Annan: Kosovo status delay risky

After what the Serbs have done to the Albanians, everybody should share Mr Annan's opinion that the best for Kosovo in independance. Only a few Serbs in Belgrade don't want to share logic... and believe that Kosovo is still a part of Serbia.

Not only to the best of Kosova Victor, but to the best of Serbia and the Serbian people. If by any miracle Kosova remanins attached to Serbia in any way, shape or form, then Serbia will remain a troubled country, because the albanians of Kosova will never again live under Serbia. We were forced into accepting "substantial autonomy" instead of a republic in 1974 and we are not going to make the same mistake again.

Annan is right that there should be no further delay and I do hope that this is resolved by the negotiations that will take place in February now that everyone is aware of what the US wished to push through illegally and thought that the Serbian nation would just sign on the dotted line.

Victor, there are more then a few Serbs in Belgrade who will not let Kosovo & Metohija be stolen as there are more then a few Serbs in each village, town & city in Serbia and like myself throughout the world who will not let this happen and will scream to high hell to ensure that this does not happen. Ethnic Albanians have to accept that they are in Serbia and learn to realise that the best solution is working in partnership for the best interest of all in Serbia - anything less will cause greater issues for all the peoples of Serbia and the surrounding region as it will continue to destabilise the region. Equally Serbs have to understand that the intolerant and racists are no longer tolerated and must be weeded out of society for they do more harm to the Serb nation.

To those who comment that Independence will happen ask yourself how can the UN recognise a second Albanian state without China's rebuttal that would inevitably be justified? How can the UN recognise a second Albanian state without Russia using that as a precedent? How can the UK recognise a second Albanian State when there are local elections in a distinct and separate country of the UK - Scotland which will promote independence and the end of the UK? What of all the other provinces, regions, ethnic lands that will push for the same right? The reason it was not accomplished in 99 is the same reason that it will not happen in 2007 - it is nonsensical to create a second Albanian state on a neighbouring nation’s territory i.e. 15% of Serbia. There is no international law that would make this acceptable in 99 nor is there one that would make it possible today or tomorrow! Learn to accept the nation that you live in and promote harmony not discord.

"So conform to it; or don't come here. We don't want the hate-mongers, whatever their race, religion or creed."
- Tony Blair on being part of Britain - I am sure Tadic or Kostunica could say just the same regarding all of Serbia.

"and like myself ... who will not let this happen and will scream to high hell to ensure that this does not happen." -Princip-

You will be doing A LOT of screaming. Maybe you can do it together with Blag!

if kosovo by misstake will stay in serbia, then you can excpect kosovo to attack serbia with its military till serbia surrenders and gives up. So they will know what war means and what means to be displaced from the war zones. So they dont let their representatives to claim things which maybe are dangerous to stability. Kosovo is allready destroyed by serbia which must compesate for the damage done by miloshevich, but this is democratic gov. and it cannot pay for what milosh did, some here will say, you will pay for everything till the end.

China can not afford to risk its trade relations with the US over a backwater place like Kosova.

And the british bombed the living hell out of Belgrade in 1999 and were the main advcates of a land invasion in case sllobo did not buckle, so we all know what their opinion on the matter is.

True, there are no international laws that would justify Kosova's independence. But since when did any superpower like the US need international laws to impose its will.

Princip said: "scream to high hell to ensure that this does not happen"
------------------------

You are just proving that Serbs (not everybody off course) around the world financed by the Serbian Government, complain with out any reasons when it comes to the "human rights" of Serbs in Kosovo.

Princip no matter what happens with Kosovo, the country will always belong to the people who live there, and majority of them are Albanians.

Independence is decided but they are waiting to publish it in order to not destabilize Serbia before the elections. To days after the elections UN will declare Kosovo indpendent and then you and you friends can begin to scream. The media starting from B92 to CNN will describe you as ultranationalists. No one will take you seriously, maybe Chavez and his friend Chomsky. Good luck

RE:

United Nations-Annan
Kosovo Status Delay

It is quite obvious that Annan has been forced to try to appease the Serbian government in order to accept some sort of conditional independance for Kosovo-

Won't happen, Annan sold the Serbs down the river when the illegal bombing campaign began in Serbia and Kosovo Metohija in 1999 as he idly watched.

-The UN Charter was broken
-The Nato Defensive Charter was broken

Essentially, the UN is a vehicle used by the US, China and other powers to legitimize acts contrary to international law.

As far as unilateral recognition of Kosovo-the US will wait for the European countries to make the first move.

Germany-will not recognize an independant Kosovo without a UN resolution.

UK-It will only do so if France & Germany are on board.

So, this will be decided by the UN Security council, start begging ANNAN.

