Kosova dhe marrëdhëniet Shqipëri-Kosovë në shtypin e shkruar shqiptar 2016
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RINIA SHQIPTARE
KOSOVO AND THE ALBANIA-KOSOVO
RELATIONS201
IN THE ALBANIAN PRINTED MEDIA 2016
Mes besimit për të ardhmen dhe dyshim
për të tashmen!
Dritan Sulçebe
Alba Çela
Tidita Fshazi
Arbjan Mazniku
Geron Kamberi
Jonida Smaja – koordinatore e FES
36
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations
in the Albanian printed media 2016
Dritan Sulçebe
Tirane, 2016
1
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
Published by:
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Office Tirana
Rr. Abdi Toptani
Torre Drin, Kati i 3-te
Kutia Postare 1418
Tiranë, ALBANIA
Author: Dritan Sulçebe
The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations
expressed in this publishing are of the respective authors and do
not necessarily represent those of Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
Friedrich Ebert Foundation’s publications cannot be used for
commercial purposes without a prior written approval.
2
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
Table of Contents
1.Introduction.....................................................................................5
2. Executive Summary.......................................................................6
What is reported?..............................................................................8
How are issues reported?..................................................................9
3.Methodology ................................................................................ 10
Selecting the sample...................................................................... 10
How is connotation defined? .........................................................11
Selecting case studies.................................................................... 13
4. Main findings and analysis......................................................... 14
The general picture........................................................................ 14
Connotation: how issues were reported........................................ 20
Case studies ................................................................................... 23
1. Kosovo Political Crisis.............................................................. 23
2. The Kosovo-Albania relations.................................................. 28
5. References..................................................................................... 34
3
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
4
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
Introduction
Kosovo and Albania as two countries sharing the same culture
and language have been for a long time isolated along a hermetic
border, which hindered any interaction between the two countries
until the Kosovo war in 1999. In this context, the societies of
both countries have developed independently from each other
leading to distinctions that continue to stir their relations in
the present. This long-standing isolation was reflected by
the Albanian printed media, which in the past rarely paid any
close attention to the political, cultural and above all societal
developments of Kosovo. Over the last two decades Albanian
citizens were informed only about Kosovo’s most relevant
political issues, while everything related to Kosovar culture and
society was rarely put into the highlights of the Albanian media. However, as this study will show, during the last years the
situation has started to change. The open borders accompanied
by an improved road infrastructure and above all the ample use
of internet, have contributed to a growing dialogue between the
journalists of Kosovo and Albania and also to a better knowledge
they have about each other’s countries. As a result, nowadays
Albanian newspapers offer a more detailed overview over the
various matters happening on the other side of the north-eastern
borders, by not just relying on the romantic nationalistic clichés
of the past, but by being objective towards all issues affecting the
relations between the two countries.
The recent debates involving journalists from both countries
over the issue of the “kosovar” identity, but also on the frictions
5
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
such as those encountered in the economic1 realm and recently in
sports2, show a great deal about an increasing level of interaction
between the media outlets of both countries. The study “Kosovo
and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media
2016”, aims to give a general picture on the way Kosovo and
the Kosovo-Albania relations are portrayed by the Albanian print
media outlets. The time-frame covered by the study is six months,
from January to June 2016. The quantitative and qualitative
insights are also illustrated by two specific case studies on
the most relevant topics regarding Kosovo and its relations to
Albania, as depicted by the Albanian media during the selected
period.
Executive Summary
The monitoring of the first half of 2016 was interesting, since it
revealed valuable information on how Kosovo and the KosovoAlbania relations were covered by the Albanian printed media. This
period was characterized by the political crisis in Kosovo culminating
in the months of January and February, by the presidential elections
in Kosovo and the developments concerning the cooperation
between Albania and Kosovo, which was a relevant topic during
1. Dritan Sulçebe, “Albania and Kosovo - In quest of a Common Future”, AIIS-FES
Albania, Tirana, 2016,pg. 25-26.
2. Since Kosovo became member of UEFA and FIFA in May 2016, its football
national team is allowed to compete in official tournaments. Some players of the
Albanian national football team originating from Kosovo, thus decided to play for
the newest football representation of Europe, triggering heated debates among
journalist from both sides of the border on issues related to “Kosovar Identity”
and the Albanian national consciousness.
6
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
the months of April, May and June. These issues were extensively
covered by the Albanian printed media, showing that Kosovo and
all issues related to the country generate a growing interest in the
Albanian media. The coverage depended widely on the dynamics
and relevance of the topics. However, it is observed that all issues
concerning Kosovo, despite their importance, generate a vivid
interest among the Albanian printed media. This might be explained
by the long historical separation between the two countries causing
a long-lasting interest of its people to “explore” or re-discover each
other.
This study tried to answer two main questions in relation to the
articles published by the Albanian printed media: “what are the main
issues the Albanian printed media covered during this six months
period in relation to Kosovo and the Kosovo-Albania relations?”
and “how did the Albanian printed media cover these issues?”.
These ‘what’ and ‘how’ questions provide a general picture of the
way Kosovo and the Kosovo-Albania relations are portrayed in
the Albanian media along with the main themes that accompany
and define this portrayal. The study shows that the coverage of
issues related to Kosovo, especially with regard to the country’s
political developments, is mostly neutral, while on the other hand
the coverage of the relations between the two countries is marked
by positive tones portraying the most encouraging aspects of the
cooperation between Kosovo and Albania.
