Ahtisaari for conditional independence?

the same strategy like montenego.. then indipendence

Another victory for Serbia. Just like in 1999...

Congratulations to Kosova, the newest country in the world.

So what would be different than what you have know? It will be the same exact situation in Kosovo as for the last 7 years, only the words in the new resolution will be different. So what? Serbia loses sovereignty over kosovo, but Kosovo is still not independent. As usual, lots of words from the UN, and no action.

"According to the source, the Albanians will receive a country with limited sovereignty, while the Serbians will understand that they have finally lost sovereignty over Kosovo. "

I urge all the Serbian readers of this site to read the above sentence outloud a couple of times. Then read it silently a few more times. Good...now do you get it? Or are you still daydreaming about that "Kosovo is Serbia" illusion?

Svojgazda, what this means is that foreign countries can recognize the country of Kosovo after its parliament declares it. The existing "missions" in Kosovo will be converted to Embassies. There will be countries in the world that will not recognize Kosovo (Serbia, Russia, Greece etc.), however, this will probably not last for a long time since many of these countries would like to invest in the area, and to do that, they would have to recognize the country.

There will be no UN seat for a couple of years, but Kosovo is sick of UNmik anyway.

On the other hand, Serbia will continue to claim Kosovo, just like Greece claims Constantinopole. When the country rids itself of ultranationalism, Kosovo will be recognized and everyone will live happily ever after in EU.

Message to all Albanians: Every time Ahtisaari says something in your favor, you always say that Serbs are "dreaming" and that Serbs should wake up to reality. It is actually the Albanians of Kosovo that need to wake up to reality because Russia will veto any independence. Therefore, Ahtisaari's comments are nothing more than "suggestions," which are not legally binding. As long as Russia says it will veto any independence vote in the U.N. Security Council, then it is the Albanians of Kosovo that are not looking at political reality.

None of this information is new, and the fact the an Albanian newspaper pretty much extracts the words "independence" by piecing letters together to spell "independence" shouldn't raise any eyebrows. In fact, it shows that Albanians want only to see the "I" word, and will accept the "I" word at any cost. Looking only at what B92 is reporting here, it seems that any kind of independence will come at a great price, and I'd warn the Albanians to be careful what they wish for. With other words that were overlooked such as "decentralization" "refugee returnees" and "minority rights" independence may result in a relatively weak state with limited central powers that must remain under the jurisdiction of the EU for the foreseeable future. This whole thing of Serbia finally realizing it no longer has sovereignty over Kosovo is also nothing new. Serbia hasn't had sovereignty over the province since 1999 and the fact that substantial autonomy is being offered from Belgrade affirms this idea that they don't want to govern the province directly. Albanians want to think this is a severe blow to Serb pride but this only seems to affirm what are already known facts in Belgrade. My prediction: a conditionally independent state with substantial decentralized power delegated to local governments, allowing Serb municipalities to run their own affairs and reestablish links with Belgrade, coupled with Albanian self-determination under strict scrutiny of the EU.

To (Elliot) It is not about ultranationalism "that would be if we demanded krajna or RS"

Kosovo is legally and historicly a part of Serbia it has been for over a thousand years, just because the population now favors a ethnic group (WHICH has a country already!!) is demanding just because one dumb politian made mistakes in trying to resolve a obvious problem in the province. A common excuse by albanians is "oh we are decendents of Illirains we own all of the balkans" first off that is UNPROVEN it is a myth, second Serbia as a state (Kingdom) was formed BEFORE albania was and had claimed Kosovo. Alot of people (not knowing) believe that Serbia claim it in 1912 that is not true it reclaimed it to reastablish the old Kingdom that SAVED half of Europe from turkish domination, Kosovo in reward for converting to it's religon albanians (still not a state) were given the land to settle on. You can spit all you want about Serbia and Kosovo being a country (ridiculas) but seriously you need a new stereotype about Serbs.

By the way anyone here remeber hearing albanians are going to ignore the constitution......well by the looks of these comments it doesn't seem like it. OH!! and almost forgot (Elliot)by saying that Greeks claim Constantinople (which they do) you just proved that Serbia does claim Kosovo.

Thank you B92

"THE ILLUSION OF INDEPENDENCE!"

