Fried in Priština: Restart talks

So Fried will be honest with Sediju and Ceku behind closed doors but will anyone want to be honest in public? I do hope the real message is made public and not more mirrors & smoke bluffing.

The fact remains there will be;
No Independence
No Illegal Declaration
No Illegal Recognition
No Violence - NATO will act!

So the bluff of instability and violence will be shown up for what it is - bluff. It was a ploy by the US to force it's predetermined way - but it is pure bluff! Once the bluff is shown up the real talks will be able to start with a new realism of multi-polar geopolitics that the US cannot deliver the undeliverable.

Moreover the message of these talks will be that all peoples in Serbia need to respect the law of the land and each other! This can only be garneded through a truth and reconcilation process and it is necessary that the sooner it is begun the sooner all the peoples of Serbia will benefit!

So let's see:

More empty promises from a country that isn't even a part of Europe.

More absurd statements about future negotiations even though the outcome is already determined? I sometimes wonder if these diplomats are out of some kind of Kafka novel.

I don't understand the point of this visit other than the US telling the Albanians to wait and not turn to violence again. But if they do, the responsibility lies with the US since they've been making promises they can't keep, nor do they have a right to make. This is yet again another act of desperation!

"U.S. President George Bush also clearly stated that Kosovo independence will be the final outcome, a supervised independence, with protection for the Serbian community in Kosovo, its monasteries and property. That is a responsibility we take seriously,” Fried said.

Who cares what the leaders of the US say?

KosovO will remain a part of Serbia, albanians who reside in KosovO will pay taxes & restitution to Serbia for all of the destruction they've done & that's the bottom line.

the point of the visit is to hold back until all avanues have been exhausted before declaring independance with out un mandate but with eu & us backing. russia is not budging on its stance, belgrade and pristina agree to disagree, for good for bad someone has to make the call as long as a 3rd world war doesnt begin. belgrade is being tutored by russia on its position and pristina by the west. a decision will be made, i believe kosovo will get independance, so they dont get a seat on the un and cant apply to the imf and world bank, there are other avenues, this is the balkans and there is a million and one ways to skin a cat. kosovo will have sponsors to provide for any short fall required for economic growth. russia wins for throwing its weight and lose kosovo for serbia, kosovo doesnt get a seat on un but gets independance and no precedent has been set, so nobodys got anything to worry about.

Sunny,

You are right. There are a million and one ways to skin a cat. The UN will be bypassed, Kosovo will be declared/recognized independent. It will get financial aid by "creative" ways. Serbia/Russia will be bypassed just like the Maginot line in Eastern France was bypassed when the Germans simply went around it by passing through Belgium.

My dear friends, every time i visit this forum one thing stands clear! The Serbian friends and their allays remain frustrated with the fact that Kosova has been independent since 1999. The clock will never turn back, you can rest assured of it.
As for the formal recognition of the Kosova's independence, surely we can agree that this is inevitable, however it may not be imminent.
Russia, indeed we can see their influence on the recognition of independent Kosova but again they are bargaining for more chips. And if you think that their stand is on the principle of the international law, you have to think again. Do some research on Russian Human Right records, and their stance on their back door problems then come and argue that Russia is in favor of Int Law.
This delusion will fade off my dear friends and you will be left again on your own to deal with the problems that you have created for yourself, just like in 1999.
Good day “gentlemen”

"KosovO will remain a part of Serbia, albanians who reside in KosovO will pay taxes & restitution to Serbia for all of the destruction they've done & that's the bottom line."
I can't beleive the nerve this gentlmen has to suggest that we , the oppressed have to pay for 100 of years of missery under the Serbian Aparatus.
Do you suffer from memory loss ?
15000 killed, 175000 torched properties , wholesale ethnic cleansing and yet you expect us to live under the same rule.
Your brutality has ensured that Albanians will never trust any Serbian Goverment. This atrocities have affected every generation. I The pain is to raw.
The Kosovo train has left 8 years ago, and it does not plan to ever stop in Belgrade again... EVER.
Kosovo/a belongs to its citizens no matter what colour , religion, creed or affiliation.
P.S. We have on our country for the first time a generation who does not speak nor know anything about Serbia. For them Serbia is a bad dream that has finally ended.

So much for those false albanian illusions that they would be able to create a greater albania - by stealing other countries' land.

Princip, while I doubt the US will turn coat and say "no independence", I do agree with the rest of your list. Sejdiu is brazen enough to say there is no more need for talks with Belgrade, yet when did he EVER talk to Belgrade? Secondly, he and his goverment is seeking secession from Serbia, so it probably would be a good idea to talk to the country you wish to secede from. He and his government are all bluster and no action, cowering behind larger powers willing to do their diplomatic fighting for them. But then again, the linchpin is the US. As long as the US continues to write blank checks for Pristina to act as if it's a legitimate government, they can act all cocky and self-assured. The minute Washington says they will withdraw support for Pristina if unilateral independence is declared, and that they will not recognize any state, nor provide any investment, you can be sure Sejdiu, Ceku, and the rest of the gang will be making a B-line for Belgrade and Kostunica's office door.

It's time the US proves that the statelet it so desperately wants to work be put to the task of taking responsibility legally and maturely into its own hands. Maybe then I might trust K-Albanian institutions and the strategy of my country's foreign policy.

Fried is in Pristina to be the first to recognize their unanimously voted declaration of independence today.
The right people are in their right positions at this moment.

GSP 1999 bombing of serbia into submission should be a reminder for you and your kind that you should care what US president says. I understand your thought completely since somehow like every other lost battle/war your political and religious leaders skillfully somehow managed to manipulate it and turn into a victory or better say a myth.
So yes "Who cares what the leaders of the US say?" , "since Serbia bombed US"!.

I think many posters here suffer from some sort of loss of memory. Repeatedly these posters chide Fried and claim that he and his government cannot stop Serbia from joining EU (It is ironic as well to read these posters and see them defending EU from US imperialism). Furthermore they claim that Kosovo issue and EU membership are not tied to each other.

Kate, Princip, Jovan, Blacky, Walter and others what part of this quote you do not understand?

"But when we think about strategic relations between Serbia and Europe [then], of course, if this issue is not solved, it will create a lot of problems. This is obvious. We will not be able to achieve what is, I think, our strategic goal, [which] is to have, one day, Serbia as a full member of the European Union."

This is what Jose Manuel Barroso, the president of the European Commission, told Serbian President Boris Tadic in Brussels. You can find this on B92 as well.

So, again what part of the above you did not understand?

How hard is for you to understand that Fried said nothing more or less than what was said on the above statement. When will your blindness and total ignorance of reality and facts cease?