7
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
What is reported?
This study analyzed a sample of 227 articles from three daily Albanian
newspapers published in Albanian - Shqip, Panorama and Mapo - and
one weekly Albanian newspaper published in English – Tirana Times.
From the sample we analyzed, 206 articles have been published by
three daily newspapers in six months, which means about 21 articles
month/each on average. This shows that during the period covered by
the study, Kosovo or the Kosovo-Albania relations are to be considered
as a “hot” topic by the Albanian newspapers. This might be explained
with the political crisis in Kosovo stemming by the political debates
and protests on the issues related to the constitution of the Association
of Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo, also known as “Zajednica”
and the border demarcation with Montenegro, with the election of
Kosovo’s new president in the end of February and the third joint
governmental meeting between Albania and Kosovo, taking place in
Pristina during June 2016. Thus, January, February and June enjoyed
a high amount of articles related to Kosovo and the Kosovo-Albania
relations, with February being the frontrunner with 54 articles in total.
February was the month of the election of Kosovo’s new president but
also the month of numerous protests by the country’s opposition.
The issues which were covered during the months of January, February
and June were: (1) Kosovo’s opposition protests against the constitution
of the Association of Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo and the
border demarcation with Montenegro; (2) the presidential elections of
2016 and (3) the relations between Albania and Kosovo. Other issues
covered in this period were: Activities of Kosovo’s main opposition
parties such as: “Vetevendosje” and AAK and their respective main
leaders Albin Kurti and Ramush Haradinaj, issues related to the
European integration of Kosovo, the process of visa liberalization and
8
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
the country’s relations with Serbia and issues concerning culture and
sports. The analyzed sample indicates that the Albanian printed media
covered mainly political issues with 78% of all articles. This clearly
demonstrates the focus of Albanian newspapers towards the political
events in Kosovo, during the covered period. On the other hand, culture
and economy are clearly underrepresented with 10% and 6% of the
analyzed sample.
How are issues reported?
The overwhelming part of the articles analyzed in the contest of this
study, showed that most of the issues related to Kosovo were reported
neutrally. Negative or positive connotation was mostly observed among
the articles illustrating the relations between the two countries and those
reflecting different opinions on the most pressing issues regarding the
political developments in Kosovo. The neutrality of Albanian media
towards Kosovo might be explained by the lack of major sensitive
issues that might affect the relations between the two countries or
peoples and the neutrality of Albanian newspapers towards political
events n Kosovo. The neutral connotation articles represent 57% of the
sample, while negative and positive articles ones follow with 23% and
20% respectively. Articles with positive or negative connotation were
mainly opinion editorials and interviews from various analysts, writers
and politicians concerned about the political crisis in Kosovo and the
developments regarding the Albania-Kosovo relations. Especially the
political crisis in Kosovo was subject of debates between the advocates
and opponents of the Kosovan government. The cooperation between
Albania and Kosovo was on the other hand mainly portrayed with
positive notes, but there were also many articles which highlighted
the insufficient steps taken by the two governments to further deepen
their relations.
9
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
Methodology
The chosen primary research method is a basic content analysis
that is quantitative and qualitative media monitoring. The content
to be analyzed is composed of articles from Albanian printed media
outlets. This methodology is commonly used for media monitoring
activities, especially during elections and certainly in academia
for discourse analysis. AIIS has already used this methodology in
two previous projects: “Albania and Serbia: Do perceptions equal
reality?”3 and “Greece and the Albanian-Greek relations in the
Albanian printed media 2014”4
Selecting the sample
This study monitored three Albanian daily printed media outlets
─ Shqip, Mapo and Panarama newspapers ─ and one weekly
newspaper that is printed in English ─ Tirana Times. This selection
was a priori made in accordance to the number of copies sold
for every Albanian media outlet, while Tirana Times was selected
because of reaching a specific English-speaking community in
Tirana, mainly composed of the foreign diplomatic missions and
different international organizations in Tirana, in addition to its
Albanian readers.
After this initial selection, these media outlets were monitored
3. Andi Balla, Filip Ejdus & Megi Llubani, Albania and Serbia: Do perceptions
equal reality?, Albanian Institute for International Studies and Belgrade Centre
for Security Policy, Tirana and Belgrade, 2013.
4. Sashenka Lleshaj, Dritan Sulçebe, Greece and the Albanian-Greek relations in
the Albanian printed media 2014, Tirana, 2015.
10
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
for a period of six months, starting from January until June 2016.
These six months were selected for observing how the political
crisis and the presidential election in Kosovo, but also the AlbaniaKosovo relations- in light of the joint meeting between the two
governments in Pristina during June 2016- were reflected by the
Albanian media. In order to collect a representative sample of
articles, we pre-defined a series of keywords, such as: Association
of Serbian Municipalities, Zajednica, Presidential elections,
Hashim Thaçi, Isa Mustafa, Vetëvendosje, Cooperation between
Kosovo and Albania, Demarcation Kosovo-Montenegro, Ramush
Haradinaj. Through these keywords, a computerized blind search
was conducted over a major database of scanned newspaper articles.
Given the wide number of keywords used and the accuracy of the
method applied in selecting the articles, we believe the sample
is representative of the wider population of articles dealing with
Kosovo and the Kosovo-Albania relations. This search resulted in
227 relevant articles. Other articles covering issues of secondary
importance to this research were discarded.
