Is this Koshtunica withe the kalashnikov in his hand during the war in 1999??? is this the prosperity that he promises? i didn't know that Serbia is a prosperous country
"Serbia can survive without Kosovo, but Kosovo can not survive without Serbia. "
On the contrary. It is not the Albanians who are claiming that Serbia is their heartland and as such they can't live without it. It is the opposite. The Serbs are claiming they can't live without Kosova/o.
We do not need an outsider to tell us whether we can tell slavery from freedom. We lived it all. We had all the autonomy, we had more than autonomy less than independence in the past. Since we lived it ourselves we can tell you that we were treated as second class citizens even at the highest point of self-government. Then we were beaten, killed and expulsed. It is our blood that was spilled, it is our compromise. We are the ones to decide how much freedom is enough for us, and certainly not an extremist from Belgrade who just a couple of years ago carried a Kalashnikov in his arm.
When every Albanian here tells you that they would rather be dirt-poor and free rather than be in any way tied to Belgrade's government, that is enough. Freedom cannot be bought away from us with fake promises and propaganda.
well...Mr. Kostunica you forgot to bring a kalashnikove on your hands with that big smile on your face .... and than tell the albanians here is your prosperity...He he very funy...you know I got a suggestion for you mr Kostunica lets start first by giving the prosperty to hungarina and croats in vojvodina and than sanxhak and further south perhaps preshevo, bujanofc, medvegje and oh the romas dont have any seats in the serbian parlamnet last i checked... but not in kosovA..we have had quiet an experience with serb government since 1912..... 1913..1918.1940-45...1968..1974...1981..1989...do I need to mention the 90''s.... Please be a democrat and lets live as good neighbors.
Serbia can survive without Kosovo, but Kosovo can not survive without Serbia.
There will never be any economic development in Kosovo as long as the territory is disputed. The only way for Kosovo to move forward is to negotiate an agreement with Serbia.
Kosovo will gain absolutely noting by proclaiming independence and getting recognition from the Americans and part of the EU. No foreign investor will touch a disputed territory with an ethnic conflict (which is sure to erupt in northern Kosovo).
Kostunica is offering self-government to the Albanians. The average person on the ground wouldn't be able to tell the difference between his proposal and independence.
I would urge the Albanians to negotiate, because the only way for there to ever be economic development and foreign investment in Kosovo is for there to be a negotiated agreement between Belgrade and Pristina.
The Albanian stance on this issue is conter-productive and runs against their own best interests. Independence has no future.
FRANS,
If there is such as an International Low then Serbia has to pay to Kosovar people for all damages they have caused during the past 100 years. Kosovars, as you know, were not asked to choose weather to stay in the relationship with Serbia for the past 100 years, they were forced to do so against their will. So, Frans, do the rapists get away unpunished in the country were you live?
Yeah, prosperity, that's waht we are looking for! But, not in Serbia, anyway Mr. Koshtunica, thank you, but NO!
we will live in poverty but without you, what can we do, we cant have all!
Wow what an offer and from whom?!
Dear Kostunica and others who may think same - you are not in a position to offer anything about Kosovo and Kosovars. You may be only in a position to accept or not reality in Kosovo and with Kosovars.
I intentionally say Kosovo and Kosovars because for Kostunica and his company Kosovo is only the piece of land in trade and it is proofed in last centuries. But that land has its lord - Kosovars, to whom Kosovo is homeland and doesn't has the price in trade, this is proofed as well...
FrankDi: Just for the record, it was not Serbia that conived with Germany to split up the former Yugoslavia. It was not serbs in Croatia that expulsed themselves, nor was it Serbs in Bosnia that burned their own villages.
You seem to think, along with many others here, that EVERY act of agression during the Balkan civil wars were started, enacted, and finished only by Serbs. It was not so.
The truth, if you are interested, is that all three sides were equally complicit in acting out some attrocities. ALL sides. No one can take any credit, or claim a superior, or more moral stand point. For that reason alone, each side should show more compromise.
As to Kosovo, it IS true that it is underdeveloped. So is Macedonia. The southern Yugoslavia were not created into economic 'powerhouses'. This is history. But ...
When Kosovo DID get investment, what happened to it? Apparently in the last ten years 22 BILLION dollars has gone into Kosovov. (I assume his includes all the salaries of UNMIK [what a waste of money] and the armies). But what has the investment achieved? Where are the new roads; where are the new commercial fcatories, warehouses, industries? Why are the fields underused? Why are the mines under developed? Where will the Foreign investment come from if there is no attempt to end the organised crime, and eliminate corruption in officers of the government? (Macedonia had a similar, albeit not as extreme, problem; as does Serbia itself).
As Peter Sudyka says, Kosovo is NOT unique. The 'west' is realising that there are more problems than solutions with immediate independence, which is why they are now dragging their feet over this. Do not expect that there will be an unequivocal answer on the 10th December. And if not - what will Kosovo actually do?
The key to independence is not just the desire, but it is in the accomplishment of the ideal. Kosovo can not survive as a small independent nation. At least, not yet.
It sems to me that in the last weeks the stance in Belgrade has been more consilliatry. The politics of the situation are important, and these messages count among the western politicos. So the resitsance by K-Albanians to even consider the offer, is doing that case a lot of harm.
In effect Serbia is offering de facto independence. Until Kosovo has an economy, it's the only offer that will allow the ocuntry to survive.
'Independence' is a word, it will not feed the people.
@ARTA and others.
Oh, how easy always to say bad things about Kostunica and other politicians from Serbia. But try to be a bit more helpfull in solving this problem. And the answer is not that it is like a divorce. When you divorce(at least in Western-Europe but maybe not in your clan-structured province) you need to make arragements about your children, grand-children, your property, your debts and your credits.And when you can not deal with it together a judge will decide about it. And interestingly enough the judge will divide as many as possible equally between partners. It seems that K-Albanians never heard about that. Another thing, prosperity, as promised by Kostunica. Don't tell me about K-A in Preshevo and surroundings. Why you think thay are living like that? Is it all the fault from Serbia? Better look at what the K-A achieved themselves. Totally nothing. Due to the fact that they are in general very lazy, just waiting for the money of their clan memers working abroad. How is it otherwise to explain all the modern cars I see in the South of Serbia and in Kosovo?
