For more videos on people's struggles, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. Hello and welcome to People's Dispatch and NewsClick. For the fifth day today, hundreds and thousands of people of Lebanon are on the streets protesting against the government. The protests began on October 17th after the government introduced attacks on VOIP calls via WhatsApp and Facebook and soon escalated into a larger criticism of the government's economic policies. To talk more about the situation on the ground, the mood of the protesters, and the larger reasons for the protests, we have with us Jana Nakhal of the Central Committee of the Lebanese Communist Party. Thank you so much for joining us. Could you start by first talking about the mood of the ground, because today the news has come that the Saad Hariri government has approved a series of economic reforms. And these include cutting the salaries of ministers, say reducing expenses from the state. So this has been portrayed as some sort of an effort to address the concerns of the protesters. And today was also the deadline given by Prime Minister Hariri to find a solution, failing which he threatened he would resign. So after this news has come, what is the mood on the streets? For the past three days, let's say the shouts in the streets have been to actually curse the current minister of interior. After the speech, the curses started getting got directed towards the Prime Minister himself. Because no matter how much, I mean, I don't know what's being said currently in the Western media, but the actual speech of the Prime Minister was to actually tell people that all austerity measures will be taken, and that the projects, that the suggestions of the IMF will be followed, and that the finite and final privatization of what is left out of the Lebanese government will be taken into, will be implemented. So basically, this is what people have seen in the speech of the Prime Minister. Right. And how do you see the next couple of days panning out as far as the protests are concerned? It's a difficult question, but still. It's a very difficult question. Actually, our biggest fears were about today. Everyone was talking about today being a very important day because of many things. First of all, because Hariri was going to and had announced his, let's say, solution. Second of all, because of the extent and grandeur of this movement, I'm talking about yesterday there was 2.5 million people in the streets all over Lebanon, in a country of almost 4 million people. So the extent and strength of this movement meant that the political parties and power felt threatened. And we all know that when capital is threatened, it hits hard. And this is what we were afraid of that they took their, and this is what happened.  People were attacked. People were shot. People are threatened everywhere. So this is one thing that happened, but people stayed in the streets. And this is what showed how steadfast people are. We were also afraid of the media because we don't, we meaning the left, meaning the Lebanese Communist Party, meaning everyone who's in the streets, don't own the media. Those who own the media are those who have the money. So the media is talking about what we call Mukherilin, Mundasin, which is something that would be like Saboteur, who are destroying the streets, destroying people's properties, et cetera, et cetera. These are their arms. These are what they're fighting us with. And until now, people are the protesters. People are still supporting us. The protesters are still on the streets. There's no fear because actually it started, fear started to end at the moment where people stopped fearing that these parties would cut their services and stop paying them money. So this is the most important thing that happened today. Let's see at night.  What is also important is that after the speech of Hariri, people did not buy into the speech. People did not accept it. Several initiatives have been launched to propose what the protesters want, what the demands of the protesters are, and what let's say the plan of the protesters is. Until now, everyone is agreeing upon the idea of the resignation of the government. I think that the coming two days would be a test for the steadfastness of these protesters. If we really want to have a resignation, if we're not going to be afraid of the threats, the social and economic threats of the protesters. Yesterday night, they were saying that there are immoral things happening in these protests, knowing that people from all religious and non-religious backgrounds are there, nobody bought into this. So let's see how steadfast we can stay because we think that they are very much afraid. We're not the ones we're afraid. And to talk a bit more about the protests, the general impression being given in the media is these are entirely spontaneous, just comprised of a mass of individuals who are just angry. So could you talk a bit about the actual organization that is happening behind these protests? What are the progressive movements, including the Lebanese Communist Party? What is their stand and role in this? So basically, this protest is the result of the protests that started years ago, specifically during 2011, the toppling of the regime protests, then 2014 movements, union movements that during two years, unions were built around Lebanon and demonstrations and strikes took place. Then the 2015, which was called the trash, you stink movement. And this has been, this is said not only by the Communist Party, everyone is aware of the connection of all of these movements where people have been changing and turning issues and causes from trash into larger socio-political demands. Even now, because if you want to talk about now, the movements or the protests started because of a proposal by the Minister of Communications to put a tax of six dollars on the WhatsApp call. This is something people would laugh about if you think that such a suggestion launched the largest movement in the history, the contemporary history, modern history of Lebanon after the civil war. It is not about communication, the communication minister. It's not about the six dollar bill or tax. This is about the accumulation of demands, of movements, and of awareness, political awareness for the people in Lebanon in general. So definitely all of the parties and groups and political organizers, organizations that were present since 2011, almost until now, but specifically those of 2015 from different leftist movements, secularist movements around Lebanon, and definitely the Communist Party have been or currently organizing in the streets. So could you, you mentioned some of the enduring resentments that have built up over the last couple of years. So could you give us a bit more background into what the economic situation is and what are these key resentments that are broken out right now? The economic situation in Lebanon is let's start with talking about the minimum wage, where in a country that a minimum of four thousand dollars is needed for a family to live in the city, the minimum wage in Lebanon is almost three hundred dollars. The level of unemployment is almost, I think 50 percent was this year. The level of poverty has gotten to the extent that people, I mean, let's put it this way, people who have been for years supporters and members of the sectarian political parties are currently detaching themselves from these political parties because of the economic situation. We're talking unemployment, we're talking housing problems, we're talking services at all levels. We're talking of a country where there's only one sector working, which is the banking and real estate sector. So this is what let people to go out to the streets. And a lot of the traditional forces, including Hezbollah, have in some senses expressed their support for the government. At some level there has been some sort of a, it seems like there's been a political unity established with all the parties saying no, this government needs to continue. So like you said, it's an interesting thing that people have actually, despite the traditional support of two various parties have actually come out on the streets and seem to be saying that we are not going to stand for this anymore. I think Marx is laughing now because the alliances are very much clapped alliances. All the parties, meaning all the sectarian lords, meaning all warmongers, meaning all the bourgeoisie are supporting one another. And the members and the groups who are in the streets are representatives of the proletariat, the working class, the disenfranchised women and refugees. So for us, the separation and division is logical and normal. Thank you so much, Jennifer. You're welcome. Thank you. That's all we have time for today. Keep watching People's Dispatch and NewsClick.


