CESID: Constitution ratified

KOSSOVA CAN'T WAIT
Kosova Cannot Wait
By: Shirley Cloyes and Joe DioGuardi
Suggestions that a vote on the U.N. resolution on Kosovo's independence will be postponed are deeply troubling. There are two million Kosovar Albanians who demand delivery on the West’s promise of freedom and self-determination. They have patiently waited on that promise since June 1999, when NATO air strikes ended then Serbian dictator Slobodan Milosevic's genocidal war, and that is more than long enough.
The international community should recognize the independence of Kosovo now, if for no other reason than its promise to the Kosovar Albanian.
There is, however, another reason that is equally compelling: Recognition is the only way to bring lasting peace and stability to the Balkans.
For seven years, Kosovo's political, social, and economic progress has been held hostage by a lack of final status. Kosovar Albanians, who are predominantly pro-Western and democratic, are also largely entrepreneurial and hardworking. Yet, they are trapped in a welfare state. Kosovo's unemployment rate is nearly 70 percent, in a population in which 70 percent are also under the age of 30. Privatization and access to World Bank funds, which would bring jobs and investments to Kosovo, are repeatedly stalled by lack of final status and the international community's concern for Serbia.
Albanians, who make up 92 percent of Kosovo's population, along with the minority communities of Serbs, Turks, Roma, and Ashkalli, grow desperate as assistance from international donors and the Albanian diaspora dwindles. As winter sets in, severe daily hardships and power shortages will make for a volatile environment.
Kosovo's Serbs, fewer than five percent of Kosovo's population, need the matter settled once and for all, too. Their lives are stolen daily by Belgrade, which blocks all their attempts r to be full partners in the new Kosovo. Their inability to integrate into Kosovo's political and economic life prolongs the suffering of Serbia's citizens, as well, for as long as Belgrade can use Kosovo's Serbs as pawns, it can hide behind a failed nationalism to avoid dealing with an economy in collapse.
The notion presented by both U.S. and European officials in recent weeks, that delaying Kosovo's final status will somehow prevent the parties of indicted war criminals Milosevic and Vojislav Seselj from gaining a majority in December, is naïve. The Radicals and the Socialists already hold 40 percent of the seats in Serbia’s parliament and regional polls show them gaining even more in December. They are making these gains because their message is clear: They will never "sell Kosovo."
In other words, whether the U.N. votes on the resolution to grant Kosovo independence before or after the December vote is irrelevant; Serbia is already acting as if that decision has been taken. That being the case, take the decision now. Delaying the resolution any longer will only make it that much harder for Kosovar Albanians to heal the wounds of Serbian occupation and war.
Indeed, delaying the decision actually could have a negative effect in Serbia. It would be a suggestion to the Serbs that resisting Kosovo’s independence is not paying off, thereby further boosting the cause of the Radicals and the Socialists. Granting Kosovo independence now, on the other hand, might have the opposite effect: It could help diminish their march towards an absolute parliamentary majority by demonstrating to the Serbs that no one in the outside world cares much for what the Radicals and Socialists want.
On October 19, Martin Ahtisaari, the U.N. Envoy mediating the final status talks, announced "2006 is still my target date," dismissing suggestions by EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and others that status resolution might be delayed until Serbia holds elections. Ahtisaari is not the only decision-maker, however, and despite what happens, debate about postponement has already caused considerable damage. Belgrade has been encouraged to believe it has power over final status decision-making, and Kosovar Albanians, whose dissatisfaction with their government is on the rise, are beginning to seriously question their historic and vigorous faith in the West, especially the United States. If the erosion of confidence continues, things will go from bad to worse.
For the United States, especially, now is the time for a foreign policy success, not another foreign policy failure. Granting Kosovo its independence now, with the U.S. leading that charge, can be that success.
Bring it to a vote.

The commentary by Cloyes and DioGuardi (by the way, he is of Albanian descent and she is his wife) is another half-baked piece that glosses over, if not obfuscates entirely, the very serious problems that Kosovo independence could create for the international community in the future.

