NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : AP Photo/Bojan Slavkovic
IN FOCUS
Kosovo's new rule provokes Serbians to protest once again
By Sai Pranav
On 01 August, Kosovo imposed a new rule where Serbia-issued license plates will no longer be valid to enter Kosovo, and for the vehicle from Serbia to enter, must have Kosovo issues license.
Along with the vehicle licensing, it also mandated that Serbians cannot enter using Belgrad passports but by availing a separate document from the Kosovar police during entry and exit. The rule invoked protests and clashes between Albanian and ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo due to the new rule and protestors blocked the roads using trucks and heavy vehicles. With protests escalating to a skirmish between the Serbs and the Kosovar police, the Kosovar authorities closed two border intersections in Jarinje and Bernjak. After the talks with the US and the EU, the implementation of the rule was postponed by a month, and the protestors withdrew.
Three issues
First, reluctance to recognize Kosovo. After the Yugoslavia war in 1998, the Albanian separatists wanted a separate state, but it was objected to by Serbians for two reasons. One, to protect the Serbians living in Northern Kosovo, and two, a threat to national interest due to separate governance in Kosovo. Other than Serbia, Russia, China, Greece, and Ukraine are also against Kosovo’s sovereignty. Russia and China being the long-time allies of Serbia, due to their economical and infrastructure interests stand against Kosovo’s decision. Whereas, the EU, Greece, and Ukraine which are geographically closer, fear of rising conflict and preventing such tensions in the region have not supported Kosovo.
Second, the ethnic composition in Kosovo. The Albanians separated from Serbia in 2008 to form their own state and self-govern. According to the 2011 census, Kosovo consists of a Muslim Albanian majority. The northern part was excluded from the survey but the next largest is the Orthodox Christian Serb ethnicity. The other ethnic groups include the Bosniaks, the Egyptians, the Askhalis, the Romas, the Turkish, and the Goranis. Most of the minorities are Islamic, but since they lack representation in Kosovo’s Assembly, they are in support of Serbia. The Albanian Muslims are the majority in Kosovo when compared to the Serbian Orthodox Christian minority wants to eliminate Serbian influence in the northern part, where the Serbian minority is present. But, the unwillingness amongst the ethnic Serbians to be under Kosovo's governance instead of Serbia is the key reason for the ethnic protests and clashes. The rule on vehicle registration and new documentation requirements are the new points of contention.
Third, regional and international response. Kosovo is backed by the US, NATO, and the EU, meanwhile, Serbia is supported by Russia and China. Russia has been on the side of ethnic Serbians in Kosovo and has voiced out the injustice and discrimination faced by Serbians in Kosovo. The US deviated from the Kosovo issue due to the Ukraine war mediated talks along with the EU to extend the implementation of the new rule to September. NATO which has a continued its presence in Kosovo since June 1999 has stationed close to 4000 NATO's KFOR (Kosovo Force) on the shared border between Kosovo and Serbia. It will enforce only upon security instability. It has been hated by Serbians since the 1999 bombings. The war in Ukraine has indirectly escalated the issue.
References
Petrit Selimi, "Former Kosovo foreign minister: How to stop Serbia spat from spiraling out of control," Atlantic Council, 01 August 2022
Shaun Walker, "Kosovo delays plan for volatile north as tensions rise near Serbian border," The Guardian, 31 July 2022
Valerie Hopkins, "Tensions Flare on Kosovo-Serbian Border Amid Protests and Gunfire," The New York times, 01 August 2022
Milica Stojanovic and Xhorxhina Bami, "Kosovo Move in Car Plates Row Aims to ‘Expel Serbs’ – Vucic," BalkanInsight, 30 June 2022
Annabelle Timsit, "Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia: Why NATO is ‘prepared to intervene’," Washington Post, 01 August 2022
"Kosovo," minorityrights, March 2018
War in Ukraine: Day 160
By Emmanuel Royan and Sai Pranav
War on the ground
On 01 August, Verkhovna Rada's chairman Ruslan Stefanchuck said that the Ukrainian parliament is involved in enforcing six of the seven requirements that were put forward by the European Commission and European Council in regards to its EU membership candidacy. He also added that Ukraine's parliament should adjust its legislation to that of the EU. According to Stefanchuck in the process of EU candidacy, the interaction between lawmakers of the European Parliament and Verkhovna Rada was essential. European integration bills were found to be around 49 for Ukraine to reform its policies.
On 02 August, the dry cargo ship that carried corn and grain from Ukraine, “Razoni,” arrived on the Turkish shores. The ship was anchored at the entrance to the Bosphorus Strait in the Black Sea. It had left Odesa port on 01 August following the grain corridor but its arrival was postponed due to weather conditions.