It is beyond any belief and comprehension to read Kate's and others posts that continuously claim EU membership is not tied to Kosovo issue. This naivety and ignorance has no bounds. This is reckless, ridiculous and childish. If Serbia is located in Europe, where do you all think Kosovo is located? (please, just don’t say it is located in Serbia, you'll only prove my point).

Your are not doing anybody a favor by misconstruing facts and spreading lies, and particularly westerners will only read your posts with disbelief and leave this site (as I do every day now) knowing that the only way forward is independence for Kosovo. It is the only solution for the good of the people of Serbia just as much as it is good for the people of Kosovo.

It will set you all free ...

so, is it again "at year´s end" time ??? like in all the years before ???

James,

You know as an American I served in Kosovo for two years and I had access to many filed reports both past and present... I witnessed first hand the problems that faced both ethnicities...

Now this is what I see... I see a country that has nearly doubled in population since 1999... I see a greater power "US" defying all international law to back Kosovo Albanians not because the US is concerned with their well being but for a cause that is obviously for personal gain. As with most decisioins made by America it will come back to bite us. Look at Afghanistan and countless others... How many Allies do we have to betray before we finally get it in the end?... Serbia were our Allies for nearly a century and then at the drop of a hat we disowned them... Why? We all know that atrocities were committed by both sides... thats a fact... Money! Thats it... How in the world will Kosovo ever make it legitimately on its own? How will this bite us? Sooner or later like they have already, the Mexicans will want texas back as they rightly should... None the less maybe the American Indians should get their property back? Why not.. its been just a hair over a century since we took their land completly from them... I find this whole situation apalling... Kosovo is Serbia and thats where it should stay... The US needs to stay out of other countries affairs and take care of its own problems back home... I am tired of working like a dog and being taxed so my government can use the money to support and aid countries that are not truly appreciative of it anyway...

Lily
Right people? Are those the ones that leave with suitcases of drug money?

Excellent. The updated news B92 provided here shows some seriousness on behalf of Fried in trying to come to a compromise agreement. Too bad Fried said he was impressed with the seriousness of Pristina's willingness to talk just after Sejdiu's comment that Pristina has nothing more to talk about. Apparently the US thinks they do, and should now vigorously push the Pristina government to negotiate. One-way independence appears less and less likely to be a self-evident reality and many K-Albanians leaders assumed.

Jake,
Reading your very biased post I have a suggestion for you. Since you are so unhappy in our great country why are you not moving to Serbia or Venezuela? One of the nice things here in the US is that every unhappy citizen is free to go. NOBODY is holding you back.

To correct everyone on this website, it is completely chauvenistic of you all to think that anyone who posts on B92 is of the male persuasion.

Zeci - if Serbia is such a bad dream, too bad you didn't get on this train & go back to your homeland.
Do you suffer from memory loss ?
15000 killed, 175000 torched properties , wholesale ethnic cleansing and yet you expect us to live under the same rule.

Valid point, but why did you move to KosovO in the first place? To create the "greater albania", of course.
Why don't you just face the music & be accountable for what has happened?
P.S. We have on our country for the first time a generation who does not speak nor know anything about Serbia. For them Serbia is a bad dream that has finally ended.

What country are you referring to - the "greater albania"?? Just face it KosovO is STILL a part of Serbia.

Serbia is still alive, thank you very much. CCCC

As a Soldier who served 22 months with US KFOR I would have to concur with Jake. I made many of same observations he did as an outside observer of the situation on the ground and have found Kosovo to be a total failure for the international community. It is disgraceful that the situation in the balkans has been allowed to continue with the deployment of 60,000+ NATO troops alongside a UN administration.

Kosovo must be reintegrated into Serbia regardless of threats by ethnic - Albanians.

Dear Jake,

You are either naïve, or allergic to Albanians for one or another reason, to crying over hard working and being taxed so your money can be used for no appreciative nations all over the world. First of all, you should have been much more conversant of the fact that USA disposes with around 70 % of over all world resources because of its implication on almost each business in the world. Nobody blames USA for that, on the contrary; you are admired by the rest of the world for showing such vitality.
You’re anxiety is baseless as far as loyalty of Albanians is concerned for many reasons you are familiar with, therefore I wouldn’t go through. You should be happy being US citizen, it means you’re entitled to choose where you want to live and work (served in Kosovo for two years). We (the rest of the world) aren’t so happy, believe me. If you have read Holy Bible, you could have encountered the phrase: “God gives, God takes away”. Therefore, don’t be so sorry to share your incomes with those in need. Consider yourself favored being US citizen.
In the end; we won’t bite anyone. All we want is to be given opportunity as all civilized people to work, live and make decisions for our own fate.

Joe, another great thing about the U.S. is FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!!! Like now when im telling you that it looks like the U.S. has given up on independence for Kosovo. It seems they lost faith in the albanians to provide basic needs for Serbs in Kosovo. You had your shot and failed. Time to renew those SERBIAN passports!!!

For those who still want Kosovo inside Serbia just tell me why Serbia took away independence in the first place? Why Rambouillet agreement giving Kosovo what Serbia wants to give now was not signed by Serbian government? How will the new Serbia-Kosova republic divide the seats in the democratic parliament? And what is more important - Who will protect the rights of Albanians in Serbia since Serbian law failed so many times in the past? Montenegrins did not trust Serbs (without suffering from them)? Why should Albanians?

Laki,

"Baseless?" On the contrary... As an American (my flag) being visible to the naked eye, I was assigned to a job in Pristina. Myself and four other Americans were verbaly and physically attacked by Albanians. They went as far as throwing "cocktail bombs" at us. Do I have harsh feelings towards that crowd of 5000? You might say a little... I also recall the leader telling us to "go home!" can you imagine?! We liberated them and they were there protesting because of us! Then they had the decency to tell me to go home...and attack us... Baseless? I dont think so...

Joe,

Let me tell you something pal... I have three generations before me that fought for my country and all three have bled... You tell me to go... Not only am I as true as an American can be... I go beyond that... I have American Indian blood... When you are paying 9000 a year in land and school taxes and then dishing a large portion of your paycheck... then you can leave a comment worthwhile...

