Moscow: No deadlines in Kosovo talks

As long as there's Russian presence, international law will be observed. Russia has resurected itself and will be assuming a leading role on the world stage. It's presence cannot be taken for granted anymore and must be acknowledged as a super power
who will eventually dominate Europe. The Serbs are very fortunate to have Russia as an ally and should continue to strengthen their ties with them.

More music to my ears. Another nail in the coffin to the illegal and immoral greater albania project.

I guess we will hear the hopeful dreams of pro-Independence commentators that the Russians are just supporting Serbia to get something out of it and will drop Serbia like a shot. However, it would seem the Russians are in this to the end backing Serbia 100% and I say thank you Russia - a true friend.

The world has changed much yet many so called 'balkan'analysts still see things through the prism of the 90's hence why are surpised at Serbian Unity but also unintelligently continue to not listen to what Russia says again and again and then act surprised when what teh Russians said will happen materialises. I would urge all to listen and understand what is meant by;

“This is a principled strategic support which Russia will not give up.“

The question is is Kosovo & Metohija that important to the US?

ICG are wishfully thinking that the US would but they know better that the US cannot afford such a new offensive as they request;

"To NATO and its Member States:

10. NATO should consult with member states contributing troops to its Kosovo mission (KFOR) to ensure that none which fundamentally oppose recognising Kosovo’s conditional (supervised) independence are fielding contingents by early 2008, and that their contributions are replaced by those of nations prepared to recognise that status.

11. Following a Kosovo declaration of conditional (supervised) independence and recognition by the U.S. and EU member states, NATO should remain deployed in Kosovo, and carry out the tasks specified for it under the Ahtisaari plan.

12. If the NATO Council does not agree to continued deployment, the U.S. and those EU member states which have recognised Kosovo’s independence should deploy their forces to carry out the relevant security tasks."

For one I notice the US only have 1600 troops in Serbia's province and the UK 150 - it will be interesting to see any change in troop numbers. I very much doubt the UK will be sending troops given they are running on empty and will need send all spare capacity in withdrawing from Iraq to go to Afghanistan. As for the US are they about to send more troops in the coming election year? ICG must know the answers to all these questions and the reality is plan A-htisaari was dead and buried as soon as he mentioned it was independence - he must have known that the Russians would back Serbia all the more.

“The Palestine issue has taken several decades to resolve. The process is still ongoing and no one makes a tragedy out of the fact that the solution for Palestine was not reached by a set deadline,” he reminded,

Yes, and you know what the Palestine issue has also produced?

1. Suicide bombers
2. Radicalized population
3. Political movements advocating the destruction of Israel by any means possible
4. International support from radical Islamic groups
5. Palestinian political movements that brainwash children with propaganda cartoon shows.

Palestine is in one of the most unenviable positions I can imagine. Who the Hell wants that kind of negative publicity in Europe, targetted against Serbs in the region?

No more deadlines? No more Ceku? No more insistence on independence one way or another?

Let's start talking about the modalities of autonomy. Do Serbian Albanians want autonomy to shut off from the rest of their countrymen or do they wish to take part in wider society?

Some people have reaffirmed their allegiance to their country by renewing their Serbian passports, when they knew that UNMIK papers would do the same job. There are leaders and there are followers.

Mr. Kosachev,

You can have Serbia and do whatever you want with it, since your relations are so "good" but you have no right to impose your will on Albanians who have nothing in common and don't want anything to do with Serbia or Russia.

One more thing, Europe doesn't want a Palestine of its own, and this is something that you have failed to understand. Your use a tone like you are actually saying something, instead you are saying nothing. You and your administration feeds on the conflicts and longer the Kosovo conflict is prolonged, the deeper your administration hopes to put its claws into Europe. Your "empire of evil" hasn't changed its stance since the fall or Soviet Union.

I wonder if in years to come there will be posters - like they had in the DDR - of Kostunica kissing Putin in smack in the mouth?

