If December 10 comes, Kosovo declares and the international community recognizes (no unilateral recognitions, this has got to be be on the books), I'll drink a case of Pec - oops, Peja - beer.
I think I won Mike since you accept that "no unilateral recognition". It will do the Kosovar Albanians to be recognised by the USA, Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Macedonia, Albania and Montenigro...to start with after the 10th of December. Are you happy with that arrangement? Koniak "Skenderbeu" on offer for everyone who is willing to bet)
I have a very similar bet going with Louie. If Kosovo gets independence I’ve promised him I’ll fly to London and buy him a drink. Personally, I’d recommend everyone on B92 get together for a drink in Pec/Peja once a solution is found.
In regards to the article, 12 years seems more reasonable for finding a solution than December 10th.
I’m actually considering that maybe the German “Cold War” model that Surroi supports might just be a reasonable plan for this time period.
The important thing if we are to wait 12 years is to improve the economic conditions of the Kosovars.
Since both maximum autonomy and independence should share several features, maybe we could sit down and start agreeing on at least some terms to guide us through the coming period.
My suggestion would be to allow Kosovo to join the WTO and the IMF, but not the UN, and tie EU accession jointly so we have to work together to join. This would allow for the economic considerations to be dealt with in an effective manner. If Kosovo remains officially part of Serbia, they would be able to take advantage of Serbia’s free trade with Russia and relaxed visa conditions for the EU. Kosovo will need access to Russia’s cheap energy, Northern Kosovo’s natural resources, and capital from the West.
We could then focus on the REAL issues that our populations will be facing when all of the Balkans are in the EU.
Regardless of the status outcome of Kosovo itself, both Albanians and Serbians will be facing EXACTLY the same issue once we are in the EU. Namely, our populations will be scattered among various counties in the region. We MUST work together to find a reasonable solution that allows both our people to be represented as a block in the EU. By splitting our people up in various countries, it reduces the political influence our people would have in the EU. We must demand a solution for EU membership that takes into account our populations as a whole. Otherwise our political power is artificially hampered and limited.
Kosovo really is merely one part of the issues we both face, and unless we come up with a regional solution for our populations, other problems will continue to pop up.
Serbs and Albanians, I implore you to stop looking at immediate desires and start looking at true long term solutions.
Any regional solution that deals that satisfies the problem of proper representation of our populations will benefit us BOTH.
As long as the International community keeps us divided and against one another, the will continue to dilute our political representation.
So I suggest we work out short terms goals that allow for improved economic conditions in Kosovo while we work TOGETHER on a regional solution for representation for our population in the EU.
I suggest voting districts in the EU based on population to be reevaluated by census every 10 years. Leave the “administrative” borders as they are, since borders should be pretty much obsolete in 12 years anyway.
This is a solution that satisfies Kosovar economic concerns, yet Serbia would still feel a connection to Kosovo, and our people would be represented in the EU based on our ENTIRE populations, and not limited by artificial administrative boundaries. The reality is Serbia would accept merely symbolic association with Kosovo, we don’t need true control. Kosovo regardless will NEVER have true independence. The best you can hope for is “supervised” independence (like Bosnia) until you join the EU, when you’ll lose your independence altogether.
Its foolish not to consider at this time political concerns that would positively affect both our people.
FOCUS ON COMMON INTERESTS AND SOLVE THOSE ISSUES FIRST!
I just came back from the local bar, and I'm in a betting mood. Tell you what. We may never meet in person, but just for symbolic purposes, if December 10 comes and goes without any major event, you have to drink a bottle of Lazar wine (it's not the quality but the symbolism of the wine that's key here). If December 10 comes, Kosovo declares and the international community recognizes (no unilateral recognitions, this has got to be be on the books), I'll drink a case of Pec - oops, Peja - beer.
If anything, with enough alcohol everyone will be speaking the same language :)
Dragan, I don't understand how independence of Kosova means "greater Albanian." How do you make such a connection, Kosova and Albania can't join, nor do Kosovars want to join with Albania. I don't understand your concerns based on this flawed logic.
I guess independence for Kurdistan and other "frozen" conflicts means Greater X.
”Despite the good intention of Mr Dragan Bujošević, a delay in deciding the status of Kosova(o) would be counterproductive as it would keep both sides, Kosova(o) and Serbia, hostage for the delayed period. Neither Kosova(o) nor Serbia would be able to be integrated in the EU as long as the Kosova(o) status question is clarified.”