Reminds me of an old German advertisement? "want to have a great holiday at the seaside? Visit Albania, your car is already there"
Allow the people of Kosovo to have a referendum on independence... Of course the overwhelming majority will side for seperation from Serbia; but at least it will be seen as the will of the people - not some politicians or former terrorists disguised as politicians.
Personally, I am not for independence - the precedent being set is: Terrorist organisation doesn't like the ruling body.. starts a fight.. gets big brother to help out (because, big brother can't see past it's own nose).. hey presto - look like victims and get the sympathy card (independence). What a precedent that is setting for the EU in the future...
As much as I hate to say it but there will never be an agreement in Kosovo for the simple fact that historically this territory belongs to Serbs yet the population today in the area as you know is majority Albanian so neither wants to give..Even if some solution is reached it will be a temporary one, World powers come and go and that directly affects the Balkans.
Attacking one's wishes for a 'greater' nation should not excuse the other to accomplish the same and finally the West has done more harm then good in the region..believe me that there would be peace in the region in a month if the desire was there..but divide and conquer..or something like that.
KiM Albanians are a hard lot to make happy. Pyramid schemes and black market is not something Beograd is offering, it is offering integration into local Balkan economies. Independent Kosovo is going to live without fair trade for a very long time and with an economy that is still born. I wouldn't want to be sitting at the US' dining table waiting for scraps.
Your cooment is foolish even in a divorce one must compromise. Ask your husband if he would be happy for you to take the lot after years of working together. You see this is your problem you forget what serbia has invested into kosovo for the past hundreds of years. we cant allow a gold digging wife to take the lot after investing not much in perspective when where taking 100'S of years
This is the most ridiculous statement from Kostunica so far. He is offering prosperity to the K-Albanians. Ha ha ha. For years he could not even offer prosperity for his own people, the Serbs of Serbia. It is almost the same as if Afghanistan would offer prosperity to Tadzikistan.
This man strikes me more and more as a man of low IQ. How could he get his law degree? Well maybe the academic standards are much lower in Serbian than in the US.
Kosova was 100 years under Serbia and had no prosperity.Serbia itself is a 3d word country with heavy external debt. The only thing Kosovars had from Serbia was the constant expulsion.Koshtunica is not only criminal but ironic too.It is time for him to remember Kosova as a bad dream.
Thank you for your “generous” offer Mr Kostunica but Kosovars have already made up their mind and have divorced you. Don’t you get it? It takes both parties to agree in order to have a happy relationship. If no agreement is reached than separation is the best solution. This is not a rocket science - Mr Kostunica. Your relationship with your own Slavic brothers, who speak the same language and have the same culture didn’t work out. that was because you were to good to them.
One need only look at the lives that our Albanian brothers live in the Presheva Valley to know what Serbian prosperity for Albanians equates too. Its much much closer to hell on earth than paradise on earth.
I wonder how Mr. Kostunica is going to be able to offer Albanians prosperity since in its plans he and his fellows argue that Serbia would not meddle at all with the decision making of Kosova/o. I wonder how his decisions as a prime minister of Serbia, which according to his own status plan will have no say or power in Kosova/o whatsoever,will make Kosova/o prosperous? Then we are left with two conclusions.
1- The words of prosperity for Albanians are pure lies, propaganda since according to his own status plan Serbia will have no decision making powers at all in Kosova/o which would empower Serbia to make Kosova/o prosperous.
2- Serbia will break its own status plan and will meddle and make decisions for Kosova/o, in which case it will result in Kosova/o not even being autonomous. In such a case the twisted idea of prosperity for Albanians that we have in Presheva Valley today will be applied to Kosova/o by the Serbs.
Then in 10 years history will repeat itself and Kostunica might find himself to be a defendant in the Hague, die in some prison cells. Serbia will honour him and accuse the world for killing him. Meanwhile more mass graves of Albanian victims will be found in Batjanica and other places inside proper Serbia. This is most likely the prosperity Kostunica is offering.
First of all I have to compliment the editor of this blog for the tolerance and the equal opportunity for all of us. I wish the Albanian blogegrs will follow course.
Regarding the fact that Kosova is a unique case or not I want to remind that it is the only case the international force made a war for and conquered the territory and now after eight years it is time of self-determination.
President Tadic, a respectable politician is doing his best strategy and showing class, declared few days ago in New York that only UB Security Council has the right to define the Kosovo Status. My question: How about if UN SC decides in favour of the indipendence? Would you accept it? Why just because the UNSC decided oor for its merit? Let's talk for a moment about this?.
I'm sure, despite all what has happened and can not be forgiven easily or at least during our generation, the future can see Serbs and Albanians working together for a bright future.
I'm just sure after last week, while driving to Strasbourg, I went thru the bridge connecting Germany and France and saw the European flag with German and French one in each side.
I'm sure there are high personalities and men of stature in Serbia to go beyond the current difficulties and think of the future.
it is not your land, and that´s exactly the reason why you are forced to threat with violence and to accuse all and everything that is serbian, including the serbian PM.
it is defininitely not your land, ...you only want it, but that´s another question...
EA the fact that Kosovo was the poorest region of Yugoslavia was hardly Serbia's fault before the break up.
In fact it was Croatia and Slovenia that were arguing that less money be spent on the province. This was one of the main reasons why the republics fell out in the first place.
And if you check the history you will see that other poorer republics such as Macedonia and Bosnia were also arguing for a greater share of the cake which meant that Kosovo received less from FARUK.
Kosovo certainly stagnated though in the 1989 - 1998 period, as did all of Serbia.
