Ceku: No further Kosovo talks

Ceku reminds me of those French soldiers from Monty Python and the Holy Grail: all safe and secure behind fortifications, insulting the English and occasionally catapulting large cows at the invaders. Take away that protection (the US) and he'd be squealing for a better deal. Everything he said rings of absolute desperation and reliance on external powers to prop his leadership up. He, and Kostunica as well to play both sides, are like the two weak kids at the playground who talk all big and boastful because they've got two larger kids there to protect them if need be (US and Russia).

Ok, let's say you are right on the analogy. But, you forget to clarify that one of the 'bigger' kids is much more powerful than the other. If you are in need of evidence, look at conventional economic indicators (compare GDPs of US and Russia) or military indicators (annual military spending).

Thus, the difference is that Ceku is allied with a much more powerful kiddo. As one might argue, international law is not an outcome of principled values; it is an outcome of structured power. It shouldn't be as no surprise that it will be interepreted as it suits the powerful.

It so happens that the Kosovo Albanians are lucky this time around in history to have the most powerful actor on their side.

Deal with it.

It would be nice if Russia had the guts to VETO if need be... K. albanians are just using the US to get what they want. I know from experience that their "oh god bless america" is just a front. Their KAN groups proved that to me on three different occasions. Funny how they "bite the hand that feeds them" with their little rallies. I recall one member telling me to "go home, we dont need you here!!" Can you imagine?!!! I had to laugh as I thought..."how ungrateful, they would not even be in this province if it werent for the US and this is how they repay us?" If it were all true that the Serbs were committing genocide then that ungrateful would be in albania or a grave today if it were not for us. UNGRATEFUL i say! Give Kosovo back to SERBIA!!!! Come on Russia!

Mike - on top form today. I agree entirely.

'C' - If there was any true justice Ceku and Thaci would be at The Hague. But things are bound to come out in the end. Don't forget that Milosevic was the man of the moment at Dayton. Keep your enemies close but your friends closer.

so serbs will rally to kosova! how great,doors are open,everybody will see that they can come back to kosovo without any risk!
why not have told Un earlier taht you were just waiting this mission:they would have comme immidiatly and close the standard concerning the returns!

It has been commented on elsewhere but it is worth restating again. Unless a UN Security Council resolution is passed recognising Kosovo's independence, it remains Serb sovereign territory, albeit under international administration. Any declaration of independence would be unilateral (as it will not be agreed by Serbia) and therefore illegal. This is not a pro-Serbian argument. This is a fact of international relations.

Similarly, any recognition of this illegal act would mark a major and significant break with established international practice. Not only that, it would also be a statement that the will of the UN Security Council is simply irrelevant and can be ignored if it does not go the ‘right’ way. This is why the US had to back away so quickly from suggestions that it would recognise independence. It is also notable that this backtracking has been assisted by an implied threat from Russia that if Washington wishes to ignore international norms and render the UN Security Council inconsequential then it would reserve the right to follow suit. Lavrov made it clear that the US could expect a tit-for-tat move somewhere else.

No matter how Pristina wants to present the situation, this issue has now got to be solved at the Security Council. If an agreement cannot be reached it will be back to the drawing board. If Pristina declares independence, then it should not expect it to be recognised by Washington - especially given the current tensions between the US and Russia. As for the EU, there is absolutely no way that the majority of members will recognise a move that goes against the UN.

All this talk of a unilateral declaration of independence if the UN process fails is extremely dangerous. It would be the most foolish thing that could happen. Look how the illegal declaration of independence by the Turkish Cypriots has left them marginalised for the past quarter of a century!

Agim Ceku's confidence in a new UN Resolution is somewhat unfounded. Resolution 1244 must be fully honored before such a thing is even contemplated. It's not Lotto. It's International Law.

You know these emblems, flags, constitution, etc. might be worth something one day on eBay(historical importance if u will). They represent represent an event which will never take place.

Ceku says there are no more negotiations? When did this man become a politician, when did my government and the world treat insurgent elements, UCK, Hamas, Hezzbollah, PLO, etc as legit governments?

In any other country of the world, insurgent leaders would have been tried for treason. When it comes to Serbia, sadly they will be rewarded.

Terrorist, go home or go to jail. Stop provoking violence, stop giving extremists false hope.

The Albanians on Serbian terroritory of Kosovo and Metohija can have a bright, prosperous, and proud future there in a multiethnic, strong state, or can bow to mafia and terrorist interests and be used as puppets in an outsiders game.

I am willing to have anyone peaceful in Serbia, including our neighbors the Albanians. This is a time where we must be brave together and not bow to terror.