Well, maybe that could actually be the big enough incentive both sides need to really seek a compromise. Besides, couldn’t solving this issue be considered a reasonable prerequisite for EU membership?
Despite the good intention of Mr Dragan Bujošević, a delay in deciding the status of Kosova(o) would be counterproductive as it would keep both sides, Kosova(o) and Serbia, hostage for the delayed period. Neither Kosova(o) nor Serbia would be able to be integrated in the EU as long as the Kosova(o) status question is clarified.
By definition a conflict isn’t solved until the conflicting parties agree upon a solution, in this case Belgrade and Pristina.
Let’s hand back the conflict to them along with the responsibility for solving it (they are after all adults, aren’t they), and make Kosovo an EU protectorate until Serbs and Albanians can agree upon a solution for the status issue.
Why would more time help in Kosovo, when it hasn't helped in Northern Cyprus, Palestine, Spanish Sahara, or Nagorno-Karabakh?
The Albanians won't stop wanting independence. The writer seems to be saying that if the Albanians wait ten or twelve years, the Serbs will stop caring.
The complexity of the situation is perhaps best epitomized by what the Cypriot President recently told his Serbian opposite number, Boris Tadić, in New York: “Don’t worry, Cyprus will not recognize Kosovo’s independence even if someone in Serbia does.”
Beautiful. Bye bye, 'greater albania'. Bye bye EU membership.
Interesting article as it seems to represent the view of many moderate Serbs. There are two flaws however. First, the view of Albanians, as ever, are ignored. Albanians do not want anther 12 years of limbo and they have made that clear. Secondly, a recognition of Kosova by the US will be followed by the UK, France, Germany and many others. That does not isolate Kosova. If Serbia thinks that closing its southern border will somehow turn Kosova into a Northern Cyprus, then Albanians have nothing to fear because it is a clear indication that Serbia has not learned anything from the last 15 years and still considers itself to be some kind of Balkan superpower.
" I see Kosovo becoming an "EU protectorate" within the legal boundaries of Serbia."
- i.e. supervised autonomy ?
I have said it before the Gordian knot of Serbia's province is resolved simply by respecting UN SC Resoultion 1244, Helsinki Final Act (which states that European borders can’t be changed without consent of all sides concerned) and equally by not undermining the Soverignity of all other recognised UN member states - given that Serbia is a soverign state and recognised as such by all other UN states who really wishes to follow the "dumbya" US in such an abrupt and forced illegal route to instability of the region and globally?
Many commentators suggest that the Republic of Serbia had lost it's control over the province but that is a pure fantasy by those who wish to deny all basic tenents of international law. There are 2 major proofs of the contray. Firstly the failure of the PISG to have any control over the running of the North and all other non-Albanian enclaves - who have always and still look to Belgrade for the continuation of state institutions. However more importantly and crucially is the acceptance of the highest institution a state has for its citizens - namely the Passport which many hundreds of thousands of Serbian Albanians in the southern portion of Kosovo & Metohija readily accept and in doing so signal the clear acceptance of the state they are in.
The "European" solution is there for the taking and is a simple step for those who have respect for international norms and laws;
Rapid & collective advancement for the whole of the Western Balkans into the EU in the next 3-5 years. For this to occur Serbia must overcome its obligation to the Hague while the EU itself must unify it's "European" solution and distance itself from the US folly of division be it the EU or the State of Serbia.
Mike you almost had it. The only difference that would make your plan work is for Kosova/o to be a protectorate under EU with no connection whatsoever to Serbia even nominal connection.
As for Northen Cyprus example I repeat to you for the millionth time, anything is better than being under Serbia even if this connection is just nominal.
I'm glad to see B92 repushined this article here. It really got me thinking about what Kosovo is really going to look like after all is said and done, and from the looks of it, I now predict the following will happen:
All roads to Kosovo's independence are frought with obstacles and legal technicalities.
If it goes through the UN, it risks the serious threat of a Russian/Chinese veto.
If it goes through a EU vote, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Slovakia, Romania will vote it down. No amount of posturing by some Albanians here that there will be an internal EU feud over something like Kosovo will manifest. Brussels is already plagued with internal divisions, it's not interested in using Kosovo to exacerbate the issue.
At the very least, even if Kosovo declares and gets recognition from states one by one, the best Kosovo can hope for is a Northern Cyprus situation, which could remain frozen indefinitely. We might see the United States and Albania unilaterally recognize, but little else. Not even Macedonia would recognize without an internationally mediated solution.
