Status solution postponed

What can be delayed can also be defeated.

There is still no legal mechanism for taking away Kosovo. Not doing it legally will allow Serbia to create an economic embargo crippling the new statelet. And Serbia will use all means to stop black marketeeers. Not doing it legally will also unravel a number of similar situatons around the globe.

There is very little enthusiasm for Kosovo's independence. This also means quite a lot. Everyone wishes it would just go away.

There is very little enthusiasm for Kosovo independence? 2 million ethnic Albanians would beg to differ with you. You meant to say that there is very little enthusiasm for independence among Serbs. That is another story. Then again, what would you know? You live in NYC, if you love Serbia so much why not go back there? That is the hugest hypocrisy...Serbs hate the West but still live in it.

Hey Blagoje,
Delaying tactics are only for short period of time and they don't work. the future of Kosova has been established when Serbian forces were kicked out of Kosova by NATO bombinmg and KLA troops on the ground. The fate of Kosova was sealed right at that moment, there is no return.
I hope you will join us when we celebrate the new state in Balkans.I very short time.

agim is really very optimistic which is great. but the way things are going it seems his dream is fading away. delay means many things such as uncertainties. if indeed the west being very powerful so to say had made up their mind within these 7 years, the decision would have come up even before 2002. the thing is they are only playing diplomacy.

Sisi and Agim. You are talking nonsens and I think you know it. Im not from the Balkans, but have considerable experience from the area due to my work.
Yes Sidi, there ARE very little enthusiasm for Kosovo independence except from the Kosovars. And if you like it or not, just because me or you are in majority somewhere on earth, we DO NOT decide what will happen on that place. 95% of all countries citizen in the world doesn´t know where Kosovo is located and doesn´t care one bit of it. Many Europeans though, have heard about Kosovars making trouble in western Europe and the US and are deported from there. And tell me, why shoulnd´t THEY go home and help rebuild their homes ??
To Agim; I have heard this 100s of times. The fact is that they (US, UN, EU) doesn´t know now how to proceed. Because one thing is 100% clear according to diplomatic sourses I have, even if it´s not said straight out. Kosovo WILL not and CAN not be a new country. That is clear to all senior officials, but how to proceed then ? You will of course say something else, but I know this. You will see spring 2007.

One with the right mind can see very well that this has been done just to give a chance to the more democratic parties in Serbia to try to win these elections, because if the status was declared now, then the people in Serbia would get upset more and would vote more likely for the Radical Party since the status will be Independence. If the status was proposed now, the party of Tadic, which is in power, would be known to the people as the party who lost Kosova and nobody would vote for them. so in this way, another chance is given to the Tadic's party and its coalition. In this way, the west is trying to trick the Serbs so they can vote for the more democratic parties in Serbia, instead of voting for the radical party.
Tadic and his other allies want to win another term of elections, thats why they wanted the status to be delayed because otherwise they would loose big time from the radical party.
Also, this gives a very very clear message that the status that will be proposed is INDEPENDENCE, because if it was something that would leave Kosova under Serbia, then the proposal would be given now since in this way it would be in favor of the parties that are in power now in Serbia.
Another plan that might be is that all the parties after the elections will form a big coalition, so in this case no party would be left in opposition and as a result all the parties would together accept the status of Kosova and in this case no party in opposition would accuse the parties in power of betraying the country. Basically, the Radical party would not accuse the parties in power of betrayal since the radical party would also be in power.

The serb population is being tricked just to vote for the parties that are in power now, and later to find out that these parties made an agreement with the west to delay the proposal just so they can get elected again.
I hope that the people of Serbia finally understand that their leaders are playing games again and again with them, and this was just the following one. God knows what the next one will be.
I also must say that I feel sorry for some posters here who let themselves be victims of Kostunica's propaganda by thinking that Kosova will not be independent. Please people, wake up, its time to wake up. I hope that this delay gives you a very clear message about the outcome of the Kosova status, which will be nothing else but Independent.
Thanks.

afrim do you think the people of serbia were born yesterday? my friend they know what is happening, so whether the status is now or whenever, they know whom to vote.

Blag is right: there is very little enthusiasm about Kosovo indipendence. during these 7 years the illusions about an independent and at the same time multiethnic Kosovo proved to be unrealistic. an indipentent Kosovo won't be multiethnic, and a multiethnic Kosovo can't be indipendent and the international community hopes that a delay (personally i don't think it will be that short) can solve the dilemma.
ciao belli.