TENI:

I think you got that one mixed up with hardinaj kissing albright right smack in the mouth!

Wow lots of alban posts.

Joe
"Yes Russia will have her old role again as the "empire of evil" but never a superpower again."

Russia was/is/will always be a superpower. Its capable of scorched earth on the global scale. When Russia speaks, believe me, everyone listens carefully.

adriano
"still kosovo winning independence winning
a president who supports independence
a continent who is becaking the president
on the opposite side we have kustunicas puppys equivelent in russian putins puppy"

I agree except this is the only president in the world that will have less power then the English Queen.

Lazer
"ICG is a very respected think tank.
They are taken very seriously by the Western governments, NOT YOU."

"Crisis Group is co-chaired by former British politician and European Commissioner for External Affairs, Christopher Patten and former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Thomas R. Pickering. Its President and Chief Executive since January 2000 has been former Foreign Minister of Australia, Gareth Evans."

I wikied this one for everyone. I wonder who pays their bills?! You honestly believe that EU nations care what US says through them if they are to scared to say it openly any more.

CCC

Joe, I believe Russia's gross domestic product ranks in the world's top 15, therefore, they are economicaly viable. It is predicted that their GDP will augment by an annual average of 5.2% from 2005 to 2010, hence, they are booming. What are your sources of information besides fantasies and wishful thinking? You've alluded to countries which were a part of the communist block during the last 45 years. What does this have to do with present day Russia? Don't you believe that countries progress & evolve? They don't remain stagnant and impoverished like the country your defending. Are you aware of Russia's current pipeline project which will facilitate the distribution of oil & gaz throughout Europe (and that will include albania too). You have to stop living in the past and get with the times. Russia will eventually dominate Europe and parts of Asia. Regarding the "empire of evil," who is at war with the entire planet and who is on the side of international law? Stop dreaming and face reality.

Myself as Albanian would be surprised if this Russian would said sth different. There are copy pasting one-another declarations.
Finally one can see that Serbia has a bright future ahead. To become a new Russian oblast. Alas, without Kosova.

Joe,

Russia's GDP in the 50's 60's, 70's and 80's was less per-capita than most western countries and by your own admission they were a Super Power back then! Their GDP is actually greater now! What is your POINT? You would do well to research that Russia has the second largest army in the world, they have nuclear weapons, they are innovators of some of the most sophisticated weapons in the world and their military training is possibly the finest in the world. They are without doubt a Super Military Power in the World, and with all the oil they own they have the means to finance their military, unlike the USA who is in debt to China for over 1.7 Trillion dollars and in debt to the rest of the world for another 900 Billion. Russia's debt is not even 10% of that! Get your facts straight about who the Russians are.

The albanians are constantly criticizing the Serbs, however, in the event of independence they will all be living in Serbia proper. There are over 250,000 albanians who have requested Serbian passports. They appear to be people of the upper rank or the elite. So when independence occurs they'll run to Serbia proper
and leave the albanians on this board to fend for themselves. Check this article out and kindly keep your critcism in check.

To the B92 moderator If I erred in posting a link,
could you kindly correct it.

http://www.serbianna.com/news/2007/02186.shtml

I really don't understand why all of these backward corrupt countries like Serbia ,Russia are trying to grasp onto defacto territory (Kosovo and Chechneya) where the people don't want to be under thier rule ,in my country of Canada we have let the Quebecquois have two referendums on independence ,why can't they follow our democratic example and just let the people have a referendum it's a simple way to settle matters like this but then again we are talking about Serbia and Russia who are at least 50 years behind us ,so to all of the pro-Serbs and Serbs alike you lost Kosovo ,GET OVER IT countries loose territory when they loose the war ,just accept it and move on ?

lazer,
we all could witness how respected the ICG is amongst the european governments, when the USA and some of those european states pulled back the issue from the UNSC.

you still dream, aren´t you?

miri,
Kosovo is and will be a serbian "oblast".
you will accept if someday, when you realize that your fascist-ideological agenda has failed.

while some congressmen start thinking over there in Washington, some Russians in the Duma clearly step up the pressure.

my dear albanians friends, good news, isn´t it?

