Lavrov: Russia won’t step aside

Advise to Serbia and Kosovo Serbs;
Don't count on Russia.
Russia was not able to feed handful of its own soldiers in Kosovo and actually they had to pack up their bags and return to mother Russia. Therefore , from that moment on Russia gave up Kosovo.I used to feel pitty for Russion soldiers located near Lozica Bridge.Imagen they used to sleep right next to the Bridge in tents, which you can not see another country's soldiers sleeping in tents in Kosovo.

great observation Miller, BTW its a new Russia, and believe me, they are not spread thin like the U.S. is. . The west is no longer a powerhouse like it used to be! Serbia is far moree important to Europe than another mini-albania! Cao!

Don't you "worry" Miller, Serbia doesn't count on Russian soldiers ,it counts only on one word at the UN SC:veto!(spoken or unspoken but de facto veto)That would be more then enough:-)Got it ?

Russians left because they decided they couldn't continue to support a system which was ethnically cleansing Kosovo Serbs.

Russia has since paid off its entire debt, which it inherited from the Soviet Union, ahead of schedule.

Russia has gotten rich on oil and energy and is now a creditor nation.

Russia is gradually recovering and doing much better than several years ago.

"Everything depends on a package of proposals that will be put up for the voting"

- is that a hint that there will be various proposals put forth in the next few months at the UN. Ahtisaari is just one proposal and it is clear that it is not up to the mark.

To "Miller",
This is not Yeltsin's 'prostitute' Russia you are dealing with and Russia has learned important lessons from the scheming of NATO in 1999. The UK and USA are trying to promote an illegal plan in the Security Council and it's that simple.

M.Miller - so what if they had to sleep in tents (if that was the case) in a province riddled with people without homes or security?
You can try and junk Russia all you like, but at least they have some sort of principles to stand by, as opposed to following a foreign policy which appeases the most violent groups, forces imperialism and is basically an attempted land grab. Nothing honourable in that.

You missed the main point guys.
Kosovo Albanians are praying that Russia will use its veto, because they will declare Independence and from that moment on are not obligated to go along with Ahtisari's proposal, which 2/3 of that package are in favor of Kosovo Serbs.Therfore, russia will only hurt K-Serbs.

china is the darkhorse here keeping silent and will spew fire as a dragon when the right time comes. 1 country 2 systems it will propose like in taiwan and hong kong. this is the best for everyone.

Miller give us all a break please.
Are you saying that stealing land by force and giving into terror and threats is the way to go?
Taking something by force cannot work. It's that simple!
Serbia will never accept a mini albania formed on its own territory.

Miller

this just confirms the ability to understand the reality for many debaters in this forum.
It's beyond 'veto' now. We should concentrate on how to build relations within the communities and try and move forward into the future.

Clinging on to preconceived ideas doesn’t help people who actually live in Kosova/o to move forward, it rather raises false hopes. Therefore continuing on the same path will be a recipe for failing the very people who would benefit from the proposed plan.

I am an Albanian, and I strongly believe that it is in Kosova's interest that Russia vetos Ahtisaar's proposal. That means that the Kosovo parliament will declare it's independence. Following that, U.S.A and E.U. will recognize the independece, including some Asian countries, excluding China. I understand that Russia is a mjor player in international affairs, but after all, it's just a number!

Ben

Miller, clearly you didn’t read Ahtisaari’s proposal. Did you read the part about needing only have the minority votes to change municipalities etc? And that half the seats set aside for minorities go to non-Serbs. Hence, total elimination of Serbian protections is possible without even a single Serbian vote. It offers us nothing. We don’t “count” on Russia, but she is our only hope.

“- is that a hint that there will be various proposals put forth in the next few months at the UN. Ahtisaari is just one proposal and it is clear that it is not up to the mark”.

princip, u must be genius!!! how comes that u know that there is more than one proposal?!!!

by the way, isn't the fact that russia is trying to adapt a proposal acceptable 4 both sides? how comes that any other proposal which was not discussed by both parts can be considered in the UNSC table?

at least the ahtisaari's proposal have the approval of 90% population that will implement the plan.

as far as mr miller's posting is concerned, from what i understand, his posting is addressed to people (Albanians and serbs) that plan to live in ks and 4 those who are free of national-chauvinistic fire. 4 people that do not plan to live in ks and that still daydream that posting does not work.

cheers,

You missed the main point guys.
Kosovo Albanians are praying that Russia will use its veto, because they will declare Independence and from that moment on are not obligated to go along with Ahtisari's proposal, which 2/3 of that package are in favor of Kosovo Serbs.Therfore, russia will only hurt K-Serbs.