More time for Albanians in Serbia (including the Serbian province of Kosovo & Metohija) to 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 and most importantly about dissolving borders not inventing them! The current 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. Hopefully now that this unrealistic and self imposed constraint of "End of 2006" has been put aside we will see some real negotiations and a better future for all. I look forward to new talks in 2007 with a new Secretary General in charge who hass already speculated on a new framework for the Kosovo talks.

I live in the UK Sidi. I was born in the UK. My mother was born in the UK. However, my grandfather was born in Metohija and was forced from his home by Fascist Albanians in world war 2. The Skanderbeg division. It is highly offensive for you to claim that Serb diaspora should either return to Serbia or be silent. You do not know individual family cases (such as mine).

Without your Albanian diaspora and the money from the 'home-calling' fund (a large percentage gained through criminal activity) you wouldn't be anywhere near the stage you are at today.

To all of you that believe that Kosovo should not gain the independence and remain under Serbia's jurisdiction, do you really think that diplomatic powers believe that Serbia will be able to integrate 2 mil Albanians? Do you think that Serbs would like to have 2 mil Albanians integrated? Did any of the politicians in Serbia ever offered an apology for what happened in Kosovo where more than 10000 got killed/sloughed and about 800000 went to Albanian and Macedonia for what is “know” to be the largest “picnic” in the world? (This is what Serbs believe in controversy to what really happened, ethnic cleanses). Serbs from Serbia do not like Serbs from Kosovo otherwise things will be a lot easier. I'm telling this from my experience, because I grew up in Belgrade. Seriously, could you all genius thinkers if Kosovo "will not" win independence, how would you integrate all Albanians to something they don't like? To my knowledge, there hasn't been any informal or formal offer to Albanians about their future in Serbia. Serbia has no future itself as of now, being the “cradle” of civilization and not being able to extradite war fugitives. Even Russians are using the current situation for diplomatic advantages in their soul and begging the US to join World Trade Organization. In other words, no one cares anymore about Serbia, lost most of its historical allies such as France, Italy and China to some extend. It’s time for civilized revolution within Serbia itself and acceptance of new reality. There isn’t any country (if one know please provide sources) that has tried to invade a province or a country by force (Serbia invading Kosovo) and has won the war. Again, fortunately I have so many friends from Serbia that do not share same misleading thoughts and misunderstood as some of the posters here, which gives me some hope at the end of the civilization tunnel in Serbia about their future as no warlike believers. Albanians pulled with Turkish for 500 years and they will pull with Serbs for another 5000 years if necessary until they get what they deserve - freedom.

Thanks.

Though I wanted to watch this from the sidelines my heart couldn’t resist the fact that most of the comments above me have no grounds. West, East, North, West, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus know that Kosovar-Alb and Serbs can’t live together in this century. The reason why the word Independence has not been mentioned for 7 years is because major powers were working on creating a democratic and pro-western idea in Kosovo, which is something that Serbia has failed to do until they elected Tadic. The “fear” of West that nationalists will win this election is making them postpone the decision. If Tadic loses in January election so will the Democracy in Serbia. By postponing the decision West is helping Tadic win the support of the people who are planning to vote for Nationalist which is same as voting for Slobodan Milosevic. This is not a question of whether Kosovo will become independence or not, it is a question of whether Serbians want to move forward or go back to the miserable life. I can’t change the mind of Serbs but I have one thing to say to them. Please, next time when a politician is on TV and says “…If elected I PROMISE Kosovo back…” close your eyes and ears. But when someone says “…If elected I Promise to reduce unemployment, invite other countries to invest in Serbia…”, open your heart and embrace him. Listen to me, because I’m right.

People don’t “drink sand” because there is no water, but they “drink sand” because they don’t know the difference.

Greetings to my Albanian brothers,

The Balkans need a regional solution to all the various issues at hand, and not piecemeal settlements that leave everyone dissatisfied.

Creating a new country out of Kosovo could potentially divide the Tosks and the Ghegs of Albania and create a new ethnicity of Kosovars. While the rest of Europe is uniting as one state, the Balkans are splintering and creating new ethnicities everyday it seems. This could possibly lead to further problems in the future and should be examined closely.

While the Right to Self Determination seemed like a good solution to the problems of individual ethnic groups oppressed under the Great Empire system, its obvious at this point it has its major drawbacks and isn't needed in a true democracy. It has the unintended effect of encouraging Ethnic cleansing. It is enforced selectively, the poor Kurds of Iraq as a good example (Or the Serbs of Bosnia and Croatia). And where do you draw the line? To truly be enforced in a fair and just way, it would have to be done on a house by house basis, which is completely impractical.

