Kosovo draft resolution submitted

So if we see no vote next week I think it is as good a sign as a vote with a veto that such folly is ended!!!

No Vote = No Independence
Vote + Veto = No Independence

Haste will only be "futile & counterproductive". The fact that Bush has invited Putin for a chat in the US next month should give you a clue that this vote will never occur! Unless of course it includes the "obligation to 1244" that Wisner agreed was neccesary just a couple of months ago - in which case still no independence as this is the motted plan C for Contingency i.e. Ahtisaari minus Status - Ahtisaari 'lite'!!!

All the same the folly has come to an end!

The time to move on can begin and reconciliation and trust of all the peoples of Serbia needs to now be the focus for the UN and EU - clearly that should have been the priority for the last 8 years! Lets not waste any more time and start rebuilding trust and cooperation rather then creating walls and barrieres between all the peoples of Serbia!

What's been changed? If the submission is essentially the same as what Ahtisaari proposed, that what was the point of this new draft?

"He added that “Kosovo independence is unavoidable,” and that the U.S. is open to any constructive proposal from Russia."

How contradictory is that! You've already made up your mide, what do you want from Russia?

Kosovo draft just rejected by Russia. Back to the drawing board!

Kosovo will be independent for a simple reason. Serbia cannot govern it anymore. Just tell me how serbs mean to convince 2 million albanians accepting that they are "serbs". There is no way. And a serbian administration in Kosovo cannot work. Will Serbia send serb administrators to run Kosovo's institutions? This is impossible, given are no serbs speaking the language of the majority in Kosovo. Or does Serbia means to manage Kosovo like Milosevic regime did in the past, when albanian language and rights were banned? So the ways are two: 1.Serbia will send in Kosovo thousands of administrators which are proalbanians and speak the albanian language and are ready to protect the albanian interests there. 2. Albanians of Kosovo will be hired to do the job of the "Serbia's administrator" in Kosovo. And when I say administrator I have in my mind the guys who collect taxes, who clean the roads, who serve in the hospitals and who drive the buses of the public transport.
On my opinion there is no way out. There is no way serbs can come back and take in their hand what actually belongs to the people of Kosovo. And there is not a single albanian there willing to call himself a serbian public servant or even a serbian citizen. After all the atrocities comited under the name of the Serbian state, I think there is not a practical and effective solution with Kosovo within Serbia. Just stop your engagement in a blocking debate, give the guys their independence and live in peace.
Ardian, Tirana

With or without Russian consent, Independent Kosova is a reality. US and Europe approve that. With or without a resolution from UN all these countries will accept the new state of Kosova. We are sure about that so we invite you all to celebrate that day here in Prishtina, Mitrovica, Peje or Gjilan whererever you like.
God bless Kosova, our land.

Negotiations are impossible because the Serbian PM refuses to even shake hands with Kosovo's democratically elected President and PM. K-Albanians and Serbs have negotiated for more than two years (2005-2007) and no solution was found mostly because Serbia is ruled by warmongers. 66 % of the deputies in Parliament of Serbia are nationalists according to ICG.

The only option left is to give Kosovo independence and put enormous pressure on Serbia to deliver mass murders and children killers.


INDEPENDENCE!!!

Ahtisaari's proposal abides by all the principles of the Contact Group. Russia has given no argument for its opposition. It is not saying that it opposes independence, just that it wants Serbia to accept the solution. Letting Ahtisaari finish the job and then opposing the proposal seems ridiculous. This is not a US proposal. This is a proposal by an envoy who has mediated many conflicts and accepted by Russia, too. Why does Russia not say what specifically it is against in the proposal?

I dont know about you, but these most recent statements are encuraging for independence.

US ambassador

“Kosovo's independence is unavoidable,”

Russian officials

"We remain unsatisfied......"

"We hope that work will continue......"

"We want negotiations to continue....."

This is a joke, the Russians dont know what they are going to do until they recieve explicit instructions from Chessmaster Putin. While the US on the other hand is very clear "UNAVOIDABLE" which means it would be nice if you go along, but even if you dont "Big Deal".

However, until Russia says explicitly "dont put it to a vote because WE WILL VETO IT" a UN Resolution is not certain.

And even if Russia does veto it, SO WHAT? We will declare independence anyways after recieving confirmation that it will be recodnized by the US and allies (Which just so happens to be the entire world except Russia, Cuba and a couple of places ending with "stan")

Ardian

Obviously that KosovO independence is avoidable since it has not happened yet.

but i thought the US would not support a unilaterial declaration of independence you forgot to mention that part Nick. US said not to do it so will kosovo do it anyway no i don't think so.

Ardian, Nick and any other ethnic-Albanins from the Serbian province of Kosovo & Metohija,

I am sorry that you still consider that you will get independence - the opportunity would have been 1999 - if that really was what the US had intended. The fact that 1244 confirms Serbia's sovereign integrity post conflict really was the creation of the coffin for such folly - the lack of a new resolution in April & May while the UK and then the US held Presidency of the UN SC is the final nail. You have been duped by the US & UK all along with a promise that could never have been delivered. It may take the July meeting between Bush & Putin for this to clarify such in your mind. The reality hurts but there is no reason for sadness, frustration, violence or Illegal declarations that even the US have suggested will not be recognised when ceku visited recently - as much as the US & UK would make it look like they wanted such a conclusion they have not delievered!

Lets be positive - it really is an opportunity for ALL the peoples of Serbia to embrace and put differeneces in the past, learn to understand the aspirations of all ordinary folk is exactly the same - jobs, security, health, positive future prospects etc etc...

There really is more that unites rather then seperates! Together all the peoples of Serbia can have a better future - let this be the start of a new understanding and respect for all the peoples of Serbia!!! It can truly be the win-win that all the peoples of Serbia deserve!