The American eagle does not need any kind of confrontation with the Russian bear and the Chinese dragon over an issue as insignificant as Kosovo is to the overall wellbeing of Americans.What happened in the Balkans in the 1990's is ancient history to everybody except to some people in the Balkans.The only people in the west who advocate disrespecting the UNSC process are paid lobbyists who would badmouth their own mothers if given enough cash(Holbrooke Inc.)As an American I care more about what Russia can do for me(fighting Islamists,selling me oil for my car,securing nuclear material from falling into Islamist hands)than trying to dictate to a man as strong as Putin what Russia should do with issues that are important for its own existence(considering the fact that Russia and China have dozens of separatist Islamic movements)It is high time for American representatives to start representing the interests of what is good for Americans instead of bringing us more backwater regions onto our welfare rolls.Let the EU pay for Kosovo(last I heard the US has 50 states with 300m people and the EU has 27 states with 500m people and a total economy richer than the US so why do we need to spend a dollar in Europe?)Shalom to all!

Elton you ask why Serbia “took away independence in the first place”/ I think it was more than just what Di Matteo states when he writes “The Albanians in Kosovo had obtained more rights than any minority in any contested area in the world, and had more economic, religious, political, and educational freedoms and opportunities than Albanians in Albania. But this was not sufficient to break that old custom of beating up Christians when you can get away with it. The autonomous Albanian government allowed Albanians to get away with it. Serbs and Montenegrins found themselves to be targets of job and language discrimination. As the Albanians obtained control of the police, life became difficult for all minorities. It starts with cursing when you meet your Serb neighbor in the street, then come threats, robbery, cutting of trees, theft and destruction of crops, killing of animals, stoning, and beatings. If that is not enough to convince Serbs to sell their house and leave, there is always the knife. Altering the balance of power between nationalities through intimidation or terror is ethnic cleansing. In 1989, to put a stop to such ethnic cleansing Milosevic withdrew the autonomy and reincorporated Kosovo into Serbia.” Your second questions deals with the “Rambouillet agreement” which the Albanians signed but the Serbs refused to sign it because they would have had to give up sovereignty over the whole country to NATO. You ask “How will the new Serbia-Kosova republic divide the seats in the democratic parliament?” I would suggest according to population whose rights would be protected by a Charter of Rights and Freedoms allowing citizens to appeal cases of government abuse to the supreme court of the country. Civil conflict would likewise be arbitrated. The Supreme Court would have nine justices representing each ethnic group according to population. I could see two Albanians, one Hungarian, one Muslim and five Serb serving on such court. These justices could be elected by the people of the respective groups.

First of all I would like to thank Jake and Anthony for their honest opinions. I think that the overwhelming majority of solidiers who have served in the former Yugoslavia and have seen the real truth about what is happening on the ground (not what Christiane Amanpour or her hubby James Rubin told them on CNN) totally understand and support the Serbian position. I have met many soldiers who have been there, and they have ALL supported the Serbian side when they came back home. One of these men is Canadian Major General Lewis Mackenzie (whom I have not personally met), who wrote and article in one of the major newspapers up here suggesting that we bombed the wrong side. Here is the link. http://www.g2mil.com/Jun2004.htm
I would suggest that all of the supporters here of 'greater albania' read it. The truth will set you free.
Ahtisaari's greater albania plan is dead. Justice will win over power in this case. Like I have quoted before, 'Serbia is a rock on which empires break'.

You shouldn't live under Serbian Elton. That is why K_Albanians are being offered supervised autonomy, overseen and enforced by the EU. All your issues can be brought up during upcoming negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina. Both the Sebs and Albanians have historic claims to Kosovo, a compromise can be reached for sure but, only if politicians on both sides seek a true compromise.

Obilic,
How many Albanians of Kosovo got Serbian passports during the happy and glorious days of the Milosevic era? It is not a sarcastic question. I would like to know it.

Jake,
The fact that you have Indian blood can explain a lot of your unhappiness. Concerning your taxes of 9,000 a year I trully envy you. I pay 20,000.

"I see a country that has nearly doubled his population since 1999",Jake, you think that by serving 2 years as a soldier in Kosova/o and earning 10 times more that you would earn in USA,you know everything about Kosova/o!!!
You are wrong my friend and I doubt it that you are a true American,no because Americans love us ,just because I don't believe that you speak like one.
In other comment you say "We liberated them" and then later you say Kosovo belongs to Serbia.Don't you think that when you say "We liberated them" means something to you or just you are one of the persons that don't care!!!
Kosovan Albanians never considered themselves as a Serbian Citizens-thats the fact.
In our passports it was written Yougoslavia and not Serbia-thats the fact,
In our ID cards it was mention place of birth and Yougoslavia-thats the fact,
so all of you can say all day that we are Serbian citizens,but you are all wrong!!!
At the moment Serbia is winning,but do you think USA are happy about it,NO.
Serbia with the help of Russia are stalling the process but just for the sake of it I bet Americans will declare Kosova/o as a sovereign country,not because that they love us,just because to tell to the world that they are still in charge.
I met few Serbs in my life but none of them had an attitude like some in here,I wonder where they learn to hate so much!!!
By the way I congratulate James,who I don't know where he comes from but he speaks fantastic with the all the facts and Joe,while on other side I have respect for Matthew,Mike,Djuro and Svetlana.To all the rest I would suggest,try to be nice.
When I see Princip or Jovan or Obilic or Kate or Zoran now Dragan I don't read the comments not because I don't like them,it is because I don't agree with them!!!
I would like to ask one question to all of you,because I come from the town called Peja/Pec,how many times you have visited the most "precious" church in Serbia?!
My answer is that we Kosovan Albanians visited that church more times then any other Serb in Serbia or in this forum,because it is our history it is our heritage.
For us who lived in Peja/Pec it was an honour to have a church like that build in Kosova/o,because that is our history.
What happened in 2004 was ugly,people were frustrated,people were unprofessional.I condemn those actions.I have apologised before and I don't feel right about what's happened.
Now I would invite the "Democratic" government in Serbia to do a referendum in Kosova/o and to find out about what really people want.If they do that all of us we would guess the answer.Cheerio.

Jake and others, why did you go there if you believed the cause was wrong, and why stay there so long if you believe the US to be unjust. The US, UK and others had stood by and watched the slaughter and butchery of Milosevic, Karadic and Mladic in BiH, and decided belatedly to stop a repeat of same in Kosovo. I am sure you enjoyed your time in Kosovo and the accolades heaped on your army for a good and successful end to the madness of Milosevic. Do you now mourn his passing? Kosovo belongs to all of its citizens, the majority of whom, like Irish, have expressed the desire to divorce peacefully from its historically oppressive neighbour. We all have a duty to promote a peaceful settlement for Kosovo, and friendship amongst peoples, and not rabidly add fuel to the flames of hate. A recent survey on this website showed that the majority of Serbs are far more sensible and optimistic than disgruntled ex-US soldiers, and would not support a return to war.

