New Kosovo talks in September?

While Laki Bani writes “We just need to use a common sense” but after reading the rest of his post it is devoid of common sense. Common sense to me means consultation, due process, and observation of international law. Common sense does not mean making rules as we go along and ignoring the ones we made that got us to where we are. Common sense does not mean ignoring the largest nation in Europe that has veto powers. Veto right protects against unilateral and bilateral decisions setting a precedent and for nations excluded from the decision making process.

There is no way that all EU states will agree to forcing independence on Serbia. It would take away the safeguards protecting boundaries throughout Europe, which many members would certainly feel strongly against.

With illegal immigration in italy spain portugal, with Uk russia political battles with eastern europe rejecting russias influence, I Think this is the precise time for the EU to Hold together and put into practice what they vision themselves to be.
Half of Eu already has invested heavily in Kosovo, and it would be a shame to let only Russia get away with the blocking for free option. Anyway Now that the real negotiations start russia has no more influence, maybe with some satellite states but its easy to spot them out.
Peace and November is coming faster than one might think. :D

Kate,

Don't be so sure that EU won't force Serbia into Kosovo's independence. So far many countires in Europe are in support of Kosovo's independence.

I will like to ask you something, Kate.
Why does it hurt to you when it comes to Kosovo being independent country?

I am surprised with Kostunica and Tadic they still hold their post,can not be more immature diplomacy then theirs.They both been travelling in every country in Europe to try and get support reg Kosovo and as we seen that every EU country supports supervised independance of Kosovo, so what is their next step to start a war against EU and US or ....
This time Eu is not going to tolerate Russia or anyone else to influance such movments.

once again B92 shows a very weak level of journalism...

"sources say" ... if B92 is relying on "sources" that are not mentioned...than that news is as much worth as the Albanian´s habit to deliberately write Kosovo wrongly with an "a"... it has no meaning.

bravo B92!

Some of the posters here are insinuating that Russia is the only country against Ahtisaari's greater albania plan. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In the UNSC last week, Russia, China, South Africa and Indonesia were openly against it. Within Europe there was a collective sigh of relief from Greece, Spain, Romania, Slovakia, and even Turkey (because of their Kurdish problems), that Ahtisaari's project did not happen. When you consider India and its problems with separatist Kashmir province, they are certainly against independence for Kosovo and the precedent it would set. The only countries trying to shove this greater albania project down everyone's throats are really the US and UK, but there plan is soon to collapse like a house of cards, because there is no underlying support or legality for it. They are now scared, and they should be. This was a victory for justice over power. Well done Mr. Putin, and Mr. Kostunica! The world is truly greatful.

hate to burst your bubble kate. but its not how it works. its the contact group that represents the eu and russia holds no veto. the contct group and usa will accept kosovo independence and offer financial help pegged against outcome of negotiation n standards, so they wont have a seat on the un or get assistance from imf n world bank, it doesnt mean the contact group cant borrow on kosovos behalf, after all they will have the last say on how kosovo will run n can guarantee the loans n build on the equity of the country. all serbia has done is stop n postpone the inevitable.... but what of the solution, serbia should market how life for the kalbanians would b far better within serbia n how it would benefit then. (there r no benefits)

We just need to use a common sense and conclude the only reasonable explanation on the newest regarding the issue. It’s more then obvious that transferring the subject to Contact Group has been done with the aim to get rid of Russia’s influence on the decision-making outcome. Since Russia doesn’t possess veto-right in this body, it only might contribute with initiatives which in this case should be of the rational nature.

The new negotiations have nothing to do with marginalizing Russia. In fact this is what Russia & Serbia WANTED. More negotiations! Now who was it here who said there will be no more negotiations, no more talks, etc. etc. I thought Russia was useless & nothing, they would be "bought out". Well, as it turned out they aren't useless or worthless. They stopped the Wests independence plan dead in their tracks. Just today Condi Rice told Ceku that they better not declare independence unilaterally. To which Ceku complied (even though he just told his own people back home that Independence is coming Nov. 28th) I can't wait for Nov 29th, i'm sure we will have Laki, Eagle, Adrianno and Co. all wired up giving each other high fives and planning their NEW independence party for sometime in '08 and another year will go down the drain for the people in Kosovo. The new negotiations would go over much smoother if the U.S. would stop misleading the Albanians which are dreaming of the impossible. Kosovo cannot and will not ever be an independent country. Not as long as there is a Serbia and Russia.