On the same day, the Russian forces launched a missile attack on Ukraine in the Lviv region. A military unit in the Chervonohrad district of the Lviv region was struck down by the missile attack resulting in two explosions. According to the press service of the general staff of the Ukrainian army, eight X-101 type cruise missiles were launched by the Russian military from the Caspian Sea region. Seven out of the eight missiles were shot down by Ukraine's air force out of which six were destroyed by the anti-aircraft missile units and one by a fighter jet.
Also on 02 August, Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska signed a memorandum of understanding with UNICEF to implement educational reforms in the country which was ravaged by the war. They discussed providing children with safe, accessible and quality education for children and young people who are suffering due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. According to Zelenska, resuming the obstructed education of the children is necessary for the country. The partnership also would like to provide psychological help to those affected by trauma due to the war.
On the same day, Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a telephone conversation with the NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg. Zelenskyy requested the military alliance to provide more heavy weapons to counteract the Russian invasion. He also requested faster delivery of non-lethal military aid that would be financed by Ukraine. Stoltenberg congratulated Ukraine's president on dispatching the first grain ship from Odesa port. Zelenskyy invited Stoltenberg to participate in the online Crimea platform summit on 23 August.
Also on 02 August, president Zelenskyy met with the chairman of OSCE and Poland's foreign affairs minister, Zbigniew Rau. He thanked the president and the government of Poland for their help and support during the war. He also showed gratitude for Poland's assistance with forcibly displaced Ukrainian citizens and how Kyiv is returning the favour to the Polish citizens regarding their special status. He also thanked them for their defence assistance.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 02 August, Russia's foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that the statement issued by the representative of Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence of the ministry of defence, Vadim Skibitsky, confirmed the direct involvement of the US in the Ukraine war. She said that Skibitsky acknowledged that Ukraine consulted the US before launching a strike and the US had veto power over military decision-making. He refused to comment on who commanded the selection of targets for the US-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems. The confirmation of direct involvement of the US through the Ukrainian Armed Forces questions the credibility of the promise made by the US to avoid boots on the ground.
On 02 August, Russia's Supreme Court deemed the Azov regiment a terrorist group. They were to be tried under anti-terror laws and were to be sent to prison for 20 years. They were recognized as a fascist group by the Russian government for their far-right and ultra-nationalist roots. They are primarily from Mariupol. The Azov battalion said that Russia was looking for justifications for their war crime of bombing the prison with Ukrainian prisoners of war in Olenivka by painting them as an extremely radical group. They urged the US state department to designate Russia as a terrorist state.
On 03 August, Russia's foreign minister will meet with top diplomats and the leader of Myanmar after he arrives at Naypyidaw. He is set to travel to Phenom Penh in Cambodia to attend the Russia-ASEAN format foreign ministers meeting and is expected to hold several bilateral meetings.
On the same day, a representative of the Russian foreign ministry at the Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference, Alexander Trofimov, said that Ukraine would violate its obligation to the agreement as a result of acquiring nuclear weapons. The aggressive nationalism and chauvinism in Ukraine will threaten international security, according to Trofimov. He also mentioned that the west was the reason for destabilizing its territorial integrity and not Russia or its commitments to the NPT.
Also on the same day, a representative of the Russian foreign ministry at the Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference, Alexander Trofimov, said that Ukraine would violate its obligation to the agreement as a result of acquiring nuclear weapons. The aggressive nationalism and chauvinism in Ukraine will threaten international security, according to Trofimov. He also mentioned that the west attempting to separate Ukraine from Russia was the reason for destabilizing its territorial integrity and not Russia or its commitments to the NPT.
Also on 03 August, the former employees of the special unit "Kord" of Ukraine's ministry of internal affairs were detained in Kherson. They were found along with weapons and explosive devices were hidden in the location. The weapons and explosive devices were suspected to be utilized for future sabotage and terrorist activities by the Ukrainian special service.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 01 August, US secretary of state Antony Blinken after the nuclear non-proliferation talks condemned Russia’s actions and attacks around Ukraine’s largest nuclear power plant as irresponsible and criticized Moscow for using it as a “nuclear shield” to assault Ukrainian soldiers.
On 02 August, the US sanctioned Russia’s president Vladimir Putin’s rumored mistress and other Russian proxies. Alina Kabaeva, a former gymnast has been added to the list of those who have been sanctioned by the United States department of the treasury. Russian proxies/ agents Volodymyr Saldo and Kirill Stremousov in the Kherson Oblast and Kostyantyn Ivashchenko in Mariupol are among the other 12 individuals who have been sanctioned.
