“Last chance for compromise”

Compromise - a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands.

The talks will continue until a time as a compromise is found because it is the only solution that is stable and lasting. All other options carry far too many consequences that frankly the EU are not prepared to persue. In the coming months the EU will forge a "Europena" compromise that will slash the Gordian knot of Kosovo & Metohija smply by upholding international laws and obligations that all in the EU as well as the US have formulated and agreed only 8 years ago.

This new tone in the US is reflected by representaives such as Polt with his Freudian slip of "what if", Montgomery's article 'Frozen conflicts' and other representatives who are becoming much more vocal & not pro Illegal and UN undermining abrupt actions of independence - read the article 'Negotiating for peace in Kosovo' by Dan Burton
http://washingtontimes.com/article/20070820/COMMENTARY/108200019/1012

'Negotiating for Peace' - I think this sums it up - all along the Serbian govt. has stated that it wants to find a compromise yet again and again all we hear from the ethnic-Albanians is threats of independence or violence. As Montgomery said it;
"I have to admit that it seems that of all the ethnic groups in the former Yugoslavia, the one, which has not "learned" to avoid the use of violence, are the Kosovo Albanians."

Eric: "..all other minorities in europe must have the right to self determination where they form the majority population."

Really? Are we talking provincially (as with Kosovo) or nationally?

And where does that leave my area in London, for example (or the city as whole come to that)?

I am one of 3 English people that I know in my street. Everyone else, who I mix with happily (most integrate and there are a number of mixed marriages), are Indian, West Indian, German, Welsh, Pakistani, Japanese and loads of Polish and Slovakian people. I am in a vast minority and have just got used to it. Big city life.

Does that mean that if one of these groups manages to outnumber another they then have the right to make my area some sort of ethnically clean non-English statelet?

And there was me thinking that everyone was after multi-cultural diversity, tolerance and mix! Wasn't that what George Robertson stated as the main aim with Kosovo?

oh...so, Mr.Surroi is sending out a warning?

interesting!

I don´t think the Albanians are in the position to send out warnings, but as it seems they still think that possibly someone out there would take them serious.

actually, the Albanians should be warned, they are playing with fire.
and...NATO is there, and will calm them down if they resort to violence. Serbia, is in the vicinity, to help if NATO doesn´t have the capabilities...

so, let´s be honest. who should better think twice before sending out warnings?

Ms Plassnik - not that you care any more deeply than virtually any of the other politicians regarding this issue, but:

(1) Too much time 'has been wasted' because of the unconstructive use of the previous round of talks (ie. met c. once a month with a predetermined outcome - I've had more serious talks with the guy who runs the corner shop);

(2) I realise that it veers off your instruction sheet/ briefing page but Russia's threat to use its veto may not be designed to be 'obstructive'. Actually, that is what the veto system is there for - to use! The UK and US have used theirs far more than Russia since WWII... were they being 'obstructive'?

(3) The group being the most genuinely obstructive receive not a whisper of a comment during your 'thoughts' on this issue. The Kosovo Albanian provincial government are saying that if partition or anything other than full independence is put on the table, they are off and will walk out of the talks.

There are only 3 alternatives: independence, autonomy or partition. That means that 2 out of 3 can't even be discussed!

The US needs to support a process to find a genuine solution pronto, or else this will all end in disaster for everyone involved. But then, do they really care? Probably not.

It is funny how many of you forget to mention the brutality of Serbian regime in 90’s. That was something that Europe will never forget. If NATO did not intervene than most of you, that care more about Europe than us, would be fighting the same forces but with a little change, in your doorsteps. However, this matter was solved by people experienced with dealing with these things, see laki NY link.

Kate

If your neighbours are to find out about you posting in here would think again in socialising with you. Protecting and denying someone’s right for self-determination is not really a nice thing to do especially in their houses.

Princip

K-Albanians are for negotiated agreement as well. There are ground rules that they are following.
Serbian team is not bringing anything new to table except supervised autonomy called differently. Kosovars are doing the same thing.
Montgomery statement can be used differently in more positive manner as well, though I will leave this to your imagination.

Jovan

Jovan, forget Albanians mate, Serbian politicians can only threaten and nothing else. There is a say” Don’t be afraid of the barking dog it will not bite” so, Serbian politicians are doing the same thing.

K-Serbs are interested to integrate and live in Kosova with their Albanian neighbours, so don’t try to suggest Milosevic style life’s for us.

Ms.Plassnik is a gorgeous woman who needs to embrace patience as a virtue.Vienna was not built in one day and neither will the Balkans become Europeanized in 120 days so I say to Ms.Plassnik let's have a candlelight dinner on the Danube in Vienna when I come to visit and discuss rational policies which are good for all of Europe. Kate has a brilliant mind and I admire her postings immenesely.

Will you stop this 'Bad Serbs good Albanians' story because it is becoming a joke.

Dont you get it that what the US and EU are trying to do in Kossovo is something never tried before. Trying to solve an international dispute by fragmenting older nations into tiny states based on current demographics.
If this proves succesful is something to try somewhere else, if not, they will just admit failure and walk away.
The K-Albanians are going for the maximum of their demands, what happens if this plan fails ?
How they are going to explain this to their people ?
Compromise is the only exit to these kind of disputes.
If Serbia comes out of this story wounded there will never be peace on the region, 20, 30 years after the trouble will kick off again.

The issue of Kosovo can and will be "settled" very quickly as soon as the independence option is off of the table. Autonomy is the only viable long lasting option. Meddling in the internal affairs of sovereign countries can only bring chaos & disaster. You would think that the West had learned this lesson with the violent, illegal, unjustified breakup of Yugoslavia. Apparently not! On another note, you pro-Indy guys are just showing your true selves with your lame attacks on Kate. You just can't stand the fact that an English woman is against your nefarious schemes. Don't waste your time responding to their unwarranted attacks Kate.

Need I say more? Jovan, Kate=Princip, Rade, Cvele?
You should realize that most countries know that Serbia or I should say, Radical elements in Serbia like yourselves ONLY, try to portray Albanians like they are not human beings.
The EU countries have been in Kosovo enough to see who really Albanian peoples are.
They know the difference of Albanian and radical Serbs who only want war, discrimination, anarchy, so they can stay in power.
It is absolutely e travesty what some of you writte.
It is not going to help you on this issue.
Russia, by supporting you only has to lose.

Village-bey - You have just demonstrated the common practise of cheaply pulling apart someone else's comment (which was in response to a specific point by Eric) instead of coming up with something yourself.

It is far easier to just attack and destroy than come up with something constructive of your own. Isn't it?

I can't believe that I am being attacked for comments about multi-ethnicity by someone who wishes to bring independence to a province where virtually the only non-Albanians left are those in the employee of the UN and NGOs. Perhaps that's why you have nothing concrete to say on the matter.

As for not knowing who lives on your street, that's a shame. It's very mind expanding to make the effort without needing lists to be published.

Jovan,

I remember Mr. Kostunica saying that Serbia is waging yet another Battle of Kosovo but this time with the United States, and all Serbia had was him (playing Lazar) and the might of international law and justice.

You think thats serious?

Fairy tales and myths have brought Serbia to its current state. After orcestrating the fall of Yugoslavia and the deaths of hundreds of thousands, it is time for Serbia to reap the fruits of its labor.

