Int'l media on Kosovo elections: Albanians disappointed

"Reuters interprets this as an indicator that the independence euphoria has already in a way been extinguished, adding that many in Kosovo see the province controlled by political opportunists who cannot bring significant changes."

There's no way to spin this result. The people have spoken.

And they are saying:

1. They are not as interested in 'independence at any cost' as supporters of the Albanian junta would have us believe.

2. The majority (55%) of Albanian voters BOYCOTTED the election! Did Belgrade put THEM up to it too?

3. People are interested in a better future for them and their children. This result is a protest against the 'lunatic fringe' that has hijacked mainstream politics.

4. They have said what the ‘international community’ has been afraid to say. Their leaders are corrupt criminals who have only their own interest and not the people’s at heart.

The corrupt Albanian junta leading the province are using the ‘independence at any cost’ ploy to enslave the people and stay in power.

If the international media is seeing what a blashpemy the faked democracy is in KosovO, then the world leaders will see the same!

Kosovo has made a mockery of the word democracy & if they feel that this is a victorious win, they are highly mistaken as the self-proclaimed independence day of December 10th will be a rude awakening for them!

There is nothing positive on Kosovo issues in these German's daily papers. They were just writing the truth that everyone is aware exept some Albanians. Unfortanately, even so much wanted independence would not change the social atmosphere overthere. People seem to realise that. I personaly doubt that Kosovo politicans are ready to govern that part of the region.

I doubt most of the ethnic Albanian community really cared about these elections or who won them, I am sure what matters for them is things like employment and regular electricity.

This government should not trumpet so much about independence, but more about things such as healthcare and creating infrastructure for its people. I do hope for the sake of the people of Kosovo that this new government acts responsibly and doesn't isolate itself from the international community (as the EU foreign ministers have said) by declaring unilateral independence before the international community has agreed to a decision.

I hope he does what's best for his people.

The low turnout has nothing to do with independence and anyone who tries to interpret the low turnout as a lack of will for independence is wrong and has no idea whatsoever on the Kosovar political scene.

1. Kosova will be independent regardless of who is in power. The negotiation process has clearly shown that the decision is not up to our leadership or Serbia’s leadership, and therefore a high turnout is not required for Kosova to obtain its independence.

2. The election campaign of all parties was focused on economic development and social welfare, areas where the Kosova Albanians are quite disappointed with their politicians.

3. A very high number of voters (me including) are indeed disappointed with the way Kosovar politicians have handled economic and social issues. Their main strategy so far has been “if you can’t or don’t want to fix it, blame it on UNMIK”

I am quite happy that there will be a change of government, and having witnessed the complete collapse of the LDK due to poor management of economic and social issues I hope that Thaqi’s new government will learn a lesson from it.

The International community in order to have legitimacy in any issue, must first become a trusted impartial mediator a honest broker. It is not. To allow the PDK to rule is rewarding terrorists, tha KLA was categorized by the USA as a terrorist organization and Mr . Taci was one of its top leaders. It is like electing Mr, Milosevic as a UN President if he was a life!
It is not a surprise under such circumstances that no solution can be found, as if the source of trouble is expected to all of sudden become the source of stability, the people of Kosovo know this and have rendered their verdict with their votes !!!!

Well said Peter Sudyka

Except that Independence is the top priority for Kosova people there are few other priorities that people would like the next government to focus on. It was obvious that no party would win the elections if they focus solely on the status issue. This time they focused more in unemployment, healthcare, education while the Independence remained priority above all the other priorities.

Some of you mention the low turnout but, I would say that the turnout was around 63.5% and I will explain:
1,450,000 eligible voters
-150,000 Serbs
-200,000 working abroad at any time
-70,000 minimum of death not registered
=1,030,000 voters to vote in Kosova excluding the above
Turnout 45% of 1,450,000 = 652500 votes
652,500 of 1,030,000 Voters= 63.5 roughly

One should not only rely only on Serb propaganda and should do some more impartial research.

Guys, what do you think about Fidel Castro and Vladimir Putin, Stalin

I conclude that the majority of the Albanians as evident from the low turn out to vote do not care about independence instead they want jobs, economic stability and above all peace. It is the minority in Kosovo that is pushing this independence nonsense, and they are being supported by the United States who desperately needs another high profile hot spot in the world to deflect attention from the disaster they made in Iraq. You can be sure that if violence breaks out in the Balkans the Americans will be sure to blame the Serbs and then say it’s a European problem, perhaps it’s a way for the Americans to get back at the EU for not supporting them in Iraq. If illegal unilateral declaration of independence happens after Dec 10, Serbia will create a blockade to Kosovo, there will be little or no power, little or no food, little or no other resources to sustain every day life. As ridicules as this may seem Serbia will still have the law on its side during all this hardship and violence! Don’t expect another NATO attack on Serbia, it won’t happen this time as the Law is clearly defined and unlike with Milosovic the new Serbian leadership will be very quick to explain via media to western countries that the law is on their side, western leaders will find it impossible to get approval from their people to war against Serbia again and this not even including Russia’s role this time, we know they won’t sit still this time. The EU knows all this, so do the majority of the Albanians living in Kosovo. Someone from the EU must step up and do something before its too late and I believe it may be the Germans.

