(english / italiano)
IL GIOCO DELLE TRE CARTE DELLA DIPLOMAZIA
1) «EULEX», IL GIOCO DELLE TRE CARTE DELLA DIPLOMAZIA (E. Remondino)
2) MITROVICA Settimana di fuoco. Violenti scontri dopo due attentati albanesi (T. Di Francesco)
3) E intanto... Demolita un'altra chiesa serba
4) KOSOVO 2009... UPDATES:
"Kosovo situation very alarming" / KM calm, Serbs accuse Albanians / Kosovska Mitrovica: Albanians assault Serbs / Punish perpetrators, asks Ivanovic / Albanian stabbers freed, Kosovo Serb house attacked / Two Serbs beaten in Kosovska Mitrovica / Tadic calls on UN, EU to protect Kosovo Serbs /DSS: Kosovo Serbs without protection /
Fears of violence mar Kosovo Serbs' Orthodox Christmas / Germany reconfirms support for Republic of Kosovo / NATO Warns Kosovo Violence Could Spread
=== 1 ===
Il Manifesto, 6.01.2009
APERTURA | di Ennio Remondino
«EULEX», IL GIOCO DELLE TRE CARTE DELLA DIPLOMAZIA
Ali Babà IN KOSOVO
È il caos. La missione Ue, voluta come braccio dell'Ico per garantire giustizia, polizia e dogane, diventa appalto Onu da contendere a Unmik. E la Kfor-Nato rispetta la Risoluzione Onu che nega l'«indipendenza»
C'è una maledizione kosovara del numero 3. Al primo posto c'è il Kosovo indipendente e albanese di Pristina, secondo, il Kosovo internazionale delle ricche missioni civili e delle munite caserme Nato e, al terzo posto il Kosovo delle enclavi e di Mitrovica nord che sognano un futuro in serbo. Per i tre Kosovo, ovviamente, tre diversi passaporti. Quello vecchio, jugoslavo, al momento considerato il migliore per viaggiare, quello dell'altro ieri con la sigla U.N.M.I.K. che vale quanto una nostra banconota di vecchie lire; tre, il nuovo e fiammante passaporto della «Repubblica del Kosovo» con cui, senza visto, puoi andare soltanto sino a Skopje o a Tirana. Il vero guaio arriva con i tre diversi codici penali in concorrenza tra loro e tutti applicati da qualcuna delle tre diverse magistrature. Il vecchio codice jugoslavo contro chi delinque a Mitrovica nord, quello nuovo e fiammante della Repubblica del Kosovo per i sospetti criminali oltre il fiume Ibar e quello Onu per i pochi che si sono fatti beccare dalla polizia in questi anni di colonia internazionale. Solo le galere sono unificate, ma con detenuti e secondini divisi accortamente per etnia.
Resta solo la risoluzione 1244
Ora è cambiato tutto, ci dicono. Dal 9 dicembre, ad Unmik (Onu) è subentrata Eulex (Unione europea) ed il Kosovo fiorirà presto come un giardino a primavera. Se vai a grattare sotto la vernice delle ipocrisie internazionali, trovi sempre l'ormai maledetto 3 kosovaro. Il progetto pubblicizzato «urbi et orbi» ci prometteva, come premessa, una nuova risoluzione Onu a superare la vecchia 1244 della guerra, quella che insiste a raccontarci che il Kosovo è parte della Serbia. Al vertice politico del Kosovo immaginato da Stati Uniti ed Unione europea, una sorta di superman istituzionale chiamato «International Civilian Office» - Ai Si O, letto all'americana - col ruolo di garante per guidare l'azione della comunità internazionale in Kosovo da qui all'eternità. Meno Consiglio di Sicurezza Onu e quindi meno Russia era la furbata pensata a Bruxelles. Numero due, l'ormai «schierata» ma poco operativa Eulex, con i muscoli intorpiditi di 2000 magistrati, sbirri in divise e specializzazioni varie, doganieri e spie europei ed americani, ed un forziere di 220 milioni di euro solo per cominciare. Il braccio operativo di ICO, era l'intenzione. Tre, l'eterna garanzia di Kfor, i 16 mila militari della Nato e dintorni che, avendo visto giusto, in Kosovo si sono acquartierati in confortevoli villaggi per durare diversi decenni. La frittata comincia dalla premessa. Il Consiglio di sicurezza dell'Onu non partorisce nessuna nuova risoluzione. La Russia e la Cina non digeriscono l'unilateralismo Usa di Bush sul Kosovo e nel mondo e, non soltanto bloccano tutto, ma insistono a ribadire il vincolo alla vecchia risoluzione 1244. Tutti sanno di partecipare ad una recita, ma tutti sono costretti in commedia. La risoluzione Onu che ha messo il cappello ai bombardamenti Nato del 1999, a Jugoslavia già spianata, nasce come pezza ad un buco e come tale continua a stonare. La premessa imposta allora dai russi ci dice del Kosovo come «territorio della Repubblica serba». «Semplice premessa», arriva a dire Marty Ahtisaari che prima convince Milosevic ad arrendersi per mantenere la sovranità sul Kosovo e poi paga la cambiale firmata dagli americani agli albanesi. Il finlandese ci guadagna un discutibile Nobel per la pace, l'Unione europea un arzigogolo giuridico su cui far esercitare contorte intelligenze. Gli Stati Uniti, seguiti da 20 paesi dell'Unione, tra cui l'Italia, decisi a riconoscere il Kosovo indipendente a qualsiasi costo, arrivano a sostenere che la loro decisione è coerente con la 1244. L'interpretazione del settimo comandamento da parte di Ali Babà e i suoi 40 soci.