The English and American threat to recognize a declaration of unilateral independence by the Albanian separatists is pure bluff. That much should be clear to everyone by now. Don't forget that even if USA/England recognize them, the UN legally can't. Then it follows that neither can FIFA, UEFA and a host of other international institutions. It would mean total paralysis, the political and financial costs would be far too great.
All that remains is for them to finally start normal negotiations with Serbia. If the NATO Pact refuses to implement Resolution 1244 then they have to grow up and start negotiating properly. Enough of this Ahtisaari charade and enough threats of violence from certain quarters (Holbrooke, Burns, Polt).
Kostunica and Tadic have been generally low key so far because they knew that Ahtisaari's plan was an annexation plan. There was nothing to negotiate. They shrewdly called the NATO Pact's bluff. Serbia's only theoretical Achilles heel is if Russia abstains in a UN Security Council vote. In light of recent Russian statements (by Putin himself) that's an impossibility. This is why the English and Americans don't have the nerve to present the plan to the Security Council. That's why I use the term "theoretical Achilles heel". To quote Mr. Lavrov, "Veto what ?". There is nothing to veto.
The English/Americans are refusing to accept that the plan is a failure, that Ahtisaari is a failure and that proper negotiations need to start as soon as possible and as if to emphasize their desperation, they are openly threating violence against the Serbs unless Russia abstains and signs off on the annexation of 15% of Serbia. This further demonstration just how groundless the Albanian separatists "claim" really is, not to mention illegal.

Milan:

Your shrill tones say it all. All the bravado in the world on the part of the Serbs is not going to make the world forget the horrendous war crimes committed and attempted genocide in the name of the Serb people.

My suggestion to you Milan, as well as the other Serb apologists posting on this site is to start learning the Albanian language because it will come in handy starting this summer.

Russia will not waste it Veto on Serbia. Checkmate!

There is nothing to give back to Serbia, there was never this feeling of belonging, I must say on both sides. Serbia wants to be released from Kosovo, but doesn't know how.
God luck Kosovo on your own way...

just to let you know what UCK was a liberation army and was never been considered as a Terrorist Organisation, indeed, it has been supported from USA and Europe Morally and Financially and they still keep supporting the ex UCK now known as KPC ( Kosovo Protection Corps).
We think high of Americans and respect them. Our main Blvd. in Prishtina is named after Bill Clinton and theres a huge poster of him showing how we appreciate their help.
We are good people, and we will now show that we are able to create a state under the rule of law.
Serbs will never be able to move forward unless they let go of Kosova and hand to Hague some of the most wanted people in the world accused for crimes against humanity.
Only 3 % of Serbian youngsters have visit a Western Country - Tha means that theres alot for you to explore and get out of the old nationalistic miloseviq-follower propaganda.
May God Bless Kosova America and the UK and all Pacifists our there.

Ceku reminds me of those French soldiers from Monty Python and the Holy Grail: all safe and secure behind fortifications, insulting the English and occasionally catapulting large cows at the invaders. Take away that protection (the US) and he'd be squealing for a better deal. Everything he said rings of absolute desperation and reliance on external powers to prop his leadership up. He, and Kostunica as well to play both sides, are like the two weak kids at the playground who talk all big and boastful because they've got two larger kids there to protect them if need be (US and Russia).

Ok, let's say you are right on the analogy. But, you forget to clarify that one of the 'bigger' kids is much more powerful than the other. If you are in need of evidence, look at conventional economic indicators (compare GDPs of US and Russia) or military indicators (annual military spending).

Thus, the difference is that Ceku is allied with a much more powerful kiddo. As one might argue, international law is not an outcome of principled values; it is an outcome of structured power. It shouldn't be as no surprise that it will be interepreted as it suits the powerful.

It so happens that the Kosovo Albanians are lucky this time around in history to have the most powerful actor on their side.

Deal with it.

It would be nice if Russia had the guts to VETO if need be... K. albanians are just using the US to get what they want. I know from experience that their "oh god bless america" is just a front. Their KAN groups proved that to me on three different occasions. Funny how they "bite the hand that feeds them" with their little rallies. I recall one member telling me to "go home, we dont need you here!!" Can you imagine?!!! I had to laugh as I thought..."how ungrateful, they would not even be in this province if it werent for the US and this is how they repay us?" If it were all true that the Serbs were committing genocide then that ungrateful would be in albania or a grave today if it were not for us. UNGRATEFUL i say! Give Kosovo back to SERBIA!!!! Come on Russia!

Mike - on top form today. I agree entirely.

'C' - If there was any true justice Ceku and Thaci would be at The Hague. But things are bound to come out in the end. Don't forget that Milosevic was the man of the moment at Dayton. Keep your enemies close but your friends closer.

so serbs will rally to kosova! how great,doors are open,everybody will see that they can come back to kosovo without any risk!
why not have told Un earlier taht you were just waiting this mission:they would have comme immidiatly and close the standard concerning the returns!

It has been commented on elsewhere but it is worth restating again. Unless a UN Security Council resolution is passed recognising Kosovo's independence, it remains Serb sovereign territory, albeit under international administration. Any declaration of independence would be unilateral (as it will not be agreed by Serbia) and therefore illegal. This is not a pro-Serbian argument. This is a fact of international relations.

