Tag: Kosovo

Life in Kosovo debates School Textbooks

This Thursday, Life in Kosovo broadcasts a debate on the quality and accuracy of school textbooks in Kosovo.

In the coming days, some 300,000 school textbooks for primary and high schools in Kosovo will be printed. What’s the quality of the textbooks? Are there any scientific inaccuracies? How much information is included in them? Are they suited for their target age group?

 

Do these textbooks encourage the new generation to think critically or learn information off by heart?

In order to discuss these and other related issues, guests on Jeta Xharra’s

studio will be:

Resmije Kryeziu, Albanological Institute of Prishtina ;
Jusuf Thaci, author of BIRN’s analysis on school textbooks ;
Frasher Demaj, history school textbook author ;
Nehat Mustafa, Advisor on pre-university studies at the Ministry of Education,

Science and Technology, MASHT ;

Following the debate, under the section Week’s Highlights, Isa Gacaferi will

present EULEX’s investigations into corruption.

Journalist Edona Musa will talk about specialisations of students at University

Clinic Centre.

Finally, in the section Justice in Kosovo, journalist Faton Ademi will talk about

the decision of the Municipality of Lipjan to destroy temporary buildings that

are located on the railroad, for which the building owners have asked for

compensation.          

 


The BIRN publication in Albanian language “Problems and Inaccuracies in School Textbooks”,

which was launched on May 7, 2010, during a conference, can be downloaded here.

 

 

Life in Kosovo is a co-production between Kosovo Public Television, RTK and the Balkan

Investigative Reporting Network, BIRN. It is broadcast every Thursday, starting at 20:20

Life in Kosovo debates fiscal cash registers

This Thursday, Life in Kosovo transmits a debate on the roll-out of fiscal cash registers.

How ready are we to pay taxes to the state? How is the process of the installation of these cash registers going? How much does this process cost the state of Kosovo and how much has it cost in the region? What are the reactions of businesses and consumers to the installation of the fiscal cash registers? Who will observe the process of the installation of fiscal cash registers? 

 

Does the Tax Administration of Kosovo have the capacity to manage this process? What do the company representatives who have won the tender for the installation say and what do businesses say?

To discuss these issues, the guests of Muhamet Hajrullahu in the studio will be:

Behxhet Haliti, Head of the Tax Administration of Kosovo ;
Driton Shuki, General Director of GEKOS Company ;
Lumir Abdixhiku, Executive Director in the RIINVEST Institute ;
Ramiz Kelmendi, Owner of ELKOS company ;
Shyqiri Bytyqi, Tax Advisor ;

During the programme, BIRN will also transmit a report from the journalist Artan Haracia on the government reshuffle.

Journalist Edona Musa reports on how the Municipality of Prishtina is not respecting the decisions of the municipal court.

In the “Justice in Kosovo”section, researcher Isa Gacaferi discusses whether there will be a raise of judges’ salaries in January 2011 on the basis of a parliamentary bill. Reasercher Faton Ademi also talks about the publication of a list of officials suspected of corruption.

Finally, the “Week’s Highlight”section, prepared by the journalist Petrit Collaku, looks at “The Days of Pride”, an event organised by war veterans to remember the martyrs of the Pristina region.

 

 

Life in Kosovo is a co-production between Kosovo Public Television, RTK and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, BIRN. It is broadcast every Thursday, starting at 20:20.

Life in Kosovo debates the energy strategy

This Thursday, Life in Kosovo debates the energy strategy in Kosovo for the period of 2009-2018.

Is the energy strategy, approved last week by the Parliament of Kosovo, a good choice? What will happen with the power plant Kosovo B? What’s the future of the mine at Sibovc? What are the arguments for and against this nine-year strategy? What are the real benefits for the state of Kosovo?

To discuss these and other related issues regarding the strategy, the following guest joined Muhamet Hajrullahu in the studio:

Justina Shiroka-Pula, Minister of Energy and Mining
Myzejene Selmani, head of the Commission for Trade, Energy and Telecommunications  
Luan Shllaku, from the KFOS-Kosovo Foundation for Open Society  
Visar Kelmendi, from the energy sector

During the show, BIRN will broadcast an interview by the journalist Petrit Collaku with the KFOR General, Markus Bentler, on the role of KFOR in Kosovo and the future mission of the Kosovo Security Force.

 

 

Life in Kosovo is a co-production between Kosovo Public Television, RTK and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, BIRN. It is broadcast every Thursday, starting at 20:20.

Life in Kosovo Discusses War Veterans

This Thursday, the TV show Life in Kosovo discusses war veterans of Kosovo Liberation Army, KLA.

Does the KLA enjoy respect for their contribution to the war? Do we have a clear state strategy on how we
should treat people who contributed in the war?

How does Kosovo’s handling of war veterans compare to other countries? Is the government using the KLA’s war in order to cover their mistakes and deficiencies? How does a fighter feel today? How much attention is paid to the aesthetic and cultural message from sites which are representing the most important part of our history? How does the proposal for the memorial complex of the Jashari family in Prekaz look?

