New York Times for Ademi Demach's Fashion

This writing by Steven Erlinger, a well - known correspondent of the New York Times, dates from August 10, 1999. So, it was the period of the immediate post-war. Periscope has translated Erlinger's writing into Albanian without any cause. However, considering the recent political developments in Kosovo, it would probably be good to look back and reflect on the decisions to be made in the present.

Shit.

Adem Demach, often named Nelson Mandela of Kosovo, has fallen to the same lines as this one, becoming more calm and moderate, while urging his Albanians to use their gift of freedom in order to build a civilized society.

Mr. Demac has spent more than 29 of his [now 82 years] years in Yugoslav prisons for intense confidence in Kosovo's independence. He was “political representative” of the Kosovo Liberation Army and even its spokesman until March 3rd, when he left furious without his will, from Washington's intense pressure, to force Albanians to accept less than independence in the Ramboullet negotiations in France.

But, asked if he expected to see independent Kosovo during his lifetime, Mr. Demach, a young man with thick glass glasses, gave the kind of answer that American diplomats had long hoped to hear from him.

I have to say that no country in the world is entirely independent,” he said, with the image of the man being thought of. The US, in some form, is not fully independent. ”

Afterwards, he added “and I am always optimistic” reconciliation between Serbs and Albanians is both possible and necessary, and will lead to a new state in modern, widely distributed sovereignty.

While Kosovo Albanians work to improve their poor lives with international aid, and try to create real institutions, Serbs -- “who are in confusion now -- will be relieved of their myths and illusions” about the inability of a Serb state without Kosovo, he said.

The two nations --” said Demach, “will make reconciliation, and both will get the right to enter Europe -- not only geographically but also morally, with our behavior. ”

The Nato bomber war, which forced Serbia to leave Kosovo but keeping the province under Yugoslav sovereignty, was not a complete victory, he says. But he said that bombing campaign created an extraordinary opportunity under the umbrella of the Nato forces and under the administration of the United Nations.

We have a unique chance in our history, with our European friends, to build a state,” says Demaci.

“Albanians, “after 2 thousand years in slavery,” from Romans to Turks and Serbs, “are already breathing freely,” he said, “being able to decide for their own lives. ” With the help of the United Nations, they now have the opportunity to build the true <x7 institutions of a civilized society, according to world standards a non-ideological school system, non-ideological media, non-ideological finance and health system, and not to follow Balkan standards or communist standards. ”

According to Demach, 10 years can pass to realise this effort.

But the United Nations must not fail in their obligations to engage in Albanian society and politics, and” understand our history, at least from 1945 until now,” said Mr. Demacci. United Nations administrators and Nato soldiers should avoid establishing a new colonial order or allowing a new order The KLA remains in opposition, he adds. And Albanians should not use this extraordinary chance, the “paid with so much blood. ”

Demach, questioned whether all this tragedy was necessary, smiled, looking into the red twilight that was poured down the trees.

It was impossible to change this situation without tragedy and bloodshed. I always wanted to die for Kosovo, and I thought maybe this war was my last chance to realize that wish. ”

Mr. Demaci, a novelist turned radical politician who was hated by Serbs for his early and determined efforts, spent the entire period of war in Pristina, walking down the streets and going to the store. His wife left Kosovo at the end of March, a few days after the nato bombings started, when human rights lawyer Bajram Kelmendi, along with his two sons, had been found dead after the police arrested him.

However, Mr. Demach stayed with his 70 - year - old sister and had even had a fight with the police and two arrests.

When he was arrested, a Serb soldier had threatened him, but he replied: “You have guns, and I don't. Shoot me.” While Serbian soldiers and other police officers had behaved well with him, he adds.

I wasn't happy until I saw ordinary Serbs leaving here. We were never endangered by Serbs as Serbs. But all Serb regimes from 1878 to now have deceived people here, and every state has mechanisms to force people to do terrible things. A bad regime has so many instruments in its hand. I feel bad to see them leaving, but I also know that a large number of Serbs were involved in crime and robbery. ”

However, Mr. Demac is a staunchly competent lawyer of a democratic and multiethnic Kosovo, despite immediate problems and fears. I do not accept freedom only for Albanians. We are not angels. But we have to choose another way, which is not revenge, and that all these atrocities and tragedies have been done by the Serbian regime, not by any Serb. ”

Is a moderate Albanian policy now possible? We don't have a choice,” he answers. Albanians know that only a moderate policy, ready to guarantee freedom for Serbs and all others is acceptable. Otherwise, Albanians themselves will not be free. ”

Mr. Demach, very mysterious about age, at first said he was only 39. After some perseverance, he said that his actual date of birth was July 26, 1935, but his document dated February 26, 1936. I was a weak, sickly baby, and Dad had refused to record me. But six months later, her mother had told her, "You better record it. It doesn't look like I'm gonna die. ”

He's from New York Times, Periscope.