Serbia will not trade Kosovo for EU

I agree Tex. The US had no right to promise territory that belonged to a sovereign nation.

Tex,

I think you forgot that Kosovo & Metohija is a province of the UN recognised state of Serbia as reaffirmed in UN SC resolution 1244 so it is the will of ALL of Serbia and it's citzens including those of Albanian ethnicity but not exclusive to only them!

Adriano if it was to be just about the will of the people then I guess your all for the partition of Kosovo & Metohija - imagine the microcosm of multiple statelets that could be made - is this really your only argument?

Teni, again your all for partition given that the ethnic-Albanian leaderhip control only their regions which do not contain the North or the enclaves which are all self governed so are you promoting partition as well given your arguments??

The US and a 'few' EU countries cannot ignore and bypass UN SC resolutions without creating even greater instability for the region and this will be a far worse economic situation for the multiple entities that would be created out of Serbia's province if it was enforced.

You cannot trade with something that you do not controll, please do no try to cheat your people.

Olf - I suggest you walk around Kosovo and take in the beautiful ancient Serbian Monasteries which are UNESCO heritage sites (the ones you have not already destroyed that is), and take in the Serbian history and culture that is Kosovo, the cradle of Serbian civilization. I would tell you to look at albanian heritage monuments too, but there aren't any. Because Kosovo is Serbian, and never ever was albanian.

Behar - that is the most ridiculous, falacious, and outright ludicrous claim that I have ever heard on here. So now you are claiming that the Serbian Monasteries are albanian???? LOL
Who is your history teacher, was it Olf, Ahmet Isufi??
That truly is a good one. Bye the way, if it is all albanian, why are you burning it and trying to destroy it all? People don't destroy what belongs to them, that is why Kosovo is Serbian, and the albanians want it destroyed.

Teni: "Kate I understand that for some reason you have a grudge against the US..."

This assumption is wrong and I would expect more from one of the few people on this site who doesn't normally stoop to leaping to conclusions. I do not have a grudge against the US at all, I just disagree with current foreign policy.

Recently, the Serbian Foreign Affairs Minister Vuk Jeremic came up with some proposals which he called 'precepts. The eight “precepts” Jeremic says are necessary to ensure stability in the Balkans, historically one of the world’s most unstable and violent regions. In this article the author will offer a response to each of Jeremic’s precept and in turn table some recommendations for the Serbian government which if followed will bring it closer to the Euro-Atlantic integration and reconciliation with its neighbors.

A Response to Jeremic’s Eight ‘Precepts’.

1) Consolidation of democracy in Serbia, “the pivot country in the region”. That would require avoiding “a potentially fatal setback” of imposed independence in Kosovo.

The first part of the sentence is something everybody in the Balkan region and the world community wishes for. Indeed, consolidation of democracy in Serbia would bring about the necessary component to ensure a stable region. However, having made Serbia the pivot country in the region, while it should have named it a continued source of instability and lost opportunities for the whole region, Jeremic continues with a request to avoid a fatal setback? What would that be? The return of radical nationalists to power? Nah, they already have won the majority in the last elections! What he is asking for is to renounce Kosovo or better say to sacrifice Kosovo in the altar of Serb democracy.

Probably Jeremic does not seem to realize that the fatal setbacks to democracy there stem from the same stubborn and failed policies that the government where he contributes continues to follow. Further, consolidation of democracy is something the Serbs themselves should bring about. The victory of the radicals in the polls, not that the position of other parties on the Kosovo issue differs much, except on, shows that Serbia is not ready yet for Europe.

2) Speeded-up integration of the Western Balkans into Europe and the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans.

This precept does nothing more than adding insult to injury. Western Balkans would have been already in Europe had it not been for the wars of aggression fought by Serbia against many of the former Yugoslav republics, culminating in the attempt at ethnic cleansing of the Kosovo Albanians resulting in a biblical exodus of the latter towards Albania and other neighboring countries.

Integration means amongst others and above all no generation of conflicts, respect for the rule of law and compliance with international law obligations.

The conflictual stance that the Serbian government has taken is illustrated inter alia by an unlawful setllement of borders between Kosovo and Macedonia by an agreement between Serbia and Macedonia and the running of parallel courts and institutions in some parts of Kosovo while this is under the UNMIK administration. For the latter activity is was also reprimanded by the UN Human Rights Committee in its Concluding Observations of its 87th Session.

One should add here the continued failure to comply with international law. That was emphasized by the International Court of Justice in its judgment of February 2007 where it found Serbia guilty for having failed to prevent genocide in Srebrenica and for not having yet transferred Mladic to the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia. To this day Serbia has failed to comply with its international obligations.

What international law is Serbia referring too? That which it does not pay any regard too? Should not one come forward with clean hands when claiming something under international law? Or probably even the sea cannot wash those hands anymore!!!

3) Enforcement of internationally-recognised borders and the respect of the sovereign equality of states.

This means that Kosovo’s borders should be respected and not changed and their right to self-determination be respected. International law cannot be read the way one pleases. The decision of the Great Powers in 1913 to divide the Albanian territories was taken at a time when might made right. Those Powers came to the rescue of the Albanians at a time when Milosevic was attempting to bring about his diabolic plan for a 'Final Solution'. Times have changed and international law too. The right of a people to self-determination is part of ius cogens and the people of Kosovo has expressed its will to be independent.

The people of Kosovo were never asked whether they wanted to be part of Serbia. And all the decisions taken were internal ones. The stuborness and complete lack of touch with reality of many mainstream Serb politicians, ‘democratic’ or radical, continued with their charades of acts adopted in their parliament regarding Kosovo, while the later was being governed by the UN.
Before speaking of sovereign equality of States lets speak of sovereign equality of people. The people of Kosovo have their own right to have their own State and choose their own government.

4) The broadest possible self-governance for Kosovo’s Albanians, with internationally-guaranteed administration of domestic affairs “totally unimpeded by Belgrade”.