I’m so sorry for Serbs, but unfortunately the GAME IS OVER for you. You just won’t to see it. In 1999 you lost your joystick your screen and everything and nobody is giving you that kind of staff back to play so soon. You have to start from scratch, first: education, second: self-control, third: compassion etc. etc. Sooner you start building on this new values better it is!
Wish you good luck!

I have one question to those emotional posters who says Kosova is Serbia.
How do you plan to enter in Kosova, i think Serbian administration or army or policy, because we are not leaving you to come in Kosova again. Maybe you prepared tanks and other weapons because you didn't finished your plan in 1999.
Wake up guys.

russia's veto could work even better for albanians
if russia vetos, ahtisari's plan will go in the trash and kosovo will declare itself independent. once it does that, it will gain recognition as an independent country from a majority of western powers.. it may take some time, but it will definitely get its recognition

and if serbia and russia don't recognize it, well no one will really care.

(like israel w/ palestine, iran, etc.)

maybe serbia then will work on some WMDs :)

For the "EU to recognize Kosovo" it must be unanimous by all member states, something which they certainly not.

Recognition by individual member states of the EU looks very bad politically as it proves that the European Union is not 'united' and shows that it cannot pull its own weight internationally.

It would only strengthen the hand of certain EU states that see the United States as their main ally. It would seriously undermine the EU, especially when a newly proposed "EU constitution" is supposedly in the works. Everything is tied together.

Clearly, if individual recognition goes ahead, there will be bad consequences for the EU, much the same way that in 1991 certain member states went their own way on recognition.

Clearly the EU remains an enigma to some here (or should I just say that some are plainly ignorant?).

If you can't see the consequences of the action (many visible, many more not), it does not mean that there will be no 'blowback'.

Blind devotion to short term 'satisfaction' will lead to the reaping of the seeds sown, on a global level.

Being an ostrich is not an excuse.

Everyone is starting to look at Russia with new respect for standing for her principles. Even those in the West are paying heed albeit begrudgingly. I read somewhere that China has agreed to follow Russia's lead since she is not as familiar with the Balkans but will support the principle of sovereignty. And I think it is to safeguard her claims to Taiwan in case the US starts casting eyes there next.

RE: The Alpha and Omega

I’m so sorry for Serbs, but unfortunately the GAME IS OVER for you. (alfa, 21 March 2007, 16:37)

As your name suggests, the Alpha began with Kosovo re-integrated into the Serbian Constitution as supported by UNSC 1244.

The Omega is not the Pro-Albanian Ahtissari plan.

The Omega is not unilateral independance, because the KLA Terrorist AGIM Ceku will be caught in a political vacuem and will not deliver.

So,now when its obvious to everybody who has IQ higher then 10 that there will be no new UN SC Resolution Albanians are saying that they are "happy" with that and that they will proclaim independence anyway.Great,so USA will recognize you.Fantastic!And then i guess you expect that USA will give all Albanians from Kosovo green cards/visas so you can come,live and work here,huh?:-)Its gonna be fun,i can't wait!

"How do you plan to enter in Kosova, i think Serbian administration or army or policy, because we are not leaving you to come in Kosova again. Maybe you prepared tanks and other weapons because you didn't finished your plan in 1999.
Wake up guys.
(Shukri Gashi, Wednesday, 21 March, 2007, 16:50)"

shukri you are living in Serbia!