In the meantime, 20% of Albanians are proposed to be Christian Orthodox. Let's see some action on the ground and restore the 100 Serbian Orthodox Churches razed to the ground by extreme Albanian elements. Some of these churches date back to the early 10th century-a disgrace to humanity and history. Even the Turkish Authorities in Constantinople did not destroy the Agia Sophia Orthodox Church but turned it into a shrine.

sidi/ krehnik:

THESIS: before a status decison, serbia's power is limited. However, serbia's power increases exponentially if K is taken away (as it has nothing left to lose). it need not have russia or china at that time.

consider the ramifications:

1. no legal document and one signature is missing means this is contested land (like palestine... hardly something to base a future on) and doing so sets precedent and grave risk around the world.

2. contested land will be tied down in legal appeals. More than enough to scare away investors.

3. bypass the security council and do it anyway? the north will declare indep from K. it doesnt matter if anyone recognizes it or not.... it will be de facto partition with more than enough wiggle room to make it stick.

4. the signififcant countries of the region will not recognize for the foreseeable future in order to not offend serbia. you will need to fight hard for their recognition -- particularly since you have little to offer them in comparison to what serbia has to offer.

5. serbia does not NEED kosovo to survive.... but kosovo needs an ACCEPTING serbia to survive. one cannot argue about geography. and just as canada cannot argue with america (but rather accept america as is and adjust their lives)... so too must you do with serbia.

6. kosovo coal (the only export it has to sustain itself) will lose rail & road access to the danube. it is costly to build new rail lines to albanian ports where it can be shipped elsewhere -- thereby making it more expensive then serbian coal.

7. investors realizing that 5 of the 8 roads out of Kosovo + rail to the danube + air corridors north are lost will find it too risky and to expensive to export. Modern economies are not built on black markets. Neither are countries that are vying for EU membership.

8. due to embargo, K's trading will be relegated to the poorest country trading with the second poorest country... trading with the third poorest country (Kosovo-Albania-Macedonia).

9. Serbia can break its own embargo selectively to take money out of K (by dumping cheap goods into K). K albanians will buy them b/c they'll be cheaper.

10. serbia is the most impt country in the trading bloc and region regardless what anyone thinks of it and it. consult this website for daily news of its rapidly expanding economic significance. And europe has made very clear that one must live in the region... before being accepted into europe. welcome to the region!

Princip is right. Win-win is the only way to go.

With or without you.
You know that Kosovo will be independent with or without Russian veto. It will change nothing that veto of Russia. I wonder if it worth for Russia to brake the relations with Americans and EU. Do you think that Russia will act that stupid veto? What is the interest of Russia? They just try to get any credit or any economical support in exchange to accept that resolution ... Sweet drams...
Why Russia didn't stop the Bombing of Belgrade??? Answer me, if you really hope in Russia. I'm surprised how the Serbians can't still believe in that and can't open the eyes and see the reality. In the worst case, if the Russians make any stupid act and block the UN resolution, The United States, European Union and most of the states will RECOGNISE the full independence of Kosovo. No more wasting time to find any accepted solution for Serbs because they are refusing the reality. For the Serbians is worsted, because it won’t be conditioning Independence, that supposed to be the proposal of MR Ahtisari. So you see peoples. The Belgrade’s politic is on the wrong direction and not in the side of the Kosovar Serbians. You better take what is offered before is too late...
So With or without Serbian Russian, Kosovo is becoming independent.
Best regards.

MEL from the capital of Europe, BRUSSELS

I am sorry Blag, but I am not going to read all of that. Too long, unrealistic, and definetely out of touch with reality on the ground. Clearly you have been away from Serbia for far too long, and are very confused with regard to its abilities. Serbia is not an economic tiger...it is merely a weak old cat.

if kosovo by misstake will Albi said: "stay in serbia, then you can excpect kosovo to attack serbia with its military till serbia surrenders and gives up."

Are you that naive to believe Kosovo, even if Albania joined it would threaten Serbia with war? Trust me you dont want war with Serbia. Austro-Hungary empire learned that the hard way. As did Nazi germany. Albanians cannot even begin to compare with them. Serbia could secure Kosovo's borders within 72hrs. After 78 days of bombing, Serbia only pulled out of Kosovo because of the economic damage done its infustructer and because UN resolution 1244 guarranteed Serbia's soverignty over Kosovo. Up until day 79 Serb forces had the KLA retreating into Albania despite having the worlds largest air force at their disposal. The Serb army pulled out of Kosovo virtually untouched by the Nato attacks. If you think Kosovo will seperate from Serbia, think again. Serbia will do everything in its power to stop that from happening. It will fight to the end to protect its territory. I don't think it will come down to military action, as this can be avoided. Its in the Albanians best interest not to engage Serbia militarily. They have defeated much larger enemies than you in the past.

Albi starts again.
" If kosovo by mistake will stay in serbia, then you can EXCPECT KOSOVO TO ATTACK SERBIA WITH ITS MILITARY till serbia surrenders and gives up. So they will know what war means and what means to be displaced from the war zones."

