After three days of intense dialogue, a diverse group of Kosovar Albanian leaders today completed a declaration outlining a framework for cooperation to help guide Kosovo during its transition to democracy. Brought together by the U.S. Institute of Peace at the request of the U.S. Department of State the workshop, held this weekend at the Lansdowne Conference Center near Leesburg, Virginia, allowed participants to engage in a frank and open discussion about the future of democracy in Kosovo. Participants pledged to continue their work together in Kosovo in a political consultation forum that will meet regularly, be open to all political forces and respect the legitimate roles of international organizations.
According to Chester Crocker, Chairman of the Board of the U.S. Institute of Peace who chaired the workshop, "I was struck throughout the workshop not only by how seriously the participants took their respective roles in bringing democratic change to Kosovo, but also by the degree of respect that developed across political parties and social groups. They worked hard and with purpose. Their final thoughts, as reflected in the declaration, remind us once again of the strength of the people of Kosovo and send a clear signal of their wish to take responsibility for their own affairs."
The Workshop on Democratic Coalition Building is the first stage in a multifaceted initiative through which participants worked to:
The workshop was held from September 10-13 at the Lansdowne Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia. During the workshop, attendees participated in intensive plenary and working group discussions and presentations designed to foster a dynamic dialogue among the conference participants. Workshop discussion sessions were facilitated by a team assembled by the Institute.
The U.S. Institute of Peace is a non-partisan, independent organization created and funded by the U.S. Congress to promote prevention and resolution of international conflicts. Since 1995, the Institute's Balkans Initiative has played an important role in creating a forum for discussion among government and non-government experts to assist in building consensus on key issues in the Balkans.
Journalists
Aferdita Kelmendi (Director of Radio/TV 21)
Baton Haxhiu (Chief Editor, Koha Ditore)
Shaban Arifaj (journalist)
Dukagnin Gorani (journalist)
Gani Dili (journalist, women's issues)
Independent
Ylber Hysa (head of Kosova Associations for Civic Initiatives)
Mahmut Bakalli (head of Kosovo media board)
United Democratic League (LBD)
Bajram Kosumi
Mehmet Hajrizi
Hyadet Hyseni
Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK)
Naim Jerliu
Edita Tahiri
Bujar Bukoshi
Alush Gashi
Party of Democratic Unity (PBD)
Bardyhl Mahmuti
Shaban Shala
Jakup Krasniqi
Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK)
Hashim Thaqi
Rame Buja
Fatmir Limaj
Azem Syla
Zhavit Haliti
Non-governmental organizations and activists
Palok Berisha (Mother Teresa Society)
Xheraldina Vula (Radio 21, Women's NGO)
Sevdije Ahmeti (Director, Organization for Protection of Women and children)
Marte Palokaj (Mother Teresa Society)
Edi Shukriu (activist, women's issues, president of LDK Women's Forum)
Vjosa Dobruna (Doctor, Organization for Protection of Women and Children)
Shkelzen Maliqi (Analyst, Open Society Institute)
Pajazit Nushi (Council for the Protection of Human Rights and Freedom)
Arben Koca (chairman of youth council in Skenderaj)
Ariana Xerxa (Humanitarian Law Fund)
Economists
Riza Sapunhaxiu (economist, formerly Kosovska Bank, World Bank)
Shefqet Cana (Joint Kosovo Bank)
Ahmet Shala (Professor of Economics)
Muhamet Mustafa (Riinvest)
Local Officials
Bajram Rexhepi (Mayor of Mitrovica)
Adem Bajri (attorney, Peja)
Ardian Gjini (Vice Mayor of Gjakova)
U.S. Participants
Conference Chair
Chester Crocker, Chairman of Board of Directors of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP)
Conference Advisor
Harriet Hentges, Executive Vice President, USIP
Conference Director
Dan Serwer, Director of the Balkans Initiative, USIP
Sub-Group Chairmen
Michael Froman, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations
Hal Saunders, Director of International Affairs, Kettering Foundation
George Ward, Director, Training Program, USIP
Conference Organizers
Burcu Akan, USIP
Kristine Herrmann, USIP
Lauren VanMetre [1], USIP
Christina Zechman, USIP
Links:
[1] http://www.usip.org/specialists/bios/archives/vanmetre.html