The reason why Kosovo was the poorest region in the former Yugoslavia and will remain the poorest in the future is partly due to lack of sensible investment and corruption but its also the provinces destiny. Lack of resources (One coal mine cannot sustain the whole population so lets not even use that example) and perspective does not help the situation.
The prosperity of Kosovo lies not in nation statism or waving flags, it lies in improving the living standards of those living there, it lies in drastically increasing investment and economic growth.
I hope that Kosovo and Serbia prosper economically in the future no matter what final status is but I am not optimistic on Kosovo's prospects.
If Kosovo is to become independent, then there is no reason whatsoever for other nations to break away from the states they are a part of. Have a look at some perspectives on this matter:
This article is one of many that show that the Kosovo is indeed not a unique case. The Kosovars will argue that those other nations were not oppressed, well maybe not, but then please explain in terms of Abkhazia, Transdniestr and Chechnya.
Now I personally am not particularly bothered by the fact that nations split away from states, let them have their freedom, from this perspective I feel with the Albanians, however...
Serbia does not want it, Spain does not want it, Russia does not want it, Moldova does not want it... this is where the problem lies, states do not want their sovereignty jeopardized... this is precisely where the problem lies.
It WILL set a precedent, it is NOT a unique case, it is not the case that the Kosovars can demand what they want and get it, the world is far bigger than Kosovo, and I fear there will be huge problems in Europe if this region is given independence, which is why it hasn't thus far...
Mr. koshtunica is calling on interantional community to reject violent Kosova solution. Now , think for a moment how can you equate peoples will with violence?
We don't need prosperity from anybody we can prosper better on our own.
Why has nobody commented on the generous offer by Serbia? Can't your propaganda handle serious negotiation? Here is my suggestion for Mr. Kostunica: On Dec 9, put Serbian troops on the Kosovo "line". Tell the world that if the US recognizes Kosovo independence, then the Serbian soldiers move in. The world will blame the US for starting the violence in Kosovo if the US recognizes independence. This is the scenerio that the US fears the most.
Just wandering "Why Serbia didn't offer that prosperity to the Kosovar Albanians before the 1999? Why Kosova was the poorest region in the former Yugoslavia? Why Serbia did treat Kosova's issues as "an internal affair of Serbia? Kosova is practically independent and Serbia has no influence whatsoever over Kosova. The Koshtunica's "offers" for prosperity are nonsense, urealistic and misleading. The prosperity of Kosova lies in its Sovereignity and being able to establish good relations with every country in the world without having to ask permission from Belgrade. The prosperity of Kosova is the path towards European Union and its values, in strengthing its own institutions in fighting crime and corruption, respect of its citizen's human rights and rule of law. Serbia can benefit in engaging with Kosova as partners. The Friendship Pact between the two nation is still live and on offer. Embrasse it and do not miss that historical chance. Show to the world that you are real and the Serbia's face has changed and it is not anymore Slobo's. That is real and genuine as well as 21st Century solution to the issue.
Re: “Violent and unilateral solutions... constitute for extremely dangerous precedents capable of jeopardizing not only the Balkans, but the entire international order...”
Strangely enough what the PM is saying reminds me of one of Aesop's fables with the wolf.
Going back to the quote, the PM should not forget that Serbia started a war with Slovenia, then with Croatia, after that with Bosnia, and finally in Kosovo.
I've never heard that a loosing side in any war ended up being a winner.
Now we are talking about law, but did we upheld the law with regards to our citizens for the last twenty years or so? Sure, Bosnikas didn't execute themselves in Srbenica, or Croats in Mostars, or K-Albanians in Bajtanica mass graves. Respect the law, then you can demand that others respect and abide by it. Break it and then see that all hell breaks loose...
"...Our proposal guarantees the most privileged status for the ethnic Albanian minority that cannot be found elsewhere in the world,” the prime minister told Tanjug news agency on Sunday.
Yes, but the Kosovars don't want the "minority paradise" offered by Mr Kostunica; they want the majority indipendence.
Just wandering "Why Serbia didn't offer that prosperity to the Kosovar Albanians before the 1999? Why Kosova was the poorest region in the former Yugoslavia? Why Serbia did treat Kosova's issues as "an internal affair of Serbia? Kosova is practically independent and Serbia has no influence whatsoever over Kosova. The Koshtunica's "offers" for prosperity are nonsense, urealistic and misleading. The prosperity of Kosova lies in its Sovereignity and being able to establish good relations with every country in the world without having to ask permission from Belgrade. The prosperity of Kosova is the path towards European Union and its values, in strengthing its own institutions in fighting crime and corruption, respect of its citizen's human rights and rule of law. Serbia can benefit in engaging with Kosova as partners. The Friendship Pact between the two nation is still live and on offer. Embrasse it and do not miss that historical chance. Show to the world that you are real and the Serbia's face has changed and it is not anymore Slobo's. That is real and genuine as well as 21st Century solution to the issue.
Re: “Violent and unilateral solutions... constitute for extremely dangerous precedents capable of jeopardizing not only the Balkans, but the entire international order...”
Strangely enough what the PM is saying reminds me of one of Aesop's fables with the wolf.
Going back to the quote, the PM should not forget that Serbia started a war with Slovenia, then with Croatia, after that with Bosnia, and finally in Kosovo.
I've never heard that a loosing side in any war ended up being a winner.
Now we are talking about law, but did we upheld the law with regards to our citizens for the last twenty years or so? Sure, Bosnikas didn't execute themselves in Srbenica, or Croats in Mostars, or K-Albanians in Bajtanica mass graves. Respect the law, then you can demand that others respect and abide by it. Break it and then see that all hell breaks loose...
"...Our proposal guarantees the most privileged status for the ethnic Albanian minority that cannot be found elsewhere in the world,” the prime minister told Tanjug news agency on Sunday.
Yes, but the Kosovars don't want the "minority paradise" offered by Mr Kostunica; they want the majority indipendence.