( what happened with those party-poeple on times square by the way? are the cookies still ready? )

What a joke, completely.

Why read this rubbish of what some russian said when you can google yourself "kosovo" or "kosova" and you will read articles how EU think-tanks clearly state to ditch russia and realize a supervised-independent Kosova bc that region is about to go off.

Another thing, why is russia trying to meddle in Kosova affair? What if there was a troika about the Chechnya problem?
Russia is the only country that calls itself a continent, and yet chooses and leaves European Continent whenever it wants to, make up your mind.

Princip,
spreading LIES will not help you or Serbia.

ICG is a very respected think tank.
They are taken very seriously by the Western governments, NOT YOU.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/21/AR2007082100515.html

"ICG is a very respected think tank.
They are taken very seriously by the Western governments, NOT YOU.

[link]
(lazer, 22. August 2007 00:53) "

the ICG is funded by the West and so can hardly be considered an impartial body. I wouldn't be surprised if the West, especially the US, TELLS the ICG what to write!

One more thing, the West doesn't make up the entire world. It doesn't even hold a monopoly in the UNSC or the world economy. In fact, the West is generally resource poor. Cut off the oil and mineral imports and everyone can see how vulnerable the West really is.

You people think that U.S. will allow Russia to become a superpower (like it used be) or a strong international factor? WRONG.

-U.S. will find a quick fix to check the Russians before they will even get a start. And this is not because of Kosova but it is because of U.S. interest.
Russia will be very sorry that they picked Kosova issue to go against the American will. America is a GREAT nation and once they sort the Iraq issue they will quickly deal will Russia. Russia as a result will loose credibility of prooving unable to stand the heat over Kosova and will get nothing in either Georgia or Akbhazia as a result.

I mean people, do you really think that U.S. will let Vladimir bully Europeans? This did not happen even at the height of Russian superpowership and military might of the past.

Princip

As far as the U.S. and U.K goes, there's a big difference between sending more troops in harm's way in Iraq and sending troops to a region with a welcoming local population.

Russia can have plenty of strategic interests yet despite its rhetorics it has limited ability to change facts in the ground. The only reason it's called a superpower is because it still has nuclear weapons. Its military is in shambles, its population is heading towards collapse.
In any case, speaking of strategic interests, what you should be worried about is SERBIA's strategic interests present and future, not Russia's.

Paul,
Yes Russia will have her old role again as the "empire of evil" but never a superpower again. For that it is not enough to have billions of oil revenue but the support of a large modern economy is required. Russia does not have it. Her GDP few years ago was less than Holland's. That tells you something. If you think that for Serbia becoming a Russian oblast like Kaliningrad is something fortunate is you interpretation of good luck and fortune. Many Central- and Eastern-European countries had this "fortune" for some 45 years and today they are extremely happy that they don't have it anymore. Sure you will say that between your very democratic countries it is brotherly love never seen in Europe before. So be it. Even so believe me no European country is going to envy you. At this point we all just can wish you happy honymoon. "Vive la mariee" as the French would say. But will it be like Dracula and his bride? Paul please keep us informed.

still kosovo winning independence winning
a president who supports independence
a continent who is becaking the president
on the opposite side we have kustunicas puppys equivelent in russian putins puppy

Blerim he bullied the EU last winter when threatned to turn off the Natural Gas flow. Did the US stop Russia then? NO, the country that the gas transits though agreed to pay the russian price and that was the peace. Gas for Europe

"To be even more precise, it means Priština has to finally realize and accept the fact that Kosovo’s status has not been determined.”

There you have it,sobering thoughts for K Albanians.
Recognized independence further away than ever.