By Valentino Sarazini

Mr. Ahtisari's 53 pages blurry proposal will certainly add the misery to Kosovo's population and minorities. It is rather ironic how these two nations are played by a former UN bureaucrat who clearly forfeits the opportunity in understanding the strives of these bleeding nations.

Haziness about the final status will lead to further antagonizing relations between Albanians and Serbs. It'will keep the status quo. Which means a barely coping welfare State, run by subverted international organizations. To make things a lot more dismal than they are, Government corruption which is perpetrated by some legislators and former leaders of the armed struggle will deteriorate to the point that it will be impossible if non-existent to keep alive the desire of foreign investment coming in what is a superficial economy virtually in collapse.

You wonder sometimes? What's the use of creating another weeping Taiwan in the heart of Europe? Another state without a un seat, or an independence to simply calm immediate desire of 2 million people instead of tackling the problem once and for all. Certainly Kosovo leaders may argue my point by alluding that Albanians and Serbs are utterly different nations and, therefore, Kosovo will not end in a coinciding cross-road as Taiwan has in twenty years from now.

It's hard to believe to an illusionary pretext like that. However, it's rather expected that after this trivial independence, Kosovo's bid for formal independence will be repeatedly rejected due to ambivalent conditions attached. Those conditions will be virtually impossible to fulfil. In part, due to the government corruption that has hit the core of every institution as well as Serbia's incessant will to stall the process by influencing Kosovo Serbs not to participate in the Albanian run state and local institutions.

Regardless of the reasons, Kosovo parliament ought to preemptively offer Kosovo Serbs and minorities something they can't deny. How about a Serbian University in Pristina? What's wrong with adding two or three more Districts to Serbian demand? I don't see why Serbians can't have a special connection with Blegrade and Pristina with Presevo valley. It's understandable that as long as Kosovo Serbs have fear of their lives, and their fear is irresponsibly amplified by Belgrade, their resentments towards Kosovo institutions will ample even more. Well, then the question rises is there a way out of hate, obstruction, and war inflicting myths. At the moment, it appears that both sides of the argument are sequencing events for an eventual clash.

I believe that a better economy would temporarily alleviate anxiety on both sides. After all, as long as Albanians and Serbs see no perspectives in what is today a non-existent economy, there will be a lot of blaming coming off from both sides.

The argument that we deserve an independent state simply because of the war perpetrated by Milosevic's army, is fading away. Citizens of Kosovo whether happened to be Albanians or Serbs deserve a better way of life, and unfortunately Kosovo legislators have gruesomely failed their needs with their passiveness.

To conclude, Ahtisari's proposal does nothing more than prolong the unpredictability of an agony that Kosovars have been going through. It's the status quo exchanged for a bleaker status quo, or should I say a dead end without an exit, or trap carefully orchestrated by European powers to keep an impatient population silent. Presently, the Kosovo leaders appear bound to accept the results of this nightmarish proposal. After all, there is nothing else to show for 7 years of freedom, but organized crime, corruption, and an abundance of hopes .

so Ahtisaari is not proposing conditional independence immediately but later?
Anyway, his mandate is to propose not to impose a solution. Ultimately the entire deal must be approved by the UN Security Council, and approval is by no means guaranteed.

This is just spin on what "might" be proposed.
The reality is generaly far from what is speculated and the sooner Albanians in Serbia (including the Serbian province of Kosovo & Metohija) realise that resolution 1244 secured Serbian territorial integreity and start working towards a better future for all in Serbia the sooner Serbia will be part of the EU - or do these same Albanians not wish to be part of the EU? The EU is about compromise, working in partnership, integration and improving ones economic, political and social standing. The talks are about negotiation/compromise and as such are about finding a win-win solution. Until this solution is found then what ever occurs will never be permanent and will lead to continued instability, lack of investment, economic decline and even more unemployment for the all of the inhabitants of Kosovo & Metohija.

TO: ****, Who ever you are!
If as you say Albanians claiming to be decendents os Ilyrian is a myth, so is the claim from Serbs that KOSOVO/A is craddle of Serbia. As far as Serbian Kingdom you just have to go to Rom-Italy an look in walls of Colesium and you will see how big was Sebia( only Belgrade with its surroundings).Wow, Serbian Kingdom saved falf of Europe, its amazing. Serbia is the only country in the world that celebrates its defeats.