Mr. koshtunica is calling on interantional community to reject violent Kosova solution. Now , think for a moment how can you equate peoples will with violence?
We don't need prosperity from anybody we can prosper better on our own.
Thank you for your “generous” offer Mr Kostunica but Kosovars have already made up their mind and have divorced you. Don’t you get it? It takes both parties to agree in order to have a happy relationship. If no agreement is reached than separation is the best solution. This is not a rocket science - Mr Kostunica. Your relationship with your own Slavic brothers, who speak the same language and have the same culture didn’t work out. that was because you were to good to them.
First of all I have to compliment the editor of this blog for the tolerance and the equal opportunity for all of us. I wish the Albanian blogegrs will follow course.
Regarding the fact that Kosova is a unique case or not I want to remind that it is the only case the international force made a war for and conquered the territory and now after eight years it is time of self-determination.
President Tadic, a respectable politician is doing his best strategy and showing class, declared few days ago in New York that only UB Security Council has the right to define the Kosovo Status. My question: How about if UN SC decides in favour of the indipendence? Would you accept it? Why just because the UNSC decided oor for its merit? Let's talk for a moment about this?.
I'm sure, despite all what has happened and can not be forgiven easily or at least during our generation, the future can see Serbs and Albanians working together for a bright future.
I'm just sure after last week, while driving to Strasbourg, I went thru the bridge connecting Germany and France and saw the European flag with German and French one in each side.
I'm sure there are high personalities and men of stature in Serbia to go beyond the current difficulties and think of the future.
If Kosovo is to become independent, then there is no reason whatsoever for other nations to break away from the states they are a part of. Have a look at some perspectives on this matter:
This article is one of many that show that the Kosovo is indeed not a unique case. The Kosovars will argue that those other nations were not oppressed, well maybe not, but then please explain in terms of Abkhazia, Transdniestr and Chechnya.
Now I personally am not particularly bothered by the fact that nations split away from states, let them have their freedom, from this perspective I feel with the Albanians, however...
Serbia does not want it, Spain does not want it, Russia does not want it, Moldova does not want it... this is where the problem lies, states do not want their sovereignty jeopardized... this is precisely where the problem lies.
It WILL set a precedent, it is NOT a unique case, it is not the case that the Kosovars can demand what they want and get it, the world is far bigger than Kosovo, and I fear there will be huge problems in Europe if this region is given independence, which is why it hasn't thus far...
EA the fact that Kosovo was the poorest region of Yugoslavia was hardly Serbia's fault before the break up.
In fact it was Croatia and Slovenia that were arguing that less money be spent on the province. This was one of the main reasons why the republics fell out in the first place.
And if you check the history you will see that other poorer republics such as Macedonia and Bosnia were also arguing for a greater share of the cake which meant that Kosovo received less from FARUK.
Kosovo certainly stagnated though in the 1989 - 1998 period, as did all of Serbia.
The reason why Kosovo was the poorest region in the former Yugoslavia and will remain the poorest in the future is partly due to lack of sensible investment and corruption but its also the provinces destiny. Lack of resources (One coal mine cannot sustain the whole population so lets not even use that example) and perspective does not help the situation.
The prosperity of Kosovo lies not in nation statism or waving flags, it lies in improving the living standards of those living there, it lies in drastically increasing investment and economic growth.
I hope that Kosovo and Serbia prosper economically in the future no matter what final status is but I am not optimistic on Kosovo's prospects.
One need only look at the lives that our Albanian brothers live in the Presheva Valley to know what Serbian prosperity for Albanians equates too. Its much much closer to hell on earth than paradise on earth.
I wonder how Mr. Kostunica is going to be able to offer Albanians prosperity since in its plans he and his fellows argue that Serbia would not meddle at all with the decision making of Kosova/o. I wonder how his decisions as a prime minister of Serbia, which according to his own status plan will have no say or power in Kosova/o whatsoever,will make Kosova/o prosperous? Then we are left with two conclusions.
1- The words of prosperity for Albanians are pure lies, propaganda since according to his own status plan Serbia will have no decision making powers at all in Kosova/o which would empower Serbia to make Kosova/o prosperous.
2- Serbia will break its own status plan and will meddle and make decisions for Kosova/o, in which case it will result in Kosova/o not even being autonomous. In such a case the twisted idea of prosperity for Albanians that we have in Presheva Valley today will be applied to Kosova/o by the Serbs.
Then in 10 years history will repeat itself and Kostunica might find himself to be a defendant in the Hague, die in some prison cells. Serbia will honour him and accuse the world for killing him. Meanwhile more mass graves of Albanian victims will be found in Batjanica and other places inside proper Serbia. This is most likely the prosperity Kostunica is offering.
Why has nobody commented on the generous offer by Serbia? Can't your propaganda handle serious negotiation? Here is my suggestion for Mr. Kostunica: On Dec 9, put Serbian troops on the Kosovo "line". Tell the world that if the US recognizes Kosovo independence, then the Serbian soldiers move in. The world will blame the US for starting the violence in Kosovo if the US recognizes independence. This is the scenerio that the US fears the most.
it is not your land, and that´s exactly the reason why you are forced to threat with violence and to accuse all and everything that is serbian, including the serbian PM.
it is defininitely not your land, ...you only want it, but that´s another question...
Wow what an offer and from whom?!
Dear Kostunica and others who may think same - you are not in a position to offer anything about Kosovo and Kosovars. You may be only in a position to accept or not reality in Kosovo and with Kosovars.
I intentionally say Kosovo and Kosovars because for Kostunica and his company Kosovo is only the piece of land in trade and it is proofed in last centuries. But that land has its lord - Kosovars, to whom Kosovo is homeland and doesn't has the price in trade, this is proofed as well...
This is the most ridiculous statement from Kostunica so far. He is offering prosperity to the K-Albanians. Ha ha ha. For years he could not even offer prosperity for his own people, the Serbs of Serbia. It is almost the same as if Afghanistan would offer prosperity to Tadzikistan.