Martti Ahtisaari, the former president of Finland, was seen as a "tainted" candidate from the beginning by many. In the attached piece,
Kosovo: The need for a neutral peace envoy
11 October 2005,
"However, despite his credentials, Mr Ahtisaari is seen by many as a tainted candidate. Specifically, concern has been expressed about the fact that he was, until 2004, Chairman of the International Crisis Group (ICG), a leading think tank that has been at the forefront of efforts to promote an independent Kosovo. Since then, he has retained a position as chairman emeritus of the organisation, which, through reports and editorial pieces, has strongly advocated statehood for the province."
The peice closes with "Of course, none of this is to say that Mr Ahtisaari is not an accomplished diplomat. His experience in this regard is beyond question. Nor is his standing being challenged. Instead, the appointment of someone who is so closely linked with an organisation that has so openly and strongly called for an independent Kosovo naturally taints his candidacy. Under other circumstances, Mr Ahtisaari may have been an ideal choice. However, in this case the Secretary-General needs to find someone whose impartiality, either real or perceived, cannot be challenged so easily."
http://www.civilitasresearch.org/publications/view_article.cfm?article_id=63

Cut off the oil and mineral imports and everyone can see how vulnerable the West really is.
(lowe, 22. August 2007 01:57)

And russia starves. Beyond Moskva and saint pettersburg russia is in poverty. This economic boom that is happening is ruining russia actually, men mortality (average) at 59 yrs, russia actually depends on ex-soviet immigrants to keep russia going.

russia may be a super power, but not a strong one. Lets be real do you know how many bases AMERICA has around the world? Around 500, that means that if america goes to war america can attack from any or all of those bases without a single soldier being deployed from home base. Not to mention that america has permission to use other countries bases to attack another nation, for example using italian air bases to strike belgrade in 1999. Be real, russia can never topple America. China has a much better chance than a moskva united.

dont get me wrong russia will have a more active voice, but enough to bully everyone. The future of EU is bright, with all of balkan under EU, politics will shift. BTW since when did the EAST get powerful, stop lying yourself, the WEST has been ruling the world for centuries, that's not going to change any day soon.

More music to my ears. Another nail in the coffin to the illegal and immoral greater albania project.

I wonder if in years to come there will be posters - like they had in the DDR - of Kostunica kissing Putin in smack in the mouth?

Mr. Kosachev,

You can have Serbia and do whatever you want with it, since your relations are so "good" but you have no right to impose your will on Albanians who have nothing in common and don't want anything to do with Serbia or Russia.

One more thing, Europe doesn't want a Palestine of its own, and this is something that you have failed to understand. Your use a tone like you are actually saying something, instead you are saying nothing. You and your administration feeds on the conflicts and longer the Kosovo conflict is prolonged, the deeper your administration hopes to put its claws into Europe. Your "empire of evil" hasn't changed its stance since the fall or Soviet Union.

Myself as Albanian would be surprised if this Russian would said sth different. There are copy pasting one-another declarations.
Finally one can see that Serbia has a bright future ahead. To become a new Russian oblast. Alas, without Kosova.

No more deadlines? No more Ceku? No more insistence on independence one way or another?

Let's start talking about the modalities of autonomy. Do Serbian Albanians want autonomy to shut off from the rest of their countrymen or do they wish to take part in wider society?

Some people have reaffirmed their allegiance to their country by renewing their Serbian passports, when they knew that UNMIK papers would do the same job. There are leaders and there are followers.

I really don't understand why all of these backward corrupt countries like Serbia ,Russia are trying to grasp onto defacto territory (Kosovo and Chechneya) where the people don't want to be under thier rule ,in my country of Canada we have let the Quebecquois have two referendums on independence ,why can't they follow our democratic example and just let the people have a referendum it's a simple way to settle matters like this but then again we are talking about Serbia and Russia who are at least 50 years behind us ,so to all of the pro-Serbs and Serbs alike you lost Kosovo ,GET OVER IT countries loose territory when they loose the war ,just accept it and move on ?

