Draft:The First Republic of Kosova 1989-1999: A Political History

The First Republic of Kosova 1989-1999: A Political History is a historical account by Albanian journalist Mero Baze. First published in Albanian in 2022 and later in English in April 2024, the book details the political history of the First Republic of Kosova, a self-declared proto-state in Southeast Europe established in 1991. It examines the decade-long struggle for sovereignty amid the tensions in the Balkans during the early 1990s.

Book Overview
Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Balkans, "The First Republic of Kosova" examines the efforts to establish Kosova as an independent state. The book is divided into four parts.

Part one outlines how Kosova remained under the Kingdom of Yugoslavia following the creation of the independent Albanian state. It then discusses the establishment of the Autonomous Province of Kosova and Metohija under SFR Yugoslavia and the loss of this autonomy in 1989. This loss sparked the movement toward independence under Ibrahim Rugova, who would become Kosova's first president. Rugova's strategy of peaceful resistance is also explored, emphasizing his efforts to achieve independence through non-violent means.

Part two covers Kosova's quest for international recognition and the efforts of Albanian diplomats to elevate the region's struggle on the global stage. It includes analyses of diplomatic efforts with the Council of Europe, CSCE, the London Conference, the European Community's First Peace Conference on Yugoslavia, and the Badinter Committee. This part also discusses the increasing involvement of the United States in the Kosova issue.

Part three focuses on the rise of the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA) following fading hopes for peaceful resistance. It analyzes the West's dilemma in choosing between supporting Ibrahim Rugova or the KLA, as well as the growing support for armed resistance following the Drenica Massacre and indiscriminate attacks by Serbian and Yugoslav security forces against the Albanian population.

Part four highlights NATO's intervention in Kosova in 1999, detailing the major events leading to this decision. It begins with the Račak massacre in January 1999, where 45 Kosovar Albanians were killed by Serbian security forces in response to Albanian separatist activity. This section also covers the peace efforts facilitated by the international community, including the talks in Rambouillet, France, and the eventual peace agreement signed at the Paris Conference. While the Kosovar Albanian, American, and British delegations co-signed the agreement, it was refused by the Serb delegation. The part concludes with NATO's bombing of Serbia and the exodus of Kosova's civilian population, who sought refuge in neighboring Albania and North Macedonia.

About the Author
Mero Baze is an Albanian journalist, publisher, and editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper TemA. Based in Tirana, Albania since 1999, Baze is known for his political analyses and editorials.

Early Career and Education
Baze began his journalism career while studying Engineering at the University of Tirana, Albania. From 1985 to 1990, he honed his skills at the student newspaper Studenti and contributed to other Albanian newspapers such as Zëri i Rinisë.

Rise to Prominence
In the 1990s, following the collapse of communism in Albania, Baze worked with various emerging opposition newspapers. He later served as the chief editor for the Albanian Telegraphic Agency and worked as a radio correspondent for the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe from Tirana.

Contributions and Publications
In 1999, Baze founded the daily newspaper TemA. Since 1992, he has been a regular contributor to Kosovar newspapers, including Bujku and Bota Sot. Baze has authored six books and continues to influence Albanian journalism with his daily political commentaries and editorials.