue <strong>in</strong>tothe open - from private roundtables to public forums. In order to broadcastthe message about the importance of improved <strong>in</strong>terethnic relationsbetween Albanians <strong>and</strong> Serbs <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>, the <strong>Project</strong> for Ethnic Relations(PER) <strong>and</strong> the <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitute for Journalism <strong>and</strong> Communication(KIJAC) organized a TV debate on the topic ‘<strong>Dialogue</strong> <strong>and</strong> life ofAlbanians <strong>and</strong> Serbs <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>’. The discussion was moderated <strong>and</strong> leadby Anamari Repic, the regular host of the program ‘Sve je moguce saAnom’ (Everyth<strong>in</strong>g is possible with Ana), who is also a regular participant<strong>in</strong> PER’s Forum for <strong>Dialogue</strong>.The ma<strong>in</strong> objective of the debate was to discuss the prospects for<strong>in</strong>terethnic dialogue between Serbs <strong>and</strong> Albanians. The show focused ontwo ma<strong>in</strong> questions: a) how much do Serbs <strong>and</strong> Albanians talk about realproblems, <strong>and</strong> b) what is the status of <strong>in</strong>terethnic relations between Serbs<strong>and</strong> Albanians ten years after the conflict, <strong>and</strong> two years follow<strong>in</strong>g thedeclaration of <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>dependence.The importance of effective communication was emphasized as one ofthe central elements <strong>in</strong> susta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terethnic dialogue <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>.Communication has significantly improved, particularly <strong>in</strong> the last threeyears, as a result of concrete actions from both communities. A seniorpolitical leader argued that both communities should use this <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>glyrelaxed climate to further improve the quality of <strong>in</strong>terethnic dialogue.Participants mentioned bus<strong>in</strong>ess as an example of how <strong>in</strong>ter-ethnic cooperationis succeed<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>and</strong> they emphasized that these examples shouldbe further showcased <strong>and</strong> promoted.49

The Mayor of NovoBrdo/Novo Berde, Bajrush Ymeri, praised effortstowards reconciliation <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>terethnic dialogue <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>. Serbs arereturn<strong>in</strong>g to this municipality <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>ter-ethnic relationships are consideredto be some of the best <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>. Novo Brdo is also one of the fewexamples <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> where the municipal government was formed <strong>in</strong>coalition with Serb political parties. His election was partly due to thesignificant number of votes he received from Serb <strong>and</strong> Roma voters,which he felt was a clear example of democratic spirit <strong>and</strong> grow<strong>in</strong>g trust<strong>in</strong> the region.A Serb civil society representative expressed disagreement that truthfuldialogue <strong>and</strong> reconciliation exists <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>. He stated that Kosovansociety does not demonstrate true responsibility <strong>in</strong> its relationshipbetween the communities. He added that the hostile attitude towardsreturns <strong>in</strong> Zac/Zallç village is a step backwards for <strong>Kosovo</strong>, <strong>and</strong> decisiveaction is needed to prevent similar action that can impede dialogue <strong>in</strong>the future. Albanian civil society representatives also praised the dialogue<strong>in</strong>itiatives, but highlighted <strong>in</strong>cidents (such as publish<strong>in</strong>g the names ofSerbs work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational organizations, as happened <strong>in</strong> Mitrovica)as obstacles to constructive dialogue.The debate concluded that there is still mistrust <strong>and</strong> political