Negotiators deadlocked over Kosovo

"The Serbian side is legally bound to advocate its stance"

- As will be the UN security council be bound by the legal basis of it's foundation on a states sovereign territorial integrity and Helsinki act.

So if plan A-thisarri is to be rushed through it will have to be bound by the legal aspects of 1244 regarding Serbia's sovereignity or else it will be "futile & coutreproductive"

What are the Russians saying by the term futile & counterproductive ?

Futile - will not pass, Veto.
Counterproductive - create greater instability and consequences - Ylber Hasa has threatened war - wheter that is a bluff or not a threat is still an intent.

Looks like the train of independence has been called back to the sidings - no passangers!

Actualy Princip, there are 2 million passangers who have payed their tickets and instist on arriving at the destination.

What you fail to understand is that we are already independent. There hasnt been any Serbian inffluence in Kosovo for the last 7 years.

Words (either spoken or written) are worthless if you cant back them up with action, and quite frankly you cant back your claims in Kosovo.

You can include sovreignty provisions in UN resoltions all you want, you may even convince the world that Kosovo should not get its independence (which i seriously doubt), you will never ever set foot in Kosovo as its sovreign.

Do you seriously think a UN resolution (if it does not favor independence, which will most likely not be the case) will stop us from governing ourselves and having our own borders?

I simply dont understand how you cant see the logic of it.

Nick, even if Martti Ahtisaari's plan is accepted, it still allows for the sovereignty of Serbia in Kosovo. Those who are against the plan are aware of what it COULD lead to. It doesn't deliver independence.

But that's all irrelevant as the plan is illegal and unlikely to be adopted. The only other plan on the table would be a division of Kosovo. As you know, the Serbs are very much still running the Northern areas.

International bodies such as the UN do not have the mandate to grant anyone sovreignty or independence. Legally speaking, its up to each individual world country to decide on its own whether they will accept someones sovreignty or independence.

The aim of the Ahtisari proposal is to provide these countries with an international legal instrument where they can base their decision.

That is the whole point of the proposal. Without such basis the document is worthless and it would be a shame for the UNSC to approve a documents that only serves to create more confusion rather than settle the issue.

You must understand that any eventual UNSC resolution will not grant Kosovo its independence, simply because the UNSC does not have that authority.

Yes the Serbs are runing the northern areas as is their right since they constitute the majority there.

Dividing Kosovo would be very very dangerous, considering the situation in Srbska Republika, Presevo and Bujanovc and FYROM.

Nick,

"Dividing Kosovo would be very very dangerous..."

That is the contradiction with Dividing Serbia - so it is best not suggesting division at all.

You might have bought a ticket for the train to independence from Clinton, Holbrooke et al but they do not own the train forgot ask persmission. The EU are not interested in ensuring security (no budget) and as such the train has been returned to the sidings on the grounds that there is no conductor to ensure safety.

The UN sees no problem in partitioning Serbia. Kosovo can be partitioned.

Kosovo can not have its own flag, army, anthems, border guards, be a member of the UN because UN resolution 1244 says Kosovo is a part of Serbia and Serbia can not accept a deal that makes Kosovo independent.

Nick, I am sure that princip & co. are as fully aware as you and I that Serbia will never have any sort of sovereignty over kosova. Anyone with a minimum education in politics, history and diplomacy can grasp this. I’ve been following the whole discussion over the negotiation process almost from the beginning and got impression that princip, blag, even abdul aziz are enough educated and smart to understand the process and its outcome.

I do not know where all these gentlemen live (I heard that abdul aziz is serving his mission in NM)? If I would be able to know this, I am ready to buy a good lunch for u guys in Vermica (prizren) and celebrate the Kosova’s statehood.

Cheers, adi

In response to what Brian wrote:

The entire negotiations mediated so far by Ahtisaari have not focused EVEN ONCE on the issue of the status, except for that synbolic meeting back in the fall, which was nothing more but paying lipservice to the idea of 'entering a new phase of status discussions.'

Fact is...Kosovo's status has NOT been the subject of the negotiations.

Negotiations have been about ensuring the proper protection of minority communities in Kosovo, most notably those of Serbs.

Kosovo's status was decided in June of 1999. Brian says that Serbia will never accept an independent Kosovo. As if anybody was actually asking Belgrade anything about the status.

Belgrade's role in the negotiations is only limited towards ensuring greater protections for the local Kosovo Serbs.

Regarding the Russian veto threat: people tend to forget that Russia is only trying to raise the price for its acceptance of the Kosovo independence. Serbs better make sure that that price is paid within Kosovo e.g.: greater protection of their interests, as opposed to bargaining globally e.g. on other non-Kosovo related issues.

Russia knows that it CANNOT stop the process. It can use its veto, but Kosovo has been a WESTERN project, a WESTERN investment and thats why the WESTERN governments will ensure that it is properly concluded.

Russia cannot do a damn about a project that it has no say over. It has no military in Kosovo, it pours NO money into it, HENCE its effective position in actually stoping the process is only limited to the veto.

