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Will Kosovo’s Independence Help Establish Peace?With an ethnic ratio that has vacillated throughout history and is currently in favour of Albanians, Kosovo has had its share of vehemence time and again; therefore the issue to be foregrounded right now is that of bringing peace in the area, as also the surrounding Balkan states. Will an independent Kosovo help in the same? Menka Ahlawat tries to find an answer.

The chronicles of history show that Kosovo has always had a haze of violence surrounding it, no matter which page you start reading from- be it the Roman empire in 160s BC, Ottoman empire in 1389, NATO’S bombings in 1999 or modern day ethnic divisions which have the state torn between secession and oneness with its parent country Serbia, out of respect for its sovereignty.

Whether or not Kosovo should be independent is now not a

question of Kosovo’s readiness but of practical realities. For the 90 per cent ethnically Albanian population, returning to a state relationship with Serbia would be an anathema and could reignite war. The ethnic division in Kosovo is substantial and has rendered the region dysfunctional. Kosovo has nowhere left to go other than independence. As the annals of history bear proof, Kosovars have long wanted autonomy and act like a self-determining entity already – giving them independence would,

for all practical purposes, simply be a formalization of the same.

Also noteworthy is the effect that Kosovo independence shall have on Muslim resentment against what it perceives is Christian oppression as manifested in the continuous denial of their independence.

A merging with Serbia will not be prudent exactly for the same reason - the bloody history between the two cannot be allowed to repeat itself.

Whether or not Kosovo should be independent is now not a question of Kosovo’s readiness but of practical realities. Online Partner for Delhi

College of Arts and Commerce Model United Nations Conference 2012.

Kosovo’s Albanian population is chiefly Muslim, as opposed to the Christian orthodoxy of Serbia, ostensibly fitting neatly with the story line of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. A grant of independence to Kosovo shall reduce Muslim extremist causes in the region and around the world.

The Serbian foreign minister Goran Svilanovic has publicly endorsed Kosovar independence as well, showcasing that there are in fact two Serbias today- one that has moved on, and sees the economic, peaceful and cultural benefits that shall come out of the secession. That Kosovo is capable of governing itself is shown in the tremendous transformation it has undergone the past few years. Most of the responsibilities of governing have been transferred from the U.N. Mission to the Provisional Government, hence no longer needing NATO interference.

One issue remains to be addressed- shall the breaking away of Kosovo prove to be a double standard for other territories which break away

from their parent countries and declare independence? The answer is no. Kosovo forms a unique case in history, making it different from modern secessionist movements. It has had a federal status since the dissolution of former Yugoslavia. There have also been major Human Right violations between Serbia and Kosovo towards each other. The international interference of a supervising government clearly indicates that Serbia and Kosovo have so far been unable to co-exist together peacefully, therefore resulting in the worst case scenario of needing a third party interference.

A merging with Serbia will not be prudent exactly for the same reason- the bloody history between the two cannot be allowed to repeat itself. There is a massive

possibility of atrocities towards Kosovo Albanians from the Serbian government; a repetition of the 1999 massacre executed by Slobodan Milosevic, who had promised and attempted to crush ethnic Albanian separatism, but also negatively affected thousands of civilians in the province. There will be angry retaliation from the other side as well, rendering the decision redundant.

The idea of both Serbia and Kosovo reconciling their differences and joining hands to form one nation is as preferable as it is Utopian. Miracles can be waited for, or the other alternative can be accepted- of giving Kosovo independence and letting the peace which it promises, to flourish.

Bangladesh Stresses on Equal Recognition

Petrifying Petroleum Predicament

Safeguarding of minority rights takes precedence in Organization of Islamic Cooperation, reports Pallav Kumar Singh from the Organisation of Islamic

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) did emphasise on safeguarding the rights of minorities in its convene. The Delegate of Bangladesh clearly stated that the equal recognition to minorities is of supreme importance and very pivotal to the nations development and progress. “There should be a very directed move towards economic equivalency, to sustain a clear accordance with the Islamic vision of harmony”, stated the delegate of Bangladesh.