differencesbetween the two communities, but that many Albanians <strong>and</strong> Serbs haveestablished true friendships. It is important to cont<strong>in</strong>ue dialogue, especiallydue to the fact that <strong>in</strong>terethnic relations <strong>and</strong> security <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>have improved significantly <strong>in</strong> recent years. Honesty between communitieswas seen as a key element for more constructive <strong>in</strong>terethnic dialogue<strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>. Both communities should avoid any political or nationaliststatements that could harm efforts for cont<strong>in</strong>ued honest <strong>in</strong>terethnic dialogue.The implementation of the decentralization process is considered as oneof the ma<strong>in</strong> priorities for the <strong>Kosovo</strong> government, however, some challengesrang<strong>in</strong>g from f<strong>in</strong>ancial to complete transfer of competencies, slowdown the process <strong>and</strong> efforts to address current issues <strong>in</strong> a more effectiveway.Despite some of these challenges, the efforts <strong>and</strong> achievements of thenewly formed municipality of Gracanica were praised by those <strong>in</strong> thedebate. At the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of the debate, the mayor of Gracanica presentedsome facts outl<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g his view that the establishment of the municipalitywas positive with respect to improv<strong>in</strong>g the function<strong>in</strong>g of the municipalitythrough <strong>in</strong>stitution of more effective management <strong>and</strong> efficientservices to citizens. The transfer of competencies has concluded <strong>in</strong>almost all spheres <strong>and</strong> discussions are ongo<strong>in</strong>g regard<strong>in</strong>g the transfer ofrema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g responsibilities.These positive facts were acknowledged by the M<strong>in</strong>ister who stressed theimportance of the function<strong>in</strong>g of the municipality <strong>and</strong> praised themunicipality for its provision of adm<strong>in</strong>istrative services to citizens <strong>and</strong> itsoperat<strong>in</strong>g at full adm<strong>in</strong>istrative capacity. Municipality <strong>in</strong>vestmentsundertaken thus far are positively impact<strong>in</strong>g the lives of citizens, which<strong>in</strong> turn contributes to the improvement of services <strong>and</strong> helps promotenew perspectives regard<strong>in</strong>g the potential future of the municipality.There was disagreement expressed by the Serb leader regard<strong>in</strong>g the positivefigures presented at the debate. The function<strong>in</strong>g of the municipalitywas challenged with the example of the municipality budget, which iscurrently generated from the central budget <strong>and</strong> donations. It was contendedthat this will have a negative impact as it will make it more difficultfor the municipality to generate <strong>in</strong>come <strong>in</strong> the future, <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> turnTV Debate: Future of Gracanica MunicipalityEight months after the official establishment of the newly decentralizedmunicipality of Gracanica, the <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations (PER) <strong>and</strong>Balkan Investigative Report<strong>in</strong>g Network (BIRN) organized a TV debatebetween the M<strong>in</strong>ister of Local Government Adm<strong>in</strong>istration, the Mayorof Gracanica, the local Serb leader <strong>and</strong> a representative from civil societyto discuss two ma<strong>in</strong> issues concern<strong>in</strong>g the new municipality: a) how isthe new municipality function<strong>in</strong>g follow<strong>in</strong>g the decentralization process,<strong>and</strong> b) what are the ma<strong>in</strong> challenges fac<strong>in</strong>g the municipality <strong>in</strong> thisprocess.50Left to Right: Zarko Korac, Riza Hailimi, Ylber Hysa, Ardian Gj<strong>in</strong>i, <strong>and</strong> Laszlo Jozsa.51

