ORGANIZED CRIME
Vedat Xhymshiti is highly critical of his government and accuses it of carrying out organized crimes and human trafficking in connivance with the UNMIK, EULEX and the ICO. “What the 10 years of international control has yielded is a rule of corrupt mafia that is involved in drugs, forced prostitution, illegal arms and the list goes on” revealed the Gjilan-based photojournalist. To double my surprise, he added that current administration in Prishtina enjoys high profile links with mafia cartels around the world.
Prime Minister of Kosovo Hashim Thaci (3rd right hand side) engaged with chief EU negotiator Javier Solana (1st left hand side). Kosovo’s leadership has come under increased criticism for its alleged ties with mafia and organized crime networks. Photo – Drenicaliu
His claim seems to be an open secret. Recently, I came across an interview of Italian journalist Roberto Saviano in which he claimed that the Albanian mafia in Kosovo “dream” about turning the country into a “European Colombia”. “In order to achieve this, they wish to genetically engineer a type of coca plant that would grow in Kosovo’s climate. This way, the Albanian mafia would have a monopoly over the cocaine trade. They need 20 years to achieve this,” he said while adding that “then, Kosovo will without a doubt become the new Colombia.” The revelation comes from the author of the best seller “Gomorra – a look at the Naples mafia”, that has already been made into an award-winning movie. The price Saviano is paying for investigations into organized crime and mafias is living a life under round-the-clock police protection while constantly receiving threats from the gangs for writing the book and uncovering the underworld hierarchy.
TOTTERING ECONOMY
Being under the impression that Kosovo’s euro-run economy must be booming being under international supervision and having access to foreign investment, my another hope was crushed by reality. “More than 70% of the population is unemployed. We have no jobs, the infrastructure is bad, and the divide between the rich and the poor has grown tremendously during the last 10 years,” Vedat said while blaming incessant free market policies for most of the ills.
Agriculture forms the major part of Kosovo’s economy. Majority of Kosovars live below the poverty line though possessing mineral resources and fertile lands. Photo – Danielzolli
“They closed all factories that were working in Kosovo in the name of privatization. On one hand, they said that privatization is a priority for those factories that are not working but on the other hand, they stopped factories from working efficiently so that they can be privatized. Can you imagine that after their privatization these factories are now serving as fruit depots?” Vedat poked another bitter question while questioning the ‘wisdom’ of authorities in Kosovo.
A Kosovar kid selling cigarettes on a stall in capital Prishtina after midnight. Poverty remains a contentious issue in the newborn republic. Photo – Vedat Xhymshiti
END SOLUTION
Surprised and bewildered by Vedat’s insight, I put forward my final question. “What are the hopes and aspirations of the people of Kosovo?” to which he had a stream of replies. “Look, first of all, we do not have any hope with the current leadership, both Kosovar and international,” adding that the last 10 years of failed political and economic policies have left the masses frustrated and disillusioned.
Albanians are a distinct ethnic group and are the descendants of the ancient Illyrians. More than 9 million people live in the Balkans, majority of which lives in Albania. Photo – Alkimisti
“My aspiration, along with my fellow countrymen, is the unification of Kosovo with Albania,” Vedat admitted unhesitatingly. “We are trying to achieve this since the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1912. We want to establish an Albanian republic that incorporates Albanians living in Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albanians of Montenegro, Albanians of southern Serbia in Presevo valley, as well as the Albanians of Kosovo,” said Vedat in a resolute tone. This vision, to me, seemed nothing less than the aspirations of Kurds living in Iraq, Turkey, Iran and Syria. History shows us that both the regions have been the target of imperialist designs that kept them as divided as possible in order to rule with impunity.
Puzzled whether a peaceful democratic way will take them forward or militancy will spearhead the unification movement, I asked which side he supports. He seemed to be more of a supporter of democracy. However, he refused to have faith in the democratic institutions of Kosovo. Insisting that Kosovo’s leadership has failed to deliver its promises, the young photojournalist added that politicians have betrayed the masses time and again. “We are not negotiating with Serbia for our future, they (Kosovo’s leadership) said but they did. They promised jobs and territorial integrity of Kosovo but it never materialized.”
“Personally I have never voted and I will not vote until we get real freedom,” pledged the Kosovar with determination in his eyes. Already stunned by the facts that I discovered, it was easier for me to grapple with the realities than debate over unclear future.
Vedat Xhymshiti is a freelance photojournalist based in Gjilan, Kosovo. He can be contacted at [email protected]. More of his journalistic work can be seen on http://www.flickr.com/photos/vedatxhymshiti.