I think All the peoples of Serbia can learn from the likes of South Africa and it's truth & reconcilation commission. I think it would be accepted as a positive stance by the Serbian govt to offer the olive branch in the coming months so as to show that the 90's are past and need not marr a united future!

"U.S. and Russian UN ambassadors have scheduled a meeting with Kosovo experts today. "

Is the article suggesting a talk /meeting between US, Russia, and Kosovar experts or experts on Kosova?

To Princip:

How do you use logic in this sentence alone:

"The fact that Bush has invited Putin for a chat in the US next month should give you a clue that this vote will never occur!"

You ever thought that AMERICA is inviting putin to calm him down bc America wants as many allies as possible (not the serbian way--my way or screw you world)?

I don't know how you got an invite to Texas Ranch or wherever they are meeting as a way of "no vote."

Pavarsia (independence) is coming closer every day. The international experts are speaking loud and clear when talking about Kosova's future (statehood) with adjectives such as "unavoidable."

To all Kosovar-Serbs, forget serbia bc you are not gaining anything. Work with your neighbor and make a life for yourself. The last 8 years of serbian puppetness has only worsened your condition in society; you may not be our friend right now but I'll guarantee you that you won't be called 'siptari' [like in serbia proper].

You can declare independence all you want, it will be illegal.

Nick - If Kosovo declares independence without a UN Resolution the US has said recently that it may not support this. The price is too high.

Even Ceku said recently that there was no intention of declaring independence without a UN Resolution.

As it is unlikely now that Res. 1244 will be binned, and more likely that its protection of sovereign rights is integrated with any new plan, it does look as though independence is off the table.

Kosovo never belonged to the international community for them to promise it to anyone else.

To Nick and all the other Albanian contributors who always say that the Russian veto is no problem and Kosovo will be recognised without Russia's consent, if that truly is the case then why hasn't the USA unilaterally recognised Kosovo yet? it's been saying it will do for months and yet nothing has happened. they keep submitting plans to the UN security council hoping to get Russia's blessing for independence. it's as plain as day - the USA will NOT recognise an independent Kosovo unless it has UN backing because they know that would be illegal annexation and even they don't want to have to deall with the fallout of that situation.

if this was an easy game for the US, it would have not gone this long. forecasts from albanian leaders have come and go. promises remained promises. so can you figure that out guys? this is going to be like the iranian issue. bluffing, talking and nothing is happening. as i told you before, MAY has become MAYDAY. and JUNE will become JUN KNOW WHEN???

Suzana are you kidding me?

You mentioned how the majority of poeple in the SERB parliament are hard core nationals. What's wrong with being nationalistic?

Aren't the albanians nationals too? They have been trying to expell all non-albaninas for KiM since 99.

You can forget about independence - that's for sure!

Kosovo will be independent. Otherwise, why should USA let 2 million people became Russians slaves against their will?
P.S. Serbia=Russia. See the recent ICG report for Serbia.

How can the albanians of Kosovo demand the break-up of a sovereign state yet at the same time passionately reject redrawing the borders of Kosovo itself? Are the boundaries of a province more solid than those of a state?

Nick, Russia doesnt need to come out and say anything before the vote. Trust me, their actions will speak louder than words!!!!

Kosovo is staying in Serbia. The albanians can either go along with it, or cross back over to albania. The choice is yours.

I agree that Kosmet's/Kosova's Independence is unavoidable. That's why fair partition is the only option that would satisfy both sides of the argument.

Guys, I think that you have forgotten that USA and Russia do not care about some guys in Balkans that choose to kill each other like in middle ages. As soon as they resolve the issue of the missiles and Ukraine and Georgia joining NATO the issue of Kosova will piece of cake for them. Moreover, it is very interesting to read how some people that have no clue of what is happening in Kosova feel that they are so competent to suggest the way which people should be leaving. Guys, don’t you think that people of Kosova have the same right as every other citizen of the planet of deciding not to leave with the rappers/killers/psycho maniacs.
Status of Kosova will be supervised INDIPENDENCE because that’s what the majority of the people of Kosova want. After all it is going to happen that way because the land belongs to them and they have the right to ask for it. This is going to happen with or without Serbs(colonisers) in Kosova. As for all the international laws and conventions that some of you mention I recon that these are about to change because these are outdated, I am not saying this because it suites me but because the time has come for changes and for Serbia to start and think about the problems that they have in Serbia proper[(without Kosovo and soon without Vojvodina, Sanxhak and Presheva valley)re to some that want to spice up the conversation]. Kosovo issue is just a escape route for the Serbian politicians in order not to address the problem that they have at their doorsteps.

I believe that there is future for all of us in Balkans if we are open minded and do not to be dominant. So, lets start to talk about us living together in different states as it is now and not complicate our lives because life is to short.

Have a good weekend all

florimi@gmail.com, do you seriously think that Vojvodina, Sandžak & Preševo Valley will secede from Serbia?

thank you adrian, and we'll take you up on the offer! we hope to be in prisina/podujevo around june 15th -- maybe we'll see you there, and i will be coming back all the way from california. it has been a long wait, but yes, we will celebrate, and toast to a better future!!

cheers!

robert-0

@Viva
Unilateral indipendence will be as illigal as:
1. Anexation of Kosova from in 1913
2. Not allowing Albanians to speak their language and to govern themselves.
3. Killing 10.000 civilans and moving 1.000.000 from their homes.
So if you dont feel guilty for all the above than we have no problem paying you with the same coin, even if that would be our last choice.

Boris what do you have in mind when you throw the word partition on the table?

Take Vojvodina and give it to the Hungarians, take Sanxhak and give it to Bosnia, take srbspka republic and inject it into serbia and take partition Kosova+Presheva valley into one?