Fine, even though its highly unlikely that they wud use it over such a non-strategic issue as Kosovo, Kosovo simply needs western recognition and that suffices.

I dont think Kosovars have a trouble with Serbs declaring Kosovo an occupied territory. At least, we wudn't be surprised. Keep on relying on myths, but, hey, once we rid ourselves of this DE JURE connection with Serbia, our TRAIN will be flying full-speed ahead towards Brussels.

Seems Serbia wants a long vacation in Moscow, before it realises that its place is Brussels. It it chooses so, we wish them a good holiday.

adi you are welcome to iraq my friend. then and only then you will understand that you are living in a much much decent world and maybe stop mumbling and rumbling about your divorce problems with serbia.

The Russian Federation holds the future of Kosovo in the palm of their hands, and not the US or Nato.

Serbia should do everything in it power to make sure Russia stays on their side.

Russia will not save Kosovo because they are bigger Serbs than we are, they will do so to show the world they CAN. To demonstrate to the world that they can rely on Russia if they need help from being terrorized by the West. To show everyone, that Russia has the power twist the arm of the mighty Nato alliance.

In 1999, Russia attacked NATO's plans to bomb Serbia and tried to mediate but, weakened by domestic political turmoil and an economic crisis, backed away from outright confrontation.

The year is now 2007 and with having paid off all its dept and revenues from gas & oil coming in daily worth hundred s of millions of dollars Russia is finally back on the world stage.

Senior figures in the country's foreign policy establishment insist that if pushed, Russia will use its veto in the
United Nations to halt the Kosovo plan, heading straight towards a confrontation with the United States.

Don't think for a second that Russia doesn't not see a bleeding Washington. Its payback time, and we all know that payback can be a real B!tch.

Russia, with all its actions, starting with Kosovo ... is shouting: Enough. We are back. If you think you can do everything without us, forget about it. That's all over.

For now, Russia's tactics are to delay while trying to ensure it is at the heart of international decision-making on the province.

What they want is more time. They don't see the rush.

Welcome to the MULTI-POLAR world of 2007. Lets face it, this time... the West blew it. Nobody stays on top forever. Get used to it.

Ivan fails to put the recent Russian reassertiveness into a broader economic context. The booming energy prices will not go on forever; take a look at historical trends.

Sure, the pie is fixed and the entrance of new players in the global game reduces western influence in RELATIVE terms!

But the belief that the booming gas prices have suddenly made Russia an equally strong rival to the US is ill-founded. This is simply a PR-campaign. Putin is set to leave next year and he, of course, wants to cement his political legacy as being the first post-Soviet Union leader to stand up to the Americans.

But, this is merely Putin's own little war, which, geopolitically speaking, is nothing more than empty rhetoric.

It takes MANY MORE YEARS to translate the Russian energy wealth -- in face of rising prices -- into a more solid economic base and a boosted military power that wud begin to challenge America's economic and military preeminence.

Hence, people shud make a difference between absolute and relative power. America's absolute dominance is nowhere near being challenged by anyone at this point, and the effect of relative shifts will take a long time to surface and redefine global power relationships.

Again, I need to repeat: Russia has no dogs in the fight. Seriously! It knows that there's a limit as to how much it can resist the completion of a plan that's been funded, designed and is being concluded by the West.

Russia can keep threatening employing its right to veto, but, it will NOT stop the West to complete its OWN project.

It's unthinkable for the West to let the Russians decide over smth where they have the CONTROL over and the resources in.

Geopolitically speaking, Kosovo is a minor issue compared with N-Korea, Iran etc that needs compromises between the West and Russia.

And I am sure that had it not been for the HEAVY western involvement in Kosovo, they would have simply given up Kosovo in return for more pressing global issues.

But, the West got itself so deeply involved in the Balkans that its irrational to expect that it would throw away its OWN project just because someone is barking about it.

Trust me, indepdendence is a done deal!

It is hard for Serbs to accept it, it is clear. But, choices are made in the political lives of governments. And, of course, you cannot expect to get away with it if you make such TERRIBLE choices such as the widespread ethnic cleaning in Kosovo in 1998/9 and the war with NATO.

Serbia's constitution will maintain that Kosovo is an integral part of Serbia. Let it be so. Albanians can live with it. It's just a piece of paper, at the end of the day.

But, don't forget: when you enter Kosovo's borders you will be asked to present a passport. And if you choose to present your copy of Serbian constitution, Kosovo's custom officials will, very gently, turn you away.

Next time you better bring your passport with you!

“Do you seriously think a UN resolution (if it does not favor independence, which will most likely not be the case) will stop us from governing ourselves and having our own borders? Nick, Wednesday, 21 February, 2007, 14:40”

Nick, even if you are not to get full independence, EVERYONE supports the Albanians governing themselves in Kosovo. Even the Serbian government have been extremely vocal in saying this. However, I think they need to be far more specific in what they are offering. It seems to me from many of the Kosovar comments here that many of your people have serious and understandable questions about what Belgrade is exactly ready to offer. A completely reasonable position to have, I would feel exactly the same if I were you.