You really have to feel bad for serb politians. Russia is oposing the independence of Kosovo. There is no independence before rezolution in UN is passed.
O Really?
Think back 1999 was a rezolution passed for NATO bombing the serbian troops.
Was there?
Did Russia have any say in bombing Serbia? They kept asking USA and NATO to stop. Thats all they could do. They stoped allright until all serbian forces were kicked out.
It is very simple Serbia lost Kosovo then and they will have to fight with UNMIK polive, Kosovo police, KFOR and KLA to come and rule Kosovo again. There is some people here so naive that make u laugh how they still in there in their nationalistic way prognose the solution for KOSOVO.
I wouldent bee very happy if I would wait on Russia to help me something that it is not mine.
Anyway, I think that it is entertaining how a lot of people spare their agendas without any facts.

Both the Sebs and Albanians have historic claims to Kosovo, a compromise can be reached for sure but, only if politicians on both sides seek a true compromise.

Either you are naive or you are trying to lie to yourself. Of course a compromise can never be reached. Look at the posts here. We never agree here, not even those who are born outside of the US, outside of Kosovo/a or Serbia. Not even those who haven't been affected by the issue in any way can agree What makes you think our politicians think different? Are they some kind of superhumans that all of sudden they'll do what centuries haven't done and all of a sudden agree.

Maybe you are right about everything but "Working like a dog".
Please!
Anyone knows that soldiers in Kosovo party every single day. I don't blame you. I think it's super. However, if you think it's that tough why don't you just volunteer for Afghanistan or Iraq?
By the way guys, Sunny is right. Actually, everybody are going to loose. Serbia has already lost Kosovo ten years ago, West will go over internetional low, Russia will be isolated by using veto, Kosovo will not be in UN and other important institutions, and there still be a lot of people arguing how their side won and the other side lost.

Walter again you mix religioun which has never been an issue with Albanians. You stated that; Albanians in Kosova were beating Christians, that is flat out lie.

Mr.Fred is wrong: Russia as a member of the Contact Group has never said that Mr.Ahtisaari's plan is a "good" one. On the contrary, Moscow has been saying that it was "wrong and unacceptable, because it does not have elements for a compromise".

Jake, indigenes aren’t obliged to pay taxes, it is well known fact. In other terms; you’re neither Indian nor American citizen. Thus, go elsewhere to tell these tales.

Sonny,

These sponsors you speak of that Kosovo will get, are surely from the middle east, and we all know who they are, don't we? This is why you will not get independence Europe does not want you to be sponsored by such states you are thinking about!

Looks like Tadic got an earful from Barroso. No Kosova stats, no eu. Another from the UNSC..10 days a resolution? Cheer up Serbs. I'm sure Russia's pipeline will help with your unemployment problems.

Jake, Anthony I was there too. I am not American but I am Canadien, a photogrpaher for Macleans magazine in Canada and I have seen first hand what Kosovo could end up being if stolen from the Serbs and given to the Albanians. It 10 to 15 years it would be another Afaganstan! And in the heart of Europe. My countryman and the Americans would then be back here fighting the very same people we gave the land to. Just like were are doing in Afganstan. People like Joe who posts here would flip in a second, today he loves you tommorrow, you are the enemy just like the taliban did to you.

"Joe, another great thing about the U.S. is FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!!! Like now when im telling you that it looks like the U.S. has given up on independence for Kosovo. It seems they lost faith in the albanians to provide basic needs for Serbs in Kosovo. You had your shot and failed. Time to renew those SERBIAN passports!!!
(Obilic, Monday, 9 July, 2007, 20:26) "

Hah, 10 Day said the US ambasador in UN, just 10 days, becouse they know what really FREEDOM OF SPEACH means, not serbian FREEDOM OF SPEACH, however , the basic needs of serbian minority in Kosovo , is not the albanians who is not providing, and is not anymore a subject of any speach, but there will be two solutions only, Ahtisari plan who really gives a lot oportunitys to serb minority in Kosovo, or unilateral declaration as any other state , which will put the serb minority in Kosovo , exactly in the same position as the albanian minority in Serbia itself..

And you are right , we will renew our passports very soon, but for your serb passport you will need a visa to come in Kosovo,becouse as you can see Rusia is not in EU, as well as serbia will not be

Jake, you should thank God your country sent you to Kosovo, not Iraq, which the US also liberated, but they are somehow even less thankful. Some protesters told you to go home (where, when?)... Given that you think that Kosovo should be given back to Serbia you ought to agree with them, do you not? Anyway, if you are not a Serb pretending to be US soldier (which is 99% likely), you don't sound like a great patriot to me going, to other sites and slagging your country. There are hundreds of Serbs doing that here every day.

arif pakashtica -Your fatal mistake is trying to compare two different periods of time which had vastly different conditions. When NATO invaded Serbia, it had no other commitments and Russia was weak and penniless. The situation is starkly different now. Russia has a huge amount of cash (and will continue to do so whilst energy prices are high - and prices are forecast to stay high for many decades due to the supply demand imbalance), it has a different leader willing to go toe to toe with the EU and the US, but most importantly of all, the US has huge commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US simply can't afford to stay in Kosovo indefinitely, so would like the EU to take over. The EU has it's own energy considerations to take into account, namely their gas supplies from Russia, which is probably one of the reasons which it now states that it won't support unilateral independence. So, to summise, the Russian veto is very important, the US and Eu need Russia to not use their veto, but what can they offer in return?

If we are talking about international law, it’s on the Serbian side. If we are considering geopolitics, it’s not. Even though we could blame Yugoslavia’s leadership’s for all disorder in the region, they couldn’t have done it without great support of guys from CIA, MI5 and some other. The main goal, as usual, is “divide and rule”. Neocons are delighted to show Kosovo as a success story of a Muslim state. It has to wash off Iraqi and, to less extent, Afghani blood and dirt from American boots. In long run, it will give the Uncle Sam a unique springboard for fostering the U.S. stand on the Balkans thereby in Europe and Eurasia. So, having in mind a major geopolitical victory they will pay no attention to such trifle as the international law and any kind of opposition. Thus democracy and rule of law is for foes not for Yankees. But it does not mean the Serbs should give up. Don’t forget Winston Churchill’s NEVER GIVE IN! And let God be with you!

canadian,
you seem out of touch with the political landscape. middle eastern sponsors are allie's of the serbians, what ever muslim backing you might be refering to is happening within all western society as we speak, muslim cells are in serbia uk, canada, us, germany etc so dont try to align kosovo as a special case in point. the sponsors are those countries who support kosovo independance, they want to see a return on there investment like anyone else the more the merrier, russia is doing the same with serbia, working on sth eastern europe and europe. theres an old saying, feed the rich go home poor, feed the poor and go home rich.