How is connotation defined?
A central part of this study is the basic content analysis which
is conducted through a thorough analysis of every article’s
connotation, main themes and discourse used. Special attention
has been paid to defining connotation and the way information
is transmitted. The study has established three main categories to
define connotation: negative, positive and neutral.
The method used to define articles’ connotation was in accordance
to the language, tone and specific words usage. This was a peculiar
part of the methodology as there were some standards to be set in
11
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
order for the definition to be consistent and leave as little space as
possible for inconsistent interpretation throughout the study. The
categorization was done in the following way:
- An article was classified as having a negative connotation
when: (1) words such as conflict, violation, problem/atic,
distrust, discrepancies, unresolved, etc, were used (2) there
was a noticeable opinion, position or view expressed from the
reporter/author of the article and the tone was emphasizing a
negative aspects of a situation (3) there were specific pictures,
boxes or highlights that mapped a general negative image to
the readers’ first impact with the article.
- An article was defined as neutral when a moderate language
was used, there were citations from both sides of an issue
and the reporting did not have a vehement tone. At the same
time, the picture used and the space given was moderate and
did not leave the reader with any special negative or positive
impressions.
- An article was defined as positive, when (1) words such
cooperation, agreement, partnership, solution, friendship,
improvement, support, etc, were used (2) there was a noticeable
opinion, position or view expressed from the reporter/author of
the article and the tone was emphasizing a positive aspects of
a situation (3) there were specific pictures, boxes or highlights
that mapped a general positive image to the readers’ first
impact with the article.
Although these standards make classification systematic to a certain
degree, it is impossible in this specific case to entirely objectify the
researcher’s judgment of the connotation of a specific article. 12
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
Selecting case studies
This study assessed that the media monitoring would not be fully
completed with the quantitative data on topics covered and the
connotation accompanying them, and thus an in-depth analysis
of specific case studies was needed to answer the questions that
statistical data usually leaves unanswered. Accordingly, two case
studies were selected that cover Kosovo and the Kosovo-Albania
relations relevant to the January-June 2016 period (not limited only
to this timeframe though).
13
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
Main findings and analysis
How do the print media report on Kosovo and Albania-Kosovo
relations? In trying to answer the above question, this chapter
provides the core analysis of the study in two main sections. The
first section provides the general quantitative information on the
articles’ nature and spread as well as on the issues’ coverage and the
connotation findings. The second section focuses on the in-depth
analysis of two case studies: (1) The political crisis in Kosovo,
which was especially intense during the months of January and
February 2016 and (2) The cooperation between Albania and
Kosovo.
The general picture
For the 227 articles, the spread per newspaper is as follows: the
bigger share is from Shqip with 117 articles, followed by Mapo
with 47 articles and Panorama and Tirana Times with 42 and
21 articles respectively. For obvious reasons the Albanian daily
newspapers’ volume of articles is much higher compared to the
weekly English newspaper Tirana Times.
14
and 21 articles respectively. For obvious reasons the Albanian daily newspapers’ volume of
articles is much higher compared to the weekly English newspaper Tirana Times.
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
The number of articles per newspaper
117
47
42
21
Shqip
Mapo
Panorama
Tirana Times
Chart
Chart11
Moreover, articles
were were
classified
accordingaccording
to their focus
defining
or not the
Moreover,
articles
classified
to in
their
focuswhether
in defining
Kosovo-Albania
relations
(or any aspect of these
relations)(or
and/or
were
central
whether
or not
the Kosovo-Albania
relations
anyKosovo
aspect
of the
these
focus of the articles
of Kosovo
this study’swere
sample.
From
Chart 2focus
below,of
it is
visible
that 79of
percent
relations)
and/or
the
central
the
articles
this of
the samplesample.
focused on
political
and other
issues concerning
Kosovo,
only 21 percent
study’s
From
Chart
2 below,
it is visible
thatwhile
79 percent
of
were
directly
focused
on
the
Kosovo-Albania
relations.
the sample focused on political and other issues concerning Kosovo,
while
only 21 percent were directly focused on the Kosovo-Albania
It should be noted that the majority of the articles dealing with the Kosovo-Albania relations
relations.
were focused on a very diverse range of issues, such as: the Economic relations between the
twoshould
countries,be
sports,
culture,
society andofhistory.
It
noted
thatpolitics,
the majority
the articles dealing with the
Kosovo-Albania relations were focused on a very diverse range of
issues, such as: the Economic relations between the two countries,
sports, culture, politics, society and history.
15
9
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
Article's Focus
Focusing on Kosovo
Focusing directly on Albania-Kosovo relations
21%
79%
Chart 22
Chart
In addition to this basic newspaper-based and focus based categorization, the articles were
In addition to this basic newspaper-based and focus based
also grouped in accordance to the main issues they covered. Thus, the four main categories of
categorization, the articles were also grouped in accordance to the
issues covered
duringcovered.
the six months
study
monitored
are: the Kosovo
Political Crisis; the
main
issues they
Thus,thethe
four
main categories
of issues
Presidential
election
Kosovo;
thethe
Kosovo-Albania
relations
relations between
covered
during
theinsix
months
study monitored
are:and
the the
Kosovo
Kosovo andCrisis;
Serbia. the
As itPresidential
is visible fromelection
Charter 3,
of the
the Kosovo
Political Crisis
Political
incoverage
Kosovo;
KosovoAlbania
relations
and the
relations
Kosovo
andorSerbia.
was predominant
compared
to the
rest of thebetween
issues with
94 articles
41% of the sample.