Leaving aside the very real danger that the move will create an economically unviable and politically unstable state in the heart of the Balkans, which could well serve to destabilise Macedonia and Montenegro, whatever supporters of Kosovo independence say, the simple fact is that this will set a dangerous precedent in world affairs. Why should Kosovo gain independence and not South Ossetia and Abkhazia? And what about Transdniestra, Republika Srbska and Northern Cyprus? In each of those cases you can point to abuses by the central state against the minority, and yet in all those cases the international community is promoting reconciliation and reintegration.

Kosovo is not a unique case under international law. It is just a unique case of double standards and cowardice. More importantly, there is a real likelihood that despite the claims that it will promote regional peace and stability, it will in fact exacerbate a number of conflicts around the world and make them far more difficult to solve. If it does come to this, I hope that all those who cheered most loudly for Kosovo independence will remember that they had a hand in creation more international instability, rather than less.

The "dangerous precedent" argument, is just one of the weak arguments used against Kosovo's independence (all the arguments are weak). The precedent argument was used against Montenegro's independence too, and the world didn't end when Montenegro became independent.

Kosovo is not a unique case, in the Yugoslavia context. The Kosovo case is the same as that of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Macedonia and Montenegro. We had a federation, that federation broke up. We didn't want to live in one country anymore. We should have the right to self-determination.

Kosovo is unique in the sense that it has suffered from genocidal policies of the central government. This is not the case in South Ossetia, Abkhazia or Northern Cyprus.

Given this, Kosovo has a stronger case for independence than Slovenia, Montenegro or Macedonia, let alone the other mentioned regions.

THE SILENCE HAS SPOKEN TOO!

Written by Valentino Sarazini

Congratulations on a new Constitution! It appears that the people have spoken! I believe the new constitution is a step forward and it will help Serbia integrate into EU to some extent. The sticking point though is Kosovo. Therefore, by voting a constitution that may complicate peace and even animate bloodshed at an unforeseeable point in the future, Serbian people may have shot themselves in the leg. Though referendums' success is sweet for Serbia after many defeats in the international front, the following factors severely dampen the legitimacy of this referendum.

1. Two millions of ex-habitants Serbia aims to keep in their dominion have boycotted the referendum. Thus, indicating to Serbian legislators and voters that as in the Milosevic constitution, they had to decide the fate of above mentioned 2 million ethnic Albanians without their consent.

2. The vote in Vojvodina was the lowest in Serbia! That itself shows great discontent on the part of the minorities in that Region. To their misfortune, an eight million Serbian majority can easily pass any type of constitution whether the minorities participate or not. In other words, " The Serbian people shall decide for them! Whether they like it or not!"

3. Besides Vojvodina, Albanians from Southern Serbia have boycotted this referendum as well. That itself though expected from Albanian minority, it discredits the triumph of this referendum to a great extent! According to western observers, a referendum is successful as long as it doesn't show many irregularities at the polls, but this is a referendum for a new constitution, a legal document that will effect Serbians and minorities alike for generations to come. I assume many politicians will analyze this Victory in the coming days. Some will scratch their heads and wonder why this constitution had no effect in Ahtisari's final decision regarding Kosovo Status. Yet, unequivocally, Mr. Kostunica will feel relieved! After all, his aims were known since the outset. As long as the Serbian people express their will to keep Kosovo under dominion, it doesn't matter what the minorities and those who have refused to participate or boycotted the referendum think.


The final question rises: Can a nation make fatal historical errors? I am not the one to say. However, history shows that great dictators have arisen to power with support of their people. Hitler rose to power by ignoring and attacking minorities of Jewish decent. He used the weakness and discontent of German people and led the generation of Germans into a devastating pitfall. Milosevic followed by an identical manner and the results of that are still echoing throughout what used to be former Yugoslavia.


To conclude, I believe that minorities from Vojvodina and Southern Serbia ought to accept the outcome of this referendum now that is over. The world already know that by their silence, they have spoken as well.

I wish to congratulate B92 for being a leader in Serbia when it comes to publishing news, stories and comments in their original context. Thank you!

Valentino Sarazini,

To (bytycci) How on earth can you compaire Kosovo with the other republics?? unlike slovania,croatia etc....Kosovo was'nt a country before, it is in habited by 90% albanians so tell me how do you plan on making a new country when such a country already exsists? (albania) that would as if (RS) in bosnia became a country but remained sperated from Serbia.