Più sorprendente ancora la storia dell'International Civilian Office. L'«AiCiO» trova posto persino nella costituzione del nuovo Kosovo indipendente e vincola il nuovo Stato alla tutela di questa specie di «papa internazionale» di vaticana memoria. Non a caso, in questa trovata risulta ci sia lo zampino di un fine giurista italiano. Scrivono di uno Stato a sovranità controllata in cambio della promessa di una marea di riconoscimenti internazionali subito e della sua integrità territoriale garantita, territori a maggioranza di popolazione serba compresi. Più o meno come Totò quando cercava di vendere la Fontana di Trevi. Riconoscimenti fermi a 53 e integrità territoriale sempre irrealizzata. Anche l'ICO finisce male. Entrata in Conclave come futuro Papa, ne esce che non è manco prete. Nessuna nuova risoluzione e nessun nuovo garante internazionale per il Kosovo. Resta l'Onu e basta. ICO nel frattempo, dopo impegnativa lottizzazione internazionale, aveva assegnato all'Olanda il suo comando e spartito tra il resto del mondo i suoi ricchi incarichi di missione estera. L'ICO nasce lo stesso per volontà degli Stati Uniti, della Commissione europea, e di alcuni dei paesi che hanno riconosciuto l'indipendenza del Kosovo. Una sorta di libera associazione di tifosi simile ad una costosa Organizzazione umanitaria. Dai 20 ai 25 milioni di euro soltanto per partire, metà a carico della Commissione europea, il 25% degli Stati uniti ed il resto ai non europei. Al comando c'è l'olandese Peter Feith e, al momento, 380 suoi «inviati» sul campo. Manca soltanto di capire a cosa servono.
Eulex, pensata come braccio operativo dell'ICO per garantire i settori strategici di polizia, giustizia e dogane, finisce per diventare semplice sub appaltatrice del potere Onu da spartire a gomitate con Unmik. Una curiosità rilevata da pochi. Il «dispiegamento di Eulex» è deliberato dall'Unione europea soltanto due giorni prima della proclamazione unilaterale d'indipendenza del 17 febbraio 2008. Si scrive genericamente di Kosovo e gli Stati contrari (Spagna, Grecia, Romania, Cipro, Slovacchia, ecc.), che avrebbero dovuto votare contro ad indipendenza dichiarata, accettano di astenersi. Il gioco delle parti per evitare di affondare Eulex prima ancora di farla nascere. Diplomazia da prestigiatori. Pezza dopo pezza, la comunità internazionale sembra intanto aver perso di vista il buco.
E Belgrado «incassa»
A cominciare dalla Serbia che cambia rapidamente. Una Belgrado diplomaticamente più duttile e dichiaratamente europeista incassa due punti decisivi: la formale dichiarazione di neutralità di Eulex imposta dal Segretario Generale dell'Onu rispetto allo «status» finale del Kosovo e l'approvazione, da parte dell'Assemblea generale Onu, del suo ricorso alla Corte internazionale di giustizia sulla legittimità della dichiarazione d'indipendenza kosovara.
Il segretario Onu Ban Ki Moon è costretto a cambiare le carte in tavola. Visto che non c'è speranza di arrivare ad una nuova risoluzione sul Kosovo, manda il suo nuovo «Alto rappresentante», l'italiano Lamberto Zannier, a fare da arbitro nella partita che s'è riaperta. Un Kosovo albanese decisamente arrabbiato, un Kosovo serbo che crea più imbarazzi internazionali quando fa il buono, un mare di ambizioni nate tutte con le gambe storte. A questo punto torniamo alla maledizione kosovara del numero 3 e multipli. Sei i punti «pragmatici» di intervento internazionale inventati da Zannier e firmati da Ban Ki Moon nel nome della «Dodici quarantaquattro». Per Eulex solo il 3 di polizia, giustizia e dogane.
Per la polizia c'è un capo scelto ovviamente dal governo kosovaro in carica, ma al numero due c'è un vice che deve essere serbo. In caso di controversia il vice può scavalcare il capo appellandosi al terzo capo della polizia, creato con un colpo di bacchetta magica: il «Senior Police Chief», un internazionale di nomina Onu che può fischiare fallo o assegnare il goal al capo albanese o a quello serbo. Dalla trinità degli sbirri a quella dei magistrati. Dei tre diversi codici penali contemporaneamente in vigore abbiamo detto. A Mitrovica i magistrati in carica hanno giurato fedeltà alle leggi jugoslave, a Pristina sulla neonata Costituzione kosovara e, gli internazionali, quando finiranno di litigare tra toghe Unmik ed Eulex, dovranno spiegare quali codici intendono applicare. Nel frattempo, finita la corsa all'auto legittimazione di Eulex che ha messo la sua bandierina a Mitrovica, il pasticcio resta senza soluzione. Neppure da immaginare un giudice albanese a Mitrovica o un giudice serbo a Pristina. Altrettanto fantasiosa l'ipotesi di una richiesta di arresti fatta dalla magistratura di una parte nei confronti di presunti colpevoli dell'altra parte. La partizione dei criminali che coincide con quella del territorio.