There were statements made by the Delegate of Iran, accusing the western vision of liberalization as a hindrance in attaining a righteous protocol to come up with the solutions for issues of relevance in the Islamic countries. She also mentioned that the law of Shariyat should be given the primary authority to formulate constitutions. The delegate of Bangladesh insisted that the

Western views of liberalization can be incorporated with the supreme law of Islam as well.

The Head of State of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, presided over a meeting held in Dhaka on 16th August to stress on the rights of minority and explained that the government, being an Islamic republic, has a clear provision of holding minority rights in utmost importance. There are also very detailed provisions in the Bangladeshi Constitution to uphold human rights in accordance with Shariyat with special emphasis on marriage laws.

For the prominent provision in Islamic Principle of Peace, the law of Shariyat’s sacred rights (Haqq Muqaddas) clearly identifies the aids for economic equivalence (Zakat) and aid for charitable institutions (Waqf) for attainment of equality among minorities and majorities. The rights of

minority and welfare of the Arab brotherhood have been advocated widely by famous Islamic scholar Muhammad Shahrour in his famous treatise Al-kitab Wa Al-Qu’ran, while chairing the meet for Welfare of Minority right on 19th September 2005 in Mecca.

It has been clearly understood that the Holy Quran distinctly safeguards of minorities, and certain verses clearly mention such as “..the believing men and the believing women, they are guardians/leaders of each other; they enjoin the doing of what is wrong and what is right.” (9:71)

The council moves for the definitions of minorities and their segregation to come up with the viable solutions of equivalence, progress and development. It is indeed the need of the hour for Islamic countries and especially our Arab brotherhood.

Twesh Mishra while reporting from the UN Security Council points out some grave irregularities in the policies preached and adopted.

Palestine is not in a position to recognise statehood. Delegate of India while rejecting all discourse declared that Palestine’s bid for statehood is futile unless responsible governance is introduced in the region. Accentuating on humanitarian aspects of the crisis, India introduced the need to adhere to a wider approach for a plausible outcome to the issue. Delegates of India and Palestine Liberation Organisation intended to direct the committee into altruistic discussions from mere political and diplomatic beating about the bush. Delegate of the USA vocally demanded that it is time that a solution to territorial conflict between the two nations is reached. It is imperative to recognise that one sided foreign policy and oppressive approach towards Palestinian Liberation Organisation are far from catalytic to the deadlock circumstance prevailing over West Bank and adjoining areas.

Adding a pertinent perspective, Israel distinguished amidst an Israeli national and a Jewish devotee. It is imperative to comprehend that an individual born in Palestine Liberation Organisation regulated territory would be considered a citizen of the locality despite their Jewish origins. Delegate of Israel implemented a wider perspective by arguing that ‘Right to Return’ would be valid if these Jewish individuals are displaced from their place of birth. It is not to be forgotten that Israel

has been guilty of subtly facilitating Jewish Migration into non Zionist controlled areas throughout the 19th century. Impediment on the ‘state’ of Palestine that Israel practises was the chief contention which aggravated when two marine vessels transporting fuel were intercepted and detained by Israel. Palestinian Liberation Organisation contended the legitimacy of the vessels by insisting that vessels were acting as cargo ships while transporting essential commodities ranging from fuel to nutrition for the populace.

Relevant developments in the dispute occurred when it was revealed that the last known port on the itinerary of the vessels was Jamnagar, India. Delegate of India consistently maintained that ships had not violated the territorial extent of Israel. It was further added that sea vessels tend

to maintain a minimum distance possible from land masses in order to keep the safety of the crew members. Noteworthy it is that sea vessels cannot traverse alongside a coastline as per Colregs and claims by Delegate of India can be validated only if it was in the route map of the vessels to maintain a studied distance along the coastline.

The fact that there is no need for sea vessels with the capability of transporting petroleum jelly (an identified commodity for chemical weapons) to navigate alongside a coastline, and the non-intimation of their route map to Israel, is suggesting possible conspiracies.

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Chauvinism in the Council?

We Will Never Consider a Separate North Kosovo, Says Kosovo

The UN Human Rights Council in the second day of discussion continued to prove it’s inefficiency by completely straying from the set agenda of debate choosing instead, to target Syria and display a male bias. Arundhati Rajesh reports.