Eagle - I believe that it would cause negative ramifications throughout the Balkans and the whole of Europe.

Why do you have a problem with me being against independence? You seem to find it hard to believe that there is anyone in Western Europe who doesn't agree with independence and hasn't been completely brainwashed by the US and its cronies.

Why would anyone push for democratic principles, even to the extent that it's used an an excuse to attack certain countries, if you're not allowed to use them?!

Adriano,

You act like Russia was the only member of the Security Council rejecting Kosovo's independence. Russia was the only permanent member to publicly state that it would use its veto, but it certainly wasn't the only member to indicate that it would reject Kosovo's independence. South Africa, Congo, Ghana, Indonesia, China, and Slovakia were against independence too.

Only 5 of the 15 member Security Council definitely supports Kosovo independence: the United States, Britain, France, Belgium, and Italy.

Peru, Panama, and Qatar have not stated a position on Kosovo.

Even if Russia didn't threaten to use its veto, there is still a good chance that Kosovo independence wouldn't have gotten the nine votes necissary to pass muster in the Security Council.

You're right that Russia dosen't have a veto in the Contact Group, but the Contact Group dosen't have any legal powers either. So who cares?

The issue still has to go back to the Security Council, because Resolution 1244 (which guarantees Serbian sovregnity over Kosovo) will still be on the books no matter what the Contact Group decides.

Kosovo can declare its independence in November, but most of the world won't recognize it.

those who are of the opinion that the contact group are going to be able to declare kosovo independent are gravely misinformed and incorrect. it must be stressed that, though the contact group is made up 4 current UN membership nations the group itself has no authority to declare kosovo independant. It would be a breach of UN territorial and sovereign laws. It is only the UN itself, not any other third party, that can declare independance though this is still a breach of its own laws. I must say it would be a better idea to have kosovo become the albanian republic of serbia, just like the serbian republic of bosnia. No matter how offensive this seems, even to myself. It would allow for kosovo albaninas to have a form of independence yet kosovo would still be a serbian entity. Either way, as a rational thinking person, i can conclude that no one will ever give up 15% of their land. That is just idiotic. And for Mrs Rice, and all the americans out there im sure you will all be glad to approve when i visit and promise the hispanic people 15% of your land. You seem to find that fair.

Eagle
Why would it hurt you if it didnt?

Laki baki
Contact group has no legal say what-so-ever. The issue will have to come back to the UNSC and it will be shot down again by the Russians. So sorry if this is breaking news to u.

By the the
EU requires 73% of votes for them to unite over Kosovo. They dont even have 50% and they know they will never reach that mark. So their ONLY option is to accept Serbia with its borders intact.

Eagle,

Maybe Kate is like me. We believe in international laws and dont believe that a group of bandits funded on the back of misery of others (i.e. KLA and its indesputable funding from drugs, prostitution, people smuggling and every other criminal act) should be rewarded with 15% of a soveriegn nations territory. Its illegal, barbaric and just feeds the 'Greater' Albania
Check out the link. KLA must need some more AK-47's

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article2100329.ece

The methods that were used to justify Nato bombing of Serbia were the same methods that justified the invasion of Iraq. The Americans guessed what worked in the BalKans would also work in the middle east. Now the chickens are coming home to roost. This sham has been exposed. The truth will become even more apparent over the coming months and years. From Racak and CIA stooge Walker to the "genocide" of Kalbanians (more like genocide of Krajina and Kosovo Serbs) the world will realise that it has been duped. Sympathy for the Kalbanian cause will soon evaporate.

A lot of things can happen in the next couple of months, as they have in the last few. I believe that a new perspective is emerging within the EU. I just don't know why some of these beaurocrats keep saying, "We are running out of time". What time? Who has ever declared a timeline/deadline? There are conflict zones in the world going on for decades. You cannot impose situations on people. The beaurocrats will leave but, the the residents of the area will have to continue living there. Anyway, it will be very interesting how this all plays out.......One thing though, in IMHO, the negotiating team Kosovo should be changed. These guys are like robots repeating the same four words, "You promised Independence, hurry!" Pristina's so-called leaders are not politicians or diplomats, they are ex-guerilla fighters, some say terrorists. What do they possibly know about negotiating, without a gun? Please click on the link below, for a great opinion on the entire Kosovo status process.
http://euobserver.com/9/24521?rss_rk=1

Whether it's 120 or 240 the end results are in place kosova will be independent.There is no ifs ands about it. To many people alb and slav have suffered for to long serbia should realizwe this i hope this gets posted because most of my comments don't i guess the truth doesn't matter

Sunny i hate rain on your parade but i think the EU said if there is not UN resolution then it will not go though with the Kosovo business i think we all need to read closely what we write instead of trying to out do or out write any thing other contributors contribute. The contact team will talk and carry on about talks trying to get Pristina and Belgrade to talk. In the end neither Belgrade or Pristina will talk ends up as a stalemate. UN will be forced to leave Kosovo and the EU will not touch the province with a 10 foot pole. Why no agreement from UN to solidify it position.

