EU ministers favor negotiated solution

nice try, teni.

not recognizing the albanian-toy-republic doesn´t necessarily lead towards trouble. the opposite is nearer to the truth.

if you are not recognized and start any trouble, you lose.

if Serbia "returns" ( what will be only legally, not with troops ) you will have stability, since nobody has to fear anything.

so, those cheap-manipulative tricks are perhaps good for koha ditore, but at least here, they do not work.

ps: if the toy-republic is not regognized, nobody, and certainly not the international community will ask you at all (for anything). they will tell you what you will have to do.

it´s that simple.

teni,

The US, UN and EU have nothing to say about Kosovo. It is a Serbian province.

Like I have nothing to say about an Albanian province :)

To Dane

You said "Serbia is not your home" Now, if they were born in Kosovo then they are Serb Albaniens. If they were born in Albania and came ilegally in order to increase Albanien population in Kosovo then they are Albaniens and not Kosovars or Serbs. So since Serbia is not their country and they don't like it I sepose they should go back to Albania where they belong to begin with.

When are you guys going to stop twisting the facts of Kosovo? It is comical reading
remarks like saying it will make it so. Serbs did not forget Kosovo afer centuries of Ottoman opression-Be serious, do you think after all struggle and losses they will submit it on silver platter because you maneged to misrepresent yourselves to USA as good fellows.

wasn´t it "USA and most EU-states" in the albanian propaganda?

let´s see what future brings!

Well I don't understand all the fanfare about this declaration. This is what the EU has been saying all along so what's new?
No Albanian expected the EU as such to support independence. But we know that until now at least the UK - to Kate's great frustration - and France are in favor of independence and so are a majority of member states. That's it and Greece and Cyprus will in the short term make sure that the EU as a whole does not recognize anything. But once they are presented with new facts on the ground, i.e. a de facto independent Kosova, most of the EU will come on board, because what EU countries are most concerned about is not the well-being or prosperity of Serbia or Kosova but their stability and a trouble free neighborhood. And you just can't have that if Kosova does not become independent, because having Kosova as a isolated non-recognized enclave would only lead to trouble and so would a return to Serb rule. And after all how can one ask a non-state to take upon itself not just the security responsibilities that are usually taken care of by states, but also to assist in preventing trouble in Macedonia, Presheva and even further afield? And even if it could why would Kosova care to provide any of that if EU countries do not recognize it? You can't ask anything of someone whose existence you don't recognize.

I would support a negotiated solution as well, I think it would be the best thing for Serbia and Kosovo! Though there is one 'small tiny' problem for this negotiated solution to be acheived - Serbia has to accept independence of Kosovo.

To me, Greece and Cyprus never were an issue...they are two easily pressured countries whose veto over EU policy is easily negotiated.

Spain was the main actor, but it will be interesting to see what happens after December 10th.

Tomorrow Kosovo votes...and the most likely winner will be Hashim Thaci, who has vowed to declare independence immediately after December 10th.

This neutral solution is viewed as a "freezer" and a "time-buyer", and it will not be tolerated.

Funcakes,

You must be kidding. The eletions are just REGIONAL Serbian elections!

Kosovo was, is and will be Serbian territory!

Like South Tirol is Italian...

Please get over this nationalism!
We have borders and states enough in Europe!

This sounds like the quiet voice of common sense. The best future for all of the Balkans is within the community of Europe - and that has to be achieved by agreement and peaceful negotiation between the parties. The US policy as stated so far would not help that process, but I think that they might now be prepared to give space for the European diplomats to get to work.

There is lots of scope for diplomatic gains on all fronts and the process has a way to go yet. I think that it is quite possible that a 'quiet' and sensible solution will emerge. This would give a much better future than can ever emerge from the rampant nationalism that has been the problem up to now.

There is a problem of acceptance on the part of both communities. However, although Serbia wants to preserve something it values, it has given a lot of diplomatic ground - not just on the issue of autonomy but also on other economic issues.