Dogane unitarie ma bucate
Il solo Kosovo territorialmente unitario sia per Pristina che per Belgrado è quello doganale. Peccato che al momento, quell'area abbia due buchi: i confini fatti saltare per aria sopra Mitrovica e verso il Sangiaccato. «Gate 1 e 31», li chiama la Nato. La pacchia del contrabbando transnazionale dove ad incassare c'è la sola realtà interetnica esistente oggi in Kosovo, quella criminale, e a perderci sono tutti e due gli Stati litiganti. Due milioni di euro di danno erariale la settimana, calcolano a Pristina, con una serie di trucchi e una rete di complicità da fare invidia alle più famose mafie nostrane. Un esempio. Benzina raffinata in Serbia e destinata, nominalmente al Kosovo. Paga dogana ma non le iperboliche «accise» sui carburanti. Viaggiano i documenti, ma la benzina resta in Serbia dove è venduta a guadagno moltiplicato per 1000. In Kosovo restano i rivoli di soldi della corruzione capillare che garantisce occhi distratti e un timbro facile. Dogane senza frontiere, potremmo dire oggi. Accordi serbo-albanesi su questi punti, possibili. L'opinione popolare, da ambedue i lati del confine gruviera è ovviamente contraria.
Fotografia finale. Il Kosovo albanese chiede alla Nato e ad Eulex di garantirgli l'unità territoriale. I militari Nato rispondono che il loro mandato è soltanto quello di garantire la sicurezza e non di decidere chi governa. Eulex, che forse vorrebbe poterlo fare, non ne ha il mandato e non ne ha la forza. Resta la realtà del Kosovo diviso e incasinato che ci trasciniamo da quasi 10 anni, nell'attesa del giudizio della Corte internazionale come ha deciso l'assemblea dell'Onu su richiesta di Belgrado. Previsioni sulla sentenza. La Suprema corte dell'Aja dichiara l'indipendenza unilaterale del Kosovo illegittima (la sovranità non si eredita), ma conclude che il fatto (l'indipendenza realizzata) «innova il diritto». Pristina prima applaude e poi capisce. Il principio del «fatto compiuto», vale anche per la Mitrovica serba ed i territori a nord del fiume Ibar. Come nel gioco dell'Oca, si torna sempre alla casella di partenza. I trucchi giuridici attorno alla 1244 per evitare di dover fare i conti politici con la partizione del Kosovo che è già nei fatti. Prendere tempo. Qualche decennio e miliardi di euro dopo, prima di arrivare a riconoscere universalmente il tragico errore della «guerra umanitaria» del 24 marzo 1999.
=== 2 ===
Il Manifesto, 6.01.2009
TAGLIO MEDIO | di Tommaso Di Francesco
storie MITROVICA Settimana di fuoco
Violenti scontri dopo due attentati albanesi
L'anno non poteva aprirsi nel modo «migliore», a poco meno dall'anniversario del 17 febbraio 2008, data della proclamazione unilaterale a Pristina dell'indipendenza del Kosovo. Vale a dire, con una lunga fiammata di violenza che dura ormai da una settimana in uno dei luoghi di maggiore frizione, Kosovska Mitrovica divisa in due sul fiume Ibar e dove più è presente quella parte della minoranza serba che è stata costretta in massima parte ad abbandonare il paese sotto la minaccia del terrore.
Dopo due violente esplosioni sono scoppiati incidenti e negli scontri decine di persone sono rimaste ferite. La prima esplosione è avvenuta nella tarda serata del 2 gennaio presso un caffè nella parte nord di Kosovska Mitrovica, quella controllata dai serbi, danneggiando numerose auto. Così il 3 a notte i serbi infuriati, hanno dato fuoco a due negozi albanesi nel quartiere di Bosnjacka Mahala, piccola entità albanese dentro la zona serba. Mentre i pompieri accorrevano, è esploso un secondo ordigno. Il portavoce della polizia locale, Besim Hoti, ha detto che sette vigili del fuoco e almeno altre tre persone sono rimasti leggermente feriti. Negli incidenti sono rimasti feriti anche una giornalista e un cameraman, entrambi serbi, che erano impegnati nelle riprese sui luoghi delle esplosioni per conto della tv serba Most. I due sono stati aggrediti dai dimostranti albanesi. La giornalista, Mirjana Nedeljkovic, ha riportato ferite alla testa. La situazione a Kosovska Mitrovica sarebbe ora «sotto controllo» dopo che la Forza multinazionale della Nato e la missione di polizia dell'Unione europea, Eulex, hanno rafforzato la loro presenza. Ma l'atmosfera resta molto tesa. Anche perché è il secondo scontro in pochi giorni. E sono richeggiati anche stavolta lungamente colpi di armi automatiche. Martedi scorso un giovane serbo era stato gravemente ferito a coltellate da due albanesi secondo il portavoce kosovaro-albanese della polizia Besim Hoti, e l'attacco aveva scatenato la rabbia di centinaia di serbi che avevano incendiato negozi di albanesi e auto con targhe kosovare.