So, Kosovo military will be treated as a terrorist organization as KLA was. Do not forget that KLA was on the list of terrorist organizations of US State Department and it realy was. Only illegal politics of "Madam" Albright turned it around.

But even in 1999 with the power of US on your side Serbia survive for 78 days. Right now, when US is trapped in Iraq and is loosing its influence in the Middle East, facing problem with Iran and Lebanon you cannot count on US help.

Without US help you represent nothing. Do not try to scare Serbia with your military.

Olivier! Do you realy believe that "the country will always belong to the people who live there"?
This was a Hitler idea when Nazi Germany attacks Czechoslovaks Sudety. If this is true then it takes not very long that US will be a part of Mexico or that UK and France become parts of Marocco, Algeria or Egypt.

. "To days after the elections UN will declare Kosovo independent and then you and you friends can begin to scream."

Do not be so sure, Olivier. Perhaps you will be screaming.

From Albi:

"if kosovo by misstake will stay in serbia, then you can excpect kosovo to attack serbia with its military till serbia surrenders and gives up."

Um, pardon me a minute while I laugh myself until it hurts. What military? Are you serious? I mean do you even honestly believe in what you say or are you just shouting for the sake of putting up a comment? "so that they will know what war means"? You've got to be kidding me. Aren't you trying to show the world you're the victim in all of this? Kosovo can't even maintain internal security and you want to go on a little joyride war into Serbia Proper? With what? Your Yugo and a pop gun? C'mon man, get serious here.

Blag, you think that Kosova is desperate of Serbia's signature for its existence? You could not be more wrong. You hope that a Russian veto, will somehow bring Kosova back to Serbia? Just exactely how? Russia doesn't have a project or idea on Kosova, rather than a simple silly veto. Meanwhile NATO troops will continue to stay in Kosova, and UNMIK will continue to shift powers to Kosova government. Will Russia ask UN to give Kosova back to Serbia? Guess what? US will veto it. You think you can put an embargo on Kosova. How about if we put an embargo back on you! You'll stand to lose, because there's more products comming from Serbia to Kosova than the other way around! We already have an outlet to Europe, the port of Durres. We pay nothing going through Albania, and is much cheaper than going through Serbia anyway even without an embargo. In case you didn't know, Albanian government is building a highway connecting Durres to Morine, and when finished we can be in Durres in two hours. Albania is even looking to expand the port of Shengjin and let Kosova use it exlusively. You have no lever over Kosova whatsoever. The status-quo will only continue the trend of merging Kosova and Albania, in fact. Only between 2001 and 2006 the interborder regional trade grew by 600%. You can sing to czar Lazar to your hearts content. You say no one will invest in Kosova? Maybe you don't know that many kosovar companies have a front in Albania and now that EU and Albania signed the SAA, the trend will only become stronger. Under SAA we can export our products all over EU as we were a EU country. You don't even have an SAA without giving up Mladic, so keep on dreaming. You think that by playing your childish games, you'll make kosovars give up independence? God only knows, you couldn't when you beat us, neither when you killed us, burned us, raped us or made us walk through the mud to the refugee camps, how could you know, when we're protected by the mightiest powers on earth.
Maybe we can have a meaningful conversation with those who truly want to be neighbors.

To Princip & Blag,

I never knew how "important" Serbia was to the region, perhaps that is why Serbia has to beg for Western aid. How come Russia, your spiritual big brother, does not offer you any financial help when they see how badly the average Serb is living.

Where did you ever get the idea that negotiations will begin when Athisaari issues his report. All that was said was before his recommendation is submitted to the Albanian and Serb sides is that each side will be able to REVIEW the document. Perhaps it may be a language problem on your part, but "review" does not mean "negotiate".
At best, both sides may ask for clarification, etc. I hate to break the news to you both but, Negotiations are long over.

I'm sure that both of you are aware that the UN has asked the Int'l Red Cross to make plans for an Exodus of about 50,000 Serbs when Independence is declared for Kosova. Why is the Gov't in Belgrade continuing to frighten Kosova Serbs by lying to them and saying they will have no future in an Independent Kosova. Worse is that these Kosova Serbs would be treated like lepers in Serbia. What the real win-win situation for everyone in Kosova and Serbia is for all people in both countries to remain in their respective countries and help build a brighter future. The Serbs in "greater" Serbia can help rebuild their country and hope one day to be able to join Nato and the EU, and the Serbs in Kosova can play a positive role in helping the Albanians create a bright future for the newest nation on earth! Then, we all will be able to wake up and smell the coffee.

Goodnight my neighbors!

konstantin gregovic:
"In the meantime, 20% of Albanians are proposed to be Christian Orthodox. Let's see some action on the ground and restore the 100 Serbian Orthodox Churches razed to the ground by extreme Albanian elements."