“You must understand that any eventual UNSC resolution will not grant Kosovo its independence, simply because the UNSC does not have that authority.”

Nick, although many Serbians would probably agree with you on this point, I am by far more “pessimistic” about the outcome. Ahtisaari makes no bones about it, and clearly stated where his proposal leads to.

“I don't think anybody expected the Serbian parliament to say, 'We welcome the independence of Kosovo,'” he said.”

http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2007&mm=02&dd=15&nav_category=90&nav_id=39625

The issue is Ahtisaari’s proposal allows for Kosovo to apply for a full UN seat, which basically means statehood. Sure I suppose Russia or China could block full UN membership in the UNSC as China has done with Taiwan. They have this ability regardless of whether Ahtisaari’s proposal is accepted or if Kosovo goes down the Unilateral Recognition path. However, I think they lack the political will for such extremely harsh measures, its very rarely done, and we all know that would only contribute to the problem and not help it. Any issue that Russia (or China) chooses as their stand against the West is going to be calculated to improve World Opinion on Russia, not diminish it.

Clearly neither side is happy with the wording of Ahtisaari’s proposal. If it is in fact a proposal for Kosovo Independence as Ahtisaari himself has said, this should be clearly spelled out in order to keep things clear and organized. Obviously, Ahtisaari chose his wording this way in an attempt to neuter Serbian objections that it does in fact lead to Independence, but his statements made since the proposal was made public seriously undermine this stance.

I suggest the Kosovars be allowed to present a plan for full Independence and the Serbians be allowed to present their alternative plan as well. If the UNSC can not decide between the two, then go with Ahtisaari’s messy and very unclear proposal.

If Serbia has a Plan B, now is the best time for making our position clear. Stalling until unilateral recognition and then asking for partition is messy and has serious chances of devolving into anarchy and bloodshed. We all must be careful about such an idea. Partition with our Churches granted Vatican-level status in Kosovo is clearly the best way to avoid a violent confrontation, as politically distasteful as that may seem to many at this time.

No matter what, regardless of the outcome of the status discussions, Serbia MUST change Kosovar perception of our historical sites from one of personal liability to one of economic necessity.

C-these talks will not work until status is settled because of the fact that Serbs are acting within the law that says Kosovo is part of Serbia and all institutions in Kosovo have to be dealt with as part of Serbia.

What is funny is that if it was status before all these things of course Serbia would have no standing.

As far as the Kosovo situation goes, it will be very intersting in the months to come to see how it plays out. I'm just amazed how there is never a single word in the American media about the Balkans anymore. I wonder why?

C...

Your comments are the closest thing to practical as i've ever heard..
Congratulations on getting your point across eloquently and level-headed...

All in all, i personally think Kosovo is 70 years behind being independent...

Grant it on paper, but at the end of the day, if it's a European country that you strive for, you can kiss the passports and border guards good-bye...

But if it gives the Albanians a sense of closure, so be it..

thanks for ur invitation abdul aziz!!! but, i do not consider myself competent to work for un(mik). i am glad that u r offering the same contribution to iraq's people as u did in kosova. i am sure they will be thankful for that!!! u and ur colleagues will spend a lot of money and finally they will become reach as we are now.

have fun!

Russia can't help Serbia to have Kosovo again.
Kosovo and Serbia are on Europian continent. EU countries surrounding them both, so Russia should deal with Europe rather than with US when it comes to Kosovo.
Even if Russia can match up with the US I really can't see how Russia can match up with US and Europe together. Nato--US and Europe, is united regarding Ahtisari plan.
If Russia says NET and use veto, what would happen next?
Would US and Europe just leave Kosovo to Serbia?
Would they just withdraw their troops? Did US and Europe gave up bombing Serbia just because Russia didn't like it? It took 72 days and what Russia did? What Russia could do?
Even if UN withdraw its troops what would happen? I still doubt Serbian army and police can just take over Kosovo. Just to remind you, Yugoslavian and Serbian army were on Kosovo and they had big problems dealing with separatists when they did not have Nato support. They were using excessive use of forse time after time and it still couldn't work out. Finally they tried to expell whole albanian population out of Kosovo.
So, if Nato withdraws, is Serbia going to do the same thing? Is it a right thing to do?
And Serbia is now without other republics, even without Montenegro, so its military force is way less strong than it used to be. But Kosovo is much more by itself than it was under Serbia. So I can't see a way how Serbian soldier or policeman could step on Kosovo ground without decisive action of Kosovo albanians. Even if Russia ,and US, and EU give Kosovo to Serbia what Serbia should do?
Why it goes that way?
It is not only Kosovo that wanted separation from Serbia. Let's see what recent history says about separation from Serbia or from a country where Serbia was constitutional unit.
Slovenia wanted to separate. Now it is independent state.
Croatia wanted to separate.
Now it is independent state.
BH wanted to separate.
Now it is independent state.
Macedonia wanted to separate.
Now it is independent state.
Montenegro wanted to separate.
Now it is independent state.
Some of these countries paid a really big price just to get independance. Some of them had to go through brutal war. And it seems like they didn't regret it. They didn't regret it because they didn't want Serbia to mess with their own rights.
Non of these countries do not even mention living united with Serbia anymore. Right now, for them it was just an ugly dream or a nightmare.
Neither Kosovo will not mention living within Serbia again.
Kosovo will not regret the way it has chosen as well. Separation from Serbia.
Serbia it seems does not regret the way it has chosen aswell.
Unification with Belorussia?
Russion veto?
Are these Serbia's strongholds?