Therefore, if the Troika (and let's be honest, Ischinger) is serious about a solution that is lasting and binding, and one that avoids both non-European vetoes and internal European rifts, I see Kosovo becoming an "EU protectorate" within the legal boundaries of Serbia. As such, Kosovo becomes de facto independent, but remains de jure part of Serbia. The EU assumes executive control over the region, and facilitates a period where international investment and oversight bring the impoverished province to modern standards. Albanians can take heart in knowing Belgrade is removed from the horizon, and Serbs can take heart that Kosovo, in whatever symbolic way, remains part of Serbia.
I really can't see anything else that would minimize the potenial backlash of ethnicities and restless communities. No one seems to be interested in Daytonizing Kosovo, and no one really seems to be making any clear efforts at giving the Albanians effective control of the province either. Lastly, no one wants Serbia to slip back into reactionary nationalism and move further away from Brussels. This Kosovo issue has become far more than simply giving Albanians self determination. It's about a lasting solution in the Balkans that cements Serbia's place in Europe, and also reduces any potential for future ethnic flare-ups in neighboring regions.
The only other option would be to table the entire issue indefinitely, wait the 20 - 30 as written in this article, and see where everyone is by then.
Good article. Don't know if time is a healer. If both sides want a split I would prefer that.
As long as things happen within the framework of UN, international law and 1244.
I'm glad to see B92 repushined this article here. It really got me thinking about what Kosovo is really going to look like after all is said and done, and from the looks of it, I now predict the following will happen:
All roads to Kosovo's independence are frought with obstacles and legal technicalities.
If it goes through the UN, it risks the serious threat of a Russian/Chinese veto.
If it goes through a EU vote, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Slovakia, Romania will vote it down. No amount of posturing by some Albanians here that there will be an internal EU feud over something like Kosovo will manifest. Brussels is already plagued with internal divisions, it's not interested in using Kosovo to exacerbate the issue.
At the very least, even if Kosovo declares and gets recognition from states one by one, the best Kosovo can hope for is a Northern Cyprus situation, which could remain frozen indefinitely. We might see the United States and Albania unilaterally recognize, but little else. Not even Macedonia would recognize without an internationally mediated solution.
Therefore, if the Troika (and let's be honest, Ischinger) is serious about a solution that is lasting and binding, and one that avoids both non-European vetoes and internal European rifts, I see Kosovo becoming an "EU protectorate" within the legal boundaries of Serbia. As such, Kosovo becomes de facto independent, but remains de jure part of Serbia. The EU assumes executive control over the region, and facilitates a period where international investment and oversight bring the impoverished province to modern standards. Albanians can take heart in knowing Belgrade is removed from the horizon, and Serbs can take heart that Kosovo, in whatever symbolic way, remains part of Serbia.
I really can't see anything else that would minimize the potenial backlash of ethnicities and restless communities. No one seems to be interested in Daytonizing Kosovo, and no one really seems to be making any clear efforts at giving the Albanians effective control of the province either. Lastly, no one wants Serbia to slip back into reactionary nationalism and move further away from Brussels. This Kosovo issue has become far more than simply giving Albanians self determination. It's about a lasting solution in the Balkans that cements Serbia's place in Europe, and also reduces any potential for future ethnic flare-ups in neighboring regions.
The only other option would be to table the entire issue indefinitely, wait the 20 - 30 as written in this article, and see where everyone is by then.
Good article. Don't know if time is a healer. If both sides want a split I would prefer that.
As long as things happen within the framework of UN, international law and 1244.
" I see Kosovo becoming an "EU protectorate" within the legal boundaries of Serbia."
- i.e. supervised autonomy ?
I have said it before the Gordian knot of Serbia's province is resolved simply by respecting UN SC Resoultion 1244, Helsinki Final Act (which states that European borders can’t be changed without consent of all sides concerned) and equally by not undermining the Soverignity of all other recognised UN member states - given that Serbia is a soverign state and recognised as such by all other UN states who really wishes to follow the "dumbya" US in such an abrupt and forced illegal route to instability of the region and globally?