Jovan "...NATO is there, and will calm them down if they resort to violence. Serbia, is in the vicinity, to help if NATO doesn´t have the capabilities... "

Jovan you keep forgetting why NATO is Kosova.
Just to remind you why NATO is in Kosova
http://img.timeinc.net/time/magazine/archive/covers/1995/1101950911_400.jpg

Kate, Robertson lied just as Cook lied, multi ethnic Kosovo who are Nato kidding!. Kosovo is the most cleansed area in europe and the Albanians are not turning back. I live in London and the area is 97% english. I meant to say the Basque people the Serbs of Bosnia must have the right to self determination nothing more or less.

Eric - I agree that one would lead to the other which is the danger of this whole charade. Also that Robertson, Cook etc. meant none of what they initially said.

Where do you live in London where it is 97% English??! Downing Street? This amazes me and I have been a Londoner for many years.

Kate: It seemed to me -and I might be mistaken - that you were complaining about the make up of your street that's why I asked you about the BNP. After all that is one of the main complaints of BNP supporters. And in any case even if you are not a BNP supporter, whether you want it or not, your views make you a Serb Radical Party Supporter and that is even worse than the BNP. And talking about you patronizing tone: just look at your comment about the intelligence etc and tell me that is not patronizing.
And one thing since you seem to be such a staunch supporter of state sovereignty. I do not care about what agreement the Basques and the Spanish reach with each other. It's up to them, but - theoretically - please tell me why the Basques shouldn't be allowed to have their own homeland if a majority of them wish it? Why would that be a continuation of a charade, as you call it? What right does Spain have to control one of the most ancient people in Europe that certainly lived in that territory millenia before there even was such a thing as a Spanish nation? The same goes for Wells etc. And aren't there cases when a state through its treatment of a certain population looses the right of sovereignty over that population? If the UK were to treat the Scotts in as appalling a way as the Serbs treated the K-Albanians wouldn't the UK loose any claim on Scotland if the Scotts wanted independence?

teni,

"Kate: the K-Albanians are asking for supervised independence. And the parallel with your street really doesn't hold water at all. The Welsh or Scotts asking for independence would be a better example."

- why would this be a better example? Both Scotland and Wales are nation states of the United Kingdom, have a historical account of being seperate countries, have distinct country borders for centuries and are an distinct ethnicity. Are any of the these the case of a "Kosovarian" state are they in union, have had defined borders for centuries and are an actual ethnicity? If you can answer a positive to any of these questions please substantiate beyond enver hoxa book of Ilyrian history!

The fact is that the similarity is as Kate put it - any ethnic minority who become a local majority can on the same principle enforce the dismemberment and partition of the host state as would be set by such a precedent that the like of you and others here actually believe will happen. In reality the EU and any other European states would consider this a preposterous notion if it was set as a precedent & aplicable to their own state as have Spain, Slovakia, Greece, Romania, Cyprus pointed out. Which is far from the truth put out by Adriano who ignores the fact that not "all the west leaders encourige independence" outside of the UN because of the precedent that it will in fact set.

Good luck and understand that even the US is re-evaluating it's stance as requested by representative Dan Burton - I provided a link above but clearly some don't wish to comment. For those who havn't read it heres a snippet with regards the US perspective that it MIGHT (not WILL) consider recognising an Illegal independence;
"This is a terrible idea. To start with, our policy is in contravention of international laws and will create a dangerous precedent. Also, there is no reason to suppose an independent Kosovo would be a viable state, either economically or politically. Terrorist and organized crime influences, already rampant in Kosovo, would be granted a consolidated haven for their operations. Independence would likely be followed by renewed anti-Serb attacks, at least against the smaller enclaves, if not against Northern Mitrovica, where most of the remaining Serbs enjoy relative security. Unrest in neighboring Albanian-dominated areas of southern Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia, even Greece, could be reignited.

Perhaps most damaging, an imposed separation of Kosovo from Serbia would send a message to other trouble-spots, not just in the Balkans, that state borders are up for grabs."

Of course the fact that the voices within the US against such an abrupt action against the UN and international law implies that the idea is waning fast - much faster some would like to know!

Princip: You have a very bad habit of picking an author or politician whose views resemble yours and presenting those views as the sacrosanct truth, but only in as far they do not contradict your own. You did that with Montgomery and look at what Montgomery had to say about Serbia. I do not know who this guy is that you are talking about now, but I do know that the US president and spokesmen of the administration have supported Kosovo's independence all along. That's worth more than "representative Dan Burton" in my books.
And I said that Kate should not compare her street to Kosovo and that Scottlad or Wells would be a BETTER example and not the PERFECT example. I hope you are not suggesting the contrary.
And Princip I am not really a big fan of Enver Hoxha's books. Differently from the Serbs it seems, who are still very much in touch with Milosevic's views, we have broken with our past dictators. And I am not saying that the Albanians are descended from the Illyrians, not because I do not believe it to be true, but I simply don't care in as far as Kosovo is concerned. If you look at the registers of your Serb medieval kingdoms you would find that there were Albanians there since the Middle Ages and that they are not some recent emigrants like 97% of Kate's street. You would also find that Kosovo was conquered by Serbia only in the 13th century and that before that you guys were not there either and the territory belonged either to the Bulgarian Empire or to Byzantium. Maybe you should consider handing it back to them? But in any case territorial control of a territory does not neccesarily imply a demographic majority. Even if that had been the case the fact that the Serbs left Kosovo as you claim in the Velika Seoba or the 100000 other imaginary migrations means that they lost their right to it. The Albanians stayed there so Kosovo belongs to us. Is that simple really and that's why we are getting it back.
Furthermore the Albanians in Kosovo are very distinct from the Serbs ethnically, the boundaries of Kosovo were set by no less a person than Tito in recognition of the territory's differences from the rest of Serbia and that division was accepted by Serbia until Milosevic came along.
And even if none of the above had been true the treatment the K-Albanians suffered at Serb hands, the people who are in power in Serbia now and their attitudes towards Kosovo would be very valid reasons in themselves for Kosovo to want to run away from Serbia. Thank God, for all the objections of his excellency "representative Dan Burton" successive US presidents have suported us and will continue to support us. But you can argue the rights and wrongs of it if it makes you feel any better.

Teni - I don't care what 'nationalists' or anyone else thinks of my comments.

And on the whole, the most fervent nationalists of all are those who speak in favour of independence, not against.

There are only 3 alternatives: independence, autonomy or partition. That means that 2 out of 3 can't even be discussed!, said kate.
I would like to ask Kate which is the only one that can be discused? I mean two out of three that you said.
i will stick with Indpendence and there is no other alterantive whatsoever. Partition and autonomy is a dead issue with me and the rest of Kosova Albanians.

Teni, if the Welsh or Scots started killing innocent civilians and police in England, I'm sure the English would respond with force. What was Belgrade to do? Just let the KLA terrorize with impunity? Get real!

so, let´s be honest. who should better think twice before sending out warnings?
(Jovan, 20. August 2007 12:24)

The belgrade-team.

Kosovars rule Kosova and that will stay forever. Good day.

Dear Kate
I was born and bred in Manchester, which is a very diverse city and attracts many new arrivals. As you will be aware many English people welcome people from abroard and celebrate diversity. From reading this site this is clearly not true of Kosovo so you cannot compare a country like England where different groups are represented throughout all aspects of life and we actively seek to outlaw discrimination. Kosovo Albanians clearly would like to have some credibility after such oppression. Kososovo Albanians are the under dogs and are striving for some recognition. Once again you cannot compare a democratic country who respect individuals whatever their religion or beliefs maybe with one that oppresses others.