Similarly, any recognition of this illegal act would mark a major and significant break with established international practice. Not only that, it would also be a statement that the will of the UN Security Council is simply irrelevant and can be ignored if it does not go the ‘right’ way. This is why the US had to back away so quickly from suggestions that it would recognise independence. It is also notable that this backtracking has been assisted by an implied threat from Russia that if Washington wishes to ignore international norms and render the UN Security Council inconsequential then it would reserve the right to follow suit. Lavrov made it clear that the US could expect a tit-for-tat move somewhere else.

No matter how Pristina wants to present the situation, this issue has now got to be solved at the Security Council. If an agreement cannot be reached it will be back to the drawing board. If Pristina declares independence, then it should not expect it to be recognised by Washington - especially given the current tensions between the US and Russia. As for the EU, there is absolutely no way that the majority of members will recognise a move that goes against the UN.

All this talk of a unilateral declaration of independence if the UN process fails is extremely dangerous. It would be the most foolish thing that could happen. Look how the illegal declaration of independence by the Turkish Cypriots has left them marginalised for the past quarter of a century!

Agim Ceku's confidence in a new UN Resolution is somewhat unfounded. Resolution 1244 must be fully honored before such a thing is even contemplated. It's not Lotto. It's International Law.

You know these emblems, flags, constitution, etc. might be worth something one day on eBay(historical importance if u will). They represent represent an event which will never take place.

Ceku says there are no more negotiations? When did this man become a politician, when did my government and the world treat insurgent elements, UCK, Hamas, Hezzbollah, PLO, etc as legit governments?

In any other country of the world, insurgent leaders would have been tried for treason. When it comes to Serbia, sadly they will be rewarded.

Terrorist, go home or go to jail. Stop provoking violence, stop giving extremists false hope.

The Albanians on Serbian terroritory of Kosovo and Metohija can have a bright, prosperous, and proud future there in a multiethnic, strong state, or can bow to mafia and terrorist interests and be used as puppets in an outsiders game.

I am willing to have anyone peaceful in Serbia, including our neighbors the Albanians. This is a time where we must be brave together and not bow to terror.

The English and American threat to recognize a declaration of unilateral independence by the Albanian separatists is pure bluff. That much should be clear to everyone by now. Don't forget that even if USA/England recognize them, the UN legally can't. Then it follows that neither can FIFA, UEFA and a host of other international institutions. It would mean total paralysis, the political and financial costs would be far too great.
All that remains is for them to finally start normal negotiations with Serbia. If the NATO Pact refuses to implement Resolution 1244 then they have to grow up and start negotiating properly. Enough of this Ahtisaari charade and enough threats of violence from certain quarters (Holbrooke, Burns, Polt).
Kostunica and Tadic have been generally low key so far because they knew that Ahtisaari's plan was an annexation plan. There was nothing to negotiate. They shrewdly called the NATO Pact's bluff. Serbia's only theoretical Achilles heel is if Russia abstains in a UN Security Council vote. In light of recent Russian statements (by Putin himself) that's an impossibility. This is why the English and Americans don't have the nerve to present the plan to the Security Council. That's why I use the term "theoretical Achilles heel". To quote Mr. Lavrov, "Veto what ?". There is nothing to veto.
The English/Americans are refusing to accept that the plan is a failure, that Ahtisaari is a failure and that proper negotiations need to start as soon as possible and as if to emphasize their desperation, they are openly threating violence against the Serbs unless Russia abstains and signs off on the annexation of 15% of Serbia. This further demonstration just how groundless the Albanian separatists "claim" really is, not to mention illegal.

Milan:

Your shrill tones say it all. All the bravado in the world on the part of the Serbs is not going to make the world forget the horrendous war crimes committed and attempted genocide in the name of the Serb people.

My suggestion to you Milan, as well as the other Serb apologists posting on this site is to start learning the Albanian language because it will come in handy starting this summer.

Russia will not waste it Veto on Serbia. Checkmate!

There is nothing to give back to Serbia, there was never this feeling of belonging, I must say on both sides. Serbia wants to be released from Kosovo, but doesn't know how.
God luck Kosovo on your own way...

just to let you know what UCK was a liberation army and was never been considered as a Terrorist Organisation, indeed, it has been supported from USA and Europe Morally and Financially and they still keep supporting the ex UCK now known as KPC ( Kosovo Protection Corps).
We think high of Americans and respect them. Our main Blvd. in Prishtina is named after Bill Clinton and theres a huge poster of him showing how we appreciate their help.
We are good people, and we will now show that we are able to create a state under the rule of law.
Serbs will never be able to move forward unless they let go of Kosova and hand to Hague some of the most wanted people in the world accused for crimes against humanity.
Only 3 % of Serbian youngsters have visit a Western Country - Tha means that theres alot for you to explore and get out of the old nationalistic miloseviq-follower propaganda.
May God Bless Kosova America and the UK and all Pacifists our there.