So Fried will be honest with Sediju and Ceku behind closed doors but will anyone want to be honest in public? I do hope the real message is made public and not more mirrors & smoke bluffing.

The fact remains there will be;
No Independence
No Illegal Declaration
No Illegal Recognition
No Violence - NATO will act!

So the bluff of instability and violence will be shown up for what it is - bluff. It was a ploy by the US to force it's predetermined way - but it is pure bluff! Once the bluff is shown up the real talks will be able to start with a new realism of multi-polar geopolitics that the US cannot deliver the undeliverable.

Moreover the message of these talks will be that all peoples in Serbia need to respect the law of the land and each other! This can only be garneded through a truth and reconcilation process and it is necessary that the sooner it is begun the sooner all the peoples of Serbia will benefit!

So let's see:

More empty promises from a country that isn't even a part of Europe.

More absurd statements about future negotiations even though the outcome is already determined? I sometimes wonder if these diplomats are out of some kind of Kafka novel.

I don't understand the point of this visit other than the US telling the Albanians to wait and not turn to violence again. But if they do, the responsibility lies with the US since they've been making promises they can't keep, nor do they have a right to make. This is yet again another act of desperation!

"U.S. President George Bush also clearly stated that Kosovo independence will be the final outcome, a supervised independence, with protection for the Serbian community in Kosovo, its monasteries and property. That is a responsibility we take seriously,” Fried said.

Who cares what the leaders of the US say?

KosovO will remain a part of Serbia, albanians who reside in KosovO will pay taxes & restitution to Serbia for all of the destruction they've done & that's the bottom line.

the point of the visit is to hold back until all avanues have been exhausted before declaring independance with out un mandate but with eu & us backing. russia is not budging on its stance, belgrade and pristina agree to disagree, for good for bad someone has to make the call as long as a 3rd world war doesnt begin. belgrade is being tutored by russia on its position and pristina by the west. a decision will be made, i believe kosovo will get independance, so they dont get a seat on the un and cant apply to the imf and world bank, there are other avenues, this is the balkans and there is a million and one ways to skin a cat. kosovo will have sponsors to provide for any short fall required for economic growth. russia wins for throwing its weight and lose kosovo for serbia, kosovo doesnt get a seat on un but gets independance and no precedent has been set, so nobodys got anything to worry about.

Sunny,

You are right. There are a million and one ways to skin a cat. The UN will be bypassed, Kosovo will be declared/recognized independent. It will get financial aid by "creative" ways. Serbia/Russia will be bypassed just like the Maginot line in Eastern France was bypassed when the Germans simply went around it by passing through Belgium.

My dear friends, every time i visit this forum one thing stands clear! The Serbian friends and their allays remain frustrated with the fact that Kosova has been independent since 1999. The clock will never turn back, you can rest assured of it.
As for the formal recognition of the Kosova's independence, surely we can agree that this is inevitable, however it may not be imminent.
Russia, indeed we can see their influence on the recognition of independent Kosova but again they are bargaining for more chips. And if you think that their stand is on the principle of the international law, you have to think again. Do some research on Russian Human Right records, and their stance on their back door problems then come and argue that Russia is in favor of Int Law.
This delusion will fade off my dear friends and you will be left again on your own to deal with the problems that you have created for yourself, just like in 1999.
Good day “gentlemen”

"KosovO will remain a part of Serbia, albanians who reside in KosovO will pay taxes & restitution to Serbia for all of the destruction they've done & that's the bottom line."
I can't beleive the nerve this gentlmen has to suggest that we , the oppressed have to pay for 100 of years of missery under the Serbian Aparatus.
Do you suffer from memory loss ?
15000 killed, 175000 torched properties , wholesale ethnic cleansing and yet you expect us to live under the same rule.
Your brutality has ensured that Albanians will never trust any Serbian Goverment. This atrocities have affected every generation. I The pain is to raw.
The Kosovo train has left 8 years ago, and it does not plan to ever stop in Belgrade again... EVER.
Kosovo/a belongs to its citizens no matter what colour , religion, creed or affiliation.
P.S. We have on our country for the first time a generation who does not speak nor know anything about Serbia. For them Serbia is a bad dream that has finally ended.

So much for those false albanian illusions that they would be able to create a greater albania - by stealing other countries' land.

Princip, while I doubt the US will turn coat and say "no independence", I do agree with the rest of your list. Sejdiu is brazen enough to say there is no more need for talks with Belgrade, yet when did he EVER talk to Belgrade? Secondly, he and his goverment is seeking secession from Serbia, so it probably would be a good idea to talk to the country you wish to secede from. He and his government are all bluster and no action, cowering behind larger powers willing to do their diplomatic fighting for them. But then again, the linchpin is the US. As long as the US continues to write blank checks for Pristina to act as if it's a legitimate government, they can act all cocky and self-assured. The minute Washington says they will withdraw support for Pristina if unilateral independence is declared, and that they will not recognize any state, nor provide any investment, you can be sure Sejdiu, Ceku, and the rest of the gang will be making a B-line for Belgrade and Kostunica's office door.

It's time the US proves that the statelet it so desperately wants to work be put to the task of taking responsibility legally and maturely into its own hands. Maybe then I might trust K-Albanian institutions and the strategy of my country's foreign policy.

Fried is in Pristina to be the first to recognize their unanimously voted declaration of independence today.
The right people are in their right positions at this moment.

GSP 1999 bombing of serbia into submission should be a reminder for you and your kind that you should care what US president says. I understand your thought completely since somehow like every other lost battle/war your political and religious leaders skillfully somehow managed to manipulate it and turn into a victory or better say a myth.
So yes "Who cares what the leaders of the US say?" , "since Serbia bombed US"!.

I think many posters here suffer from some sort of loss of memory. Repeatedly these posters chide Fried and claim that he and his government cannot stop Serbia from joining EU (It is ironic as well to read these posters and see them defending EU from US imperialism). Furthermore they claim that Kosovo issue and EU membership are not tied to each other.

Kate, Princip, Jovan, Blacky, Walter and others what part of this quote you do not understand?

"But when we think about strategic relations between Serbia and Europe [then], of course, if this issue is not solved, it will create a lot of problems. This is obvious. We will not be able to achieve what is, I think, our strategic goal, [which] is to have, one day, Serbia as a full member of the European Union."

This is what Jose Manuel Barroso, the president of the European Commission, told Serbian President Boris Tadic in Brussels. You can find this on B92 as well.

So, again what part of the above you did not understand?

How hard is for you to understand that Fried said nothing more or less than what was said on the above statement. When will your blindness and total ignorance of reality and facts cease?