Why would you suggest such a thing, you know you would lose way more out of a partition than gain from it.

Republic of Kosova in the other hand would gain more land and power. In case you're thinking about taking Trepça...oops I mean North Mitrovica, well think again. Kosova isn't going to allow you creating new republics by ethnically cleansing the inhabitants of the region.

I'm glad you've taken the first step to ACCEPT the fact that KOSOVA is soon to be INDEPENDENT; one step at a time. If only getting you to stop calling Kosova 20 names (metohia, kismet, kosmet, kosovo + metohia) would be easier.

Philip, Vojvodina could succeed if the serbian government executes another "diplomatic" intervention into that region as Milosevic did to Kosova.

B92 WHY is it that you are not posting my comments? I have read your rules and I am not cursing or using hate-speech or any derogatory term, or does posting comments take days to be approved?

i'll make the trip to Srbija on June 28th ( Vidovdan ) and will be at the memorial at Kosovsko Polje. I'll be there paying my respects to fallen Serbian heroes who defended Kosovo and the rest of Srbija. Every Serb citizen is welcome to join me!

Kate,

The US said "its too early to talk about unilateral recodnition" which does not exclude the possibility of unilateral recodnition just as the Russians are not excluding the possibility of a veto.

Lets also not forget that the UN has no authority to recodnize anywone or anything. The UN's job is facilitate the process of recodition by giving the process a sense of international legitimacy.

The only reason why the status issue is at the UN is because the Americans and the Europeans want to include the rest of the world in the process. Russia instead has chosen to block such a good will attempt and is doing everything in its power to undermine the UN and force the US and allies to unilateral recodnition.

The Russians never cared about Serbia or Kosovo, what they care about, what they really want is to be recodnized as a World Power.

Its strange that some of you believe the Russians can intimidate the US and Allies and block the whole process.

The statements of a Russian revival are exagerated and i simply dont see how Russia alone can stand up to the might of the US and NATO.

Kosovo will never be independent. Its not independent now wasnt yesterday nor will it be tomorrow. THE END

U should just get used to being a Serbian citizen in the province. While being "protected" by US.

it looks like Albanians will hope for american help for a long time ahed. and then they will start to hate them, and maybe they will call the americans "racists", like they call everyone, who does not serve their interest or...should I rather say wishful thinking?

one way or another, k-albanians still wait for the miracle...

Russians and serbs are defeating and denying themselves to the European future. Of course, Serbian people will carry the price (through economy) and the unrealistic current leaders of serbia will still live a luxury life. People of Kosova on the other hand will loose some too, but mostly the serb minority who will continue to be denied acceptance to Kosova society. Albanians in Kosova will not loose more than they already lost under the serb regime. They might not gain independence right away, but it will happen one day. Actually the longer it takes for independence the bigger chance is that albanians will want to unite with Albania. The serbian problems will multiply for there will no longer be a question of "loosing" Kosova (something already lost) but to also loose territories of southern serbia. Gues what, Serbia would win if it suported Kosova independence.
However, knowing the behavior of the current serb leadership, Albanians are going to wait a little for independence but they going to double their territory in return. I could bet my life on this trend. SERBIAN PEOPLE WAKE UP FOR YOUR OWN GOOD. THE REST TIME WILL TELL. i DO NOT MEAN DAY TO DAY BUT 10 OR 20 YEARS FROM NOW.

You can toast to a gloomy future. Kosovo is staying in Serbia

I pretty much agree with Boris completely. I do think the best idea is to attempt to partition Kosovo in a peaceful and agreed upon manner. Something that gives Independence to as many Albanians as possible (Including areas such as Presevo), yet still allows Serbs to feel that we have retained what represents the very cradle of our civilization. This has the best chance for peace in the future AND sets a very positive precedent on how to handle these kinds of issues elsewhere. Serbs are just as stubborn as Albanians, and if we "lose" Kosovo we'll whine about it for another 600 years until we get it back. Obviously, the Albanian side won't give up on Independence either. So why not split it and call the Serbian part Kosovo and the Albanian part Kosova. That way we Serbs aren't losing Kosovo, only Kosova and we can go back to happily living in our "myths" and legends until the next pointless war.

Seriously, to the Albanians here, wouldn't it be better to include areas like Presevo instead of areas with a Serb population? Why would any of you oppose granting independence and freedom to your brothers in Presevo simply to annoy Serbians? Arguing the terms and conditions of partition is one thing, arguing against partition as an option at all just seems foolish and short sighted to me. I would like to hear more about what conditions would satisfy the Albanians in this regard.

Yes, this plan would leave some Serbs living in Albanian areas, and vice versa, however if it were done in a peaceful manner, that would be the best chance to enable a peaceful and productive integration of the minority populations in our respective areas.

If Russia vetoes Ahtisaari's plan and the US unilaterally recognizes Kosovo that will only bring a like response from Russia, and we'll most likely still have partition, except it will be at the point of a gun with much suffering and will set a very bad precedent on how to handle such incidents.

Adrian, if you're serious, I would be interested in going to Kosovo/Kosova when a final solution is decided to see what its like if you could guarantee the safety of a Serb like me. Robert-0, I live in California in the San Francisco Bay Area, where are you located?

There is simple math: it is high price to pay to declare indipendence unilateraly, but it is much higher price to be together with Serbia. What do you think, what would KosovA chose???!!!

May Vojvodina, Sandžak & Preševo Valley secede from Serbia? If Serbia sticks to nationalism and stupid leaders why not? After all, Serbia was enlarged artificially, not based in the ethnic principle, which they seem to love so much. Vojvodina was Hungarian, Sandzak was mainly Bosniac and partly Albanian, and Preseve Valley Albanian. Serbia was "rewarded" with those territories after World War I right? Wake up it is XXI century.
In fact we should not be discussing Kosovo at all, Serbia risks dismemberment because of stupid policies, stupid leaders and mass indoctrination.