As
it
is
visible
from
Charter
3,
coverage
of
the
Kosovo
Political
This was followed by 45 articles (20%) on the Kosovo-Albania relations, 34 (16%) articles
Crisis
was predominant compared to the rest of the issues with 94
on the Presidential election in Kosovo and 17 articles (7%) on the Kosovo-Serbia relations.
articles or 41% of the sample. This was followed by 45 articles
The Kosovo EU integration issue was covered by 13 articles (6%), while 24 articles covered
(20%) on the Kosovo-Albania relations, 34 (16%) articles on the
a wide range of different issues.
Presidential
election in Kosovo and 17 articles (7%) on the KosovoSerbia
relations. The Kosovo EU integration issue was covered by
As stated in the chapter’s introduction, two of these cases will be analyzed in detail in the
13 articles (6%), while 24 articles covered a wide range of different
final section, in order to get more insights on the way these were reported in the media.
issues.
16
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
As stated in the chapter’s introduction, two of these cases will be
analyzed in detail in the final section, in order to get more insights
on the way these were reported in the media.
Articles per issue
94
45
34
17
Kosovo Political The Presidential Kosovo-Albania Kosovo-Serbia
Crisis
election in
relations
relations
Kosovo
24
13
Kosovo EU
integration
Miscellaneous
Chart 3
Chart 3
When it comes to the monthly spread
of articles, the study shows
two peaks
June
with 63
articles
respectively.
When
it comesintoFebruary
the monthlyand
spread
of articles,
the and
study46
shows
two peaks
in February and
Thewith
months
April andThe
May,
show
a slight
of a
June
63 andof
46 March,
articles respectively.
months
of March,
Aprildecrease
and May, show
articles
with
31,
25
and
20
articles
respectively. It
is
interesting
slight decrease of articles with 31, 25 and 20 articles respectively. It is interesting to study
to peaks
studyas the
astothey
arethemes/issues
related todiscussed
the main
themes/issues
the
they peaks
are related
the main
above.
Thus, the February
discussed
above.
Thus,
the
February
peak
is
a
result
of
the wide
peak is a result of the wide and intensive coverage of the political crisis in Kosovo, while the
and intensive coverage of the political crisis in Kosovo, while the
June peak reflects the coverage of the Kosovo-Albania relations as related to the joint
June peak reflects the coverage of the Kosovo-Albania relations as
meeting of both governments in June 2016.
related to the joint meeting of both governments in June 2016.
Monthly spread of articles
63
46
42
31
25
20
17
June peak reflects the coverage of the Kosovo-Albania relations as related to the joint
meeting of both governments in June 2016.
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
Monthly spread of articles
63
46
42
31
January
February
25
March
April
20
May
June
Chart 4
At this point it is important also to notice the monthly spread of
articles per newspaper in order to see if the Chart 4 general monthly
spread is a result of a specific newspaper’s coverage or whether
it represents a general trend, despite single newspapers. Chart 5
clearly shows that generally with the exception of Mapo, there is
an interesting coherence among the different newspapers’ coverage
intensity of the issues we studied. In most of the newspapers
February, is to be considered as a peak month. This clearly shows
the particular attention that the Albanian media showed for the
political crisis in Kosovo, but also for the presidential election in
the country.
18
11
election in the country.
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
Articles of each newspaper per month
Mapo
Panorama
Shqip
Tirana Times
4
38
1
3
21
26
3
2
8
13
11
7
January
13
12
9
February
5
10
March
6
6
4
3
3
April
May
5
14
June
Chart 5
Finally, articles were categorized according to their nature into
Chart 5
articles that dealt with: political, economic, cultural and social
issues.articles
Out of
227
articles,according
78 percent
with
Finally,
were
categorized
to theirwere
naturedealing
into articles
thatpolitical
dealt with:
issues,
followed
by
10
percent
dealing
with
cultural
issues
and
the
political, economic, cultural and social issues. Out of 227 articles, 78 percent were dealing
remaining 12 percent were articles focused on economic and social
issues, 6% percent respectively. Although the chosen keywords12
could be partially responsible for the prevalence of articles that deal
with political issues, a clear tendency can be noticed in the Albanian
printed media to publish articles of a political nature when referring
to Kosovo issues. This is to be explained also by the prevalence of
news related to political developments in Kosovo over the whole
period that was covered by this study.
19
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
Classification of articles according to their
nature
6%
10%
Political
6%
Economic
Culture/Sports
Social
78%
Chart 6
Chart 6reported
Connotation: how issues were
Connotation:howissueswerereported
Answering how the Albanian media reports and subsequently portrays
Kosovo and/or the Kosovo-Albania relations, requires conducting a
Kosovo-Albania
relations,
requiresover
conducting
a detailed content
analysisConnotation
over the published
detailed content
analysis
the published
articles.
articles.
Connotation istool
an interesting
tool to
explore
how are
issuescovered,
are covered,
howthey
they are
is an interesting
to explore
how
issues
how
are reported, how actors are portrayed, what is directly stated and 13
what is being intended by a specific title, topic or information box
and finally what is the purpose of such an article, what is the main
message the article is trying to convey and equally important, what
is the logical and emotional reaction the article generally provokes
to readers. Thus, defining connotation is a complex endeavour of
answering many ‘what’ and ‘how’ questions simultaneously.
