This project was proposed to both the Serbian government and also to Kosovo Albanians (1997). Unfortunately, at that time there was not enough good will among the politicians of these two aforementioned nations. Consequently, the conflict beginning in 1998 resulted in the loss of a great many human lives, and also in about 250 000 peoples being ethnically cleansed in the region. The principles governing this project would be implemented to actively prevent future conflicts before they occur and escalate to an uncontrollable level. For those wanting to know more details about this and other LPC projects, it is now available on a videotape record about the Kosovo Crisis.                                           

Authors: Mr. Darko Trifunovic, M.A. and Ms. Jill Starr

1997 CONFLICT PREVENTION

The Project Goal: Peace in Kosovo

By implementing the Dayton Agreement, the war in the former Yugoslavia appears to have finally ended. The ethnic dispute in Kosovo starting the war in the former Yugoslavia however has not yet been resolved. Contrarily, a recent series of escalating confrontations between the Kosovo Albanians and the Serbs suggest that another war may break out again in Kosovo at any time in the future. Therefore, this project was designed to prevent similar conflicts from occurring in the future. Thus, the ultimate goal of the project is to foster ethnic peace in the area. 

Basic Principles

To improve the economy, to create a hospitable social atmosphere in which open dialogue can occur between Kosovo's different ethnic groups, and also to concurrently build mutual trust between these social groups by letting them work jointly according to their various business interests.

1) To draw the attention of all the ethnic groups to improve their present economic situation.
2) To create opportunities for bringing these diverse groups together while encouraging them to work jointly on projects that will enhance their living standards. We will also organize seminars for these social groups to allow them to study business opportunities together.  

Project Outline

There are three components of the project. One is a component for rural areas. Another is for cities, and the remaining is a component overarching the whole project.
For rural areas, the target of the project is dual. First, farmers growing vegetables or fruits in green houses. And second, ranchers raising livestock such as cattle, chickens or lambs.
For city (urban) areas, the target of the project will be owners' small businesses and/or persons wanting to open their own small business.  

Background

 Kosovo is the least developed geographical area in Yugoslavia yet possesses a wealth of untapped natural resources, particularly in its rural areas. This presents us with a most hospitable atmosphere for developing a very profitable farming environment. Although a number of people are presently engaged in farming on their own private properties, Kosovo's full farming potential has yet been fully recognized as Kosovo now uses farming less efficiently and has yet developed its rich stores of natural resources. This is primarily due to the lack of basic knowledge available to those in Kosovo regarding the means by which they can develop fully functional market oriented farming businesses in the region. Therefore, while using the opportunities presented such as owing private property and possessing a hospitable natural environment, residents in Kosovo will fully realize the potential for developing successful farming businesses merely by familiarizing themselves with simple business practices.

On the other hand, the population density in and around Kosovo's cities creates good circumstances for small scale businesses to develop as strong demands for it already exist it be relatively easy to create successful businesses in the region.

Special Attention

Depending upon the means by which various districts in Kosovo are eventually constructed, population proportions of different ethnic groups will vary. Therefore, in order to allow different ethnic groups to work together jointly, the specific project sites will be carefully selected.

Scheme

     To set up a coordinating body to govern the project comprised of experts.    

             Functions of the body

                        To construct a credit union where clients can deposit, withdraw and actively use private monetary funding to improve their current economic condition. The credit union will provide funding to Kosovo residents in the form of small loans so they can develop small business.

     Target Businesses for credit            

 Rural Areas- Vegetables and fruits grown in a green-houses;

                        Raising livestock such as cattle, lambs and chickens, etc.

Cities -  Small scale businesses such as restaurants, retailing and  maufacturing, etc.)

Special Attention to Women -  Offering women favorable credits who want to  start their own businesses;

The project will sponsor educational seminars to residents to study the skills and techniques necessary for successful farming and for learning business basics. Interpreters for both the Albanian and Serbian languages will be needed to disseminate the following information in the form of seminars, lectures, brochures, open discussions, etc. to residents in the area:

     Basic Economic Principles - Business basics orientated towards forming a market-oriented economy;

- Modern farming techniques and equipment

                                                     - Special Attention to the Environment

- Information on environmental management standards (ISSO 14000) which must be satisfied to offer farming produce on the global market.