To Ardian: What are going on about? Serbia does not want to administrate Kosovo nor govern it. Serbia has said all long they will allow the Albanians to govern themselves. But having said this, that does mean that Serbia will allow the Albanians nor anyone else in the world including the Americans to steal 15 of its country. I wonder some time if half of the Albanians who post here even have the slightest idea of what is going on.

To: Suzana

You said:
Negotiations are impossible because the Serbian PM refuses to even shake hands with Kosovo's democratically elected President and PM.

The reason The Serbian PM refuses to shake hands with him is because he is a War criminal. The EU and USA know this, but cannot do anything about it just yet because they are using your glorious leaders to maintain calm with your people. But when all this nonsense is over some day they will indited, you watch and see, just like your other glorious leader who is currently on trial, you know who I am talking about.

Kate you said > Kosovo never belonged to the international community for them to promise it to anyone else.

Well said my dear! It's absolutely true and in fact it should be the Serbian PM's official line to all EU countries who are promoting giving 15% of Serbia to these very troubled Albanians.

Hey Guys

Some say Kosovo should be part of Serbia some say should get independece.
I was thinking what if Kosovo is part of Serbia again what's going to happen to make Kosovo happy and all the impact Kosovo will have on Serbia???

First Kosovo due to it's population will have so many seats in Serbian parliament and the K/Alabanians will have to be in charge of at least one the ministrys.Is Serbia willing to do that???
What if Kosovo have problems governin itself and Serbia has to intervene?What if they don't want to do military service as far as I know you will be arrested if you don't?Albanian popullation in Kosovo is growing faster than in Serbia will Serbia find it a threat???What about Serbian popullation in Kosovo how protected will they be?
Guys look at the situation how dificult it is and stop talking about history Kosovo will always be a problem in Serbia and you know what??In 100 years time Albanians will have the same popullation as Serbia,Will Serbia use force again?What if K/Albanians in a few years time find themselfs stronger and take up arms again and terrorise the Serb popullation what will happen?And so on so on and on................Do you know guys i think there will be no peace in this part of ballkans. For myself i think Ahtisary is not stupid he actually gone through all this questions and i think without this is the only way forward for ballkans!!!

Will Serbia be better off without Kosovo?
The war wounds are sitll fresh on both sides

I think nobody cares for the people of Kosovo and shame on us.........Peace
Tani

To: Tani

You say the Albanian population is growing much quicker in Kosovo, then the Serbian population. This is very true. But how big do you think Kosovo is? Have you considered, that soon there will be too many of you Albanians to fit in Kosovo? This is a real problem China is experiencing, and they have implicated a law to limit how many children family can have in certain areas. If the Albanians continue to have 5 children or more per family, then the day will come that Albanians will have to consider joining with the country of Albania, just so that all these people can fit, since the land area in Albania is much larger, thus you have your greater Albania. This will never be allowed to happen!

"independence" . . if i hear this word one more time i think i'll puke! Give it up guys, the games over. Ok, Russia is buying time for Serbia, this may be the case, but so is the west. They are using this time to slowly distance themselves from the problem they created. The US stupidly threw its full support behind the independence movement thinking that a poor and demoralised Serbia will just cave in. On the contrary, Serbia showed great nerve and backbone and held it's ground, and this has left the west dumbfounded. All thats left is empty rhetoric. A drowning man will clutch at straws

Kosova was given to serbia as a reward for being antiturkish and anti austrohungarian. Not because of their significant presence in numbers. They were actually a small minority.
So Serbias borders today were given rather realistic ones. So arguing for not changing a nations borders, not loosing 15% of territory, claiming the land because "the myth sys so" are still UNREALISTIC and are in tune with Grasianin and Vasa cubrilovics plans of ethnic clensing, terror, and genocide. Only 100 hundred years ago the serbs clensened the region that is called sothern serbia today.

Serbs owe it to themselves, their children, and their moral integrity to speak against such an unreasonable and unhealthy national identity such as the one dictated by Cubrilovic and adopted by the relevant current political leadership of Serbia today.

Matthew,

I agree very much with your concept of partition. If I may add to that, Partition is the only unofficial proposal that promises true peace and prosperity to Ballkans. As a Serb living in Kosmet during and after the war, I have come to understand that you can't simply disregard the will of 2 million people. If Albanians want Independence or a divorce as some are calling it, it's quite a legitimate request and they should and will get it at some point in the near future. If Kosmet Serbs do not wish to live under Albanian rule, their will should be just as legitimate.
So, Partition is the only solution that will satisfy both sides. And some of my Serbian brothers who simply keep screaming Kosmet is part of Serbia. Everyone, even some open minded Albanians, agree that it was once or twice during the last milenium. But don't forget! Kosmet has gone through a lot of owners for the past 2 thousand years. Whether we like it or not, presently, Albanians seem to be the owners of central and southern part of Kosmet, while Kosmet's Serbs seem to be the owners of the northern part. The breaking of the international law that some of you frequently talk about, has been broken due to circumstances many times. No human laws are absolute. They are made by one generation and broken by the next.
To conclude, Mark my words my Serbian brothers and Albanian friends, Partition will happen if Russia vetoes the current proposal. If it abstains Belgrade politicians will be the biggest losers of all as they will see the last remaning Serbs leaving Kosmet for good.

Mr. Tadic/Kostunica call for Partition NOW!

To: Canadien

I'm glad to know that people like you seam to know everything.You are a genius,but still you didn't answer my questions.....
My question was...
What will Serbia benefit from Kosovo on the economic side and why K/Albanians do not want to live with serbs
I never mentionet any "Greater Alabania" but as i said you're a genius!!!