A ben vedere dunque, non è dato sapere a cosa sia realmente servito il dispiegarsi già il 9 dicembre scorso a Kosovska Mitrovica della «missione Eulex», con tanto di annuncio da Bruxelles di Javier Solana. O meglio, ora si capisce che Eulex stessa diventa un terreno di conflitto. Inoltre si comincia a comprendere di più perché sia fortemente osteggiata dalla leadership albanese al potere a Pristina, nonostante i sorrisi di convenienza e gli applausi iniziali. Il fatto è che Eulex di fatto, per ora, non riconosce l'indipendenza e subito si caratterizza per il ruolo di polizia e della magistratura, nonché per il controllo delle dogane. Una specie di supervisione che preoccupa Pristina. I cui leader sono legati a filo doppio con il malaffare, come dimostra il recente arresto nell'altra zona franca della regione, il Montenegro del cognato del premier Hashim Thaqi, Bajrush Sejdiu considerato uno dei re del contrabbando nei Balcani. Mentre restano pendenti tutte le questioni del caso dell'ex premier Ramush Haradinay, incriminato all'Aja per stragi e crimini di guerra contro civili serbi commessi già nel 1998: lui è stato incredibilmente scarcerato all'Aja ma il caso resta aperto. Sia perché, legittimamente, i serbi accusano il Tribunale internazionale di fare «due pesi e due misure», sia perché all'Aja in questi giorni per le minacce esercitate contro testimoni, è stato condannato l'ex ministro della cultura kosovaro albanese Astrit Haracija. Corruzione e mafie che insieme a lasciare nella disperazione la maggior parte dei kosovari, assillati da una disoccupazione al 50% nonostante fiumi di aiuti internazionali, vede coinvolto anche l'Unmik, quel che resta della colpevole amministrazione Onu. Non a caso il Wall Street Journal ha concluso l'anno denunciando la vicenda del funzionario americano dell'Onu di Pristina, James Wasserstrom, licenziato per avere denunciato uno scandalo di malversazioni di denaro.
=== 3 ===
www.glassrbije.org italiano
E’ stata demolita la chiesa serba a Livadje
08. gennaio 2009.
L’eparchia di Raska e Prizren della Chiesa serba ortodossa ha comunicato che nella notte tra il 7 e l’8 gennaio è stata demolita la chiesa di santo Grigorio a Livadje, il villaggio che si trova nei pressi di Gracanica, nel Kosovo centrale. Quando abbiamo trovato stamattina, il secondo giorno del Natale, la porta della chiesa spalancata, siamo entrati ed abbiamo vista una scena tremenda. Le icone sono state distrutte, i soldi sono stati rubati e gli oggetti sacri sono stati rotti, ha dichiarato il parroco Svetislav Trajkovic. La polizia kosovara di Lipljane ha fatto il sopraluogo. Questo è l’ultimo incidente, in una serie di incidenti di questo genere, il quale dimostra che il patrimonio culturale e religioso corre grande pericolo in Kosovo, ha comunicato l’eparchia di Raska e Prizren.
---
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2009&mm=01&dd=03&nav_id=56186
Beta News Agency - January 3, 2009
"Kosovo situation very alarming"
BELGRADE, PRISTINA - This week's stabbing of a Serb
boy, and the arrest of the Gnjilane [KLA} Group have
added turbulence to Kosovo's poor security situation,
an expert warns.
Military analyst Zoran Dragisic told B92 TV in
Belgrade on Saturday that the latest string of
incidents, including last night's explosions, could
cause more violence unless measures to calm the
situation are undertaken urgently.
"If we go back ten days we'll see a series of various
incidents, and certainly the arrest of the Gnjilane
Group and everything that ensued – demonstrations and
protests – have additionally complicated the
situation."
"We have incidents, not only in northern Kosovska
Mitrovica but also in the Kosovo Pomoravlje region
where shots were fired at a home of a humanitarian
organization's president," Dragisic said.
"At this point," he concluded, "the situation in
Kosovo and Metohija, especially in northern Kosovska
Mitrovica, can be appraised as very alarming, unless
something is done urgently."
Also today, Beta news agency reports from Priština,
KFOR and EULEX announced that they will step up their
presence in northern Kosovo and in Kosovska Mitrovica,
calling at the same time on residents to remain calm
and cease with all acts of violence.
EULEX will continue to patrol and implement its
mandate, that includes leading, monitoring and
advising the local authorities, a statement said.
Beta News Agency - January 3, 2009
"Kosovo situation very alarming"
BELGRADE, PRISTINA - This week's stabbing of a Serb
boy, and the arrest of the Gnjilane [KLA} Group have
added turbulence to Kosovo's poor security situation,
an expert warns.
Military analyst Zoran Dragisic told B92 TV in
Belgrade on Saturday that the latest string of
incidents, including last night's explosions, could
cause more violence unless measures to calm the
situation are undertaken urgently.
"If we go back ten days we'll see a series of various
incidents, and certainly the arrest of the Gnjilane
Group and everything that ensued – demonstrations and
protests – have additionally complicated the
situation."
"We have incidents, not only in northern Kosovska
Mitrovica but also in the Kosovo Pomoravlje region
where shots were fired at a home of a humanitarian
organization's president," Dragisic said.
"At this point," he concluded, "the situation in
Kosovo and Metohija, especially in northern Kosovska
Mitrovica, can be appraised as very alarming, unless
something is done urgently."
Also today, Beta news agency reports from Priština,
KFOR and EULEX announced that they will step up their
presence in northern Kosovo and in Kosovska Mitrovica,
calling at the same time on residents to remain calm
and cease with all acts of violence.
EULEX will continue to patrol and implement its
mandate, that includes leading, monitoring and
advising the local authorities, a statement said.
---
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2009&mm=01&dd=04&nav_id=56188
B92 - January 4, 2009
KM calm, Serbs accuse Albanians
KOSOVSKA MITROVICA - Kosovska Mitrovica is calm this
morning after a string of incidents earlier in the
week.
Minister for Kosovo Goran Bogdanovic is arriving to
this ethnically divided town today for a visit, to
meet with municipal presidents of the Serb-dominated
northern Kosovo, and the head of the
Kosovsko-Mitrovacki District.