As long as there's Russian presence, international law will be observed. Russia has resurected itself and will be assuming a leading role on the world stage. It's presence cannot be taken for granted anymore and must be acknowledged as a super power
who will eventually dominate Europe. The Serbs are very fortunate to have Russia as an ally and should continue to strengthen their ties with them.

I guess we will hear the hopeful dreams of pro-Independence commentators that the Russians are just supporting Serbia to get something out of it and will drop Serbia like a shot. However, it would seem the Russians are in this to the end backing Serbia 100% and I say thank you Russia - a true friend.

The world has changed much yet many so called 'balkan'analysts still see things through the prism of the 90's hence why are surpised at Serbian Unity but also unintelligently continue to not listen to what Russia says again and again and then act surprised when what teh Russians said will happen materialises. I would urge all to listen and understand what is meant by;

“This is a principled strategic support which Russia will not give up.“

The question is is Kosovo & Metohija that important to the US?

ICG are wishfully thinking that the US would but they know better that the US cannot afford such a new offensive as they request;

"To NATO and its Member States:

10. NATO should consult with member states contributing troops to its Kosovo mission (KFOR) to ensure that none which fundamentally oppose recognising Kosovo’s conditional (supervised) independence are fielding contingents by early 2008, and that their contributions are replaced by those of nations prepared to recognise that status.

11. Following a Kosovo declaration of conditional (supervised) independence and recognition by the U.S. and EU member states, NATO should remain deployed in Kosovo, and carry out the tasks specified for it under the Ahtisaari plan.

12. If the NATO Council does not agree to continued deployment, the U.S. and those EU member states which have recognised Kosovo’s independence should deploy their forces to carry out the relevant security tasks."

For one I notice the US only have 1600 troops in Serbia's province and the UK 150 - it will be interesting to see any change in troop numbers. I very much doubt the UK will be sending troops given they are running on empty and will need send all spare capacity in withdrawing from Iraq to go to Afghanistan. As for the US are they about to send more troops in the coming election year? ICG must know the answers to all these questions and the reality is plan A-htisaari was dead and buried as soon as he mentioned it was independence - he must have known that the Russians would back Serbia all the more.

What a joke, completely.

Why read this rubbish of what some russian said when you can google yourself "kosovo" or "kosova" and you will read articles how EU think-tanks clearly state to ditch russia and realize a supervised-independent Kosova bc that region is about to go off.

Another thing, why is russia trying to meddle in Kosova affair? What if there was a troika about the Chechnya problem?
Russia is the only country that calls itself a continent, and yet chooses and leaves European Continent whenever it wants to, make up your mind.

Princip

As far as the U.S. and U.K goes, there's a big difference between sending more troops in harm's way in Iraq and sending troops to a region with a welcoming local population.

Russia can have plenty of strategic interests yet despite its rhetorics it has limited ability to change facts in the ground. The only reason it's called a superpower is because it still has nuclear weapons. Its military is in shambles, its population is heading towards collapse.
In any case, speaking of strategic interests, what you should be worried about is SERBIA's strategic interests present and future, not Russia's.

still kosovo winning independence winning
a president who supports independence
a continent who is becaking the president
on the opposite side we have kustunicas puppys equivelent in russian putins puppy

Princip,
spreading LIES will not help you or Serbia.

ICG is a very respected think tank.
They are taken very seriously by the Western governments, NOT YOU.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/21/AR2007082100515.html

“The Palestine issue has taken several decades to resolve. The process is still ongoing and no one makes a tragedy out of the fact that the solution for Palestine was not reached by a set deadline,” he reminded,

Yes, and you know what the Palestine issue has also produced?

1. Suicide bombers
2. Radicalized population
3. Political movements advocating the destruction of Israel by any means possible
4. International support from radical Islamic groups
5. Palestinian political movements that brainwash children with propaganda cartoon shows.

Palestine is in one of the most unenviable positions I can imagine. Who the Hell wants that kind of negative publicity in Europe, targetted against Serbs in the region?