So if we see no vote next week I think it is as good a sign as a vote with a veto that such folly is ended!!!

No Vote = No Independence
Vote + Veto = No Independence

Haste will only be "futile & counterproductive". The fact that Bush has invited Putin for a chat in the US next month should give you a clue that this vote will never occur! Unless of course it includes the "obligation to 1244" that Wisner agreed was neccesary just a couple of months ago - in which case still no independence as this is the motted plan C for Contingency i.e. Ahtisaari minus Status - Ahtisaari 'lite'!!!

All the same the folly has come to an end!

The time to move on can begin and reconciliation and trust of all the peoples of Serbia needs to now be the focus for the UN and EU - clearly that should have been the priority for the last 8 years! Lets not waste any more time and start rebuilding trust and cooperation rather then creating walls and barrieres between all the peoples of Serbia!

What's been changed? If the submission is essentially the same as what Ahtisaari proposed, that what was the point of this new draft?

"He added that “Kosovo independence is unavoidable,” and that the U.S. is open to any constructive proposal from Russia."

How contradictory is that! You've already made up your mide, what do you want from Russia?

Kosovo draft just rejected by Russia. Back to the drawing board!

Kosovo will be independent for a simple reason. Serbia cannot govern it anymore. Just tell me how serbs mean to convince 2 million albanians accepting that they are "serbs". There is no way. And a serbian administration in Kosovo cannot work. Will Serbia send serb administrators to run Kosovo's institutions? This is impossible, given are no serbs speaking the language of the majority in Kosovo. Or does Serbia means to manage Kosovo like Milosevic regime did in the past, when albanian language and rights were banned? So the ways are two: 1.Serbia will send in Kosovo thousands of administrators which are proalbanians and speak the albanian language and are ready to protect the albanian interests there. 2. Albanians of Kosovo will be hired to do the job of the "Serbia's administrator" in Kosovo. And when I say administrator I have in my mind the guys who collect taxes, who clean the roads, who serve in the hospitals and who drive the buses of the public transport.
On my opinion there is no way out. There is no way serbs can come back and take in their hand what actually belongs to the people of Kosovo. And there is not a single albanian there willing to call himself a serbian public servant or even a serbian citizen. After all the atrocities comited under the name of the Serbian state, I think there is not a practical and effective solution with Kosovo within Serbia. Just stop your engagement in a blocking debate, give the guys their independence and live in peace.
Ardian, Tirana

With or without Russian consent, Independent Kosova is a reality. US and Europe approve that. With or without a resolution from UN all these countries will accept the new state of Kosova. We are sure about that so we invite you all to celebrate that day here in Prishtina, Mitrovica, Peje or Gjilan whererever you like.
God bless Kosova, our land.

Negotiations are impossible because the Serbian PM refuses to even shake hands with Kosovo's democratically elected President and PM. K-Albanians and Serbs have negotiated for more than two years (2005-2007) and no solution was found mostly because Serbia is ruled by warmongers. 66 % of the deputies in Parliament of Serbia are nationalists according to ICG.

The only option left is to give Kosovo independence and put enormous pressure on Serbia to deliver mass murders and children killers.


INDEPENDENCE!!!

Ahtisaari's proposal abides by all the principles of the Contact Group. Russia has given no argument for its opposition. It is not saying that it opposes independence, just that it wants Serbia to accept the solution. Letting Ahtisaari finish the job and then opposing the proposal seems ridiculous. This is not a US proposal. This is a proposal by an envoy who has mediated many conflicts and accepted by Russia, too. Why does Russia not say what specifically it is against in the proposal?

I dont know about you, but these most recent statements are encuraging for independence.

US ambassador

“Kosovo's independence is unavoidable,”

Russian officials

"We remain unsatisfied......"

"We hope that work will continue......"

"We want negotiations to continue....."

This is a joke, the Russians dont know what they are going to do until they recieve explicit instructions from Chessmaster Putin. While the US on the other hand is very clear "UNAVOIDABLE" which means it would be nice if you go along, but even if you dont "Big Deal".

However, until Russia says explicitly "dont put it to a vote because WE WILL VETO IT" a UN Resolution is not certain.

And even if Russia does veto it, SO WHAT? We will declare independence anyways after recieving confirmation that it will be recodnized by the US and allies (Which just so happens to be the entire world except Russia, Cuba and a couple of places ending with "stan")

Ardian

Obviously that KosovO independence is avoidable since it has not happened yet.

but i thought the US would not support a unilaterial declaration of independence you forgot to mention that part Nick. US said not to do it so will kosovo do it anyway no i don't think so.

Ardian, Nick and any other ethnic-Albanins from the Serbian province of Kosovo & Metohija,

I am sorry that you still consider that you will get independence - the opportunity would have been 1999 - if that really was what the US had intended. The fact that 1244 confirms Serbia's sovereign integrity post conflict really was the creation of the coffin for such folly - the lack of a new resolution in April & May while the UK and then the US held Presidency of the UN SC is the final nail. You have been duped by the US & UK all along with a promise that could never have been delivered. It may take the July meeting between Bush & Putin for this to clarify such in your mind. The reality hurts but there is no reason for sadness, frustration, violence or Illegal declarations that even the US have suggested will not be recognised when ceku visited recently - as much as the US & UK would make it look like they wanted such a conclusion they have not delievered!

Lets be positive - it really is an opportunity for ALL the peoples of Serbia to embrace and put differeneces in the past, learn to understand the aspirations of all ordinary folk is exactly the same - jobs, security, health, positive future prospects etc etc...

There really is more that unites rather then seperates! Together all the peoples of Serbia can have a better future - let this be the start of a new understanding and respect for all the peoples of Serbia!!! It can truly be the win-win that all the peoples of Serbia deserve!