Many commentators suggest that the Republic of Serbia had lost it's control over the province but that is a pure fantasy by those who wish to deny all basic tenents of international law. There are 2 major proofs of the contray. Firstly the failure of the PISG to have any control over the running of the North and all other non-Albanian enclaves - who have always and still look to Belgrade for the continuation of state institutions. However more importantly and crucially is the acceptance of the highest institution a state has for its citizens - namely the Passport which many hundreds of thousands of Serbian Albanians in the southern portion of Kosovo & Metohija readily accept and in doing so signal the clear acceptance of the state they are in.
The "European" solution is there for the taking and is a simple step for those who have respect for international norms and laws;
Rapid & collective advancement for the whole of the Western Balkans into the EU in the next 3-5 years. For this to occur Serbia must overcome its obligation to the Hague while the EU itself must unify it's "European" solution and distance itself from the US folly of division be it the EU or the State of Serbia.
The complexity of the situation is perhaps best epitomized by what the Cypriot President recently told his Serbian opposite number, Boris Tadić, in New York: “Don’t worry, Cyprus will not recognize Kosovo’s independence even if someone in Serbia does.”
Beautiful. Bye bye, 'greater albania'. Bye bye EU membership.
Why would more time help in Kosovo, when it hasn't helped in Northern Cyprus, Palestine, Spanish Sahara, or Nagorno-Karabakh?
The Albanians won't stop wanting independence. The writer seems to be saying that if the Albanians wait ten or twelve years, the Serbs will stop caring.
Interesting article as it seems to represent the view of many moderate Serbs. There are two flaws however. First, the view of Albanians, as ever, are ignored. Albanians do not want anther 12 years of limbo and they have made that clear. Secondly, a recognition of Kosova by the US will be followed by the UK, France, Germany and many others. That does not isolate Kosova. If Serbia thinks that closing its southern border will somehow turn Kosova into a Northern Cyprus, then Albanians have nothing to fear because it is a clear indication that Serbia has not learned anything from the last 15 years and still considers itself to be some kind of Balkan superpower.
Mike you almost had it. The only difference that would make your plan work is for Kosova/o to be a protectorate under EU with no connection whatsoever to Serbia even nominal connection.
As for Northen Cyprus example I repeat to you for the millionth time, anything is better than being under Serbia even if this connection is just nominal.
Despite the good intention of Mr Dragan Bujošević, a delay in deciding the status of Kosova(o) would be counterproductive as it would keep both sides, Kosova(o) and Serbia, hostage for the delayed period. Neither Kosova(o) nor Serbia would be able to be integrated in the EU as long as the Kosova(o) status question is clarified.
I just came back from the local bar, and I'm in a betting mood. Tell you what. We may never meet in person, but just for symbolic purposes, if December 10 comes and goes without any major event, you have to drink a bottle of Lazar wine (it's not the quality but the symbolism of the wine that's key here). If December 10 comes, Kosovo declares and the international community recognizes (no unilateral recognitions, this has got to be be on the books), I'll drink a case of Pec - oops, Peja - beer.
If anything, with enough alcohol everyone will be speaking the same language :)
If December 10 comes, Kosovo declares and the international community recognizes (no unilateral recognitions, this has got to be be on the books), I'll drink a case of Pec - oops, Peja - beer.
I think I won Mike since you accept that "no unilateral recognition". It will do the Kosovar Albanians to be recognised by the USA, Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Macedonia, Albania and Montenigro...to start with after the 10th of December. Are you happy with that arrangement? Koniak "Skenderbeu" on offer for everyone who is willing to bet)
By definition a conflict isn’t solved until the conflicting parties agree upon a solution, in this case Belgrade and Pristina.
Let’s hand back the conflict to them along with the responsibility for solving it (they are after all adults, aren’t they), and make Kosovo an EU protectorate until Serbs and Albanians can agree upon a solution for the status issue.
Dragan, I don't understand how independence of Kosova means "greater Albanian." How do you make such a connection, Kosova and Albania can't join, nor do Kosovars want to join with Albania. I don't understand your concerns based on this flawed logic.
I guess independence for Kurdistan and other "frozen" conflicts means Greater X.
”Despite the good intention of Mr Dragan Bujošević, a delay in deciding the status of Kosova(o) would be counterproductive as it would keep both sides, Kosova(o) and Serbia, hostage for the delayed period. Neither Kosova(o) nor Serbia would be able to be integrated in the EU as long as the Kosova(o) status question is clarified.”
Well, maybe that could actually be the big enough incentive both sides need to really seek a compromise. Besides, couldn’t solving this issue be considered a reasonable prerequisite for EU membership?