last lecture we discussed reflex plastron, its working, its applications and specifications of practically available reflex plastron. After that we started discussion on travelling wave tubes, then we discussed about slow wave structures and how and why we use slow wave structures in travelling wave tubes and then we started discussion on helix travelling wave tubes. We have discussed the structure of helix travelling wave tubes, today I will start with working of helix travelling wave tubes, then I will discuss the cross field microwave tubes such as magnetron. So, let us begin with working of helix travelling wave tubes. So, this is the basic schematic of helix travelling wave tube. In this, this is the cathode from where electrons are injected in the tube and this is the collector where electrons are collected after travelling through the tube and this is the RF interaction region where there is a helix structure at this point of helix RF input is provided and at this point of helix RF output is taken. At the centre of this helix there is a attenuator which is placed to attenuate the reflected waves. There is a permanent magnet present all around this tube which is used to provide magnetic field to hold the electron beams. So, these are the components present in this helix travelling wave tubes. Now, let us see how electrons move in helix travelling wave tubes. So, electrons are injected from this point from cathode and they will travel with uniform velocity before entering into the helix structure and after entering into the helix structure their velocity is modulated and how that velocity is modulated let us see. So, the electron which enters the helix when the field is 0, then that electrons velocity will not be changed and the electron which enters the helix when the field is accelerating field then the electron will be accelerated and the electron which enters the helix when the field is retarding field then the electron will be decelerated and the velocity of that electron will be less. Then those velocity modulated electron will travel in this field RF interaction field because of this velocity modulation they will form bunches of electron and these bunches will give their kinetic energy to the field present in the RF interaction region in the next cycle. So, this is how electrons will move in the RF interaction region and output will be taken from this point and after giving up their kinetic energy to helix at this point they will be collected by the collector. Now, let us see how bunching takes place and how and what are the effect of attenuator. So, initially input RF signal vs equal to v1 sin omega t is given to this helix because of this initial signal bunching of electrons will take place like this and these bunches will give up their kinetic energy to the RF field present there in the next cycle and because of that amplification of RF signal will take place as you can see from these two. So, this is the amplified signal as compared to this one. So, this amplified RF signal will produce denser bunches of electron and those denser bunches of electron will further amplify the RF signal RF signal is continuously amplified and this RF signal is amplified till the attenuator and at the attenuator the RF signal is attenuator and after that the same process of bunching and transfer of kinetic energy from electron beam to RF signal takes place like this. So, this is how the RF signal in helical structure is amplified one more thing during the interaction of electron beam and the RF signal we have not talked about the velocities of these two. The velocity is made comparable by the helical structure present in the helix travelling wave tube. As we discussed earlier this helical structure reduces the phase velocity of the electromagnetic wave and because of that electron beam and electromagnetic wave get enough time to interact with each other. The amount by which the velocity of electromagnetic wave is decreased that can be decided by the number of turns of the helix and the diameter of the helix. So, this is all about the working of helix travelling wave tubes. Now, let us move on to the specifications of practically available helix travelling wave tubes. So, the range of frequencies over which the helix travelling wave tubes can work is from 1 gigahertz to 100 gigahertz and it can generate output powers up to 10 kilowatt average and the gain the helix travelling wave tubes can generate is up to 10 dB and the efficiency of helix travelling wave tubes is about 20 to 40 percent. Now, let us see applications of helix travelling wave tubes. The helix travelling wave tubes can be used in broadband microwave receivers as in low noise RF amplifiers, environment communication links and long distance telephony. We need repeaters to amplify the signals and in those repeaters these helix travelling wave tubes can be used as an amplifier to amplify the signals and the helix travelling wave tubes can be used in communication satellites also as in power output tube. These helix travelling wave tubes can also be used for medium power or high power satellite transponder outputs. Because of their higher powers and large bandwidth they can also be used in troposkitter links. Few more applications of helix travelling wave tubes are such as they can be used in air burn, sip burn, pulse high power radars. They can also be used in electronic countermeasure system ECM and they can also be used in phased array radars. So, this is all about the applications of helix travelling wave tubes. Since we have discussed travelling wave tube amplifiers and multi cavity cholesterol amplifiers. So, let us compare these two. In cholesterol amplifiers there are multiple cavities. One is input cavity which is also called as buncher cavity. Another one is output cavity which is also called as catcher cavity and multiple cavities can also be used in between those two input and output cavities which are called as reentrant cavities to increase the gain of multi cavity cholesterol amplifier. Whereas in travelling wave tube amplifier the circuit is non-resonant microwave circuit. Now, the next difference is the cholesterol amplifier is a narrowband device whereas travelling wave tube amplifier is a wideband device. And the cholesterol amplifiers have higher efficiency as compared to the travelling wave tube amplifiers. And as we discussed earlier the frequency of operation of cholesterol amplifier is up to 50 gigahertz whereas the frequency of operation of travelling wave tube amplifier is up to 100 gigahertz. And cholesterol amplifiers are the low power amplifiers. So, they can handle up to 2.5 watts only whereas the travelling wave tube amplifiers are the high power amplifiers which can handle up to 200 watts of power. The one more major difference between cholesterol amplifier and travelling wave tube amplifier is that the interaction of electron beam and the RF field occurs only at the edges of resonant cavities in the cholesterol amplifier whereas in the travelling wave tube amplifier the interaction of electron beam and the RF field is continuous over the entire length of the circuit or over the entire helical structure. And in cholesterol amplifiers each cavity operates independently whereas in coupled cavity travelling wave tubes coupling exists between the cavities. And the last difference is the wave in cholesterol amplifier is non-propagative whereas the wave in travelling wave tube is propagative. So, this is all about the differences between cholesterol amplifier and travelling wave tube amplifiers. Till now we have discussed about the linear beam tubes, their different classifications. Now, we will discuss M type tubes. M type microwave tubes are also called as cross field microwave tubes in which DC electric field is perpendicular to the DC magnetic field. As the name cross field itself suggests that the fields are perpendicular to each other. These cross field tubes are of three types. First one is resonant type, second one is non-resonant and the last one is the structures based on major effect. Now, what is major effect? Major is microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. And the example of these microwave tubes which work on the principle of major effect is gyrotron. So, the gyrotron generates high frequency electromagnetic wave by stimulated cyclotron resonance of electrons moving through strong magnetic fields. And these gyrotrons can generate output frequencies up to 500 megahertz. And these gyrotron can produce output frequencies from 20 gigahertz to about 500 gigahertz. They can produce output powers up to 2 megawatts. And the gyrotron microwave tubes are used in industrial heating applications such as nuclear fusion they are used to heat the plasmas. So, this is all about the gyrotron. Now, in the resonant structures there are standing waves and multiple reentrant cavities are used and these type of microwave tubes. The example of resonant microwave tubes is magnetron and the non-resonant type of structures can be classified as forward wave structures and backward wave structures. And they further can be classified as the structures which has reentrant cavities and the structures without reentrant cavities. So, this is all about the classification of cross field microwave tubes. Now, move on to the magnetron oscillators. Generally, magnetron oscillators contain some form of cathode and anode which are operated in DC magnetic field normal to the DC electric field. And because of these cross field the movement of electrons will be in a curved path. These magnetron oscillators are of three types. First one is split anode magnetron. Second one is cyclotron frequency magnetron. And the third one is traveling wave magnetron. The split anode magnetron use static negative resistance between two segments of the anode. And because of this the efficiency of these type of oscillators is low and these are useful below microwave frequency. The cyclotron frequency magnetrons operates under the influence of synchronization between the electric field and the oscillation of electrons parallel to the electric field. And these type of magnetrons have low efficiency and they can produce low output powers only. And in traveling wave magnetrons there is a interaction of electrons with electromagnetic field. As we discussed in the traveling wave linear beam tubes. So, because of traveling wave structures they can produce high output powers and they have better efficiency as compared to the other two. And there are many types of traveling wave magnetrons such as cylindrical magnetron, linear magnetron, coaxial magnetron and voltage renewable magnetron, inverted coaxial magnetron and frequency agile magnetron. The working of all of these type of magnetrons is somewhat similar. So, we will discuss only this one cylindrical magnetron. The difference in the cylindrical magnetron and planar or linear magnetron is of their structure. In cylindrical magnetron the cathode and the anode are of cylindrical form whereas in linear or planar magnetron the cathode and anode are of planar form or linear form. And the voltage tunable magnetrons are the broadband magnetrons in which frequency changes if we vary the applied voltage between the anode and the sole. So, this is all about these. Now, let us discuss the cylindrical magnetron. The cylindrical magnetron is also called as multi cavity magnetron. In this the cathode and the anode are of cylindrical shape. The cathode and the filament