It is hard to realise that Talk for tomorrow has been together now for five days. The group as as a whole has become a familiar sight at many of the city's coffee shops and bistros. We're the rag tag group seen parading in uniform, frantically trying to make it to the next meeting. Today our brave group takes to the streets of Prishtina amidst a choking 43 degree heat wave. First call of business is the long awaited street action; an activity in which the group swarms downtown Prishtina to confront passers-by about their project and engage them about their feelings about youth cooperation between Serbs and Kosovan Albanians. Responses are mixed. Some heartedly support the project others seem shocked or jaded, and yet many stop to chat and help adorn the prishtina sidewalk with messages of peace and reconcilliation.
Those of the group still standing and sufficiently hydrated retreat back to Dardania to the relative comfort and shade of the appartment. After a brief bite to eat and some naps most head out to Prishtina's government building to meet, once again with Hajredin Kuci, Kosovan opposition leader with a prominent role not only in the drafting off Kosova's constitution but also in selecting a new Kosovan flag that will distinguish "a" new Kosova from the traditional double-headed black eagle of Albania. With final status looming, the term and identity "kosovar" seems to take on more and more meaning with every day. Kuci was so impressed with the groups earlier meeting that we were all invited to sit in on a government session. Unfortunately, no meetings were in session when we arrived but an informal conversation in a luxurious, AIR CONDITIONED government building was a satisfactory consolation. What was left of the day was spent in pairs, planning future activities that will help to promote dialogue across the balkans. Although "Beyond differences" draws to a close, the umbrella of "Talk for Tomorrow" promises to yield many more events including a series of scheduled teleconferences on such topics as 'inherited prejudice'.
Before some of our group dissapear back to Belgrade or begin Prishtina's "Summer University" we go out in a gluttinous bang. The "Pishat" restaurant is a meat lovers paradise, and the group gorges on platter after platter of barbequed meats, grilled vegatables, cheeses, and flatbreads. The rest of the evening fades into a Rakija enduced blur full of teary goodbyes and hearty Albanian sing alongs courtesy of group favorite, Cafe "Tirana".
8.01.2007
Day 4: (17 July) Politics, politics, politics!
The group rejoins the work-week in full force, hitting its stride as Beyond Differences is nearly half-way through. A hearty breakfast of flija and mantija (Kosovar traditional food), and the members find themselves at YIHR in a roundtable discussion of the position of minorities in post-conflictKosovo/a. Having met with Kosovar Serbian activist Ivan Radic and the adversely affected and empoverished families of various identities through the Red Cross project, the discussion centers around the position of Serb minorities in Kosovo.
Some coffee and pop, and then a meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Community and Return to add another perspective to the problems concerning minorities in Kosovo/a. The Kosovar governmental representatives share their views on 'their success' of returning the internally displaced as well as other refugees - based on copious statistics. Yet, they acknowledge the fact that lots is still left to do.
Stopping by YIHR for a chat is Hajredin Kuci to share his insights on the political climate of Kosovo/a and the current construction of its constitution. Professor Kuci today represents the Opposition Party as Deputy Minister of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), the second largest poltical party in Kosovo/a. He is also a professor of political science at the University of Prishtina and the commissioner of the Committee for Constitutional Framework. Prof. Kuci's speech included a comparison of himself to Jesus (unpopular political statements), a desire to fpll forward from the corrupt and indecent current political climate, and much discussion of Kosovo/a's constitutional status. UN Secuirty Council Resolution 1244 established a limited self-governence that lead to the current "constitutional framework," Kuci discussed the diversity of choices his commission is reviewing for the new Kosovo/a flag, and then invited the group back to his office the following day to see where the commission worked.
Some lunch, and then back to YIHR to hear yet another perspective on the evolving political environment of Kosovo/a. This discussion was joined by Petrit Selimi and Jelena Bjelica, two important members of the Kosovar media. Petrit Selimi comes to the table with an impressive resume as former managing director of the newspaper Express, co-founder of the Youth Initiative for Human Rights, co-founder of Postpessimists Youth Organization in Kosovo and owner of frequented coffee shop Strip Depo [editors note: for full disclosure, this author has frequented said coffee shop on a couple of occasions]. Jelena Bjelica has been the correspondent for the daily national newspaper Danas. She is from Belgrade but has lived in Kosovo for the past 7 years. Together they now write a Serbian-language weekly newspaper for Kosovar Serbian minorities. The paper has received much acclaim among the readers of Serbian language. Though seemingly still quite young, Selemi's experience lends him the demeanor of a wearied veteran, vexed by the continuing cycle of problems but unable to stop promoting change. He flaccidly waves the group goodbye, a poignant spectacle of the continuing strength one must summon to tackle such heady issues.