I have a very similar bet going with Louie. If Kosovo gets independence I’ve promised him I’ll fly to London and buy him a drink. Personally, I’d recommend everyone on B92 get together for a drink in Pec/Peja once a solution is found.
In regards to the article, 12 years seems more reasonable for finding a solution than December 10th.
I’m actually considering that maybe the German “Cold War” model that Surroi supports might just be a reasonable plan for this time period.
The important thing if we are to wait 12 years is to improve the economic conditions of the Kosovars.
Since both maximum autonomy and independence should share several features, maybe we could sit down and start agreeing on at least some terms to guide us through the coming period.
My suggestion would be to allow Kosovo to join the WTO and the IMF, but not the UN, and tie EU accession jointly so we have to work together to join. This would allow for the economic considerations to be dealt with in an effective manner. If Kosovo remains officially part of Serbia, they would be able to take advantage of Serbia’s free trade with Russia and relaxed visa conditions for the EU. Kosovo will need access to Russia’s cheap energy, Northern Kosovo’s natural resources, and capital from the West.
We could then focus on the REAL issues that our populations will be facing when all of the Balkans are in the EU.
Regardless of the status outcome of Kosovo itself, both Albanians and Serbians will be facing EXACTLY the same issue once we are in the EU. Namely, our populations will be scattered among various counties in the region. We MUST work together to find a reasonable solution that allows both our people to be represented as a block in the EU. By splitting our people up in various countries, it reduces the political influence our people would have in the EU. We must demand a solution for EU membership that takes into account our populations as a whole. Otherwise our political power is artificially hampered and limited.
Kosovo really is merely one part of the issues we both face, and unless we come up with a regional solution for our populations, other problems will continue to pop up.
Serbs and Albanians, I implore you to stop looking at immediate desires and start looking at true long term solutions.
Any regional solution that deals that satisfies the problem of proper representation of our populations will benefit us BOTH.
As long as the International community keeps us divided and against one another, the will continue to dilute our political representation.
So I suggest we work out short terms goals that allow for improved economic conditions in Kosovo while we work TOGETHER on a regional solution for representation for our population in the EU.
I suggest voting districts in the EU based on population to be reevaluated by census every 10 years. Leave the “administrative” borders as they are, since borders should be pretty much obsolete in 12 years anyway.
This is a solution that satisfies Kosovar economic concerns, yet Serbia would still feel a connection to Kosovo, and our people would be represented in the EU based on our ENTIRE populations, and not limited by artificial administrative boundaries. The reality is Serbia would accept merely symbolic association with Kosovo, we don’t need true control. Kosovo regardless will NEVER have true independence. The best you can hope for is “supervised” independence (like Bosnia) until you join the EU, when you’ll lose your independence altogether.
Its foolish not to consider at this time political concerns that would positively affect both our people.
FOCUS ON COMMON INTERESTS AND SOLVE THOSE ISSUES FIRST!
Mike you almost had it. The only difference that would make your plan work is for Kosova/o to be a protectorate under EU with no connection whatsoever to Serbia even nominal connection.
As for Northen Cyprus example I repeat to you for the millionth time, anything is better than being under Serbia even if this connection is just nominal.
Good article. Don't know if time is a healer. If both sides want a split I would prefer that.
As long as things happen within the framework of UN, international law and 1244.
I'm glad to see B92 repushined this article here. It really got me thinking about what Kosovo is really going to look like after all is said and done, and from the looks of it, I now predict the following will happen:
All roads to Kosovo's independence are frought with obstacles and legal technicalities.
If it goes through the UN, it risks the serious threat of a Russian/Chinese veto.
If it goes through a EU vote, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Slovakia, Romania will vote it down. No amount of posturing by some Albanians here that there will be an internal EU feud over something like Kosovo will manifest. Brussels is already plagued with internal divisions, it's not interested in using Kosovo to exacerbate the issue.
At the very least, even if Kosovo declares and gets recognition from states one by one, the best Kosovo can hope for is a Northern Cyprus situation, which could remain frozen indefinitely. We might see the United States and Albania unilaterally recognize, but little else. Not even Macedonia would recognize without an internationally mediated solution.