I think All the peoples of Serbia can learn from the likes of South Africa and it's truth & reconcilation commission. I think it would be accepted as a positive stance by the Serbian govt to offer the olive branch in the coming months so as to show that the 90's are past and need not marr a united future!

"U.S. and Russian UN ambassadors have scheduled a meeting with Kosovo experts today. "

Is the article suggesting a talk /meeting between US, Russia, and Kosovar experts or experts on Kosova?

To Princip:

How do you use logic in this sentence alone:

"The fact that Bush has invited Putin for a chat in the US next month should give you a clue that this vote will never occur!"

You ever thought that AMERICA is inviting putin to calm him down bc America wants as many allies as possible (not the serbian way--my way or screw you world)?

I don't know how you got an invite to Texas Ranch or wherever they are meeting as a way of "no vote."

Pavarsia (independence) is coming closer every day. The international experts are speaking loud and clear when talking about Kosova's future (statehood) with adjectives such as "unavoidable."

To all Kosovar-Serbs, forget serbia bc you are not gaining anything. Work with your neighbor and make a life for yourself. The last 8 years of serbian puppetness has only worsened your condition in society; you may not be our friend right now but I'll guarantee you that you won't be called 'siptari' [like in serbia proper].

You can declare independence all you want, it will be illegal.

Nick - If Kosovo declares independence without a UN Resolution the US has said recently that it may not support this. The price is too high.

Even Ceku said recently that there was no intention of declaring independence without a UN Resolution.

As it is unlikely now that Res. 1244 will be binned, and more likely that its protection of sovereign rights is integrated with any new plan, it does look as though independence is off the table.

Kosovo never belonged to the international community for them to promise it to anyone else.

To Nick and all the other Albanian contributors who always say that the Russian veto is no problem and Kosovo will be recognised without Russia's consent, if that truly is the case then why hasn't the USA unilaterally recognised Kosovo yet? it's been saying it will do for months and yet nothing has happened. they keep submitting plans to the UN security council hoping to get Russia's blessing for independence. it's as plain as day - the USA will NOT recognise an independent Kosovo unless it has UN backing because they know that would be illegal annexation and even they don't want to have to deall with the fallout of that situation.

if this was an easy game for the US, it would have not gone this long. forecasts from albanian leaders have come and go. promises remained promises. so can you figure that out guys? this is going to be like the iranian issue. bluffing, talking and nothing is happening. as i told you before, MAY has become MAYDAY. and JUNE will become JUN KNOW WHEN???

Suzana are you kidding me?

You mentioned how the majority of poeple in the SERB parliament are hard core nationals. What's wrong with being nationalistic?

Aren't the albanians nationals too? They have been trying to expell all non-albaninas for KiM since 99.

You can forget about independence - that's for sure!

Kosovo will be independent. Otherwise, why should USA let 2 million people became Russians slaves against their will?
P.S. Serbia=Russia. See the recent ICG report for Serbia.

How can the albanians of Kosovo demand the break-up of a sovereign state yet at the same time passionately reject redrawing the borders of Kosovo itself? Are the boundaries of a province more solid than those of a state?

Nick, Russia doesnt need to come out and say anything before the vote. Trust me, their actions will speak louder than words!!!!

Kosovo is staying in Serbia. The albanians can either go along with it, or cross back over to albania. The choice is yours.

I agree that Kosmet's/Kosova's Independence is unavoidable. That's why fair partition is the only option that would satisfy both sides of the argument.

Guys, I think that you have forgotten that USA and Russia do not care about some guys in Balkans that choose to kill each other like in middle ages. As soon as they resolve the issue of the missiles and Ukraine and Georgia joining NATO the issue of Kosova will piece of cake for them. Moreover, it is very interesting to read how some people that have no clue of what is happening in Kosova feel that they are so competent to suggest the way which people should be leaving. Guys, don’t you think that people of Kosova have the same right as every other citizen of the planet of deciding not to leave with the rappers/killers/psycho maniacs.
Status of Kosova will be supervised INDIPENDENCE because that’s what the majority of the people of Kosova want. After all it is going to happen that way because the land belongs to them and they have the right to ask for it. This is going to happen with or without Serbs(colonisers) in Kosova. As for all the international laws and conventions that some of you mention I recon that these are about to change because these are outdated, I am not saying this because it suites me but because the time has come for changes and for Serbia to start and think about the problems that they have in Serbia proper[(without Kosovo and soon without Vojvodina, Sanxhak and Presheva valley)re to some that want to spice up the conversation]. Kosovo issue is just a escape route for the Serbian politicians in order not to address the problem that they have at their doorsteps.

I believe that there is future for all of us in Balkans if we are open minded and do not to be dominant. So, lets start to talk about us living together in different states as it is now and not complicate our lives because life is to short.

Have a good weekend all

florimi@gmail.com, do you seriously think that Vojvodina, Sandžak & Preševo Valley will secede from Serbia?

thank you adrian, and we'll take you up on the offer! we hope to be in prisina/podujevo around june 15th -- maybe we'll see you there, and i will be coming back all the way from california. it has been a long wait, but yes, we will celebrate, and toast to a better future!!

cheers!

robert-0

@Viva
Unilateral indipendence will be as illigal as:
1. Anexation of Kosova from in 1913
2. Not allowing Albanians to speak their language and to govern themselves.
3. Killing 10.000 civilans and moving 1.000.000 from their homes.
So if you dont feel guilty for all the above than we have no problem paying you with the same coin, even if that would be our last choice.

Boris what do you have in mind when you throw the word partition on the table?

Take Vojvodina and give it to the Hungarians, take Sanxhak and give it to Bosnia, take srbspka republic and inject it into serbia and take partition Kosova+Presheva valley into one?