And will be deadlocked forever. The only face saving solution for both sides is separation. North Kosovo stays in Serbia, South Kosovo gets Presevo valley and its crumbled villages.
It doesn't matter what Serb and Albanian ngociators think, this is the only thing left, the only card to play.

If this is not proposed now by Serbia, it'll be too late, and no matter how optimist Jovan, Princip and few others are, we have been screwed over by west before, and we will get screwed over again.

I am very skeptic that Russia will help. Serbia has to pre empty now with the separation proposal, or make the last attempt militarly to take over Kosovo. Even if we lose to the west, we would be a lot happier if we made the last attempt to get whats ours.

Let it be wrote:
"Slovenia wanted to separate. Now it is independent state.
Croatia wanted to separate.
Now it is independent state.
BH wanted to separate.
Now it is independent state.
Macedonia wanted to separate.
Now it is independent state.
Montenegro wanted to separate.
Now it is independent state. "

Don't you find the irony here??
It seems like the Serb minorities in all these Republics chose to want to stay with "Yugoslavia"..

It was THEIR issues that went unresolved via quick acceptance by Germany..

Not to worry anymore..
All the republiks are literally "SERBFREI"....

"Don't you find the irony here??
It seems like the Serb minorities in all these Republics chose to want to stay with "Yugoslavia".. "
Why did you put quotes on Yugoslavia Pijetro? Does it mean just Yugoslavia or maybe it means remainder of Yugoslavia. Does it mean something else, like Serboslavia, or Greater Serbia, or simply Serbia?
Call it with right name so you wouldn't have to put quotes?
"It was THEIR issues that went unresolved via quick acceptance by Germany.. "
Republics of SFRJ had a right to proclaim indepedence. Very similar like republics in SSSR or Cshechoslovakia. But even before some of republics of SFRJ declared independence, Serbian minorities already had an issue. I understand that bloody history from WWII and other wars made all minorities--including Serbian minority--feel very uncomfartable.
However, I believe that all minorities and especially Serbian have been manipulated by their own politicions. I think that politicians like Slobodan and Tudjman including their followers just used minorities to get what they really wanted. More power to keep their governing positions.
Anyway, does it really matter who recognized Croatia earlier, who recognized Montenegro right on time, and who recognized Kosovo too late?
What really matters is that they all wanted by they own free will to separate from Serbia and be independent countries. Politics changed more or less in these countries but non of them brought an idea to be reunited with Serbia. So if you want to blame it on Germany or Island or Luxemburg than blame it. There are lot of Serbs in EU countries and in US and I don't now of any major mistreatment of Serbian minorities over there. Maybe you can say something how does Croatia or Bosnia treat Serbian minorities but you can't say that for western countries. You can't say that for Germany nor any other western country, not even during NATO bombing.
If they would supervise Kosovo as proposed in Ahtisari plan and with all protection and selfrule for Serbian minority proposed in the plan I beleive that Serbian minority would be treated almost like in any other western country.
But it seems like Serbia care about territory itself but not about the people--not about Kosovo albanians and not much about Serbian minoritites as well.

@ Let it be:

"Call it with right name so you wouldn't have to put quotes?"

The reason that i used that name in quotes, is the fact that to this day, many Serbs still call it Yugoslavia..They can't get around the fact that the country they grew up in is gone..My point is that it seems that everybody is claiming "Serboslavia" as you say, but it was really the survival of Yugoslavia that the minorities were looking for..

Believe me, if TITO could raise from the dead, Serbs would welcome him back...

As far as minority issues are concerned, Serbs were underestimated in their quest for self defence..People tend to downplay their rights for retribution..

Yes, politicians played the Serbs like pawns in chess, and didn't care about them in the first place, but it went both ways..Tudjmann would never get support by being a moderate within his own circle..

Yes, recognition mattered. It was Germany's foray into external affairs after the cold war that kicked off the war..

This whole talk of democratic republics after the break up is easy to understand in today's terms, but back then, there was no concept of an EU family..

(Pijetro) TO YOUR COMMENT: Grant it on paper, but at the end of the day, if it's a European country that you strive for, you can kiss the passports and border guards good-bye...

Pijetro welcome to EUROZONE (Kosova)

First Kosova will become a state and than it can join EU without borders. The same thing what Serbia wants. You think that we are small but soon we will have three votes in EU PARLAMENT. Kosova, Albania and Macedonia. To good to be true whereas Serbia will have one. Sincerely Yours.