Why not independence? The Albanians of Kosovo have continuously fought for their independence. If we are to speed up the Euro-Atlantic integration process the Serb politicians should start listening to their European counterparts. Although Jeremic puts as the second precept speeded-up integration to EU reality is completely different as leading Serb politicians have not made good on their promises to the EU from a long time now. Kosovo already has a broad self-governance and administers its own affairs totally unimpeded by Belgrade. It has not been under Serb rule for 8 years now. And it is not keen to return under the Serbian rule, for it has suffered under it for quite long.

5) The international guarantee of human and minority rights for all residents of Kosovo, with conditions created to allow the return to the province of more than 200,000 people displaced by violence, mainly ethnic Serbs.

More guarantees than the Ahtisaari plan for the protection of the rights of the Serb minority and the churches around Kosovo would not have been put together even if the plan was written by Kostunica himself. It is the Kosovar Albanians that will be interested to guarantee the rights of the minorities in Kosovo so that they gain independence. Furthermore, reciprocity is a good guarantee that both parties, i.e Albanians and Serbs will have to live up to their obligations as there are Serbs living in Kosovo and Albanians living in Serbia. However, it is the Serbian government itself that is keeping hostage the Serbs of Kosovo with its obstructionist policies.

6) Comprehensive efforts at reconciliation between Serbs and Albanians.

For efforts to succeed they should be more than just mere words. And reconciliation needs time and sincere efforts. Without Serbia considering Albanians of Kosovo on a par there cannot be reconciliation. There are many issues standing in the way of reconciliation, but lets name a few:

First and foremost, the Serb position to the independence of Kosovo stands in the way of this reconciliation.

Second, the recent and old massacres of the civilian population, the mass graves, the still-missing and the lack of an apology for what has befallen the Albanians of Kosovo during the Serb rule stand in the way.

7) An international guarantee to safeguard Kosovo’s cultural and religious heritage, some of which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Kosovo’s ethnic Albanian majority is Muslim, but the province has many sites important to Serbia’s Orthodox Christian majority.

The international community is present in Kosovo and will continue to be for years to come. The Ahtisaari plan provides a good guarantee for the protection of this heritage which is not Serbian, but pertains to the whole people of Kosovo. The Albanian majority is interested in safeguarding this common heritage.

8) An unconditional commitment to a lasting and secure peace.

Coming from a member of a government that still speaks the language of war and continued threats that disturb the peace and stability in the Balkans that seems a contradiction! Of course, speaking is cheap, is does not cost a thing, and such words makes you look good. Albanians have a strong commitment to peace, security and prosperity in the Balkans because they are looking forward to a common European future. The Serb government is stuck in a historical battle which took place seven centuries ago and which they ultimately lost. History, monuments and so on are there for the people and it cannot be not vice versa. Peace can be lasting and secure only when Albanians of Kosovo will be seen as equal and equally worthy of esteem and allowed to go their own chosen way, that of self-determination.

Recommendations for Mr. Jeremic and the Serbian Government.

§ The Serbian government should renounce publicly the Milosevic legacy and make a public apology to all constituent parts of the former Republic of Yugoslavia for the misfortunes that its aggressive military policies of the ‘90s have caused to their populations.

§ It should make an official apology and pay pecuniary damages to the people of Kosovo for the loss of life and the destruction of property which its’ military, police and para-military forces inflicted there during the latest conflict.

§ It should recognize the independence of Kosovo as part of the reconciliation process with Albanians and as part of the process of building a common, safe, and peaceful European future.

§ It should come to an agreement with the Government of Kosovo regarding outstanding issues such as the pension rights build by the people of Kosovo under the former Yugoslavia and the release of any Albanian political prisoners still kept in Serbian prisons.

§ It should start as soon as possible to comply with its obligations under international law to surrender wanted war criminals.

Conclusion.

Kosovo is on its way to independence. It is not surprising that all Serb politicians are trying hard to turn it into an Odysseys journey. They forget that despite the many adventures and losses he incurred in its long and arduous way Odysseys returned home. So will do Kosovo. Soon it will be independent. That is not because the international community is against Serbia, but because that is the expressed will of the people of Kosovo. When Serbian politicians will start looking around for partners to build a better future for the region instead of vassals to serve the interests of the ‘pivot’ country, as Jeremic calls it, then all the inhabitants of this conflict-torn and poor region could start enjoying together the peaceful tones of the Ninth Symphony of Beethoven.

KosovO has been a bargaining chip for many, many "freedoms". This proves yet once again how politicians use geography, people, anything they can get their hands like a chessboard.

KosovO's is at status quo. The only people who believe that something is actually going on have been posting on this website.

With regard to the EU - with all of the EXPORTING that Serbia is doing who needs who? Ask someone who has joined the EU how they are doing today. It's like a child with a new toy, once they get bored, it gets tossed aside. The EU although beneficial on some aspects, on many others - not so.

To Teni & all the other pro-independence commentators - evidence is in your postings - just a short 30 days ago, you were all cheering for bush/US & the assistance that the US/EU & everyone else claimed they were going to do for the albanians residing in KosovO - OR did you forget about that already? Believe so, the evidence is in your postings.

Kate, the Independence of Kosovo is a will of Kosovo Albanian, not Americans. I think that you forgot that.
Have a nice day.

Of course Serbia should not give up Kosovo for EU membership! Name one other country that had to give up sovereign territory in order to join. Is being part of the EU so important, so beneficial as to give up one's sovereignty? In theory the EU is a great idea, but in practice/execution the EU is dominated by a handful of Western European countries like Lowe said. More & more Germany is becoming the dominate member and the EU is becoming less democratic every year. I believe Serbia would do just fine without EU membership and German domination!

Princip
Dont fool urself!
They are already independent. They have lovely KFOR vehicles driving up and down their streets. Just as likely to shoot them as anyone else. They have their politicians... that can... choose a flag, I suppose. Maybe make a statue of Clinton and Blair. However, no actualy power. If Serbs want to make a 'wall' they ask KFOR.

What is a nation with out its people Kate? Many peoples have split before, this wont be different. And i know what are you going to say here 1244.
when resolution 1244 was signed it should have been on the basis of The principle of self-determination; the right to liberation, to de-colonization.
Not the principle of no modification of borders.
Anyway Kate dear unilateral declaration of independence is not bad at all, and is 100% legal.
Such a move would make Kosovo a member of a small club of countries around the world which exists as de facto independent countries but which have limited international recognition and are not members of the United Nations. Taiwan is the best-known example of such countries, but the group also includes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Somaliland, Abkhazia, Transdniester (Pridnestrovie) and Western Sahara, among others.