Strong KFOR troops helped by Kosovo police, KPS, and
EULEX have been positioned in the Bosnjacka Mahala
neighborhood where several incidents took place
earlier this week.
A KPS spokesman it this town confirmed that the
situation is now calm.
Bogdanovic will also visit the firefighters recovering
in hospital after a hand grenade was thrown at them
while they were putting out a fire early on Saturday.
In a meeting with KFOR yesterday afternoon, Serb
representatives have asked for permanent checkpoints
to be set up between Bosnjacka Mahala and Suvi Do,
instead of sporadic patrols.
This is the area where most of the incidents happened,
Marko Jaksic, one of the Kosovo Serb leaders, told
B92.
"It's calm at this point. What the Serb
representatives have asked is primarily [bearing in
mind] that these are planned provocations as far as
we're concerned. Ahead of the New Year a KPS patrol
was attacked in Bošnjaèka Mahala, then Nikola Bozovic
was wounded, then a bomb was thrown at a cafe where
Serbs were gathered," he explained.
"After that, when the Serbs set an Albanian store on
fire, Albanians threw a hand grenade at Serb firemen.
Therefore we hope that these planned actions will not
take place in the future," said Jakšiæ.
Earlier, Minister Bogdanovic said that the
international community and police "must to all to
bring those responsible for the bomb attack against
the firefighters to justice".
---
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2009&mm=01&dd=05&nav_id=56203
Tanjug News Agency - January 5, 2009
Kosovska Mitrovica: Albanians assault Serbs
KOSOVSKA MITROVICA - A group of some 20 Albanians
assaulted two Serbs in the northern part of Kosovska
Mitrovica late on Sunday.
Kosovo police, KPS, have confirmed the latest incident
in this ethnically divided town, with deputy police
chief Predrag Vasovic telling Tanjug that the victims
stated the attack took place at around 21:30 CET at
the corner of Knjaza Milosa and Osloboðenja streets.
Kosovo Serbs Bato Ðorðevic, 32, and Petar Gusinic, 33,
reported to a local hospital with light injuries in
the wake of the incident.
"According to a statement they gave to the police,
they were attacked by a group of some 20 Albanians,
after their car broke down and they were forced to
stop in this part of Kosovska Mitrovica. The car was
damaged, and they were lightly injured," Vasovic said.
He added that the KPS had started an investigation
into the case.
Reports said that police intervention last night
prevented a more serious confrontation. Due to a wave
of unrest KFOR has been in control of the town for the
past three days, but Vasoviæ said they failed to react
last night.
"Unfortunately, KFOR's reaction was missing. Based on
what the patrol policemen told us, they were nearby,
but did not react," he said, adding his office is in
communication with KFOR trying to find out the reason
for this.
This comes after several incidents in the past few
weeks, that included stabbing and hand grenade
attacks, and after Sunday's appeals from Minister for
Kosovo Goran Bogdanovic.
---
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2009&mm=01&dd=05&nav_id=56214
Beta News Agency/Tanjug News Agency - January 5, 2009
Punish perpetrators, asks Ivanovic
BELGRADE - Oliver Ivanovic says the police, EULEX and
KFIR should determine who initiated the most recent
incidents in northern Kosovska Mitrovica.
The state secretary with the Kosovo Ministry told
Tanjug on Monday that "there should be no speculation
about who caused the latest incidents", and that the
police should conduct a comprehensive investigation
and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Ivanovic stated that tensions have been evident in
northern Kosovo since Feb 17, 2008, when Kosovo
Albanians unilaterally declared independence, while
the Serbs clearly stated they would not accept it.
He went on to say that he is optimistic, and believes
the situation would stabilization, adding that "the
fact that KFOR has upped its presence and deployed its
troops in the city is encouraging".
Meanwhile police are describing the situation in
Kosovska Mitrovica as "calm, but fragile".
Kosovo police, KPS, are yet to arrest the perpetators
who struck on Saturday, first throwing an explosive
device at a cafe frequented by Serbs, and then at
firefighters putting out the flames at an
Albanian-owned store set on fire after the first
incident.
Six Serb firefighters, a reporter and a cameraman were
hurt in the hand grenade explosion.
Last night, two Serbs were assaulted, while last week
a 16-year-old Serb was stabbed.
"Albanians, Serbs organize in groups"
In the Bosnjacka Mahala community of northern Kosovska
Mitrovica, after the last inter-ethnic incidents,
there are now several groups of security: KFOR,
police, but also groups of Albanians and Serbs, Koha
Ditore writes.
According to this Albanian language daily, the
Albanians organized the groups themselves because they
"do not trust the police officials in the northern
police station of Kosovska Mitrovica".
They are demanding the presence of officials of the
“special units of Kosovo police,” and reparations for
the damages incurred from the attacks “by organized
Serbian state structures".
At the same time, the newspaper says, Serbs are also
demanding permanent checkpoints manned by KFOR troops
to be located on the ethnic dividing lines which
separate Serbs and Albanians in the northern part of
the city.
....
---
http://www.focus-fen.net/?id=n165832
Focus News Agency (Bulgaria) - January 5, 2009
Albanian stabbers freed, Kosovo Serb house attacked
Pristina - Two Kosovo Albanians that stabbed a Serbian
teenager in Kosovska Mitrovica have been freed,
reports the police in Kosovo, Serbianna agency
reports.
The police said that the accused Albanians are from
Djakovica and that one is 21 and the other 22 years of
age.
Police declined to give their names.
“According to the deposition made, the reason for
their arrival in Kosovska Mitrovica is to walk,” said
spokesman for the police Besim Hoti, an ethic
Albanian.
