SERBIA - DUELING MUFTIS OVERSHADOW IFTAR

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BELGRADE 001394

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958:N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL KPAO SR
SUBJECT: SERBIA - DUELING MUFTIS OVERSHADOW IFTAR


Summary
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1. (SBU) In the midst of a bitter contest between Islamic leaders
that reaches deep into the politics, economics, and financial
aspirations of Serbia's Sandzak region (septel),the Ambassador went
to Novi Pazar to host an Iftar and to deliver a message about
reconciliation. Building on this theme, he encouraged Novi Pazar
university students to assume leadership of the region's democratic
and economic development. Caution in the face of heightened
tensions and a spate of violence in the region led to cancellation
of most of the Ambassador's visit schedule. End Summary.

Widening Split Leads to Near Cancellation
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2. (SBU) A week of escalating tension and violent incidents in
Serbia's majority-Muslim Sandzak region nearly quashed plans for the
Ambassador's visit and annual Iftar dinner in Novi Pazar. To
underscore the USG's undiminished support for multiculturalism,
despite the Mufti wars and potential for continued related violence,
the Ambassador did not cancel. He did, however, restrict his
program to hosting the Ramadan iftar and delivering a speech at the
local university, and carefully managed public and media exposure to
avoid the appearance of taking sides in the split between rival
Islamic factions.

Ambassador Stresses Students' Role in Democracy
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3. (SBU) In a speech to 200 students at Novi Pazar University, the
Ambassador highlighted the United States relationship with Serbia
and the students' future role in this relationship as leaders of the
country. He emphasized their responsibility to promoting democracy
and economic development in the region. Muamer Zukorlic, President
of the University and Mufti of the Islamic Community in Serbia
introduced the Ambassador and concluded the event with his remarks
highlighting the multi-ethnic, secular character of the University.
Zukorlic stressed the University's private status and strong
financial backing. Boasting the capability of the university's
4,000 students, Zukorlic identified the student body as the future
intellectual elite who would drive economic development in Sandzak.
In the question and answer period following the speeches, faculty
and students asked for more exchange programs with American
professors and students.

The Schism
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4. (SBU) Zukorlic spoke of the split between the Novi Pazar and
Belgrade Islamic communities, in a private conversation with the
Ambassador, noting that tensions were running very high. He assured
the Ambassador that he retained control of all the Islamic
institutions of the Novi Pazar community but accused the police and
intelligence services, supported by the Democratic Party of Serbia,
of master-minding disturbances of the previous week. Zukorlic
expressed particular concern about the October 6 disturbance in
Sjenica, complaining that the police who entered the mosquet
demonstrated unprecedented lack of respect, trampling prayer rugs
with their boots, and asked the Ambassador to send a message to the
Belgrade that more widespread unrest could break out in Sandzak if
such events continued. Embassy later learned that the Belgrade
community was to host a public event in Novi Pazar on October 11 to
celebrate the investiture of a new Reis (supreme leader),and
planned to bus in supporters. The event happened without violence
and only verbal confrontation between Zukorlic and Zilkic's
supporters, largely thanks to a heavy police presence.

Iftar Dinner Unmarred by Tensions
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5. (SBU) On October 9, the Ambassador hosted an Iftar dinner,
October 8, to observe Ramadan, a traditional element in post's
Muslim outreach activities. The Iftar dinner proceeded as planned
and without disturbance. Religious leaders, local politicians,
local journalists, and representatives of local non-governmental and
international organizations, attended. Mayor Sulejman Ugljanin of
the List for Sandzak coalition, who supports Zukorlic's rival, was
conspicuous in his absence. After the dinner, some of the guests
spoke to the Ambassador about the dire need for economic development
in this poor region of the country. Press coverage of the event was
neutral.

Comment
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6. (SBU) The Iftar dinner was successful as a Muslim outreach event,
and the Ambassador gained some insight into the origins and nature
of the Mufti schism. The rift clearly is not about religion but
more a political and economic grab for potential Islamic holdings --
and profits -- in the area. Sandzak remains a flashpoint in Serbia
and is likely to continue to be manipulated by political factions

BELGRADE 00001394 002 OF 002


for political and financial gain. End Comment.

BRUSH