Swapping is a good option since it's based on ethnic exchange of territories.
Face it Serbs. All is lost. Kosovo will be Europe's Taiwan. Protected by the West just like the Americans are protecting Taiwan from China.

Kate: the K-Albanians are asking for supervised independence. And the parallel with your street really doesn't hold water at all. The Welsh or Scotts asking for independence would be a better example. And as far as I know your goevernment would not reply to such demands by sending in the army and ethnically cleansing Wells, would it? And by the way do you happen to be a BNP supporter?

Princip: Since you like to refer to Montgomery you might mention his article on the truths about Serbia too. And then have a look at the comments postet by tyour fellow Serbs in reply. The same guy that was almost proclaimed a hero when he wrote about Kosovo now has suddenly become an unwanted guest for daring to spell out his oppinions on what's wrong with Serbia. I am not saying whether he is right or wrong, but the simple reaction to his analysis shows why there is no future for K-Albanians in Serbia. You guyes are simply too chauvinistic and although most people in the Balkans can be accused of being so, it seems to have taken never before seen dimensions in Serbia. This coupled with the mentality expressed by people like Jovan in this thread is the reason why you will never get Kosovo back and why you should count yourselves lucky if you do get the northern bit.

Teni: "And by the way do you happen to be a BNP supporter?"

I said that I mixed with people of all nationalities and was making the point that nationalism is stoked with talk of one ethnicity trying to take over.

Asking me whether I am a member of the BNP party is deeply offensive and I would expect more from somebody clearly more intelligent than that.

Mr. Surroi, it seems, is holding a silver briefcase. He states no one is even theoretically allowed to mention partition or swapping of land. The only thing they can negotiate is grabbing land. If that is the freedom and code they want to live by they can go to Albania and dream up other pyramid schemes and let the majority in Kosovo live a normal life and be free to talk theoretically about anything.

Re. Olf's comment: "Kate - If your neighbours are to find out about you posting in here would think again in socialising with you. Protecting and denying someone’s right for self-determination is not really a nice thing to do especially in their houses."

Not only does this not make any sense, but it is also very personal and obviously intended to sound threatening. I am surprised that B92 have allowed it. But I am pro open talk so take the [very] rough with the smooth.

You are telling me that my neighbours would stop speaking to me because I voice my opinion against the independence of Kosovo?? What kind of backward medieval thinking is that?!

Jack:"...like the Americans are protecting Taiwan from China."
No. The China population is almost 50 times larger than Taiwan population. While Albanian and Serbs, almost the same. To compare the fate of Taiwan with Kosova fate is absolutely incorrect.

It is still early to predict but it appears that EU and US will move ahead and unilaterally will recognize Kosovo's independence (and implement Ahtisaari's plan). Serb government unable to grasp the reality it finds itself today has resorted to a rhetoric reminiscent of Milosevic area. High government officials threaten everyone who dares to suggest Kosovo's independence. Furthermore they persist on labeling Kosovo Albanians as terrorist, criminals, thugs and separatist without bothering to offer any clue on how they plan to live side by side with these Kosovo Albanian terrorist, criminals, thugs and separatist if Kosovo were to remain part of Serbia. How is ti possible to establish a democratic Serbia with such a high number of criminals? Does anyone bother to think about that or Serbia plans to just simply exterminate all of them as Milosevic attempted to do few years back? What is the official policy? This state of mind that Serbia (and Balkans to some extent) finds itself and which displayed by many posters here is summarized nowhere better than on a piece written by William Montgomery and published by B92. Here is the link: http://www.b92.net/eng/insight/opinions.php?nav_id=43127

The inferior feeling towards Albanians in Kosovo and the Albanians in Balkans overall, prevalent not only on the comments of the various posters on this site but also among the highest officials of the current Serb government is the main obstacle to a compromised solution. Simply stated Serb officials deem Albanians as unworthy of independence or any other just solution deemed good for Albanians in Kosovo. There is a feeling that Albanians are uneducated and don't know how to run anything on their own in other words they are second class people. One could go further and argue that this was the general thinking in former Yugoslavia, as many suggest here, however the political ingenuity displayed by Kosovo leadership has made many change their attitudes towards the Albanians and made them to consider Albanians as equal partners. Nevertheless, as Montgomery argues, Serbia is behind on this about 20 years.

Last week B92 featured Kosovo's President Sejdiu statement and today B92 features Surroi statement in a news article. Comments on these articles, last week and today, are of one looking down on them, name calling, and not taken seriously. Posters ask who is Sejidu? or Surroi for that matter?. They are out of touch with reality some say. And yet some say they are just pawns on the hands of US etc ... Well, let me remind you of one fact about these two. They are few among the principal architects of the Albanian political movement in former Yugoslavia. The result of this movement led first to avoidance of a war in Kosovo during early 90's (some politicians at that time had hoped for the Albanians to start a war so they could break away unscathed from Yugoslavia) and culminated with enrollment of the NATO's assistance in expelling all Serb armed forces from Kosovo (with lot fewer losses for their nation compared to Slovenian, Croatian and Bosnian wars). Yes, it is these same illiterate, uneducated, terrorists, criminals that managed to do all this. Hence, I strongly suggest you pay close attention to what they have to say as it appears they are very good informed and in close touch with reality that surrounds them.

LAKI NY, a picture is worth a thousand words.
One guy says something in favour of Serbia EG; montgomery, it is framed forever in the copy and paste world of princip. all the west leaders encourige independence and all of them get treated as traitors of some kind. (this traitors are responsible for the majority of the serbian investment and education tourism and better life, not russia)
Anyway people of peace new chapter will come, take it like a man, or hide behind kustunicas black arms

It is very strange for someone to know the nationality of everyone on their street, especially in a place like London.

“We have already wasted too much time, and what we need now is clarity,”
“We have found ourselves in a situation where Russia is blocking the Council. It only calls for a solution reached outside the UN. The status issue is bound to be settled,” she said.

Plassnik is clearly saying to BG team: we need clarity! What do BG politicians want, with so much demanded further negotiations! If they have no idea how to continue, then why they asked for these negotiations? Why is BG wasting our so valuable time?

She also pointed out that what have, actually, Russia done boycotting Mr. Ahtissari’s plan in UN SC , is outside UN SC solution, what includes every possible scenarios: unilateral declaration – unilateral recognition, Contact Group decision with individual unilateral recognition of the independence, even including pro independence ruinous riots - and unilateral declaration by people.. everything but status quo!

Kate you must have led a very sheltered and protected life for Olf's comment to be threatening to you. There is nothing threatening in it and I doubt whether the way you commented on the make up of your street would endear you to the other nationalities living there. The mere fact that you went through the trouble of calculating what percentae of your street is English - I wonder how - is suspicious. Pointing that out to you can in no way be interpreted as a threat.
And Kate when will you stop misrepresenting what other people say? The part of Olf's comment you deemed "backward and medieval" in fact related to your comment on the make up of your street and not to your view on the future of Kosovo.

to kate and other serbian like kate:

imagine kosovo is not independant ,and that serbia rules kosovo:
will you authorise them to vote as citizen of serbia? and do you reallythink that they will vote for your sheshel and kostunica?
will you authorise them ,as citizen of serbia to be the soldiers that will defend serbia against ennemies?
will you autorise them as citizen of serbia to be your minister of the war for exemple,or of economy,or of foreign affairs?
will you authorize to have albanian as a national language in your parlement,according to europeen standards?

if you say no,your are speaking the truth but violating citizen rights . if you say yes,you will make me laught and you will see that you have already lost the battle against albanian!