Why would you suggest such a thing, you know you would lose way more out of a partition than gain from it.

Republic of Kosova in the other hand would gain more land and power. In case you're thinking about taking Trepça...oops I mean North Mitrovica, well think again. Kosova isn't going to allow you creating new republics by ethnically cleansing the inhabitants of the region.

I'm glad you've taken the first step to ACCEPT the fact that KOSOVA is soon to be INDEPENDENT; one step at a time. If only getting you to stop calling Kosova 20 names (metohia, kismet, kosmet, kosovo + metohia) would be easier.

Philip, Vojvodina could succeed if the serbian government executes another "diplomatic" intervention into that region as Milosevic did to Kosova.

B92 WHY is it that you are not posting my comments? I have read your rules and I am not cursing or using hate-speech or any derogatory term, or does posting comments take days to be approved?

i'll make the trip to Srbija on June 28th ( Vidovdan ) and will be at the memorial at Kosovsko Polje. I'll be there paying my respects to fallen Serbian heroes who defended Kosovo and the rest of Srbija. Every Serb citizen is welcome to join me!

Kate,

The US said "its too early to talk about unilateral recodnition" which does not exclude the possibility of unilateral recodnition just as the Russians are not excluding the possibility of a veto.

Lets also not forget that the UN has no authority to recodnize anywone or anything. The UN's job is facilitate the process of recodition by giving the process a sense of international legitimacy.

The only reason why the status issue is at the UN is because the Americans and the Europeans want to include the rest of the world in the process. Russia instead has chosen to block such a good will attempt and is doing everything in its power to undermine the UN and force the US and allies to unilateral recodnition.

The Russians never cared about Serbia or Kosovo, what they care about, what they really want is to be recodnized as a World Power.

Its strange that some of you believe the Russians can intimidate the US and Allies and block the whole process.

The statements of a Russian revival are exagerated and i simply dont see how Russia alone can stand up to the might of the US and NATO.

Kosovo will never be independent. Its not independent now wasnt yesterday nor will it be tomorrow. THE END

U should just get used to being a Serbian citizen in the province. While being "protected" by US.

it looks like Albanians will hope for american help for a long time ahed. and then they will start to hate them, and maybe they will call the americans "racists", like they call everyone, who does not serve their interest or...should I rather say wishful thinking?

one way or another, k-albanians still wait for the miracle...

Russians and serbs are defeating and denying themselves to the European future. Of course, Serbian people will carry the price (through economy) and the unrealistic current leaders of serbia will still live a luxury life. People of Kosova on the other hand will loose some too, but mostly the serb minority who will continue to be denied acceptance to Kosova society. Albanians in Kosova will not loose more than they already lost under the serb regime. They might not gain independence right away, but it will happen one day. Actually the longer it takes for independence the bigger chance is that albanians will want to unite with Albania. The serbian problems will multiply for there will no longer be a question of "loosing" Kosova (something already lost) but to also loose territories of southern serbia. Gues what, Serbia would win if it suported Kosova independence.
However, knowing the behavior of the current serb leadership, Albanians are going to wait a little for independence but they going to double their territory in return. I could bet my life on this trend. SERBIAN PEOPLE WAKE UP FOR YOUR OWN GOOD. THE REST TIME WILL TELL. i DO NOT MEAN DAY TO DAY BUT 10 OR 20 YEARS FROM NOW.

You can toast to a gloomy future. Kosovo is staying in Serbia

I pretty much agree with Boris completely. I do think the best idea is to attempt to partition Kosovo in a peaceful and agreed upon manner. Something that gives Independence to as many Albanians as possible (Including areas such as Presevo), yet still allows Serbs to feel that we have retained what represents the very cradle of our civilization. This has the best chance for peace in the future AND sets a very positive precedent on how to handle these kinds of issues elsewhere. Serbs are just as stubborn as Albanians, and if we "lose" Kosovo we'll whine about it for another 600 years until we get it back. Obviously, the Albanian side won't give up on Independence either. So why not split it and call the Serbian part Kosovo and the Albanian part Kosova. That way we Serbs aren't losing Kosovo, only Kosova and we can go back to happily living in our "myths" and legends until the next pointless war.

Seriously, to the Albanians here, wouldn't it be better to include areas like Presevo instead of areas with a Serb population? Why would any of you oppose granting independence and freedom to your brothers in Presevo simply to annoy Serbians? Arguing the terms and conditions of partition is one thing, arguing against partition as an option at all just seems foolish and short sighted to me. I would like to hear more about what conditions would satisfy the Albanians in this regard.

Yes, this plan would leave some Serbs living in Albanian areas, and vice versa, however if it were done in a peaceful manner, that would be the best chance to enable a peaceful and productive integration of the minority populations in our respective areas.

If Russia vetoes Ahtisaari's plan and the US unilaterally recognizes Kosovo that will only bring a like response from Russia, and we'll most likely still have partition, except it will be at the point of a gun with much suffering and will set a very bad precedent on how to handle such incidents.

Adrian, if you're serious, I would be interested in going to Kosovo/Kosova when a final solution is decided to see what its like if you could guarantee the safety of a Serb like me. Robert-0, I live in California in the San Francisco Bay Area, where are you located?

There is simple math: it is high price to pay to declare indipendence unilateraly, but it is much higher price to be together with Serbia. What do you think, what would KosovA chose???!!!

May Vojvodina, Sandžak & Preševo Valley secede from Serbia? If Serbia sticks to nationalism and stupid leaders why not? After all, Serbia was enlarged artificially, not based in the ethnic principle, which they seem to love so much. Vojvodina was Hungarian, Sandzak was mainly Bosniac and partly Albanian, and Preseve Valley Albanian. Serbia was "rewarded" with those territories after World War I right? Wake up it is XXI century.
In fact we should not be discussing Kosovo at all, Serbia risks dismemberment because of stupid policies, stupid leaders and mass indoctrination.