"...does not mention the word “independence,” but does provide a plan that will eventually lead to conditional independence."

That's exactly the ploy I use with my 14 year old daughter!

So according to "*****", Serbia should claim Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, etc...

Mr. *****, Albanian ultranationalists want unification of Albania, Kosovo, Western Macedonia, Presevo Valley, North Western Greece. However, unlike in Serbia, their calls have been muffled by the majority of Kosovars who happen to be more rational than Serbs.

The ultranationalism in Serbia is very visible from the streets, when people yell "Mladic Mladic" in their protests, and when they use war criminals posters on their referendum campaign to the head of your state. Your ultranationalists are leading your country because they are openly suggesting that they want Kosovo without the Albanians (referendum voting right). So go ahead, start expelling them like you did in the 1990's. Start the rivers of blood like you did in 1990's.

My friend *****, I do not blame you. You have no choice but to vote for Nationalists or Ultranationalists. If you have a "country that existed way before the other Balkan countries", why does your political arena spectrum contain only "the bad" and "the worst"? I do not see anything there that is working for something that is good for citizens of Serbia. All I see is smoke screens that are being put up by political manipulations and desparate attempts to remain in power.

To Lowe... "the Albanians will receive a country with limited sovereignty, while the Serbians will understand that they have finally lost sovereignty over Kosovo". Loss of soverignty over a territory by one country means the independence of that territory. It will be conditional, because of the KFOR troops that will act as the "army". Once these troops leave, the only thing that will prevent the full independence is the military re-aggression of Kosovo by Serbia.

To Phillip Dragisic... you said that "Russia will veto any independence". This document does not mention independence, and as such, may be acceptable to both Russia and China. Russia may prevent the Kosovo seat on the UN, but who cares? Kosovo Albanians are actually independent from Serbia right now. Serbia has no say on what happens in Kosovo anyway. Serbia has to stop the illusions that it will rule over Kosovo again. Stop using Kosovo in your political campaigns. It is becoming a broken record.

This is the "dreaming" that is being mentioned.

Thanks B92 for the opportunity.

a proposal is subject to approval, right? but in the proposal, independence is vague, so, the approving officials will have a long long debate. adding to that, a veto is also possible. why dont you ask yourselves a question? for 7 years the UN has governed Kosovo, why is a proposal vague as it is still came up? UNOSEK is playing SAFE my friends.

I profoundly disagree with Valentino. Although at first glance you might appreciate his intelectual understanding of the problem on the other hand it is his perseption of the future illusionary. trying to make comparisons with places like Taiwan etc etc, when it is was stated again and again that Kosovo is a UNIQUE problem and should be treated and resolved as such. Kosovo should and must become independent. it is in the iterests of all the parties involved in the long run.

Dear Valentino,

Paragraphs like yours, do not serve the strife for peace either. Maybe you forget that when UN and KFOR forces took over, Kosovo was in a virtual wreck. 40 % of Private homes were buned to the ground. So, no one is expecting miracles in Kosovo considering the fact the state it was. You make a valid point about government corruption. But the question is, "Which government isn't corrupted?"
Mr. Ahtisari's proposal is good for the people of Kosovo. It means Serbia looses its right to sovereignity, and it'll be just a matter of time when Kosovo is recognised by the UN. I just hope one day Vojvodina gets a proposal like that.

"Well polished paragraphs without any real substance in them!"

Cheers,

Agnes Bertrand,

Valentino,

Although I appreciate your clever form of writing, you definetly left something along the lines. Kosovo is a unique case in the world. And your comparison of Kosovo to Taiwan is simply outrageous and is an Insult to those who are working hard to make peace work.

Mary, San Jose, Costa Ricca

"Kosovo will end up like Taiwan!"

You must be dreaming Valentino! How can you compare Kosovo to Taiwan when Taiwanese and Chinese are the same nation.

We are totally two different nations, and one of them wants divorce!

Wake up my friend! Good style of writing though!