James,

you suggested today that;

"It is still early to predict but it appears that EU and US will move ahead and unilaterally will recognize Kosovo's independence (and implement Ahtisaari's plan). "

Yet last Nov. you were so certain that;

"Recent deal to let Russia join the WTO is the message many Serbs failed to recognize. That Russia has been brought on board the Kosova Independence speeding bullet train. Excellent mentors, those democratic Americans."
(James, 12 November 2006, 00:09)
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/comments.php?nav_id=37907

I am glad you are now suggesting that the EU is going along with the US as given your track record I am more inclined to believe the complete opposite of what you suggest and that seems all the more realistic.

The EU have clearly let the US know that they will not be able to go along with the abrupt action of undermining the UN and international law and that they will be on their own on this if they as suggest 'MIGHT' (not Will) consider such an illegal move. One by one the 'few' EU naions who might have gone with the US view have let the US know it is not happening - don't you think we would have heard something last week when Sarkozy was visiting Bush? Silence is golden! Any illegal action undermines the very legitamacy of NATO troops since they are their on the very UN SC resolution that reaffirms Serbia's sovereignity so to act in an illegal fashion as the US have suggested 'Might' act immediatly remove the legitamacy of NATO troops and then like Polt said "what if"....

i can see a love blossoming between kate and zoran... just remeber this isnt a dateing website

lowe,

Look at todays news and you will find it on any search engine under Kosovo news.
See what Europe wants.
Kosovo is going to be the newest European State.

You strike to me as a very defensive person for a concerned European.
What I have noticed from your latest comments is less emphasis on 1244 and evermore information about your personal life.
As for your reference to the neighbours I am afraid it doesn’t apply to me as I live in a boat. Sorry!

Arguments and report lately tell that Kosova will have be Independent shortly with its Serb and other minorities living together. Yesterday K-Serbs politician has declared that Serbs in Kosova are not really very committed to accept the new reality and live together with its neighbours Albanians, sorry Kate, Princip, Jovans that support regime of Milosevic and secession between our societies.
Some in here are really working hard to find articles in newspapers that support anything that suits Serbia clam for lost cause. I applaud you on that but papers are full of articles supporting Independence.
I am very happy that in Serbia proper there are not so many people that think like some in here.

Kate

Intention of my comment was to tell you that people in this site find comments like that not constructive, sometimes are very offending for some sensitive people, but I am not one of them, so don’t worry, we can still look for Kosova solution together. I am sorry if my comment sounded to you threatening but your comment in this site are very threatening when you support return of the Serbian forces in Kosova according to your 1244.
What kind of backward medieval thinking is that?!
Neighbours would be surprised to find out that someone that want to leave in peace and voices its will peacefully is branded with name medieval thinking just because they think different. Never mind, I can let this one pass for sake of healthy dialogue.

Last cj\hance for serbia to face reallity and to tel, the truth to its people. I am still waitting response from KATE. Just a remainder coment 32, please give me an honest to god answer if you beleive in god.

WOW!!! I have made my eyes tired reading all this and i understood nothing but just making yourselfs angry and upset. I have one thing to say only one thing please take it to consideration as my english is not very good. " Let's get United and create a Europ with out Borders also clear the safe path to freedom, and let everu nation be who thay want to be, Albanians are Albanians, Serbians are serbians, Albanians have different language serbians different. if your ideas are like that. So think twise onother war for serbia will be a hard rock and USA and Russia will enjoy their cup of tea untill Albanians and Serbians are fighting. Please every one stop talking war, i very well know what that is i really had alot of it. first Kosovo, after macedonia, east kosovo, and i'm serving US army in Iraq. No good No good. Look at yourselfs when you wake up in the morning when your doughter or son kisses you and wakes you up in the morning, how lovely is that. Kosovos Future will be solved very soon, i rally don't like to say this but serbia has lost Kosovo. No more comments after this trust me is over. next eurovision Kosovo will participate in Belgrade. and serbian people will Uplaoud Kosovo. Cheers

lowe,
your hunch?

here is my hunch, and the link you requesred.

http://uninews.unicredit.it/en/articles/page.php?id=7661

"lowe,
your hunch?

here is my hunch, and the link you requesred.

[link]
(lazer, 21. August 2007 14:48)"

Thank you for your link. But I wouldn't place too much emphasis on it for obvious reasons:

1. the July 2nd report is obviously outdated. It was written based on the assumption that Bush will be able to convince Putin to drop the veto threat when they meet in the US. As it turned out, this didn't happen that way.

2. This report was also written before the troika was conceptualized by the desperate West to set up more talks between Belgrade and Pristina.

3. UniCredit appears to be just a weekly financial magazine rathr than a serious political news organisation. Moreover this article was merely an opinion piece written by someone.

I would also like to mention that the last part of this article actually warned of chain reactions from Bosnia if Kosovo is given independence -- read carefully and you will find that the article is really far from being pro-independence!

"lowe,

Look at todays news and you will find it on any search engine under Kosovo news.
See what Europe wants.
Kosovo is going to be the newest European State.
(lazer, 22. August 2007 00:57) "

lazer,

Not all of Europe wants an independent Kosovo -- those who want this WHOLEHEARTEDLY and without reservation are really just a handful -- Germany, UK,
France, Belgium and Albania. Most of Europe actually want a negotiated settlement. Don't forget that Russia is part of Europe too. Without Russia's agreement, Pristina can only be independent outside the UN and without the northern part. Just like Cyprus. Also without UN membership, don't expect foreign investments to go rushing into Kosovo to alleviate its unemployment and poverty rate. It will be better for Pristina to seek an agreement with Belgrade and Moscow however hard this may seem to be.

The end game is in sight,Kosovo will go however all is not lost as all other minorities in europe must have the right to self determination where they form the majority population.

"Let us only consider the fact that, if Kosovo obtained independence, Serbia would suffer both a political and economical blow, since 70% of Serbia's energy reserves are based in Kosovo. Furthermore, if we consider Serbia's neighbouring regions, we can easily imagine the consequences we could expect from neighbouring countries if Kosovo's independence is univocally declared."

This is an opinion of very best Western analysts.

So much for those saying that Kosovo can not survive economically.

Serbian posters are living in a dreamland.

They should peacefully come to an arrangement and cooperate otherwise the other option is not good for Serbia.

I say this without a prejudice.

**PEACE**

"Let us only consider the fact that, if Kosovo obtained independence, Serbia would suffer both a political and economical blow, since 70% of Serbia's energy reserves are based in Kosovo. Furthermore, if we consider Serbia's neighbouring regions, we can easily imagine the consequences we could expect from neighbouring countries if Kosovo's independence is univocally declared."

This is an opinion of very best Western analysts.

**PEACE**
(lazer, 20. August 2007 23:23) "

Please provide the source of this article as I am very interested to read it. But I have a hunch that you can't.

oh...so, Mr.Surroi is sending out a warning?

interesting!