This man strikes me more and more as a man of low IQ. How could he get his law degree? Well maybe the academic standards are much lower in Serbian than in the US.
KiM Albanians are a hard lot to make happy. Pyramid schemes and black market is not something Beograd is offering, it is offering integration into local Balkan economies. Independent Kosovo is going to live without fair trade for a very long time and with an economy that is still born. I wouldn't want to be sitting at the US' dining table waiting for scraps.
FrankDi: Just for the record, it was not Serbia that conived with Germany to split up the former Yugoslavia. It was not serbs in Croatia that expulsed themselves, nor was it Serbs in Bosnia that burned their own villages.
You seem to think, along with many others here, that EVERY act of agression during the Balkan civil wars were started, enacted, and finished only by Serbs. It was not so.
The truth, if you are interested, is that all three sides were equally complicit in acting out some attrocities. ALL sides. No one can take any credit, or claim a superior, or more moral stand point. For that reason alone, each side should show more compromise.
As to Kosovo, it IS true that it is underdeveloped. So is Macedonia. The southern Yugoslavia were not created into economic 'powerhouses'. This is history. But ...
When Kosovo DID get investment, what happened to it? Apparently in the last ten years 22 BILLION dollars has gone into Kosovov. (I assume his includes all the salaries of UNMIK [what a waste of money] and the armies). But what has the investment achieved? Where are the new roads; where are the new commercial fcatories, warehouses, industries? Why are the fields underused? Why are the mines under developed? Where will the Foreign investment come from if there is no attempt to end the organised crime, and eliminate corruption in officers of the government? (Macedonia had a similar, albeit not as extreme, problem; as does Serbia itself).
As Peter Sudyka says, Kosovo is NOT unique. The 'west' is realising that there are more problems than solutions with immediate independence, which is why they are now dragging their feet over this. Do not expect that there will be an unequivocal answer on the 10th December. And if not - what will Kosovo actually do?
The key to independence is not just the desire, but it is in the accomplishment of the ideal. Kosovo can not survive as a small independent nation. At least, not yet.
It sems to me that in the last weeks the stance in Belgrade has been more consilliatry. The politics of the situation are important, and these messages count among the western politicos. So the resitsance by K-Albanians to even consider the offer, is doing that case a lot of harm.
In effect Serbia is offering de facto independence. Until Kosovo has an economy, it's the only offer that will allow the ocuntry to survive.
'Independence' is a word, it will not feed the people.
Serbia can survive without Kosovo, but Kosovo can not survive without Serbia.
There will never be any economic development in Kosovo as long as the territory is disputed. The only way for Kosovo to move forward is to negotiate an agreement with Serbia.
Kosovo will gain absolutely noting by proclaiming independence and getting recognition from the Americans and part of the EU. No foreign investor will touch a disputed territory with an ethnic conflict (which is sure to erupt in northern Kosovo).
Kostunica is offering self-government to the Albanians. The average person on the ground wouldn't be able to tell the difference between his proposal and independence.
I would urge the Albanians to negotiate, because the only way for there to ever be economic development and foreign investment in Kosovo is for there to be a negotiated agreement between Belgrade and Pristina.
The Albanian stance on this issue is conter-productive and runs against their own best interests. Independence has no future.
Kosova was 100 years under Serbia and had no prosperity.Serbia itself is a 3d word country with heavy external debt. The only thing Kosovars had from Serbia was the constant expulsion.Koshtunica is not only criminal but ironic too.It is time for him to remember Kosova as a bad dream.
Your cooment is foolish even in a divorce one must compromise. Ask your husband if he would be happy for you to take the lot after years of working together. You see this is your problem you forget what serbia has invested into kosovo for the past hundreds of years. we cant allow a gold digging wife to take the lot after investing not much in perspective when where taking 100'S of years
As much as I hate to say it but there will never be an agreement in Kosovo for the simple fact that historically this territory belongs to Serbs yet the population today in the area as you know is majority Albanian so neither wants to give..Even if some solution is reached it will be a temporary one, World powers come and go and that directly affects the Balkans.
Attacking one's wishes for a 'greater' nation should not excuse the other to accomplish the same and finally the West has done more harm then good in the region..believe me that there would be peace in the region in a month if the desire was there..but divide and conquer..or something like that.
Allow the people of Kosovo to have a referendum on independence... Of course the overwhelming majority will side for seperation from Serbia; but at least it will be seen as the will of the people - not some politicians or former terrorists disguised as politicians.
Personally, I am not for independence - the precedent being set is: Terrorist organisation doesn't like the ruling body.. starts a fight.. gets big brother to help out (because, big brother can't see past it's own nose).. hey presto - look like victims and get the sympathy card (independence). What a precedent that is setting for the EU in the future...
@ARTA and others.
Oh, how easy always to say bad things about Kostunica and other politicians from Serbia. But try to be a bit more helpfull in solving this problem. And the answer is not that it is like a divorce. When you divorce(at least in Western-Europe but maybe not in your clan-structured province) you need to make arragements about your children, grand-children, your property, your debts and your credits.And when you can not deal with it together a judge will decide about it. And interestingly enough the judge will divide as many as possible equally between partners. It seems that K-Albanians never heard about that. Another thing, prosperity, as promised by Kostunica. Don't tell me about K-A in Preshevo and surroundings. Why you think thay are living like that? Is it all the fault from Serbia? Better look at what the K-A achieved themselves. Totally nothing. Due to the fact that they are in general very lazy, just waiting for the money of their clan memers working abroad. How is it otherwise to explain all the modern cars I see in the South of Serbia and in Kosovo?
Reminds me of an old German advertisement? "want to have a great holiday at the seaside? Visit Albania, your car is already there"
Yeah, prosperity, that's waht we are looking for! But, not in Serbia, anyway Mr. Koshtunica, thank you, but NO!
we will live in poverty but without you, what can we do, we cant have all!