this will weaken the services provided to citizens. The full transfer ofcompetencies was seen as another challenge ma<strong>in</strong>ly related to delays <strong>in</strong>def<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g municipality borders, cadastral books, <strong>and</strong> office premises.Some criticism was directed towards the transparency of the municipality<strong>in</strong> its work. Allegedly, few tenders were awarded to Serbian implement<strong>in</strong>gcompanies <strong>and</strong> few Serb employees from the community havebenefited from large <strong>in</strong>frastructural projects. It was stated that accord<strong>in</strong>gto research conducted by MLGA <strong>and</strong> USAID, the participation of citizens<strong>in</strong> the decision-mak<strong>in</strong>g process <strong>in</strong> the municipality is at a very lowlevel. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to this data, results regard<strong>in</strong>g the function<strong>in</strong>g of thenewly formed municipality of Gracanica are below <strong>Kosovo</strong>’s average <strong>in</strong>all areas of local governance.The future of the education system was also an important topic for theparticipants <strong>in</strong> the debate. It was stated that the Serbian communitywould not accept any changes <strong>in</strong> the education curriculum taught bySerbs <strong>and</strong> none of the Serb Mayors would accept implementation ofsuch direction. Education is a serious issue that requires broader consensusat the central level. One of the Serb representative argued that thereshould be no obstacle <strong>in</strong> cooperat<strong>in</strong>g with the Serbian parallel <strong>in</strong>stitutions.One of the examples given was the work of the health centre <strong>in</strong>Gracanica <strong>and</strong> the expansion of its services to all citizens despite some ofthe challenges faced <strong>in</strong> the field.A common underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g among all present <strong>in</strong> the debate was that thereare difficulties for the <strong>Kosovo</strong> government <strong>in</strong> tak<strong>in</strong>g full responsibility <strong>in</strong>the health sector, however, some discussions were held <strong>and</strong> it rema<strong>in</strong>s tobe seen how this will be concluded. In addition, budgetary constra<strong>in</strong>tshampers the efforts of the government to take full responsibility over theeducation sector currently managed by the Serbian government. Due tothe high numbers, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the ‘parallel’ students <strong>and</strong> teachers <strong>in</strong> thepayroll of the <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitutions will present a formidable challenge.With respect to future <strong>in</strong>tegration of the Serbian community <strong>in</strong>to<strong>Kosovo</strong>, participants ma<strong>in</strong>ly stated that there is a need to <strong>in</strong>crease thest<strong>and</strong>ards <strong>and</strong> quality of life with<strong>in</strong> the Serbian community <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>before requir<strong>in</strong>g the community to widely <strong>in</strong>tegrate <strong>in</strong>to Kosovan society.LIST OF PARTICIPANTS*(English alphabetical order)<strong>Kosovo</strong> ParticipantsArban Abrashi, Adviser to the M<strong>in</strong>ister, M<strong>in</strong>istry of Local Government Adm<strong>in</strong>istrationUrim Ahmeti, Development Assistance Specialist, Office for Democracy <strong>and</strong>Governance, USAID Mission <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>Enver Ajvazi, Director, Department of Adm<strong>in</strong>istration, Municipality of Kamenica (2)Petar Aksic, Serbian Radical Party, Gjilan/Gnjilane (3)Ahmet Aliu, Director of Adm<strong>in</strong>istration <strong>and</strong> Personnel, Shterpce/StrpceHamdi Aliu, Deputy President, M<strong>in</strong>icipality of Strpce/Sterpce Democratic Party of<strong>Kosovo</strong> (3)Nexhmed<strong>in</strong> Arifi, Mayor, Municipality of Viti; Democratic Party of <strong>Kosovo</strong>Igor Aritonovic, Deputy President, Municipal Assembly of Gracanica; TechnicalSecretary, Independent Liberal PartyJefta Arsic, Djurdevdan Herdelezi (2)Snezana Arsic, Democratic Party Municipality