The countries meet the requirements for statehood under international law and are sovereign in all practical regards. Their limited diplomatic relations is caused by political reasons, and not any practical absence of sovereignty.
So cheers and enjoy our independence with us. Dont go into the EU no problem.

Shaban, in your view the K-Albanians are the good guys and the Serbs the baddies. This is how the conflict initially was perceived in Western Europe. I read both Dutch and Belgian newspapers and I can tell you that over the past years there has been a shift in how the media are portraying the situation in Kosovo. Currently, newspapers are more and more writing on Serbs who are forced to live in enclaves guarded by NATO soldiers, that many Serbs have fled to Serbia proper and only a handful of them have dared to return to the place they were born and raised, that Orthodox (read: Christian) churches are damaged by K-Albanians etc etc. Ever since 1991 we did not like the Serbs too much, but now our sympathy for the K-Albanians is also declining. Most people in this part of Western Europe are fed up with Balkan conflicts and think both Serbs AND K-Albanians are to blame for the enduring crisis in Kosovo.

It is not the first time that Serbia is willing to trade it’s future(even though very distant). I wonder what Serbs will have to say to this since 78% of Serbs want to be in EU. Who cares what Serbia has to say. We can decide for our futures

Teni don’t bother with Kate’s since she is sitting safe in UK and doing her theses in Balkans, same would go for Prinicps etc. These guys seem not to be informed properly so don’t bother.

Guys, come to Kosova and see for yourselves who will greet you at he border, not Serbian police but Kosova costumes , if you pay you will pay in euros not in dinars etc.

No one does not want to listen, this Kosovo business will not be solved during these talks. No one seems to understand that there are bigger stakes then just we have mentioned. But as always no one listens

Shaban, Tex and all other Serbians of Albanian ethnicity,

could you please name a date for this supposed independece?

Ceku said publically;

Independence in early 2007 - 20 November 2006
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/comments.php?nav_id=38102
Last time the leadership of the ethnic-Albanians was so adamant was Kosumi who at least resigned in June 2006 when he was no longer credible.

Yet here we are in the second half of 2007 and no independence! I wonder if any of you could be so kind as to provide a date for this mythical independence?

The EU is not an association of equals. There's first class members like UK, Belgium France and Germany who call the shots, second class members like Italy, Portugal and Austria who are kept happy to be occasionally invited to the first class dinner table ..... and the rest of the pack ..... guess which category the Balkans would belong to ..... in the bygone days of empire, we call those in the last category "colonies".

Besides being absurd since Serbia does not control Kosovo, this is also getting boring. Why doesn't B92 simply publish e list saying: the following people have said that Serbia will not trade Kosovo for the EU. It would save a lot of time and effort to the poor B92 journalists who have to come up with a new take on what is exactly the same declaration.
Kate I understand that for some reason you have a grudge against the US, but you are really missing the point here. As Tex said this is the Kosovo Albanians asking for independence. It is not as if the Americans came along and said: you know what guys, why don't you aks for independence for Kosovo.

""During the talks [with the EU] we insist that Serbia's accession to the European Union and Kosovo's status are separate and independent issues," Vukićević said." Of course if mister Vuk can lie from the confort of the Kremlin all he wants. Mr Vuk its not russia that will put you into the EU, its the EU powerhouses, UK France,Germany ,Italy. You want to join the EU bud give a deaf ear to their statements? You cant come to EU with shady records, claiming the land with out the people of mighty Kosovo.

Shaban Veseli

If K-Albanians want their will for independence to be respected, they must in turn be prepared to respect the will of the K-Serbs. Which means to recognize their right to have north Kosovo remain within Serbia. Any obstinate refusal would only doom the coming talks to failure ..... with the same outcome eventually anyway, only it will happen outside UNSC instead of within ie. de facto partition instead of de jure.

Olf,

truth and reconciliation commission.

Shaban,

Very astute comments and observations about the situation. I would like to add the following ammendments to your list of recommendations:

1. As part of an overall truth and reconciliation movement to address and atone for the past, both Serbs and Albanians need to fully, and unequivocably reexamine their histories of the region. This site alone shows that the divergent viewpoints of Kosovo and the Balkans are almost exclusively derived from how one has learned the history of their own people and of those communities around them. Examining Serbian textbooks published under the Milosevic period, it was obvious a "victimhood" mentality pervaded the texts. Yet I am equally sure that Albanian textbooks in Kosovo teach the exact opposite of what Serbs are learning, in an equally selective and biased manner. What we learn and what we hear influences what we think, and how we act. I am all for pushing for a "multiethnic" history of Kosovo. Kosovo's history should be a shared history, just like Kosovo's society should be a shared society.

Second, a third-party commission should be given the responsibility for drawing up a final tally of dead and missing over the last 8 years, as well as drawing up a final amount of compensation each side should, and must, reimburse the other - for either lost property, lost wages, lost jobs, etc. If people are unable or unwilling to return to their homes, they should be compensated in kind.

Third, while we ALL want peace and stability in the Balkans and a solution that doesn't make Kosovo go bankrupt within the first 6 months of sovereignty, I still believe that if Kosovo is to be independent, it should - at least initially - be organized around a confederate political system similar to that of Bosnia. Serbs are in no better shape reclaiming southern Kosovo today than are Albanians claiming the north. In order to avoid an outright partition, it would be wise for the international community to recognize what Serbs still control in Kosovo and give it to them as part of a federal political package. Make Nothern Mitrovica the regional political center for the Serbs, while Pristina remains the political center, both regionally and federally, for the Albanians and the entirety of Kosovo.

The easiest way to make Kosovo the multiethnic state everyone wants, but no one knows how to achieve, is to get the Serbs on board. People like Ivanovic will clearly stay in Kosovo, but reluctantly look to Belgrade for support, knowing full well he is little more than a pawn for them. Work with people like Ivanovic, and Father Sava of Decani. They are the moderate voices and can provide great support to both Kosovo and the EU if their immediate interests and securities are met.