Hoti said that the case is now under the jurisdiction
of the municipal prosecutor and by orders of that
prosecutor the two Albanians have been let go.
In another part of Kosovo, unidentified assailants
have attacked a house owned by a Kosovo Serb, Zoran
Maksimovic, in the village of Gornji Livoc near the
city of Gnjilane.
Focus News Agency (Bulgaria) - January 5, 2009
Albanian stabbers freed, Kosovo Serb house attacked
Pristina - Two Kosovo Albanians that stabbed a Serbian
teenager in Kosovska Mitrovica have been freed,
reports the police in Kosovo, Serbianna agency
reports.
The police said that the accused Albanians are from
Djakovica and that one is 21 and the other 22 years of
age.
Police declined to give their names.
“According to the deposition made, the reason for
their arrival in Kosovska Mitrovica is to walk,” said
spokesman for the police Besim Hoti, an ethic
Albanian.
Hoti said that the case is now under the jurisdiction
of the municipal prosecutor and by orders of that
prosecutor the two Albanians have been let go.
In another part of Kosovo, unidentified assailants
have attacked a house owned by a Kosovo Serb, Zoran
Maksimovic, in the village of Gornji Livoc near the
city of Gnjilane.
---
http://www.focus-fen.net/?id=n165796
Focus News Agency (Bulgaria) - January 5, 2009
Two Serbs beaten in Kosovska Mitrovica
Kosovska Mitrovica - Two Serbs were beaten in North
Kosovska Mitrovica last night, the online edition of
the Serbian Politika newspaper reports on Monday.
The two said they were kicked, beaten and hit with
baseball bats by Albanians.
The accident took place a couple of meters away from
the Kosovo Force (KFOR) control station.
The soldiers did not interfere in the fight.
This is the fourth assault against Serbs in only a
week in North Kosovska Mitrovica.
---
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2009&mm=01&dd=05&nav_id=56221
Beta News Agency - January 5, 2009
Tadic calls on UN, EU to protect Kosovo Serbs
BELGRADE -- President Boris Tadic has sent a letter of
protest to the UN and EU regarding the incidents in
northern Kosovska Mitrovica against the Serb
population.
The letter to UN Security Council member-states and
Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon, as well as to the Czech
Republic, which is currently presiding over the
European Union.
According to the president’s cabinet, Tadic stated
that KFOR, EULEX and UNMIK did not react in time in
order to stop the attacks on Serbs in Kosovska
Mitrovica.
Tadic said that the “real intention of the Kosovo
government and Albanian extremists to use violence in
order to provoke conflicts with Serbs in order to stop
the implementation of the six-point agreement reached
between Serbia and the United Nations, which was
confirmed by the Security Council.“
The Kosovo Albanian leadership in Pristina rejected
that agreement, which Belgrade cited as its condition
for approving the EU mission EULEX's deployment in the
province.
Tadic also demanded immediate measures to protect the
Serbs who are in danger.
“There was a lack of adequate reaction by the
peacekeeping forces which are obligated to protect and
secure the Serbs who are the most endangered in Kosovo
and Metojija."
"Such incidents can lead to a worsening of the overall
security situation in Kosovo and I am therefore asking
for officials of the international community to
immediately increase the level of security and to
prevent attacks against Kosovo Serbs,“ Tadic stated in
his letter.
Beta News Agency - January 5, 2009
Tadic calls on UN, EU to protect Kosovo Serbs
BELGRADE -- President Boris Tadic has sent a letter of
protest to the UN and EU regarding the incidents in
northern Kosovska Mitrovica against the Serb
population.
The letter to UN Security Council member-states and
Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon, as well as to the Czech
Republic, which is currently presiding over the
European Union.
According to the president’s cabinet, Tadic stated
that KFOR, EULEX and UNMIK did not react in time in
order to stop the attacks on Serbs in Kosovska
Mitrovica.
Tadic said that the “real intention of the Kosovo
government and Albanian extremists to use violence in
order to provoke conflicts with Serbs in order to stop
the implementation of the six-point agreement reached
between Serbia and the United Nations, which was
confirmed by the Security Council.“
The Kosovo Albanian leadership in Pristina rejected
that agreement, which Belgrade cited as its condition
for approving the EU mission EULEX's deployment in the
province.
Tadic also demanded immediate measures to protect the
Serbs who are in danger.
“There was a lack of adequate reaction by the
peacekeeping forces which are obligated to protect and
secure the Serbs who are the most endangered in Kosovo
and Metojija."
"Such incidents can lead to a worsening of the overall
security situation in Kosovo and I am therefore asking
for officials of the international community to
immediately increase the level of security and to
prevent attacks against Kosovo Serbs,“ Tadic stated in
his letter.
---
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2009&mm=01&dd=05&nav_id=56220
Tanjug News Agency - January 5, 2009
DSS: Kosovo Serbs without protection
BELGRADE - Slobodan Samardzic believes that "the
withdrawal of UNMIK from Kosovo and Metohija would
leave Kosovo Serbs unprotected".
This, the Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS)
vice-president said, comes since the European Union
mission (EULEX) is not authorized to directly
intervene in conflicts.
“We are witnesses to indications of Albanian terrorism
against the Serb population and the full passivity of
EULEX, UNMIK and KFOR,” Samardzic told a news
conference in Belgrade on Monday.
According to him, EULEX is not authorized to directly
intervene in conflicts, which is why Serbs will be
left unprotected after UNMIK's withdrawal and the
transfer of its competencies.