of Strpce/ShterpceXhevat Azemi, Deputy Director, <strong>Kosovo</strong> Property AgencyLaura Bahtiri, Decentralization Officer, International Civilian Office, Regional OfficeGjilan/GnjilaneNaim Behluli, Advisor to the M<strong>in</strong>ister, M<strong>in</strong>istry of Local Government Adm<strong>in</strong>istrationBurim Berisha, Mayor, Municipality of Fushë Kosovë/<strong>Kosovo</strong> Polje; Democratic Leagueof <strong>Kosovo</strong> (1)Xhevat Bislimi, Deputy Mayor, Municipality of VitiAlfred Boll, Political Officer, Embassy of the United States Prist<strong>in</strong>a, <strong>Kosovo</strong> (3)Flora Brov<strong>in</strong>a, Member of the Parliament, Democratic Party of <strong>Kosovo</strong>Shukri Buja, Mayor, Municipality of Lipjan/Lipljan, Democratic Party of <strong>Kosovo</strong> (2)Nenad Cvetkovic, Mayor, Municipality of Partes/Partesh (2)Samet Dalipi, Senior Advisor to the M<strong>in</strong>ister, M<strong>in</strong>istry of Local GovernmentAdm<strong>in</strong>istrationSasa Dedovic, Social Democratic Party of Serbia, Mitrovica (2)Christopher Dell, US Ambassador to <strong>Kosovo</strong>Radovan Denic, Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Novo Brdo; Union of IndependentSocial-Democrats of <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> Metohija (3)Ferhat D<strong>in</strong>osha, M<strong>in</strong>ister for Human <strong>and</strong> M<strong>in</strong>ority Rights, Member, Parliament ofMontenegro; President, Democratic Union of AlbaniansSasa Djokic, President, Serbian Democratic Party of <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> Metohija (5)Slobodan Draskovic, Mayor, Municipality of MedvedjaZivoj<strong>in</strong> Dzaklic, Citizens Group “Za evropsko Gnjilane”Raif Elezi, Deputy M<strong>in</strong>ister, M<strong>in</strong>istry of Local Government Adm<strong>in</strong>istration (4)Shpend Em<strong>in</strong>i, Senior <strong>Project</strong> Officer, <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations <strong>Kosovo</strong> (1)Beqir Fejzullahu, Eng<strong>in</strong>eer, Democratic Party of <strong>Kosovo</strong> (4)Sadri Ferati, M<strong>in</strong>ister, M<strong>in</strong>istry of Local Government Adm<strong>in</strong>istration (3)* The number <strong>in</strong> parentheses <strong>in</strong>dicates the number of PER roundtables the participantattended. Where no number appears, the person took part <strong>in</strong> one roundtable only.Some participants have changed their titles dur<strong>in</strong>g the time period <strong>in</strong> which this projecthas taken place. Only the titles at the time of their latest attendance are listed.5253

54Jose Garzon, Director, Office for Democracy <strong>and</strong> Governance, USAID Mission <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>Abdullah Gashi, Alliance for the Future of <strong>Kosovo</strong> Municipality of Novoberde/NovobrdoAlush Gashi, Member of the Parliament, Democratic League of <strong>Kosovo</strong> (2)Shpetim Gashi, Senior <strong>Project</strong> Officer, <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations (8)Ardian Gj<strong>in</strong>i, President of the Parliamentary Group, Alliance for the Future of <strong>Kosovo</strong> (5)Dukagj<strong>in</strong> Gorani, Adviser to the Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister, Office of the Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister of <strong>Kosovo</strong> (3)Branislav Grbic, Member, <strong>Kosovo</strong> Assembly; New Democracy (5)Predrag Grbic, Together for the Sir<strong>in</strong>ic Valley, Municipality of Shterpce/StrpceLirim Greiçevci, Advisor to the Prime M<strong>in</strong>isterAlex Grigor’ev, Executive Director, <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations (8)Bojana Gudzic, Communication for Social Development, GracanicaAli Halimi, Socialist Party of <strong>Kosovo</strong>, Municipality of Strpce/Shterpce (2)Fadil Halimi, Alliance for the Future of <strong>Kosovo</strong> (2) Municipality of Strpce/SterpceHalim Halimi, Director, Department of Adm<strong>in</strong>istration, Municipality of Prisht<strong>in</strong>aRiza Halimi, Member of Parliament of Serbia, PresevoHamdi Haliti, Democratic League of <strong>Kosovo</strong> (3)Ismet Hashani, Deputy