Feature

A three-stage process

To boost co-operation on border issues in the area, the OSCE has organized three meetings, the first of which took place in Tetovo in April 2006. It brought together regional and central government representatives to share experiences and identify routes used for illegal activities.

"In Tetovo, we presented the problems our communities are experiencing," says Kosovo's Health Minister, Sadik Idrizi, "and we all agreed that we need to work together to find solutions."

At the second meeting held in Prizren, Kosovo, in May, participants from the three sides presented plans to address their problems. The final meeting will be held in Kukes, Albania, in September 2006, where the aim is to consolidate these plans and come up with a joint agreement.

Illegal cross-border activities

Abaz Abazi is a resident of Dragash/Dragas in Kosovo: "The biggest problems we identified were illegal wood cutting, grazing and smuggling, as well as illegal immigration along routes that lead from Albania, over Kosovo and Macedonia, to Greece."

On the "green border", a wooded roadless area, there are few official crossing points, making border patrolling difficult and allowing crime to go undetected. In addition, smugglers are often mistaken for border area residents and reports by locals to the police on the smugglers' movements often come too late.

Looking for solutions

"At our second meeting," says Qemajl Ahmeti, Kosovo's Transport Minister, "we proposed several possible solutions. The most significant included issuing special identification documents for residents in the border region and developing additional border-crossing points with road infrastructure and clear patrolling routes."

Issuing special IDs is an immediate measure that will help police identify people living in the border region. Building border crossings and roads is a longer term objective that will streamline cross-border movement and make patrolling more effective.

"We also want to introduce inter-community meetings to improve communication between inhabitants and police forces from the three sides, which will help detect and deter criminal activity," Ahmeti explains.

Creating economic opportunities

The OSCE views the further development of these plans as positive.

"The meetings are proving to be highly effective," says Ambassador Wnendt, Head of the OSCE Mission to Kosovo, who attended the Prizren meeting. "In addition to addressing security concerns, the sides are also starting to discuss economic co-operation - a step forward in this underdeveloped region."

While border security remains a key concern, economic development is no less a priority. With this in mind, the three parties have begun discussing ideas to promote tourism and trade to provide lawful economic alternatives to illegal activities.

"With mountains so beautiful", says Abazi, "we can attract lots of visitors if we start providing some basic services, such as marked walking trails and resting points with food and drinks."

Towards a common agreement

Until the final meeting is held in September in Kukes, regional representatives will continue to share and discuss strategies with the aim of adopting a tri-lateral agreement. Ownership of the process and the future agreement lies solely with the three governments.

The OSCE will facilitate co-operation among them until a final agreement is reached and its implementation is under way.