R.I.P Ahtisaari's proposals. As the English saying goes, "Pride comes before a fall."

Since the will of Kosova people is for independence I expect talks only about the modalities of the separation. Neither Serbia's or Kosova's leadership have any room / mandate to negotiate anything else. I'm wondering if there are even going to be talks.
I also heard suggestions about dividing Kosova. I think that would be a really interesting idea considering that it will not stop with Northern Kosova.

Common sense means recognizing that Serbia is in this situation because it lacks commons sense. A country which lacks common sense cannot ask for common sense from others. Serbia is in the position it is because it broke the same international laws it's asking the world to respect on Serbia's behalf. So it is common sense not to forget with what we're dealing with. We're dealing with a country that has broken international laws in the near past by murdering thousands and ethnically cleansing millions, that is breaking them now by hiding and aiding war criminals and that at the same time without any shame is screaming around the world for people to respect the same laws Serbia itself is breaking every day. That is not common sense. I hear how Serbs complain about the double standards of the world. What about the double standards of Serbia itself. On one side it breaks international laws, on the other side it asks for them to be withheld. On one side it calls people "full-fledged" citizens, on the other side it denies the the right to vote for the Constitution. So it seems common sense to me to apply double standards to a country which is itself applying double standards to others.
As for Russia, north Corea, Cuba, Burma speak for themselves. They bring nothing but isolation and conflicts to this world. They are the enemy of freedom and democracy.

walter ... is it common sense "legal" for a government to kill its own citizens as it chooses. maybe the serbs should read ur post and reflect on your common sense and applied it

Sunny i did do my research, EU has said it would not vote on Kosovo issue unless it is a resolution from the UN. I guess i will have to post links for you to read so you will understand. I will post them tommorrow. Thanks for your post though i will be more specific next time.

Some people stated here that Europe or most of the European countries won't recognize Kosovo. Because it is against international law.
There was pretty much similar statements like 'no one is going to bomb Serbia because there is no UN resolution about it'. Or 'Russia and Belorussia would fight WWIII to protect Serbia'. Or 'NATO is falling apart'.
All these statements and things about it didn't happen long time ago. But some people forget so fast. Or they simply live in their own reality made of myths, which would've been even worse explanation.
Anyways, the lesson that all countries in the world should try to deduct and remeber from Serbia case is:
IF YOU THINK GENEVA CONVENTIONS ARE FOR FUN, THAN YOUR TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY MIGHT BE FOR FUN TOO.

laki bani,

you are the first Albanian here who is at all mentioning the kanun, and even saying it is primitive and old-fashioned.
let me speak out my compliments for that, since all the other Albanians here didn´t have the guts to admit it although I asked them about their opinion about it.

on the other hand, since you are portraying CURRENT international law as outdated, I must tell you that you are wrong on this! if there were new legal mechanisms accepted by all or at least the vast part of the international community, then you could say the UNSC and previous international treaties could be ou of date.
but doing so today and within the current situation what you are writing about international law is simply your personal opinion, a kind of wishful thinking!

and to be honest, the probability of the US to destroy the existing legal mechanisms, all principles on which even they themselves exercise their political power on the international scene, for the sake of the K-albanians.... is simply tending towards zero.
it´s not about friendship, laki it´s about interests, and that´s why the Americans are playing with you.

Walter,

It is in fact you comment that is devoid of any common sense whatsoever.

Your post promotes Russian influence in a Ballkans trying to join the EU and NATO, including your own country Serbia.

While your sole interest is to keep and advance Russian interests you fail to understand the current conditions and the reality in Kosova.

Reconciliation will be the new EU theme for Albanians and Serbs just as it is for Greeks and Turks, Bosniacs -Serbs - Croats and Russians and Moldovans.No one group is more important for Europe than any other and no time frame should be dictated on how long it will take to replace hatred in peoples hearts with tolerance and co-existence.No new borders need to be created just existing ones eliminated.Shalom to all.