It is beyond any belief and comprehension to read Kate's and others posts that continuously claim EU membership is not tied to Kosovo issue. This naivety and ignorance has no bounds. This is reckless, ridiculous and childish. If Serbia is located in Europe, where do you all think Kosovo is located? (please, just don’t say it is located in Serbia, you'll only prove my point).

Your are not doing anybody a favor by misconstruing facts and spreading lies, and particularly westerners will only read your posts with disbelief and leave this site (as I do every day now) knowing that the only way forward is independence for Kosovo. It is the only solution for the good of the people of Serbia just as much as it is good for the people of Kosovo.

It will set you all free ...

so, is it again "at year´s end" time ??? like in all the years before ???

James,

You know as an American I served in Kosovo for two years and I had access to many filed reports both past and present... I witnessed first hand the problems that faced both ethnicities...

Now this is what I see... I see a country that has nearly doubled in population since 1999... I see a greater power "US" defying all international law to back Kosovo Albanians not because the US is concerned with their well being but for a cause that is obviously for personal gain. As with most decisioins made by America it will come back to bite us. Look at Afghanistan and countless others... How many Allies do we have to betray before we finally get it in the end?... Serbia were our Allies for nearly a century and then at the drop of a hat we disowned them... Why? We all know that atrocities were committed by both sides... thats a fact... Money! Thats it... How in the world will Kosovo ever make it legitimately on its own? How will this bite us? Sooner or later like they have already, the Mexicans will want texas back as they rightly should... None the less maybe the American Indians should get their property back? Why not.. its been just a hair over a century since we took their land completly from them... I find this whole situation apalling... Kosovo is Serbia and thats where it should stay... The US needs to stay out of other countries affairs and take care of its own problems back home... I am tired of working like a dog and being taxed so my government can use the money to support and aid countries that are not truly appreciative of it anyway...

Lily
Right people? Are those the ones that leave with suitcases of drug money?

Excellent. The updated news B92 provided here shows some seriousness on behalf of Fried in trying to come to a compromise agreement. Too bad Fried said he was impressed with the seriousness of Pristina's willingness to talk just after Sejdiu's comment that Pristina has nothing more to talk about. Apparently the US thinks they do, and should now vigorously push the Pristina government to negotiate. One-way independence appears less and less likely to be a self-evident reality and many K-Albanians leaders assumed.

Jake,
Reading your very biased post I have a suggestion for you. Since you are so unhappy in our great country why are you not moving to Serbia or Venezuela? One of the nice things here in the US is that every unhappy citizen is free to go. NOBODY is holding you back.

To correct everyone on this website, it is completely chauvenistic of you all to think that anyone who posts on B92 is of the male persuasion.

Zeci - if Serbia is such a bad dream, too bad you didn't get on this train & go back to your homeland.
Do you suffer from memory loss ?
15000 killed, 175000 torched properties , wholesale ethnic cleansing and yet you expect us to live under the same rule.

Valid point, but why did you move to KosovO in the first place? To create the "greater albania", of course.
Why don't you just face the music & be accountable for what has happened?
P.S. We have on our country for the first time a generation who does not speak nor know anything about Serbia. For them Serbia is a bad dream that has finally ended.

What country are you referring to - the "greater albania"?? Just face it KosovO is STILL a part of Serbia.

Serbia is still alive, thank you very much. CCCC

As a Soldier who served 22 months with US KFOR I would have to concur with Jake. I made many of same observations he did as an outside observer of the situation on the ground and have found Kosovo to be a total failure for the international community. It is disgraceful that the situation in the balkans has been allowed to continue with the deployment of 60,000+ NATO troops alongside a UN administration.

Kosovo must be reintegrated into Serbia regardless of threats by ethnic - Albanians.

Dear Jake,

You are either naïve, or allergic to Albanians for one or another reason, to crying over hard working and being taxed so your money can be used for no appreciative nations all over the world. First of all, you should have been much more conversant of the fact that USA disposes with around 70 % of over all world resources because of its implication on almost each business in the world. Nobody blames USA for that, on the contrary; you are admired by the rest of the world for showing such vitality.
You’re anxiety is baseless as far as loyalty of Albanians is concerned for many reasons you are familiar with, therefore I wouldn’t go through. You should be happy being US citizen, it means you’re entitled to choose where you want to live and work (served in Kosovo for two years). We (the rest of the world) aren’t so happy, believe me. If you have read Holy Bible, you could have encountered the phrase: “God gives, God takes away”. Therefore, don’t be so sorry to share your incomes with those in need. Consider yourself favored being US citizen.
In the end; we won’t bite anyone. All we want is to be given opportunity as all civilized people to work, live and make decisions for our own fate.

Joe, another great thing about the U.S. is FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!!! Like now when im telling you that it looks like the U.S. has given up on independence for Kosovo. It seems they lost faith in the albanians to provide basic needs for Serbs in Kosovo. You had your shot and failed. Time to renew those SERBIAN passports!!!

For those who still want Kosovo inside Serbia just tell me why Serbia took away independence in the first place? Why Rambouillet agreement giving Kosovo what Serbia wants to give now was not signed by Serbian government? How will the new Serbia-Kosova republic divide the seats in the democratic parliament? And what is more important - Who will protect the rights of Albanians in Serbia since Serbian law failed so many times in the past? Montenegrins did not trust Serbs (without suffering from them)? Why should Albanians?

Laki,

"Baseless?" On the contrary... As an American (my flag) being visible to the naked eye, I was assigned to a job in Pristina. Myself and four other Americans were verbaly and physically attacked by Albanians. They went as far as throwing "cocktail bombs" at us. Do I have harsh feelings towards that crowd of 5000? You might say a little... I also recall the leader telling us to "go home!" can you imagine?! We liberated them and they were there protesting because of us! Then they had the decency to tell me to go home...and attack us... Baseless? I dont think so...

Joe,

Let me tell you something pal... I have three generations before me that fought for my country and all three have bled... You tell me to go... Not only am I as true as an American can be... I go beyond that... I have American Indian blood... When you are paying 9000 a year in land and school taxes and then dishing a large portion of your paycheck... then you can leave a comment worthwhile...