Like you, I want this process to move forward, and I appreciate your comments as something other than the repetitive Kosovo is mine/Kosova is mine that we see here all too frequently. Serbia still has much to reexamine from the 1990s, but they also have legitimate grievances and issues of their own that need answering. True negotiations and true conflict resolution should put both the legitimate claims of Albanians and Serbs on the table. We certainly will not see eye to eye on everything, but if there are people like you, Village Bey, Nick, and Matthew, who truly want something constuctive and comprehensive, I'm willing to hammer out the details.

Mister Shaban Veseli, i would like to thank you for a detailed view of the fake 10 commandments from our Neighbours to the north.
It is refreshing to see intelligent analyses than the usual, no this and no that and more this and less that.
Once again thank you for your time and thoughts.

Princip
"The US and a 'few' EU countries cannot ignore and bypass UN SC resolutions without creating even greater instability for the region and this will be a far worse economic situation for the multiple entities that would be created out of Serbia's province if it was enforced"

Princip, since Serbia ignore all principes of human rigghts when expeled, killed, raped. Kosova has no chances to go back. Kosova will be independent.

Dragan: "..around Kosovo and take in the beautiful ancient Serbian Monasteries"
Stop calling the Serb Monasteries. Those are Albanian Orthodox and Catholic churches and monasteries arrogated by Serbs after the 7'th century.

Princip UK

For the first time your posting reflect so much nervousness, I wonder why?
Princip, I would be more than glad to give you the date but I don’t know it myself, but it does not matter. Main point is not to be part of Serbia, even status quo is fine.
I have one question for you as well:
When Kosova will become Autonomous part of Serbia without UN administration since you are trumpeting that for some time and how will you realistically(no futuristic style please answers) make K-Albanians feel Serbian citizens.

Kate
I might be wrong but whether you like it or not, whether you mean it that way or not, you do sound very much like a person with a very strong anti-US and it goes without saying anti - K- Albanian view.
In addition whether you like it or not you sound very patronizing.

Same responses, same arguments, same banter, same posturing, same selective memory. Different day.

First of all, its better to have a KFOR vehicles than Serbians with tanks, and is better to apreciate Clinton and Bler than to hide a criminals like Mladiq and Karagjiq. We fought for freedom and democracy and against Millosheviq regime and we will keep fighting for freedom even if it takes thousand more years. You weren't able to stop Millosheviq while he was alive and even though he is dead you are supporting his politics, because you are afraid. You had one lider in this century and you assasinated him, he was Gjingjiq and he was born in Kosove. These guys like Tadiq who is afraid to say what he thinks and Koshtunica who is playing the new Millosheviq are not liders they have no clue what the politics is. this is for CVELE. Next i just wanted to remind that Serbia gave up in Kosovo since June 1999, and will never be able a second chance, this is politics, for ZORAN. Finally for some guys who are claiming that they arre studying ballkans or whatever in west, will be better for them if they start read better books and read what is democracy, because in five years they are not gonna be able to do anything with their politics knowlege, because their style is so old and out of fashion and Koshtunica will not be there for you . for KATE and others who are thinking inside the BOX.

Dragan: "..around Kosovo and take in the beautiful ancient Serbian Monasteries"
Stop calling the Serb Monasteries. Those are Albanian Orthodox and Catholic churches and monasteries arrogated by Serbs after the 7'th century.
(Behar, 7. August 2007 16:12)

So Behar - even if they were yours as you claim (even though they are not), your post is evidence of your crimes. Thank you for admitting to the crimes committed.

J Ham are you the JHam that used to post on the Jourist which was cancelled by the university due to US government pressure because we questioned the fairness of the Milosevic trial? You comment that no one listens is true. In the community where I live First Nation (FN) children listen much better than their counterparts. FN children learned by listening and seeing. They were taught to feel through listening what the elder was sayin and feeling. We never teach our children how to listen. That is one subject in school that no one teaches unfortunately.To listen one must internalize what the other is saying and hear it with the heart as well as with the ears.. We are seldon taught to see ourselves as others see us so we need to listen with the heart as well as with the head if we hope for any reconciliation. .

I have observed conversations between people from the Balkans, particularly the less educated and when they are in a discussion and have no new ideas the voice rises louder and louder until they are yelling at each other. Sometimes I capitalize words in my posts for emphasis but when I see some posters capitalize the whole or half of their post they are actually YELLING.

Dragan: from your comment I can understand that you claim that Albanians for seven hundreds years long were pagans?! You are wrong, Albanians admitted the Christianity same way and same time as the other nations on Europe. Even one of the Pope's on Vatican was Albanian (Pio, maybe wrong spelling).Of course that the only place for religious rituals were churches and monasteries. So how could Christian Albanians practice the religious without holy places like churches and monasteries. So we had them, but what happened with them? The answer is so simply, when your predecessors came they arrogated them. See what is happening now with monastery in Prohor Pcinski which belong to Macedonians, but as always you arrogated it.
Nevertheless, I am against the practice to identify religion with ethnicity - every orthodox church belongs to all orthodox people no matter of nationality. Same is with the mosques.

Yeah exactly 1244 was strategic retreat, but for Serbia not for Kosove, because reality in the ground is different and res 1244 is just paper that will change soon,and what are you gona do after Kosovo will be Kosove, are you going to invade U.S. or Europe,let me know,ZORAN.

Olf~ I am not quite sure what Albanian costumes look like, or wait I think you meant to write customs?? I am not too sure, but one thing is for sure Kosovo is Serbia! If your quality of argument and writing is any indication of the quality of the Kosovo Albanian team during talks than we Serbs have nothing to worry about!

"Serbia gave up in Kosovo since June 1999". Istref, did you ever hear of UN Res 1244? Kosovo is Serbia, 1999 was a temporary/partial strategic retreat!

Istref, I don't need to invade the US since I live here! 1244 is not just a piece of paper, it was signed by ALL sides and reaffirms Serbia's sovereignty over Kosovo, the situation on the ground can change very quickly as you well know but with the fullest autonomy the ethnic Albanian minority in the Serbian province of Kosovo will control their own affairs. The only changes that are required is to fully implement Res 1244!

Kate, I love all your comments. Keep writing them, they are right on!