Answering how the Albanian media reports and subsequently portrays Kosovo and/or the
As explained in the previous chapter on methodology, in accordance
to the used language, tone and specific words, as well as the article’s
20
and emotional reaction the article generally provokes to readers. Thus, defining connotation
is a complex endeavour of answering many ‘what’ and ‘how’ questions simultaneously.
Kosovo and
theprevious
Albania-Kosovo
in the Albanian
printed to
media
2016language,
As explained
in the
chapter relations
on methodology,
in accordance
the used
tone and specific words, as well as the article’s visualization and subjective statements,
visualization and subjective statements, articles were categories in
three main connotation groups: Positive, Neutral and Negative.
Chart 7 visualises the findings from the general classification of 227 articles into connotation
Chart 7 visualises the findings from the general classification of
groups. Thus, the neutral connotation articles constitute the biggest group that makes up 57
227 articles into connotation groups. Thus, the neutral connotation
percent of the sample followed by the negative articles with 23 percent, and the positive
articles constitute the biggest group that makes up 57 percent of the
articles with 20 percent.
sample followed by the negative articles with 23 percent, and the
positive articles with 20 percent.
articles were categories in three main connotation groups: Positive, Neutral and Negative.
Number of articles according to their connotation
Neutral
Positive
Negative
57%
20%
23%
Chart 7
Chart 7
If we have a look at the connotation distribution per newspaper
If
have a8,
look
the be
connotation
newspaper
Chart 8,the
it can
be noticed
inweChart
it atcan
noticeddistribution
that forperMapo
andinShqip
neutral
connotation
the biggest
share
with
62%
and
that
for Mapo andarticles
Shqip the have
neutral connotation
articles
have the
biggest
share
with63%
62% and
respectively.
At
Panorama
the
articles
with
neutral
connotation
63% respectively. At Panorama the articles with neutral connotation amount to 41% and they
amount
41%
and they
havewithonly
a small
advantage
over
those
have
only ato
small
advantage
over those
negative
connotation,
represented
by 32%
of the
with negative connotation, represented by 32% of the sample. On 14
the other hand, Tirana Times offers a more equal distribution of
neutral and positive articles with 38% of each of these categories,
while negative articles constitute 24 % of the sample. Tirana Times’
21
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
sample.
On the
other hand,
Times offerswith
a more
distribution
of neutral
moderate
coverage
canTirana
be explained
theequal
specific
audience
thisand
positive
articlesseeks
with 38%
of each
categories,
whilethis
negative
articles
constituteon
24 %
newspaper
and
the of
inthese
depth
analyses
journal
offered,
of
sample. Tirana
Times’ moderate coverage can be explained with the specific audience
thetheKosovo
affairs.
this newspaper seeks and the in depth analyses this journal offered, on the Kosovo affairs.
The majority of articles with neutral connotation indicate that
The
majority of
with neutral
connotation in
indicate
that especially
the political
especially
thearticles
political
developments
Kosovo
were covered
developments
in Kosovo
were covered with
by the neutrality.
Albanian newspapers
with neutrality.
by the Albanian
newspapers
The political
crisisThe
political
crisis and Kosovo’s
Presidential
election were
impartially,
in many cases
and Kosovo’s
Presidential
election
werereported
reported
impartially,
in by
quoting
press releases
from different
Kosovar news
agencies.
The Kosovar
negative connotation
many cases
by quoting
press releases
from
different
news
articles
were mostly
opinion pieces
or op-eds, by articles
analysts who
criticized
or emphasized
agencies.
The negative
connotation
were
mostly
opinionthe
negative
of the ways
government
of Kosovo
or/and the
oppositionthe
were
pieces aspects
or op-eds,
by the
analysts
who
criticized
or Kosovar
emphasized
dealing
withaspects
the political
On the the
othergovernment
hand, positive connotation
articles
were mainly
negative
ofcrisis.
the ways
of Kosovo
or/and
the
focused
on the
cooperationwere
between
Albania with
and Kosovo,
Kosovo’s crisis.
progressOn
in the
Kosovar
opposition
dealing
the political
theEU
integration
process
and the achievements
of thearticles
latter in the
areas mainly
of culture,focused
sports etc.
other hand,
positive
connotation
were
on
the cooperation between Albania and Kosovo, Kosovo’s progress in
the EU integration process and the achievements of the latter in the
areas of culture, sports etc.
Connotation categories per newspaper
Neutral
Positive
13%
25%
Negative
22%
32%
15%
38%
17%
63%
62%
41%
Mapo
24%
38%
Panorama
Shqip
Tirana Times
Chart 8
Chart 8
22
15
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
Case studies
After getting a sense of the general picture of the Albanian media
coverage of many issues related to Kosovo and the Kosovo-Albania
relations over a six months period, this section will give some more
insights into how specific cases were reported and will analyze the
specific themes that accompanied their coverage. The order these
case studies will be analyzed is subject based, starting with the
Kosovo Political Crisis and finishing with the relations between
Albania and Kosovo. The reason why these case studies were
chosen to be analyzed in more detail, is the media attention they
attracted and because they represent the most important aspects,
upon which the Albanian newspapers were focused during the six
months period of this study.