There is certainly no feeling that a declaration of independence would work well for Kosovo. They could try it, but it is not a happy scenario. It may fulfill long-term ethnic ambitions and it may satisfy nationalist urges, but it will not solve more important long-term problems. It will leave the community ethnically isolated - and very poor. Albania is able to contribute little and the west will soon lose interest.

Acceptance of change takes time, but it is amazing what can be achieved when common sense is allowed to become part of the process.

Negotiated solution was required from IC since '90, but Serbia answered by war(s). I don't beleieve that any party/side, including Serbia is interested for repetition of situation from '90, especially '98, '99. There is no time to wait for negotiated solution, especially when Serbia is so no realistic and serious with its proposals. Indeed, it seems that Serbia is very interested to be released from Kosovo issue, but they are searching how to do that after keeping its citizens in ilusion for so long... Serbia is aware about the situation and they are only trying to buy some more time for some benefits for another internal issues and interests.
There is no time to waste, solution/independence for Kosovo will come soon and Serbia can continue to harm its citizens and interests. Unfortunately, K-Serbs are paying the higher price once again like Serbs from Croatia and BiH... As soon as they realize this better for them.

Good luck Kosovo on your own way, good luck Kosovo people no matter of ethnicity and religion. The only circumstance for this is very simple, you have to feel, act and belong as Kosovar, Serbia is not your homeland, village, home...

Good luck once again...

Funcakes,

You make me feel sad. So if you got the big boys behind you, you can gain independence.

If not (like: Kashmir), you will not gain independence!

He, who has the most friends, will win?

Sad, sad, sad

Again: Kosovo is just a Serbian province.
Accet it. And get a life. Kosovo is NOT a state!

Wish you the best in your Serbian province. And I like your soccer team: the Serbian national team. More Kosovars shouls play in that team by the way...

“Serbia has to accept independence of Kosovo.”
(nikshala, 16. November 2007 18:15)

Serbia doe not have to accept the independence of Kosovo. Kosovo and Metohija is legally a province of Serbia. If you know something that will ‘force’ Serbia to accept that Albanians can take Kosovo and Metohija as a territory and ‘declare independence’, you should be rushing out and telling the Kosovo Albanian negotiating team. God knows they could use the help!

So far, they’ve taken a ‘done deal’ and managed to turn it into a quagmire for themselves.

What Serbia has offered is the right to self-rule of Serbian citizens of Albanian ethnicity in the province, to a degree unprecedented in modern political history.

No European country, not one, would consider giving that level of autonomy to a minority. By refusing to even consider a perfectly reasonable offer, the Kosovo Albanian leadership is rapidly distancing itself from Europe and even the US. What’s more, the Kosovo Albanian leadership is closing the door to self-rule and ensuring that many more generations of Kosovo Albanians will pay for their greed, corruption and political recklessness.

If I were a Kosovo Albanian, I wouldn’t be displaying my blind obedience to that leadership, like a badge of honour, lest my children resent me for it.

To independent:

I don't know if this is intentional misinterpretation of my post?!
When I said 'Serbia is not your homeland' I addressed it to K-Serbs. I consider they should feel Kosovo as their homeland and not Serbia... Of course, this has to do with originally K-Serbs and not Serbs from Croatia, BiH, Vojvodina, Montenegro and Serbia brought to Kosovo in organized way during '80 and '90...
Good luck to all Kosovars on their way to independency...

Ron - Today, the votes will decide the seats of the parliament of an entity that has vowed to declare independence soon after December 10th, and has gained huge western support.

Unluckily for you, countries are the only entities that have the right to recognize an independence, not individuals.

If your beloved country of Netherlands, let's say...does recognize Kosovo as a state, then you will see Kosovo outlined with an international border, not a provincial one, in the next edition of you country's Atlases.

In hypothetical scenario, our Independent blogger here is assigned the role of a special envoy with the Troika.
Serbian government in great secrecy approaches and ask him.
Can you swing it for us on Kosova for $ 2.000.000?
I have three conditions Independent says.
First, no one must doubt that I am impartial and independent.
Second, if I throw any ideas you have to act surprised as if you never heard them before.
And finally, he says, you have to give me a couple of weeks to get the money together.

You're going against obvious probability, which is December 10th independence gets declared...I guess you must know something we all don't.