Konstantin, when Berisha was in Kosova, he promised that the Albanian govt will pay to restore a church in Kosova. They sent a team of specialists, I believe from the Albanian Orthodox Church, and when they were in the middle of the works, the priest told them politely that he was sorry, but he had orders that they could not continue with their work. They packed up and left. It beats me why the Serbian Church would not let the Albanian govt and a sister Orthodox Church, restore a church, even as a token of good will. It might not be much, but are small steps that build confidence, so why not let them?

All we hear is this propoganda about the poor albanians being beaten up by serbs. This has turned into the biggest propaganda I have ever witnessed. Now we're reading how every albanian in kosovo has lost 50 family members, had their land stolen, and been beaten up at lest 3 times by serb police since the death of tuto. Do you think that people will believe this hyper-exaggerated propaganda?

You've got it backwards. After Tuto died the albanians went on a systematic campaign of terror, torture, murder, corrupt legal methods, etc. to expel serbs out of kosovo. Milosevic's actions, although not necessarily justifiable, were a reaction to years of repression by albanians against serbs.

Konstantin, when Berisha was in Kosova, he promised that the Albanian govt will pay to restore a church in Kosova. (Driton, 9 December 2006, 07:43)

Why don't you provide some details, this is the first time I have heard of it. Who was the Serbian priest who refused it? Which Serbian monastery of the over 100 which have been destroyed by KLA Albanian extremists?

Finally, many Kosovo Albanians pay homage to the Serbian Orthodox churches. The Decanski Monastery shielded over 100 Albanian civilians and refused to release them to the Serb Paramilitary (not to be confused with Pavkovich's army) The problem is that the KLA through threats and coercion will not allow the true Serbo-file Albanians who are just and proud and lived side by side with the Serbs. That included the Roma's and other minorities also.

Finally, Berisha policy towards the Greek Orthodox Churches in Albania proper is disgraceful to say the least.

konstantin gregovic: "Why don't you provide some details, this is the first time I have heard of it. Who was the Serbian priest who refused it?"

Berisha was in Kosova from 15-18 of June 2006. The priest was Dragisa Jerenic. The Church, Saint-Nicholas in Fushe-Kosove. The news (Berisha meeting with Jerenic and his offer to help) were published in the kosovar press. In June 23, Kosovapress, announced that the restoration of the church had begun. In 25 of June, it was announced that the Jerenic asked the Albanian team to stop their work. The restoration team was lead by Flamur Gashi and Apollon Bace of the Institute for the Restoration of Monuments in Albania, and included Edlira Caushi, one of Albania's best icon restorer and 5 other specialists. According to Gashi, Jerenic was very helpful and interested in the project, but he had an order from "the highest hierarchy of the Serbian Orthodox Church" to stop the work.

"Finally, Berisha policy towards the Greek Orthodox Churches in Albania proper is disgraceful to say the least."

Where do you base that?

really you serbs have not yet understand ! you have tried 1000 years long to kill us and have kosovo for you.In vain ,just in vain.We are here,and you have been once again defaited.
Really ,we have not been afraid of your army and your tanks when you had all the powers in kosova and all yours serbs here to kill us ,and you think and believe that we are afraid of you,now!We all know what your courage is:vaillant only when there is no risk,vaillant only when it comes to kill children and women,but as soon as you have fighters,no more "vaillant"serbs!
and no ,you won't have to fight with unarmed and untrained man ,but with soldiers this time .So it's when you want guy's!

Roll on 2007 lets get the talks started following the Ahtisarri " Proposal" so that in the words of Tony Blair on being British and can finally be related to the ethnic Albanians in SERBIAN province of Kosovo & Metohija can " conform to it; or don't come here. We don't want the hate-mongers, whatever their race, religion or creed." There can nor never will be a 2ns Albanian nation that was ensured by resolution 1244.

Kreshnik wrote:

"China can not afford to risk its trade relations with the US over a backwater place like Kosova."

You are wrong. American corporations are not patriotic. They are the most corrupted organizations in the world. They do not care about American citizens and their standard of living.

75% or more products on American market are made in China. The most prosperous company is Wal Mart
which have even more % of Chinese goods. If China is removed from American market the American corporations will suffer.

And China will survive. Did you hear about Shanghai Cooperation Organization? Did you hear about huge Chino - Russian military "games"? Many annalists are looking to it as counter weight to NATO. Do not underestimate Russia and China.

MEL from the capital of Europe, BRUSSELS wrote:
" Why Russia didn't stop the Bombing of Belgrade???"
It was not right time for it. They did not want to start the World War III at this time. They were not ready yet.
Tell me why UK and France did not stop annexation of Austria and Sudety by Hitler?

But finally Rome-Berlin-Tokyo axis was defeated. And even Albania, which joined the Axis, did not help.

And last but not least, Brussels is not capital of Europe because there is no such country. It is artificial construction without foundation.