Obviously at this point, postponement is needed in order to encourage the more moderate and western leaning elements of the Serbian population. Serbia is after all a democracy and if the people turn their backs on the EU and the world, the government will as well. Afrim is correct in much of what he says about the reasoning behind the situation, however, I don't think anyone is being tricked by anyone in this situation. We all know Serbia is in danger of being radicalized and that the western thinkers in that country need support and encouragement in order to create a stable future for the region and the EU as a whole. There is no need to rush to judgment like in the past which led to the wars of the 1990's.

Negotiation and compromise are the only peaceful solution for these types of issues.

How would our Albanian brothers feel about being given the portions of South Serbia with an Albanian majority in exchange for portions of Kosovo with a Serbian majority? I also suggest that those areas of Kosovo that are most important historically and emotionally be traded for areas of Serbia that are equal in importance and economic value. Is that something the Albanian population would consider? Especially if it meant union with Albanian proper and an agreement to work together for the right to self determination for both Serbs and Albanians in all the countries where they have significant populations. Serbs and Albanians clearly have the same issues and concerns and should be working closely together for a common solution. This would also show the European community that the Balkans has the political maturity to join the EU in a constructive and positive manner, instead of bringing in potential conflicts among members states of the EU.

As far as punishing Serbia further for the actions of the nationalists under Milosevic. When will it be enough? The Serbian government has acknowledged it has problems with human rights, and that is a great first step in dealing with those kinds of issues. Serbia has apologized for some of the terrible events carried out in their name, like Srebrenica. While other countries in the region still celebrate their crimes of ethnic cleansing as national holidays. Serbia is making progress and needs to be rewarded for its efforts. Keep in mind Serbia suffered sanctions for many years, bombing by the international community, saw their population carved up and dispersed among a variety of different countries, denied the right to self determination, and was nearly completely cleansed out of countries such as Croatia (which hasn't even been acknowledged as ethnic cleansing, its still claimed that they left voluntarily). The Serbian people democratically voted Milosevic out of office and delivered him to the Hague, and he was the single most important criminal next to Tudjman. Yet still Serbs are collectively blamed and demonized. In Kosovo, Serbian monuments and history are being systematically destroyed. As far as missing persons in Kosovo go, Serbs have a higher per capita rate of missing persons then the Albanians (That's a percentage of the population, not total numbers). For all those calling for even more punishment for the Serbs, I ask you, what punishments should be met out to the other ethnicities that engaged in similar activities? Calling for punishment of the Serbs for their actions, but not for the Albanians (for doing exactly the same thing) is hypocritical as best. As I've said many times, its not all black and white in the Balkans, its all shades of gray. Everyone in the Balkans has committed crimes for which they should be ashamed and as soon as this is acknowledged, then the healing can begin.

I am by no means a nationalist. I am an American whose great grandfather was a Montenegrin from a clan of mixed Albanian/Montenegrin origin, so I do have great respect for the Albanian people and their heroic history. I was called a traitor by nationalist Serbs for my work with Bosnian Muslim groups and for appearing on national television supporting them. However, all that being said, the region needs a solution that builds understanding and economic ties to the various peoples and ethnicities in the Balkans. An imposed solution by outside powers only sets the region up for further problems in the future and endangers the stability of a functioning and prosperous EU. Serbs are not easily going to forget about Kosovo no matter what everyone else wishes or thinks or tells them to.

If all else fails, Serbs should just move to Kosovo en mass so they are a majority, even if it takes hundreds of years. That would solve all the problems and issues. I'm willing to do so, and I bet real estate there is super cheap right now. Anyone have property for sale there?

I am Albanian and i live in Kosova Peja City. Sory for my english maybe its not so clear but I try to tell my feelings like Albanian living in Kosova.
In the Last war I lose my little sister being killed by Serbian Paramilitar Sodier, and my home and shops were burned till the ground.
I just wana say something that Serbs need to accept crimes what they did in Kosova and its shame for europe for serbian exstremist and some albanian negociators who play with our lifes with lifes of people living in kosova. we people who live here will never forgive europe, serbia and some albanian liers for all what they did to us. the truth will come in light as soon as people cant stand any more the situation in kosova

The government of Kosova will declare independence if status is not declared. US and most European countries have already implied they will recognize it. What we post here does not change that, it only expresses our feelings. Kosova WILL be independent soon and there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING Serbia can do about it. Live with it!