To discuss the position of war veterans from the KLA and the cultural importance of the memorial facilities,
the following guests joined Jeta Xharra in the studio:

Ylber Selmani, war invalid  
Shqipe Mehmeti-Selimi, former KLA fighter  
Faik Fazliu, Prime Minister’s advisor
Përparim Rama, architect

The journalist Jeta Abazi talks about the treatment of war veterans by our society.

In the section Justice in Kosovo, the researcher Besiana Gashi shows that despite the many investments,
the Information System of Managing Cases, SIML, doesn’t function in Kosovo’s courts.

Journalist Fatos Halili looks at the national debating tour “Prishtina Open 2010” for students,held on February 27 and 28 and organised by non-governmental organisations in Kosovo.

The show ends with the satirical section Lamje.

 

 

Life in Kosovo debates the process of appointing judges and prosecutors

Life in Kosovo broadcasts a debate on the process of appointing and reappointing judges and prosecutors in the judicial system of Kosovo.

What are the reasons of dragging this process for two years? Has there been political influence in this process? Are judges and prosecutors disappointed? How much time is needed in order to have a functional judicial system? Do judges and prosecutors deserve to retake the ethics exam which they failed the first time?

To discuss these and related judicial issues, the following panellists join Edona Musa in the studio:   

Fejzullah Hasani, Head of the Supreme Court of Kosovo
Lirie Osmani, Head of the Judicial Council of Kosovo
Ismet Kabashi, Chief Prosecutor
Kapllan Baruti, Head of the Mitrovica District Court
Dastid Pallaska, Attorney

During the course of the show, BIRN will broadcast an interview with the leader of Vetëvendosje,Self-Determination movement, Albin Kurti, in his offices.

As part of the Justice in Kosovo section, the researcher Florent Spahija talks about the lack of efficiency in solving court cases.

The journalist Muhamet Hajrullahu talks about the dysfunctional Public Finance Commission, and in the section Week’s Highlight, the journalist Jeta Abazi talks about an insurance company which has fulfilled its promise and paid for the damages to an injured person.      

At the end of the show, highlights from second anniversary of Kosovo’s independence will be shown, followed by the satirical section Lamjet.

 

Life in Kosovo is a co-production between Kosovo Public Television, RTK and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, BIRN. It is broadcast every Thursday, starting at 20:20.

 

Life in Kosovo interviews US ambassador Christopher Dell

This Thursday, Life in Kosovo broadcasts an exclusive interview with the American ambassador to Kosovo, Christopher Dell, on the achievements of, and challenges to, Kosovo since its declaration of independence.

BIRN will also broadcast an exclusive interview with the head of the Kosovo Anticorruption Agency, Hasan Preteni, on fighting corruption

and the corruption cases which have not been processed since independence.

In the Justice in Kosovo section, BIRN researcher Petrit Kryeziu speaks about the judge who stepped down after being appointed to the Supreme Court of Kosovo.

In the Week’s Highlight report, Petrit Çollaku looks at the recent successes of Kosovo Police.

 

Life in Kosovo is a co-production between Kosovo Public Television, RTK and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, BIRN. It is broadcast every Thursday, starting at 20:20.

Life in Kosovo investigates insurance companies in Kosovo

This Thursday’s Life in Kosovo show includes a field research report on how insurance companies operate.

How are these companies regulated in Kosovo? Is there a law on insurance? Do companies meet their obligations towards injured parties? What do the representatives of these companies and the affected parties have to say?

The report is prepared by BIRN journalist Jeta Abazi, who looks at these

and other matters concerning the insurance business.

In the Justice in Kosovo section, BIRN researcher Argzon Muçaj reveals a

report on the safety of judges and prosecutors in Kosovo courts.

The Week’s Highlight report from BIRN journalist Edona Musa features

Armend Agolli, the only neurosurgeon in Kosovo, who left Sweden to work

in Kosovo.

The satirical section Lamjet will close the show, reflecting on the events that

marked the week.

 

Life in Kosovo is a co-production between Kosovo Public Television, RTK and the

Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, BIRN. It is broadcast every Thursday,

starting at 20:20.

Roundtable Discussion on Climate Change

A roundtable discussion was held on the September, 18, 2009, to discuss the issue of climate change. Particular focus was made on understanding the position of Kosovo with regards to climate change as well as possible options available to Kosovo at the 15th Conference of the Parties Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen, Denmark. Focus for this roundtable discussion was on a recent research paper produced on climate change and the upcoming climate change conference this December. The paper was produced by Nils Pfeiffer, researcher with BIRN.

The roundtable discussion was moderated by Jeta Xharra, BIRN´s director. The participants were:

Lisa Mattsson – Programme Specialist on Environment, United Nations Development Program

Muhamet Malsiu – Director of Environment, Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning

Lorik Haxhiu – Project Manager hired by World Bank for Kosova e Re power plant

Ferdinand Nikolla – Executive Director of Forum for Civic Initiatives, FIQ

Shqipe Neziri – Representative from the Regional Environment, REC Center for Central and Eastern Europe

Jeta Xharra – BIRN Kosovo Director

Pfeiffer opened the roundtable by giving a brief introduction to the vital importance of getting Kosovo engaged with the international community on climate change and where it fits in on this issue. Pfeiffer explained the reasons behind the Copenhagen conference in December – replacing the ailing Kyoto Protocol with a new comprehensive protocol that seeks to enhance action on climate change from 2012. The potential opportunities open to Kosovo at the Copenhagen conference were also explained.