(by the way RS should stay with bosnia)

Then again I have read comments on this very same sight saying Kosovo should unite with albania.....so much for the same OLD tactic against Serbs (Nationalistc) fealings. looks like you albanians are going to have to find another method cuz that one's getting old. Albanians are the only one's who seem to think Kosovo was a Yugo republic but really is just your own nationalistic fealings.

I can't believe some of the people who wish to put in their two cents on this site.

Firstly to Shirley. This space is meant for comments about specific news articles. Your 'thesis' really has little to do with the actual article, only that the article and your article both refer to Kosovo, that's about it. Secondly, I referred to your thesis becuase it's about 10 times too long to be considered a comment.

I would like to refer to Shirley's thesis again. You mention Serbs make up less than 5 percent of Kosovo's population, yet for a long time it has always been quoted as 10 percent. If it really is less than 5 percent than it is because of Albanian aggression towards Serbs. This is a poor way to further your agenda for independence. Also, I don't think the remaining Kosovo Serbs will appreciate you trying to understand that they also need this matter settled finally. Your attempt at trying to be sincere to the other side is transparent.

"Their inability to integrate into Kosovo's political and economic life prolongs the suffering of Serbia's citizens, as well, for as long as Belgrade can use Kosovo's Serbs as pawns, it can hide behind a failed nationalism to avoid dealing with an economy in collapse."
It is not the Serbs who are unable to integrate into Kosovo's insitutions. Albanians never tried to integrate into Serbia's institutions, which caused a rift between Serbs and Albanians, which eventually led to war; this is a fact so don't try to suggest otherwise. This is also backed up by the fact that the Albanians in South Serbia do not wish to integrate and also tried to create a conflict with the security forces after the Kosovo war in order to try and attach themselves to Kosovo and Metohija, but thankfully nobody paid any attention.

"Delaying the resolution any longer will only make it that much harder for Kosovar Albanians to heal the wounds of Serbian occupation and war."

If there were any occupation then it was on behalf of the KLA, a terrorist militant group. This Serbian occupation you refer to does not exist because Kosovo is Serbia's sovereign territory and still is under international law, and hence, cannot occupy its own territory. Also, please don't act concerned that the Radicals may gain power in Serbia because of this issue. You obviously couldn't care less about the people of Serbia, and the Radicals forming a government would probably please you since it would almost certainly bring Serbia's destruction.

To bytycci,
The 'dangerous precedent' argument is not week at all, rather it is very plausible to say the least. We all know this because there are numerous ongoing conflicts around the world concerning breakaway republics who want international recognition. I have never heard the dangerous precedent argument used for Montenegro's independence, so please stop making up lies.

Kosovo has in fact a weaker case for independence than Slovenia, Montenegro, or Macedonia since they were all states of Yugoslavia, they were not part of Serbia, whereas Kosovo is a province within Serbia, and was never a state of Yugoslavia.

Kosovo IS a unique case. All cases are unique to some extent because they are never identical, but at the end of the day it is just another story of a group of people wanting to create their own country so they can 'determine their own fate'; this is quite common around the world today. Having said that, please stop saying Kosovo is such a unique case.

Also, you do have the right to self determination, in a country called Albania. You should be grateful for this since the Kurdish don't even have a state, but Kosovo independence may get them to work harder for their dream. Time will only tell.

Finally thank you to b92 for publishing my 'extended' comment, i will try to keep them shorter in the future.

Constitution is ratified, now Republic of Serbia is moving forward faster then ever...let us see if all inhabitants of Serbia want to move together, or the noisy minority in the south wants to cause trouble.