is placed at the center of the tube and these are supported by the filament leads. The cathode is made up of high emission material so that it can emit electrons when it is heated indirectly. The space between anode and cathode is called as RF interaction space. And there are 8 to 20 cylindrical cavities all around the circumference of the cathode and those cavities are called as resonant cavities or reentrant cavities. For each cavity there is a slot which connects the cavity to the RF interaction space. Each one of these cavities X has a parallel resonant circuit as shown by this. So, this is a parallel resonant circuit or a tank circuit and the resonant frequency of a parallel resonant circuit is given by Fr is equal to 1 upon 2 pi under root 1 by LC. The slot which connects the cavity with the interaction region X as a capacitor and the cavity walls X as an inductor. So, the capacitance can be determined by the physical dimension of this gap and the inductance can be determined by the physical dimension of this cavity. So, the resonant frequency of this cavity can be determined by the physical dimensions of the cavity. Now, one more thing the DC voltage is applied between cathode and anode and magnetic field is applied along the axis of the cathode. So, electric field is radially in this plane and magnetic field is in this direction. So, electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to each other and by varying the DC voltage V naught and the magnetic field the path of electrons can be changed. So, by properly selecting these two parameters DC voltage and the magnetic field the electrons path can be made cycloidal and that depends on the DC voltage and the magnetic flux. So, this is all about the structure of multi-cavity magnetron. Now, let us move on to the working of multi-cavity magnetron. So, the working of multi-cavity magnetron can be divided into four phases. Phase one is generation and acceleration of electron beam in a DC field and the second phase is velocity modulation of electron beam in an AC field and the third phase is bunch formation or space charge wheel formation and the last phase is dispensing of energy to the AC field. Now, we will discuss these phases one by one. Let us discuss the first phase which is generation and acceleration of electron beam in a DC field. So, positive voltage is given to this anode and this is negative with respect to this anode. So, the electric field lines will be from positive to negative that is from anode to cathode radially inward. The force on the electron will be f is equal to Q e. So, the force on electron will be from cathode to anode radially outward. So, if there is no magnetic field then there will be only DC electric force from cathode to anode on electrons. So, all the electrons emitted from this cathode will move radially towards the anode like this blue line. If a weak magnetic field is applied then the resultant force on the electron will be in this direction. So, electron will move in this path. Now, if we increase the magnetic field strength then the path of electron will be bent more and we further increase the magnetic field strength then at one point there will be deflection of the electron from the anode and that will return to the cathode and at this point of time there will be no current in the tube. So, the strength of magnetic field after which there is no current in the microwave tube it is called as cut-off magnetic field and that is given by Hull cut-off magnetic equation. Similarly, the cut-off DC voltage is given by Hull cut-off voltage equation. So, this is the effect of different magnetic flux densities on the path of electron beam. Now, let us see the effect of AC field on the path of electron beam. So, DC electric field is present from anode to cathode radially inward one more thing if one cavity starts oscillating then it excites the next cavity with a phase delay of 180 degree and because of this there will be AC electric field in the cavity and the overall electric field in this structure will be sum of DC electric field and the AC electric field. So, the electrons will move radially outwards from cathode to anode because of the DC electric field and as they enter into the AC electric field their path will be bent. So, the electron which moves towards the positive portion of the anode or the portion which is more positively charged those electrons will be accelerated and they will be deflected from this anode and the electrons which move towards the less positively charged part of the anode those electrons will be decelerated and their energy will be transferred to the AC field present there. So, this is how the electron transfer their energy to the AC field present in the cavity. Now, let us move on to the space charge wheel formation. So, because of velocity modulation of electron by the fields present here and the cumulative action of electrons going from cathode to anode and some electrons returning from anode to cathode the combined action of these three result in a structure resembling the moving spokes of a wheel. Now, let us see how oscillations are sustained in this structure. All the electrons which are emitted from this cathode get energy from the DC electric field. Some of those electrons transfer their kinetic energy to the AC field present in the cavities. Those electrons help in sustaining the oscillations as they take energy from the DC fields and give up their energy to the AC fields. So, this is how the oscillations are sustained in multi cavity magnetron. Now, let us move on to the specifications of magnetron. The range of frequencies over which the magnetron can work is from 500 megahertz to about 12 gigahertz and the power output which can be produced by magnetrons is up to about 40 megawatt and this can be achieved when we give DC voltage of about 50 kilo volt at about 10 gigahertz. And the efficiency of these type of magnetrons is fairly good which is from 40 to 70 percent. The example of the magnetron is Thomson TS3074A magnetron in which the frequency range is from 8.5 to 9.5 gigahertz and it can generate power up to 220 watt. The anode volt is equal to 21.5 kilo volt and the anode current is 27.5 ampere. Now, let us move on to the applications of magnetron oscillators. So, magnetron oscillators can be used in radar transmitters. They can also be used in industrial heating and there is a very known example of magnetron which is microwave oven and the standard power of this microwave oven is about 600 watt and the frequency over which it works is about 2.45 gigahertz and it can also work on 915 megahertz. So, this is all about the applications of the magnetrons. Now, let us move on to the comparison of microwave tubes. So, this vertical axis is the average power that can be provided by the microwave tubes and this horizontal axis is the frequencies over which these microwave tubes can work. So, as we discussed helix traveling wave tubes can work from below microwave frequencies to about hundreds of gigahertz and this can provide output powers from few kW to few watts and as the frequency increases the power provided by these microwave tubes decreases and as we discussed the clistron microwave tube can work from fraction of gigahertz to about hundreds of gigahertz and it can provide high powers of about few megahertz for a very large range of frequencies up to about 10 gigahertz and as frequency increases power output decreases drastically and at very high frequency that is at 100 gigahertz it can provide only tens of watts of power. As I discussed gyrotron works from 20 gigahertz to about 500 or 600 gigahertz and they can provide high powers of about 2 mega watts for a large range of frequencies that is from 20 gigahertz to about 200 gigahertz and after that power output decreases drastically and at about 500 or 600 gigahertz it can provide only tens of watt of power. So, depending upon the power output requirement and the range of frequencies any particular microwave tubes can be selected. So, this is all about the microwave tubes just to summarize and microwave tubes we started with the linear beam tubes in which the working principle is velocity and current modulation. We discussed 2 kW, 3 kW and then we discussed reflex crystal oscillator and these 3 are low power microwave tubes. After that we discussed helix travelling wave tubes in which slow wave structures are used to slow down the electromagnetic waves. After that we discussed about cross field microwave tubes and we discussed little bit about gyrotrons and we discussed magnetron and detail. Thank you.


Good morning. My name is Daniel Serwer. I'm Vice President for Centers of Innovation here at the US Institute of Peace. And it's a particular pleasure to welcome you this morning to this session on Building Kosovo's Euro-Atlantic Future, The Opportunities and Challenges Ahead. It's a particular pleasure because Hashim Tachi is a well-known figure here at the Institute. I won't go into all the many contacts we've had with him over the years. I think he and I first met in 1999 at Lansdowne. That was famously an all-Albanian meeting after the war at Lansdowne that issued a declaration of significant importance. And then a year later, a meeting between Serbs and Albanians at Ehrlich House that likewise Hashim attended and was a serious and important contributor to. And it's just an enormous pleasure to see him now as the prime minister of what I still call newly independent Kosovo, even if it's a couple of years now. He faces, indeed, enormous challenges ahead. And we want to hear from him first. He has a prepared text, which will be delivered in Albanian and translated. And then he's agreed to take questions afterwards. One of the many contacts we've had over the years was actually when he came here, sort of in secret, to study English. And we met over dinner. I think he found it painful. But it was very enjoyable for me. And his English is, in fact, very good. And one day we'll convince him, even as prime minister, to address us in English. Let me remind you to turn off or at least silence your cell phones. And without further ado, let me introduce Prime Minister Hashim Tachi. Thank you very much, dear Daniel. Thank you very much to everybody for being here today. Sorry, let me to continue in my language. Tenderua Pesuaras, Zoni Alazotrini. Dear participants, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to present the team of the Zoni Alazotrini Institute in the United States. I would like to present the team of the Zoni Alazotrini Institute in the United States. I will start my presentation by initially thanking the United States Institute of Peace, and particularly Mr. Daniel Server, for the opportunity given to me to address the esteemed audience regarding the future of Kosovo and the other Western Balkan countries. I would like it's an honor for me to use this opportunity to discuss jointly with you. Most of you have been following the events in the region and in Kosovo and have been contributing to those. The future of Kosovo and other Western Balkan countries is secure and will be in NATO and the European Union. This aspiration is not only a desire but a necessity for long-term peace and stability. I would like to present to you the events in Kosovo and the other Western Balkan countries. Eleven years have passed in freedom in more than two years of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state, and Kosovo today is consolidated as a state. Until