To Ardian: What are going on about? Serbia does not want to administrate Kosovo nor govern it. Serbia has said all long they will allow the Albanians to govern themselves. But having said this, that does mean that Serbia will allow the Albanians nor anyone else in the world including the Americans to steal 15 of its country. I wonder some time if half of the Albanians who post here even have the slightest idea of what is going on.

To: Suzana

You said:
Negotiations are impossible because the Serbian PM refuses to even shake hands with Kosovo's democratically elected President and PM.

The reason The Serbian PM refuses to shake hands with him is because he is a War criminal. The EU and USA know this, but cannot do anything about it just yet because they are using your glorious leaders to maintain calm with your people. But when all this nonsense is over some day they will indited, you watch and see, just like your other glorious leader who is currently on trial, you know who I am talking about.

Kate you said > Kosovo never belonged to the international community for them to promise it to anyone else.

Well said my dear! It's absolutely true and in fact it should be the Serbian PM's official line to all EU countries who are promoting giving 15% of Serbia to these very troubled Albanians.

Hey Guys

Some say Kosovo should be part of Serbia some say should get independece.
I was thinking what if Kosovo is part of Serbia again what's going to happen to make Kosovo happy and all the impact Kosovo will have on Serbia???

First Kosovo due to it's population will have so many seats in Serbian parliament and the K/Alabanians will have to be in charge of at least one the ministrys.Is Serbia willing to do that???
What if Kosovo have problems governin itself and Serbia has to intervene?What if they don't want to do military service as far as I know you will be arrested if you don't?Albanian popullation in Kosovo is growing faster than in Serbia will Serbia find it a threat???What about Serbian popullation in Kosovo how protected will they be?
Guys look at the situation how dificult it is and stop talking about history Kosovo will always be a problem in Serbia and you know what??In 100 years time Albanians will have the same popullation as Serbia,Will Serbia use force again?What if K/Albanians in a few years time find themselfs stronger and take up arms again and terrorise the Serb popullation what will happen?And so on so on and on................Do you know guys i think there will be no peace in this part of ballkans. For myself i think Ahtisary is not stupid he actually gone through all this questions and i think without this is the only way forward for ballkans!!!

Will Serbia be better off without Kosovo?
The war wounds are sitll fresh on both sides

I think nobody cares for the people of Kosovo and shame on us.........Peace
Tani

To: Tani

You say the Albanian population is growing much quicker in Kosovo, then the Serbian population. This is very true. But how big do you think Kosovo is? Have you considered, that soon there will be too many of you Albanians to fit in Kosovo? This is a real problem China is experiencing, and they have implicated a law to limit how many children family can have in certain areas. If the Albanians continue to have 5 children or more per family, then the day will come that Albanians will have to consider joining with the country of Albania, just so that all these people can fit, since the land area in Albania is much larger, thus you have your greater Albania. This will never be allowed to happen!

"independence" . . if i hear this word one more time i think i'll puke! Give it up guys, the games over. Ok, Russia is buying time for Serbia, this may be the case, but so is the west. They are using this time to slowly distance themselves from the problem they created. The US stupidly threw its full support behind the independence movement thinking that a poor and demoralised Serbia will just cave in. On the contrary, Serbia showed great nerve and backbone and held it's ground, and this has left the west dumbfounded. All thats left is empty rhetoric. A drowning man will clutch at straws

Kosova was given to serbia as a reward for being antiturkish and anti austrohungarian. Not because of their significant presence in numbers. They were actually a small minority.
So Serbias borders today were given rather realistic ones. So arguing for not changing a nations borders, not loosing 15% of territory, claiming the land because "the myth sys so" are still UNREALISTIC and are in tune with Grasianin and Vasa cubrilovics plans of ethnic clensing, terror, and genocide. Only 100 hundred years ago the serbs clensened the region that is called sothern serbia today.

Serbs owe it to themselves, their children, and their moral integrity to speak against such an unreasonable and unhealthy national identity such as the one dictated by Cubrilovic and adopted by the relevant current political leadership of Serbia today.

Matthew,

I agree very much with your concept of partition. If I may add to that, Partition is the only unofficial proposal that promises true peace and prosperity to Ballkans. As a Serb living in Kosmet during and after the war, I have come to understand that you can't simply disregard the will of 2 million people. If Albanians want Independence or a divorce as some are calling it, it's quite a legitimate request and they should and will get it at some point in the near future. If Kosmet Serbs do not wish to live under Albanian rule, their will should be just as legitimate.
So, Partition is the only solution that will satisfy both sides. And some of my Serbian brothers who simply keep screaming Kosmet is part of Serbia. Everyone, even some open minded Albanians, agree that it was once or twice during the last milenium. But don't forget! Kosmet has gone through a lot of owners for the past 2 thousand years. Whether we like it or not, presently, Albanians seem to be the owners of central and southern part of Kosmet, while Kosmet's Serbs seem to be the owners of the northern part. The breaking of the international law that some of you frequently talk about, has been broken due to circumstances many times. No human laws are absolute. They are made by one generation and broken by the next.
To conclude, Mark my words my Serbian brothers and Albanian friends, Partition will happen if Russia vetoes the current proposal. If it abstains Belgrade politicians will be the biggest losers of all as they will see the last remaning Serbs leaving Kosmet for good.

Mr. Tadic/Kostunica call for Partition NOW!

To: Canadien

I'm glad to know that people like you seam to know everything.You are a genius,but still you didn't answer my questions.....
My question was...
What will Serbia benefit from Kosovo on the economic side and why K/Albanians do not want to live with serbs
I never mentionet any "Greater Alabania" but as i said you're a genius!!!