One more time serbia shows the world how powerful they are, and their ambitions of creating the great serbia are not dead yet.
Kosova was never part of Serbia, it was part of artifical country "Yugoslavia",
It is a question of time when kosova will get indepedence.
obviously comunists do not realize what democracy is,they calling these elections Choice between Democratic state and dictatorship will good job people u chosed dictatorship:
just check the picture of president of the serbian parliament, if he is a democrat then i am Jim Morrison

Some days ago there was an piece on B92 on Tadic stating how Serbia should defend its borders. Which borders one said? With or without Kosovo? Was the referendum the right project to do so? I don't think so. I think this project is doomed to failure because it comes too late. In my comment to the previous article I emphasized how the international community is tailoring the adequate dress for Kosovo, in other words...independence. Why the referendum on this constitution is a failure? Because, the int'l community doesn't really believe in positive changes in Serbia. Your neighbors are unhappy. If you have unhappy neighbors, then you should really do something about it. Stop trying to dominate on others anymore. It's obvious that you're not the heavenly people on this planet. By voting pro this constitution you might have extended the contract with Kosovo for another six months. You cannot sign longer contracts with the int'l community. How on Earth can you be so blind and ignore the world politics and still say things like "we will show the world who we are". This is just a problem that will have to, which is now a must, be solved by the international community which will in the end disregard arguments of both sides and play with its own cards. Stop comparing Kosovo with other countries. It has become a ridiculous phrase, so that even kids would know where the distinction is. To this end, I consider this as the last attempt by the failed and replaceable Serbian politicians to show their people how much they are in love with Kosovo. Be real. Quit dreaming.
Thanks B92. Way to go.

for all those that claim that Kosovo was never part of serbia but only Yugoslavia:

http://www.answers.com/topic/serbia1913-png

Kingdom SHS was formed in 1918.

Everybody's happy.
Albanians: The world community said that Constitution of Serbia does not have anything with status of Kosovo;
Serbians: Kosovo is the part of Serbia at least for the domestic usage, and the dreams and illusions shall continue;
KFOR: they will have to stay on Kosova and protect Albanians from Albanians and Serbs from Serbs;
International community: they are sure that in the end, somebody in Serbia will find the way to agree with the independence of Kosovo which, in the same time shall be the part of Serbia;
Former S&M administration: here is the possibility to form Serbia and Kosovo Union (like Serbia and Montenegro) so they could find good jobs;
Montenegro: We told you, we told you but you did not hear;
Vojvodina: they have better position to bargain (Hey listen, what if WE decided to do something like Kosovo?)

Ordinary citizens: when all the politicians are happy, they must be happy too.

O, fortunatos nimium!

Sorry if I did not mention someone.

KOSSOVA CAN'T WAIT
Kosova Cannot Wait
By: Shirley Cloyes and Joe DioGuardi
Suggestions that a vote on the U.N. resolution on Kosovo's independence will be postponed are deeply troubling. There are two million Kosovar Albanians who demand delivery on the West’s promise of freedom and self-determination. They have patiently waited on that promise since June 1999, when NATO air strikes ended then Serbian dictator Slobodan Milosevic's genocidal war, and that is more than long enough.
The international community should recognize the independence of Kosovo now, if for no other reason than its promise to the Kosovar Albanian.
There is, however, another reason that is equally compelling: Recognition is the only way to bring lasting peace and stability to the Balkans.
For seven years, Kosovo's political, social, and economic progress has been held hostage by a lack of final status. Kosovar Albanians, who are predominantly pro-Western and democratic, are also largely entrepreneurial and hardworking. Yet, they are trapped in a welfare state. Kosovo's unemployment rate is nearly 70 percent, in a population in which 70 percent are also under the age of 30. Privatization and access to World Bank funds, which would bring jobs and investments to Kosovo, are repeatedly stalled by lack of final status and the international community's concern for Serbia.
Albanians, who make up 92 percent of Kosovo's population, along with the minority communities of Serbs, Turks, Roma, and Ashkalli, grow desperate as assistance from international donors and the Albanian diaspora dwindles. As winter sets in, severe daily hardships and power shortages will make for a volatile environment.
Kosovo's Serbs, fewer than five percent of Kosovo's population, need the matter settled once and for all, too. Their lives are stolen daily by Belgrade, which blocks all their attempts r to be full partners in the new Kosovo. Their inability to integrate into Kosovo's political and economic life prolongs the suffering of Serbia's citizens, as well, for as long as Belgrade can use Kosovo's Serbs as pawns, it can hide behind a failed nationalism to avoid dealing with an economy in collapse.
The notion presented by both U.S. and European officials in recent weeks, that delaying Kosovo's final status will somehow prevent the parties of indicted war criminals Milosevic and Vojislav Seselj from gaining a majority in December, is naïve. The Radicals and the Socialists already hold 40 percent of the seats in Serbia’s parliament and regional polls show them gaining even more in December. They are making these gains because their message is clear: They will never "sell Kosovo."
In other words, whether the U.N. votes on the resolution to grant Kosovo independence before or after the December vote is irrelevant; Serbia is already acting as if that decision has been taken. That being the case, take the decision now. Delaying the resolution any longer will only make it that much harder for Kosovar Albanians to heal the wounds of Serbian occupation and war.
Indeed, delaying the decision actually could have a negative effect in Serbia. It would be a suggestion to the Serbs that resisting Kosovo’s independence is not paying off, thereby further boosting the cause of the Radicals and the Socialists. Granting Kosovo independence now, on the other hand, might have the opposite effect: It could help diminish their march towards an absolute parliamentary majority by demonstrating to the Serbs that no one in the outside world cares much for what the Radicals and Socialists want.
On October 19, Martin Ahtisaari, the U.N. Envoy mediating the final status talks, announced "2006 is still my target date," dismissing suggestions by EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and others that status resolution might be delayed until Serbia holds elections. Ahtisaari is not the only decision-maker, however, and despite what happens, debate about postponement has already caused considerable damage. Belgrade has been encouraged to believe it has power over final status decision-making, and Kosovar Albanians, whose dissatisfaction with their government is on the rise, are beginning to seriously question their historic and vigorous faith in the West, especially the United States. If the erosion of confidence continues, things will go from bad to worse.
For the United States, especially, now is the time for a foreign policy success, not another foreign policy failure. Granting Kosovo its independence now, with the U.S. leading that charge, can be that success.
Bring it to a vote.