On the same day, the UK government announced further sanctions on Didier Casimiro and Zeljko Runje, two former board members of the oil major Rosneft, were subject to further sanctions. The sanction list stated that as a result of "obtaining a benefit from or aiding the government of Russia through acting as a management of a government of Russia-affiliated firm," both are now subject to an asset freeze.
On 01 August, the UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres praised Turkey for its efforts in leading and mediating an agreement between Ukraine and Russia for the movement of grain exports. Guterres stated that the departure of the dry cargo ship Razoni, which was sailing under the flag of Sierra Leone, signified a "essential beginning point" for the deal. The first of many commercial ships that will offer assurance and comfort to the world's food markets, he added.
On 02 August, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU has fully supplied Ukraine with the first tranche of fresh emergency macro-financial support for EUR One billion. She stated: The funds will help Ukraine address its immediate financial needs following the unprovoked and unjustified aggression by Russia. The EUR one billion will help strengthen Ukraine in a crucial phase."
The Global Fallouts
Implications of the Ukraine war
On 02 August, prices of cooking oil, poultry, and eggs increased in Singapore as a result of COVID-19, the supply-chain crisis, and the conflict in Ukraine. Many of Singapore's hawkers were forced to raise their prices, which has harmed individuals with lesser incomes who depend on this type of food. One of the hawkers, Lie stated that: “In all my years of doing this, I don’t remember things becoming so expensive so quickly. But I have to keep going on. This was my father’s business and I want it to last for as long as possible,” expressing worry about the crisis caused by the Ukraine war.
On the same day, amid tensions over the invasion of Ukraine and worries about China's expanding aspirations in the area, foreign ministers from Southeast Asia and other world powers are convening in the capital of Cambodia to discuss the violence that is still present in Myanmar. Susannah Patton, director of the Southeast Asia Program at Australia's Lowy Institute stated that the Russian invasion of Ukraine, its effects on world food and energy prices, and the increasing tension between China and the US are of great concern to the ten ASEAN countries.
On 02 August, the Asahi Shimbun reported that Japan's shipments of used cars to Russia have grown threefold since May, despite the economic sanctions that Japan and several Western countries have placed on Moscow as a result of its invasion of Ukraine. In June, the port of Vladivostok in Russia was crammed with new and used automobiles coming from South Korea and Japan, many of which were SUVs, minivans, and enormous luxury vehicles.
References
"Parliament to introduce draft laws corresponding to EU requirements," Kyiv Post, 02 August 2022
"Ship with Ukrainian grain anchors at entrance to Bosphorus Strait," Ukrinform, 02 August 2022
"Russian missile strike on Lviv region: Two explosions occurred at military unit," Ukrinform, 02 August 2022
"Ukraine downs seven of eight Russian missiles launched from Caspian Sea Aug 2," Ukrinform, 02 August 2022
"Olena Zelenska signed a Memorandum with UNICEF in Ukraine to strengthen joint work in the fields of education and protection of children during war," president.gov.ua, 02 August 2022
"President of Ukraine had a phone conversation with NATO Secretary General," president.gov.ua, 02 August 2022
"President met with the current OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland," president.gov.ua, 02 August 2022
"US directly involved in Ukraine conflict – Moscow," Russian Times, 02 August 2022
"Russia's supreme court designates Ukraine's Azov Regiment a 'terrorist' group," Reuters, 02 August 2022
"Lavrov arrives in Myanmar for working visit," TASS, 03 August 2022
"Russia predicted the consequences of acquiring nuclear weapons by Ukraine," LENTA.RU, 03 August 2022
"Ex-employees of the special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine were detained in Kherson," LENTA.RU, 03 August 2022
Michelle Nichols and Simon Lewis,“U.S. accuses Russia of using Ukraine power plant as 'nuclear shield',” Reuters, 01 August 2022
“Ukraine grain deal is a product of Ankara's diplomatic success: Erdogan,” trtworld, 02 August 2022
“UN lauds Türkiye for its leadership role in Ukraine grain export deal,” trtworld, 02 August 2022
“EU fully transfers EUR 1 bln of first tranche of new macro-financial aid to Ukraine – EC President,” Interfax, 01 August 2022
“U.S. targets former Olympic gymnast, steel producer with fresh Russia sanctions,” Reuters, 02 August 2022
“U.S. targets MMK, Putin associate -Treasury website,” Reuters, 02 August 2022
“Britain reimposes sanctions on two former Rosneft board members,” Reuters 02 August 2022
“Singapore hawkers feel the sting of rising prices, ‘no thanks to Russia’,” SCMP, 02 August 2022