North of the Ibar River in Kosovo lies a conflicted region which has so far proven to be the main deterrent in Kosovar independence. Populated by Serbian minorities, North Kosovo has refused to acknowledge Kosovar independence and is steadfastly holding on to the province of Serbia. Will the territory be divided and given away to Serbia as Kosovo secedes? Menka Ahlawat analyses.

The second day of debate over measures to resolve the issue of sexual violence in conflict zone saw the UN live up to its reputation as an forum for meaningless talk. The Council displayed a blatant male bias by dedicating a 20 minute Moderated Caucus over the issue of sexual violence against Males. It equated sexual violence against men to sexual violence against women. It failed to realize that the world is predominantly a patriarchal society and women do not enjoy the same position as men & therefore require more protection.

This shocking turn of events completely sidelined the issues faced by female survivors such

as rape pregnancy and honour killings. Terms such ‘emasculation’ and ‘male dignity’ were thrown around which reinforce traditional male superiority. The fact that males who face sexual violence are afraid to report such incidence for fear of social ostracism was stressed upon but the similar & more pressing issue of women not coming forward was glossed over. For a Council claiming to stand for Preservation of Human Dignity, this is pure hypocrisy.

A clearly disgruntled Executive Board acknowledged the fact that quality of debate had deteriorated and was becoming more generic. Halfway through the second day, the Council was as close to finding

feasible solutions as it was on the first day. Instead it found an easy target in Syria & spent a majority of its session, pointing out the various Human Rights violations taking place in country, facts that are already known to most. Once again, there was no mention of any solutions.

By focussing on minor issues and playing blame games the Council is proving its redundancy in the contemporary world scenario. The civilians caught in the crossfire in conflict zones will have to hope for some other Messiah to come to their rescue and help them rebuild their lives.

“Sending Serbian refugees and displaced people back to Serbia is not a feasible option,” declared the delegate of Kosovo. “Consideration of a referendum, an assembly within northern Kosovo can, however, be done.” With a 90 per cent ethnic majority of Albanians and a history of ethnic cleansing, massacres and oppression between Serbians and Albanians, it is highly unlikely that the state of Kosovo will go back to being under the autonomy of Serbia. It is especially true after its recognition as an independent state by more than 90 countries of the world. Determined as this stance is, the next issue to consider for the Kosovar community is to find a way to end its internal violence and establish a peaceful nation. To say that would be challenging is an understatement. The first of many hurdles has proven to be the ethnic minority of Serbs, who consider Kosovo as a representative of the Golden Age of Serbian history, and have expressed full denial at the question of an Albanian government.

The delegate of Kosovo, however, has no plans to let the ethnic minorities go. “We may be looking to secede from Serbia, but we shall do so as a united Kosovo. The ethnic minorities shall have proper representation in the government. And a special status for the same

can be considered- but not a partition.”

Its own people aside, Kosovo has also to deal with the issues of poverty, refugees, unemployment and economic depression, all of which have threatened its identity

as a nation and helped Serbia and its allies to persistently question its ability to secede and self-govern. “Kosovo lacks in economy because it has not been given independence when it was due,” the delegate of Cameroon hypothesised. “It has had a bad economy under Serbia. Give it a proper chance.”

Kosovar prime minister has so far maintained the same stance, stating with confidence that they would be able to progress once Kosovo’s identity was decided for sure. He seemed more than a little confident, in fact, when he sternly refused any sort of external interference.

“We may accept assistance, but no lateral dependence on any country shall be tolerated.” The situation for Kosovo is not entirely dark and has seen rays of hope with a large number of member states coming together to support Kosovo and offer assistance in terms of trade to stabilise its economy.

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Head of International Press Siddharth SoniHead of Press Conferences Taruni Kumar

Editor in Chief Aayushi Sinha

JournalistsTwesh Mishra

Menka AhlawatArundhati Rajesh

Pallav Kumar Singh

PhotographersRia Dhingra

Bhavook BhardwajSiddharth Dhote