The commentary by Cloyes and DioGuardi (by the way, he is of Albanian descent and she is his wife) is another half-baked piece that glosses over, if not obfuscates entirely, the very serious problems that Kosovo independence could create for the international community in the future.

Leaving aside the very real danger that the move will create an economically unviable and politically unstable state in the heart of the Balkans, which could well serve to destabilise Macedonia and Montenegro, whatever supporters of Kosovo independence say, the simple fact is that this will set a dangerous precedent in world affairs. Why should Kosovo gain independence and not South Ossetia and Abkhazia? And what about Transdniestra, Republika Srbska and Northern Cyprus? In each of those cases you can point to abuses by the central state against the minority, and yet in all those cases the international community is promoting reconciliation and reintegration.

Kosovo is not a unique case under international law. It is just a unique case of double standards and cowardice. More importantly, there is a real likelihood that despite the claims that it will promote regional peace and stability, it will in fact exacerbate a number of conflicts around the world and make them far more difficult to solve. If it does come to this, I hope that all those who cheered most loudly for Kosovo independence will remember that they had a hand in creation more international instability, rather than less.

The "dangerous precedent" argument, is just one of the weak arguments used against Kosovo's independence (all the arguments are weak). The precedent argument was used against Montenegro's independence too, and the world didn't end when Montenegro became independent.

Kosovo is not a unique case, in the Yugoslavia context. The Kosovo case is the same as that of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Macedonia and Montenegro. We had a federation, that federation broke up. We didn't want to live in one country anymore. We should have the right to self-determination.

Kosovo is unique in the sense that it has suffered from genocidal policies of the central government. This is not the case in South Ossetia, Abkhazia or Northern Cyprus.

Given this, Kosovo has a stronger case for independence than Slovenia, Montenegro or Macedonia, let alone the other mentioned regions.

THE SILENCE HAS SPOKEN TOO!

Written by Valentino Sarazini

Congratulations on a new Constitution! It appears that the people have spoken! I believe the new constitution is a step forward and it will help Serbia integrate into EU to some extent. The sticking point though is Kosovo. Therefore, by voting a constitution that may complicate peace and even animate bloodshed at an unforeseeable point in the future, Serbian people may have shot themselves in the leg. Though referendums' success is sweet for Serbia after many defeats in the international front, the following factors severely dampen the legitimacy of this referendum.

1. Two millions of ex-habitants Serbia aims to keep in their dominion have boycotted the referendum. Thus, indicating to Serbian legislators and voters that as in the Milosevic constitution, they had to decide the fate of above mentioned 2 million ethnic Albanians without their consent.