Down the street goes the group to meet up with Vetevendosje, the Self-Determination Movement that opposes the United Nations administration and campaigns for full independence of Kosovo/a as a part of their right of self-determination. Unfortunately, the representatives were unable to meet the group, but enthusiastic members of the party circulate newspapers (English and Albanian translations), as well as other merchandise. The "Boycott Serbian Products" bumper stickers were scooped up by the group, Serbian and Kosovar alike.
Some coffee and pop, and then a meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Community and Return to add another perspective to the problems concerning minorities in Kosovo/a. The Kosovar governmental representatives share their views on 'their success' of returning the internally displaced as well as other refugees - based on copious statistics. Yet, they acknowledge the fact that lots is still left to do.
Stopping by YIHR for a chat is Hajredin Kuci to share his insights on the political climate of Kosovo/a and the current construction of its constitution. Professor Kuci today represents the Opposition Party as Deputy Minister of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), the second largest poltical party in Kosovo/a. He is also a professor of political science at the University of Prishtina and the commissioner of the Committee for Constitutional Framework. Prof. Kuci's speech included a comparison of himself to Jesus (unpopular political statements), a desire to fpll forward from the corrupt and indecent current political climate, and much discussion of Kosovo/a's constitutional status. UN Secuirty Council Resolution 1244 established a limited self-governence that lead to the current "constitutional framework," Kuci discussed the diversity of choices his commission is reviewing for the new Kosovo/a flag, and then invited the group back to his office the following day to see where the commission worked.
Some lunch, and then back to YIHR to hear yet another perspective on the evolving political environment of Kosovo/a. This discussion was joined by Petrit Selimi and Jelena Bjelica, two important members of the Kosovar media. Petrit Selimi comes to the table with an impressive resume as former managing director of the newspaper Express, co-founder of the Youth Initiative for Human Rights, co-founder of Postpessimists Youth Organization in Kosovo and owner of frequented coffee shop Strip Depo [editors note: for full disclosure, this author has frequented said coffee shop on a couple of occasions]. Jelena Bjelica has been the correspondent for the daily national newspaper Danas. She is from Belgrade but has lived in Kosovo for the past 7 years. Together they now write a Serbian-language weekly newspaper for Kosovar Serbian minorities. The paper has received much acclaim among the readers of Serbian language. Though seemingly still quite young, Selemi's experience lends him the demeanor of a wearied veteran, vexed by the continuing cycle of problems but unable to stop promoting change. He flaccidly waves the group goodbye, a poignant spectacle of the continuing strength one must summon to tackle such heady issues.
Down the street goes the group to meet up with Vetevendosje, the Self-Determination Movement that opposes the United Nations administration and campaigns for full independence of Kosovo/a as a part of their right of self-determination. Unfortunately, the representatives were unable to meet the group, but enthusiastic members of the party circulate newspapers (English and Albanian translations), as well as other merchandise. The "Boycott Serbian Products" bumper stickers were scooped up by the group, Serbian and Kosovar alike.
7.23.2007
Day 3: (16 July) History & Media Studies
The third day arrives, with the sweltering Prishtina atmosphere greeting the students. The morning provides a trip to the Ethnological Musuem, where the group learned of "traditional" Albanian family structures, art, and value codes, among other aspects of Kosovar history.
After a break, everyone meets up at Friends restaurant for an informal lunch with Dukagjin Gorani. Dukagjiin has an esteemed background in journalism, but has since rejected the practice and now pursuing academia and teaching at the Kosovo Institute for Journalism & Communication (KIJAC). KIJAC is a Graduate School of Journalism for Kosovar scholars, with state of the art facilities, roughly 30 students, and a penchant for self-awareness. While the hungry conferencers awkwardly attempt to eat and listen at the same time, Dukagjin gives a riveting speech that references, among others, Michel Foucault, Benedict Anderson, and the problematic construction of identities. Arguing against the current political paradigms of nationalism and ethnicity, Dukagjin is fascinated by parallel systems of reality, identity, and power structures within the Balkans. He believes that while the European Union may be an imperfect identity for Kosovo/a to strive for, it nevertheless is an archetype worth pursuing. His parting words state a desire for politicians to become public servants rather than wielders of power.
From one bar to another: the group borders on becoming the "badihavxhi," though a politically-minded one to be sure [see: wandering, jobless coffee-goers]; as they head down the street to sit and reflect on the sometimes-paradoxical yet always illuminating conversation with Dukagjin. Talk is focused on problems of the European Union as a "way out" of identity issues, but soon its time to move forward with the day to meet another critic of Kosovar politics: Jeta Xharra.