Can there ever be an age limit on politicians? These tired, old beaurocrats are so old school, policy promoting dead weight, that I can see why world issues never go anywhere with them in charge. Just look at these people, I would like them for an uncle or grandfather but, please do not be involved in deciding my future. You had your day, let some young brains deal with world issues now. That is why I like Tadic, he is young and has a lot of his life in front of him, and will make decisions not only in the interest of his people but, his own life. What can Ahtisaari or Solana add to my future? They are agenda pushers, for a fee, with old-world, closed-minded, state-sponsored views. They will leave when their work is done, and the people will have to live with their garbage. Is that fair? After 45, get out of politics - that should be the rule in the whole world. Viva la diferecion!

there is no sense to continue with consultations to the eternity, there are at least 2 million human beings who are waiting to start a normal life, the “superpower” with a veto-right has no sense for. International law, is a piece of paper written down at a time and space according to existing requirements. If you agree with me, time has changed i.e. Karadzordje’s law and Lekë Dukagjini’s Kanun are today impractical, so they aren’t usable any more. However each of us respect them as a part of historical heritage. It has sense, if you agree with me. To be honest a part of your comment is unclear, so if you want to continue to name others, please be more specified. However, I am happy to exchange our opinions regarding this issue. But I would kindly ask participants to commit their selves on much more positive dialogue, and leave aside hate and spite. Since it may only produce bad reaction

JHam,
do some research on how things work and dont guess or be influenced on your ideals on how you think things should work but as they stand. i stand by my comments my research is solid. you dont have to like it but see them unfold. its how these things work my friend good luck with your analysis. i hope it works in the interest of the people of kosovo and the region

Well I invite all those Serbian and even some Russian politicians who have mentioned it before to propose to the Hispanics in the USA to vote on a referendum whether they want the place they live to be under Mexico or under the USA. At the same time a referendum should be held in Kosova/o for the people of Kosova/o to choose how they want to live. I think these politicians will be unpleasantly surprised by both these referendums. While we're at it let the people in Chechnia vote on a referendum too, see how they would vote.

With illegal immigration in italy spain portugal, with Uk russia political battles with eastern europe rejecting russias influence, I Think this is the precise time for the EU to Hold together and put into practice what they vision themselves to be.
Half of Eu already has invested heavily in Kosovo, and it would be a shame to let only Russia get away with the blocking for free option. Anyway Now that the real negotiations start russia has no more influence, maybe with some satellite states but its easy to spot them out.
Peace and November is coming faster than one might think. :D

There is no way that all EU states will agree to forcing independence on Serbia. It would take away the safeguards protecting boundaries throughout Europe, which many members would certainly feel strongly against.

Kate,

Don't be so sure that EU won't force Serbia into Kosovo's independence. So far many countires in Europe are in support of Kosovo's independence.

I will like to ask you something, Kate.
Why does it hurt to you when it comes to Kosovo being independent country?

We just need to use a common sense and conclude the only reasonable explanation on the newest regarding the issue. It’s more then obvious that transferring the subject to Contact Group has been done with the aim to get rid of Russia’s influence on the decision-making outcome. Since Russia doesn’t possess veto-right in this body, it only might contribute with initiatives which in this case should be of the rational nature.

once again B92 shows a very weak level of journalism...

"sources say" ... if B92 is relying on "sources" that are not mentioned...than that news is as much worth as the Albanian´s habit to deliberately write Kosovo wrongly with an "a"... it has no meaning.

bravo B92!

hate to burst your bubble kate. but its not how it works. its the contact group that represents the eu and russia holds no veto. the contct group and usa will accept kosovo independence and offer financial help pegged against outcome of negotiation n standards, so they wont have a seat on the un or get assistance from imf n world bank, it doesnt mean the contact group cant borrow on kosovos behalf, after all they will have the last say on how kosovo will run n can guarantee the loans n build on the equity of the country. all serbia has done is stop n postpone the inevitable.... but what of the solution, serbia should market how life for the kalbanians would b far better within serbia n how it would benefit then. (there r no benefits)

I am surprised with Kostunica and Tadic they still hold their post,can not be more immature diplomacy then theirs.They both been travelling in every country in Europe to try and get support reg Kosovo and as we seen that every EU country supports supervised independance of Kosovo, so what is their next step to start a war against EU and US or ....
This time Eu is not going to tolerate Russia or anyone else to influance such movments.