I can imagine the following scenario. If Kosovo Albanians can declare independence unilaterally, so can do Kosovo Serbs. As much as UN Resolution 1244 (is the number correct?) allows Serbs to send limited number of troops to protect Serb population. So finally the only thing left to negotiate will be - where to draw the border between Serb North and Albanian South. and I quite honestly think it would be the best solution for both. If people cannot live together they better divorce and split the house. I also think, 250000 Serb refugee should be finally given the chance return to Kosovo to let their opinion on the subject be taken into account.
cheers to all,
boris

Without a the UN recognition, Kosovo will remain part of Serbia in the eyes of the UN... and with it in the eyes of the LAW. Kosovo will not function as a country with unilateral declaration. Also, Northern Kosovo will do the exact SAME thing. So Serbs will also have their own piece of the pie again. See how your plans don't work? I think its time for a COMPROMISE. You will not get EVERYTHING you are looking for. The Serbs will also not get EVERYTHING they are looking for. If you go to war, you will lose. Albanians set themselves up for failure when they signed a document stating they will forfeit independence and never intended to honor it from the get go. Don't go crying to everyone now, you made your bed... now sleep in it.

ratko
the serbian land you call it at this moment serves 2milion people without qny input from the serbia your reffering to.
reading the pro-serbs comments everyday to me they sound like the terroist, but then i dont blame you i blame you shallow gorverment, i mean you have your so called primeminister calling us terrorist seperatis publicly, i shouldnt expect more from the streets of serbia. but if he wants to play that game i think he will have to think it over again cause he wont get far realy.
we all know what mess serbia got into for having a big nationalist mouth like kostunicas...
we all know one way or another the land we live in is ours and there's not ground or any prove for such comments like 'kosova is serbian land', id say you have more rights to ask your mother russian's for land than us albanians.(afterall there is a direct link between the two serbians-russians and not to forget the fact thats were serbians originate from)

Recently most of Albanians have begun to agree with you Serbs in one thing. We want a Russian veto more than you want.
6% of Kosovo Serbs get more rights under Ahtisari's plan, than will ever Presevo valley Albanians will get.

Mark my word!!! A Russian veto will insure our goal for unconditional independence. Who will lose the most will be Kosovo Serbs and Presevo valley Albanians.

If violence breaks out, defacto partition (with Serbs obtaining control of more than the north) will be the most economical way (for all major parties concerned) to resolve the issie long term. This is so obvious that any state leaning toward "recognizing" an independent Kosovo/a as currently outlined will not do it - because such a Kosovo/a will never have a chance of functioning, and thus existing, as recognized.

it´s quite the opposite, ...if the Albanians did something stupid like declaring themselves as "independent", they would get massive problems, since it would be seen as an affront towards the internationals, UN but also some european countries, ...and believe me, under certaint circumstances UNMIK would even have the duty to arrest those who are proclaiming this "independence"...so, better don´t play around with things you don´t understand!

just a few days ago, Ceku has said himself, that they won´t make any unilateral steps...and I think he knows why he is saying that...

has anyone noticed this little news?

Mr.George W. Bush, 20.03.2007:
"Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 503(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, and section 3(a)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, I hereby find that the furnishing of defense articles and defense services to the Republic of Montenegro and the Republic of Serbia will strengthen the security of the United States and promote world peace," says the George Bush memo to the Secretary of State."

so much for the eternal friendship, my friends...

Even if “veto” happens, what I really doubt, Kosova will unilaterally declare independence that would be recognized by most of the European and the world countries… Kosovas future doesn’t depend on “resolution” and “veto”!!! Which country has become independent with UN resolution??? Even if this happens, what actually I believe it will, this will be the First Independent Country declared by UN resolution! So guys, calm down with exaggerating importance of resolution and Russian vote in UN SC. Everybody, even a common Serbian citizen knows that.

Lockman,

lets just see but if the proposal that Ahtisaari put forth is pushed through without change then expect your Veto.

However, realise that this is Russia's interest - it forces the US into a dilema not Russia.

The US will behind the scenes try to stop any Illegal unilateral declaration because it knows that in recognising an ILLEGAL declaration and more importantly not backed by the UN it opens up the flood gates by creating the US-Kosovo precedence with Sui generis gone - it gives Russia the opportunity to recognise Abkahzia, South Ossetia, Trans Dniester etc etc...

Also be very aware that without a UN declaration the whole of Kosovo & Metohija will remain in legal terms Serbian sovereign territory which at any time it will have the legal jsutification for ensuring it's international borders - if not today or tomorrow it will one day when it is right! Moreover, for an example of where that will lead for the sounthern portion of this ILLEGAL entity look no further then Northern cyprus!