2. The vote in Vojvodina was the lowest in Serbia! That itself shows great discontent on the part of the minorities in that Region. To their misfortune, an eight million Serbian majority can easily pass any type of constitution whether the minorities participate or not. In other words, " The Serbian people shall decide for them! Whether they like it or not!"

3. Besides Vojvodina, Albanians from Southern Serbia have boycotted this referendum as well. That itself though expected from Albanian minority, it discredits the triumph of this referendum to a great extent! According to western observers, a referendum is successful as long as it doesn't show many irregularities at the polls, but this is a referendum for a new constitution, a legal document that will effect Serbians and minorities alike for generations to come. I assume many politicians will analyze this Victory in the coming days. Some will scratch their heads and wonder why this constitution had no effect in Ahtisari's final decision regarding Kosovo Status. Yet, unequivocally, Mr. Kostunica will feel relieved! After all, his aims were known since the outset. As long as the Serbian people express their will to keep Kosovo under dominion, it doesn't matter what the minorities and those who have refused to participate or boycotted the referendum think.


The final question rises: Can a nation make fatal historical errors? I am not the one to say. However, history shows that great dictators have arisen to power with support of their people. Hitler rose to power by ignoring and attacking minorities of Jewish decent. He used the weakness and discontent of German people and led the generation of Germans into a devastating pitfall. Milosevic followed by an identical manner and the results of that are still echoing throughout what used to be former Yugoslavia.


To conclude, I believe that minorities from Vojvodina and Southern Serbia ought to accept the outcome of this referendum now that is over. The world already know that by their silence, they have spoken as well.

I wish to congratulate B92 for being a leader in Serbia when it comes to publishing news, stories and comments in their original context. Thank you!

Valentino Sarazini,

To (bytycci) How on earth can you compaire Kosovo with the other republics?? unlike slovania,croatia etc....Kosovo was'nt a country before, it is in habited by 90% albanians so tell me how do you plan on making a new country when such a country already exsists? (albania) that would as if (RS) in bosnia became a country but remained sperated from Serbia.

(by the way RS should stay with bosnia)

Then again I have read comments on this very same sight saying Kosovo should unite with albania.....so much for the same OLD tactic against Serbs (Nationalistc) fealings. looks like you albanians are going to have to find another method cuz that one's getting old. Albanians are the only one's who seem to think Kosovo was a Yugo republic but really is just your own nationalistic fealings.

I can't believe some of the people who wish to put in their two cents on this site.

Firstly to Shirley. This space is meant for comments about specific news articles. Your 'thesis' really has little to do with the actual article, only that the article and your article both refer to Kosovo, that's about it. Secondly, I referred to your thesis becuase it's about 10 times too long to be considered a comment.

I would like to refer to Shirley's thesis again. You mention Serbs make up less than 5 percent of Kosovo's population, yet for a long time it has always been quoted as 10 percent. If it really is less than 5 percent than it is because of Albanian aggression towards Serbs. This is a poor way to further your agenda for independence. Also, I don't think the remaining Kosovo Serbs will appreciate you trying to understand that they also need this matter settled finally. Your attempt at trying to be sincere to the other side is transparent.

"Their inability to integrate into Kosovo's political and economic life prolongs the suffering of Serbia's citizens, as well, for as long as Belgrade can use Kosovo's Serbs as pawns, it can hide behind a failed nationalism to avoid dealing with an economy in collapse."
It is not the Serbs who are unable to integrate into Kosovo's insitutions. Albanians never tried to integrate into Serbia's institutions, which caused a rift between Serbs and Albanians, which eventually led to war; this is a fact so don't try to suggest otherwise. This is also backed up by the fact that the Albanians in South Serbia do not wish to integrate and also tried to create a conflict with the security forces after the Kosovo war in order to try and attach themselves to Kosovo and Metohija, but thankfully nobody paid any attention.

"Delaying the resolution any longer will only make it that much harder for Kosovar Albanians to heal the wounds of Serbian occupation and war."