Therefore, if the Troika (and let's be honest, Ischinger) is serious about a solution that is lasting and binding, and one that avoids both non-European vetoes and internal European rifts, I see Kosovo becoming an "EU protectorate" within the legal boundaries of Serbia. As such, Kosovo becomes de facto independent, but remains de jure part of Serbia. The EU assumes executive control over the region, and facilitates a period where international investment and oversight bring the impoverished province to modern standards. Albanians can take heart in knowing Belgrade is removed from the horizon, and Serbs can take heart that Kosovo, in whatever symbolic way, remains part of Serbia.
I really can't see anything else that would minimize the potenial backlash of ethnicities and restless communities. No one seems to be interested in Daytonizing Kosovo, and no one really seems to be making any clear efforts at giving the Albanians effective control of the province either. Lastly, no one wants Serbia to slip back into reactionary nationalism and move further away from Brussels. This Kosovo issue has become far more than simply giving Albanians self determination. It's about a lasting solution in the Balkans that cements Serbia's place in Europe, and also reduces any potential for future ethnic flare-ups in neighboring regions.
The only other option would be to table the entire issue indefinitely, wait the 20 - 30 as written in this article, and see where everyone is by then.
Interesting article as it seems to represent the view of many moderate Serbs. There are two flaws however. First, the view of Albanians, as ever, are ignored. Albanians do not want anther 12 years of limbo and they have made that clear. Secondly, a recognition of Kosova by the US will be followed by the UK, France, Germany and many others. That does not isolate Kosova. If Serbia thinks that closing its southern border will somehow turn Kosova into a Northern Cyprus, then Albanians have nothing to fear because it is a clear indication that Serbia has not learned anything from the last 15 years and still considers itself to be some kind of Balkan superpower.
The complexity of the situation is perhaps best epitomized by what the Cypriot President recently told his Serbian opposite number, Boris Tadić, in New York: “Don’t worry, Cyprus will not recognize Kosovo’s independence even if someone in Serbia does.”
Beautiful. Bye bye, 'greater albania'. Bye bye EU membership.
" I see Kosovo becoming an "EU protectorate" within the legal boundaries of Serbia."
- i.e. supervised autonomy ?
I have said it before the Gordian knot of Serbia's province is resolved simply by respecting UN SC Resoultion 1244, Helsinki Final Act (which states that European borders can’t be changed without consent of all sides concerned) and equally by not undermining the Soverignity of all other recognised UN member states - given that Serbia is a soverign state and recognised as such by all other UN states who really wishes to follow the "dumbya" US in such an abrupt and forced illegal route to instability of the region and globally?
Many commentators suggest that the Republic of Serbia had lost it's control over the province but that is a pure fantasy by those who wish to deny all basic tenents of international law. There are 2 major proofs of the contray. Firstly the failure of the PISG to have any control over the running of the North and all other non-Albanian enclaves - who have always and still look to Belgrade for the continuation of state institutions. However more importantly and crucially is the acceptance of the highest institution a state has for its citizens - namely the Passport which many hundreds of thousands of Serbian Albanians in the southern portion of Kosovo & Metohija readily accept and in doing so signal the clear acceptance of the state they are in.
The "European" solution is there for the taking and is a simple step for those who have respect for international norms and laws;
Rapid & collective advancement for the whole of the Western Balkans into the EU in the next 3-5 years. For this to occur Serbia must overcome its obligation to the Hague while the EU itself must unify it's "European" solution and distance itself from the US folly of division be it the EU or the State of Serbia.
Why would more time help in Kosovo, when it hasn't helped in Northern Cyprus, Palestine, Spanish Sahara, or Nagorno-Karabakh?
The Albanians won't stop wanting independence. The writer seems to be saying that if the Albanians wait ten or twelve years, the Serbs will stop caring.
By definition a conflict isn’t solved until the conflicting parties agree upon a solution, in this case Belgrade and Pristina.
Let’s hand back the conflict to them along with the responsibility for solving it (they are after all adults, aren’t they), and make Kosovo an EU protectorate until Serbs and Albanians can agree upon a solution for the status issue.
Despite the good intention of Mr Dragan Bujošević, a delay in deciding the status of Kosova(o) would be counterproductive as it would keep both sides, Kosova(o) and Serbia, hostage for the delayed period. Neither Kosova(o) nor Serbia would be able to be integrated in the EU as long as the Kosova(o) status question is clarified.
”Despite the good intention of Mr Dragan Bujošević, a delay in deciding the status of Kosova(o) would be counterproductive as it would keep both sides, Kosova(o) and Serbia, hostage for the delayed period. Neither Kosova(o) nor Serbia would be able to be integrated in the EU as long as the Kosova(o) status question is clarified.”