I hope things are starting o sink in and some times what you wish for really is not all that you anticipated.

Is it not time for real negotiatians and compromise?

Ratko, can you argue me that I am living in Serbia, because i can't see it in the ground. I looked in my identity card there is no where written that I am citizen of Serbia, our police force is called Kosovo Police Service, we have an armed force called Kosovo Protection Corp, no one institution is called [xyz] of Serbia so i no where found any sign that I am citizen of Serbia.

I hope you will clarify it to me because I am confused as long as I don't no which country citizenship I have.

Dear All

Russia has no need to use its veto. And to all Kosovans believing that a veto would help their case: wake up to the reality of a veto. It means a major rift between superpowers and not a window of opportunity for a nearly 2 million jobless people to celebrate independence.

A.'s plan will be changed and watered down to a point that won't be acceptable to hardline or even moderate Kosovans. (if such a distinction is possible regarding the status question)

[The recent harding of A.'s plan is only a sign of weakness and an attempt to move into a better position. But the end result won't please Kosovan's. Rest assured of that.]

This will trigger the chain of events described by Holbrooke.

But it will remain to be seen if the official U.S. will blame Russia for it. Holbrooke will continue to blame the Russians, of course, since his doings in the Balkans are slowly turning against him. Especially, losing a Kosovan friend.

Kosovo will neither be part of Serbia nor independent for a long time.

Although, eventually, it might receive statehood if Kosovans and Serbs decide on dialogue and cooperation and find a new way of communicating about the past.

But judging Kosovan behavior of the past, it's still very difficult to imagine that happening anytime soon.

The E.U. is well aware of that and equally aware that there will be no united front regarding the question of Kosovo's independence.

Neither Spain, Belgium, Slovaki, Hungary, Romania, Greece, (Macedonia), the U.K. have a great interest to allow border disputes to emerge in Europe.

The sligthest fissure in the E.U. network will be used by Russia to block any independence move.

The only interest the E.U. has is to solve the problem as fast as possible by eschewing any legal framework.

But speed has never helped solving complex problems. And war even less so.

All the Kosovans can hope for is the akward status quo.

Advise to Serbia and Kosovo Serbs;
Don't count on Russia.
Russia was not able to feed handful of its own soldiers in Kosovo and actually they had to pack up their bags and return to mother Russia. Therefore , from that moment on Russia gave up Kosovo.I used to feel pitty for Russion soldiers located near Lozica Bridge.Imagen they used to sleep right next to the Bridge in tents, which you can not see another country's soldiers sleeping in tents in Kosovo.

great observation Miller, BTW its a new Russia, and believe me, they are not spread thin like the U.S. is. . The west is no longer a powerhouse like it used to be! Serbia is far moree important to Europe than another mini-albania! Cao!

Don't you "worry" Miller, Serbia doesn't count on Russian soldiers ,it counts only on one word at the UN SC:veto!(spoken or unspoken but de facto veto)That would be more then enough:-)Got it ?

Russians left because they decided they couldn't continue to support a system which was ethnically cleansing Kosovo Serbs.

Russia has since paid off its entire debt, which it inherited from the Soviet Union, ahead of schedule.

Russia has gotten rich on oil and energy and is now a creditor nation.

Russia is gradually recovering and doing much better than several years ago.

"Everything depends on a package of proposals that will be put up for the voting"

- is that a hint that there will be various proposals put forth in the next few months at the UN. Ahtisaari is just one proposal and it is clear that it is not up to the mark.

To "Miller",
This is not Yeltsin's 'prostitute' Russia you are dealing with and Russia has learned important lessons from the scheming of NATO in 1999. The UK and USA are trying to promote an illegal plan in the Security Council and it's that simple.

M.Miller - so what if they had to sleep in tents (if that was the case) in a province riddled with people without homes or security?
You can try and junk Russia all you like, but at least they have some sort of principles to stand by, as opposed to following a foreign policy which appeases the most violent groups, forces imperialism and is basically an attempted land grab. Nothing honourable in that.