now, Kosovo has been recognized by 69 states around the world, as a member of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and we expect soon to gain membership in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Unfortunately, there are still countries that behave like Kosovo as if Kosovo doesn't exist as a state. My message today from Washington is clear again. Kosovo exists. It's a sovereign, independent, democratic state. It existed yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever. United States and the American people are proud of the values that they represent. Similarly, Kosovo citizens are also proud, proud of our heritage and our multi-ethnicity, proud of our history and full of hope for the future. The state of Kosovo will be an example of tolerance as a multi-ethnic society for all of Europe. In the course of these couple of years that Kosovo has been an independent and sovereign state, we've made considerable progress in many areas, having in mind the limited opportunities and also the challenges that we have faced. In the sphere of economy, Kosovo has inherited a weak economy as a result of management of the past system and damages caused during the war. Nevertheless, in recent years we have managed to maintain the positive economy growth despite the serious global crisis. We are reducing the government's participation in the economy to stimulate the private sector, something that has been lacking in the last 10 years. We have just started with the building of the first major motorway in Kosovo, a major project that connects from the border with Albania to the border of Serbia. It's a project of more than 700 million dollars. We hope that Serbia will continue this project in its own territory. We have just concluded with a huge success the concessioning process of the Pristina International Airport. The process that was greeted and saluted by all the international mechanisms in Pristina. But being conscious that we cannot have economy or business without having proper energy supply, although all the countries in the region deal with energy crisis. We will soon commence with the building of a new power plant, the new Kosovo power plant with a capacity of 600 megawatts plus. Also in the hydro energy sector we are doing a good job. We have a project for the hydro power plant of JUR with a capacity of 300 megawatts. It's an important regional project because it lies in a place very close to Albania and Macedonia too. At the same time we are continuing with the privatization of our post and telecom services. For which I'm pretty sure we will have a complete success with a fully transparent process. Speaking about energy, it's going on parallel. We have another project of the privatization of the distribution of the Kosovo energy cooperation. And I feel very good that a favorable, correct and transparent environment for the business, for international business in Kosovo has been created. We have some very powerful international consortia taking part in Kosovo's economy, including the American-Turkish consortium, another French-Turkish consortium for the International Airport. And a lot of interest for other projects including energy, including big major corporations from the United States, Western Europe, India, China and other countries. Therefore I keep on and even today call upon all American investors to come to Kosovo because Kosovo is a new state but it's a great opportunity. What are the advantages of this project? Only with the project of construction of this motorway connecting Kosovo with Albania and Serbia, we are ensuring the opening of approximately 4,000 new jobs. Therefore I believe also the other project that I mentioned will create a new space for opening new jobs that are very important and necessary for Kosovo. Ladies and gentlemen, one of the most challenging areas focused on but also for the whole region remains the rule of law. I would like to point out that the project of construction of the Republic of Kosovo and its infrastructure is illegal and it's considered to be financed by the state of Serbia. Therefore I would like to point out that I am actively working on the corruption of the criminal organisation of the Republic of Kosovo. This is not only due to the fact that in the northern part of Kosovo illegal security structures which are being financed by Serbia are still operating but also due to the fact that results of the fight against organised crime and corruption are not satisfactory. In order to overcome this situation my government and other Kosovo institutions are working closely with the ULAX mission and other international mechanisms in Kosovo in order to improve the rule of law. We are very conscientious that without the rule of law in that part of Kosovo we cannot create a democratic order. We cannot have proper elections in those three municipalities in the north or as we are seeing with the authoritarian proposals and we cannot have proper economic development in that area. The institutions of Kosovo will continue to be at the forefront of the fight against corruption, organised crime and other negative phenomena. Dear honourable guests, this battle is given its first initial results after 11 years and this fight will extend to the north of Kosovo very soon. Because in the last 10 years this was silenced in the name of stability. But I say today that without winning the war against corruption and organised crime we can have no stability and we will win this war. It is not an easy battle. There is not an easy battle as I said but I have assured my fellow citizens that I will not be compromising and I can also assure you today in Washington all of our friends that we will be successful. I am very confident that we will have success. Because building a functional state with rule of law is the only alternative that guarantees a democratic order. For this purpose we have started a thorough reform in the judicial system. We have to implement the financial cost of the law. The reform of the judicial system will enable the creation of a modern, effective and independent judicial system. Justice is at the disposal and equally available to all citizens throughout the territory of Kosovo. Ladies and gentlemen I want to reiterate that Kosovo is a multi-ethnic state and I feel proud that our constitutional laws affirm the rights of all communities living in Kosovo. Lately we have initiated amendments of pieces of legislation for the integration of a new law in the region. I want to reiterate that Kosovo is a multi-ethnic state and I feel proud that our constitutional laws affirm the rights of all communities living in Kosovo. Lately we have initiated amendments of pieces of legislation for the integration of a new Montenegrin minority in Kosovo. I am pleased to say that over 90% of the provisions from the comprehensive plan of President Otisare have now been fulfilled. Decentralization has been a success. We have organized free local elections for the first time in independent Kosovo last year and even this year. And I know that the whole world was surprised with the success that we had with these elections, especially with the participation of the Serbian community. Now in those municipalities where the Serbian community is a majority, they run their own affairs. They were the first, these were the first elections in an independent Kosovo. But we had the biggest turnout of Serb community in these elections. And this is a new success for the new state of Kosovo. Because the Serb citizens themselves have distanced themselves from their vote from the illegal, extreme structures. Today, myself as a Prime Minister and the institutions of Kosovo are cooperating closely with these newly elected local leaders. And we have put funds aside, special funds aside for building up the infrastructure needed in these new municipalities. Because we've started the building of new roads, new schools, new health facilities. Now you're talking about the election of 3, and the organization of the state of Kosovo or the state of Kosovo that has been founded in this region or that has been founded in Kosovo. The state of Kosovo, the state of Kosovo, the state of Kosovo, the state of Kosovo. And I would like to mention only one case of elections and newly created municipality of Partish which concluded last just 2 days ago. And in Partish There was an extremely high turnout of the voters up to more than 60 percent. Out of the five new Serbian-majority municipalities, as foreseen by comprehensive status settlement, four of them have already been established and are functional. We are now working to continue the establishment of the fifth municipality of the Mitrovica north and we've established the municipal preparation team for this purpose. Recently, in coordination with the ICO, International Civilian Office, and other international structures, the Republic of Kosovo has opened a governmental office in the north of Kosovo meant to serve all the needs of all citizens living in that area. Unfortunately, in this part of Kosovo, Serbs are still being denied the full integration into Kosovo society and political and daily life and they are being obstructed in this integration by Belgrade themselves. As you know, the Republic of Kosovo legally recognizes the right to double citizenship. However, it is encouraging that so far about 20,000 of Serbian citizens, the Kosovo Serbs, have obtained their Republic of Kosovo documentation, passwords, ID cards, and so forth. This is another strong argument that the Kosovo Serbs are willingly being integrated and recognizing Kosovo institutions. Dear participants, the Republic of Kosovo is building good-neighborly relations with all neighboring countries with the will of regional stability, regional cooperation, and Euro-Atlantic perspective. Our relations with Macedonia are excellent. We have concluded the border demarcation process with them recently. Therefore, our interstate relations are excellent. Of course, with Albania we have excellent relationship. I was just recently in an official visit there. And also with Montenegro we have built excellent relationship. We have also built good-neighborly relations with the Kosovo Serbs, and we have concluded the border demarcation process with them recently. A few days ago I had a meeting with Prime Minister Djokanovic and Montenegro, where we discussed about regional cooperation and also bilateral issues between Montenegro and Kosovo. I believe that also the border demarcation between Kosovo and Montenegro will soon be finalized based on the administrative border line of the Constitution of 1974 of former Yugoslavia, and this is the joint commitment of myself and Prime Minister Djokanovic. But one of our neighbors, Serbia, doesn't recognize the reality on the ground in Kosovo. What's even worse, Serbia continues to work against the damage to the success of Kosovo. But one of our neighbors, Serbia, doesn't recognize the reality on the ground in Kosovo. What's even worse, Serbia continues to work against the damage to the success of Kosovo. Not only the success of Kosovo, also our regional, joint regional successes, but I can say that these endeavors of Serbia will fail. Regardless of this, as you know, Kosovo is expected soon to face the opinion, the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. We are eagerly waiting for this opinion in Kosovo. We now know that this opinion will be made public on July 22nd. I believe that the honorable judges