After what the Serbs have done to the Albanians, everybody should share Mr Annan's opinion that the best for Kosovo in independance. Only a few Serbs in Belgrade don't want to share logic... and believe that Kosovo is still a part of Serbia.

Not only to the best of Kosova Victor, but to the best of Serbia and the Serbian people. If by any miracle Kosova remanins attached to Serbia in any way, shape or form, then Serbia will remain a troubled country, because the albanians of Kosova will never again live under Serbia. We were forced into accepting "substantial autonomy" instead of a republic in 1974 and we are not going to make the same mistake again.

Annan is right that there should be no further delay and I do hope that this is resolved by the negotiations that will take place in February now that everyone is aware of what the US wished to push through illegally and thought that the Serbian nation would just sign on the dotted line.

Victor, there are more then a few Serbs in Belgrade who will not let Kosovo & Metohija be stolen as there are more then a few Serbs in each village, town & city in Serbia and like myself throughout the world who will not let this happen and will scream to high hell to ensure that this does not happen. Ethnic Albanians have to accept that they are in Serbia and learn to realise that the best solution is working in partnership for the best interest of all in Serbia - anything less will cause greater issues for all the peoples of Serbia and the surrounding region as it will continue to destabilise the region. Equally Serbs have to understand that the intolerant and racists are no longer tolerated and must be weeded out of society for they do more harm to the Serb nation.

To those who comment that Independence will happen ask yourself how can the UN recognise a second Albanian state without China's rebuttal that would inevitably be justified? How can the UN recognise a second Albanian state without Russia using that as a precedent? How can the UK recognise a second Albanian State when there are local elections in a distinct and separate country of the UK - Scotland which will promote independence and the end of the UK? What of all the other provinces, regions, ethnic lands that will push for the same right? The reason it was not accomplished in 99 is the same reason that it will not happen in 2007 - it is nonsensical to create a second Albanian state on a neighbouring nation’s territory i.e. 15% of Serbia. There is no international law that would make this acceptable in 99 nor is there one that would make it possible today or tomorrow! Learn to accept the nation that you live in and promote harmony not discord.

"So conform to it; or don't come here. We don't want the hate-mongers, whatever their race, religion or creed."
- Tony Blair on being part of Britain - I am sure Tadic or Kostunica could say just the same regarding all of Serbia.

"and like myself ... who will not let this happen and will scream to high hell to ensure that this does not happen." -Princip-

You will be doing A LOT of screaming. Maybe you can do it together with Blag!

if kosovo by misstake will stay in serbia, then you can excpect kosovo to attack serbia with its military till serbia surrenders and gives up. So they will know what war means and what means to be displaced from the war zones. So they dont let their representatives to claim things which maybe are dangerous to stability. Kosovo is allready destroyed by serbia which must compesate for the damage done by miloshevich, but this is democratic gov. and it cannot pay for what milosh did, some here will say, you will pay for everything till the end.

China can not afford to risk its trade relations with the US over a backwater place like Kosova.

And the british bombed the living hell out of Belgrade in 1999 and were the main advcates of a land invasion in case sllobo did not buckle, so we all know what their opinion on the matter is.

True, there are no international laws that would justify Kosova's independence. But since when did any superpower like the US need international laws to impose its will.

Princip said: "scream to high hell to ensure that this does not happen"
------------------------

You are just proving that Serbs (not everybody off course) around the world financed by the Serbian Government, complain with out any reasons when it comes to the "human rights" of Serbs in Kosovo.

Princip no matter what happens with Kosovo, the country will always belong to the people who live there, and majority of them are Albanians.

Independence is decided but they are waiting to publish it in order to not destabilize Serbia before the elections. To days after the elections UN will declare Kosovo indpendent and then you and you friends can begin to scream. The media starting from B92 to CNN will describe you as ultranationalists. No one will take you seriously, maybe Chavez and his friend Chomsky. Good luck

RE:

United Nations-Annan
Kosovo Status Delay

It is quite obvious that Annan has been forced to try to appease the Serbian government in order to accept some sort of conditional independance for Kosovo-

Won't happen, Annan sold the Serbs down the river when the illegal bombing campaign began in Serbia and Kosovo Metohija in 1999 as he idly watched.

-The UN Charter was broken
-The Nato Defensive Charter was broken

Essentially, the UN is a vehicle used by the US, China and other powers to legitimize acts contrary to international law.

As far as unilateral recognition of Kosovo-the US will wait for the European countries to make the first move.

Germany-will not recognize an independant Kosovo without a UN resolution.

UK-It will only do so if France & Germany are on board.

So, this will be decided by the UN Security council, start begging ANNAN.