While Laki Bani writes “We just need to use a common sense” but after reading the rest of his post it is devoid of common sense. Common sense to me means consultation, due process, and observation of international law. Common sense does not mean making rules as we go along and ignoring the ones we made that got us to where we are. Common sense does not mean ignoring the largest nation in Europe that has veto powers. Veto right protects against unilateral and bilateral decisions setting a precedent and for nations excluded from the decision making process.

Walter,

It is in fact you comment that is devoid of any common sense whatsoever.

Your post promotes Russian influence in a Ballkans trying to join the EU and NATO, including your own country Serbia.

While your sole interest is to keep and advance Russian interests you fail to understand the current conditions and the reality in Kosova.

Since the will of Kosova people is for independence I expect talks only about the modalities of the separation. Neither Serbia's or Kosova's leadership have any room / mandate to negotiate anything else. I'm wondering if there are even going to be talks.
I also heard suggestions about dividing Kosova. I think that would be a really interesting idea considering that it will not stop with Northern Kosova.

Common sense means recognizing that Serbia is in this situation because it lacks commons sense. A country which lacks common sense cannot ask for common sense from others. Serbia is in the position it is because it broke the same international laws it's asking the world to respect on Serbia's behalf. So it is common sense not to forget with what we're dealing with. We're dealing with a country that has broken international laws in the near past by murdering thousands and ethnically cleansing millions, that is breaking them now by hiding and aiding war criminals and that at the same time without any shame is screaming around the world for people to respect the same laws Serbia itself is breaking every day. That is not common sense. I hear how Serbs complain about the double standards of the world. What about the double standards of Serbia itself. On one side it breaks international laws, on the other side it asks for them to be withheld. On one side it calls people "full-fledged" citizens, on the other side it denies the the right to vote for the Constitution. So it seems common sense to me to apply double standards to a country which is itself applying double standards to others.
As for Russia, north Corea, Cuba, Burma speak for themselves. They bring nothing but isolation and conflicts to this world. They are the enemy of freedom and democracy.

Whether it's 120 or 240 the end results are in place kosova will be independent.There is no ifs ands about it. To many people alb and slav have suffered for to long serbia should realizwe this i hope this gets posted because most of my comments don't i guess the truth doesn't matter

there is no sense to continue with consultations to the eternity, there are at least 2 million human beings who are waiting to start a normal life, the “superpower” with a veto-right has no sense for. International law, is a piece of paper written down at a time and space according to existing requirements. If you agree with me, time has changed i.e. Karadzordje’s law and Lekë Dukagjini’s Kanun are today impractical, so they aren’t usable any more. However each of us respect them as a part of historical heritage. It has sense, if you agree with me. To be honest a part of your comment is unclear, so if you want to continue to name others, please be more specified. However, I am happy to exchange our opinions regarding this issue. But I would kindly ask participants to commit their selves on much more positive dialogue, and leave aside hate and spite. Since it may only produce bad reaction

walter ... is it common sense "legal" for a government to kill its own citizens as it chooses. maybe the serbs should read ur post and reflect on your common sense and applied it

JHam,
do some research on how things work and dont guess or be influenced on your ideals on how you think things should work but as they stand. i stand by my comments my research is solid. you dont have to like it but see them unfold. its how these things work my friend good luck with your analysis. i hope it works in the interest of the people of kosovo and the region

Some people stated here that Europe or most of the European countries won't recognize Kosovo. Because it is against international law.
There was pretty much similar statements like 'no one is going to bomb Serbia because there is no UN resolution about it'. Or 'Russia and Belorussia would fight WWIII to protect Serbia'. Or 'NATO is falling apart'.
All these statements and things about it didn't happen long time ago. But some people forget so fast. Or they simply live in their own reality made of myths, which would've been even worse explanation.
Anyways, the lesson that all countries in the world should try to deduct and remeber from Serbia case is:
IF YOU THINK GENEVA CONVENTIONS ARE FOR FUN, THAN YOUR TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY MIGHT BE FOR FUN TOO.

Well I invite all those Serbian and even some Russian politicians who have mentioned it before to propose to the Hispanics in the USA to vote on a referendum whether they want the place they live to be under Mexico or under the USA. At the same time a referendum should be held in Kosova/o for the people of Kosova/o to choose how they want to live. I think these politicians will be unpleasantly surprised by both these referendums. While we're at it let the people in Chechnia vote on a referendum too, see how they would vote.