I have no idea where you get your statistics from 'peace' but you dont give a source which doesn't suprise me at all.

As for Albanians 'pulling' Turkey for Independence for 500 years. Ask any Balkan historian and you will be informed that the Albanians were the most enthusiastic supporters of the Ottoman Empire for most of its existance. Albanian mercenaries did the vilest slaughter of Greeks, Macedonians, Vlachs, Serbs, Bulgarians amongst others.

Noel Malcolm is perhaps the most anti Serb British academic and he even concedes than in medieval times that Albanians were in a very small minority in Kosovo and Metohija. The present demographic make up of the province is as a result of Albanians being allowed to settle in Kosovo by their Turkish masters after they had bullied raped and pillaged the indigenous Christians from their homes. Kosovo is littered with ruined MEDIEVAL Serbian churches... did Milosevic build them?

Victory for Serbia comes on a route we cannot lose. Republika Srpska is a win-win situation. Kosovo Independence is unjust and would bring victory to a society that blames all Christian peoples in Balkans for all of their problems.

Serbia has many opportunities-if calculated and acted upon, we have certain 'win-win' situations. Lets hope it happens people.

(Agim) you are giving KLA WAY to much credit. No we wont join you don't count on others to do so to.

Well said Pete tip of the hat to you sir :)

It's no surprise that the UN sponsored solution is postponed! After all Albanian parliament has done such a poor job as far as public relations are concerned that some members of contact group are having the second thoughts. Though my opinion totally differs from Belgrade's point of view, I will congratulate them for doing such a great job in creating divisions among the contact group members as well as changing the public opinion when it comes to Kosova's final sollution. If Kosova remains status-less and under supervision of EU, Albanians have no one else to blame but their leaders who have been passively waiting and hoping that by some miracle Ahtisari may propose a solution to their favor. Well, well,...Albanians betrayed again, this time not by Serbia, as some Albanian are alluding, but by their overwhelming trust for Ahtisari, who on the other hand, has shown that his proposal can change by the direction of the winds. I wonder how Sejdiu, Cheku feel at the moment. Just few days ago they had put all their trust and enthusiasm on Ahtisari's final judgement. As an observer and an active advocat against this international travesty, I can see they thought that by sitting and waiting patiently, the west would simply hand them a new state.

Well, as always, the corrupted bureaucrats Kosova is left with will surely find a way to persuade an intensely impatient population with more empty hopes. Only this time Kosova's population is tired of empty hopes. They want to see literal steps taken, or courageous leaders who will stand up and unilaterally declare independence! Will Cheku and his cronies have courage to take Kosovars into new level? I doubt it!

It seems that they have gotten so much used to have international agencies meddle in Kosova's daily life decisions that status quo is better than taking any risks.

Albanian leaders ought to know by now that they had already placed the faith of 2 million Kosovars on Russian Roulette. Putting too much hopes on US international policies undoublty has brought us where we are. Americans will support Kosova on their bid for independence only if Serbia fails to establish a full-blown democracy. However, if Serbia succeeds with its promised democracy and joins Nato, EU, Americans could care less if Kosovo becomes independent. Their aim is to preserve their investment, which is a military base near Ferizaj. It's a well-known fact for anyone with the right mind that America won't loose a thing if the base remains in independent Kosova, or democratic Serbia.

As far as Serbia is concerned, it was expectable that they would do anything to alter the situation. If Kosova had been an empty place, or should we say without ethnic Albanians, Serbs could have cared less for this . . . what some Serbs call it "the ugly heartland of Serbia," but just the idea of dominating a group of people they see as the most repulsive human beings on the planet, I guess puts adrenaline on their pride and risking the future prosperity of Serbia means nothing as long as they keep occupied someone else's land.

In the end, Ahtisari has turned an enormous opportunity for peace into a political blunder.

By waiting for the Serbian elections to present his final solution, Ahtisari has indeed confirmed that Kosova is legitimately part of Serbia, if not, then, he is illegally meddling in the affairs of Serbia.

We who are left in the crossroads have practically had it with Cheku and his cronies.

It's not about integration. And it shouldn't be about independence either. Serbia is being very generous to the Albanians by giving them self autonomy. And they should accept it.

Then everyone within Serbia can be treated as equal citizens and coporate as one for the future. Kosovo has never been and never will be it's own country.

Kosovo is unique and diverse, its land is beautiful. We should respect it's diverse but we should not view independence as the answer. Kosovo will never prosper on it's own, it is Serbia.