As coffee and, for a change of pace, mineral water, is served to the group, Jeta Xharra discusses her career as the host of an acclaimed and controversial political debate show "Jeta ne Kosove" (Life in Kosovo). Among other distinguished criteria, Jeta's bachelor's degree in War Studies seems to have been one of the biggest influences, as weekly she stands up and holds accountable politicians and other figures all along the political spectrum with her riveting and controversial interview style. She argues that her potent and direct questioning is an act of undermining the staid conventions of politics in Kosovo/a, and as a young woman she is bringing important issues to the table and opening debate beyond the traditional polemics. She detailed the difficult path taken by her and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network that she directs. A small, but important aspect she notes was subtitles: so that those in the region could here other languages in places other border checkpoints and police stations.
Some free time finds the group leisurely sprawled across the apartment, out shopping for shoes and cigarettes, and some more chaos in the kitchen. Another great meal is served, though - gibanica, a Serbian phyllo pastry pie, and a plethora of salads - Greek, Serbian, and a surprise fruit salad with whipped cream to top off the meal. After dinner, plans to paint the town red dissolve into relaxing on the balcony and continuing with playful and engrossing banter into the early morning. Day 3 is concluded.
After a break, everyone meets up at Friends restaurant for an informal lunch with Dukagjin Gorani. Dukagjiin has an esteemed background in journalism, but has since rejected the practice and now pursuing academia and teaching at the Kosovo Institute for Journalism & Communication (KIJAC). KIJAC is a Graduate School of Journalism for Kosovar scholars, with state of the art facilities, roughly 30 students, and a penchant for self-awareness. While the hungry conferencers awkwardly attempt to eat and listen at the same time, Dukagjin gives a riveting speech that references, among others, Michel Foucault, Benedict Anderson, and the problematic construction of identities. Arguing against the current political paradigms of nationalism and ethnicity, Dukagjin is fascinated by parallel systems of reality, identity, and power structures within the Balkans. He believes that while the European Union may be an imperfect identity for Kosovo/a to strive for, it nevertheless is an archetype worth pursuing. His parting words state a desire for politicians to become public servants rather than wielders of power.
From one bar to another: the group borders on becoming the "badihavxhi," though a politically-minded one to be sure [see: wandering, jobless coffee-goers]; as they head down the street to sit and reflect on the sometimes-paradoxical yet always illuminating conversation with Dukagjin. Talk is focused on problems of the European Union as a "way out" of identity issues, but soon its time to move forward with the day to meet another critic of Kosovar politics: Jeta Xharra.
As coffee and, for a change of pace, mineral water, is served to the group, Jeta Xharra discusses her career as the host of an acclaimed and controversial political debate show "Jeta ne Kosove" (Life in Kosovo). Among other distinguished criteria, Jeta's bachelor's degree in War Studies seems to have been one of the biggest influences, as weekly she stands up and holds accountable politicians and other figures all along the political spectrum with her riveting and controversial interview style. She argues that her potent and direct questioning is an act of undermining the staid conventions of politics in Kosovo/a, and as a young woman she is bringing important issues to the table and opening debate beyond the traditional polemics. She detailed the difficult path taken by her and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network that she directs. A small, but important aspect she notes was subtitles: so that those in the region could here other languages in places other border checkpoints and police stations.
Some free time finds the group leisurely sprawled across the apartment, out shopping for shoes and cigarettes, and some more chaos in the kitchen. Another great meal is served, though - gibanica, a Serbian phyllo pastry pie, and a plethora of salads - Greek, Serbian, and a surprise fruit salad with whipped cream to top off the meal. After dinner, plans to paint the town red dissolve into relaxing on the balcony and continuing with playful and engrossing banter into the early morning. Day 3 is concluded.
Day 2: (15 July) The relative tranquility of a Sunday in Prishtina
Sundays in Prishtina seem to provide the only break in pace in a city that is otherwise constantly moving . Talk for Tomorrow followed suit and planned a more tranquil day; allowing people to recover from the fatigue of 8 hour bus rides from Belgrade and/or the late night group bonding that took place at a Germia, national park rave the night before.
Nevertheless, after a late breakfast, some time of reflection and journal writing, the T4T team set out to fulfill the service component of the "Beyond Differences" project. The Red Cross provided the group with a list of empoverished families living in Prishtina and the group set out to buy, assemble, and deliver packages of essential food and household supplies to each of these families.
The experience was no feel good, self congratulatory demonstration of humanistic hubris but rather a sobering look at the aftermath of the war. The familes and individuals visited came from many backgrounds; some Albanian, some Roma and othes Serbian. Many had lost family members, jobs or a sense of security during and after the conflict and their response at seeing and interacting with a diverse group of students was overwhelmingly positive. For Kosovan Albanians and Serbians alike the realty that these visits present make it hard to sustain claims of victimhood that conform strictly to national or ethnic identities. Perhaps the most telling and moving example of this was the visitation to a elderly Serbian lady who lives alone in Prishtina, with no contact with her estranged Serbian family, and who would be too afraid to venture out in the city even if her ailing sight could permit her to do so.