"The Serbian side is legally bound to advocate its stance"

- As will be the UN security council be bound by the legal basis of it's foundation on a states sovereign territorial integrity and Helsinki act.

So if plan A-thisarri is to be rushed through it will have to be bound by the legal aspects of 1244 regarding Serbia's sovereignity or else it will be "futile & coutreproductive"

What are the Russians saying by the term futile & counterproductive ?

Futile - will not pass, Veto.
Counterproductive - create greater instability and consequences - Ylber Hasa has threatened war - wheter that is a bluff or not a threat is still an intent.

Looks like the train of independence has been called back to the sidings - no passangers!

Actualy Princip, there are 2 million passangers who have payed their tickets and instist on arriving at the destination.

What you fail to understand is that we are already independent. There hasnt been any Serbian inffluence in Kosovo for the last 7 years.

Words (either spoken or written) are worthless if you cant back them up with action, and quite frankly you cant back your claims in Kosovo.

You can include sovreignty provisions in UN resoltions all you want, you may even convince the world that Kosovo should not get its independence (which i seriously doubt), you will never ever set foot in Kosovo as its sovreign.

Do you seriously think a UN resolution (if it does not favor independence, which will most likely not be the case) will stop us from governing ourselves and having our own borders?

I simply dont understand how you cant see the logic of it.

Nick, even if Martti Ahtisaari's plan is accepted, it still allows for the sovereignty of Serbia in Kosovo. Those who are against the plan are aware of what it COULD lead to. It doesn't deliver independence.

But that's all irrelevant as the plan is illegal and unlikely to be adopted. The only other plan on the table would be a division of Kosovo. As you know, the Serbs are very much still running the Northern areas.

International bodies such as the UN do not have the mandate to grant anyone sovreignty or independence. Legally speaking, its up to each individual world country to decide on its own whether they will accept someones sovreignty or independence.

The aim of the Ahtisari proposal is to provide these countries with an international legal instrument where they can base their decision.

That is the whole point of the proposal. Without such basis the document is worthless and it would be a shame for the UNSC to approve a documents that only serves to create more confusion rather than settle the issue.

You must understand that any eventual UNSC resolution will not grant Kosovo its independence, simply because the UNSC does not have that authority.

Yes the Serbs are runing the northern areas as is their right since they constitute the majority there.

Dividing Kosovo would be very very dangerous, considering the situation in Srbska Republika, Presevo and Bujanovc and FYROM.

Nick,

"Dividing Kosovo would be very very dangerous..."

That is the contradiction with Dividing Serbia - so it is best not suggesting division at all.

You might have bought a ticket for the train to independence from Clinton, Holbrooke et al but they do not own the train forgot ask persmission. The EU are not interested in ensuring security (no budget) and as such the train has been returned to the sidings on the grounds that there is no conductor to ensure safety.

The UN sees no problem in partitioning Serbia. Kosovo can be partitioned.

Kosovo can not have its own flag, army, anthems, border guards, be a member of the UN because UN resolution 1244 says Kosovo is a part of Serbia and Serbia can not accept a deal that makes Kosovo independent.

Nick, I am sure that princip & co. are as fully aware as you and I that Serbia will never have any sort of sovereignty over kosova. Anyone with a minimum education in politics, history and diplomacy can grasp this. I’ve been following the whole discussion over the negotiation process almost from the beginning and got impression that princip, blag, even abdul aziz are enough educated and smart to understand the process and its outcome.

I do not know where all these gentlemen live (I heard that abdul aziz is serving his mission in NM)? If I would be able to know this, I am ready to buy a good lunch for u guys in Vermica (prizren) and celebrate the Kosova’s statehood.

Cheers, adi

In response to what Brian wrote:

The entire negotiations mediated so far by Ahtisaari have not focused EVEN ONCE on the issue of the status, except for that synbolic meeting back in the fall, which was nothing more but paying lipservice to the idea of 'entering a new phase of status discussions.'

Fact is...Kosovo's status has NOT been the subject of the negotiations.

Negotiations have been about ensuring the proper protection of minority communities in Kosovo, most notably those of Serbs.

Kosovo's status was decided in June of 1999. Brian says that Serbia will never accept an independent Kosovo. As if anybody was actually asking Belgrade anything about the status.

Belgrade's role in the negotiations is only limited towards ensuring greater protections for the local Kosovo Serbs.

Regarding the Russian veto threat: people tend to forget that Russia is only trying to raise the price for its acceptance of the Kosovo independence. Serbs better make sure that that price is paid within Kosovo e.g.: greater protection of their interests, as opposed to bargaining globally e.g. on other non-Kosovo related issues.

Russia knows that it CANNOT stop the process. It can use its veto, but Kosovo has been a WESTERN project, a WESTERN investment and thats why the WESTERN governments will ensure that it is properly concluded.

Russia cannot do a damn about a project that it has no say over. It has no military in Kosovo, it pours NO money into it, HENCE its effective position in actually stoping the process is only limited to the veto.