Well I don't understand all the fanfare about this declaration. This is what the EU has been saying all along so what's new?
No Albanian expected the EU as such to support independence. But we know that until now at least the UK - to Kate's great frustration - and France are in favor of independence and so are a majority of member states. That's it and Greece and Cyprus will in the short term make sure that the EU as a whole does not recognize anything. But once they are presented with new facts on the ground, i.e. a de facto independent Kosova, most of the EU will come on board, because what EU countries are most concerned about is not the well-being or prosperity of Serbia or Kosova but their stability and a trouble free neighborhood. And you just can't have that if Kosova does not become independent, because having Kosova as a isolated non-recognized enclave would only lead to trouble and so would a return to Serb rule. And after all how can one ask a non-state to take upon itself not just the security responsibilities that are usually taken care of by states, but also to assist in preventing trouble in Macedonia, Presheva and even further afield? And even if it could why would Kosova care to provide any of that if EU countries do not recognize it? You can't ask anything of someone whose existence you don't recognize.

I would support a negotiated solution as well, I think it would be the best thing for Serbia and Kosovo! Though there is one 'small tiny' problem for this negotiated solution to be acheived - Serbia has to accept independence of Kosovo.

To me, Greece and Cyprus never were an issue...they are two easily pressured countries whose veto over EU policy is easily negotiated.

Spain was the main actor, but it will be interesting to see what happens after December 10th.

Tomorrow Kosovo votes...and the most likely winner will be Hashim Thaci, who has vowed to declare independence immediately after December 10th.

This neutral solution is viewed as a "freezer" and a "time-buyer", and it will not be tolerated.

teni,

The US, UN and EU have nothing to say about Kosovo. It is a Serbian province.

Like I have nothing to say about an Albanian province :)

nice try, teni.

not recognizing the albanian-toy-republic doesn´t necessarily lead towards trouble. the opposite is nearer to the truth.

if you are not recognized and start any trouble, you lose.

if Serbia "returns" ( what will be only legally, not with troops ) you will have stability, since nobody has to fear anything.

so, those cheap-manipulative tricks are perhaps good for koha ditore, but at least here, they do not work.

ps: if the toy-republic is not regognized, nobody, and certainly not the international community will ask you at all (for anything). they will tell you what you will have to do.

it´s that simple.

Funcakes,

You must be kidding. The eletions are just REGIONAL Serbian elections!

Kosovo was, is and will be Serbian territory!

Like South Tirol is Italian...

Please get over this nationalism!
We have borders and states enough in Europe!

wasn´t it "USA and most EU-states" in the albanian propaganda?

let´s see what future brings!

Negotiated solution was required from IC since '90, but Serbia answered by war(s). I don't beleieve that any party/side, including Serbia is interested for repetition of situation from '90, especially '98, '99. There is no time to wait for negotiated solution, especially when Serbia is so no realistic and serious with its proposals. Indeed, it seems that Serbia is very interested to be released from Kosovo issue, but they are searching how to do that after keeping its citizens in ilusion for so long... Serbia is aware about the situation and they are only trying to buy some more time for some benefits for another internal issues and interests.
There is no time to waste, solution/independence for Kosovo will come soon and Serbia can continue to harm its citizens and interests. Unfortunately, K-Serbs are paying the higher price once again like Serbs from Croatia and BiH... As soon as they realize this better for them.

Good luck Kosovo on your own way, good luck Kosovo people no matter of ethnicity and religion. The only circumstance for this is very simple, you have to feel, act and belong as Kosovar, Serbia is not your homeland, village, home...

Good luck once again...

To Dane

You said "Serbia is not your home" Now, if they were born in Kosovo then they are Serb Albaniens. If they were born in Albania and came ilegally in order to increase Albanien population in Kosovo then they are Albaniens and not Kosovars or Serbs. So since Serbia is not their country and they don't like it I sepose they should go back to Albania where they belong to begin with.

When are you guys going to stop twisting the facts of Kosovo? It is comical reading
remarks like saying it will make it so. Serbs did not forget Kosovo afer centuries of Ottoman opression-Be serious, do you think after all struggle and losses they will submit it on silver platter because you maneged to misrepresent yourselves to USA as good fellows.