Dragan: "..around Kosovo and take in the beautiful ancient Serbian Monasteries"
Stop calling the Serb Monasteries. Those are Albanian Orthodox and Catholic churches and monasteries arrogated by Serbs after the 7'th century.

You cannot trade with something that you do not controll, please do no try to cheat your people.

Kate, the Independence of Kosovo is a will of Kosovo Albanian, not Americans. I think that you forgot that.
Have a nice day.

I agree Tex. The US had no right to promise territory that belonged to a sovereign nation.

What is a nation with out its people Kate? Many peoples have split before, this wont be different. And i know what are you going to say here 1244.
when resolution 1244 was signed it should have been on the basis of The principle of self-determination; the right to liberation, to de-colonization.
Not the principle of no modification of borders.
Anyway Kate dear unilateral declaration of independence is not bad at all, and is 100% legal.
Such a move would make Kosovo a member of a small club of countries around the world which exists as de facto independent countries but which have limited international recognition and are not members of the United Nations. Taiwan is the best-known example of such countries, but the group also includes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Somaliland, Abkhazia, Transdniester (Pridnestrovie) and Western Sahara, among others.

The countries meet the requirements for statehood under international law and are sovereign in all practical regards. Their limited diplomatic relations is caused by political reasons, and not any practical absence of sovereignty.
So cheers and enjoy our independence with us. Dont go into the EU no problem.

Besides being absurd since Serbia does not control Kosovo, this is also getting boring. Why doesn't B92 simply publish e list saying: the following people have said that Serbia will not trade Kosovo for the EU. It would save a lot of time and effort to the poor B92 journalists who have to come up with a new take on what is exactly the same declaration.
Kate I understand that for some reason you have a grudge against the US, but you are really missing the point here. As Tex said this is the Kosovo Albanians asking for independence. It is not as if the Americans came along and said: you know what guys, why don't you aks for independence for Kosovo.

Princip
"The US and a 'few' EU countries cannot ignore and bypass UN SC resolutions without creating even greater instability for the region and this will be a far worse economic situation for the multiple entities that would be created out of Serbia's province if it was enforced"

Princip, since Serbia ignore all principes of human rigghts when expeled, killed, raped. Kosova has no chances to go back. Kosova will be independent.

""During the talks [with the EU] we insist that Serbia's accession to the European Union and Kosovo's status are separate and independent issues," Vukićević said." Of course if mister Vuk can lie from the confort of the Kremlin all he wants. Mr Vuk its not russia that will put you into the EU, its the EU powerhouses, UK France,Germany ,Italy. You want to join the EU bud give a deaf ear to their statements? You cant come to EU with shady records, claiming the land with out the people of mighty Kosovo.

It is not the first time that Serbia is willing to trade it’s future(even though very distant). I wonder what Serbs will have to say to this since 78% of Serbs want to be in EU. Who cares what Serbia has to say. We can decide for our futures

Teni don’t bother with Kate’s since she is sitting safe in UK and doing her theses in Balkans, same would go for Prinicps etc. These guys seem not to be informed properly so don’t bother.

Guys, come to Kosova and see for yourselves who will greet you at he border, not Serbian police but Kosova costumes , if you pay you will pay in euros not in dinars etc.

Recently, the Serbian Foreign Affairs Minister Vuk Jeremic came up with some proposals which he called 'precepts. The eight “precepts” Jeremic says are necessary to ensure stability in the Balkans, historically one of the world’s most unstable and violent regions. In this article the author will offer a response to each of Jeremic’s precept and in turn table some recommendations for the Serbian government which if followed will bring it closer to the Euro-Atlantic integration and reconciliation with its neighbors.

A Response to Jeremic’s Eight ‘Precepts’.

1) Consolidation of democracy in Serbia, “the pivot country in the region”. That would require avoiding “a potentially fatal setback” of imposed independence in Kosovo.

The first part of the sentence is something everybody in the Balkan region and the world community wishes for. Indeed, consolidation of democracy in Serbia would bring about the necessary component to ensure a stable region. However, having made Serbia the pivot country in the region, while it should have named it a continued source of instability and lost opportunities for the whole region, Jeremic continues with a request to avoid a fatal setback? What would that be? The return of radical nationalists to power? Nah, they already have won the majority in the last elections! What he is asking for is to renounce Kosovo or better say to sacrifice Kosovo in the altar of Serb democracy.

Probably Jeremic does not seem to realize that the fatal setbacks to democracy there stem from the same stubborn and failed policies that the government where he contributes continues to follow. Further, consolidation of democracy is something the Serbs themselves should bring about. The victory of the radicals in the polls, not that the position of other parties on the Kosovo issue differs much, except on, shows that Serbia is not ready yet for Europe.

2) Speeded-up integration of the Western Balkans into Europe and the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans.

This precept does nothing more than adding insult to injury. Western Balkans would have been already in Europe had it not been for the wars of aggression fought by Serbia against many of the former Yugoslav republics, culminating in the attempt at ethnic cleansing of the Kosovo Albanians resulting in a biblical exodus of the latter towards Albania and other neighboring countries.

Integration means amongst others and above all no generation of conflicts, respect for the rule of law and compliance with international law obligations.

The conflictual stance that the Serbian government has taken is illustrated inter alia by an unlawful setllement of borders between Kosovo and Macedonia by an agreement between Serbia and Macedonia and the running of parallel courts and institutions in some parts of Kosovo while this is under the UNMIK administration. For the latter activity is was also reprimanded by the UN Human Rights Committee in its Concluding Observations of its 87th Session.

One should add here the continued failure to comply with international law. That was emphasized by the International Court of Justice in its judgment of February 2007 where it found Serbia guilty for having failed to prevent genocide in Srebrenica and for not having yet transferred Mladic to the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia. To this day Serbia has failed to comply with its international obligations.

What international law is Serbia referring too? That which it does not pay any regard too? Should not one come forward with clean hands when claiming something under international law? Or probably even the sea cannot wash those hands anymore!!!

3) Enforcement of internationally-recognised borders and the respect of the sovereign equality of states.