Fine, even though its highly unlikely that they wud use it over such a non-strategic issue as Kosovo, Kosovo simply needs western recognition and that suffices.

I dont think Kosovars have a trouble with Serbs declaring Kosovo an occupied territory. At least, we wudn't be surprised. Keep on relying on myths, but, hey, once we rid ourselves of this DE JURE connection with Serbia, our TRAIN will be flying full-speed ahead towards Brussels.

Seems Serbia wants a long vacation in Moscow, before it realises that its place is Brussels. It it chooses so, we wish them a good holiday.

adi you are welcome to iraq my friend. then and only then you will understand that you are living in a much much decent world and maybe stop mumbling and rumbling about your divorce problems with serbia.

The Russian Federation holds the future of Kosovo in the palm of their hands, and not the US or Nato.

Serbia should do everything in it power to make sure Russia stays on their side.

Russia will not save Kosovo because they are bigger Serbs than we are, they will do so to show the world they CAN. To demonstrate to the world that they can rely on Russia if they need help from being terrorized by the West. To show everyone, that Russia has the power twist the arm of the mighty Nato alliance.

In 1999, Russia attacked NATO's plans to bomb Serbia and tried to mediate but, weakened by domestic political turmoil and an economic crisis, backed away from outright confrontation.

The year is now 2007 and with having paid off all its dept and revenues from gas & oil coming in daily worth hundred s of millions of dollars Russia is finally back on the world stage.

Senior figures in the country's foreign policy establishment insist that if pushed, Russia will use its veto in the
United Nations to halt the Kosovo plan, heading straight towards a confrontation with the United States.

Don't think for a second that Russia doesn't not see a bleeding Washington. Its payback time, and we all know that payback can be a real B!tch.

Russia, with all its actions, starting with Kosovo ... is shouting: Enough. We are back. If you think you can do everything without us, forget about it. That's all over.

For now, Russia's tactics are to delay while trying to ensure it is at the heart of international decision-making on the province.

What they want is more time. They don't see the rush.

Welcome to the MULTI-POLAR world of 2007. Lets face it, this time... the West blew it. Nobody stays on top forever. Get used to it.

Ivan fails to put the recent Russian reassertiveness into a broader economic context. The booming energy prices will not go on forever; take a look at historical trends.

Sure, the pie is fixed and the entrance of new players in the global game reduces western influence in RELATIVE terms!

But the belief that the booming gas prices have suddenly made Russia an equally strong rival to the US is ill-founded. This is simply a PR-campaign. Putin is set to leave next year and he, of course, wants to cement his political legacy as being the first post-Soviet Union leader to stand up to the Americans.

But, this is merely Putin's own little war, which, geopolitically speaking, is nothing more than empty rhetoric.

It takes MANY MORE YEARS to translate the Russian energy wealth -- in face of rising prices -- into a more solid economic base and a boosted military power that wud begin to challenge America's economic and military preeminence.

Hence, people shud make a difference between absolute and relative power. America's absolute dominance is nowhere near being challenged by anyone at this point, and the effect of relative shifts will take a long time to surface and redefine global power relationships.

Again, I need to repeat: Russia has no dogs in the fight. Seriously! It knows that there's a limit as to how much it can resist the completion of a plan that's been funded, designed and is being concluded by the West.

Russia can keep threatening employing its right to veto, but, it will NOT stop the West to complete its OWN project.

It's unthinkable for the West to let the Russians decide over smth where they have the CONTROL over and the resources in.

Geopolitically speaking, Kosovo is a minor issue compared with N-Korea, Iran etc that needs compromises between the West and Russia.

And I am sure that had it not been for the HEAVY western involvement in Kosovo, they would have simply given up Kosovo in return for more pressing global issues.

But, the West got itself so deeply involved in the Balkans that its irrational to expect that it would throw away its OWN project just because someone is barking about it.

Trust me, indepdendence is a done deal!

It is hard for Serbs to accept it, it is clear. But, choices are made in the political lives of governments. And, of course, you cannot expect to get away with it if you make such TERRIBLE choices such as the widespread ethnic cleaning in Kosovo in 1998/9 and the war with NATO.

Serbia's constitution will maintain that Kosovo is an integral part of Serbia. Let it be so. Albanians can live with it. It's just a piece of paper, at the end of the day.

But, don't forget: when you enter Kosovo's borders you will be asked to present a passport. And if you choose to present your copy of Serbian constitution, Kosovo's custom officials will, very gently, turn you away.

Next time you better bring your passport with you!

“Do you seriously think a UN resolution (if it does not favor independence, which will most likely not be the case) will stop us from governing ourselves and having our own borders? Nick, Wednesday, 21 February, 2007, 14:40”

Nick, even if you are not to get full independence, EVERYONE supports the Albanians governing themselves in Kosovo. Even the Serbian government have been extremely vocal in saying this. However, I think they need to be far more specific in what they are offering. It seems to me from many of the Kosovar comments here that many of your people have serious and understandable questions about what Belgrade is exactly ready to offer. A completely reasonable position to have, I would feel exactly the same if I were you.