are now already working on the final words of their version. Kosovo will respect the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice because we believe in the future. I am very optimistic that the ICJ opinion will be in compliance with the reality in Kosovo. And it will not be directed against anyone. But regardless of the opinion of the ICJ, the independence of Kosovo remains irreversible and the freedom of my people remains eternal. However, our partners in the European Union and here in Washington, and us also, we all think that the ICJ opinion may bring a new momentum which should be used by Pristina Belgrade and the whole region. We have discussed technical issues and affairs with all our neighboring countries, including Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro, and we are willing to do the same with Serbia. However, I would like to clarify that the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo will never sit down in negotiations with anyone regarding the independence or the territorial integrity of Kosovo because independence is irreversible and our integrity is inalienable. The Government of the Republic of Kosovo is fully aware that regional cooperation, good-neighborly relations and dialogue are key issues for the stability and economic development and a precondition for EU and NATO accession. Kosovo is determined in its policy of good-neighborly relations and for regional and western integration. Good-neighborly relations can only be established on the basis of relationships that are guided by the policies of cooperation and mutual relationship. Dear Daniel and distinguished participants, I would like to thank the Institute of Pristina Belgrade and its partners, and I would like to thank you for the opportunity to take this opportunity and this prestigious institute to unveil for the first time a short framework of issues that could and could not be discussed in case of the initiation of dialogue on technical issues with Serbia. I am of the opinion that the spirit of the relations established with other countries and the region should follow the relations between Kosovo and Serbia too. The scope of the technical issues that could be discussed is very wide, and the dialogue to solve these issues should be continuous. We should continue talking about the fate of the missing persons and the actual dialogue should be advanced in recent more concrete results. We should also discuss about the return of the refugees in their homes and properties. Also the return of the documentation from Serbia. Issue for returning the pension fund for the citizens of Kosovo that was in Serbia. Then the dialogue for the regional cooperation. Example to eliminate the barriers related to participation in regional initiatives and mechanisms. Overcoming obstacles to free movement of war citizens in Serbia and vice versa. For example the recognition of passports, vehicle plates, etc. Finalizing the border demarcation. Discussing issues regarding to waters, energy and safety agreement. But also to discuss about the standards that are interlinked with our integration process and Euro-Atlantic structures. That may create a safe environment for economic development and that includes the whole region. And these areas I'm talking about are police, justice, customs, transport, environment, etc. Most of these issues are human, humanitarian in nature, and there is no reason to further prolong the settlement of these issues. But under no circumstances will there be a dialogue for the political status, for the territorial integrity. Kosovo declared its independence in accordance with the will of the people of Kosovo. And also Kosovo is an independent, sovereign, unique and undivisible country also with its constitution. Also the issues that are inconsistent with the comprehensive proposal for the status and the constitution of the Republic of Kosovo are also not on the negotiation table. Ladies and gentlemen, the state building process in Kosovo despite numerous challenges is a very successful process. For only two years of function as a state, for this time we have managed to establish and operationalize all of our state institutions and implement in practice the provisions of President Atisari's proposals. For this time we have managed to establish and operationalize all of our state institutions and implement in practice the provisions of President Atisari's proposals. Two years after establishing our state we're gaining more confidence and have gained the skills to manage our affairs. I believe that the supervised independence period as stipulated in the Atisari plan is coming to an end and our challenges in the future will be to move forward with our Euro-Atlantic aspirations, so the supervised independence is being concluded successfully. And we consider that Kosovo as a democratic and multi-ethnic state is a success of huge investments by the international community of the European Union and the United States in particular. Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. I'm going to ask a first question, but we're going to have lots of time for other questions. There are microphones on either side of the room. I have to ask you to line up at the microphones. We do need to use them for the questions. I'll take the privilege of a first question and ask, you know, in two days' time there'll be an opinion. What happens next? The General Assembly has to say something about this opinion. How do you see the diplomatic game, how do you see the diplomatic game evolving in the next week or so in the General Assembly and elsewhere? I would not like to prejudge the opinion of the ICJ, which will be public in two days. Nevertheless, we expect that the opinion of the ICJ will be in full compliance with the will of the citizens of Kosovo and the legitimate decisions of the institutions of Kosovo for independent and sovereign states. I expect that after the opinion of the ICJ there will be a new phase for the success of Kosovo. And that will be the phase for the consolidation and empowerment of the state of Kosovo. Of deepening the good-neighborly relations with all the countries in the region. Of the continual new recognitions for the Republic of Kosovo. I also expect the unification in the stance of all European Union countries with regard to Kosovo. And I expect that the full perspective of all the countries in the region will be in full compliance with the will of the citizens of Kosovo. And I expect that the full perspective of Kosovo's integration into the European Union NATO and the United Nations organization will be opened after this. And of course I also expect that a new chapter, new opening maybe between Kosovo and Serbia to discuss issues of practical nature and technical nature and Kosovo has shown the willingness to do so. Kosovo is ready to face the challenges after the opinion of the International Court of Justice. I know that interesting but also dangerous ideas will come from Belgrade. Not only for Kosovo but for the region in general. And also for the policies of peace and stability of EU and United States for the region. But these policies will be failing. Kosovo will be ready to take opponents responsibilities also in coordination with Brussels and Washington and also with the developments in the UN. Thank you. The microphones are open. Please. Everybody should introduce themselves first. Mark Schneider, International Crisis Group. Mr. Prime Minister, thank you very much for the presentation. You started by stating that some 90% of the Atasari plan had been implemented. Could you sort of describe for us the remaining 10% from your perspective? And in that regard, I'm wondering, you didn't mention very much, in fact I don't think at all about the status of churches within Kosovo. And whether in the discussions to come, you might have some new and novel ideas about how to respond to some of the concerns. And third, the question of any possible ideas on discussing, without affecting the independence and territorial integrity in Kosovo, autonomy in the north. As you know, the Atasari proposal, the Atasari document includes also the issue of related to the historical buildings and heritage. And that in the most affirmative manner. As you may know, these historical religious monuments are mostly now being guarded by local institutions and not by KFOR as it used to be because of the safe and secure environment that has been created. And the remaining 10% that you're referring to where the Atasari proposal hasn't been implemented yet is the north of Kosovo. And in this, we cannot take pride as institutions of Kosovo, but also as international mechanisms including ULEX, ICU and the others. But I cannot say that we didn't have obstacles by Belgrade. I cannot say either that the international community hasn't been soft with regards in relation to Belgrade for this. But now we have a plan for implementing rule of law for organizing free fair elections in three northern municipalities for the establishment of the new Mitrovica north municipality and for new socio-economic investments. Within the last 10 years, there have been no investments in that part of Kosovo by the institutions of Kosovo. My government has invested 12 million euros in the infrastructure in the north. This is in the interest of all of its citizens. A few days ago we've opened a governmental office that is meant to serve all the citizens, the Albanian Serbs and the others. And at the same time we're working with regards to reopening the district court in Mitrovica north and that will happen soon. But I say it again, official Belgrade is threatening the Kosovo Serb judges. In regards to your last question, Kosovo is an independent and sovereign state. The states of the Serbian community and other communities are guaranteed in the most affirmative manner by the constitution and the auditory document. I have an idea about autonomy within a state or a partition or unacceptable. And territorial exchange is included there too. Mr. Prime Minister, sorry, my name is Valerie Kirk-Matrick. I'm from Human Rights Watch. Thank you for your remarks. You could talk directly into the microphone. Sure. Is that better? Yeah. As you know, ULEX is investigating alleged crimes of the Kosovo Liberation Army in the territory of Albania in 1999, leading to some arrests. What's your view of EU investigations outside of Kosovo? Do you think the Albanian authorities should cooperate? Sure. Thank you. We are absolutely determined in fighting all negative phenomena. Kosovo has been the best example in the region with regards to the cooperation with the ICTY, the Hague Tribunal. The spectacles that Belgrade tried to make with the ideas of investigations in the north of Albania have failed and this was proved also by the BBC. Kosovo institutions will meet all the challenges that they have ahead. And this is very well known throughout the world. I'm Catherine Payetch. I'm with the National Democratic Institute and I'd like to thank you for your remarks, obviously. I also want to ask a question about the 2011 census, which is scheduled in both Kosovo and Serbia. And assuming that Kosovo's territorial integrity remains intact, I'm wondering what your government is planning in order to promote and administer the census in communities that may not be as willing to cooperate, that may not want to self-identify, or that may be distrustful of government or will simply be resistant, obviously, in the north, but also in Roma, Ashkali and other communities. And as a quick follow-on, I wonder if there's any assistance that the international community or that Kosovo's civil society could provide. Resistimi po pocis dot endov vitene arsho. Censors will happen next year. Serbia totaket registrimi nevet Kosovo advet, imporo da šumica vendere trajonit. Kosovo will undergo its own census, Serbia will undergo its own, and most of the other countries in the region will do the same. Kambesim tepljose dotakemi sukces. I'm very confident that we will be successful. Also, by respecting the constitutional right of the people in double citizenship, all preparations are being fulfilled, completed successfully. All technical and professional preparations are being conducted, and they are in accordance with the highest European and international standards. Therefore, I don't foresee any problems in this regard. Although it will be the first proper census in Kosovo, in the Republic of Kosovo, after 30 years. But I'm confident that we will be successful. With regards to territorial integrity, I will not add anything to what I've just said. Their territorial integrity is inalienable and also is internationally recognized. Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. Ben Bernbaum, Washington Times. I want to ask you about something that you were quoted as saying in a Serbia newspaper a few weeks ago. You said, we are ready to recognize Serbia as a state, so we are one step ahead. But I know that even in Belgrade, they know that Kosovo is an independent and sovereign state. I got informal confirmation that Belgrade would one day recognize Kosovo. And you added that this had come from high-ranking officials in Belgrade.  So I'm asking you here today, if you would elaborate it all on these comments. What did you mean by one day and how many officials told you this? The best solution will be mutual recognition, which would be the best not just for Kosovo and Serbia, but the whole region, because it would immediately guarantee peace and stability. The best solution will be mutual recognition, which would be the best not just for Kosovo and Serbia, but the whole region, because it would immediately guarantee peace and stability. I have emphasized that in this direction, Kosovo has taken a step forward. And I re-emphasize that Kosovo is ready to recognize the Republic of Serbia. But I also know that in Belgrade, there are opinions related to recognizing Kosovo. And that goes up to the highest officials of the state. Of course, they do their own daily political marketing. But recognition of Kosovo is a condition for Serbia to be integrated in you and Edo. And this is the only solution for them. And also for the developments in the region. Belgrade should resign from keeping hostage many processes in the region. Sadly, Belgrade hasn't played a positive role with regards to cooperation with any country in the region. Therefore, I strongly believe that they will recognize the Republic of Kosovo too. And this will not happen in a timeframe of days. But we will live to see this decision of Belgrade. Just remember the Prime Minister is a young man. My name is Susan Straughan. I had a follow-up to your plan for the North. And you mentioned three things, rule of law, economic investment, and elections. And I wanted to ask what do you see as the single biggest barrier to integrating the North? Dear Daniel, I have the age that I have. We are proud of that. Poor. But. Even when we started the fight against Serbia to get them out of Kosovo, most of the people thought that it would take a very long time. Some thought that it was unimaginable to actually fulfill that. But we achieved that faster than anyone thought. Also with regards to the declaring and Kosovo's independent state, most of the people thought that it would be a very long process. Although I consider it delayed, it was achieved faster than some of the pessimists thought. But we lived through it together. Therefore, I also think that we will all live it together to see the recognition of Kosovo as a state from Serbia. And I hope you're right. Thank you. And the questions, sorry, yeah. The main barriers that we face in the North are the smuggling. We need to eliminate the smuggling, the contraband. Having the illegal radical and extremist structures face the rule of law. Therefore, I could say that the biggest challenge for the North is the rule of law. If we are successful to establish in the rule of law also in that part of our territory, then we will have a democratic order and that will be the solution. Yes. The other challenge where I think we need to have clarity also from the international partners, including Washington and EU, is that they need to make sure that they cannot continue to behave in a very destructive manner towards Kosovo. It doesn't make sense for Belgrade to behave in a very correct and constructive way towards the European Union and the United States and to behave, let's say, very badly for the regards to Kosovo. And Belgrade cannot be proud of anything until it has Radkomladic in the center of Belgrade. And on the other hand, every day it pretends and wants to violate the territorial integrity of Kosovo. Please. Thank you. I'm reading that if you have research in the Center for Strategic International Studies, it's an honor to have you here today, Mr. Prime Minister. I had a question on the missing persons that you mentioned is a necessary talking point in the technical talks with Serbia. It seems that Serbia has mastered its approach in using or better say abusing the war crimes and mass graves to gain political points. And we have the recent case of the discovery of the mass grave in Raska where the bodies of more than 400 Albanians are believed to have been buried there. And it seems that shortly before an international decision or some kind of big decision, Serbia is able to arrest a war criminal or discover other mass graves. And my question is how do we ensure that this issue is not politicized and used to gain political points? And what is the government of Kosovo doing to accelerate this process? Thanks. This is an issue of human nature and we should not politicize it. It's for both countries to work on it. Of course, I do not exclude the option of Belgrade behaving in that manner. Because it has happened in the past 10 years. They have portrayed the arrest of war criminals as successes and that's not the success, that's the responsibility. But I think that today everyone should ask the question about Belgrade and Radkom Ladic. But also their destructive behavior towards Kosovo. The behavior of Belgrade towards Kosovo should be based on standards and not based on their own autonomous will. And the standards should be valued by the European Union and the United States. Today all the countries in the region are independent and sovereign and they have their own state identity. Serbia is just one of the states in the region, it's not the center of the region. Let me press you, Mr. Prime Minister. Has the government of the Republic of Kosovo done everything it can to identify missing persons and to convey the relevant information to Belgrade? And have you done everything you can to investigate allegations of abuse during the war? The institutions of Kosovo are cooperating very closely with international authorities and with the ULAX mission first and foremost. In the past we've worked as institutions jointly with UNMIC and therefore the institutions of Kosovo have been and will be an example. And we have no dilemmas in this regard. We will work the best we can and we will be very responsible and we will not politicize this process. But we will not also allow that Belgrade gains political points out of these issues. If there is, if they find a mass grave in Roshka that should not be portrayed as a success for Belgrade, that is a crime that Belgrade has committed in Kosovo. And there are still hidden mass graves throughout Serbia with the bodies of Kosovo. Belgrade has committed genocide in Kosovo. Please. Do you want to do it yourself in English or you want? Well, either way works. Why don't you do it yourself? Well, first of all, I'd like to thank you for taking the time to meet with us today. My question without wanting to be repetitive regarding the territorial integrity of Kosovo is in relation to the territory, your stance in relation to the territorial integrity of Kosovo. And more concretely, my question is whether your stance is flexible or whether it would change if this would threaten in any way participation in international organizations such as NATO or the EU. Could you tell us who you are? Yes, of course. My name is Berina Luzai and I'm with the open source center. I can say that with this territory it will be integrated in NATO and European Union. At no cost and under any circumstances will there be any flexibility with regards to the idea of Belgrade for the partition of Kosovo. And I feel very good that I have confidence because I get support, full support in this issue from Washington and Brussels. I also want to thank all the countries in the region that are supporting me in this stance. Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro included. But this bad idea of Belgrade is dangerous for the whole region. Starting from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Serbska, and going further down including all countries in the region. Because every country in the region has its own Mitrovica city. A few days ago the Guardian newspaper reminded us that there is still a community of several hundred Roma. Can you hear me? A few days ago the Guardian newspaper reminded us of a forgotten community of several hundred internally displaced Roma who have been living for the past 11 years at a foot of a mountain of lead waste next to the Debtra mine. The UN has shamefully abandoned these people but is your government willing to protect their health and safety and what specifically are you willing to do for them? Thank you. We have started the building of new houses for these people and I was personally present in the inauguration of the works. These are joint investments of the government of Kosovo and the United States government and other international partners. Therefore our commitments are joint. I would like to mention that I feel very good and proud that all the communities including the Roma and Kosovo communities are represented by their elected representatives in the Kosovo assembly and institutions. And there is not one country in the region that has a bigger representation of the minorities in the government and in the institutions compared to Kosovo. And we will continue in this manner. Thank you. Is there a time frame when these people will be rescued from the location where they are living? You mentioned that housing is being constructed. The government is fulfilling all of its obligations. And we will continue implementing the agenda. It is continuing with the full intensity of the works this year. And we expect it to be concluded in a short time period. Mr. Prime Minister, I think we need to thank you not only for the contents of your address but for the dignified and calm approach you take to the issues in the Balkans. Yours is a welcome addition to the voices we hear. And we hope very much that your optimism will be fulfilled soon. Your speech is outside in English for everybody to pick up a copy. And we thank you very much next year in our new building within bigger halls.