Respect.

What can be delayed can also be defeated.

There is still no legal mechanism for taking away Kosovo. Not doing it legally will allow Serbia to create an economic embargo crippling the new statelet. And Serbia will use all means to stop black marketeeers. Not doing it legally will also unravel a number of similar situatons around the globe.

There is very little enthusiasm for Kosovo's independence. This also means quite a lot. Everyone wishes it would just go away.

There is very little enthusiasm for Kosovo independence? 2 million ethnic Albanians would beg to differ with you. You meant to say that there is very little enthusiasm for independence among Serbs. That is another story. Then again, what would you know? You live in NYC, if you love Serbia so much why not go back there? That is the hugest hypocrisy...Serbs hate the West but still live in it.

Hey Blagoje,
Delaying tactics are only for short period of time and they don't work. the future of Kosova has been established when Serbian forces were kicked out of Kosova by NATO bombinmg and KLA troops on the ground. The fate of Kosova was sealed right at that moment, there is no return.
I hope you will join us when we celebrate the new state in Balkans.I very short time.

agim is really very optimistic which is great. but the way things are going it seems his dream is fading away. delay means many things such as uncertainties. if indeed the west being very powerful so to say had made up their mind within these 7 years, the decision would have come up even before 2002. the thing is they are only playing diplomacy.

Sisi and Agim. You are talking nonsens and I think you know it. Im not from the Balkans, but have considerable experience from the area due to my work.
Yes Sidi, there ARE very little enthusiasm for Kosovo independence except from the Kosovars. And if you like it or not, just because me or you are in majority somewhere on earth, we DO NOT decide what will happen on that place. 95% of all countries citizen in the world doesn´t know where Kosovo is located and doesn´t care one bit of it. Many Europeans though, have heard about Kosovars making trouble in western Europe and the US and are deported from there. And tell me, why shoulnd´t THEY go home and help rebuild their homes ??
To Agim; I have heard this 100s of times. The fact is that they (US, UN, EU) doesn´t know now how to proceed. Because one thing is 100% clear according to diplomatic sourses I have, even if it´s not said straight out. Kosovo WILL not and CAN not be a new country. That is clear to all senior officials, but how to proceed then ? You will of course say something else, but I know this. You will see spring 2007.

One with the right mind can see very well that this has been done just to give a chance to the more democratic parties in Serbia to try to win these elections, because if the status was declared now, then the people in Serbia would get upset more and would vote more likely for the Radical Party since the status will be Independence. If the status was proposed now, the party of Tadic, which is in power, would be known to the people as the party who lost Kosova and nobody would vote for them. so in this way, another chance is given to the Tadic's party and its coalition. In this way, the west is trying to trick the Serbs so they can vote for the more democratic parties in Serbia, instead of voting for the radical party.
Tadic and his other allies want to win another term of elections, thats why they wanted the status to be delayed because otherwise they would loose big time from the radical party.
Also, this gives a very very clear message that the status that will be proposed is INDEPENDENCE, because if it was something that would leave Kosova under Serbia, then the proposal would be given now since in this way it would be in favor of the parties that are in power now in Serbia.
Another plan that might be is that all the parties after the elections will form a big coalition, so in this case no party would be left in opposition and as a result all the parties would together accept the status of Kosova and in this case no party in opposition would accuse the parties in power of betraying the country. Basically, the Radical party would not accuse the parties in power of betrayal since the radical party would also be in power.

The serb population is being tricked just to vote for the parties that are in power now, and later to find out that these parties made an agreement with the west to delay the proposal just so they can get elected again.
I hope that the people of Serbia finally understand that their leaders are playing games again and again with them, and this was just the following one. God knows what the next one will be.
I also must say that I feel sorry for some posters here who let themselves be victims of Kostunica's propaganda by thinking that Kosova will not be independent. Please people, wake up, its time to wake up. I hope that this delay gives you a very clear message about the outcome of the Kosova status, which will be nothing else but Independent.
Thanks.

afrim do you think the people of serbia were born yesterday? my friend they know what is happening, so whether the status is now or whenever, they know whom to vote.

Blag is right: there is very little enthusiasm about Kosovo indipendence. during these 7 years the illusions about an independent and at the same time multiethnic Kosovo proved to be unrealistic. an indipentent Kosovo won't be multiethnic, and a multiethnic Kosovo can't be indipendent and the international community hopes that a delay (personally i don't think it will be that short) can solve the dilemma.
ciao belli.