This means that Kosovo’s borders should be respected and not changed and their right to self-determination be respected. International law cannot be read the way one pleases. The decision of the Great Powers in 1913 to divide the Albanian territories was taken at a time when might made right. Those Powers came to the rescue of the Albanians at a time when Milosevic was attempting to bring about his diabolic plan for a 'Final Solution'. Times have changed and international law too. The right of a people to self-determination is part of ius cogens and the people of Kosovo has expressed its will to be independent.

The people of Kosovo were never asked whether they wanted to be part of Serbia. And all the decisions taken were internal ones. The stuborness and complete lack of touch with reality of many mainstream Serb politicians, ‘democratic’ or radical, continued with their charades of acts adopted in their parliament regarding Kosovo, while the later was being governed by the UN.
Before speaking of sovereign equality of States lets speak of sovereign equality of people. The people of Kosovo have their own right to have their own State and choose their own government.

4) The broadest possible self-governance for Kosovo’s Albanians, with internationally-guaranteed administration of domestic affairs “totally unimpeded by Belgrade”.

Why not independence? The Albanians of Kosovo have continuously fought for their independence. If we are to speed up the Euro-Atlantic integration process the Serb politicians should start listening to their European counterparts. Although Jeremic puts as the second precept speeded-up integration to EU reality is completely different as leading Serb politicians have not made good on their promises to the EU from a long time now. Kosovo already has a broad self-governance and administers its own affairs totally unimpeded by Belgrade. It has not been under Serb rule for 8 years now. And it is not keen to return under the Serbian rule, for it has suffered under it for quite long.

5) The international guarantee of human and minority rights for all residents of Kosovo, with conditions created to allow the return to the province of more than 200,000 people displaced by violence, mainly ethnic Serbs.

More guarantees than the Ahtisaari plan for the protection of the rights of the Serb minority and the churches around Kosovo would not have been put together even if the plan was written by Kostunica himself. It is the Kosovar Albanians that will be interested to guarantee the rights of the minorities in Kosovo so that they gain independence. Furthermore, reciprocity is a good guarantee that both parties, i.e Albanians and Serbs will have to live up to their obligations as there are Serbs living in Kosovo and Albanians living in Serbia. However, it is the Serbian government itself that is keeping hostage the Serbs of Kosovo with its obstructionist policies.

6) Comprehensive efforts at reconciliation between Serbs and Albanians.

For efforts to succeed they should be more than just mere words. And reconciliation needs time and sincere efforts. Without Serbia considering Albanians of Kosovo on a par there cannot be reconciliation. There are many issues standing in the way of reconciliation, but lets name a few:

First and foremost, the Serb position to the independence of Kosovo stands in the way of this reconciliation.

Second, the recent and old massacres of the civilian population, the mass graves, the still-missing and the lack of an apology for what has befallen the Albanians of Kosovo during the Serb rule stand in the way.

7) An international guarantee to safeguard Kosovo’s cultural and religious heritage, some of which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Kosovo’s ethnic Albanian majority is Muslim, but the province has many sites important to Serbia’s Orthodox Christian majority.

The international community is present in Kosovo and will continue to be for years to come. The Ahtisaari plan provides a good guarantee for the protection of this heritage which is not Serbian, but pertains to the whole people of Kosovo. The Albanian majority is interested in safeguarding this common heritage.

8) An unconditional commitment to a lasting and secure peace.

Coming from a member of a government that still speaks the language of war and continued threats that disturb the peace and stability in the Balkans that seems a contradiction! Of course, speaking is cheap, is does not cost a thing, and such words makes you look good. Albanians have a strong commitment to peace, security and prosperity in the Balkans because they are looking forward to a common European future. The Serb government is stuck in a historical battle which took place seven centuries ago and which they ultimately lost. History, monuments and so on are there for the people and it cannot be not vice versa. Peace can be lasting and secure only when Albanians of Kosovo will be seen as equal and equally worthy of esteem and allowed to go their own chosen way, that of self-determination.

Recommendations for Mr. Jeremic and the Serbian Government.

§ The Serbian government should renounce publicly the Milosevic legacy and make a public apology to all constituent parts of the former Republic of Yugoslavia for the misfortunes that its aggressive military policies of the ‘90s have caused to their populations.

§ It should make an official apology and pay pecuniary damages to the people of Kosovo for the loss of life and the destruction of property which its’ military, police and para-military forces inflicted there during the latest conflict.

§ It should recognize the independence of Kosovo as part of the reconciliation process with Albanians and as part of the process of building a common, safe, and peaceful European future.

§ It should come to an agreement with the Government of Kosovo regarding outstanding issues such as the pension rights build by the people of Kosovo under the former Yugoslavia and the release of any Albanian political prisoners still kept in Serbian prisons.

§ It should start as soon as possible to comply with its obligations under international law to surrender wanted war criminals.

Conclusion.

Kosovo is on its way to independence. It is not surprising that all Serb politicians are trying hard to turn it into an Odysseys journey. They forget that despite the many adventures and losses he incurred in its long and arduous way Odysseys returned home. So will do Kosovo. Soon it will be independent. That is not because the international community is against Serbia, but because that is the expressed will of the people of Kosovo. When Serbian politicians will start looking around for partners to build a better future for the region instead of vassals to serve the interests of the ‘pivot’ country, as Jeremic calls it, then all the inhabitants of this conflict-torn and poor region could start enjoying together the peaceful tones of the Ninth Symphony of Beethoven.

Mister Shaban Veseli, i would like to thank you for a detailed view of the fake 10 commandments from our Neighbours to the north.
It is refreshing to see intelligent analyses than the usual, no this and no that and more this and less that.
Once again thank you for your time and thoughts.

Princip UK

For the first time your posting reflect so much nervousness, I wonder why?
Princip, I would be more than glad to give you the date but I don’t know it myself, but it does not matter. Main point is not to be part of Serbia, even status quo is fine.
I have one question for you as well:
When Kosova will become Autonomous part of Serbia without UN administration since you are trumpeting that for some time and how will you realistically(no futuristic style please answers) make K-Albanians feel Serbian citizens.

Kate
I might be wrong but whether you like it or not, whether you mean it that way or not, you do sound very much like a person with a very strong anti-US and it goes without saying anti - K- Albanian view.
In addition whether you like it or not you sound very patronizing.