I'm going to first be really surprised about the history and the culture of this book and that this person Mr. Robert Smalls himself not only was he an enslaved person, but he Got his freedom and he did more than just getting his freedom. He became a state legislator He himself was illiterate and he learned to read and write and he produced a beautiful family And he also took care of the elderly people whom were his owners in Beaver, South Carolina She they lived in that house after he bought that home until they died So it's it's a great story from the perspective of From one extreme of being enslaved to the other extreme of taking care of the very people that enslaved me if that's not Love I don't know what is I wanted to have some form of abstraction in terms of the landscape and the people in the Landscape so I used the I worked on paper and I used acrylic paint To construct the imagery the acrylic paint worked very well because it dries much faster and The colors are quite brilliant in this in this acrylic paint that I've used and I was able to have fun I wanted to feel like I was a child again just exploring Robert Smalls and the possibilities of you know having to be a part of the adventure of painting about someone and also having the freedom as He acquired his freedom. I acquired my freedom and putting the subject matters in this book more into an African fashion conscious sense the most informative way to help children read is through visual imagery And we can use the Bible for example in the day until very recently all of the Bibles had visual Images in them and that's because 90% of the populace of people reading the Bible could not read they were illiterate so I wanted the Viewers of this book children their parents and grandparents look at it and see the images and from the images Then I hope that they would enjoy the reading material of the book


As we already highlighted earlier tonight, today is Memorial Day, a day where we honored those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. In this week's Community Spotlight, we bring you the sights and sounds from Bemidji's Greenwood Cemetery. Look back on any Memorial Day and you can identify the sights and sounds of tradition. For some, it's patriotic, and for others, it can be an eerie memory. All across the nation, communities take time to reflect and remember those who proudly served on behalf of a proud nation. It's not a day for picnicking and boating and all those things. I think it's more a day for solemn remembrance for those that pay the price in battle and for those that have gone on by other means. At a time when patriotism seems to be on the rise across America. The importance of remembering our veterans continues to grow. Every opportunity for a combat vet or someone who's been mobilized that has seen some action to come back and see this gives them another outlet to release that pain that they might have. For those who were at Greenwood Cemetery, each had a different reason why they attended, but were linked together by a common theme. To honor our veterans and I also have a lot of cousins too who have died and who are now fighting for our country. I want to honor those that sacrifice so much for our country and provided the freedoms that we enjoy. During the service, the names of veterans who served and passed over the past year were read aloud. An emotional moment for those who came to remember, but an important factor in teaching the importance of the holiday. We're kind of discombobulated and disjoint because there's so much nonsense going on and this is a way to bring it all together for one single reason. In a nation where life moves fast, it's important to stop. Aim. Think and remember to honor those and their families who gave and continue to give so that we all can be free to live our lives under one plug that unites us all. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.


Welcome back to my channel guys. It's your girl Coco styles and on this channel. We talk about beauty fashion lifestyle in styling So today is gonna be a video just kind of chopping it up about Ways you can create a long lasting wardrobe, so I Was thinking about this this whole thing about quiet luxury. I don't know they have a name for it now But growing up in New York City I I guess I guess it was quite luxury then seeing women wear certain types of Jackets and shoes and stuff and bags that weren't like logo heavy So for me it really wasn't a name. I just always felt I used to call it What did I use to call it? I think I used to call it like she got money Look right because it was never really loud with like a bunch of logos and stuff that kind of came out I want to say I'm b43 so let's think When Gucci was like really starting when they started coming up with like Like a lot of logos on their bags like their logo heavy bags Not Louis Vuitton because Louis Vuitton was always out and I just remember my aunt wearing this when I was a child but Especially the Gucci especially like when that really hit and people were able to afford it and I am gonna say It has a lot to do with When Gucci used to have their okay, so in New York, you guys know they have sample cells like all the time and then at one point Gucci had like a Their annual sales they used to have like twice a year, I believe they stopped in 2017 but they used to have like these annual sales twice a year and The bags like them they're like 40% off maybe even 50% Depending but a lot of people were able to buy them then what used to be on sale was the The left their old leather the soho bags used to be on sale their Boston bags used to be on sale and It was one other bag, but any of those so whole leather bags They definitely used to be on sale and you can still find those at like Um Outlets now so I wanted to talk to you guys about three strategies like that will help you create a long lasting wardrobe and I'm looking down at this piece of paper. Well my phone Because I wrote some stuff down in here and I wrote it down because I this is how I shop and I'm not gonna say that I am Perfect as shopping and doing things When I do have clients I definitely teach them ways so that they can shop a smart way as opposed to just buying a bunch of Logos and the reason why I do that is because 99% of the times these women do not have a Lot of clothes in their closets or they're trying to completely wipe out everything so you don't really want to Have them buy things with a bunch of logos and then they're kind of stuck with not being able to like use it multiple different ways So here are my three ways that I would start to create a long lasting wardrobe And first thing I want to say is you want to start to understand your wardrobe goals What are your wardrobe goals? Do you want are you a person who really loves shoes and bags, right?  Are you a person who's really into like minimal styles as far as like Designs like no ruffles just like basic things but really really great quality Think about your wardrobe goals. That is going to help you build it out All right, if you are following a lot of fashion Girlies or even fashion guys and you find yourself Buying everything that they have but ultimately you feel like you still really don't have a lot of clothes That is solely because you don't have your Your I was gonna say targeted pieces You don't have the pieces in your wardrobe that make it a functional wardrobe And I talk about this as a style coach to my clients I really don't talk about it much here But you need certain things in your wardrobe in order for it to function properly like those basic white t-shirts Those basic white button-up shirts those camisoles like those things they really are needed Especially when you are buying things that is a very on trend You need to be able to mix and match it with something that is a little bit more minimal as far as style so start understanding your wardrobe and Don't overthink it Start creating a Pinterest Pinterest board and I like to say a Pinterest board because I'm just sitting here comfortably guys talking to you a Pinterest board because it's easy. You can visually see what you want You can add things to you can snap photos or you could actually put it in your cell phone. I actually have In my phone, I have a section in my photos that I take pictures of stuff and I just plop it in there I also have a section in my phone of outfits that I have created So almost like a capsule wardrobe Sometimes I like to be in here and just when I buy new things I like to make sure that I can actually wear that item multiple ways with different things that I already have That is why I love to talk about cost per wear guys If you're buying something and you can't wear it multiple times It's not really a great investment That is key when you are building out a wardrobe you want to be able to wear your items of multiple ways so That's my first tip for someone who is trying to start to build out a wardrobe as a long lasting wardrobe You number two you want you want to make sure that your wardrobe has the proper essential items So that's what I'm gonna piggyback off for the first thing in order to have a functional wardrobe You need to have your essential pieces and again those are your honestly you can go on Google You could go to my website there's so many lists of Essential pieces that you need in your wardrobe in order to make it functional Behind me. You see all of my shoes and everything here. I have big feet.   It's just what it is So so happen.  They just can't get into anything, right? So for me I buy things that actually work well with my body I talk about this on TikTok because at the end of the day as a woman who is 60 tall I Refuse to get frustrated when I am shopping at the mall because they don't have something in my size So I always go into the mall with the mindset of I'm gonna find something that's gonna fit me today Regardless of it's a pair of shoes a shirt some earrings or something I'm leaving there with something if you are not comfortable with shopping at the mall Especially if you're tall and you feel like you're not gonna find anything Go online because here's the thing you want that experience, right? You want to be in the morning Want to try stuff on it's just what it is you could order it have a sent to your house But then you got to order multiple sizes. That's another thing, but if you're at the store you could actually try it on Boom you have oh, excuse me guys. You have it in your in your home. So Think about things like that when you are going to the mall don't automatically assume that they won't have anything in your size But again, I do buy things that fit my body type. I also When I am purchasing things that do cost a lot of money, so I have that sweater here It's over there.  