I don´t think the Albanians are in the position to send out warnings, but as it seems they still think that possibly someone out there would take them serious.

actually, the Albanians should be warned, they are playing with fire.
and...NATO is there, and will calm them down if they resort to violence. Serbia, is in the vicinity, to help if NATO doesn´t have the capabilities...

so, let´s be honest. who should better think twice before sending out warnings?

Swapping is a good option since it's based on ethnic exchange of territories.
Face it Serbs. All is lost. Kosovo will be Europe's Taiwan. Protected by the West just like the Americans are protecting Taiwan from China.

Need I say more? Jovan, Kate=Princip, Rade, Cvele?
You should realize that most countries know that Serbia or I should say, Radical elements in Serbia like yourselves ONLY, try to portray Albanians like they are not human beings.
The EU countries have been in Kosovo enough to see who really Albanian peoples are.
They know the difference of Albanian and radical Serbs who only want war, discrimination, anarchy, so they can stay in power.
It is absolutely e travesty what some of you writte.
It is not going to help you on this issue.
Russia, by supporting you only has to lose.

It is funny how many of you forget to mention the brutality of Serbian regime in 90’s. That was something that Europe will never forget. If NATO did not intervene than most of you, that care more about Europe than us, would be fighting the same forces but with a little change, in your doorsteps. However, this matter was solved by people experienced with dealing with these things, see laki NY link.

Kate

If your neighbours are to find out about you posting in here would think again in socialising with you. Protecting and denying someone’s right for self-determination is not really a nice thing to do especially in their houses.

Princip

K-Albanians are for negotiated agreement as well. There are ground rules that they are following.
Serbian team is not bringing anything new to table except supervised autonomy called differently. Kosovars are doing the same thing.
Montgomery statement can be used differently in more positive manner as well, though I will leave this to your imagination.

Jovan

Jovan, forget Albanians mate, Serbian politicians can only threaten and nothing else. There is a say” Don’t be afraid of the barking dog it will not bite” so, Serbian politicians are doing the same thing.

K-Serbs are interested to integrate and live in Kosova with their Albanian neighbours, so don’t try to suggest Milosevic style life’s for us.

There are only 3 alternatives: independence, autonomy or partition. That means that 2 out of 3 can't even be discussed!, said kate.
I would like to ask Kate which is the only one that can be discused? I mean two out of three that you said.
i will stick with Indpendence and there is no other alterantive whatsoever. Partition and autonomy is a dead issue with me and the rest of Kosova Albanians.

to kate and other serbian like kate:

imagine kosovo is not independant ,and that serbia rules kosovo:
will you authorise them to vote as citizen of serbia? and do you reallythink that they will vote for your sheshel and kostunica?
will you authorise them ,as citizen of serbia to be the soldiers that will defend serbia against ennemies?
will you autorise them as citizen of serbia to be your minister of the war for exemple,or of economy,or of foreign affairs?
will you authorize to have albanian as a national language in your parlement,according to europeen standards?

if you say no,your are speaking the truth but violating citizen rights . if you say yes,you will make me laught and you will see that you have already lost the battle against albanian!

The end game is in sight,Kosovo will go however all is not lost as all other minorities in europe must have the right to self determination where they form the majority population.

Ms Plassnik - not that you care any more deeply than virtually any of the other politicians regarding this issue, but:

(1) Too much time 'has been wasted' because of the unconstructive use of the previous round of talks (ie. met c. once a month with a predetermined outcome - I've had more serious talks with the guy who runs the corner shop);

(2) I realise that it veers off your instruction sheet/ briefing page but Russia's threat to use its veto may not be designed to be 'obstructive'. Actually, that is what the veto system is there for - to use! The UK and US have used theirs far more than Russia since WWII... were they being 'obstructive'?

(3) The group being the most genuinely obstructive receive not a whisper of a comment during your 'thoughts' on this issue. The Kosovo Albanian provincial government are saying that if partition or anything other than full independence is put on the table, they are off and will walk out of the talks.

There are only 3 alternatives: independence, autonomy or partition. That means that 2 out of 3 can't even be discussed!

The US needs to support a process to find a genuine solution pronto, or else this will all end in disaster for everyone involved. But then, do they really care? Probably not.

Jovan,

I remember Mr. Kostunica saying that Serbia is waging yet another Battle of Kosovo but this time with the United States, and all Serbia had was him (playing Lazar) and the might of international law and justice.

You think thats serious?

Fairy tales and myths have brought Serbia to its current state. After orcestrating the fall of Yugoslavia and the deaths of hundreds of thousands, it is time for Serbia to reap the fruits of its labor.

Eric: "..all other minorities in europe must have the right to self determination where they form the majority population."

Really? Are we talking provincially (as with Kosovo) or nationally?

And where does that leave my area in London, for example (or the city as whole come to that)?

I am one of 3 English people that I know in my street. Everyone else, who I mix with happily (most integrate and there are a number of mixed marriages), are Indian, West Indian, German, Welsh, Pakistani, Japanese and loads of Polish and Slovakian people. I am in a vast minority and have just got used to it. Big city life.

Does that mean that if one of these groups manages to outnumber another they then have the right to make my area some sort of ethnically clean non-English statelet?

And there was me thinking that everyone was after multi-cultural diversity, tolerance and mix! Wasn't that what George Robertson stated as the main aim with Kosovo?

Ms.Plassnik is a gorgeous woman who needs to embrace patience as a virtue.Vienna was not built in one day and neither will the Balkans become Europeanized in 120 days so I say to Ms.Plassnik let's have a candlelight dinner on the Danube in Vienna when I come to visit and discuss rational policies which are good for all of Europe. Kate has a brilliant mind and I admire her postings immenesely.

Jovan "...NATO is there, and will calm them down if they resort to violence. Serbia, is in the vicinity, to help if NATO doesn´t have the capabilities... "

Jovan you keep forgetting why NATO is Kosova.
Just to remind you why NATO is in Kosova
http://img.timeinc.net/time/magazine/archive/covers/1995/1101950911_400.jpg

Kate: the K-Albanians are asking for supervised independence. And the parallel with your street really doesn't hold water at all. The Welsh or Scotts asking for independence would be a better example. And as far as I know your goevernment would not reply to such demands by sending in the army and ethnically cleansing Wells, would it? And by the way do you happen to be a BNP supporter?

Princip: Since you like to refer to Montgomery you might mention his article on the truths about Serbia too. And then have a look at the comments postet by tyour fellow Serbs in reply. The same guy that was almost proclaimed a hero when he wrote about Kosovo now has suddenly become an unwanted guest for daring to spell out his oppinions on what's wrong with Serbia. I am not saying whether he is right or wrong, but the simple reaction to his analysis shows why there is no future for K-Albanians in Serbia. You guyes are simply too chauvinistic and although most people in the Balkans can be accused of being so, it seems to have taken never before seen dimensions in Serbia. This coupled with the mentality expressed by people like Jovan in this thread is the reason why you will never get Kosovo back and why you should count yourselves lucky if you do get the northern bit.

