In the past year, real progress has been evident in implementing the CSP and I commend the Government of Kosovo for its commitment. There is progress about which to be proud. This is evident in the development of central institutions, the rule of law anddevolution of governing authority to municipalities. The Kosovo government and its international partners have also pressed ahead on community rightsand representation and preservation of religious and cultural heritage. A solemn occasion such as this anniversary, however, also reminds one of priorities that remain to be fulfilled. There is a long journey ahead. Stability, reform, reconciliation and the realization of a multi-ethnic and democratic society are the pillars to ensure a Euro-Atlantic future which will ultimately enhance the quality of life that Kosovo citizens want and deserve.
I am often reminded as I travel the length and breadth of Kosovo and meet citizens of diverse backgrounds-students, workers, farmers, housewives,young people and the elderly-that their aspirations and struggles reflect a broader canvas than can be seen from the office windows of Pristina. Their living conditions, access to basic services and wider opportunities, participation in community level decision-making and visions for themselves can often be in stark contrast to the vibrancy and opportunity evident in Pristina where there is a constant construction boom, a large international presence, a constant flow of international visitors and steady contact with neighboring countries.
A homeland can never be an exclusionary construct. It must empower members of all communities, women and youth included, to be equal participants at all levels of decision-making. The Constitution indeed requires this equal participation in the conduct of everyday life and in the affairs of state-building. Therefore, on this day we need to remind ourselves of the unfinished business that still remains in Kosovo's march toward its new destiny. A nation will only ever be as strong as the collective will and common purpose of its citizens and the practical blueprint that lays down the tracks on which the nation is to travel.
In my mind, the Constitution of Kosovo spells out with great eloquence the aspirations of its citizens. I can assure you on behalf of Kosovo's international friends on this remarkable day in Kosovo's history that we will continue to give all support as Kosovo progresses towards the Euro-Atlantic family, and make these aspirations become reality.
Peter Feith is in charge of International Civilian Office - European Union Special Representative in the Republic of Kosovo.
bluerose799
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... Mr. Peter Feith, The promise of homeland for all … or a homeland given to Serbian like this … Presheva Valley and Serbia's Dirty War http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhXHd_06zUw Or like this … Anti-Minority Incidents Continue in Vojvodina http://www.hhrf.org/hhrf/en/vojvodinareport-mar-2005.htm This is only the tip of the iceberg. If you don’t understand that … please leave Balkans alone … Because unintentionally or intentionally.. you are participating in the Serbia’s Dirty War in the Balkans. |
bluerose799
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... You are considering Serbian, who disregard the International Law, and Human rights, but you are ignoring Hungarian of Vojvodina and Dardanian of North Mitrovica, who are suffering in a big PRISON NAMED SERBIA. On 1918 great powers unjustly punished Vojvodina, sending them in a big Prison named Serbia. After serving 91 years of this prison term, it is the time for Vojvodina to be FREE. http://www.ip-global.org/archiv/2002/fall2002/ethnic-minorities-in-ex-yugoslavia.html Appendix I Excerpt from Mazowiecki's report on the Vojvodina Sent to the United Nations Human Rights Committee on February 10th. 182. The special Rapporteur, in his report to the General Assembly at its. forty-seventh (A/47/666), described in some detail the situation of Hungarians who constitute the biggest minority among the population of Vojvodina, as well as that of Croats and other minorities since the province lost its autonomous status in 1990. Verbal and physical threats of intimidation, including setting houses on fire and destroying cultural and religious monuments, have been practiced by the Serbs. A considerable number of Hungarians and Croats have left the province, mainly because of the climate of insecurity prevailing since the loss of autonomy and subsequent reinforcement of Serbian rule. Young men who refused to serve in the Serbian army have also fled. The fighting in other parts of former Yugoslavia has led to a considerable influx of Serbian refugees, which together with the departure of Hungarians and Croats, has changed the ethnic structure of the province and has aggravated the tensions between the different communities. 190. The continuing pressure exerted upon the non-Serbian segment of the population together with the growing number of Serbian refugees exacerbate the tensions between the various communities. The harassment of minorities continues, as does the compulsory drafting of men into the army. The control of Serbian authorities over the education system and the mass media has been tightened and, due to the economic crisis, living conditions in general are deteriorating. As pointed out by the CSCE mission, "one might say that a considerable part of the Serb population in Vojvodina is inclined toward nationalist ideas as a reaction against the relatively strong force of minorities". These factors demonstrate the uncertainty of the situation, which cannot be considered as conducive to the full enjoyment of human rights. There are only two ways to FREE VOJVODINA: JOIN THEIR MOTHERLAND HUNGARY or JOIN THE UNITED EUROPE. |
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