Eagle
Why would it hurt you if it didnt?

Laki baki
Contact group has no legal say what-so-ever. The issue will have to come back to the UNSC and it will be shot down again by the Russians. So sorry if this is breaking news to u.

By the the
EU requires 73% of votes for them to unite over Kosovo. They dont even have 50% and they know they will never reach that mark. So their ONLY option is to accept Serbia with its borders intact.

Eagle - I believe that it would cause negative ramifications throughout the Balkans and the whole of Europe.

Why do you have a problem with me being against independence? You seem to find it hard to believe that there is anyone in Western Europe who doesn't agree with independence and hasn't been completely brainwashed by the US and its cronies.

Why would anyone push for democratic principles, even to the extent that it's used an an excuse to attack certain countries, if you're not allowed to use them?!

Eagle,

Maybe Kate is like me. We believe in international laws and dont believe that a group of bandits funded on the back of misery of others (i.e. KLA and its indesputable funding from drugs, prostitution, people smuggling and every other criminal act) should be rewarded with 15% of a soveriegn nations territory. Its illegal, barbaric and just feeds the 'Greater' Albania
Check out the link. KLA must need some more AK-47's

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article2100329.ece

The methods that were used to justify Nato bombing of Serbia were the same methods that justified the invasion of Iraq. The Americans guessed what worked in the BalKans would also work in the middle east. Now the chickens are coming home to roost. This sham has been exposed. The truth will become even more apparent over the coming months and years. From Racak and CIA stooge Walker to the "genocide" of Kalbanians (more like genocide of Krajina and Kosovo Serbs) the world will realise that it has been duped. Sympathy for the Kalbanian cause will soon evaporate.

Adriano,

You act like Russia was the only member of the Security Council rejecting Kosovo's independence. Russia was the only permanent member to publicly state that it would use its veto, but it certainly wasn't the only member to indicate that it would reject Kosovo's independence. South Africa, Congo, Ghana, Indonesia, China, and Slovakia were against independence too.

Only 5 of the 15 member Security Council definitely supports Kosovo independence: the United States, Britain, France, Belgium, and Italy.

Peru, Panama, and Qatar have not stated a position on Kosovo.

Even if Russia didn't threaten to use its veto, there is still a good chance that Kosovo independence wouldn't have gotten the nine votes necissary to pass muster in the Security Council.

You're right that Russia dosen't have a veto in the Contact Group, but the Contact Group dosen't have any legal powers either. So who cares?

The issue still has to go back to the Security Council, because Resolution 1244 (which guarantees Serbian sovregnity over Kosovo) will still be on the books no matter what the Contact Group decides.

Kosovo can declare its independence in November, but most of the world won't recognize it.

A lot of things can happen in the next couple of months, as they have in the last few. I believe that a new perspective is emerging within the EU. I just don't know why some of these beaurocrats keep saying, "We are running out of time". What time? Who has ever declared a timeline/deadline? There are conflict zones in the world going on for decades. You cannot impose situations on people. The beaurocrats will leave but, the the residents of the area will have to continue living there. Anyway, it will be very interesting how this all plays out.......One thing though, in IMHO, the negotiating team Kosovo should be changed. These guys are like robots repeating the same four words, "You promised Independence, hurry!" Pristina's so-called leaders are not politicians or diplomats, they are ex-guerilla fighters, some say terrorists. What do they possibly know about negotiating, without a gun? Please click on the link below, for a great opinion on the entire Kosovo status process.
http://euobserver.com/9/24521?rss_rk=1

The new negotiations have nothing to do with marginalizing Russia. In fact this is what Russia & Serbia WANTED. More negotiations! Now who was it here who said there will be no more negotiations, no more talks, etc. etc. I thought Russia was useless & nothing, they would be "bought out". Well, as it turned out they aren't useless or worthless. They stopped the Wests independence plan dead in their tracks. Just today Condi Rice told Ceku that they better not declare independence unilaterally. To which Ceku complied (even though he just told his own people back home that Independence is coming Nov. 28th) I can't wait for Nov 29th, i'm sure we will have Laki, Eagle, Adrianno and Co. all wired up giving each other high fives and planning their NEW independence party for sometime in '08 and another year will go down the drain for the people in Kosovo. The new negotiations would go over much smoother if the U.S. would stop misleading the Albanians which are dreaming of the impossible. Kosovo cannot and will not ever be an independent country. Not as long as there is a Serbia and Russia.