M<strong>in</strong>ister, M<strong>in</strong>istry for Communities <strong>and</strong> ReturnsLutfi Haziri, M<strong>in</strong>ister, M<strong>in</strong>istry of Culture Youth <strong>and</strong> SportsEnver Hoxhaj, M<strong>in</strong>ister, M<strong>in</strong>istry of Education, Science <strong>and</strong> Technology of <strong>Kosovo</strong>,Government of <strong>Kosovo</strong>Ylber Hysa, Government Coord<strong>in</strong>ator for the North (2)Agim Hyseni, Deputy M<strong>in</strong>ister for Education, Science <strong>and</strong> Technology, Government of<strong>Kosovo</strong>Bahri Hyseni, Member of Parliament, Democratic Party of <strong>Kosovo</strong>, Chairperson ofLegislation Committee (1)Valdete Idrizi, Director, Community Build<strong>in</strong>g MitrovicaSladjan Ilic, Serbian Democratic Movement, Strpce/Shterpce (7)Tefik Islami, Democratic League of Dardania, Municipality of Strpce/Shterpce(2)Sreten Ivanovic, Citizens’ Initiative for Novo Brdo (2)Velibor Ivanovic, Leader of Village Kusce, Novo Brdo/Novoberde (2)Aleks<strong>and</strong>ar Janicevic, Hotel Narcis, InexNaser Jashari, Committee for Community Affairs (1)Jugoslav Jovanovic, Gradjanska <strong>in</strong>icijativa - Pasjane (1)Srdjan Jovanovic, Independent Liberal Party (7)Vesna Jovanovic, Social Democratic Party, Partes (4)Laszlo Jozsa, Alliance of Vojvod<strong>in</strong>a HungariansAvni Kastrati, Mayor, Municipality of Mitrovica (2)Nebojsa Kenic, Municipality of RanilugLejla Kolenovic, <strong>Project</strong> Management Specialist, Office for Democracy <strong>and</strong> Governance,USAID Mission <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> (12)Zarko Korac, Member, Parliament of Serbia; President, Social Democratic Union,BelgradeMita Kovacevic, Democratic Party, Gjilan/Gnjilane (2)Fadil Krasniqi, Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Fushë Kosovë/<strong>Kosovo</strong> PoljeDragisa Krstovic, Liberal Democratic Party, Leposavic (2)Albana Kusari, USAID Mission <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>Mimoza Kusari, Deputy President, New <strong>Kosovo</strong> Alliance (3)Srecko Lekic, People’s Party of <strong>Kosovo</strong>, Shterpce/Strpce (3)Avni Limani, NGO Sharri, Shterpce/StrpceMarjan Ljubic, Department of Education, Municipality of Shterpce/StrpceIbrahim Makolli, Deputy President of the Alliance New Kosova, New <strong>Kosovo</strong> Alliance;Head of the AKR parliamentary group <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Kosovo</strong> AssemblySadik Makolli, Socialist Party of <strong>Kosovo</strong> Novoberde/Novo Brdo (1)Nenad Maksimovic, Center for Peace <strong>and</strong> Tolerance (2)Leon Malazogu, Head of <strong>Kosovo</strong> Office, <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations <strong>Kosovo</strong> (20)Shkelzen Maliqi, Publicist (2)Alex<strong>and</strong>ros Mallias, Special Advisor to ELIAMEP; Former Ambassador of Greece toWash<strong>in</strong>gton, Skopje <strong>and</strong> TiranaBranislav Markovic, Political Assistant, Embassy of the United States Prist<strong>in</strong>a, <strong>Kosovo</strong>Maja Markovic Embassy of the United States Prist<strong>in</strong>a, (2)Nenad Markovic, Village Leader of Stanisor, Municipality of Novo Brdo/Novoberde (2)Agron Maxhuni, Director of the Legal Department, M<strong>in</strong>istry of Local GovernmentAdm<strong>in</strong>istration (2)Murat Meha, Director, <strong>Kosovo</strong> Cadastral AgencyJason Melfi, Senior Local Government Advisor, USAID’s Effective Municipalities InitiativeChristelle Melly, Decentralization Officer, International Civilian Office, Regional OfficeGjilan/GnjilaneAleks<strong>and</strong>ar Mihajlovic, Serbian Democratic Party of <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> Metohija (2)Gradimir Mikic, Mayor, Municipality of Ranilug/Ranillug (6)Petar Miletic, Chairperson, SLS Parliamentary Caucus; Secretary General, IndependentLiberal Party, Prist<strong>in</strong>a/Prisht<strong>in</strong>a; Member, Assembly of <strong>Kosovo</strong> (5)Verica Milosevic, Municipal Preparation TeamJelica M<strong>in</strong>ic, Deputy President, Serbian Party of <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> MetohijaDragisa Miric, Member, Assembly of <strong>Kosovo</strong>; President, Serbian Party of <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong>Metohija (2)Sasa Mirkovic, Mayor, Municipality of Klokot/VrbovacBojan Mladenovic, Radio HercShkelzen Mor<strong>in</strong>a, Director, Property Tax Department, M<strong>in</strong>istry of Economy <strong>and</strong> F<strong>in</strong>anceWolff-Michael Mors, Director, Human Rights <strong>and</strong> Communities Department, OSCE Mission<strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>Dejan Mrdj<strong>in</strong>ac, Independent Liberal Party, Shterpce/StrpceValon Murati, Human Rights Center of the University of Prisht<strong>in</strong>a (2)Qemajl Mustafa, Mayor, Municipality of Gjilan/Gnjilane (3)Rafael Naegeli, Head, Community Affairs Unit, International Civilian Office (2)Bratislav Nikolic, Mayor, Municipality of Strpce/Shterpce (5)Dragan Nikolic, G17 Plus, PartesKosara Nikolic, Member of Parliament; Member of the Committee on Budget <strong>and</strong> F<strong>in</strong>ancesR<strong>and</strong>jel Nojkic, President, <strong>Kosovo</strong> Branch, Serbian Renewal Movement, Gracanica (12)Angelique Olmo, Development Officer, <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic RelationsBesnik Osmani, Permanent Secretary, M<strong>in</strong>istry of Local Government Adm<strong>in</strong>istration (2)Bozidar Peric, Municipal Preparation Team, Partesh/PartešNebojsa Peric, Adviser, Municipality of Gracanica; President, Citizens Group Vidovdan (6)Igor Petrovic, Serb Party of <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> MetohijaSlobodan Petrovic, President, Independent Liberty Party, Prist<strong>in</strong>a (6)Zvonko Petrovic, Municipal Preparation Team, Partesh/PartešLivia Plaks, President, <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations (20)Petrit Popova, Director of Local Budgets, M<strong>in</strong>istry of Economy <strong>and</strong> F<strong>in</strong>anceSrdjan Popovic, Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments (2)Viktor Popovic, <strong>Project</strong> Officer, <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations <strong>Kosovo</strong> (2)Ljubisa Racicevic, Activist, Coord<strong>in</strong>ator for Culture, Shterpce/StrpcePatricia Rader, Director, USAID Mission <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> (2)Nenad Radosavljevic, Director, RTV Mir, Leposavic (4)Anamari Repic, Deputy General Director, Radio Television of <strong>Kosovo</strong> (2)R<strong>and</strong>y Repola, Chief of Party, USAID’s Effective Municipalities InitiativeVidak Ristovic, Citizens Group VidovdanMihailo Scepanovic, Member, Assembly of <strong>Kosovo</strong>; Serbian People’s Party (2)55

56Patrick Schmelzer, Policy Officer, Political, Economic <strong>and</strong> EU Integration Section,European Commission Liaison Office to <strong>Kosovo</strong>Oliver Schmidt-Gutzat, Senior Adviser on Non-Albanian Communities, OSCEMission <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>Srdjan Sentic, Adviser to the Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister, Office of the Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister of<strong>Kosovo</strong> (9)Ahmet Shala, M<strong>in</strong>ister, M<strong>in</strong>istry of Economy <strong>and</strong> F<strong>in</strong>anceGianluca Siega-Battel, Chief of the Communities Section, OSCE Mission <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong>Haki S<strong>in</strong>ani, Democratic League of Dardania (2)Khaldoun S<strong>in</strong>no, Head of Political, Economic <strong>and</strong> EU Integration Section, EuropeanCommission Liaison Office to <strong>Kosovo</strong> (2)Dragana Stanic, Center for Peace <strong>and</strong> ToleranceAleks<strong>and</strong>ar Stojanovic, Center for the Development of Local Areas (3)Bojan Stojanovic, Mayor, Municipality of Gracanica; Independent Liberal Party (3)Milan Stojanovic, Vice President, Municipality of Gjilan/Gnjilane (2)Dragana Stolic, Assistant Policy Officer, European Commission Liaison Office to<strong>Kosovo</strong> (2)Shaip Surdulli, Mayor, Municipality of Kamenica (1)Sabit Sylejmani, Democratic League of <strong>Kosovo</strong> (3)Edita Tahiri, M<strong>in</strong>ister, M<strong>in</strong>istry of Public Adm<strong>in</strong>istrationHashim Thaci, Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister of <strong>Kosovo</strong>Radoica