LAKI NY, a picture is worth a thousand words.
One guy says something in favour of Serbia EG; montgomery, it is framed forever in the copy and paste world of princip. all the west leaders encourige independence and all of them get treated as traitors of some kind. (this traitors are responsible for the majority of the serbian investment and education tourism and better life, not russia)
Anyway people of peace new chapter will come, take it like a man, or hide behind kustunicas black arms

Eric - I agree that one would lead to the other which is the danger of this whole charade. Also that Robertson, Cook etc. meant none of what they initially said.

Where do you live in London where it is 97% English??! Downing Street? This amazes me and I have been a Londoner for many years.

It is very strange for someone to know the nationality of everyone on their street, especially in a place like London.

Teni: "And by the way do you happen to be a BNP supporter?"

I said that I mixed with people of all nationalities and was making the point that nationalism is stoked with talk of one ethnicity trying to take over.

Asking me whether I am a member of the BNP party is deeply offensive and I would expect more from somebody clearly more intelligent than that.

Kate: It seemed to me -and I might be mistaken - that you were complaining about the make up of your street that's why I asked you about the BNP. After all that is one of the main complaints of BNP supporters. And in any case even if you are not a BNP supporter, whether you want it or not, your views make you a Serb Radical Party Supporter and that is even worse than the BNP. And talking about you patronizing tone: just look at your comment about the intelligence etc and tell me that is not patronizing.
And one thing since you seem to be such a staunch supporter of state sovereignty. I do not care about what agreement the Basques and the Spanish reach with each other. It's up to them, but - theoretically - please tell me why the Basques shouldn't be allowed to have their own homeland if a majority of them wish it? Why would that be a continuation of a charade, as you call it? What right does Spain have to control one of the most ancient people in Europe that certainly lived in that territory millenia before there even was such a thing as a Spanish nation? The same goes for Wells etc. And aren't there cases when a state through its treatment of a certain population looses the right of sovereignty over that population? If the UK were to treat the Scotts in as appalling a way as the Serbs treated the K-Albanians wouldn't the UK loose any claim on Scotland if the Scotts wanted independence?

teni,

"Kate: the K-Albanians are asking for supervised independence. And the parallel with your street really doesn't hold water at all. The Welsh or Scotts asking for independence would be a better example."

- why would this be a better example? Both Scotland and Wales are nation states of the United Kingdom, have a historical account of being seperate countries, have distinct country borders for centuries and are an distinct ethnicity. Are any of the these the case of a "Kosovarian" state are they in union, have had defined borders for centuries and are an actual ethnicity? If you can answer a positive to any of these questions please substantiate beyond enver hoxa book of Ilyrian history!

The fact is that the similarity is as Kate put it - any ethnic minority who become a local majority can on the same principle enforce the dismemberment and partition of the host state as would be set by such a precedent that the like of you and others here actually believe will happen. In reality the EU and any other European states would consider this a preposterous notion if it was set as a precedent & aplicable to their own state as have Spain, Slovakia, Greece, Romania, Cyprus pointed out. Which is far from the truth put out by Adriano who ignores the fact that not "all the west leaders encourige independence" outside of the UN because of the precedent that it will in fact set.

Good luck and understand that even the US is re-evaluating it's stance as requested by representative Dan Burton - I provided a link above but clearly some don't wish to comment. For those who havn't read it heres a snippet with regards the US perspective that it MIGHT (not WILL) consider recognising an Illegal independence;
"This is a terrible idea. To start with, our policy is in contravention of international laws and will create a dangerous precedent. Also, there is no reason to suppose an independent Kosovo would be a viable state, either economically or politically. Terrorist and organized crime influences, already rampant in Kosovo, would be granted a consolidated haven for their operations. Independence would likely be followed by renewed anti-Serb attacks, at least against the smaller enclaves, if not against Northern Mitrovica, where most of the remaining Serbs enjoy relative security. Unrest in neighboring Albanian-dominated areas of southern Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia, even Greece, could be reignited.

Perhaps most damaging, an imposed separation of Kosovo from Serbia would send a message to other trouble-spots, not just in the Balkans, that state borders are up for grabs."

Of course the fact that the voices within the US against such an abrupt action against the UN and international law implies that the idea is waning fast - much faster some would like to know!

Village-bey - You have just demonstrated the common practise of cheaply pulling apart someone else's comment (which was in response to a specific point by Eric) instead of coming up with something yourself.

It is far easier to just attack and destroy than come up with something constructive of your own. Isn't it?

I can't believe that I am being attacked for comments about multi-ethnicity by someone who wishes to bring independence to a province where virtually the only non-Albanians left are those in the employee of the UN and NGOs. Perhaps that's why you have nothing concrete to say on the matter.

As for not knowing who lives on your street, that's a shame. It's very mind expanding to make the effort without needing lists to be published.

Mr. Surroi, it seems, is holding a silver briefcase. He states no one is even theoretically allowed to mention partition or swapping of land. The only thing they can negotiate is grabbing land. If that is the freedom and code they want to live by they can go to Albania and dream up other pyramid schemes and let the majority in Kosovo live a normal life and be free to talk theoretically about anything.

Re. Olf's comment: "Kate - If your neighbours are to find out about you posting in here would think again in socialising with you. Protecting and denying someone’s right for self-determination is not really a nice thing to do especially in their houses."

Not only does this not make any sense, but it is also very personal and obviously intended to sound threatening. I am surprised that B92 have allowed it. But I am pro open talk so take the [very] rough with the smooth.

You are telling me that my neighbours would stop speaking to me because I voice my opinion against the independence of Kosovo?? What kind of backward medieval thinking is that?!

You strike to me as a very defensive person for a concerned European.
What I have noticed from your latest comments is less emphasis on 1244 and evermore information about your personal life.
As for your reference to the neighbours I am afraid it doesn’t apply to me as I live in a boat. Sorry!

Will you stop this 'Bad Serbs good Albanians' story because it is becoming a joke.

Dont you get it that what the US and EU are trying to do in Kossovo is something never tried before. Trying to solve an international dispute by fragmenting older nations into tiny states based on current demographics.
If this proves succesful is something to try somewhere else, if not, they will just admit failure and walk away.
The K-Albanians are going for the maximum of their demands, what happens if this plan fails ?
How they are going to explain this to their people ?
Compromise is the only exit to these kind of disputes.
If Serbia comes out of this story wounded there will never be peace on the region, 20, 30 years after the trouble will kick off again.

Jack:"...like the Americans are protecting Taiwan from China."
No. The China population is almost 50 times larger than Taiwan population. While Albanian and Serbs, almost the same. To compare the fate of Taiwan with Kosova fate is absolutely incorrect.