“You must understand that any eventual UNSC resolution will not grant Kosovo its independence, simply because the UNSC does not have that authority.”

Nick, although many Serbians would probably agree with you on this point, I am by far more “pessimistic” about the outcome. Ahtisaari makes no bones about it, and clearly stated where his proposal leads to.

“I don't think anybody expected the Serbian parliament to say, 'We welcome the independence of Kosovo,'” he said.”

http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2007&mm=02&dd=15&nav_category=90&nav_id=39625

The issue is Ahtisaari’s proposal allows for Kosovo to apply for a full UN seat, which basically means statehood. Sure I suppose Russia or China could block full UN membership in the UNSC as China has done with Taiwan. They have this ability regardless of whether Ahtisaari’s proposal is accepted or if Kosovo goes down the Unilateral Recognition path. However, I think they lack the political will for such extremely harsh measures, its very rarely done, and we all know that would only contribute to the problem and not help it. Any issue that Russia (or China) chooses as their stand against the West is going to be calculated to improve World Opinion on Russia, not diminish it.

Clearly neither side is happy with the wording of Ahtisaari’s proposal. If it is in fact a proposal for Kosovo Independence as Ahtisaari himself has said, this should be clearly spelled out in order to keep things clear and organized. Obviously, Ahtisaari chose his wording this way in an attempt to neuter Serbian objections that it does in fact lead to Independence, but his statements made since the proposal was made public seriously undermine this stance.

I suggest the Kosovars be allowed to present a plan for full Independence and the Serbians be allowed to present their alternative plan as well. If the UNSC can not decide between the two, then go with Ahtisaari’s messy and very unclear proposal.

If Serbia has a Plan B, now is the best time for making our position clear. Stalling until unilateral recognition and then asking for partition is messy and has serious chances of devolving into anarchy and bloodshed. We all must be careful about such an idea. Partition with our Churches granted Vatican-level status in Kosovo is clearly the best way to avoid a violent confrontation, as politically distasteful as that may seem to many at this time.

No matter what, regardless of the outcome of the status discussions, Serbia MUST change Kosovar perception of our historical sites from one of personal liability to one of economic necessity.

C-these talks will not work until status is settled because of the fact that Serbs are acting within the law that says Kosovo is part of Serbia and all institutions in Kosovo have to be dealt with as part of Serbia.

What is funny is that if it was status before all these things of course Serbia would have no standing.

As far as the Kosovo situation goes, it will be very intersting in the months to come to see how it plays out. I'm just amazed how there is never a single word in the American media about the Balkans anymore. I wonder why?

C...

Your comments are the closest thing to practical as i've ever heard..
Congratulations on getting your point across eloquently and level-headed...

All in all, i personally think Kosovo is 70 years behind being independent...

Grant it on paper, but at the end of the day, if it's a European country that you strive for, you can kiss the passports and border guards good-bye...

But if it gives the Albanians a sense of closure, so be it..

thanks for ur invitation abdul aziz!!! but, i do not consider myself competent to work for un(mik). i am glad that u r offering the same contribution to iraq's people as u did in kosova. i am sure they will be thankful for that!!! u and ur colleagues will spend a lot of money and finally they will become reach as we are now.

have fun!

Russia can't help Serbia to have Kosovo again.
Kosovo and Serbia are on Europian continent. EU countries surrounding them both, so Russia should deal with Europe rather than with US when it comes to Kosovo.
Even if Russia can match up with the US I really can't see how Russia can match up with US and Europe together. Nato--US and Europe, is united regarding Ahtisari plan.
If Russia says NET and use veto, what would happen next?
Would US and Europe just leave Kosovo to Serbia?
Would they just withdraw their troops? Did US and Europe gave up bombing Serbia just because Russia didn't like it? It took 72 days and what Russia did? What Russia could do?
Even if UN withdraw its troops what would happen? I still doubt Serbian army and police can just take over Kosovo. Just to remind you, Yugoslavian and Serbian army were on Kosovo and they had big problems dealing with separatists when they did not have Nato support. They were using excessive use of forse time after time and it still couldn't work out. Finally they tried to expell whole albanian population out of Kosovo.
So, if Nato withdraws, is Serbia going to do the same thing? Is it a right thing to do?
And Serbia is now without other republics, even without Montenegro, so its military force is way less strong than it used to be. But Kosovo is much more by itself than it was under Serbia. So I can't see a way how Serbian soldier or policeman could step on Kosovo ground without decisive action of Kosovo albanians. Even if Russia ,and US, and EU give Kosovo to Serbia what Serbia should do?
Why it goes that way?
It is not only Kosovo that wanted separation from Serbia. Let's see what recent history says about separation from Serbia or from a country where Serbia was constitutional unit.
Slovenia wanted to separate. Now it is independent state.
Croatia wanted to separate.
Now it is independent state.
BH wanted to separate.
Now it is independent state.
Macedonia wanted to separate.
Now it is independent state.
Montenegro wanted to separate.
Now it is independent state.
Some of these countries paid a really big price just to get independance. Some of them had to go through brutal war. And it seems like they didn't regret it. They didn't regret it because they didn't want Serbia to mess with their own rights.
Non of these countries do not even mention living united with Serbia anymore. Right now, for them it was just an ugly dream or a nightmare.
Neither Kosovo will not mention living within Serbia again.
Kosovo will not regret the way it has chosen as well. Separation from Serbia.
Serbia it seems does not regret the way it has chosen aswell.
Unification with Belorussia?
Russion veto?
Are these Serbia's strongholds?