Paul,
Yes Russia will have her old role again as the "empire of evil" but never a superpower again. For that it is not enough to have billions of oil revenue but the support of a large modern economy is required. Russia does not have it. Her GDP few years ago was less than Holland's. That tells you something. If you think that for Serbia becoming a Russian oblast like Kaliningrad is something fortunate is you interpretation of good luck and fortune. Many Central- and Eastern-European countries had this "fortune" for some 45 years and today they are extremely happy that they don't have it anymore. Sure you will say that between your very democratic countries it is brotherly love never seen in Europe before. So be it. Even so believe me no European country is going to envy you. At this point we all just can wish you happy honymoon. "Vive la mariee" as the French would say. But will it be like Dracula and his bride? Paul please keep us informed.

You people think that U.S. will allow Russia to become a superpower (like it used be) or a strong international factor? WRONG.

-U.S. will find a quick fix to check the Russians before they will even get a start. And this is not because of Kosova but it is because of U.S. interest.
Russia will be very sorry that they picked Kosova issue to go against the American will. America is a GREAT nation and once they sort the Iraq issue they will quickly deal will Russia. Russia as a result will loose credibility of prooving unable to stand the heat over Kosova and will get nothing in either Georgia or Akbhazia as a result.

I mean people, do you really think that U.S. will let Vladimir bully Europeans? This did not happen even at the height of Russian superpowership and military might of the past.

TENI:

I think you got that one mixed up with hardinaj kissing albright right smack in the mouth!

"ICG is a very respected think tank.
They are taken very seriously by the Western governments, NOT YOU.

[link]
(lazer, 22. August 2007 00:53) "

the ICG is funded by the West and so can hardly be considered an impartial body. I wouldn't be surprised if the West, especially the US, TELLS the ICG what to write!

One more thing, the West doesn't make up the entire world. It doesn't even hold a monopoly in the UNSC or the world economy. In fact, the West is generally resource poor. Cut off the oil and mineral imports and everyone can see how vulnerable the West really is.

Joe, I believe Russia's gross domestic product ranks in the world's top 15, therefore, they are economicaly viable. It is predicted that their GDP will augment by an annual average of 5.2% from 2005 to 2010, hence, they are booming. What are your sources of information besides fantasies and wishful thinking? You've alluded to countries which were a part of the communist block during the last 45 years. What does this have to do with present day Russia? Don't you believe that countries progress & evolve? They don't remain stagnant and impoverished like the country your defending. Are you aware of Russia's current pipeline project which will facilitate the distribution of oil & gaz throughout Europe (and that will include albania too). You have to stop living in the past and get with the times. Russia will eventually dominate Europe and parts of Asia. Regarding the "empire of evil," who is at war with the entire planet and who is on the side of international law? Stop dreaming and face reality.

The albanians are constantly criticizing the Serbs, however, in the event of independence they will all be living in Serbia proper. There are over 250,000 albanians who have requested Serbian passports. They appear to be people of the upper rank or the elite. So when independence occurs they'll run to Serbia proper
and leave the albanians on this board to fend for themselves. Check this article out and kindly keep your critcism in check.

To the B92 moderator If I erred in posting a link,
could you kindly correct it.

http://www.serbianna.com/news/2007/02186.shtml

Wow lots of alban posts.

Joe
"Yes Russia will have her old role again as the "empire of evil" but never a superpower again."

Russia was/is/will always be a superpower. Its capable of scorched earth on the global scale. When Russia speaks, believe me, everyone listens carefully.

adriano
"still kosovo winning independence winning
a president who supports independence
a continent who is becaking the president
on the opposite side we have kustunicas puppys equivelent in russian putins puppy"

I agree except this is the only president in the world that will have less power then the English Queen.

Lazer
"ICG is a very respected think tank.
They are taken very seriously by the Western governments, NOT YOU."