Tex,

I think you forgot that Kosovo & Metohija is a province of the UN recognised state of Serbia as reaffirmed in UN SC resolution 1244 so it is the will of ALL of Serbia and it's citzens including those of Albanian ethnicity but not exclusive to only them!

Adriano if it was to be just about the will of the people then I guess your all for the partition of Kosovo & Metohija - imagine the microcosm of multiple statelets that could be made - is this really your only argument?

Teni, again your all for partition given that the ethnic-Albanian leaderhip control only their regions which do not contain the North or the enclaves which are all self governed so are you promoting partition as well given your arguments??

The US and a 'few' EU countries cannot ignore and bypass UN SC resolutions without creating even greater instability for the region and this will be a far worse economic situation for the multiple entities that would be created out of Serbia's province if it was enforced.

Shaban, Tex and all other Serbians of Albanian ethnicity,

could you please name a date for this supposed independece?

Ceku said publically;

Independence in early 2007 - 20 November 2006
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/comments.php?nav_id=38102
Last time the leadership of the ethnic-Albanians was so adamant was Kosumi who at least resigned in June 2006 when he was no longer credible.

Yet here we are in the second half of 2007 and no independence! I wonder if any of you could be so kind as to provide a date for this mythical independence?

Teni: "Kate I understand that for some reason you have a grudge against the US..."

This assumption is wrong and I would expect more from one of the few people on this site who doesn't normally stoop to leaping to conclusions. I do not have a grudge against the US at all, I just disagree with current foreign policy.

Olf,

truth and reconciliation commission.

First of all, its better to have a KFOR vehicles than Serbians with tanks, and is better to apreciate Clinton and Bler than to hide a criminals like Mladiq and Karagjiq. We fought for freedom and democracy and against Millosheviq regime and we will keep fighting for freedom even if it takes thousand more years. You weren't able to stop Millosheviq while he was alive and even though he is dead you are supporting his politics, because you are afraid. You had one lider in this century and you assasinated him, he was Gjingjiq and he was born in Kosove. These guys like Tadiq who is afraid to say what he thinks and Koshtunica who is playing the new Millosheviq are not liders they have no clue what the politics is. this is for CVELE. Next i just wanted to remind that Serbia gave up in Kosovo since June 1999, and will never be able a second chance, this is politics, for ZORAN. Finally for some guys who are claiming that they arre studying ballkans or whatever in west, will be better for them if they start read better books and read what is democracy, because in five years they are not gonna be able to do anything with their politics knowlege, because their style is so old and out of fashion and Koshtunica will not be there for you . for KATE and others who are thinking inside the BOX.

Shaban Veseli

If K-Albanians want their will for independence to be respected, they must in turn be prepared to respect the will of the K-Serbs. Which means to recognize their right to have north Kosovo remain within Serbia. Any obstinate refusal would only doom the coming talks to failure ..... with the same outcome eventually anyway, only it will happen outside UNSC instead of within ie. de facto partition instead of de jure.

The EU is not an association of equals. There's first class members like UK, Belgium France and Germany who call the shots, second class members like Italy, Portugal and Austria who are kept happy to be occasionally invited to the first class dinner table ..... and the rest of the pack ..... guess which category the Balkans would belong to ..... in the bygone days of empire, we call those in the last category "colonies".

Same responses, same arguments, same banter, same posturing, same selective memory. Different day.

Behar - that is the most ridiculous, falacious, and outright ludicrous claim that I have ever heard on here. So now you are claiming that the Serbian Monasteries are albanian???? LOL
Who is your history teacher, was it Olf, Ahmet Isufi??
That truly is a good one. Bye the way, if it is all albanian, why are you burning it and trying to destroy it all? People don't destroy what belongs to them, that is why Kosovo is Serbian, and the albanians want it destroyed.

Of course Serbia should not give up Kosovo for EU membership! Name one other country that had to give up sovereign territory in order to join. Is being part of the EU so important, so beneficial as to give up one's sovereignty? In theory the EU is a great idea, but in practice/execution the EU is dominated by a handful of Western European countries like Lowe said. More & more Germany is becoming the dominate member and the EU is becoming less democratic every year. I believe Serbia would do just fine without EU membership and German domination!

"Serbia gave up in Kosovo since June 1999". Istref, did you ever hear of UN Res 1244? Kosovo is Serbia, 1999 was a temporary/partial strategic retreat!

Istref, I don't need to invade the US since I live here! 1244 is not just a piece of paper, it was signed by ALL sides and reaffirms Serbia's sovereignty over Kosovo, the situation on the ground can change very quickly as you well know but with the fullest autonomy the ethnic Albanian minority in the Serbian province of Kosovo will control their own affairs. The only changes that are required is to fully implement Res 1244!

KosovO has been a bargaining chip for many, many "freedoms". This proves yet once again how politicians use geography, people, anything they can get their hands like a chessboard.

KosovO's is at status quo. The only people who believe that something is actually going on have been posting on this website.

With regard to the EU - with all of the EXPORTING that Serbia is doing who needs who? Ask someone who has joined the EU how they are doing today. It's like a child with a new toy, once they get bored, it gets tossed aside. The EU although beneficial on some aspects, on many others - not so.

To Teni & all the other pro-independence commentators - evidence is in your postings - just a short 30 days ago, you were all cheering for bush/US & the assistance that the US/EU & everyone else claimed they were going to do for the albanians residing in KosovO - OR did you forget about that already? Believe so, the evidence is in your postings.

Shaban, in your view the K-Albanians are the good guys and the Serbs the baddies. This is how the conflict initially was perceived in Western Europe. I read both Dutch and Belgian newspapers and I can tell you that over the past years there has been a shift in how the media are portraying the situation in Kosovo. Currently, newspapers are more and more writing on Serbs who are forced to live in enclaves guarded by NATO soldiers, that many Serbs have fled to Serbia proper and only a handful of them have dared to return to the place they were born and raised, that Orthodox (read: Christian) churches are damaged by K-Albanians etc etc. Ever since 1991 we did not like the Serbs too much, but now our sympathy for the K-Albanians is also declining. Most people in this part of Western Europe are fed up with Balkan conflicts and think both Serbs AND K-Albanians are to blame for the enduring crisis in Kosovo.