I was gonna bring out the shades, right? So for a person who has a ton of shades I'm almost a hundred percent sure if you are watching this video You have a classic pair of Twitter show shades. I don't care how many Glasses you own you are going to have a classic pair of Twitter show and you're also gonna have a Black pair right these are classic colors another classic piece would be Let me give you guys these some aviators. These are all classic These will always stand the test of time These simple three shades right here the black ones. Let's come a little closer the black ones Don't know if you guys can see Because you know my zoom be off these a Twitter shell kind and Then a pair of aviators Right These are all classic You will wear these multiple ways, okay multiple ways now What's not classic are these? I Don't think well, you know what the shape possibly can be classic But the color is not necessarily classic because it wouldn't go with everything and these are more like a Like an ivory color And something like that now here's the thing the reason why I purchased these guys was because I wanted to buy the Christian I was there think about Christian Dior and Honey when I saw these at key I was like, let's try these first and I like them I didn't like them enough to where I wanted to go buy the Christian Dior ones I don't know so I I'm just a little bit smart when it comes to shopping and certain things that I would invest in And some that I wouldn't but fashion is fashion and you can definitely wear Whatever you want guys as long as you are comfortable in it and it looks good on you. That's it So those are my three ways of how to create a long-lasting wardrobe I'm just gonna run through them really quick again. The first thing is Understanding your wardrobe goals. These are so cute The second thing is make sure you have the proper wardrobe Essentials and then the third thing is make sure you are investing in classic pieces Again, the classic pieces will fall into that hole I want to say quiet luxury because you're buying things like the saline box bag I really like that bag. It's very sleek and clean my type of bag And that's on my list to purchase.  So that's how I am. So to me, that's quiet luxury, right? If you know, you know, I don't feel like Like these like my Gucci belt I haven't worn it in so long, but the chain one. I Love it. I love it a lot. Like I'm glad I purchased it It only has the GDs at the bottom So majority of the chain is just a link, but it's a really good purchase because it's very heavy but Those are the three ways guys if you have any type of questions on this You guys know my Instagram. I talk about building a wardrobe all the time on my business page not so much in my personal page People tell me I should mix it too But I really don't want to because one I strictly talk about tall girl stuff and just stuff that You know, I like the other one I do focus on a certain target of women But those are three ways that I feel like you can start to build a long lasting wardrobe and Another thing I would say is Don't rush because this is like a big key Let me sit back Don't rush and do it. Okay.  So this is why I say build a Pinterest board create something in your phone that way, you know exactly what you need So number two those essential items get those first I'm trying to teach you something guys get those essential items first forget what everybody else is doing Get the essential pieces first Trust me, you will thank your wardrobe. Your wardrobe will thank you later and your pockets Okay, yes, you have to still replace some of these items like white button-up shirts and stuff because after a while They start to look a little dingy But the reality of it is those classic pieces make your wardrobe functional and it helps you create outfits daily It helps you get dressed quicker It helps you not over shop. So Yes guys, that is it So let me know if you guys have any questions on trying to build a long-lasting wardrobe I can definitely give you guys some good feedback You guys know my channel is like a mix of all of the things but I wanted to talk about that today because I am in the middle of revamping some things in here I'm working on my home. So that's a whole nother situation and then my wardrobe spring is pretty much here and I still haven't purchased a thing for spring But that's neither here nor there So let me know what you guys think make sure you guys are following me on Instagram at Coco styles NYC and Coco styles NY And my personal style blog Coco styles NYC and my style services Coco styles NY And if you stay to the end of this video, please comment Coco we see you and Guys, I will catch you in the next one if you are not subscribed Make sure you are subscribing to my channel I would really really appreciate it. And I thank you guys Who have subscribed to my channel and have been really patient with me? I'm still trying to get this together guys. Okay So thank you guys, and I will catch you guys in the next one. Bye guys


Most people grew up with a happy little show called Pingu. It was a show that had a clay penguin named Pingu, and it showed his adventures. The characters spoke some sort of penguin language. The original show ran from 1986 to 2000. There was apparently an unreleased episode that was released a year later. Now this is where it starts to become interesting. When I was 5 or 6, I saw the beginning of a Pingu episode called, Pingu's Punishment. I only saw a bit of it, but what I remember was Pingu being very angry, and his mother began smashing plates. I also remember the episode was about Pingu playing outside, when he was supposed to be doing chores.  I was looking up the episode list on Wikipedia a few years later, to find out that there's no episode called, Pingu's Punishment was released. I thought this as an adventure to myself, and I contacted Trick Film Studio, the company that made Pingu. I asked to them for a complete production guide of Pingu, they sent it to me via email. I looked at it, compared it to Wikipedia's list, and I noticed something was wrong with the final series. Pingu helps grandfather, which was the 23rd episode of series 4, was missing. At the bottom of the list was an episode titled, Pingu Ending. I asked for a synopsis, but they refused to give me one, stating it was personal information. I then googled, Pingu Ending and Pingu's Punishment. Then I found something. It was on RapidShare. The file's name was, Pingu's Punishment unreleased last episode.zip, and I downloaded it. I went to my downloads and I found the folder. It contained two files. One was a notepad file. It was titled, Fear.Text. I opened it, and it read. This is an unreleased episode of Pingu, dated April 11, 2000. This originally planned to end the series, and this was actually released in some countries. Watch at your own risk. I began to feel a bit suspicious and my heart pounded. But my curiosity overtook me. I opened the second file, an ABI file. The first part was the same episode I saw when I was a kid, however something fell off. The theme song was distorted, and instead of Pingu's usual, newt-newt, there was backwards audio. I recorded it with sound recorder, and in reverse, it played. You can't survive like this beyond death. I found that very creepy, but continued with the video. I got to the part where Pingu's mother was smashing plates. Suddenly it cut to black. A blood-curdling scream was heard. It faded back to the kitchen.  She began crying, but it started to sound like laughing. Suddenly it cut to Pingu.  I paused it there, I felt sick.  It was either food coloring, or it was real. I continued it. Pingu's mother kept crying. Suddenly it cut to a black and white video of two scientists going into a slaughterhouse. It showed a bunch of cows getting slaughtered. Suddenly it showed a penguin being stunned and then being hanged upside down. The butcher slit the penguin's throat, and it died from blood loss. It began showing pictures of dead penguins. It then cut back to Pingu's mother crying. A trampoline was in the kitchen. There was also a fenn. She jumped up to the fenn, and blood splattered everywhere. The body of Pingu's mother fell down. It showed pictures of the dead bodies of Pingu, Robbie, and the other characters. An old music box playing kush little baby faintly played. I paused to go to the bathroom to vomit. I felt really nauseous and sick after witnessing what I just watched. I continued the video. A distorted voice said something backwards. I recorded it and played it in reverse. It said, Your life will be all pitch black in a few seconds. My chest pounded. The credits were in Times New Roman. The background continued to show the disturbing images from before. It closed with a background of a mask with red eyes. The mask suddenly said in a distorted tone, Darkness begins now. Suddenly my computer froze. Then the lights flickered, and the power went out. The power came back on within a few seconds later. I was now shaking, and I wanted to find the source of the film. I got in contact with Carlo Benoli, the voice of all the characters. I pretended it was an interview, and I talked about Pingu. I finally mentioned Pingu's punishment. He stopped, and he asked where I had heard that before. I explained the entire thing to him. He then told me the story. During the fourth season of Pingu, there was a writer-animator named, Ted Goldman. Ted was a quiet man, who usually wasn't that sociable. Sometime during the middle of the season, Ted's mother had been trying to reach something from the upper shelf. The ceiling fan was still on. She got decapitated. Ted was immediately hurt by this. He began submitting morbid ideas, such as Pingu killing all the other characters. He even asked Benomi to do a voice of Pingu dying. Goldman found out that Pingu was closing production by the end of the season. Ted passed off the episode as the series finale. Right after they had watched the episode, they discovered Ted was being charged with animal cruelty, bestiality and murder. Ted left an apparent suicide note claiming he was going to live in Antarctica. However no records claim he was ever there, and he was last spotted in Santa Barbara, California, purchasing a gun. They never found him. I was left shocked. Then a thought occurred to me to play the entire episode backwards, starting from the part where the distorted voice began. I heard a scream, a shout, and there's some words that I heard, from a distance during the beginning of the episode when I was young, that still haunts me to this day.