1. Kosovo Political Crisis
Situational background
The 2013 Brussels agreement between Serbia and Kosovo provides
for the formation of the Association of Serb Municipalities in Kosovo
commonly known as “Zajednica”, an autonomous entity with large
self-governing competencies in the areas of public administration,
law enforcement and the judiciary. As the competencies of the
Association as set by the Brussels agreement are vague5 and
5. International Crisis Group, “The Kosovo-Serbia Agreement: Why Less Is
More”, Online: http://blog.crisisgroup.org/europe-central-asia/2013/05/07/
the-kosovo-serbia-agreement-why-less-is-more/
23
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
ambiguous, both Serbia and Kosovo were urged to adopt relevant
legislation for its implementation. Kosovo’s “Vetevendosje”
opposition party was vehemently against the establishment of the
association since its inception during the negotiations leading to
the Brussels Agreement, because it considered it as a breach to the
country’s sovereignty and a very threat to its territorial integrity. Kosovo’s political crisis sharpened during autumn 2015, whereas
“Vetevendosje” (Self-determination) now also supported by other
two minor opposition parties, namely “AAK” (Alliance for the
future of Kosovo) led by Ramush Haradinaj and “Nisma” (Initiative
for Kosovo) led by Fatmir Limaj, boycotted the parliament and
further interrupted parliamentary sessions by making use of teargas.
Opposition protests held against the assembly’s adoption of the
“Zajednica” culminated in November 2015, January and February
2016, when tens of thousands of opposition supporters6 took the
streets to demonstrate against the Association of Serb Municipalities,
but also against the demarcation of the Kosovo Montenegro border.
After the ruling of Kosovo’s constitutional court, taken in
December 2015, which considered the Association of Serb-Majority
Municipalities as not compatible with Kosovo’s constitution,
Kosovo’s opposition embraced the cause against the border
demarcation with Montenegro. The governments of Kosovo and
Montenegro have reached an agreement on the demarcation of their
borders, which now awaits to be ratified by Kosovo’s parliament.
Kosovo’s opposition, currently divided among the moderated and
dialogue prone parties of AAK and Nisma and the more radical
“Vetevendosje” movement, claimed that the whole process of
6. The Economist Intelligent Unit, “Kosovo at a political impasse”, Online: http://
country.eiu.com/article.aspx?articleid=1463945330&Country=Serbia&topic=Politi
cs
24
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
negotiations concerning the demarcation issue was not transparent7,
carried out by incompetent persons and most importantly it deprived
Kosovo from 8,200 hectares of land. The protests of the Kosovar
opposition against the border demarcation deal, culminated in
the first of September 2016, the day when Kosovo’s parliament
discussed the ratification of the agreement. Due to the protests,
but also because of internal disagreements within the majority, the
ratification was postponed to another date. The issues of “Zajednica”
and the border demarcation with Montenegro, continue to define
Kosovo’s political landscape to the present day.
General quantitative data on coverage
Print media’s attention towards Kosovo’s political crisis was as
follows: Shqip published 49 articles, Panorama published 17
articles, Mapo published 15 articles and Tirana Times published 4
articles (Chart 9). Number of articles per newspaper
49
15
17
4
Mapo
Panorama
Shqip
Tirana Times
Chart 9
Chart 9
7. Balkaninsight, “Kosovo’s Vetevendosje Renews Opposition to Montenegro
Border Deal”, Online: http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/vetevendosjereturns-to-kosovo-assembly-to-stop-border-agreement--06-08-2016
As
mentioned in the previous chapters, the January and February coverage peak of articles
related to the Kosovo Political Crisis was mainly a result of the media’s focus on 25
this topic.
Chart 10 shows that during January (with 27 articles) and February (with 30 articles) media
was intensively dealing with the Kosovo Political Crisis, especially with the protests
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
As mentioned in the previous chapters, the January and February
coverage peak of articles related to the Kosovo Political Crisis was
mainly a result of the media’s focus on this topic. Chart 10 shows
that during January (with 27 articles) and February (with 30 articles)
media was intensively dealing with the Kosovo Political Crisis,
especially with the protests organized by Kosovo’s opposition. Since
the situation began to normalize in the months of March, April and
May less attention was paid to this issue. However in June, we have
an increase of articles (11) dealing with the political crisis, since this
month also marks the escalation of the conflicts between the Kosovo
opposition and majority in relation to the border demarcation with
Montenegro.
Number of articles per month
30
27
11
10
5
2
January
February
March
April
May
June
Chart 10
Chart 10
Connotation
Connotation
How was the Kosovo Political Crisis covered throughout the Albanian printed media and
How was the Kosovo Political Crisis covered throughout the
Albanian printed media and which were some of the main themes
that 58% of the articles had a neutral connotation on this topic, while 38 percent reported the
accompanying its coverage? From Chart.11 it is clear that 58% of
issue through negative tones. Only 4% of the articles had a positive connotation.
the articles had a neutral connotation on this topic, while 38 percent
which were some of the main themes accompanying its coverage? From Chart.11 it is clear
26
Number of articles according to their connotation
Neutral
Positive
Negative
How was the Kosovo Political Crisis covered throughout the Albanian printed media and
which were some of the main themes accompanying its coverage? From Chart.11 it is clear
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
that 58% of the articles had a neutral connotation on this topic, while 38 percent reported the
issue
through
negative
Only negative
4% of the articles
a positive
connotation.
reported
the
issuetones.
through
tones.had
Only
4% of
the articles had
a positive connotation.