Well, maybe that could actually be the big enough incentive both sides need to really seek a compromise. Besides, couldn’t solving this issue be considered a reasonable prerequisite for EU membership?
Dragan, I don't understand how independence of Kosova means "greater Albanian." How do you make such a connection, Kosova and Albania can't join, nor do Kosovars want to join with Albania. I don't understand your concerns based on this flawed logic.
I guess independence for Kurdistan and other "frozen" conflicts means Greater X.
I just came back from the local bar, and I'm in a betting mood. Tell you what. We may never meet in person, but just for symbolic purposes, if December 10 comes and goes without any major event, you have to drink a bottle of Lazar wine (it's not the quality but the symbolism of the wine that's key here). If December 10 comes, Kosovo declares and the international community recognizes (no unilateral recognitions, this has got to be be on the books), I'll drink a case of Pec - oops, Peja - beer.
If anything, with enough alcohol everyone will be speaking the same language :)
I have a very similar bet going with Louie. If Kosovo gets independence I’ve promised him I’ll fly to London and buy him a drink. Personally, I’d recommend everyone on B92 get together for a drink in Pec/Peja once a solution is found.
In regards to the article, 12 years seems more reasonable for finding a solution than December 10th.
I’m actually considering that maybe the German “Cold War” model that Surroi supports might just be a reasonable plan for this time period.
The important thing if we are to wait 12 years is to improve the economic conditions of the Kosovars.
Since both maximum autonomy and independence should share several features, maybe we could sit down and start agreeing on at least some terms to guide us through the coming period.
My suggestion would be to allow Kosovo to join the WTO and the IMF, but not the UN, and tie EU accession jointly so we have to work together to join. This would allow for the economic considerations to be dealt with in an effective manner. If Kosovo remains officially part of Serbia, they would be able to take advantage of Serbia’s free trade with Russia and relaxed visa conditions for the EU. Kosovo will need access to Russia’s cheap energy, Northern Kosovo’s natural resources, and capital from the West.
We could then focus on the REAL issues that our populations will be facing when all of the Balkans are in the EU.
Regardless of the status outcome of Kosovo itself, both Albanians and Serbians will be facing EXACTLY the same issue once we are in the EU. Namely, our populations will be scattered among various counties in the region. We MUST work together to find a reasonable solution that allows both our people to be represented as a block in the EU. By splitting our people up in various countries, it reduces the political influence our people would have in the EU. We must demand a solution for EU membership that takes into account our populations as a whole. Otherwise our political power is artificially hampered and limited.
Kosovo really is merely one part of the issues we both face, and unless we come up with a regional solution for our populations, other problems will continue to pop up.
Serbs and Albanians, I implore you to stop looking at immediate desires and start looking at true long term solutions.
Any regional solution that deals that satisfies the problem of proper representation of our populations will benefit us BOTH.
As long as the International community keeps us divided and against one another, the will continue to dilute our political representation.
So I suggest we work out short terms goals that allow for improved economic conditions in Kosovo while we work TOGETHER on a regional solution for representation for our population in the EU.
I suggest voting districts in the EU based on population to be reevaluated by census every 10 years. Leave the “administrative” borders as they are, since borders should be pretty much obsolete in 12 years anyway.
This is a solution that satisfies Kosovar economic concerns, yet Serbia would still feel a connection to Kosovo, and our people would be represented in the EU based on our ENTIRE populations, and not limited by artificial administrative boundaries. The reality is Serbia would accept merely symbolic association with Kosovo, we don’t need true control. Kosovo regardless will NEVER have true independence. The best you can hope for is “supervised” independence (like Bosnia) until you join the EU, when you’ll lose your independence altogether.
Its foolish not to consider at this time political concerns that would positively affect both our people.
FOCUS ON COMMON INTERESTS AND SOLVE THOSE ISSUES FIRST!
If December 10 comes, Kosovo declares and the international community recognizes (no unilateral recognitions, this has got to be be on the books), I'll drink a case of Pec - oops, Peja - beer.
I think I won Mike since you accept that "no unilateral recognition". It will do the Kosovar Albanians to be recognised by the USA, Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Macedonia, Albania and Montenigro...to start with after the 10th of December. Are you happy with that arrangement? Koniak "Skenderbeu" on offer for everyone who is willing to bet)
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