The participants discussed Kosovo’s options to reduce CO2 and other green house gas emissions (that lead to global warming), which are mainly emitted from Kosovo´s lignite power plants, but also from cars and as a result of deforestation. Technologies such as carbon capture and storage, cogeneration, and voluntary carbon emissions trading would provide ways in which Kosovo could in the future work towards reducing CO2 and GHG emissions.

The participants stressed the current lack of awareness, political will, financial resources and human capacity to effectively do anything about climate change. These would need to improve for action to be successful. But participants acknowledged that environmental NGOs, the media and donor organisations, such as UNDP, could help to push Kosovo to act.

All participants agreed to the importance for Kosovo to become engaged on climate change. There was also consensus that the upcoming climate change conference offers a great opportunity for Kosovo.

The research was supported by Rockefeller Brothers Fund.

Life in Kosovo celebrates its fourth anniversary

BIRN Kosovo’s weekly show Life in Kosovo (Jeta ne Kosove) celebrated its fourth anniversary last Friday at a gala held at Pristina’s National Museum.

Hundreds of guests gathered for the event during which Jeta Xharra, the director of BIRN Kosovo, presented certificates to the mayors involved in the pre and post election debates of 2007.

Life in Kosovo has broadcasted 267 TV debates accompanied by in-depth TV reports on RTK, Kosovo’s public sector broadcaster, tackling political, economic, social, and minority issues. The show is watched by 350,000 viewers on average each week and is well respected for its ground-breaking investigations.

EU special representative Pieter Feith, addressing the audience, praised the show Life in Kosovo and its staff.

“Your progammes are inquisitive. You put your opponents on the back foot. You make sure that your interviewees are saying the wrong things, and the programmes are always interesting to watch,” he said.

Kosovo parliament speaker Jakup Krasniqi also presented his views on the show. He told guests: “Jeta [Xharra] and her shows are not always pleasant. They are bitter too. Kosovo has gone through a difficult time and now it’s the time when Kosovo should have free speech and a free media. I wish Life in Kosovo the best of luck and success.”

American Ambassador to Kosovo, Christopher Dell said: “I would urge you to take the courage in your strength as journalists to understand the power you yield, not just to inform but to focus the public discourse. I ask you to pay attention to your serious responsibilities that are accompanied with great power, responsibilities to serve your country and your communities.”

The current affairs show includes field reports, direct questioning of key decision-makers and studio debates. It covers the most important political and social issues unfolding on a weekly basis in Kosovo.

The programme has scrutinised the activities of the government, the legislative process in Kosovo’s parliament, issues relating to Kosovo’s non-Albanian communities, the economy, property rights, human rights and decentralisation.

Guests at the anniversary event included municipal leaders, government officials, opposition figures, civil society, local media and representatives of the international community.

Jeta Xharra, the anchor and editor of the program, explained that it has been an incredible journey to get to here.

“The municipal election debates have been the most rewarding programmes because of the incredible audience we had in the town halls participating in the debates, as well as those watching us on TV. It is especially encouraging to receive the amount of feedback and questions we are getting from members of the public for the debates on this year’s local elections which are due on November 15,” said Xharra.

“We couldn’t have got to where we are today without the help of our friends. One of the best friends we are lucky to have is Agim Zatriqi, [RTK General Director] who has been the strongest supporter of “Jeta ne Kosove”. He did not buckle under a lot of pressure to bump the show off air, and for this we will be eternally grateful to him,” said Xharra.

She added: “The only sour note to this celebration has been the news that Agim has just resigned.”

Life in Kosovo debates preparations for 2009 elections

Thursday’s Life in Kosovo discusses the local elections scheduled for November 2009.

How are the preparations for the 2009 elections progressing? What have we learnt from elections in 2007? Who will count votes this time? What is happening with the possibility of camera surveillance?

To discuss these and others related to organising and managing the 2009 local elections, the following will join Muhamet Hajrullahu in the studio:

Nesrin Lushta, head of the Central Elections Comission, CEC ;
Mazllum Baraliu, legal expert and the former head of the CEC Secretariat;
Ibrahim Makolli, vice head of the New Kosovo Alliance, AKR ;
Leon Malazogu, analyst and the former leader of the Democracy in Action
coalition who monitored the 2007 elections;
Burim Ramadani, secretary of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, AAK

BIRN will also broadcast an exclusive interview with the President of the
Republic of Kosovo, Fatmir Sejdiu, about this year’s local elections.

Life in Kosovo is a co-production between Kosovo Public Television, RTK and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, BIRN. It is broadcast every Thursday, starting at 20:20.