And will be deadlocked forever. The only face saving solution for both sides is separation. North Kosovo stays in Serbia, South Kosovo gets Presevo valley and its crumbled villages.
It doesn't matter what Serb and Albanian ngociators think, this is the only thing left, the only card to play.

If this is not proposed now by Serbia, it'll be too late, and no matter how optimist Jovan, Princip and few others are, we have been screwed over by west before, and we will get screwed over again.

I am very skeptic that Russia will help. Serbia has to pre empty now with the separation proposal, or make the last attempt militarly to take over Kosovo. Even if we lose to the west, we would be a lot happier if we made the last attempt to get whats ours.

Let it be wrote:
"Slovenia wanted to separate. Now it is independent state.
Croatia wanted to separate.
Now it is independent state.
BH wanted to separate.
Now it is independent state.
Macedonia wanted to separate.
Now it is independent state.
Montenegro wanted to separate.
Now it is independent state. "

Don't you find the irony here??
It seems like the Serb minorities in all these Republics chose to want to stay with "Yugoslavia"..

It was THEIR issues that went unresolved via quick acceptance by Germany..

Not to worry anymore..
All the republiks are literally "SERBFREI"....

"Don't you find the irony here??
It seems like the Serb minorities in all these Republics chose to want to stay with "Yugoslavia".. "
Why did you put quotes on Yugoslavia Pijetro? Does it mean just Yugoslavia or maybe it means remainder of Yugoslavia. Does it mean something else, like Serboslavia, or Greater Serbia, or simply Serbia?
Call it with right name so you wouldn't have to put quotes?
"It was THEIR issues that went unresolved via quick acceptance by Germany.. "
Republics of SFRJ had a right to proclaim indepedence. Very similar like republics in SSSR or Cshechoslovakia. But even before some of republics of SFRJ declared independence, Serbian minorities already had an issue. I understand that bloody history from WWII and other wars made all minorities--including Serbian minority--feel very uncomfartable.
However, I believe that all minorities and especially Serbian have been manipulated by their own politicions. I think that politicians like Slobodan and Tudjman including their followers just used minorities to get what they really wanted. More power to keep their governing positions.
Anyway, does it really matter who recognized Croatia earlier, who recognized Montenegro right on time, and who recognized Kosovo too late?
What really matters is that they all wanted by they own free will to separate from Serbia and be independent countries. Politics changed more or less in these countries but non of them brought an idea to be reunited with Serbia. So if you want to blame it on Germany or Island or Luxemburg than blame it. There are lot of Serbs in EU countries and in US and I don't now of any major mistreatment of Serbian minorities over there. Maybe you can say something how does Croatia or Bosnia treat Serbian minorities but you can't say that for western countries. You can't say that for Germany nor any other western country, not even during NATO bombing.
If they would supervise Kosovo as proposed in Ahtisari plan and with all protection and selfrule for Serbian minority proposed in the plan I beleive that Serbian minority would be treated almost like in any other western country.
But it seems like Serbia care about territory itself but not about the people--not about Kosovo albanians and not much about Serbian minoritites as well.

@ Let it be:

"Call it with right name so you wouldn't have to put quotes?"

The reason that i used that name in quotes, is the fact that to this day, many Serbs still call it Yugoslavia..They can't get around the fact that the country they grew up in is gone..My point is that it seems that everybody is claiming "Serboslavia" as you say, but it was really the survival of Yugoslavia that the minorities were looking for..

Believe me, if TITO could raise from the dead, Serbs would welcome him back...

As far as minority issues are concerned, Serbs were underestimated in their quest for self defence..People tend to downplay their rights for retribution..

Yes, politicians played the Serbs like pawns in chess, and didn't care about them in the first place, but it went both ways..Tudjmann would never get support by being a moderate within his own circle..

Yes, recognition mattered. It was Germany's foray into external affairs after the cold war that kicked off the war..

This whole talk of democratic republics after the break up is easy to understand in today's terms, but back then, there was no concept of an EU family..

(Pijetro) TO YOUR COMMENT: Grant it on paper, but at the end of the day, if it's a European country that you strive for, you can kiss the passports and border guards good-bye...

Pijetro welcome to EUROZONE (Kosova)

First Kosova will become a state and than it can join EU without borders. The same thing what Serbia wants. You think that we are small but soon we will have three votes in EU PARLAMENT. Kosova, Albania and Macedonia. To good to be true whereas Serbia will have one. Sincerely Yours.