Flori,

Ahtisary's proposal has made me disappointed somehow, but Valentino's comment has really made me hit the roof!
According to you, nothing has worked in Kosovo for 7 years. You are absolutly wrong! By the way, your comment is the most pesimistiic I have read so far.

Xhafer,

"To Lowe... "the Albanians will receive a country with limited sovereignty, while the Serbians will understand that they have finally lost sovereignty over Kosovo". Loss of soverignty over a territory by one country means the independence of that territory. It will be conditional, because of the KFOR troops that will act as the "army". Once these troops leave, the only thing that will prevent the full independence is the military re-aggression of Kosovo by Serbia.
(Dardan, 31 October 2006, 11:11)"

My point was that this report speculated what Ahtisaari might propose. He can propose. But it does not mean his proposal will be accepted by the UN Security Council. You assumed that his proposal will definitely be accepted. It may not necessarily turn out that way.

Agnes,

What does Vojvodina have to do with Ahtisari's proposal.
Valentin's comment is very realistic with exception of few lines about Serbia. If this proposal becomes true, Kosovo will indeed end up like Taiwan in 20 years from now.
As far as Serbia loosing it's right to Kosovo. Serbia lost Kosovo to turks and it got it back. I am sure Serbia will find a way to get it back again.

Boris Petrovich,

Ahtisari's proposal falls short of ethnic Albanian's demand! It's a horrible proposal. And like Valentino says in his remarks, It has all hallmarks of Taiwan. I bet you Albanians never thought this way.
Good thiniking Valentino! I honestly enjoyed reading your comment!

J.P. Bedard,

I said I wasn't going to write comments for this site, but Agnes's comment forced me to put two cents. You say Valentino's comment has no merits. I disagree with you on this one.
Valentino's comment demonstrates a realistic vision of Kosovo's future, unless Kosovo parliament rejects this proposal and in unison declares independence. Kosovo would have a lot more chances getting recognized by individual states than go through lengthy proses that in the final stages could simply reject full independence due to difficult conditions to fulfil.

As far as Vojvodina is concerned, give her another 2 years and it will be divided along the ethnic lines. I hope it will be done peacefully though!

Isaac,

the same strategy like montenego.. then indipendence

Another victory for Serbia. Just like in 1999...

Congratulations to Kosova, the newest country in the world.

So what would be different than what you have know? It will be the same exact situation in Kosovo as for the last 7 years, only the words in the new resolution will be different. So what? Serbia loses sovereignty over kosovo, but Kosovo is still not independent. As usual, lots of words from the UN, and no action.

"According to the source, the Albanians will receive a country with limited sovereignty, while the Serbians will understand that they have finally lost sovereignty over Kosovo. "

I urge all the Serbian readers of this site to read the above sentence outloud a couple of times. Then read it silently a few more times. Good...now do you get it? Or are you still daydreaming about that "Kosovo is Serbia" illusion?

Svojgazda, what this means is that foreign countries can recognize the country of Kosovo after its parliament declares it. The existing "missions" in Kosovo will be converted to Embassies. There will be countries in the world that will not recognize Kosovo (Serbia, Russia, Greece etc.), however, this will probably not last for a long time since many of these countries would like to invest in the area, and to do that, they would have to recognize the country.

There will be no UN seat for a couple of years, but Kosovo is sick of UNmik anyway.

On the other hand, Serbia will continue to claim Kosovo, just like Greece claims Constantinopole. When the country rids itself of ultranationalism, Kosovo will be recognized and everyone will live happily ever after in EU.

Message to all Albanians: Every time Ahtisaari says something in your favor, you always say that Serbs are "dreaming" and that Serbs should wake up to reality. It is actually the Albanians of Kosovo that need to wake up to reality because Russia will veto any independence. Therefore, Ahtisaari's comments are nothing more than "suggestions," which are not legally binding. As long as Russia says it will veto any independence vote in the U.N. Security Council, then it is the Albanians of Kosovo that are not looking at political reality.