In the meantime, 20% of Albanians are proposed to be Christian Orthodox. Let's see some action on the ground and restore the 100 Serbian Orthodox Churches razed to the ground by extreme Albanian elements. Some of these churches date back to the early 10th century-a disgrace to humanity and history. Even the Turkish Authorities in Constantinople did not destroy the Agia Sophia Orthodox Church but turned it into a shrine.

sidi/ krehnik:

THESIS: before a status decison, serbia's power is limited. However, serbia's power increases exponentially if K is taken away (as it has nothing left to lose). it need not have russia or china at that time.

consider the ramifications:

1. no legal document and one signature is missing means this is contested land (like palestine... hardly something to base a future on) and doing so sets precedent and grave risk around the world.

2. contested land will be tied down in legal appeals. More than enough to scare away investors.

3. bypass the security council and do it anyway? the north will declare indep from K. it doesnt matter if anyone recognizes it or not.... it will be de facto partition with more than enough wiggle room to make it stick.

4. the signififcant countries of the region will not recognize for the foreseeable future in order to not offend serbia. you will need to fight hard for their recognition -- particularly since you have little to offer them in comparison to what serbia has to offer.

5. serbia does not NEED kosovo to survive.... but kosovo needs an ACCEPTING serbia to survive. one cannot argue about geography. and just as canada cannot argue with america (but rather accept america as is and adjust their lives)... so too must you do with serbia.

6. kosovo coal (the only export it has to sustain itself) will lose rail & road access to the danube. it is costly to build new rail lines to albanian ports where it can be shipped elsewhere -- thereby making it more expensive then serbian coal.

7. investors realizing that 5 of the 8 roads out of Kosovo + rail to the danube + air corridors north are lost will find it too risky and to expensive to export. Modern economies are not built on black markets. Neither are countries that are vying for EU membership.

8. due to embargo, K's trading will be relegated to the poorest country trading with the second poorest country... trading with the third poorest country (Kosovo-Albania-Macedonia).

9. Serbia can break its own embargo selectively to take money out of K (by dumping cheap goods into K). K albanians will buy them b/c they'll be cheaper.

10. serbia is the most impt country in the trading bloc and region regardless what anyone thinks of it and it. consult this website for daily news of its rapidly expanding economic significance. And europe has made very clear that one must live in the region... before being accepted into europe. welcome to the region!

Princip is right. Win-win is the only way to go.

With or without you.
You know that Kosovo will be independent with or without Russian veto. It will change nothing that veto of Russia. I wonder if it worth for Russia to brake the relations with Americans and EU. Do you think that Russia will act that stupid veto? What is the interest of Russia? They just try to get any credit or any economical support in exchange to accept that resolution ... Sweet drams...
Why Russia didn't stop the Bombing of Belgrade??? Answer me, if you really hope in Russia. I'm surprised how the Serbians can't still believe in that and can't open the eyes and see the reality. In the worst case, if the Russians make any stupid act and block the UN resolution, The United States, European Union and most of the states will RECOGNISE the full independence of Kosovo. No more wasting time to find any accepted solution for Serbs because they are refusing the reality. For the Serbians is worsted, because it won’t be conditioning Independence, that supposed to be the proposal of MR Ahtisari. So you see peoples. The Belgrade’s politic is on the wrong direction and not in the side of the Kosovar Serbians. You better take what is offered before is too late...
So With or without Serbian Russian, Kosovo is becoming independent.
Best regards.

MEL from the capital of Europe, BRUSSELS

I am sorry Blag, but I am not going to read all of that. Too long, unrealistic, and definetely out of touch with reality on the ground. Clearly you have been away from Serbia for far too long, and are very confused with regard to its abilities. Serbia is not an economic tiger...it is merely a weak old cat.

if kosovo by misstake will Albi said: "stay in serbia, then you can excpect kosovo to attack serbia with its military till serbia surrenders and gives up."

Are you that naive to believe Kosovo, even if Albania joined it would threaten Serbia with war? Trust me you dont want war with Serbia. Austro-Hungary empire learned that the hard way. As did Nazi germany. Albanians cannot even begin to compare with them. Serbia could secure Kosovo's borders within 72hrs. After 78 days of bombing, Serbia only pulled out of Kosovo because of the economic damage done its infustructer and because UN resolution 1244 guarranteed Serbia's soverignty over Kosovo. Up until day 79 Serb forces had the KLA retreating into Albania despite having the worlds largest air force at their disposal. The Serb army pulled out of Kosovo virtually untouched by the Nato attacks. If you think Kosovo will seperate from Serbia, think again. Serbia will do everything in its power to stop that from happening. It will fight to the end to protect its territory. I don't think it will come down to military action, as this can be avoided. Its in the Albanians best interest not to engage Serbia militarily. They have defeated much larger enemies than you in the past.

Albi starts again.
" If kosovo by mistake will stay in serbia, then you can EXCPECT KOSOVO TO ATTACK SERBIA WITH ITS MILITARY till serbia surrenders and gives up. So they will know what war means and what means to be displaced from the war zones."