You missed the main point guys.
Kosovo Albanians are praying that Russia will use its veto, because they will declare Independence and from that moment on are not obligated to go along with Ahtisari's proposal, which 2/3 of that package are in favor of Kosovo Serbs.Therfore, russia will only hurt K-Serbs.

china is the darkhorse here keeping silent and will spew fire as a dragon when the right time comes. 1 country 2 systems it will propose like in taiwan and hong kong. this is the best for everyone.

Miller give us all a break please.
Are you saying that stealing land by force and giving into terror and threats is the way to go?
Taking something by force cannot work. It's that simple!
Serbia will never accept a mini albania formed on its own territory.

Miller

this just confirms the ability to understand the reality for many debaters in this forum.
It's beyond 'veto' now. We should concentrate on how to build relations within the communities and try and move forward into the future.

Clinging on to preconceived ideas doesn’t help people who actually live in Kosova/o to move forward, it rather raises false hopes. Therefore continuing on the same path will be a recipe for failing the very people who would benefit from the proposed plan.

I am an Albanian, and I strongly believe that it is in Kosova's interest that Russia vetos Ahtisaar's proposal. That means that the Kosovo parliament will declare it's independence. Following that, U.S.A and E.U. will recognize the independece, including some Asian countries, excluding China. I understand that Russia is a mjor player in international affairs, but after all, it's just a number!

Ben

Miller, clearly you didn’t read Ahtisaari’s proposal. Did you read the part about needing only have the minority votes to change municipalities etc? And that half the seats set aside for minorities go to non-Serbs. Hence, total elimination of Serbian protections is possible without even a single Serbian vote. It offers us nothing. We don’t “count” on Russia, but she is our only hope.

“- is that a hint that there will be various proposals put forth in the next few months at the UN. Ahtisaari is just one proposal and it is clear that it is not up to the mark”.

princip, u must be genius!!! how comes that u know that there is more than one proposal?!!!

by the way, isn't the fact that russia is trying to adapt a proposal acceptable 4 both sides? how comes that any other proposal which was not discussed by both parts can be considered in the UNSC table?

at least the ahtisaari's proposal have the approval of 90% population that will implement the plan.

as far as mr miller's posting is concerned, from what i understand, his posting is addressed to people (Albanians and serbs) that plan to live in ks and 4 those who are free of national-chauvinistic fire. 4 people that do not plan to live in ks and that still daydream that posting does not work.

cheers,

You missed the main point guys.
Kosovo Albanians are praying that Russia will use its veto, because they will declare Independence and from that moment on are not obligated to go along with Ahtisari's proposal, which 2/3 of that package are in favor of Kosovo Serbs.Therfore, russia will only hurt K-Serbs.

I’m so sorry for Serbs, but unfortunately the GAME IS OVER for you. You just won’t to see it. In 1999 you lost your joystick your screen and everything and nobody is giving you that kind of staff back to play so soon. You have to start from scratch, first: education, second: self-control, third: compassion etc. etc. Sooner you start building on this new values better it is!
Wish you good luck!

I have one question to those emotional posters who says Kosova is Serbia.
How do you plan to enter in Kosova, i think Serbian administration or army or policy, because we are not leaving you to come in Kosova again. Maybe you prepared tanks and other weapons because you didn't finished your plan in 1999.
Wake up guys.

russia's veto could work even better for albanians
if russia vetos, ahtisari's plan will go in the trash and kosovo will declare itself independent. once it does that, it will gain recognition as an independent country from a majority of western powers.. it may take some time, but it will definitely get its recognition

and if serbia and russia don't recognize it, well no one will really care.

(like israel w/ palestine, iran, etc.)

maybe serbia then will work on some WMDs :)

For the "EU to recognize Kosovo" it must be unanimous by all member states, something which they certainly not.

Recognition by individual member states of the EU looks very bad politically as it proves that the European Union is not 'united' and shows that it cannot pull its own weight internationally.

It would only strengthen the hand of certain EU states that see the United States as their main ally. It would seriously undermine the EU, especially when a newly proposed "EU constitution" is supposedly in the works. Everything is tied together.

Clearly, if individual recognition goes ahead, there will be bad consequences for the EU, much the same way that in 1991 certain member states went their own way on recognition.

Clearly the EU remains an enigma to some here (or should I just say that some are plainly ignorant?).

If you can't see the consequences of the action (many visible, many more not), it does not mean that there will be no 'blowback'.