More time for Albanians in Serbia (including the Serbian province of Kosovo & Metohija) to 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 and most importantly about dissolving borders not inventing them! The current 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. Hopefully now that this unrealistic and self imposed constraint of "End of 2006" has been put aside we will see some real negotiations and a better future for all. I look forward to new talks in 2007 with a new Secretary General in charge who hass already speculated on a new framework for the Kosovo talks.

I live in the UK Sidi. I was born in the UK. My mother was born in the UK. However, my grandfather was born in Metohija and was forced from his home by Fascist Albanians in world war 2. The Skanderbeg division. It is highly offensive for you to claim that Serb diaspora should either return to Serbia or be silent. You do not know individual family cases (such as mine).

Without your Albanian diaspora and the money from the 'home-calling' fund (a large percentage gained through criminal activity) you wouldn't be anywhere near the stage you are at today.

To all of you that believe that Kosovo should not gain the independence and remain under Serbia's jurisdiction, do you really think that diplomatic powers believe that Serbia will be able to integrate 2 mil Albanians? Do you think that Serbs would like to have 2 mil Albanians integrated? Did any of the politicians in Serbia ever offered an apology for what happened in Kosovo where more than 10000 got killed/sloughed and about 800000 went to Albanian and Macedonia for what is “know” to be the largest “picnic” in the world? (This is what Serbs believe in controversy to what really happened, ethnic cleanses). Serbs from Serbia do not like Serbs from Kosovo otherwise things will be a lot easier. I'm telling this from my experience, because I grew up in Belgrade. Seriously, could you all genius thinkers if Kosovo "will not" win independence, how would you integrate all Albanians to something they don't like? To my knowledge, there hasn't been any informal or formal offer to Albanians about their future in Serbia. Serbia has no future itself as of now, being the “cradle” of civilization and not being able to extradite war fugitives. Even Russians are using the current situation for diplomatic advantages in their soul and begging the US to join World Trade Organization. In other words, no one cares anymore about Serbia, lost most of its historical allies such as France, Italy and China to some extend. It’s time for civilized revolution within Serbia itself and acceptance of new reality. There isn’t any country (if one know please provide sources) that has tried to invade a province or a country by force (Serbia invading Kosovo) and has won the war. Again, fortunately I have so many friends from Serbia that do not share same misleading thoughts and misunderstood as some of the posters here, which gives me some hope at the end of the civilization tunnel in Serbia about their future as no warlike believers. Albanians pulled with Turkish for 500 years and they will pull with Serbs for another 5000 years if necessary until they get what they deserve - freedom.

Thanks.

Though I wanted to watch this from the sidelines my heart couldn’t resist the fact that most of the comments above me have no grounds. West, East, North, West, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus know that Kosovar-Alb and Serbs can’t live together in this century. The reason why the word Independence has not been mentioned for 7 years is because major powers were working on creating a democratic and pro-western idea in Kosovo, which is something that Serbia has failed to do until they elected Tadic. The “fear” of West that nationalists will win this election is making them postpone the decision. If Tadic loses in January election so will the Democracy in Serbia. By postponing the decision West is helping Tadic win the support of the people who are planning to vote for Nationalist which is same as voting for Slobodan Milosevic. This is not a question of whether Kosovo will become independence or not, it is a question of whether Serbians want to move forward or go back to the miserable life. I can’t change the mind of Serbs but I have one thing to say to them. Please, next time when a politician is on TV and says “…If elected I PROMISE Kosovo back…” close your eyes and ears. But when someone says “…If elected I Promise to reduce unemployment, invite other countries to invest in Serbia…”, open your heart and embrace him. Listen to me, because I’m right.

People don’t “drink sand” because there is no water, but they “drink sand” because they don’t know the difference.

Greetings to my Albanian brothers,

The Balkans need a regional solution to all the various issues at hand, and not piecemeal settlements that leave everyone dissatisfied.

Creating a new country out of Kosovo could potentially divide the Tosks and the Ghegs of Albania and create a new ethnicity of Kosovars. While the rest of Europe is uniting as one state, the Balkans are splintering and creating new ethnicities everyday it seems. This could possibly lead to further problems in the future and should be examined closely.

While the Right to Self Determination seemed like a good solution to the problems of individual ethnic groups oppressed under the Great Empire system, its obvious at this point it has its major drawbacks and isn't needed in a true democracy. It has the unintended effect of encouraging Ethnic cleansing. It is enforced selectively, the poor Kurds of Iraq as a good example (Or the Serbs of Bosnia and Croatia). And where do you draw the line? To truly be enforced in a fair and just way, it would have to be done on a house by house basis, which is completely impractical.