So, Kosovo military will be treated as a terrorist organization as KLA was. Do not forget that KLA was on the list of terrorist organizations of US State Department and it realy was. Only illegal politics of "Madam" Albright turned it around.

But even in 1999 with the power of US on your side Serbia survive for 78 days. Right now, when US is trapped in Iraq and is loosing its influence in the Middle East, facing problem with Iran and Lebanon you cannot count on US help.

Without US help you represent nothing. Do not try to scare Serbia with your military.

Olivier! Do you realy believe that "the country will always belong to the people who live there"?
This was a Hitler idea when Nazi Germany attacks Czechoslovaks Sudety. If this is true then it takes not very long that US will be a part of Mexico or that UK and France become parts of Marocco, Algeria or Egypt.

. "To days after the elections UN will declare Kosovo independent and then you and you friends can begin to scream."

Do not be so sure, Olivier. Perhaps you will be screaming.

From Albi:

"if kosovo by misstake will stay in serbia, then you can excpect kosovo to attack serbia with its military till serbia surrenders and gives up."

Um, pardon me a minute while I laugh myself until it hurts. What military? Are you serious? I mean do you even honestly believe in what you say or are you just shouting for the sake of putting up a comment? "so that they will know what war means"? You've got to be kidding me. Aren't you trying to show the world you're the victim in all of this? Kosovo can't even maintain internal security and you want to go on a little joyride war into Serbia Proper? With what? Your Yugo and a pop gun? C'mon man, get serious here.

Blag, you think that Kosova is desperate of Serbia's signature for its existence? You could not be more wrong. You hope that a Russian veto, will somehow bring Kosova back to Serbia? Just exactely how? Russia doesn't have a project or idea on Kosova, rather than a simple silly veto. Meanwhile NATO troops will continue to stay in Kosova, and UNMIK will continue to shift powers to Kosova government. Will Russia ask UN to give Kosova back to Serbia? Guess what? US will veto it. You think you can put an embargo on Kosova. How about if we put an embargo back on you! You'll stand to lose, because there's more products comming from Serbia to Kosova than the other way around! We already have an outlet to Europe, the port of Durres. We pay nothing going through Albania, and is much cheaper than going through Serbia anyway even without an embargo. In case you didn't know, Albanian government is building a highway connecting Durres to Morine, and when finished we can be in Durres in two hours. Albania is even looking to expand the port of Shengjin and let Kosova use it exlusively. You have no lever over Kosova whatsoever. The status-quo will only continue the trend of merging Kosova and Albania, in fact. Only between 2001 and 2006 the interborder regional trade grew by 600%. You can sing to czar Lazar to your hearts content. You say no one will invest in Kosova? Maybe you don't know that many kosovar companies have a front in Albania and now that EU and Albania signed the SAA, the trend will only become stronger. Under SAA we can export our products all over EU as we were a EU country. You don't even have an SAA without giving up Mladic, so keep on dreaming. You think that by playing your childish games, you'll make kosovars give up independence? God only knows, you couldn't when you beat us, neither when you killed us, burned us, raped us or made us walk through the mud to the refugee camps, how could you know, when we're protected by the mightiest powers on earth.
Maybe we can have a meaningful conversation with those who truly want to be neighbors.

To Princip & Blag,

I never knew how "important" Serbia was to the region, perhaps that is why Serbia has to beg for Western aid. How come Russia, your spiritual big brother, does not offer you any financial help when they see how badly the average Serb is living.

Where did you ever get the idea that negotiations will begin when Athisaari issues his report. All that was said was before his recommendation is submitted to the Albanian and Serb sides is that each side will be able to REVIEW the document. Perhaps it may be a language problem on your part, but "review" does not mean "negotiate".
At best, both sides may ask for clarification, etc. I hate to break the news to you both but, Negotiations are long over.

I'm sure that both of you are aware that the UN has asked the Int'l Red Cross to make plans for an Exodus of about 50,000 Serbs when Independence is declared for Kosova. Why is the Gov't in Belgrade continuing to frighten Kosova Serbs by lying to them and saying they will have no future in an Independent Kosova. Worse is that these Kosova Serbs would be treated like lepers in Serbia. What the real win-win situation for everyone in Kosova and Serbia is for all people in both countries to remain in their respective countries and help build a brighter future. The Serbs in "greater" Serbia can help rebuild their country and hope one day to be able to join Nato and the EU, and the Serbs in Kosova can play a positive role in helping the Albanians create a bright future for the newest nation on earth! Then, we all will be able to wake up and smell the coffee.

Goodnight my neighbors!

konstantin gregovic:
"In the meantime, 20% of Albanians are proposed to be Christian Orthodox. Let's see some action on the ground and restore the 100 Serbian Orthodox Churches razed to the ground by extreme Albanian elements."