Blind devotion to short term 'satisfaction' will lead to the reaping of the seeds sown, on a global level.

Being an ostrich is not an excuse.

Everyone is starting to look at Russia with new respect for standing for her principles. Even those in the West are paying heed albeit begrudgingly. I read somewhere that China has agreed to follow Russia's lead since she is not as familiar with the Balkans but will support the principle of sovereignty. And I think it is to safeguard her claims to Taiwan in case the US starts casting eyes there next.

RE: The Alpha and Omega

I’m so sorry for Serbs, but unfortunately the GAME IS OVER for you. (alfa, 21 March 2007, 16:37)

As your name suggests, the Alpha began with Kosovo re-integrated into the Serbian Constitution as supported by UNSC 1244.

The Omega is not the Pro-Albanian Ahtissari plan.

The Omega is not unilateral independance, because the KLA Terrorist AGIM Ceku will be caught in a political vacuem and will not deliver.

So,now when its obvious to everybody who has IQ higher then 10 that there will be no new UN SC Resolution Albanians are saying that they are "happy" with that and that they will proclaim independence anyway.Great,so USA will recognize you.Fantastic!And then i guess you expect that USA will give all Albanians from Kosovo green cards/visas so you can come,live and work here,huh?:-)Its gonna be fun,i can't wait!

"How do you plan to enter in Kosova, i think Serbian administration or army or policy, because we are not leaving you to come in Kosova again. Maybe you prepared tanks and other weapons because you didn't finished your plan in 1999.
Wake up guys.
(Shukri Gashi, Wednesday, 21 March, 2007, 16:50)"

shukri you are living in Serbia!

I can imagine the following scenario. If Kosovo Albanians can declare independence unilaterally, so can do Kosovo Serbs. As much as UN Resolution 1244 (is the number correct?) allows Serbs to send limited number of troops to protect Serb population. So finally the only thing left to negotiate will be - where to draw the border between Serb North and Albanian South. and I quite honestly think it would be the best solution for both. If people cannot live together they better divorce and split the house. I also think, 250000 Serb refugee should be finally given the chance return to Kosovo to let their opinion on the subject be taken into account.
cheers to all,
boris

Without a the UN recognition, Kosovo will remain part of Serbia in the eyes of the UN... and with it in the eyes of the LAW. Kosovo will not function as a country with unilateral declaration. Also, Northern Kosovo will do the exact SAME thing. So Serbs will also have their own piece of the pie again. See how your plans don't work? I think its time for a COMPROMISE. You will not get EVERYTHING you are looking for. The Serbs will also not get EVERYTHING they are looking for. If you go to war, you will lose. Albanians set themselves up for failure when they signed a document stating they will forfeit independence and never intended to honor it from the get go. Don't go crying to everyone now, you made your bed... now sleep in it.

ratko
the serbian land you call it at this moment serves 2milion people without qny input from the serbia your reffering to.
reading the pro-serbs comments everyday to me they sound like the terroist, but then i dont blame you i blame you shallow gorverment, i mean you have your so called primeminister calling us terrorist seperatis publicly, i shouldnt expect more from the streets of serbia. but if he wants to play that game i think he will have to think it over again cause he wont get far realy.
we all know what mess serbia got into for having a big nationalist mouth like kostunicas...
we all know one way or another the land we live in is ours and there's not ground or any prove for such comments like 'kosova is serbian land', id say you have more rights to ask your mother russian's for land than us albanians.(afterall there is a direct link between the two serbians-russians and not to forget the fact thats were serbians originate from)

Recently most of Albanians have begun to agree with you Serbs in one thing. We want a Russian veto more than you want.
6% of Kosovo Serbs get more rights under Ahtisari's plan, than will ever Presevo valley Albanians will get.

Mark my word!!! A Russian veto will insure our goal for unconditional independence. Who will lose the most will be Kosovo Serbs and Presevo valley Albanians.