Tomic, Director of Urbanism, Municipality of StrpceRada Trajkovic, Serb National Council of <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> Metohija (2)Momcilo Trajkovic, President, Serb Resistance Movement, Gracanica (2)Vladan Trific, Decentralization Officer, International Civilian OfficeRozafa Ukimeraj, Director, Department of Local Self-governance, M<strong>in</strong>istry of LocalGovernment Adm<strong>in</strong>istration (1)Vlasta Velkovic, United Serbia Party, Shterpce/StrpceMalisa Venhari, Program Officer, <strong>Kosovo</strong> Office, <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations <strong>Kosovo</strong>Dejan Vlajkovic, Director, Department of Adm<strong>in</strong>istration, Municipality ofKlokot/VrbovacMusa Xhaferi, M<strong>in</strong>ister, M<strong>in</strong>istry of Local Government; Deputy Premier, DemocraticUnion for Integration, SkopjeBajrush Ymeri, Democratic League of <strong>Kosovo</strong> (6)S<strong>in</strong>an Ymeri, Deputy President of the Municipal Assembly, Shterpce/StrpceIzmi Zeka, Municipal Assembly, Municipality of Gjilan/Gnjilane (1)Sar<strong>and</strong>a Zeqiri, Office Manager, <strong>Project</strong> on Ethnic Relations <strong>Kosovo</strong>Milivoje Zivkovic, Office of Community Affairs, Municipality of Gjilan/GnjilaneOTHER PER PUBLICATIONSFor a complete list<strong>in</strong>g of all PER publications, please visit our website:www.per-usa.org Macedonia’s <strong>Interethnic</strong> Coalition: The First Year (2004) Albanians <strong>and</strong> Their Neighbors: Mov<strong>in</strong>g Toward Real Communication (2004) Women <strong>in</strong> Governance <strong>and</strong> <strong>Interethnic</strong> Relations (2004) Macedonia’s <strong>Interethnic</strong> Coalition: Solidify<strong>in</strong>g Ga<strong>in</strong>s (2004) Roma <strong>and</strong> EU Accession: Elected <strong>and</strong> Appo<strong>in</strong>ted Romani Representatives <strong>in</strong> an EnlargedEurope (2004) <strong>Kosovo</strong> 2005: Assur<strong>in</strong>g Security for the Neighborhood (2005) Macedonia: The Next Stage (2005) Central <strong>and</strong> East European Governments <strong>and</strong> Cooperation with the HungarianCommunities: Efforts, Accomplishments, Failures (2005) Macedonia: On the Road to Brussels (2005) <strong>Kosovo</strong> <strong>and</strong> the Region Prepare for Change: Relations, Responsible Governance, <strong>and</strong>Regional Security (2005) The Political Uses of Anti-Semitism (2006) The Balkans <strong>and</strong> the EU: Challenges on the Road to Accession (2006) Macedonia: Agenda 2006 (2006) Romani Politics Present <strong>and</strong> Future (2006) Serbs <strong>in</strong> the Twenty-First Century (2006) <strong>Kosovo</strong> Roundtables (2006) Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic Integration: Advanc<strong>in</strong>g Common Interests (2007) New Majorities <strong>and</strong> M<strong>in</strong>orities <strong>in</strong> the Balkans (2007) Confidence Build<strong>in</strong>g Measures <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> (2007) The Balkans as a Source of Security <strong>and</strong> Stability <strong>in</strong> Europe (2007) Reviv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Interethnic</strong> Political <strong>Dialogue</strong> <strong>in</strong> South Serbia (2008) Roma, Ashkali, <strong>and</strong> Egyptians of <strong>Kosovo</strong>: Challenges <strong>and</strong> Prospects of Integration (2008) The Balkans <strong>in</strong> Europe: Challenges <strong>in</strong> Integrat<strong>in</strong>g Multiethnic States (2008) Develop<strong>in</strong>g a Comprehensive M<strong>in</strong>ority Policy <strong>in</strong> Montenegro (2008) Policies Toward Susta<strong>in</strong>able Integration Discussed by Roma, Ashkali <strong>and</strong> Egyptians of<strong>Kosovo</strong> with the <strong>Kosovo</strong> Government <strong>and</strong> the International Community (2008) Strengthen<strong>in</strong>g Albanian-Serb <strong>Dialogue</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kosovo</strong> (2008) International Roundtable on Roma, Ashkali, <strong>and</strong> Egyptians of <strong>Kosovo</strong>: Challenges <strong>and</strong>Prospects of Susta<strong>in</strong>able Integration (2009)57