Princip: You have a very bad habit of picking an author or politician whose views resemble yours and presenting those views as the sacrosanct truth, but only in as far they do not contradict your own. You did that with Montgomery and look at what Montgomery had to say about Serbia. I do not know who this guy is that you are talking about now, but I do know that the US president and spokesmen of the administration have supported Kosovo's independence all along. That's worth more than "representative Dan Burton" in my books.
And I said that Kate should not compare her street to Kosovo and that Scottlad or Wells would be a BETTER example and not the PERFECT example. I hope you are not suggesting the contrary.
And Princip I am not really a big fan of Enver Hoxha's books. Differently from the Serbs it seems, who are still very much in touch with Milosevic's views, we have broken with our past dictators. And I am not saying that the Albanians are descended from the Illyrians, not because I do not believe it to be true, but I simply don't care in as far as Kosovo is concerned. If you look at the registers of your Serb medieval kingdoms you would find that there were Albanians there since the Middle Ages and that they are not some recent emigrants like 97% of Kate's street. You would also find that Kosovo was conquered by Serbia only in the 13th century and that before that you guys were not there either and the territory belonged either to the Bulgarian Empire or to Byzantium. Maybe you should consider handing it back to them? But in any case territorial control of a territory does not neccesarily imply a demographic majority. Even if that had been the case the fact that the Serbs left Kosovo as you claim in the Velika Seoba or the 100000 other imaginary migrations means that they lost their right to it. The Albanians stayed there so Kosovo belongs to us. Is that simple really and that's why we are getting it back.
Furthermore the Albanians in Kosovo are very distinct from the Serbs ethnically, the boundaries of Kosovo were set by no less a person than Tito in recognition of the territory's differences from the rest of Serbia and that division was accepted by Serbia until Milosevic came along.
And even if none of the above had been true the treatment the K-Albanians suffered at Serb hands, the people who are in power in Serbia now and their attitudes towards Kosovo would be very valid reasons in themselves for Kosovo to want to run away from Serbia. Thank God, for all the objections of his excellency "representative Dan Burton" successive US presidents have suported us and will continue to support us. But you can argue the rights and wrongs of it if it makes you feel any better.

“We have already wasted too much time, and what we need now is clarity,”
“We have found ourselves in a situation where Russia is blocking the Council. It only calls for a solution reached outside the UN. The status issue is bound to be settled,” she said.

Plassnik is clearly saying to BG team: we need clarity! What do BG politicians want, with so much demanded further negotiations! If they have no idea how to continue, then why they asked for these negotiations? Why is BG wasting our so valuable time?

She also pointed out that what have, actually, Russia done boycotting Mr. Ahtissari’s plan in UN SC , is outside UN SC solution, what includes every possible scenarios: unilateral declaration – unilateral recognition, Contact Group decision with individual unilateral recognition of the independence, even including pro independence ruinous riots - and unilateral declaration by people.. everything but status quo!

It is still early to predict but it appears that EU and US will move ahead and unilaterally will recognize Kosovo's independence (and implement Ahtisaari's plan). Serb government unable to grasp the reality it finds itself today has resorted to a rhetoric reminiscent of Milosevic area. High government officials threaten everyone who dares to suggest Kosovo's independence. Furthermore they persist on labeling Kosovo Albanians as terrorist, criminals, thugs and separatist without bothering to offer any clue on how they plan to live side by side with these Kosovo Albanian terrorist, criminals, thugs and separatist if Kosovo were to remain part of Serbia. How is ti possible to establish a democratic Serbia with such a high number of criminals? Does anyone bother to think about that or Serbia plans to just simply exterminate all of them as Milosevic attempted to do few years back? What is the official policy? This state of mind that Serbia (and Balkans to some extent) finds itself and which displayed by many posters here is summarized nowhere better than on a piece written by William Montgomery and published by B92. Here is the link: http://www.b92.net/eng/insight/opinions.php?nav_id=43127

The inferior feeling towards Albanians in Kosovo and the Albanians in Balkans overall, prevalent not only on the comments of the various posters on this site but also among the highest officials of the current Serb government is the main obstacle to a compromised solution. Simply stated Serb officials deem Albanians as unworthy of independence or any other just solution deemed good for Albanians in Kosovo. There is a feeling that Albanians are uneducated and don't know how to run anything on their own in other words they are second class people. One could go further and argue that this was the general thinking in former Yugoslavia, as many suggest here, however the political ingenuity displayed by Kosovo leadership has made many change their attitudes towards the Albanians and made them to consider Albanians as equal partners. Nevertheless, as Montgomery argues, Serbia is behind on this about 20 years.

Last week B92 featured Kosovo's President Sejdiu statement and today B92 features Surroi statement in a news article. Comments on these articles, last week and today, are of one looking down on them, name calling, and not taken seriously. Posters ask who is Sejidu? or Surroi for that matter?. They are out of touch with reality some say. And yet some say they are just pawns on the hands of US etc ... Well, let me remind you of one fact about these two. They are few among the principal architects of the Albanian political movement in former Yugoslavia. The result of this movement led first to avoidance of a war in Kosovo during early 90's (some politicians at that time had hoped for the Albanians to start a war so they could break away unscathed from Yugoslavia) and culminated with enrollment of the NATO's assistance in expelling all Serb armed forces from Kosovo (with lot fewer losses for their nation compared to Slovenian, Croatian and Bosnian wars). Yes, it is these same illiterate, uneducated, terrorists, criminals that managed to do all this. Hence, I strongly suggest you pay close attention to what they have to say as it appears they are very good informed and in close touch with reality that surrounds them.

Kate you must have led a very sheltered and protected life for Olf's comment to be threatening to you. There is nothing threatening in it and I doubt whether the way you commented on the make up of your street would endear you to the other nationalities living there. The mere fact that you went through the trouble of calculating what percentae of your street is English - I wonder how - is suspicious. Pointing that out to you can in no way be interpreted as a threat.
And Kate when will you stop misrepresenting what other people say? The part of Olf's comment you deemed "backward and medieval" in fact related to your comment on the make up of your street and not to your view on the future of Kosovo.

Teni - I don't care what 'nationalists' or anyone else thinks of my comments.

And on the whole, the most fervent nationalists of all are those who speak in favour of independence, not against.

Arguments and report lately tell that Kosova will have be Independent shortly with its Serb and other minorities living together. Yesterday K-Serbs politician has declared that Serbs in Kosova are not really very committed to accept the new reality and live together with its neighbours Albanians, sorry Kate, Princip, Jovans that support regime of Milosevic and secession between our societies.
Some in here are really working hard to find articles in newspapers that support anything that suits Serbia clam for lost cause. I applaud you on that but papers are full of articles supporting Independence.
I am very happy that in Serbia proper there are not so many people that think like some in here.

Kate

Intention of my comment was to tell you that people in this site find comments like that not constructive, sometimes are very offending for some sensitive people, but I am not one of them, so don’t worry, we can still look for Kosova solution together. I am sorry if my comment sounded to you threatening but your comment in this site are very threatening when you support return of the Serbian forces in Kosova according to your 1244.
What kind of backward medieval thinking is that?!
Neighbours would be surprised to find out that someone that want to leave in peace and voices its will peacefully is branded with name medieval thinking just because they think different. Never mind, I can let this one pass for sake of healthy dialogue.

The issue of Kosovo can and will be "settled" very quickly as soon as the independence option is off of the table. Autonomy is the only viable long lasting option. Meddling in the internal affairs of sovereign countries can only bring chaos & disaster. You would think that the West had learned this lesson with the violent, illegal, unjustified breakup of Yugoslavia. Apparently not! On another note, you pro-Indy guys are just showing your true selves with your lame attacks on Kate. You just can't stand the fact that an English woman is against your nefarious schemes. Don't waste your time responding to their unwarranted attacks Kate.

Teni, if the Welsh or Scots started killing innocent civilians and police in England, I'm sure the English would respond with force. What was Belgrade to do? Just let the KLA terrorize with impunity? Get real!

so, let´s be honest. who should better think twice before sending out warnings?
(Jovan, 20. August 2007 12:24)

The belgrade-team.

Kosovars rule Kosova and that will stay forever. Good day.