FRANS,
If there is such as an International Low then Serbia has to pay to Kosovar people for all damages they have caused during the past 100 years. Kosovars, as you know, were not asked to choose weather to stay in the relationship with Serbia for the past 100 years, they were forced to do so against their will. So, Frans, do the rapists get away unpunished in the country were you live?
"Serbia can survive without Kosovo, but Kosovo can not survive without Serbia. "
On the contrary. It is not the Albanians who are claiming that Serbia is their heartland and as such they can't live without it. It is the opposite. The Serbs are claiming they can't live without Kosova/o.
We do not need an outsider to tell us whether we can tell slavery from freedom. We lived it all. We had all the autonomy, we had more than autonomy less than independence in the past. Since we lived it ourselves we can tell you that we were treated as second class citizens even at the highest point of self-government. Then we were beaten, killed and expulsed. It is our blood that was spilled, it is our compromise. We are the ones to decide how much freedom is enough for us, and certainly not an extremist from Belgrade who just a couple of years ago carried a Kalashnikov in his arm.
When every Albanian here tells you that they would rather be dirt-poor and free rather than be in any way tied to Belgrade's government, that is enough. Freedom cannot be bought away from us with fake promises and propaganda.
well...Mr. Kostunica you forgot to bring a kalashnikove on your hands with that big smile on your face .... and than tell the albanians here is your prosperity...He he very funy...you know I got a suggestion for you mr Kostunica lets start first by giving the prosperty to hungarina and croats in vojvodina and than sanxhak and further south perhaps preshevo, bujanofc, medvegje and oh the romas dont have any seats in the serbian parlamnet last i checked... but not in kosovA..we have had quiet an experience with serb government since 1912..... 1913..1918.1940-45...1968..1974...1981..1989...do I need to mention the 90''s.... Please be a democrat and lets live as good neighbors.
Is this Koshtunica withe the kalashnikov in his hand during the war in 1999??? is this the prosperity that he promises? i didn't know that Serbia is a prosperous country
Why has nobody commented on the generous offer by Serbia? Can't your propaganda handle serious negotiation? Here is my suggestion for Mr. Kostunica: On Dec 9, put Serbian troops on the Kosovo "line". Tell the world that if the US recognizes Kosovo independence, then the Serbian soldiers move in. The world will blame the US for starting the violence in Kosovo if the US recognizes independence. This is the scenerio that the US fears the most.
Mr. koshtunica is calling on interantional community to reject violent Kosova solution. Now , think for a moment how can you equate peoples will with violence?
We don't need prosperity from anybody we can prosper better on our own.
it is not your land, and that´s exactly the reason why you are forced to threat with violence and to accuse all and everything that is serbian, including the serbian PM.
it is defininitely not your land, ...you only want it, but that´s another question...
Re: “Violent and unilateral solutions... constitute for extremely dangerous precedents capable of jeopardizing not only the Balkans, but the entire international order...”
Strangely enough what the PM is saying reminds me of one of Aesop's fables with the wolf.
Going back to the quote, the PM should not forget that Serbia started a war with Slovenia, then with Croatia, after that with Bosnia, and finally in Kosovo.
I've never heard that a loosing side in any war ended up being a winner.
Now we are talking about law, but did we upheld the law with regards to our citizens for the last twenty years or so? Sure, Bosnikas didn't execute themselves in Srbenica, or Croats in Mostars, or K-Albanians in Bajtanica mass graves. Respect the law, then you can demand that others respect and abide by it. Break it and then see that all hell breaks loose...
Just wandering "Why Serbia didn't offer that prosperity to the Kosovar Albanians before the 1999? Why Kosova was the poorest region in the former Yugoslavia? Why Serbia did treat Kosova's issues as "an internal affair of Serbia? Kosova is practically independent and Serbia has no influence whatsoever over Kosova. The Koshtunica's "offers" for prosperity are nonsense, urealistic and misleading. The prosperity of Kosova lies in its Sovereignity and being able to establish good relations with every country in the world without having to ask permission from Belgrade. The prosperity of Kosova is the path towards European Union and its values, in strengthing its own institutions in fighting crime and corruption, respect of its citizen's human rights and rule of law. Serbia can benefit in engaging with Kosova as partners. The Friendship Pact between the two nation is still live and on offer. Embrasse it and do not miss that historical chance. Show to the world that you are real and the Serbia's face has changed and it is not anymore Slobo's. That is real and genuine as well as 21st Century solution to the issue.
"...Our proposal guarantees the most privileged status for the ethnic Albanian minority that cannot be found elsewhere in the world,” the prime minister told Tanjug news agency on Sunday.
Yes, but the Kosovars don't want the "minority paradise" offered by Mr Kostunica; they want the majority indipendence.
EA the fact that Kosovo was the poorest region of Yugoslavia was hardly Serbia's fault before the break up.
In fact it was Croatia and Slovenia that were arguing that less money be spent on the province. This was one of the main reasons why the republics fell out in the first place.
And if you check the history you will see that other poorer republics such as Macedonia and Bosnia were also arguing for a greater share of the cake which meant that Kosovo received less from FARUK.
Kosovo certainly stagnated though in the 1989 - 1998 period, as did all of Serbia.
The reason why Kosovo was the poorest region in the former Yugoslavia and will remain the poorest in the future is partly due to lack of sensible investment and corruption but its also the provinces destiny. Lack of resources (One coal mine cannot sustain the whole population so lets not even use that example) and perspective does not help the situation.
The prosperity of Kosovo lies not in nation statism or waving flags, it lies in improving the living standards of those living there, it lies in drastically increasing investment and economic growth.
I hope that Kosovo and Serbia prosper economically in the future no matter what final status is but I am not optimistic on Kosovo's prospects.
If Kosovo is to become independent, then there is no reason whatsoever for other nations to break away from the states they are a part of. Have a look at some perspectives on this matter:
This article is one of many that show that the Kosovo is indeed not a unique case. The Kosovars will argue that those other nations were not oppressed, well maybe not, but then please explain in terms of Abkhazia, Transdniestr and Chechnya.