Some of the posters here are insinuating that Russia is the only country against Ahtisaari's greater albania plan. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In the UNSC last week, Russia, China, South Africa and Indonesia were openly against it. Within Europe there was a collective sigh of relief from Greece, Spain, Romania, Slovakia, and even Turkey (because of their Kurdish problems), that Ahtisaari's project did not happen. When you consider India and its problems with separatist Kashmir province, they are certainly against independence for Kosovo and the precedent it would set. The only countries trying to shove this greater albania project down everyone's throats are really the US and UK, but there plan is soon to collapse like a house of cards, because there is no underlying support or legality for it. They are now scared, and they should be. This was a victory for justice over power. Well done Mr. Putin, and Mr. Kostunica! The world is truly greatful.

Reconciliation will be the new EU theme for Albanians and Serbs just as it is for Greeks and Turks, Bosniacs -Serbs - Croats and Russians and Moldovans.No one group is more important for Europe than any other and no time frame should be dictated on how long it will take to replace hatred in peoples hearts with tolerance and co-existence.No new borders need to be created just existing ones eliminated.Shalom to all.

Sunny i hate rain on your parade but i think the EU said if there is not UN resolution then it will not go though with the Kosovo business i think we all need to read closely what we write instead of trying to out do or out write any thing other contributors contribute. The contact team will talk and carry on about talks trying to get Pristina and Belgrade to talk. In the end neither Belgrade or Pristina will talk ends up as a stalemate. UN will be forced to leave Kosovo and the EU will not touch the province with a 10 foot pole. Why no agreement from UN to solidify it position.

Can there ever be an age limit on politicians? These tired, old beaurocrats are so old school, policy promoting dead weight, that I can see why world issues never go anywhere with them in charge. Just look at these people, I would like them for an uncle or grandfather but, please do not be involved in deciding my future. You had your day, let some young brains deal with world issues now. That is why I like Tadic, he is young and has a lot of his life in front of him, and will make decisions not only in the interest of his people but, his own life. What can Ahtisaari or Solana add to my future? They are agenda pushers, for a fee, with old-world, closed-minded, state-sponsored views. They will leave when their work is done, and the people will have to live with their garbage. Is that fair? After 45, get out of politics - that should be the rule in the whole world. Viva la diferecion!

R.I.P Ahtisaari's proposals. As the English saying goes, "Pride comes before a fall."

those who are of the opinion that the contact group are going to be able to declare kosovo independent are gravely misinformed and incorrect. it must be stressed that, though the contact group is made up 4 current UN membership nations the group itself has no authority to declare kosovo independant. It would be a breach of UN territorial and sovereign laws. It is only the UN itself, not any other third party, that can declare independance though this is still a breach of its own laws. I must say it would be a better idea to have kosovo become the albanian republic of serbia, just like the serbian republic of bosnia. No matter how offensive this seems, even to myself. It would allow for kosovo albaninas to have a form of independence yet kosovo would still be a serbian entity. Either way, as a rational thinking person, i can conclude that no one will ever give up 15% of their land. That is just idiotic. And for Mrs Rice, and all the americans out there im sure you will all be glad to approve when i visit and promise the hispanic people 15% of your land. You seem to find that fair.

Sunny i did do my research, EU has said it would not vote on Kosovo issue unless it is a resolution from the UN. I guess i will have to post links for you to read so you will understand. I will post them tommorrow. Thanks for your post though i will be more specific next time.

laki bani,

you are the first Albanian here who is at all mentioning the kanun, and even saying it is primitive and old-fashioned.
let me speak out my compliments for that, since all the other Albanians here didn´t have the guts to admit it although I asked them about their opinion about it.

on the other hand, since you are portraying CURRENT international law as outdated, I must tell you that you are wrong on this! if there were new legal mechanisms accepted by all or at least the vast part of the international community, then you could say the UNSC and previous international treaties could be ou of date.
but doing so today and within the current situation what you are writing about international law is simply your personal opinion, a kind of wishful thinking!

and to be honest, the probability of the US to destroy the existing legal mechanisms, all principles on which even they themselves exercise their political power on the international scene, for the sake of the K-albanians.... is simply tending towards zero.
it´s not about friendship, laki it´s about interests, and that´s why the Americans are playing with you.