Number of articles according to their connotation
Neutral
Positive
Negative
58%
4%
38%
Chart 11
The neutral reporting, which was predominant in the coverage of this
topic, is characterized by the balanced and unbiased language. This
moderate coverage was visible even in the titles and headlines such
as: “The political tensions to rise in Kosovo”, “The opposition sets
up tends in front of the government building”, “Molotov Cocktails
against the parliament building, the police disbanded protestors
and strikers from the main square”, “AAK and Nisma want a new
demarcation committee”. The main themes that were emphasized by
the articles covering these articles were: The Association of Serbian
Municipalities, Demarcation of the Kosovo-Montenegro Border, and
the Opposition Protests in Kosovo.
The negative language that accompanied the coverage of this
topic emphasized three main themes: The violence used during the
27
19
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
opposition protests, the harsh and brutal response of the Kosovo
authorities and the incapability of Kosovo’s political elite to overcome
the political crisis. The negative connotation articles were presented
with titles like: “Politics is Kosovo’s poison”, “Qosja: The violent
ones should be removed by from power”, “You are Kosovo’s major
problem”, “If there are no early elections, then what?”, “If everything
carries the name of confrontation”. Negative connotation was used to
highlight the damage that the political crisis was doing to Kosovo, to
emphasize the aggressive aspects of the opposition’s strategies and
the Kosovo’s government hostility towards the opposition.
2. The Kosovo-Albania relations
Situational background
The relations between Kosovo and Albania, have been considered by the
Albanian media as an important aspect for measuring the ability of the
Albanian government to strengthen the ties with the “brothers” from the
other side of the border. The patriotic rhetoric, still prevalent among the
Albanian journalists, dictates a thorough observation of all cases where
progress is signed in terms of cooperation enhancement in the areas of
economy, culture and sports. In the same fashion, critical voices are
always prone to get loud in the case of conflicts or misunderstandings
between the two countries; such as the case of trade frictions and recently
on the matters concerning the distinctions between the Albanian and
“Kosovar” identities. Media coverage on this topic during the six months
period was mainly focused on the developments concerning the joint
cooperation in the areas of culture, economy, justice and sports. Some
of the most relevant issues covered during this timeframe were: The
interconnection of the energy networks of both countries, cooperation
28
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
in education and scientific areas, the mutual recognition of diplomas,
the dynamics of trade relations, cooperation in the areas of justice and
European integration, Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and the agreement
on protection of mutual investments. Special coverage was granted to the joint meeting of the two
governments in Pristina during June 2016. During the last years, the
governments of both countries have consolidated the tradition of joint
governmental meetings, which often produce common cultural agendas,
or memoranda of understandings in the areas of energy, transport,
education and culture, with little or insignificant impact in the substantial
rise of cooperation between Albania and Kosovo. Thus, the economic
agreements aimed at the creation of a common market between the two
countries, having reached only some limited progress in terms of lifting
of non tariff barriers, didn’t have any impact on the trade volume. In a
similar vein joint education policies until now have failed to achieve a
unified educational system in any of its relevant levels. The same can be
said about joint cultural events calendars, which represent a very shallow
effort for the better mutual understanding of both cultures. The June 2016 meeting, the third of this kind organized by the two
governments (following the meetings of Prizren in January 2014 and
Tirana in March 2015) focused on the joint new mechanisms on the
implementation of the mutual signed agreements and the facilitation of
procedures related on the improvement of business climate. Furthermore,
a series of agreements were signed such as: the agreement between
the relevant ministries of Finances regarding the joint administrative,
financial and customs investigations and the establishment of the joint
public administration training center. Worth mentioning is the partnership
agreement signed by the Albanian Ministry of European Integration and
the Kosovar Ministry of Local Administration8, in the frame of the
8. Albanian Public Television RTSH, “Shqipëri-Kosovë, mbledhja e përbashkët e
qeverive në Prishtinë kurorëzohet me marrëveshje dhe memorandum”, Online:
29
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
Albania- Kosovo IPA II cross-border programme. During the meeting
the prime ministers of both countries emphasized the achievements
signed by the cooperation agreements between Albania and Kosovo,9
which have further intensified the common efforts for a joint market and
approximation of standards in the areas of agriculture and food safety.
General
quantitative
data ondata
coverage
General
quantitative
on coverage
From
to June
2016,
the relations
betweenbetween
Albania and
Kosovoand
were
covered by
FromJanuary
January
to June
2016,
the relations
Albania
Kosovo
Shqip
19 articles,
followed
and Tirana
Timesbywith
11 articles
each and
were with
covered
by Shqip
withby19Mapo
articles,
followed
Mapo
and Tirana
Panorama
with 911
articles
in total.
Times with
articles
each
and Panorama with 9 articles in total.
Number of articles per newspaper
19
11
11
9
Mapo
Panorama
Chart 12
Shqip
Tirana Times
Given the fact that during the months of January, February and March
Chart 12
the Albanian print media were mainly covering the political crisis
and presidential election in Kosovo, the Albania-Kosovo relations
werethecovered
mainly
in May
and June
onandthe
verge
and inprint
the
Given
fact that during
the months
of January,
February
March
the Albanian
aftermath
of the
third the
joint
meeting
between
theelection
two governments.
media
were mainly
covering
political
crisis and
presidential
in Kosovo, the
Albania-Kosovo
relations were covered mainly in May and June on the verge and in the
http://rtsh.al/lajme/shqiperi-kosove-mbledhja-e-perbashket-e-qeverive-ne-
prishtine-kurorezohet-me-shtate-marreveshje-dhe-memorandume/
aftermath
of the third joint meeting between the two governments.