If violence breaks out, defacto partition (with Serbs obtaining control of more than the north) will be the most economical way (for all major parties concerned) to resolve the issie long term. This is so obvious that any state leaning toward "recognizing" an independent Kosovo/a as currently outlined will not do it - because such a Kosovo/a will never have a chance of functioning, and thus existing, as recognized.

it´s quite the opposite, ...if the Albanians did something stupid like declaring themselves as "independent", they would get massive problems, since it would be seen as an affront towards the internationals, UN but also some european countries, ...and believe me, under certaint circumstances UNMIK would even have the duty to arrest those who are proclaiming this "independence"...so, better don´t play around with things you don´t understand!

just a few days ago, Ceku has said himself, that they won´t make any unilateral steps...and I think he knows why he is saying that...

has anyone noticed this little news?

Mr.George W. Bush, 20.03.2007:
"Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 503(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, and section 3(a)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, I hereby find that the furnishing of defense articles and defense services to the Republic of Montenegro and the Republic of Serbia will strengthen the security of the United States and promote world peace," says the George Bush memo to the Secretary of State."

so much for the eternal friendship, my friends...

Even if “veto” happens, what I really doubt, Kosova will unilaterally declare independence that would be recognized by most of the European and the world countries… Kosovas future doesn’t depend on “resolution” and “veto”!!! Which country has become independent with UN resolution??? Even if this happens, what actually I believe it will, this will be the First Independent Country declared by UN resolution! So guys, calm down with exaggerating importance of resolution and Russian vote in UN SC. Everybody, even a common Serbian citizen knows that.

Lockman,

lets just see but if the proposal that Ahtisaari put forth is pushed through without change then expect your Veto.

However, realise that this is Russia's interest - it forces the US into a dilema not Russia.

The US will behind the scenes try to stop any Illegal unilateral declaration because it knows that in recognising an ILLEGAL declaration and more importantly not backed by the UN it opens up the flood gates by creating the US-Kosovo precedence with Sui generis gone - it gives Russia the opportunity to recognise Abkahzia, South Ossetia, Trans Dniester etc etc...

Also be very aware that without a UN declaration the whole of Kosovo & Metohija will remain in legal terms Serbian sovereign territory which at any time it will have the legal jsutification for ensuring it's international borders - if not today or tomorrow it will one day when it is right! Moreover, for an example of where that will lead for the sounthern portion of this ILLEGAL entity look no further then Northern cyprus!

I hope things are starting o sink in and some times what you wish for really is not all that you anticipated.

Is it not time for real negotiatians and compromise?

Ratko, can you argue me that I am living in Serbia, because i can't see it in the ground. I looked in my identity card there is no where written that I am citizen of Serbia, our police force is called Kosovo Police Service, we have an armed force called Kosovo Protection Corp, no one institution is called [xyz] of Serbia so i no where found any sign that I am citizen of Serbia.

I hope you will clarify it to me because I am confused as long as I don't no which country citizenship I have.

Dear All

Russia has no need to use its veto. And to all Kosovans believing that a veto would help their case: wake up to the reality of a veto. It means a major rift between superpowers and not a window of opportunity for a nearly 2 million jobless people to celebrate independence.

A.'s plan will be changed and watered down to a point that won't be acceptable to hardline or even moderate Kosovans. (if such a distinction is possible regarding the status question)

[The recent harding of A.'s plan is only a sign of weakness and an attempt to move into a better position. But the end result won't please Kosovan's. Rest assured of that.]

This will trigger the chain of events described by Holbrooke.

But it will remain to be seen if the official U.S. will blame Russia for it. Holbrooke will continue to blame the Russians, of course, since his doings in the Balkans are slowly turning against him. Especially, losing a Kosovan friend.

Kosovo will neither be part of Serbia nor independent for a long time.

Although, eventually, it might receive statehood if Kosovans and Serbs decide on dialogue and cooperation and find a new way of communicating about the past.

But judging Kosovan behavior of the past, it's still very difficult to imagine that happening anytime soon.

The E.U. is well aware of that and equally aware that there will be no united front regarding the question of Kosovo's independence.

Neither Spain, Belgium, Slovaki, Hungary, Romania, Greece, (Macedonia), the U.K. have a great interest to allow border disputes to emerge in Europe.

The sligthest fissure in the E.U. network will be used by Russia to block any independence move.

The only interest the E.U. has is to solve the problem as fast as possible by eschewing any legal framework.

But speed has never helped solving complex problems. And war even less so.

All the Kosovans can hope for is the akward status quo.