In hypothetical scenario, our Independent blogger here is assigned the role of a special envoy with the Troika.
Serbian government in great secrecy approaches and ask him.
Can you swing it for us on Kosova for $ 2.000.000?
I have three conditions Independent says.
First, no one must doubt that I am impartial and independent.
Second, if I throw any ideas you have to act surprised as if you never heard them before.
And finally, he says, you have to give me a couple of weeks to get the money together.

Funcakes,

You make me feel sad. So if you got the big boys behind you, you can gain independence.

If not (like: Kashmir), you will not gain independence!

He, who has the most friends, will win?

Sad, sad, sad

Again: Kosovo is just a Serbian province.
Accet it. And get a life. Kosovo is NOT a state!

Wish you the best in your Serbian province. And I like your soccer team: the Serbian national team. More Kosovars shouls play in that team by the way...

You're going against obvious probability, which is December 10th independence gets declared...I guess you must know something we all don't.

This sounds like the quiet voice of common sense. The best future for all of the Balkans is within the community of Europe - and that has to be achieved by agreement and peaceful negotiation between the parties. The US policy as stated so far would not help that process, but I think that they might now be prepared to give space for the European diplomats to get to work.

There is lots of scope for diplomatic gains on all fronts and the process has a way to go yet. I think that it is quite possible that a 'quiet' and sensible solution will emerge. This would give a much better future than can ever emerge from the rampant nationalism that has been the problem up to now.

There is a problem of acceptance on the part of both communities. However, although Serbia wants to preserve something it values, it has given a lot of diplomatic ground - not just on the issue of autonomy but also on other economic issues.

There is certainly no feeling that a declaration of independence would work well for Kosovo. They could try it, but it is not a happy scenario. It may fulfill long-term ethnic ambitions and it may satisfy nationalist urges, but it will not solve more important long-term problems. It will leave the community ethnically isolated - and very poor. Albania is able to contribute little and the west will soon lose interest.

Acceptance of change takes time, but it is amazing what can be achieved when common sense is allowed to become part of the process.

“Serbia has to accept independence of Kosovo.”
(nikshala, 16. November 2007 18:15)

Serbia doe not have to accept the independence of Kosovo. Kosovo and Metohija is legally a province of Serbia. If you know something that will ‘force’ Serbia to accept that Albanians can take Kosovo and Metohija as a territory and ‘declare independence’, you should be rushing out and telling the Kosovo Albanian negotiating team. God knows they could use the help!

So far, they’ve taken a ‘done deal’ and managed to turn it into a quagmire for themselves.

What Serbia has offered is the right to self-rule of Serbian citizens of Albanian ethnicity in the province, to a degree unprecedented in modern political history.

No European country, not one, would consider giving that level of autonomy to a minority. By refusing to even consider a perfectly reasonable offer, the Kosovo Albanian leadership is rapidly distancing itself from Europe and even the US. What’s more, the Kosovo Albanian leadership is closing the door to self-rule and ensuring that many more generations of Kosovo Albanians will pay for their greed, corruption and political recklessness.

If I were a Kosovo Albanian, I wouldn’t be displaying my blind obedience to that leadership, like a badge of honour, lest my children resent me for it.

Ron - Today, the votes will decide the seats of the parliament of an entity that has vowed to declare independence soon after December 10th, and has gained huge western support.

Unluckily for you, countries are the only entities that have the right to recognize an independence, not individuals.

If your beloved country of Netherlands, let's say...does recognize Kosovo as a state, then you will see Kosovo outlined with an international border, not a provincial one, in the next edition of you country's Atlases.

To independent:

I don't know if this is intentional misinterpretation of my post?!
When I said 'Serbia is not your homeland' I addressed it to K-Serbs. I consider they should feel Kosovo as their homeland and not Serbia... Of course, this has to do with originally K-Serbs and not Serbs from Croatia, BiH, Vojvodina, Montenegro and Serbia brought to Kosovo in organized way during '80 and '90...
Good luck to all Kosovars on their way to independency...