Now I personally am not particularly bothered by the fact that nations split away from states, let them have their freedom, from this perspective I feel with the Albanians, however...
Serbia does not want it, Spain does not want it, Russia does not want it, Moldova does not want it... this is where the problem lies, states do not want their sovereignty jeopardized... this is precisely where the problem lies.
It WILL set a precedent, it is NOT a unique case, it is not the case that the Kosovars can demand what they want and get it, the world is far bigger than Kosovo, and I fear there will be huge problems in Europe if this region is given independence, which is why it hasn't thus far...
First of all I have to compliment the editor of this blog for the tolerance and the equal opportunity for all of us. I wish the Albanian blogegrs will follow course.
Regarding the fact that Kosova is a unique case or not I want to remind that it is the only case the international force made a war for and conquered the territory and now after eight years it is time of self-determination.
President Tadic, a respectable politician is doing his best strategy and showing class, declared few days ago in New York that only UB Security Council has the right to define the Kosovo Status. My question: How about if UN SC decides in favour of the indipendence? Would you accept it? Why just because the UNSC decided oor for its merit? Let's talk for a moment about this?.
I'm sure, despite all what has happened and can not be forgiven easily or at least during our generation, the future can see Serbs and Albanians working together for a bright future.
I'm just sure after last week, while driving to Strasbourg, I went thru the bridge connecting Germany and France and saw the European flag with German and French one in each side.
I'm sure there are high personalities and men of stature in Serbia to go beyond the current difficulties and think of the future.
One need only look at the lives that our Albanian brothers live in the Presheva Valley to know what Serbian prosperity for Albanians equates too. Its much much closer to hell on earth than paradise on earth.
I wonder how Mr. Kostunica is going to be able to offer Albanians prosperity since in its plans he and his fellows argue that Serbia would not meddle at all with the decision making of Kosova/o. I wonder how his decisions as a prime minister of Serbia, which according to his own status plan will have no say or power in Kosova/o whatsoever,will make Kosova/o prosperous? Then we are left with two conclusions.
1- The words of prosperity for Albanians are pure lies, propaganda since according to his own status plan Serbia will have no decision making powers at all in Kosova/o which would empower Serbia to make Kosova/o prosperous.
2- Serbia will break its own status plan and will meddle and make decisions for Kosova/o, in which case it will result in Kosova/o not even being autonomous. In such a case the twisted idea of prosperity for Albanians that we have in Presheva Valley today will be applied to Kosova/o by the Serbs.
Then in 10 years history will repeat itself and Kostunica might find himself to be a defendant in the Hague, die in some prison cells. Serbia will honour him and accuse the world for killing him. Meanwhile more mass graves of Albanian victims will be found in Batjanica and other places inside proper Serbia. This is most likely the prosperity Kostunica is offering.
Thank you for your “generous” offer Mr Kostunica but Kosovars have already made up their mind and have divorced you. Don’t you get it? It takes both parties to agree in order to have a happy relationship. If no agreement is reached than separation is the best solution. This is not a rocket science - Mr Kostunica. Your relationship with your own Slavic brothers, who speak the same language and have the same culture didn’t work out. that was because you were to good to them.
@ARTA and others.
Oh, how easy always to say bad things about Kostunica and other politicians from Serbia. But try to be a bit more helpfull in solving this problem. And the answer is not that it is like a divorce. When you divorce(at least in Western-Europe but maybe not in your clan-structured province) you need to make arragements about your children, grand-children, your property, your debts and your credits.And when you can not deal with it together a judge will decide about it. And interestingly enough the judge will divide as many as possible equally between partners. It seems that K-Albanians never heard about that. Another thing, prosperity, as promised by Kostunica. Don't tell me about K-A in Preshevo and surroundings. Why you think thay are living like that? Is it all the fault from Serbia? Better look at what the K-A achieved themselves. Totally nothing. Due to the fact that they are in general very lazy, just waiting for the money of their clan memers working abroad. How is it otherwise to explain all the modern cars I see in the South of Serbia and in Kosovo?
Reminds me of an old German advertisement? "want to have a great holiday at the seaside? Visit Albania, your car is already there"
Kosova was 100 years under Serbia and had no prosperity.Serbia itself is a 3d word country with heavy external debt. The only thing Kosovars had from Serbia was the constant expulsion.Koshtunica is not only criminal but ironic too.It is time for him to remember Kosova as a bad dream.
This is the most ridiculous statement from Kostunica so far. He is offering prosperity to the K-Albanians. Ha ha ha. For years he could not even offer prosperity for his own people, the Serbs of Serbia. It is almost the same as if Afghanistan would offer prosperity to Tadzikistan.
This man strikes me more and more as a man of low IQ. How could he get his law degree? Well maybe the academic standards are much lower in Serbian than in the US.
Your cooment is foolish even in a divorce one must compromise. Ask your husband if he would be happy for you to take the lot after years of working together. You see this is your problem you forget what serbia has invested into kosovo for the past hundreds of years. we cant allow a gold digging wife to take the lot after investing not much in perspective when where taking 100'S of years
KiM Albanians are a hard lot to make happy. Pyramid schemes and black market is not something Beograd is offering, it is offering integration into local Balkan economies. Independent Kosovo is going to live without fair trade for a very long time and with an economy that is still born. I wouldn't want to be sitting at the US' dining table waiting for scraps.
As much as I hate to say it but there will never be an agreement in Kosovo for the simple fact that historically this territory belongs to Serbs yet the population today in the area as you know is majority Albanian so neither wants to give..Even if some solution is reached it will be a temporary one, World powers come and go and that directly affects the Balkans.
Attacking one's wishes for a 'greater' nation should not excuse the other to accomplish the same and finally the West has done more harm then good in the region..believe me that there would be peace in the region in a month if the desire was there..but divide and conquer..or something like that.