"EULEX may only monitor the work of the police,
customs and justice,” underscored Samardzic.
He believes that Serbia should now strengthen its
institutions in Kosovo "and give them a stronger
financial and every other support", while another step
would be a diplomatic process to review the legal
grounds on which EULEX acts in Kosovo.
---
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090107/wl_afp/kosovoserbiareligionunrest_newsmlmmd
Agence France-Presse - January 7, 2009
Fears of violence mar Kosovo Serbs' Orthodox Christmas
by Maja Radojevic
KOSOVSKA MITROVICA – Serbs celebrated their first
Christmas in Kosovo since independence on Wednesday
amid fears of a fresh flare-up of violence in the
ethnically-divided town.
Like Serbia, the Serb minority in Kosovo celebrates
Christmas on January 7, in accordance with the Julian
calendar.
Dozens of people prayed in the Orthodox church St
Dimitrije in the northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica,
a town populated mostly by Serbs. But due to a recent
wave of violence, the traditional midnight mass was
postponed until early in the morning.
Serb houses and premises were decorated with yule logs
while the time-honoured burning of a pile of logs
known as "badnjak" took place on Christmas Eve in
front of the church, followed by fireworks.
The town is divided with Serbs living on the north
bank of the Ibar River and ethnic Albanians south,
where there are many Serb cemeteries and the main
Orthodox church, the St Sava.
Escorted by NATO-led peacekeepers Kosovo Force (KFOR)
and European mission (EULEX) police, a group of Serbs
visited the church. Police said no incidents were
reported during the brief pilgrimage.
But 65-year old Milijana Radovanovic complained that
celebrations were darkened with fears of further
violence.
"Instead of joy for our holiday, we are all in fear of
possible incidents. What's happening here is
terrible," said Radovanovic.
An uneasy calm has returned to the streets of Kosovska
Mitrovica after KFOR reinforcements arrived in the
northern Serb half of the town following two
explosions last week.
Seven firefighters, all Serbs, were injured in the
second blast while trying to put out a blaze at an
Albanian-owned building apparently started by a group
of ethnic Serbs angered by the first explosion.
Milan Djordjevic, 28, said Christmas was not as joyous
as usual due to the violence. "Our fellow townsmen
were injured while trying to do their job. This is a
real tragedy."
KFOR since has bolstered its presence, with troops
patrolling the tiny Bosnjacka Mahala quarter, which
has a small Albanian community, in northern Mitrovica.
But skirmishes have been frequent, and on Christmas
Eve, groups of dozens of Serbs and Albanians faced off
in the area after an apparent car crash.
Only a strong police presence prevented the incident
from sparking wider unrest.
"As soon as we think the situation is calm, incidents
start over again," Radovanovic said.
Her neighbour, 57-year-old Dragan Milisavljevic, said
Christmas was "celebrated with respect to tradition
and old habits, but with increased anxiety."
"These incidents not only confuse us, but also bring
up questions about whether we will be able to survive
here," Milisavljevic added.
Kosovo declared independence nearly a year ago after
being under the UN umbrella since a 1999 NATO air war
wrested control of the province from Serbia. More than
50 countries have recognised Kosovo's statehood, which
Serbia and Russia strongly oppose.
Agence France-Presse - January 7, 2009
Fears of violence mar Kosovo Serbs' Orthodox Christmas
by Maja Radojevic
KOSOVSKA MITROVICA – Serbs celebrated their first
Christmas in Kosovo since independence on Wednesday
amid fears of a fresh flare-up of violence in the
ethnically-divided town.
Like Serbia, the Serb minority in Kosovo celebrates
Christmas on January 7, in accordance with the Julian
calendar.
Dozens of people prayed in the Orthodox church St
Dimitrije in the northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica,
a town populated mostly by Serbs. But due to a recent
wave of violence, the traditional midnight mass was
postponed until early in the morning.
Serb houses and premises were decorated with yule logs
while the time-honoured burning of a pile of logs
known as "badnjak" took place on Christmas Eve in
front of the church, followed by fireworks.
The town is divided with Serbs living on the north
bank of the Ibar River and ethnic Albanians south,
where there are many Serb cemeteries and the main
Orthodox church, the St Sava.
Escorted by NATO-led peacekeepers Kosovo Force (KFOR)
and European mission (EULEX) police, a group of Serbs
visited the church. Police said no incidents were
reported during the brief pilgrimage.
But 65-year old Milijana Radovanovic complained that
celebrations were darkened with fears of further
violence.
"Instead of joy for our holiday, we are all in fear of
possible incidents. What's happening here is
terrible," said Radovanovic.
An uneasy calm has returned to the streets of Kosovska
Mitrovica after KFOR reinforcements arrived in the
northern Serb half of the town following two
explosions last week.
Seven firefighters, all Serbs, were injured in the
second blast while trying to put out a blaze at an
Albanian-owned building apparently started by a group
of ethnic Serbs angered by the first explosion.
Milan Djordjevic, 28, said Christmas was not as joyous
as usual due to the violence. "Our fellow townsmen
were injured while trying to do their job. This is a
real tragedy."
KFOR since has bolstered its presence, with troops
patrolling the tiny Bosnjacka Mahala quarter, which
has a small Albanian community, in northern Mitrovica.
But skirmishes have been frequent, and on Christmas
Eve, groups of dozens of Serbs and Albanians faced off
in the area after an apparent car crash.
Only a strong police presence prevented the incident
from sparking wider unrest.
"As soon as we think the situation is calm, incidents
start over again," Radovanovic said.