Myanmar violence, Ukraine war loom over ASEAN meetings,” The Asahi Shimbun, 02 August 2022
“Japan’s used car exports to Russia rise threefold despite sanctions,” The Asahi Shimbun, 02 August 2022
IN BRIEF
By Rishma Banerjee
ITALY
Italy’s Democratic Party allies with centrist Arizone to compete against the rising right
On 02 August, Italy’s Democratic Party forged an alliance with the centrist Arizone party to try to prevent a right-wing triumph in the upcoming elections scheduled in September. Recent polls have shown that the conservative alliance of far-right Brothers of Italy, the rightist League, and the relatively more moderate Forza Italia party are leading the race with 45 per cent. If they win, the brothers of Italy party is slated to be the largest single party, with Georgia Meloni as the potential prime ministerial candidate. The Democratic Party and Arizone are currently polling at 30 per cent. On this issue, Democratic Party leader Enrico Letta said that they are trying to strengthen their opposition by further inviting alliances for other groups in the fragmented political landscape in Italy. (Angelo Amante, “Italy's centre-left sees open electoral race after pact with centrists,” Reuters, 02 August 2022)
SPAIN
Spain announces new energy saving measure to deal with the potential energy crisis
On 02 August, Spain’s government announced new energy-saving measures, which will come into force next week. According to the decree, public buildings, shopping centers, cinemas, rail stations, and airports will be required to stick to a certain limit on air conditioning. To tackle the potential energy crisis and to reduce their dependence on Russia’s oil and gas, the measure mandates that heating should not be set above 19 degrees Celsius and air conditioning should not be set below 27 degrees Celsius. The measures were published in the official state gazette and will be valid till 2023. Moreover, Spain’s environment minister, Teresa Ribera, has also suggested public administrations and big companies encourage work-from-home provisions to save energy on transport and in buildings. (Sam Jones, “Spain puts limits on air conditioning and heating to save energy,” The Guardian, 02 August 2022)
THE NETHERLANDS
Prime minister Mark Rutte becomes the longest serving office-holder
On 02 August, prime minister Mark Rutte became the longest serving prime minister of the country. He has been in office for almost 12 years. Rutte came to power in October 2010. Leading the largest party in Dutch politics, the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), Rutte is currently in charge of his fourth coalition government. However, his tenure has been rife with scandals too. Thousands of families were plunged into debt after being wrongfully accused of child benefit fraud, which led to the resignation of his third coalition. In the EU, he is the second longest-serving elected leader after Hungary’s Victor Orban. On this milestone, Rutte said: “It’s the greatest job in the world, an unbelievable honour… For me, the decisive factor is: Do I have the ideas, the energy? Is my mouth watering on Friday morning when the Cabinet meeting starts to begin solving problems? As long as I have that, I would like to continue.” (“'Teflon Mark': Dutch PM Rutte reaches key milestone,” Euronews, 02 August 2022)
CLIMATE
European Commission approves Germany’s new green heating project
On 02 August, the European Commission approved Germany’s EUR three billion scheme to support renewable energy and district heating programs based on waste-heat. The scheme will assist in setting up an annual heat-generating capacity of 681 megawatts and cover 40 per cent of the investment costs of relevant projects. The scheme will also offer government grants till 2028 to the new heating network that runs on at least 75 per cent renewable energy. Each district will have to establish heating grids in their cities, which is slated to reduce fossil-fuel dependency and emissions by a considerable margin. (“EU approves €3 billion German green heating scheme,” Euractiv, 02 August 2022)
Po River’s rising salinity affects crops and fisheries around the delta in Italy
On 02 August, Associated Press published a report on the worsening condition of agriculture and fisheries due to the increasing salinity of Italy’s Po River. While deltas are where exchange between fresh and saltwater occur, due to the reduced amount of water in the upper courses of the Po River, the flow is becoming unidirectional. In 1960, the inland penetration was reported at two kilometres while in 2022 it has increased to 38 kilometres. This imbalance is affecting the rice cultivation along the river basin and also killing the double valve clams common to this area. Referring to the ecosystem which includes the Po Delta Park and the neighbouring part of Veneto, a UNESCO recognized biodiversity reserve, the director of the Po River Basin Authority said: “It is evident that there is an entire system with an ecology that will have permanent problems.” (Luigi Navarra and Luca Bruno, “Italy’s salty Po Delta hurting agriculture, fisheries,”AP News, 02 August 2022)