United Press International's international editor, Interview with: Ramush Haradinaj, Kosova PM
By CLAUDE SALHANI
Ramush Haradinaj was elected prime minister of Kosovo, a disputed province in Serbia-Montenegro, by parliament on Dec. 3 by a vote of 73 to 3. Kosova has been administered by the United Nations Mission in Kosova -- UNMIK -- since NATO's intervention to put an end to bloody sectarian violence between ethnic Albanians and Serbs.
Haradinaj, a former guerilla fighter with the Kosovo Liberation Army -- or KLA -- has not been without controversy. Ethnic Serbs have boycotted the elections and greeted his nomination with skepticism, as has Belgrade. The United Nations has questioned his activities while he was a guerrilla fighter. Haradinaj denies any wrongdoing, saying he is willing to abide with any findings and help the course of justice.
Serbian leaders meanwhile have called Haradinaj's appointment "a failure of the United Nations Mission in Kosova." The new prime minister has been accused by his opponents of being "a proven criminal against Serb civilians, women and children."
In his first interview since his election he spoke from his office in Pristina by telephone with Claude Salhani, United Press International's international editor.
UPI: There is talk about having you appear before the International Tribunal in The Hague. What would you do if you were summoned?
Haradinaj: I will say that I am not allowing this to distract me from my real obligations, which is to work for the people of Kosova. I will not let this distract me. I will accept and cooperate with the Justice.
Q. As prime minister, what is the first thing you want to achieve for Kosovo? Will you be pushing for complete independence from Belgrade, or would you consider remaining in a federation?
A. First we need to change the culture in all levels in government and become much more dynamic. This is what is needed here. The priority goes to ensure free movement for all Kosovars, Serbs and Albanians and all. To ensure security for all and to resolve the issue of the people who need to return (to their homes). One very important engagement for us is the economy. But in order to achieve these results, we must have the skills.
Q. How do you reply to the accusations from Serb leaders of being involved in criminal action against Serbs?
A. As you know, the war was imposed on us by (Serbian leader Slobodan) Milosevic. We stood up to defend ourselves. It was part of their propaganda to describe us as terrorists.
Q. Are you ready for talks with Belgrade?
A. Yes, we have here a three-part dialogue. Internal dialogue with Kosovar Serbs and working groups to restart dialogue with Belgrade, and talks with the U.N. My position is I am open to contacts with Belgrade officials. We are prepared for talks. The initial reply from Belgrade was negative, but that is now changing. It looks as though Mr. (Boris) Tadic (the Serb president) may be ready to negotiate.
Q. How do you see reconciliation between the Serb and Albanian communities?
A. Yes, I think reconciliation is possible. We had difficulties in March, but we did well in eliminating what the March riots produced. We are looking for possibilities for reconciliation.
Q. Unemployment in Kosovo is at a staggering 70 percent. What plans do you have to address that problem?
A. That is our key concern. Right now the responsibility (for managing the economy) is split, which makes it more difficult for us to manage the economy. We are coordinating the new SRG (United Nations representative) and there is a realization for the need to transfer more responsibility (to the Kosovar government). This will help create more jobs, allowing us to do more. Our biggest handicap is the "final status" situation (whereas Kosova would be granted full independence by the United Nations.). Once the final status is resolved (and Kosova is granted full independence), we would be able to borrow money from the World Bank, the EU, etc. Until that happens, we are unable to move ahead.
Q. You were a guerrilla fighter. Often, former guerrilla leaders have a hard time making the transition from fighter to politician. What makes you think you can make this transition?
A. The trust of the Kosovar people to take the responsibility. I have spent five times more years as a politician that as a fighter. And before being a guerrilla fighter, I was citizen of my country. By adapting myself to new realities, I can make the transition. And that I promised my people to do my job.
Q. Would you find it in your heart to forgive and forget the bad blood between you and the Serbs?
A. Yes, I can forgive. I fought for a very simple reason -- to be free. We will forgive. As a result that we are free, no one will suffer. I am prepared to bring flowers to those who suffered. I am convinced I will get support of the majority of the people of Kosova.
Q. Do you think the Serbs will be able to forgive and forget?
A. They have an opportunity to do it. I hope they use this opportunity to stop bringing tragedy.
Q. As a country with an overwhelming Muslim majority, at this time of concern of rising Islamist fundamentalism in Europe, do you see your country as a moderating force in Europe?
A. Yes, this is due to our geographic position. But for us religion here has a spiritual role. Our orientation is toward Europe. This is our direction. As a little country, what we offer to Europe is integration.
Q. If you had a message for the U.S. government and the Bush administration, what would it be?
A. First, I would thank the U.S. government. I would thank the U.S. taxpayers and I would thank the U.S. Army who helped us during the time of crisis, and who now continues doing so. I would say to the Americans this is a very good investment for peace in the region for a friend of the United States. I would ask that the United States stay with us until the final status.
Q. Do you hope to achieve independence for Kosova?
A. We have the political will for independence for Kosova. I have a mandate to build a tolerant society with European standards. We hope to be recognized as an independent Kosova by the end of next year.
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