Newborn state peers into a hazy future

By Neil MacDonald

Newborn, the block letter monument to Kosovo’s independence, has lost its glossy sheen since it was installed in central Pristina 16 months ago. The signatures of citizens and well-wishers – scrawled in black marker over the yellow-painted sheet metal – now mingle with urban grime, shreds of kebab wrapper and the occasional flyer for an upcoming concert.

The 24m-long, 3m-high English word has become a familiar part of the untidy cityscape. Yet the new Balkan state, which declared independence on February 17 of last year, continues to struggle for international acceptance.

more see: http://www.ft.com/reports/kosovo-2009