U.S. INSTITUTE OF PEACE NEWSBYTE
Released: 14 Sept 1999 Full text of the Lansdowne Declaration The Balkans: In-Depth
		Kosovar Albanian Leaders Agree on Declaration of Cooperation
		After three days of intense dialogue, a diverse group of Kosovar Albanian leaders today completed a declaration outlining a framework for cooperation to help guide Kosovo during its transition to democracy. Brought together by the U.S. Institute of Peace at the request of the U.S. Department of State the workshop, held this weekend at the Lansdowne Conference Center near Leesburg, Virginia, allowed participants to engage in a frank and open discussion about the future of democracy in Kosovo. Participants pledged to continue their work together in Kosovo in a political consultation forum that will meet regularly, be open to all political forces and respect the legitimate roles of international organizations. According to Chester Crocker, Chairman of the Board of the U.S. Institute of Peace who chaired the workshop, "I was struck throughout the workshop not only by how seriously the participants took their respective roles in bringing democratic change to Kosovo, but also by the degree of respect that developed across political parties and social groups. They worked hard and with purpose. Their final thoughts, as reflected in the declaration, remind us once again of the strength of the people of Kosovo and send a clear signal of their wish to take responsibility for their own affairs." The Workshop on Democratic Coalition Building is the first stage in a multifaceted initiative through which participants worked to: Develop a framework for cooperation among the various political and social groups and entities that makeup Kosovar society. Form a common vision for a legitimate and functioning government; and Determine Kosovo's future economic orientation.   The workshop was held from September 10-13 at the Lansdowne Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia. During the workshop, attendees participated in intensive plenary and working group discussions and presentations designed to foster a dynamic dialogue among the conference participants. Workshop discussion sessions were facilitated by a team assembled by the Institute. The U.S. Institute of Peace is a non-partisan, independent organization created and funded by the U.S. Congress to promote prevention and resolution of international conflicts. Since 1995, the Institute's Balkans Initiative has played an important role in creating a forum for discussion among government and non-government experts to assist in building consensus on key issues in the Balkans.
		Lansdowne Workshop Participants Journalists Aferdita Kelmendi (Director of Radio/TV 21) Baton Haxhiu (Chief Editor, Koha Ditore) Shaban Arifaj (journalist) Dukagnin Gorani (journalist) Gani Dili (journalist, women's issues)   Independent Ylber Hysa (head of Kosova Associations for Civic Initiatives) Mahmut Bakalli (head of Kosovo media board)   United Democratic League (LBD) Bajram Kosumi Mehmet Hajrizi Hyadet Hyseni   Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) Naim Jerliu Edita Tahiri Bujar Bukoshi Alush Gashi   Party of Democratic Unity (PBD) Bardyhl Mahmuti Shaban Shala Jakup Krasniqi   Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK) Hashim Thaqi Rame Buja Fatmir Limaj Azem Syla Zhavit Haliti   Non-governmental organizations and activists Palok Berisha (Mother Teresa Society) Xheraldina Vula (Radio 21, Women's NGO) Sevdije Ahmeti (Director, Organization for Protection of Women and children) Marte Palokaj (Mother Teresa Society) Edi Shukriu (activist, women's issues, president of LDK Women's Forum) Vjosa Dobruna (Doctor, Organization for Protection of Women and Children) Shkelzen Maliqi (Analyst, Open Society Institute) Pajazit Nushi (Council for the Protection of Human Rights and Freedom) Arben Koca (chairman of youth council in Skenderaj) Ariana Xerxa (Humanitarian Law Fund)   Economists Riza Sapunhaxiu (economist, formerly Kosovska Bank, World Bank) Shefqet Cana (Joint Kosovo Bank) Ahmet Shala (Professor of Economics) Muhamet Mustafa (Riinvest)   Local Officials Bajram Rexhepi (Mayor of Mitrovica) Adem Bajri (attorney, Peja) Ardian Gjini (Vice Mayor of Gjakova)   U.S. Participants Conference Chair Chester Crocker, Chairman of Board of Directors of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) Conference Advisor Harriet Hentges, Executive Vice President, USIP Conference Director Dan Serwer, Director of the Balkans Initiative, USIP Sub-Group Chairmen Michael Froman, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations Hal Saunders, Director of International Affairs, Kettering Foundation George Ward, Director, Training Program, USIP Conference Organizers Burcu Akan, USIP Kristine Herrmann, USIP Lauren VanMetre, USIP Christina Zechman, USIP

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