Her neighbour, 57-year-old Dragan Milisavljevic, said
Christmas was "celebrated with respect to tradition
and old habits, but with increased anxiety."
"These incidents not only confuse us, but also bring
up questions about whether we will be able to survive
here," Milisavljevic added.
Kosovo declared independence nearly a year ago after
being under the UN umbrella since a 1999 NATO air war
wrested control of the province from Serbia. More than
50 countries have recognised Kosovo's statehood, which
Serbia and Russia strongly oppose.
---
http://www.newkosovareport.com/200901081534/Politics/Germany-reconfirms-support-for-Republic-of-Kosovo.html
Kosovo Radio and Television - January 8, 2009
Germany reconfirms support for Republic of Kosovo
The head of the German Parliament Norbert Lammert met
yesterday with the President of Kosovo Fatmir Sejdiu
with whom he discussed about the further deepening of
cooperation between the two countries.
The head of the German Parliament on this occasion
spoke about the engagement of his government in the
process of recognitions for the independent state of
Kosovo. He also expressed his displeasure with the
manner in which the three German BND secret service
agents were arrested.
The focus of yesterday’s meeting between Lammert and
Sejdiu were the interstate relations.
President Sejdiu on this occasion thanked the head of
German Parliament for the support his country has
offered in the reconstruction of Kosovo. He also
expressed his belief that German engagement in
obtaining recognitions for the independence of Kosovo
will be forthcoming.
Although the arrest of the three German agents was not
a subject in the discussions, Lammert expressed his
disapproval with the manner in which they were
arrested and with the manner the event was reported in
the media.
This was an unfortunate event, which should not have
happened, however it did not reflect as the main point
in the bilateral diplomatic relations, said Lammert.
“I would add one more thing: the manner in which this
case was presented, that is the arrest of the three
German agents, was as if they were criminals and this
displeased me,” said Lammert.
Lammert emphasized that his visit in Kosovo has to do
with the interest of Germany for the political and
economic development of Kosovo, a year since the
declaration of independence. He expressed the
dedication of his country to contribute to further
recognition of Kosovo.
“I believe that the recognition of Kosovo from the
majority of EU countries has been a result of German
leaning and engagement to recognize the independence
of Kosovo. This is a sign of our dedication for Kosovo
and also a signal for our dedication in the future so
that other countries recognize Kosovo as well,”
Lammert added.
Germany is one of the first and most influential EU
countries to recognize the Republic of Kosovo.
---
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,3933804,00.html
Deutsche Welle - January 9, 2009
NATO Warns Kosovo Violence Could Spread
Recent violence in Mitrovica could spread across the
newly independent state of Kosovo, the commander of
French peacekeepers in NATO, General Michel Yakovleff,
warned on Friday.
For over a week now, the ethnically divided city of
Mitrovica has seen violent incidents with people
injured and cars and shops set alight. Tensions
between Kosovo's ethnic Albanian majority and Serb
minority have been running high since the region
declared independence from Serbia nearly a year ago.
"This is urban violence," said Yakovleff. "But it has
political implications, meaning that it can mobilize
people. That can lead to major conflict."
Yakovleff said his soldiers are prepared to put down
any violence in the northern sector of Kosovo.
"Be aware of the strong determination of KFOR to
respond, even brutally if necessary, to all forms of
violence," he said.
The stabbing of a Serb sparked two explosions in
Mitrovica on January 3. Seven Serb firefighters were
injured in the second blast while trying to put out a
fire at an Albanian-owned building.
The spike in violence has caused groups of Serbs and
Albanians to organize 24-hour neighborhood vigils.
....
Serbian President Boris Tadic has accused KFOR and the
European Union's EULEX mission of failing to respond
to the unrest. He urged the EU and the United Nations
to reinforce security for the Serb minority.
....
The city is divided with the north home to Serbs and
the south populated mainly by ethnic Albanians.
Serbia strongly opposes Kosovo's independence, and
Serbs living in the new state still see Belgrade in
Serbia as their capital.
Deutsche Welle - January 9, 2009
NATO Warns Kosovo Violence Could Spread
Recent violence in Mitrovica could spread across the
newly independent state of Kosovo, the commander of
French peacekeepers in NATO, General Michel Yakovleff,
warned on Friday.
For over a week now, the ethnically divided city of
Mitrovica has seen violent incidents with people
injured and cars and shops set alight. Tensions
between Kosovo's ethnic Albanian majority and Serb
minority have been running high since the region
declared independence from Serbia nearly a year ago.
"This is urban violence," said Yakovleff. "But it has
political implications, meaning that it can mobilize
people. That can lead to major conflict."
Yakovleff said his soldiers are prepared to put down
any violence in the northern sector of Kosovo.
"Be aware of the strong determination of KFOR to
respond, even brutally if necessary, to all forms of
violence," he said.
The stabbing of a Serb sparked two explosions in
Mitrovica on January 3. Seven Serb firefighters were
injured in the second blast while trying to put out a
fire at an Albanian-owned building.
The spike in violence has caused groups of Serbs and
Albanians to organize 24-hour neighborhood vigils.
....
Serbian President Boris Tadic has accused KFOR and the
European Union's EULEX mission of failing to respond
to the unrest. He urged the EU and the United Nations
to reinforce security for the Serb minority.
....
The city is divided with the north home to Serbs and
the south populated mainly by ethnic Albanians.
Serbia strongly opposes Kosovo's independence, and
Serbs living in the new state still see Belgrade in
Serbia as their capital.