Obviously at this point, postponement is needed in order to encourage the more moderate and western leaning elements of the Serbian population. Serbia is after all a democracy and if the people turn their backs on the EU and the world, the government will as well. Afrim is correct in much of what he says about the reasoning behind the situation, however, I don't think anyone is being tricked by anyone in this situation. We all know Serbia is in danger of being radicalized and that the western thinkers in that country need support and encouragement in order to create a stable future for the region and the EU as a whole. There is no need to rush to judgment like in the past which led to the wars of the 1990's.

Negotiation and compromise are the only peaceful solution for these types of issues.

How would our Albanian brothers feel about being given the portions of South Serbia with an Albanian majority in exchange for portions of Kosovo with a Serbian majority? I also suggest that those areas of Kosovo that are most important historically and emotionally be traded for areas of Serbia that are equal in importance and economic value. Is that something the Albanian population would consider? Especially if it meant union with Albanian proper and an agreement to work together for the right to self determination for both Serbs and Albanians in all the countries where they have significant populations. Serbs and Albanians clearly have the same issues and concerns and should be working closely together for a common solution. This would also show the European community that the Balkans has the political maturity to join the EU in a constructive and positive manner, instead of bringing in potential conflicts among members states of the EU.

As far as punishing Serbia further for the actions of the nationalists under Milosevic. When will it be enough? The Serbian government has acknowledged it has problems with human rights, and that is a great first step in dealing with those kinds of issues. Serbia has apologized for some of the terrible events carried out in their name, like Srebrenica. While other countries in the region still celebrate their crimes of ethnic cleansing as national holidays. Serbia is making progress and needs to be rewarded for its efforts. Keep in mind Serbia suffered sanctions for many years, bombing by the international community, saw their population carved up and dispersed among a variety of different countries, denied the right to self determination, and was nearly completely cleansed out of countries such as Croatia (which hasn't even been acknowledged as ethnic cleansing, its still claimed that they left voluntarily). The Serbian people democratically voted Milosevic out of office and delivered him to the Hague, and he was the single most important criminal next to Tudjman. Yet still Serbs are collectively blamed and demonized. In Kosovo, Serbian monuments and history are being systematically destroyed. As far as missing persons in Kosovo go, Serbs have a higher per capita rate of missing persons then the Albanians (That's a percentage of the population, not total numbers). For all those calling for even more punishment for the Serbs, I ask you, what punishments should be met out to the other ethnicities that engaged in similar activities? Calling for punishment of the Serbs for their actions, but not for the Albanians (for doing exactly the same thing) is hypocritical as best. As I've said many times, its not all black and white in the Balkans, its all shades of gray. Everyone in the Balkans has committed crimes for which they should be ashamed and as soon as this is acknowledged, then the healing can begin.

I am by no means a nationalist. I am an American whose great grandfather was a Montenegrin from a clan of mixed Albanian/Montenegrin origin, so I do have great respect for the Albanian people and their heroic history. I was called a traitor by nationalist Serbs for my work with Bosnian Muslim groups and for appearing on national television supporting them. However, all that being said, the region needs a solution that builds understanding and economic ties to the various peoples and ethnicities in the Balkans. An imposed solution by outside powers only sets the region up for further problems in the future and endangers the stability of a functioning and prosperous EU. Serbs are not easily going to forget about Kosovo no matter what everyone else wishes or thinks or tells them to.

If all else fails, Serbs should just move to Kosovo en mass so they are a majority, even if it takes hundreds of years. That would solve all the problems and issues. I'm willing to do so, and I bet real estate there is super cheap right now. Anyone have property for sale there?

I am Albanian and i live in Kosova Peja City. Sory for my english maybe its not so clear but I try to tell my feelings like Albanian living in Kosova.
In the Last war I lose my little sister being killed by Serbian Paramilitar Sodier, and my home and shops were burned till the ground.
I just wana say something that Serbs need to accept crimes what they did in Kosova and its shame for europe for serbian exstremist and some albanian negociators who play with our lifes with lifes of people living in kosova. we people who live here will never forgive europe, serbia and some albanian liers for all what they did to us. the truth will come in light as soon as people cant stand any more the situation in kosova

The government of Kosova will declare independence if status is not declared. US and most European countries have already implied they will recognize it. What we post here does not change that, it only expresses our feelings. Kosova WILL be independent soon and there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING Serbia can do about it. Live with it!