Last cj\hance for serbia to face reallity and to tel, the truth to its people. I am still waitting response from KATE. Just a remainder coment 32, please give me an honest to god answer if you beleive in god.

"Let us only consider the fact that, if Kosovo obtained independence, Serbia would suffer both a political and economical blow, since 70% of Serbia's energy reserves are based in Kosovo. Furthermore, if we consider Serbia's neighbouring regions, we can easily imagine the consequences we could expect from neighbouring countries if Kosovo's independence is univocally declared."

This is an opinion of very best Western analysts.

So much for those saying that Kosovo can not survive economically.

Serbian posters are living in a dreamland.

They should peacefully come to an arrangement and cooperate otherwise the other option is not good for Serbia.

I say this without a prejudice.

**PEACE**

Dear Kate
I was born and bred in Manchester, which is a very diverse city and attracts many new arrivals. As you will be aware many English people welcome people from abroard and celebrate diversity. From reading this site this is clearly not true of Kosovo so you cannot compare a country like England where different groups are represented throughout all aspects of life and we actively seek to outlaw discrimination. Kosovo Albanians clearly would like to have some credibility after such oppression. Kososovo Albanians are the under dogs and are striving for some recognition. Once again you cannot compare a democratic country who respect individuals whatever their religion or beliefs maybe with one that oppresses others.

i can see a love blossoming between kate and zoran... just remeber this isnt a dateing website

Compromise - a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands.

The talks will continue until a time as a compromise is found because it is the only solution that is stable and lasting. All other options carry far too many consequences that frankly the EU are not prepared to persue. In the coming months the EU will forge a "Europena" compromise that will slash the Gordian knot of Kosovo & Metohija smply by upholding international laws and obligations that all in the EU as well as the US have formulated and agreed only 8 years ago.

This new tone in the US is reflected by representaives such as Polt with his Freudian slip of "what if", Montgomery's article 'Frozen conflicts' and other representatives who are becoming much more vocal & not pro Illegal and UN undermining abrupt actions of independence - read the article 'Negotiating for peace in Kosovo' by Dan Burton
http://washingtontimes.com/article/20070820/COMMENTARY/108200019/1012

'Negotiating for Peace' - I think this sums it up - all along the Serbian govt. has stated that it wants to find a compromise yet again and again all we hear from the ethnic-Albanians is threats of independence or violence. As Montgomery said it;
"I have to admit that it seems that of all the ethnic groups in the former Yugoslavia, the one, which has not "learned" to avoid the use of violence, are the Kosovo Albanians."

Kate, Robertson lied just as Cook lied, multi ethnic Kosovo who are Nato kidding!. Kosovo is the most cleansed area in europe and the Albanians are not turning back. I live in London and the area is 97% english. I meant to say the Basque people the Serbs of Bosnia must have the right to self determination nothing more or less.

James,

you suggested today that;

"It is still early to predict but it appears that EU and US will move ahead and unilaterally will recognize Kosovo's independence (and implement Ahtisaari's plan). "

Yet last Nov. you were so certain that;

"Recent deal to let Russia join the WTO is the message many Serbs failed to recognize. That Russia has been brought on board the Kosova Independence speeding bullet train. Excellent mentors, those democratic Americans."
(James, 12 November 2006, 00:09)
http://www.b92.net/eng/news/comments.php?nav_id=37907

I am glad you are now suggesting that the EU is going along with the US as given your track record I am more inclined to believe the complete opposite of what you suggest and that seems all the more realistic.

The EU have clearly let the US know that they will not be able to go along with the abrupt action of undermining the UN and international law and that they will be on their own on this if they as suggest 'MIGHT' (not Will) consider such an illegal move. One by one the 'few' EU naions who might have gone with the US view have let the US know it is not happening - don't you think we would have heard something last week when Sarkozy was visiting Bush? Silence is golden! Any illegal action undermines the very legitamacy of NATO troops since they are their on the very UN SC resolution that reaffirms Serbia's sovereignity so to act in an illegal fashion as the US have suggested 'Might' act immediatly remove the legitamacy of NATO troops and then like Polt said "what if"....

"Let us only consider the fact that, if Kosovo obtained independence, Serbia would suffer both a political and economical blow, since 70% of Serbia's energy reserves are based in Kosovo. Furthermore, if we consider Serbia's neighbouring regions, we can easily imagine the consequences we could expect from neighbouring countries if Kosovo's independence is univocally declared."

This is an opinion of very best Western analysts.

**PEACE**
(lazer, 20. August 2007 23:23) "

Please provide the source of this article as I am very interested to read it. But I have a hunch that you can't.

WOW!!! I have made my eyes tired reading all this and i understood nothing but just making yourselfs angry and upset. I have one thing to say only one thing please take it to consideration as my english is not very good. " Let's get United and create a Europ with out Borders also clear the safe path to freedom, and let everu nation be who thay want to be, Albanians are Albanians, Serbians are serbians, Albanians have different language serbians different. if your ideas are like that. So think twise onother war for serbia will be a hard rock and USA and Russia will enjoy their cup of tea untill Albanians and Serbians are fighting. Please every one stop talking war, i very well know what that is i really had alot of it. first Kosovo, after macedonia, east kosovo, and i'm serving US army in Iraq. No good No good. Look at yourselfs when you wake up in the morning when your doughter or son kisses you and wakes you up in the morning, how lovely is that. Kosovos Future will be solved very soon, i rally don't like to say this but serbia has lost Kosovo. No more comments after this trust me is over. next eurovision Kosovo will participate in Belgrade. and serbian people will Uplaoud Kosovo. Cheers

lowe,
your hunch?

here is my hunch, and the link you requesred.

http://uninews.unicredit.it/en/articles/page.php?id=7661

"lowe,
your hunch?

here is my hunch, and the link you requesred.

[link]
(lazer, 21. August 2007 14:48)"

Thank you for your link. But I wouldn't place too much emphasis on it for obvious reasons:

1. the July 2nd report is obviously outdated. It was written based on the assumption that Bush will be able to convince Putin to drop the veto threat when they meet in the US. As it turned out, this didn't happen that way.

2. This report was also written before the troika was conceptualized by the desperate West to set up more talks between Belgrade and Pristina.

3. UniCredit appears to be just a weekly financial magazine rathr than a serious political news organisation. Moreover this article was merely an opinion piece written by someone.

I would also like to mention that the last part of this article actually warned of chain reactions from Bosnia if Kosovo is given independence -- read carefully and you will find that the article is really far from being pro-independence!

lowe,

Look at todays news and you will find it on any search engine under Kosovo news.
See what Europe wants.
Kosovo is going to be the newest European State.

"lowe,

Look at todays news and you will find it on any search engine under Kosovo news.
See what Europe wants.
Kosovo is going to be the newest European State.
(lazer, 22. August 2007 00:57) "

lazer,

Not all of Europe wants an independent Kosovo -- those who want this WHOLEHEARTEDLY and without reservation are really just a handful -- Germany, UK,
France, Belgium and Albania. Most of Europe actually want a negotiated settlement. Don't forget that Russia is part of Europe too. Without Russia's agreement, Pristina can only be independent outside the UN and without the northern part. Just like Cyprus. Also without UN membership, don't expect foreign investments to go rushing into Kosovo to alleviate its unemployment and poverty rate. It will be better for Pristina to seek an agreement with Belgrade and Moscow however hard this may seem to be.