If there were any occupation then it was on behalf of the KLA, a terrorist militant group. This Serbian occupation you refer to does not exist because Kosovo is Serbia's sovereign territory and still is under international law, and hence, cannot occupy its own territory. Also, please don't act concerned that the Radicals may gain power in Serbia because of this issue. You obviously couldn't care less about the people of Serbia, and the Radicals forming a government would probably please you since it would almost certainly bring Serbia's destruction.

To bytycci,
The 'dangerous precedent' argument is not week at all, rather it is very plausible to say the least. We all know this because there are numerous ongoing conflicts around the world concerning breakaway republics who want international recognition. I have never heard the dangerous precedent argument used for Montenegro's independence, so please stop making up lies.

Kosovo has in fact a weaker case for independence than Slovenia, Montenegro, or Macedonia since they were all states of Yugoslavia, they were not part of Serbia, whereas Kosovo is a province within Serbia, and was never a state of Yugoslavia.

Kosovo IS a unique case. All cases are unique to some extent because they are never identical, but at the end of the day it is just another story of a group of people wanting to create their own country so they can 'determine their own fate'; this is quite common around the world today. Having said that, please stop saying Kosovo is such a unique case.

Also, you do have the right to self determination, in a country called Albania. You should be grateful for this since the Kurdish don't even have a state, but Kosovo independence may get them to work harder for their dream. Time will only tell.

Finally thank you to b92 for publishing my 'extended' comment, i will try to keep them shorter in the future.

Constitution is ratified, now Republic of Serbia is moving forward faster then ever...let us see if all inhabitants of Serbia want to move together, or the noisy minority in the south wants to cause trouble.

One more time serbia shows the world how powerful they are, and their ambitions of creating the great serbia are not dead yet.
Kosova was never part of Serbia, it was part of artifical country "Yugoslavia",
It is a question of time when kosova will get indepedence.
obviously comunists do not realize what democracy is,they calling these elections Choice between Democratic state and dictatorship will good job people u chosed dictatorship:
just check the picture of president of the serbian parliament, if he is a democrat then i am Jim Morrison

Some days ago there was an piece on B92 on Tadic stating how Serbia should defend its borders. Which borders one said? With or without Kosovo? Was the referendum the right project to do so? I don't think so. I think this project is doomed to failure because it comes too late. In my comment to the previous article I emphasized how the international community is tailoring the adequate dress for Kosovo, in other words...independence. Why the referendum on this constitution is a failure? Because, the int'l community doesn't really believe in positive changes in Serbia. Your neighbors are unhappy. If you have unhappy neighbors, then you should really do something about it. Stop trying to dominate on others anymore. It's obvious that you're not the heavenly people on this planet. By voting pro this constitution you might have extended the contract with Kosovo for another six months. You cannot sign longer contracts with the int'l community. How on Earth can you be so blind and ignore the world politics and still say things like "we will show the world who we are". This is just a problem that will have to, which is now a must, be solved by the international community which will in the end disregard arguments of both sides and play with its own cards. Stop comparing Kosovo with other countries. It has become a ridiculous phrase, so that even kids would know where the distinction is. To this end, I consider this as the last attempt by the failed and replaceable Serbian politicians to show their people how much they are in love with Kosovo. Be real. Quit dreaming.
Thanks B92. Way to go.

for all those that claim that Kosovo was never part of serbia but only Yugoslavia:

http://www.answers.com/topic/serbia1913-png

Kingdom SHS was formed in 1918.

Everybody's happy.
Albanians: The world community said that Constitution of Serbia does not have anything with status of Kosovo;
Serbians: Kosovo is the part of Serbia at least for the domestic usage, and the dreams and illusions shall continue;
KFOR: they will have to stay on Kosova and protect Albanians from Albanians and Serbs from Serbs;
International community: they are sure that in the end, somebody in Serbia will find the way to agree with the independence of Kosovo which, in the same time shall be the part of Serbia;
Former S&M administration: here is the possibility to form Serbia and Kosovo Union (like Serbia and Montenegro) so they could find good jobs;
Montenegro: We told you, we told you but you did not hear;
Vojvodina: they have better position to bargain (Hey listen, what if WE decided to do something like Kosovo?)

Ordinary citizens: when all the politicians are happy, they must be happy too.

O, fortunatos nimium!

Sorry if I did not mention someone.