9. “Shekulli” newspaper, “Shqipëri-Kosovë, Qeveritë diskutojnë rrugën e
përbashkët të së ardhmes”, Online: http://www.shekulli.com.al/p.php?id=438775
30
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
Number
Numberofofarticles
articlesper
permonth
month
1414
1111
99
99
66
11
January
January
February
February
March
March
April
April
May
May
June
June
Chart
Chart
Chart
131313
Connotation
Connotation
Connotation
How
Howwere
werethe
theKosovo-Albania
Kosovo-Albaniarelations
relationscovered
coveredbybythe
theAlbanian
Albanianprinted
printedmedia?
media?Chart
Chart1414
How were
the Kosovo-Albania
relations
covered
byofthe
Albanian
suggests
a
clear
predominance
of
positive
connotation
articles
with
72%
the
sample,
suggests a clear predominance of positive connotation articles with 72% of the sample,
printed media?
Chart 14connotation
suggests a clear
predominance
of positive
followed
followedby
byneutral
neutraland
andnegative
negative connotationarticles,
articles,with
with16%
16%and
and12%
12%respectively.
respectively.
connotation articles with 72% of the sample, followed by neutral
and negative connotation articles, with 16% and 12% respectively.
Number
Numberof
ofarticles
articlesaccording
accordingtototheir
theirconnotation
connotation
Neutral
Neutral
Positive
Positive
Negative
Negative
16%
16%
72%
72%
12%
12%
Chart
14
Chart 14
Chart 14
31
23
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
The articles marked by the usage of positive language emphasized
themes such as: The third Joint governmental meeting between
Albania and Kosovo, the recognition of university degrees, the joint
Kosovo-Albania cultural calendar and the mutual recognition of
diplomas. Some of the titles used in this context were: “Kosovo
recognizes degrees of private Albanian universities”, “Culture
makes borders disappear”, “Albania and Kosovo approve joint
calendar of cultural events for 2016”, “TAP will be extended to
Montenegro. Gjiknuri: Kosovo should be included”, “Kosovo and
Albania, agreement to protect mutual investments”, “Bushati seeks
the European integration of Kosovo”, “Drin river unifies Albania and
Kosovo in raising environmental protection awareness”, “Albania,
Kosovo step up efforts to lift barriers ahead of third joint gov’t
meeting”. Positive connotation articles were generally characterized
by enthusiastic tones emphasizing the cooperation between the two
countries mainly in the areas of culture, education and economy.
As per the neutral connotation articles, they were defined by moderate
tones and balancing enthusiasm on the cooperation between the
two countries. Neutral reporting was overwhelming in the articles
portraying the mutual visits of low ranking officials between the
two countries, the reaction of Albanian authorities with regard to the
political developments in Kosovo, events with marginal importance
on the cooperation between Albania and Kosovo and in the context
of objective analyses portraying the relations between the two
countries. The balancing language was visible in the titles of some
of the articles such as: “The importance of political dialogue, Basha
on official visit to Kosovo”, “Tirana-Belgrade and Kosovo in the
middle”.
The few articles with negative tones were focused mainly on the
criticisms towards the Albanian authorities for not taking adequate
32
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
measures to enhance cooperation opportunities between the two
countries and on the negative model that Kosovo’s opposition might
exert towards its counterpart in Albania. An example of the articles’
titles used in this frame is: “Basha: Democratic Party will never
follow the model of Kosovo’s opposition”.
33
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
References
Dritan Sulçebe, “Albania and Kosovo - In quest of a Common
Future”, Tirana, 2016
Andi Balla, Filip Ejdus & Megi Llubani, Albania and Serbia: Do
perceptions equal reality?, Albanian Institute for International
Studies and Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, Tirana and
Belgrade, 2013.
Sashenka Lleshaj, Dritan Sulçebe, Greece and the Albanian-Greek
relations in the Albanian printed media 2014, Tirana, 2015.
International Crisis Group, “The Kosovo-Serbia Agreement: Why
Less Is More”, Online: http://blog.crisisgroup.org/europe-centralasia/2013/05/07/the-kosovo-serbia-agreement-why-less-is-more/
The Economist Intelligent Unit, “Kosovo at a political impasse”,
Online: http://country.eiu.com/article.aspx?articleid=1463945330
&Country=Serbia&topic=Politics
Balkaninsight, “Kosovo’s Vetevendosje Renews Opposition to
Montenegro Border Deal”, Online: http://www.balkaninsight.
com/en/article/vetevendosje-returns-to-kosovo-assembly-to-stopborder-agreement--06-08-2016
Albanian Public Television RTSH, “Shqipëri-Kosovë, mbledhja
e përbashkët e qeverive në Prishtinë kurorëzohet me marrëveshje
dhe memorandum”, Online: http://rtsh.al/lajme/shqiperi-kosovembledhja-e-perbashket-e-qeverive-ne-prishtine-kurorezohet-meshtate-marreveshje-dhe-memorandume/
34
Kosovo and the Albania-Kosovo relations in the Albanian printed media 2016
“Shekulli”, “Shqipëri-Kosovë, Qeveritë diskutojnë rrugën e
përbashkët të së ardhmes”, Online: http://www.shekulli.com.al/p.
php?id=438775
35