None of this information is new, and the fact the an Albanian newspaper pretty much extracts the words "independence" by piecing letters together to spell "independence" shouldn't raise any eyebrows. In fact, it shows that Albanians want only to see the "I" word, and will accept the "I" word at any cost. Looking only at what B92 is reporting here, it seems that any kind of independence will come at a great price, and I'd warn the Albanians to be careful what they wish for. With other words that were overlooked such as "decentralization" "refugee returnees" and "minority rights" independence may result in a relatively weak state with limited central powers that must remain under the jurisdiction of the EU for the foreseeable future. This whole thing of Serbia finally realizing it no longer has sovereignty over Kosovo is also nothing new. Serbia hasn't had sovereignty over the province since 1999 and the fact that substantial autonomy is being offered from Belgrade affirms this idea that they don't want to govern the province directly. Albanians want to think this is a severe blow to Serb pride but this only seems to affirm what are already known facts in Belgrade. My prediction: a conditionally independent state with substantial decentralized power delegated to local governments, allowing Serb municipalities to run their own affairs and reestablish links with Belgrade, coupled with Albanian self-determination under strict scrutiny of the EU.

To (Elliot) It is not about ultranationalism "that would be if we demanded krajna or RS"

Kosovo is legally and historicly a part of Serbia it has been for over a thousand years, just because the population now favors a ethnic group (WHICH has a country already!!) is demanding just because one dumb politian made mistakes in trying to resolve a obvious problem in the province. A common excuse by albanians is "oh we are decendents of Illirains we own all of the balkans" first off that is UNPROVEN it is a myth, second Serbia as a state (Kingdom) was formed BEFORE albania was and had claimed Kosovo. Alot of people (not knowing) believe that Serbia claim it in 1912 that is not true it reclaimed it to reastablish the old Kingdom that SAVED half of Europe from turkish domination, Kosovo in reward for converting to it's religon albanians (still not a state) were given the land to settle on. You can spit all you want about Serbia and Kosovo being a country (ridiculas) but seriously you need a new stereotype about Serbs.

By the way anyone here remeber hearing albanians are going to ignore the constitution......well by the looks of these comments it doesn't seem like it. OH!! and almost forgot (Elliot)by saying that Greeks claim Constantinople (which they do) you just proved that Serbia does claim Kosovo.

Thank you B92

"THE ILLUSION OF INDEPENDENCE!"

By Valentino Sarazini

Mr. Ahtisari's 53 pages blurry proposal will certainly add the misery to Kosovo's population and minorities. It is rather ironic how these two nations are played by a former UN bureaucrat who clearly forfeits the opportunity in understanding the strives of these bleeding nations.

Haziness about the final status will lead to further antagonizing relations between Albanians and Serbs. It'will keep the status quo. Which means a barely coping welfare State, run by subverted international organizations. To make things a lot more dismal than they are, Government corruption which is perpetrated by some legislators and former leaders of the armed struggle will deteriorate to the point that it will be impossible if non-existent to keep alive the desire of foreign investment coming in what is a superficial economy virtually in collapse.

You wonder sometimes? What's the use of creating another weeping Taiwan in the heart of Europe? Another state without a un seat, or an independence to simply calm immediate desire of 2 million people instead of tackling the problem once and for all. Certainly Kosovo leaders may argue my point by alluding that Albanians and Serbs are utterly different nations and, therefore, Kosovo will not end in a coinciding cross-road as Taiwan has in twenty years from now.

It's hard to believe to an illusionary pretext like that. However, it's rather expected that after this trivial independence, Kosovo's bid for formal independence will be repeatedly rejected due to ambivalent conditions attached. Those conditions will be virtually impossible to fulfil. In part, due to the government corruption that has hit the core of every institution as well as Serbia's incessant will to stall the process by influencing Kosovo Serbs not to participate in the Albanian run state and local institutions.

Regardless of the reasons, Kosovo parliament ought to preemptively offer Kosovo Serbs and minorities something they can't deny. How about a Serbian University in Pristina? What's wrong with adding two or three more Districts to Serbian demand? I don't see why Serbians can't have a special connection with Blegrade and Pristina with Presevo valley. It's understandable that as long as Kosovo Serbs have fear of their lives, and their fear is irresponsibly amplified by Belgrade, their resentments towards Kosovo institutions will ample even more. Well, then the question rises is there a way out of hate, obstruction, and war inflicting myths. At the moment, it appears that both sides of the argument are sequencing events for an eventual clash.