The American eagle does not need any kind of confrontation with the Russian bear and the Chinese dragon over an issue as insignificant as Kosovo is to the overall wellbeing of Americans.What happened in the Balkans in the 1990's is ancient history to everybody except to some people in the Balkans.The only people in the west who advocate disrespecting the UNSC process are paid lobbyists who would badmouth their own mothers if given enough cash(Holbrooke Inc.)As an American I care more about what Russia can do for me(fighting Islamists,selling me oil for my car,securing nuclear material from falling into Islamist hands)than trying to dictate to a man as strong as Putin what Russia should do with issues that are important for its own existence(considering the fact that Russia and China have dozens of separatist Islamic movements)It is high time for American representatives to start representing the interests of what is good for Americans instead of bringing us more backwater regions onto our welfare rolls.Let the EU pay for Kosovo(last I heard the US has 50 states with 300m people and the EU has 27 states with 500m people and a total economy richer than the US so why do we need to spend a dollar in Europe?)Shalom to all!

Elton you ask why Serbia “took away independence in the first place”/ I think it was more than just what Di Matteo states when he writes “The Albanians in Kosovo had obtained more rights than any minority in any contested area in the world, and had more economic, religious, political, and educational freedoms and opportunities than Albanians in Albania. But this was not sufficient to break that old custom of beating up Christians when you can get away with it. The autonomous Albanian government allowed Albanians to get away with it. Serbs and Montenegrins found themselves to be targets of job and language discrimination. As the Albanians obtained control of the police, life became difficult for all minorities. It starts with cursing when you meet your Serb neighbor in the street, then come threats, robbery, cutting of trees, theft and destruction of crops, killing of animals, stoning, and beatings. If that is not enough to convince Serbs to sell their house and leave, there is always the knife. Altering the balance of power between nationalities through intimidation or terror is ethnic cleansing. In 1989, to put a stop to such ethnic cleansing Milosevic withdrew the autonomy and reincorporated Kosovo into Serbia.” Your second questions deals with the “Rambouillet agreement” which the Albanians signed but the Serbs refused to sign it because they would have had to give up sovereignty over the whole country to NATO. You ask “How will the new Serbia-Kosova republic divide the seats in the democratic parliament?” I would suggest according to population whose rights would be protected by a Charter of Rights and Freedoms allowing citizens to appeal cases of government abuse to the supreme court of the country. Civil conflict would likewise be arbitrated. The Supreme Court would have nine justices representing each ethnic group according to population. I could see two Albanians, one Hungarian, one Muslim and five Serb serving on such court. These justices could be elected by the people of the respective groups.

First of all I would like to thank Jake and Anthony for their honest opinions. I think that the overwhelming majority of solidiers who have served in the former Yugoslavia and have seen the real truth about what is happening on the ground (not what Christiane Amanpour or her hubby James Rubin told them on CNN) totally understand and support the Serbian position. I have met many soldiers who have been there, and they have ALL supported the Serbian side when they came back home. One of these men is Canadian Major General Lewis Mackenzie (whom I have not personally met), who wrote and article in one of the major newspapers up here suggesting that we bombed the wrong side. Here is the link. http://www.g2mil.com/Jun2004.htm
I would suggest that all of the supporters here of 'greater albania' read it. The truth will set you free.
Ahtisaari's greater albania plan is dead. Justice will win over power in this case. Like I have quoted before, 'Serbia is a rock on which empires break'.

You shouldn't live under Serbian Elton. That is why K_Albanians are being offered supervised autonomy, overseen and enforced by the EU. All your issues can be brought up during upcoming negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina. Both the Sebs and Albanians have historic claims to Kosovo, a compromise can be reached for sure but, only if politicians on both sides seek a true compromise.

Obilic,
How many Albanians of Kosovo got Serbian passports during the happy and glorious days of the Milosevic era? It is not a sarcastic question. I would like to know it.

Jake,
The fact that you have Indian blood can explain a lot of your unhappiness. Concerning your taxes of 9,000 a year I trully envy you. I pay 20,000.

"I see a country that has nearly doubled his population since 1999",Jake, you think that by serving 2 years as a soldier in Kosova/o and earning 10 times more that you would earn in USA,you know everything about Kosova/o!!!
You are wrong my friend and I doubt it that you are a true American,no because Americans love us ,just because I don't believe that you speak like one.
In other comment you say "We liberated them" and then later you say Kosovo belongs to Serbia.Don't you think that when you say "We liberated them" means something to you or just you are one of the persons that don't care!!!
Kosovan Albanians never considered themselves as a Serbian Citizens-thats the fact.
In our passports it was written Yougoslavia and not Serbia-thats the fact,
In our ID cards it was mention place of birth and Yougoslavia-thats the fact,
so all of you can say all day that we are Serbian citizens,but you are all wrong!!!
At the moment Serbia is winning,but do you think USA are happy about it,NO.
Serbia with the help of Russia are stalling the process but just for the sake of it I bet Americans will declare Kosova/o as a sovereign country,not because that they love us,just because to tell to the world that they are still in charge.
I met few Serbs in my life but none of them had an attitude like some in here,I wonder where they learn to hate so much!!!
By the way I congratulate James,who I don't know where he comes from but he speaks fantastic with the all the facts and Joe,while on other side I have respect for Matthew,Mike,Djuro and Svetlana.To all the rest I would suggest,try to be nice.
When I see Princip or Jovan or Obilic or Kate or Zoran now Dragan I don't read the comments not because I don't like them,it is because I don't agree with them!!!
I would like to ask one question to all of you,because I come from the town called Peja/Pec,how many times you have visited the most "precious" church in Serbia?!
My answer is that we Kosovan Albanians visited that church more times then any other Serb in Serbia or in this forum,because it is our history it is our heritage.
For us who lived in Peja/Pec it was an honour to have a church like that build in Kosova/o,because that is our history.
What happened in 2004 was ugly,people were frustrated,people were unprofessional.I condemn those actions.I have apologised before and I don't feel right about what's happened.
Now I would invite the "Democratic" government in Serbia to do a referendum in Kosova/o and to find out about what really people want.If they do that all of us we would guess the answer.Cheerio.

Jake and others, why did you go there if you believed the cause was wrong, and why stay there so long if you believe the US to be unjust. The US, UK and others had stood by and watched the slaughter and butchery of Milosevic, Karadic and Mladic in BiH, and decided belatedly to stop a repeat of same in Kosovo. I am sure you enjoyed your time in Kosovo and the accolades heaped on your army for a good and successful end to the madness of Milosevic. Do you now mourn his passing? Kosovo belongs to all of its citizens, the majority of whom, like Irish, have expressed the desire to divorce peacefully from its historically oppressive neighbour. We all have a duty to promote a peaceful settlement for Kosovo, and friendship amongst peoples, and not rabidly add fuel to the flames of hate. A recent survey on this website showed that the majority of Serbs are far more sensible and optimistic than disgruntled ex-US soldiers, and would not support a return to war.

