Statement on recent Institute facilitated dialogue released.

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:

  • Develop a framework for cooperation among the various political and social groups and entities that makeup Kosovar society.
  • Form a common vision for a legitimate and functioning government; and
  • Determine Kosovo's future economic orientation.

     

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.

Lansdowne Workshop Participants

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, USIP

Christina Zechman, USIP


 

 

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