I have no idea where you get your statistics from 'peace' but you dont give a source which doesn't suprise me at all.

As for Albanians 'pulling' Turkey for Independence for 500 years. Ask any Balkan historian and you will be informed that the Albanians were the most enthusiastic supporters of the Ottoman Empire for most of its existance. Albanian mercenaries did the vilest slaughter of Greeks, Macedonians, Vlachs, Serbs, Bulgarians amongst others.

Noel Malcolm is perhaps the most anti Serb British academic and he even concedes than in medieval times that Albanians were in a very small minority in Kosovo and Metohija. The present demographic make up of the province is as a result of Albanians being allowed to settle in Kosovo by their Turkish masters after they had bullied raped and pillaged the indigenous Christians from their homes. Kosovo is littered with ruined MEDIEVAL Serbian churches... did Milosevic build them?

Victory for Serbia comes on a route we cannot lose. Republika Srpska is a win-win situation. Kosovo Independence is unjust and would bring victory to a society that blames all Christian peoples in Balkans for all of their problems.

Serbia has many opportunities-if calculated and acted upon, we have certain 'win-win' situations. Lets hope it happens people.

(Agim) you are giving KLA WAY to much credit. No we wont join you don't count on others to do so to.

Well said Pete tip of the hat to you sir :)

It's no surprise that the UN sponsored solution is postponed! After all Albanian parliament has done such a poor job as far as public relations are concerned that some members of contact group are having the second thoughts. Though my opinion totally differs from Belgrade's point of view, I will congratulate them for doing such a great job in creating divisions among the contact group members as well as changing the public opinion when it comes to Kosova's final sollution. If Kosova remains status-less and under supervision of EU, Albanians have no one else to blame but their leaders who have been passively waiting and hoping that by some miracle Ahtisari may propose a solution to their favor. Well, well,...Albanians betrayed again, this time not by Serbia, as some Albanian are alluding, but by their overwhelming trust for Ahtisari, who on the other hand, has shown that his proposal can change by the direction of the winds. I wonder how Sejdiu, Cheku feel at the moment. Just few days ago they had put all their trust and enthusiasm on Ahtisari's final judgement. As an observer and an active advocat against this international travesty, I can see they thought that by sitting and waiting patiently, the west would simply hand them a new state.

Well, as always, the corrupted bureaucrats Kosova is left with will surely find a way to persuade an intensely impatient population with more empty hopes. Only this time Kosova's population is tired of empty hopes. They want to see literal steps taken, or courageous leaders who will stand up and unilaterally declare independence! Will Cheku and his cronies have courage to take Kosovars into new level? I doubt it!

It seems that they have gotten so much used to have international agencies meddle in Kosova's daily life decisions that status quo is better than taking any risks.

Albanian leaders ought to know by now that they had already placed the faith of 2 million Kosovars on Russian Roulette. Putting too much hopes on US international policies undoublty has brought us where we are. Americans will support Kosova on their bid for independence only if Serbia fails to establish a full-blown democracy. However, if Serbia succeeds with its promised democracy and joins Nato, EU, Americans could care less if Kosovo becomes independent. Their aim is to preserve their investment, which is a military base near Ferizaj. It's a well-known fact for anyone with the right mind that America won't loose a thing if the base remains in independent Kosova, or democratic Serbia.

As far as Serbia is concerned, it was expectable that they would do anything to alter the situation. If Kosova had been an empty place, or should we say without ethnic Albanians, Serbs could have cared less for this . . . what some Serbs call it "the ugly heartland of Serbia," but just the idea of dominating a group of people they see as the most repulsive human beings on the planet, I guess puts adrenaline on their pride and risking the future prosperity of Serbia means nothing as long as they keep occupied someone else's land.

In the end, Ahtisari has turned an enormous opportunity for peace into a political blunder.

By waiting for the Serbian elections to present his final solution, Ahtisari has indeed confirmed that Kosova is legitimately part of Serbia, if not, then, he is illegally meddling in the affairs of Serbia.

We who are left in the crossroads have practically had it with Cheku and his cronies.

It's not about integration. And it shouldn't be about independence either. Serbia is being very generous to the Albanians by giving them self autonomy. And they should accept it.

Then everyone within Serbia can be treated as equal citizens and coporate as one for the future. Kosovo has never been and never will be it's own country.

Kosovo is unique and diverse, its land is beautiful. We should respect it's diverse but we should not view independence as the answer. Kosovo will never prosper on it's own, it is Serbia.

Respect.