Konstantin, when Berisha was in Kosova, he promised that the Albanian govt will pay to restore a church in Kosova. They sent a team of specialists, I believe from the Albanian Orthodox Church, and when they were in the middle of the works, the priest told them politely that he was sorry, but he had orders that they could not continue with their work. They packed up and left. It beats me why the Serbian Church would not let the Albanian govt and a sister Orthodox Church, restore a church, even as a token of good will. It might not be much, but are small steps that build confidence, so why not let them?

All we hear is this propoganda about the poor albanians being beaten up by serbs. This has turned into the biggest propaganda I have ever witnessed. Now we're reading how every albanian in kosovo has lost 50 family members, had their land stolen, and been beaten up at lest 3 times by serb police since the death of tuto. Do you think that people will believe this hyper-exaggerated propaganda?

You've got it backwards. After Tuto died the albanians went on a systematic campaign of terror, torture, murder, corrupt legal methods, etc. to expel serbs out of kosovo. Milosevic's actions, although not necessarily justifiable, were a reaction to years of repression by albanians against serbs.

Konstantin, when Berisha was in Kosova, he promised that the Albanian govt will pay to restore a church in Kosova. (Driton, 9 December 2006, 07:43)

Why don't you provide some details, this is the first time I have heard of it. Who was the Serbian priest who refused it? Which Serbian monastery of the over 100 which have been destroyed by KLA Albanian extremists?

Finally, many Kosovo Albanians pay homage to the Serbian Orthodox churches. The Decanski Monastery shielded over 100 Albanian civilians and refused to release them to the Serb Paramilitary (not to be confused with Pavkovich's army) The problem is that the KLA through threats and coercion will not allow the true Serbo-file Albanians who are just and proud and lived side by side with the Serbs. That included the Roma's and other minorities also.

Finally, Berisha policy towards the Greek Orthodox Churches in Albania proper is disgraceful to say the least.

konstantin gregovic: "Why don't you provide some details, this is the first time I have heard of it. Who was the Serbian priest who refused it?"

Berisha was in Kosova from 15-18 of June 2006. The priest was Dragisa Jerenic. The Church, Saint-Nicholas in Fushe-Kosove. The news (Berisha meeting with Jerenic and his offer to help) were published in the kosovar press. In June 23, Kosovapress, announced that the restoration of the church had begun. In 25 of June, it was announced that the Jerenic asked the Albanian team to stop their work. The restoration team was lead by Flamur Gashi and Apollon Bace of the Institute for the Restoration of Monuments in Albania, and included Edlira Caushi, one of Albania's best icon restorer and 5 other specialists. According to Gashi, Jerenic was very helpful and interested in the project, but he had an order from "the highest hierarchy of the Serbian Orthodox Church" to stop the work.

"Finally, Berisha policy towards the Greek Orthodox Churches in Albania proper is disgraceful to say the least."

Where do you base that?

really you serbs have not yet understand ! you have tried 1000 years long to kill us and have kosovo for you.In vain ,just in vain.We are here,and you have been once again defaited.
Really ,we have not been afraid of your army and your tanks when you had all the powers in kosova and all yours serbs here to kill us ,and you think and believe that we are afraid of you,now!We all know what your courage is:vaillant only when there is no risk,vaillant only when it comes to kill children and women,but as soon as you have fighters,no more "vaillant"serbs!
and no ,you won't have to fight with unarmed and untrained man ,but with soldiers this time .So it's when you want guy's!

Roll on 2007 lets get the talks started following the Ahtisarri " Proposal" so that in the words of Tony Blair on being British and can finally be related to the ethnic Albanians in SERBIAN province of Kosovo & Metohija can " conform to it; or don't come here. We don't want the hate-mongers, whatever their race, religion or creed." There can nor never will be a 2ns Albanian nation that was ensured by resolution 1244.

Kreshnik wrote:

"China can not afford to risk its trade relations with the US over a backwater place like Kosova."

You are wrong. American corporations are not patriotic. They are the most corrupted organizations in the world. They do not care about American citizens and their standard of living.

75% or more products on American market are made in China. The most prosperous company is Wal Mart
which have even more % of Chinese goods. If China is removed from American market the American corporations will suffer.

And China will survive. Did you hear about Shanghai Cooperation Organization? Did you hear about huge Chino - Russian military "games"? Many annalists are looking to it as counter weight to NATO. Do not underestimate Russia and China.

MEL from the capital of Europe, BRUSSELS wrote:
" Why Russia didn't stop the Bombing of Belgrade???"
It was not right time for it. They did not want to start the World War III at this time. They were not ready yet.
Tell me why UK and France did not stop annexation of Austria and Sudety by Hitler?

But finally Rome-Berlin-Tokyo axis was defeated. And even Albania, which joined the Axis, did not help.

And last but not least, Brussels is not capital of Europe because there is no such country. It is artificial construction without foundation.