"Crisis Group is co-chaired by former British politician and European Commissioner for External Affairs, Christopher Patten and former US Ambassador to the United Nations, Thomas R. Pickering. Its President and Chief Executive since January 2000 has been former Foreign Minister of Australia, Gareth Evans."

I wikied this one for everyone. I wonder who pays their bills?! You honestly believe that EU nations care what US says through them if they are to scared to say it openly any more.

CCC

Joe,

Russia's GDP in the 50's 60's, 70's and 80's was less per-capita than most western countries and by your own admission they were a Super Power back then! Their GDP is actually greater now! What is your POINT? You would do well to research that Russia has the second largest army in the world, they have nuclear weapons, they are innovators of some of the most sophisticated weapons in the world and their military training is possibly the finest in the world. They are without doubt a Super Military Power in the World, and with all the oil they own they have the means to finance their military, unlike the USA who is in debt to China for over 1.7 Trillion dollars and in debt to the rest of the world for another 900 Billion. Russia's debt is not even 10% of that! Get your facts straight about who the Russians are.

lazer,
we all could witness how respected the ICG is amongst the european governments, when the USA and some of those european states pulled back the issue from the UNSC.

you still dream, aren´t you?

miri,
Kosovo is and will be a serbian "oblast".
you will accept if someday, when you realize that your fascist-ideological agenda has failed.

while some congressmen start thinking over there in Washington, some Russians in the Duma clearly step up the pressure.

my dear albanians friends, good news, isn´t it?

( what happened with those party-poeple on times square by the way? are the cookies still ready? )

Blerim he bullied the EU last winter when threatned to turn off the Natural Gas flow. Did the US stop Russia then? NO, the country that the gas transits though agreed to pay the russian price and that was the peace. Gas for Europe

"To be even more precise, it means Priština has to finally realize and accept the fact that Kosovo’s status has not been determined.”

There you have it,sobering thoughts for K Albanians.
Recognized independence further away than ever.

Martti Ahtisaari, the former president of Finland, was seen as a "tainted" candidate from the beginning by many. In the attached piece,
Kosovo: The need for a neutral peace envoy
11 October 2005,
"However, despite his credentials, Mr Ahtisaari is seen by many as a tainted candidate. Specifically, concern has been expressed about the fact that he was, until 2004, Chairman of the International Crisis Group (ICG), a leading think tank that has been at the forefront of efforts to promote an independent Kosovo. Since then, he has retained a position as chairman emeritus of the organisation, which, through reports and editorial pieces, has strongly advocated statehood for the province."
The peice closes with "Of course, none of this is to say that Mr Ahtisaari is not an accomplished diplomat. His experience in this regard is beyond question. Nor is his standing being challenged. Instead, the appointment of someone who is so closely linked with an organisation that has so openly and strongly called for an independent Kosovo naturally taints his candidacy. Under other circumstances, Mr Ahtisaari may have been an ideal choice. However, in this case the Secretary-General needs to find someone whose impartiality, either real or perceived, cannot be challenged so easily."
http://www.civilitasresearch.org/publications/view_article.cfm?article_id=63

Cut off the oil and mineral imports and everyone can see how vulnerable the West really is.
(lowe, 22. August 2007 01:57)

And russia starves. Beyond Moskva and saint pettersburg russia is in poverty. This economic boom that is happening is ruining russia actually, men mortality (average) at 59 yrs, russia actually depends on ex-soviet immigrants to keep russia going.

russia may be a super power, but not a strong one. Lets be real do you know how many bases AMERICA has around the world? Around 500, that means that if america goes to war america can attack from any or all of those bases without a single soldier being deployed from home base. Not to mention that america has permission to use other countries bases to attack another nation, for example using italian air bases to strike belgrade in 1999. Be real, russia can never topple America. China has a much better chance than a moskva united.

dont get me wrong russia will have a more active voice, but enough to bully everyone. The future of EU is bright, with all of balkan under EU, politics will shift. BTW since when did the EAST get powerful, stop lying yourself, the WEST has been ruling the world for centuries, that's not going to change any day soon.