You really have to feel bad for serb politians. Russia is oposing the independence of Kosovo. There is no independence before rezolution in UN is passed.
O Really?
Think back 1999 was a rezolution passed for NATO bombing the serbian troops.
Was there?
Did Russia have any say in bombing Serbia? They kept asking USA and NATO to stop. Thats all they could do. They stoped allright until all serbian forces were kicked out.
It is very simple Serbia lost Kosovo then and they will have to fight with UNMIK polive, Kosovo police, KFOR and KLA to come and rule Kosovo again. There is some people here so naive that make u laugh how they still in there in their nationalistic way prognose the solution for KOSOVO.
I wouldent bee very happy if I would wait on Russia to help me something that it is not mine.
Anyway, I think that it is entertaining how a lot of people spare their agendas without any facts.

Both the Sebs and Albanians have historic claims to Kosovo, a compromise can be reached for sure but, only if politicians on both sides seek a true compromise.

Either you are naive or you are trying to lie to yourself. Of course a compromise can never be reached. Look at the posts here. We never agree here, not even those who are born outside of the US, outside of Kosovo/a or Serbia. Not even those who haven't been affected by the issue in any way can agree What makes you think our politicians think different? Are they some kind of superhumans that all of sudden they'll do what centuries haven't done and all of a sudden agree.

Maybe you are right about everything but "Working like a dog".
Please!
Anyone knows that soldiers in Kosovo party every single day. I don't blame you. I think it's super. However, if you think it's that tough why don't you just volunteer for Afghanistan or Iraq?
By the way guys, Sunny is right. Actually, everybody are going to loose. Serbia has already lost Kosovo ten years ago, West will go over internetional low, Russia will be isolated by using veto, Kosovo will not be in UN and other important institutions, and there still be a lot of people arguing how their side won and the other side lost.

Walter again you mix religioun which has never been an issue with Albanians. You stated that; Albanians in Kosova were beating Christians, that is flat out lie.

Mr.Fred is wrong: Russia as a member of the Contact Group has never said that Mr.Ahtisaari's plan is a "good" one. On the contrary, Moscow has been saying that it was "wrong and unacceptable, because it does not have elements for a compromise".

Jake, indigenes aren’t obliged to pay taxes, it is well known fact. In other terms; you’re neither Indian nor American citizen. Thus, go elsewhere to tell these tales.

Sonny,

These sponsors you speak of that Kosovo will get, are surely from the middle east, and we all know who they are, don't we? This is why you will not get independence Europe does not want you to be sponsored by such states you are thinking about!

Looks like Tadic got an earful from Barroso. No Kosova stats, no eu. Another from the UNSC..10 days a resolution? Cheer up Serbs. I'm sure Russia's pipeline will help with your unemployment problems.

Jake, Anthony I was there too. I am not American but I am Canadien, a photogrpaher for Macleans magazine in Canada and I have seen first hand what Kosovo could end up being if stolen from the Serbs and given to the Albanians. It 10 to 15 years it would be another Afaganstan! And in the heart of Europe. My countryman and the Americans would then be back here fighting the very same people we gave the land to. Just like were are doing in Afganstan. People like Joe who posts here would flip in a second, today he loves you tommorrow, you are the enemy just like the taliban did to you.

"Joe, another great thing about the U.S. is FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!!! Like now when im telling you that it looks like the U.S. has given up on independence for Kosovo. It seems they lost faith in the albanians to provide basic needs for Serbs in Kosovo. You had your shot and failed. Time to renew those SERBIAN passports!!!
(Obilic, Monday, 9 July, 2007, 20:26) "

Hah, 10 Day said the US ambasador in UN, just 10 days, becouse they know what really FREEDOM OF SPEACH means, not serbian FREEDOM OF SPEACH, however , the basic needs of serbian minority in Kosovo , is not the albanians who is not providing, and is not anymore a subject of any speach, but there will be two solutions only, Ahtisari plan who really gives a lot oportunitys to serb minority in Kosovo, or unilateral declaration as any other state , which will put the serb minority in Kosovo , exactly in the same position as the albanian minority in Serbia itself..

And you are right , we will renew our passports very soon, but for your serb passport you will need a visa to come in Kosovo,becouse as you can see Rusia is not in EU, as well as serbia will not be

Jake, you should thank God your country sent you to Kosovo, not Iraq, which the US also liberated, but they are somehow even less thankful. Some protesters told you to go home (where, when?)... Given that you think that Kosovo should be given back to Serbia you ought to agree with them, do you not? Anyway, if you are not a Serb pretending to be US soldier (which is 99% likely), you don't sound like a great patriot to me going, to other sites and slagging your country. There are hundreds of Serbs doing that here every day.

arif pakashtica -Your fatal mistake is trying to compare two different periods of time which had vastly different conditions. When NATO invaded Serbia, it had no other commitments and Russia was weak and penniless. The situation is starkly different now. Russia has a huge amount of cash (and will continue to do so whilst energy prices are high - and prices are forecast to stay high for many decades due to the supply demand imbalance), it has a different leader willing to go toe to toe with the EU and the US, but most importantly of all, the US has huge commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US simply can't afford to stay in Kosovo indefinitely, so would like the EU to take over. The EU has it's own energy considerations to take into account, namely their gas supplies from Russia, which is probably one of the reasons which it now states that it won't support unilateral independence. So, to summise, the Russian veto is very important, the US and Eu need Russia to not use their veto, but what can they offer in return?

If we are talking about international law, it’s on the Serbian side. If we are considering geopolitics, it’s not. Even though we could blame Yugoslavia’s leadership’s for all disorder in the region, they couldn’t have done it without great support of guys from CIA, MI5 and some other. The main goal, as usual, is “divide and rule”. Neocons are delighted to show Kosovo as a success story of a Muslim state. It has to wash off Iraqi and, to less extent, Afghani blood and dirt from American boots. In long run, it will give the Uncle Sam a unique springboard for fostering the U.S. stand on the Balkans thereby in Europe and Eurasia. So, having in mind a major geopolitical victory they will pay no attention to such trifle as the international law and any kind of opposition. Thus democracy and rule of law is for foes not for Yankees. But it does not mean the Serbs should give up. Don’t forget Winston Churchill’s NEVER GIVE IN! And let God be with you!

canadian,
you seem out of touch with the political landscape. middle eastern sponsors are allie's of the serbians, what ever muslim backing you might be refering to is happening within all western society as we speak, muslim cells are in serbia uk, canada, us, germany etc so dont try to align kosovo as a special case in point. the sponsors are those countries who support kosovo independance, they want to see a return on there investment like anyone else the more the merrier, russia is doing the same with serbia, working on sth eastern europe and europe. theres an old saying, feed the rich go home poor, feed the poor and go home rich.