USAID/OTI Kosovo Field Report
September 2000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The primary goal of USAID/OTI's Kosovo Transition Initiative (KTI) is to maximize the number of Kosovars involved in, and recognizing the value of, participating in decision making and the future development of democracy in Kosovo. Through its Initiative, USAID/OTI encourages political diversity, promotes increased citizen participation in political and community affairs, and fosters professionalism and transparency in media and public service institutions. The major part of USAID/OTI's portfolio in Kosovo consists of assistance to communities in forming and organizing Community Improvement Councils (CICs). These Councils are designed to support Kosovars in the process of rebuilding their communities while preparing them for the challenges of democratic self-governance. KTI also works with media outlets in Kosovo, providing them with assistance to ensure professional, moderate media is available to as many Kosovars as possible. Staff also work closely with these media outlets to ensure they come to understand their role in civil society, that they practice that role, and that they leverage our community organizing efforts while providing high quality news and information programming. USAID's/OTI Kosovo program is implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
COUNTRY SITUATION
Kosovo municipal elections are scheduled for October 28, 2000. Election campaigning officially began during the month of September with political parties holding rallies throughout Kosovo. The rallies have been peaceful, although there have been some reports of threats and intimidation between political parties.
Yugoslav parliamentary and presidential elections took place on September 24, 2000. Kosovar Albanians boycotted the ballot. Although voting was organized in most Serb communities in Kosovo, turn-out of Serb voters was low. The recent developments in Yugoslav politics have increased anxiety among Kosovar Albanians who fear that international support for the new leadership in Yugoslavia may lead to increased pressure for the re-integration of Kosovo within Yugoslavia.
USAID/OTI HIGHLIGHTS
A. Narrative Summary
KTI received the results of the poll and the findings from
USAID/OTI's collaboration with OSCE's Voters' Voice Project.
Based on those findings, KTI is in the process of producing six
radio and four TV public service announcements (PSAs) to be aired
prior to the elections. The PSAs encourage women and youth to
participate in the elections and inform them of their choices. KTI
has begun to organize a number of election-related activities,
including political party debates, and to produce posters and
informational booklets supporting free and fair elections. KTI has
also assisted local NGOs and media outlets in organizing and
reporting on political party debates and citizens'
election-related initiatives. KTI anticipates funding many
election-related activities in October.
B. Grants Activity
Summary - September 2000
| |
Obligated funds (USD) |
Number of grants
approved |
| Ferizaj |
6,214 |
0 |
3,558 |
9,772 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
5 |
| Gjakova |
0 |
0 |
1,625 |
1,625 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
| Gjilan |
40,780 |
4,700 |
14,172 |
59,652 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
| Mitrovica |
232,927 |
0 |
0 |
232,927 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
Peja |
0 |
8,500 |
5,900 |
14,400 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Prishtina |
99,889 |
26,500 |
0 |
126,389 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
|
Prizren |
145,164 |
0 |
11,370 |
156,534 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
8 |
| Central Media Off. |
5,483 |
0 |
52,535 |
58,018 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
|
Total |
530,457 |
39,700 |
89,160 |
659,317 |
19 |
3 |
11 |
33 |
C. Indicators of Success
Resource leveraging -
During the month of September, KTI leveraged $337,260 from other
international donors and $218,900 from local communities. Over the
past five months UNDP has funded eight CIC-identified projects in
the Peja region, valued at almost $300,000.
USAID/OFDA donated to KTI a large quantity of water and
sanitation materials that were not used by OFDA's implementing
partners. KTI will use these materials for community improvement
projects in the Gjilan and Prizren regions.
Speed -
In late August 2000, the UNMIK administrator in Vushtrri
approached KTI, asking for assistance in the Serb village of Grace.
KTI immediately organized the community and subsequently a CIC was
formed, which proceeded to identify the need for winterization
support as their most pressing issue. More than 500 doors and 400
windows are scheduled for delivery in early October, providing each
family with sufficient materials to prepare its home for the coming
winter. This quick delivery has gone a long way towards improving
the relationship between the local community, UNMIK and other
international organizations.
NEXT STEPS/IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES
KTI will continue to be actively involved in pre-election
community organizing. During the month of October, most of the
planned activities (debates, radio call-in shows, concerts and
community "runs" advocating a peaceful election and
transition period) will take place. KTI also envisions designing a
post-election PSA campaign stressing the accountability of newly
elected officials to their communities. KTI is developing a
post-election strategy that will define the future course of the
program--focusing on the development of a collaborative
approach to governing between Kosovar communities and their newly
elected officials.
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