Nevertheless, after a late breakfast, some time of reflection and journal writing, the T4T team set out to fulfill the service component of the "Beyond Differences" project. The Red Cross provided the group with a list of empoverished families living in Prishtina and the group set out to buy, assemble, and deliver packages of essential food and household supplies to each of these families.
The experience was no feel good, self congratulatory demonstration of humanistic hubris but rather a sobering look at the aftermath of the war. The familes and individuals visited came from many backgrounds; some Albanian, some Roma and othes Serbian. Many had lost family members, jobs or a sense of security during and after the conflict and their response at seeing and interacting with a diverse group of students was overwhelmingly positive. For Kosovan Albanians and Serbians alike the realty that these visits present make it hard to sustain claims of victimhood that conform strictly to national or ethnic identities. Perhaps the most telling and moving example of this was the visitation to a elderly Serbian lady who lives alone in Prishtina, with no contact with her estranged Serbian family, and who would be too afraid to venture out in the city even if her ailing sight could permit her to do so.
7.17.2007
Day 1: (14 July ) Arrival in Prishtina
The group members trickle in at all hours of the early morning, and quickly get acquainted with the sprawling Prishtina flat. Due to an unexpected cancellation, there are 9 university students taking part in the 5 day conference: 5 students from Belgrade, and 4 from Kosovo/a; 6 boys, and 3 girls. With 4 coordinators, and 2 hapless "foreign correspondents" hanging around, the group is itself a healthy dose of cross-cultural dialogue.
After catching up on sleep and eating some breakfast stuffs, the group moves to the Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR) to get better acquainted. After a rousing speech by the coordinators of Talk For Tomorrow, the group engaged in team-building activities ranging from the human knot (students must solve their physically binding puzzle), to the trust fall.
Some lunch down the road, and the group returns to YIHR to hear from Ivan Radic, the project coordinator of Kosova-Nansen Dialogue. The group is part of a wider network but contains offices in Prishtina and Mitrovica. Its goal is to promote inter-ethnic dialogue to contribute to reconciliation and peacebuilding. Ivan himself is Serbian who lives on the Serbian northern side of Mitrovica, displaced after the war in 1999. He tells of his project to school children of Serbian and Albanian heritage under the same roof, and the problems - the red-tape, the prejudice - that have stalled KND's efforts to restore Mitrovica from the divided city it is today. He emphasizes seeing faces instead of numbers, and active listening/dialogue rather than debate. "Perception is reality," says Ivan, arguing that we must go further to promote real change.
After Ivan takes off, the group has time to reflect, unwind, or cook. The cooking team's resolve is tested by a less-than-stellar kitchen, but in a few hours there is some traditional Albanian food bursting onto the porch - pogace (homemade bread, sausage w/cheese), salad, wine, and so forth. The dinner stretches into the late evening - a little too late for one's neighbors taste - but the group steadily carries on with conservation, laughter, and some fine picking and belting by T4T founder Behar.
The group members eventually diverge - some to much needed sleep, others to explore the bustling Prishtina nightlife, and day one of T4T's "Beyond Borders" comes to a close.
After catching up on sleep and eating some breakfast stuffs, the group moves to the Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR) to get better acquainted. After a rousing speech by the coordinators of Talk For Tomorrow, the group engaged in team-building activities ranging from the human knot (students must solve their physically binding puzzle), to the trust fall.
Some lunch down the road, and the group returns to YIHR to hear from Ivan Radic, the project coordinator of Kosova-Nansen Dialogue. The group is part of a wider network but contains offices in Prishtina and Mitrovica. Its goal is to promote inter-ethnic dialogue to contribute to reconciliation and peacebuilding. Ivan himself is Serbian who lives on the Serbian northern side of Mitrovica, displaced after the war in 1999. He tells of his project to school children of Serbian and Albanian heritage under the same roof, and the problems - the red-tape, the prejudice - that have stalled KND's efforts to restore Mitrovica from the divided city it is today. He emphasizes seeing faces instead of numbers, and active listening/dialogue rather than debate. "Perception is reality," says Ivan, arguing that we must go further to promote real change.
After Ivan takes off, the group has time to reflect, unwind, or cook. The cooking team's resolve is tested by a less-than-stellar kitchen, but in a few hours there is some traditional Albanian food bursting onto the porch - pogace (homemade bread, sausage w/cheese), salad, wine, and so forth. The dinner stretches into the late evening - a little too late for one's neighbors taste - but the group steadily carries on with conservation, laughter, and some fine picking and belting by T4T founder Behar.
The group members eventually diverge - some to much needed sleep, others to explore the bustling Prishtina nightlife, and day one of T4T's "Beyond Borders" comes to a close.
7.13.2007
In preparation for 'Beyond Differences'
The week preceding Talk for Tomorrow's 'Beyond Differences' has been a frenzy of preparation, and anticipation. The ten students from Kosovo/a and
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)