Olf - I suggest you walk around Kosovo and take in the beautiful ancient Serbian Monasteries which are UNESCO heritage sites (the ones you have not already destroyed that is), and take in the Serbian history and culture that is Kosovo, the cradle of Serbian civilization. I would tell you to look at albanian heritage monuments too, but there aren't any. Because Kosovo is Serbian, and never ever was albanian.

No one does not want to listen, this Kosovo business will not be solved during these talks. No one seems to understand that there are bigger stakes then just we have mentioned. But as always no one listens

Princip
Dont fool urself!
They are already independent. They have lovely KFOR vehicles driving up and down their streets. Just as likely to shoot them as anyone else. They have their politicians... that can... choose a flag, I suppose. Maybe make a statue of Clinton and Blair. However, no actualy power. If Serbs want to make a 'wall' they ask KFOR.

Shaban,

Very astute comments and observations about the situation. I would like to add the following ammendments to your list of recommendations:

1. As part of an overall truth and reconciliation movement to address and atone for the past, both Serbs and Albanians need to fully, and unequivocably reexamine their histories of the region. This site alone shows that the divergent viewpoints of Kosovo and the Balkans are almost exclusively derived from how one has learned the history of their own people and of those communities around them. Examining Serbian textbooks published under the Milosevic period, it was obvious a "victimhood" mentality pervaded the texts. Yet I am equally sure that Albanian textbooks in Kosovo teach the exact opposite of what Serbs are learning, in an equally selective and biased manner. What we learn and what we hear influences what we think, and how we act. I am all for pushing for a "multiethnic" history of Kosovo. Kosovo's history should be a shared history, just like Kosovo's society should be a shared society.

Second, a third-party commission should be given the responsibility for drawing up a final tally of dead and missing over the last 8 years, as well as drawing up a final amount of compensation each side should, and must, reimburse the other - for either lost property, lost wages, lost jobs, etc. If people are unable or unwilling to return to their homes, they should be compensated in kind.

Third, while we ALL want peace and stability in the Balkans and a solution that doesn't make Kosovo go bankrupt within the first 6 months of sovereignty, I still believe that if Kosovo is to be independent, it should - at least initially - be organized around a confederate political system similar to that of Bosnia. Serbs are in no better shape reclaiming southern Kosovo today than are Albanians claiming the north. In order to avoid an outright partition, it would be wise for the international community to recognize what Serbs still control in Kosovo and give it to them as part of a federal political package. Make Nothern Mitrovica the regional political center for the Serbs, while Pristina remains the political center, both regionally and federally, for the Albanians and the entirety of Kosovo.

The easiest way to make Kosovo the multiethnic state everyone wants, but no one knows how to achieve, is to get the Serbs on board. People like Ivanovic will clearly stay in Kosovo, but reluctantly look to Belgrade for support, knowing full well he is little more than a pawn for them. Work with people like Ivanovic, and Father Sava of Decani. They are the moderate voices and can provide great support to both Kosovo and the EU if their immediate interests and securities are met.

Like you, I want this process to move forward, and I appreciate your comments as something other than the repetitive Kosovo is mine/Kosova is mine that we see here all too frequently. Serbia still has much to reexamine from the 1990s, but they also have legitimate grievances and issues of their own that need answering. True negotiations and true conflict resolution should put both the legitimate claims of Albanians and Serbs on the table. We certainly will not see eye to eye on everything, but if there are people like you, Village Bey, Nick, and Matthew, who truly want something constuctive and comprehensive, I'm willing to hammer out the details.

Dragan: "..around Kosovo and take in the beautiful ancient Serbian Monasteries"
Stop calling the Serb Monasteries. Those are Albanian Orthodox and Catholic churches and monasteries arrogated by Serbs after the 7'th century.
(Behar, 7. August 2007 16:12)

So Behar - even if they were yours as you claim (even though they are not), your post is evidence of your crimes. Thank you for admitting to the crimes committed.

Olf~ I am not quite sure what Albanian costumes look like, or wait I think you meant to write customs?? I am not too sure, but one thing is for sure Kosovo is Serbia! If your quality of argument and writing is any indication of the quality of the Kosovo Albanian team during talks than we Serbs have nothing to worry about!

Kate, I love all your comments. Keep writing them, they are right on!

J Ham are you the JHam that used to post on the Jourist which was cancelled by the university due to US government pressure because we questioned the fairness of the Milosevic trial? You comment that no one listens is true. In the community where I live First Nation (FN) children listen much better than their counterparts. FN children learned by listening and seeing. They were taught to feel through listening what the elder was sayin and feeling. We never teach our children how to listen. That is one subject in school that no one teaches unfortunately.To listen one must internalize what the other is saying and hear it with the heart as well as with the ears.. We are seldon taught to see ourselves as others see us so we need to listen with the heart as well as with the head if we hope for any reconciliation. .

I have observed conversations between people from the Balkans, particularly the less educated and when they are in a discussion and have no new ideas the voice rises louder and louder until they are yelling at each other. Sometimes I capitalize words in my posts for emphasis but when I see some posters capitalize the whole or half of their post they are actually YELLING.

Dragan: from your comment I can understand that you claim that Albanians for seven hundreds years long were pagans?! You are wrong, Albanians admitted the Christianity same way and same time as the other nations on Europe. Even one of the Pope's on Vatican was Albanian (Pio, maybe wrong spelling).Of course that the only place for religious rituals were churches and monasteries. So how could Christian Albanians practice the religious without holy places like churches and monasteries. So we had them, but what happened with them? The answer is so simply, when your predecessors came they arrogated them. See what is happening now with monastery in Prohor Pcinski which belong to Macedonians, but as always you arrogated it.
Nevertheless, I am against the practice to identify religion with ethnicity - every orthodox church belongs to all orthodox people no matter of nationality. Same is with the mosques.

Yeah exactly 1244 was strategic retreat, but for Serbia not for Kosove, because reality in the ground is different and res 1244 is just paper that will change soon,and what are you gona do after Kosovo will be Kosove, are you going to invade U.S. or Europe,let me know,ZORAN.