Allow the people of Kosovo to have a referendum on independence... Of course the overwhelming majority will side for seperation from Serbia; but at least it will be seen as the will of the people - not some politicians or former terrorists disguised as politicians.
Personally, I am not for independence - the precedent being set is: Terrorist organisation doesn't like the ruling body.. starts a fight.. gets big brother to help out (because, big brother can't see past it's own nose).. hey presto - look like victims and get the sympathy card (independence). What a precedent that is setting for the EU in the future...
FrankDi: Just for the record, it was not Serbia that conived with Germany to split up the former Yugoslavia. It was not serbs in Croatia that expulsed themselves, nor was it Serbs in Bosnia that burned their own villages.
You seem to think, along with many others here, that EVERY act of agression during the Balkan civil wars were started, enacted, and finished only by Serbs. It was not so.
The truth, if you are interested, is that all three sides were equally complicit in acting out some attrocities. ALL sides. No one can take any credit, or claim a superior, or more moral stand point. For that reason alone, each side should show more compromise.
As to Kosovo, it IS true that it is underdeveloped. So is Macedonia. The southern Yugoslavia were not created into economic 'powerhouses'. This is history. But ...
When Kosovo DID get investment, what happened to it? Apparently in the last ten years 22 BILLION dollars has gone into Kosovov. (I assume his includes all the salaries of UNMIK [what a waste of money] and the armies). But what has the investment achieved? Where are the new roads; where are the new commercial fcatories, warehouses, industries? Why are the fields underused? Why are the mines under developed? Where will the Foreign investment come from if there is no attempt to end the organised crime, and eliminate corruption in officers of the government? (Macedonia had a similar, albeit not as extreme, problem; as does Serbia itself).
As Peter Sudyka says, Kosovo is NOT unique. The 'west' is realising that there are more problems than solutions with immediate independence, which is why they are now dragging their feet over this. Do not expect that there will be an unequivocal answer on the 10th December. And if not - what will Kosovo actually do?
The key to independence is not just the desire, but it is in the accomplishment of the ideal. Kosovo can not survive as a small independent nation. At least, not yet.
It sems to me that in the last weeks the stance in Belgrade has been more consilliatry. The politics of the situation are important, and these messages count among the western politicos. So the resitsance by K-Albanians to even consider the offer, is doing that case a lot of harm.
In effect Serbia is offering de facto independence. Until Kosovo has an economy, it's the only offer that will allow the ocuntry to survive.
'Independence' is a word, it will not feed the people.
Wow what an offer and from whom?!
Dear Kostunica and others who may think same - you are not in a position to offer anything about Kosovo and Kosovars. You may be only in a position to accept or not reality in Kosovo and with Kosovars.
I intentionally say Kosovo and Kosovars because for Kostunica and his company Kosovo is only the piece of land in trade and it is proofed in last centuries. But that land has its lord - Kosovars, to whom Kosovo is homeland and doesn't has the price in trade, this is proofed as well...
Serbia can survive without Kosovo, but Kosovo can not survive without Serbia.
There will never be any economic development in Kosovo as long as the territory is disputed. The only way for Kosovo to move forward is to negotiate an agreement with Serbia.
Kosovo will gain absolutely noting by proclaiming independence and getting recognition from the Americans and part of the EU. No foreign investor will touch a disputed territory with an ethnic conflict (which is sure to erupt in northern Kosovo).
Kostunica is offering self-government to the Albanians. The average person on the ground wouldn't be able to tell the difference between his proposal and independence.
I would urge the Albanians to negotiate, because the only way for there to ever be economic development and foreign investment in Kosovo is for there to be a negotiated agreement between Belgrade and Pristina.
The Albanian stance on this issue is conter-productive and runs against their own best interests. Independence has no future.
Yeah, prosperity, that's waht we are looking for! But, not in Serbia, anyway Mr. Koshtunica, thank you, but NO!
we will live in poverty but without you, what can we do, we cant have all!
FRANS,
If there is such as an International Low then Serbia has to pay to Kosovar people for all damages they have caused during the past 100 years. Kosovars, as you know, were not asked to choose weather to stay in the relationship with Serbia for the past 100 years, they were forced to do so against their will. So, Frans, do the rapists get away unpunished in the country were you live?
well...Mr. Kostunica you forgot to bring a kalashnikove on your hands with that big smile on your face .... and than tell the albanians here is your prosperity...He he very funy...you know I got a suggestion for you mr Kostunica lets start first by giving the prosperty to hungarina and croats in vojvodina and than sanxhak and further south perhaps preshevo, bujanofc, medvegje and oh the romas dont have any seats in the serbian parlamnet last i checked... but not in kosovA..we have had quiet an experience with serb government since 1912..... 1913..1918.1940-45...1968..1974...1981..1989...do I need to mention the 90''s.... Please be a democrat and lets live as good neighbors.
"Serbia can survive without Kosovo, but Kosovo can not survive without Serbia. "
On the contrary. It is not the Albanians who are claiming that Serbia is their heartland and as such they can't live without it. It is the opposite. The Serbs are claiming they can't live without Kosova/o.
We do not need an outsider to tell us whether we can tell slavery from freedom. We lived it all. We had all the autonomy, we had more than autonomy less than independence in the past. Since we lived it ourselves we can tell you that we were treated as second class citizens even at the highest point of self-government. Then we were beaten, killed and expulsed. It is our blood that was spilled, it is our compromise. We are the ones to decide how much freedom is enough for us, and certainly not an extremist from Belgrade who just a couple of years ago carried a Kalashnikov in his arm.
When every Albanian here tells you that they would rather be dirt-poor and free rather than be in any way tied to Belgrade's government, that is enough. Freedom cannot be bought away from us with fake promises and propaganda.
Is this Koshtunica withe the kalashnikov in his hand during the war in 1999??? is this the prosperity that he promises? i didn't know that Serbia is a prosperous country
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