I believe that a better economy would temporarily alleviate anxiety on both sides. After all, as long as Albanians and Serbs see no perspectives in what is today a non-existent economy, there will be a lot of blaming coming off from both sides.

The argument that we deserve an independent state simply because of the war perpetrated by Milosevic's army, is fading away. Citizens of Kosovo whether happened to be Albanians or Serbs deserve a better way of life, and unfortunately Kosovo legislators have gruesomely failed their needs with their passiveness.

To conclude, Ahtisari's proposal does nothing more than prolong the unpredictability of an agony that Kosovars have been going through. It's the status quo exchanged for a bleaker status quo, or should I say a dead end without an exit, or trap carefully orchestrated by European powers to keep an impatient population silent. Presently, the Kosovo leaders appear bound to accept the results of this nightmarish proposal. After all, there is nothing else to show for 7 years of freedom, but organized crime, corruption, and an abundance of hopes .

so Ahtisaari is not proposing conditional independence immediately but later?
Anyway, his mandate is to propose not to impose a solution. Ultimately the entire deal must be approved by the UN Security Council, and approval is by no means guaranteed.

This is just spin on what "might" be proposed.
The reality is generaly far from what is speculated and the sooner Albanians in Serbia (including the Serbian province of Kosovo & Metohija) realise that resolution 1244 secured Serbian territorial integreity and start working towards a better future for all in Serbia the sooner Serbia will be part of the EU - or do these same Albanians not wish to be part of the EU? The EU is about compromise, working in partnership, integration and improving ones economic, political and social standing. The talks are about negotiation/compromise and as such are about finding a win-win solution. Until this solution is found then what ever occurs will never be permanent and will lead to continued instability, lack of investment, economic decline and even more unemployment for the all of the inhabitants of Kosovo & Metohija.

TO: ****, Who ever you are!
If as you say Albanians claiming to be decendents os Ilyrian is a myth, so is the claim from Serbs that KOSOVO/A is craddle of Serbia. As far as Serbian Kingdom you just have to go to Rom-Italy an look in walls of Colesium and you will see how big was Sebia( only Belgrade with its surroundings).Wow, Serbian Kingdom saved falf of Europe, its amazing. Serbia is the only country in the world that celebrates its defeats.

"...does not mention the word “independence,” but does provide a plan that will eventually lead to conditional independence."

That's exactly the ploy I use with my 14 year old daughter!

So according to "*****", Serbia should claim Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, etc...

Mr. *****, Albanian ultranationalists want unification of Albania, Kosovo, Western Macedonia, Presevo Valley, North Western Greece. However, unlike in Serbia, their calls have been muffled by the majority of Kosovars who happen to be more rational than Serbs.

The ultranationalism in Serbia is very visible from the streets, when people yell "Mladic Mladic" in their protests, and when they use war criminals posters on their referendum campaign to the head of your state. Your ultranationalists are leading your country because they are openly suggesting that they want Kosovo without the Albanians (referendum voting right). So go ahead, start expelling them like you did in the 1990's. Start the rivers of blood like you did in 1990's.

My friend *****, I do not blame you. You have no choice but to vote for Nationalists or Ultranationalists. If you have a "country that existed way before the other Balkan countries", why does your political arena spectrum contain only "the bad" and "the worst"? I do not see anything there that is working for something that is good for citizens of Serbia. All I see is smoke screens that are being put up by political manipulations and desparate attempts to remain in power.

To Lowe... "the Albanians will receive a country with limited sovereignty, while the Serbians will understand that they have finally lost sovereignty over Kosovo". Loss of soverignty over a territory by one country means the independence of that territory. It will be conditional, because of the KFOR troops that will act as the "army". Once these troops leave, the only thing that will prevent the full independence is the military re-aggression of Kosovo by Serbia.

To Phillip Dragisic... you said that "Russia will veto any independence". This document does not mention independence, and as such, may be acceptable to both Russia and China. Russia may prevent the Kosovo seat on the UN, but who cares? Kosovo Albanians are actually independent from Serbia right now. Serbia has no say on what happens in Kosovo anyway. Serbia has to stop the illusions that it will rule over Kosovo again. Stop using Kosovo in your political campaigns. It is becoming a broken record.

This is the "dreaming" that is being mentioned.

Thanks B92 for the opportunity.

a proposal is subject to approval, right? but in the proposal, independence is vague, so, the approving officials will have a long long debate. adding to that, a veto is also possible. why dont you ask yourselves a question? for 7 years the UN has governed Kosovo, why is a proposal vague as it is still came up? UNOSEK is playing SAFE my friends.

I profoundly disagree with Valentino. Although at first glance you might appreciate his intelectual understanding of the problem on the other hand it is his perseption of the future illusionary. trying to make comparisons with places like Taiwan etc etc, when it is was stated again and again that Kosovo is a UNIQUE problem and should be treated and resolved as such. Kosovo should and must become independent. it is in the iterests of all the parties involved in the long run.

Dear Valentino,

Paragraphs like yours, do not serve the strife for peace either. Maybe you forget that when UN and KFOR forces took over, Kosovo was in a virtual wreck. 40 % of Private homes were buned to the ground. So, no one is expecting miracles in Kosovo considering the fact the state it was. You make a valid point about government corruption. But the question is, "Which government isn't corrupted?"
Mr. Ahtisari's proposal is good for the people of Kosovo. It means Serbia looses its right to sovereignity, and it'll be just a matter of time when Kosovo is recognised by the UN. I just hope one day Vojvodina gets a proposal like that.

"Well polished paragraphs without any real substance in them!"

Cheers,

Agnes Bertrand,

Valentino,

Although I appreciate your clever form of writing, you definetly left something along the lines. Kosovo is a unique case in the world. And your comparison of Kosovo to Taiwan is simply outrageous and is an Insult to those who are working hard to make peace work.

Mary, San Jose, Costa Ricca

"Kosovo will end up like Taiwan!"

You must be dreaming Valentino! How can you compare Kosovo to Taiwan when Taiwanese and Chinese are the same nation.

We are totally two different nations, and one of them wants divorce!

Wake up my friend! Good style of writing though!

Flori,

Ahtisary's proposal has made me disappointed somehow, but Valentino's comment has really made me hit the roof!
According to you, nothing has worked in Kosovo for 7 years. You are absolutly wrong! By the way, your comment is the most pesimistiic I have read so far.

Xhafer,

"To Lowe... "the Albanians will receive a country with limited sovereignty, while the Serbians will understand that they have finally lost sovereignty over Kosovo". Loss of soverignty over a territory by one country means the independence of that territory. It will be conditional, because of the KFOR troops that will act as the "army". Once these troops leave, the only thing that will prevent the full independence is the military re-aggression of Kosovo by Serbia.
(Dardan, 31 October 2006, 11:11)"

My point was that this report speculated what Ahtisaari might propose. He can propose. But it does not mean his proposal will be accepted by the UN Security Council. You assumed that his proposal will definitely be accepted. It may not necessarily turn out that way.

Agnes,

What does Vojvodina have to do with Ahtisari's proposal.
Valentin's comment is very realistic with exception of few lines about Serbia. If this proposal becomes true, Kosovo will indeed end up like Taiwan in 20 years from now.
As far as Serbia loosing it's right to Kosovo. Serbia lost Kosovo to turks and it got it back. I am sure Serbia will find a way to get it back again.

Boris Petrovich,

Ahtisari's proposal falls short of ethnic Albanian's demand! It's a horrible proposal. And like Valentino says in his remarks, It has all hallmarks of Taiwan. I bet you Albanians never thought this way.
Good thiniking Valentino! I honestly enjoyed reading your comment!

J.P. Bedard,

I said I wasn't going to write comments for this site, but Agnes's comment forced me to put two cents. You say Valentino's comment has no merits. I disagree with you on this one.
Valentino's comment demonstrates a realistic vision of Kosovo's future, unless Kosovo parliament rejects this proposal and in unison declares independence. Kosovo would have a lot more chances getting recognized by individual states than go through lengthy proses that in the final stages could simply reject full independence due to difficult conditions to fulfil.

As far as Vojvodina is concerned, give her another 2 years and it will be divided along the ethnic lines. I hope it will be done peacefully though!

Isaac,