The papers are right when it comes to the disappointment of the K-Albanians with their political class. I personally do not have a very good opinion of Thaci's ability to govern.
But the fact of the matter is that he won and one can hardly call his party more extremist or suspect than the Radicals or the Socialists in Serbia. (I mean the Radicals even call themselves radicals, what more do you want?) In fact Thaci has learned his lesson and has moderated his tone even more than the moderates in Kosova's politics because he ca afford to do so without tarnishing his nationalist credentials.

Rade : one should not mistake the voter apathy in Kosova for a lack of support for independence. This was not a vote for independence because the majority of K-Albanians view independence as a foregone conclusion and as far as independence was concerned there was not much to choose between K-Albanian parties: they all are in favor. Had it been a vote for independence things would have turned out very differently.

I agree GSP, no one should believe that play-acting as a democracy will solve their problems. I have never seen such doom and gloom after an election. It only made the voters who turned out to believe they are in charge and not UNMIK and the mafia. The rest know the score.

I wonder what analysts has to say about even lower rates of voting people all over the world, in some cases in Europe even in referendum?!?!?!
Election campaign in Kosovo was not based on independency issue and many Kosovars think it is in a right hands no matter who will won the elections. Unity Team is ensuring it...
Election campaign was based on ordinary issues for all nations and states and there is place for disappointment and higher expectations. Kosovo is still a post war country in transition and search for political options is reasonable.
Posts of Serbian posters for me seems as last catch to straw thread...
Good luck Kosovo in your own way...

Some of you mention the low turnout but, I would say that the turnout was around 63.5% and I will explain:
1,450,000 eligible voters
-150,000 Serbs
-200,000 working abroad at any time
-70,000 minimum of death not registered
=1,030,000 voters to vote in Kosova excluding the above
Turnout 45% of 1,450,000 = 652500 votes
652,500 of 1,030,000 Voters= 63.5 roughly

One should not only rely only on Serb propaganda and should do some more impartial research.

Guys, what do you think about Fidel Castro and Vladimir Putin, Stalin
(Olf, 19 November 2007 15:44)

Incredible olf.

Absolutely crazy your last post.

Whether you want to know about it or not, independence is not looking good my friend.

The excuse from the Albanians here of the low turnout of voters due to "bad weather" and "distrust" or "protest" is increadibly pathetic!

Considering that Albanians are going on and on about independence on Dec 10th which seems to be slipping, this election was to determine who would run the so called "independent country". I would expect for that to be a very important election considering they would be responsible for administrating a entire country which they can't handle as we can see...take the Albanians own country for example.

If bad weather kept you away from voting then you clearly don't have the will for independence. Protests? HA please if these people are going to be the ones who declare independence I would be sure to cast my vote as the future of my country would depended on them.


No will and second thoughts it seems...I don't blame you, the window is shrinking and with it you chance for prosperity.

Do you want to live like the Palestinians or Taiwan?

people who are sure of independence are high on that feeling and very enthusiastic about the future and like to participate no matter the topic. remember montenegrin elections, over 80 percent turnout if i'm not mistaken.
i think that albanians are tired of all this. i think they have a sinking feeling they will not be under belgrade's direct rule, but will never have a country in kosovo either. no un recognition means decades of sacrifice and limbo and for what? for not being able to say, ok, lets make a deal that we can both accept. or for being able to say, here, we declared unilateral independence.
you cant eat that declaration when you're hungry and you cant switch it on when there's no power. investors are super sensitive to trouble, even belgrade's not good enough for many still, they will never invest in kosovo without proper recognition and with mess in macedonia and elsewhere. who am i to say.. but the point is, reason says there should be compromise. experience says theres not much reason in the balkans.

I agree with "smile".

the Albanians in Kosovo are not that stupid.

they know very well, that if they isolate themselves with irresponsible moves...they will be the first to regret it.

given that the number of votes was that low... and that so many Albanians are attending the offices in Niš, the number of Albanians who have learned that they cannot have independence without being the backlight of europe for a very long time to come..

there can only be a brighter future in the balkans...

and a lot of pain for those fanatics who post pro-independence-nonsense without a pause...

Kosovo, this small piece of land in the Western Balkans remains today the main headline of most of int's news agencies and all they say is that Kosovo will soon declare independence to be recognized soon after by the int;s community. Thaç has been partrayed as an individual who is not trusted by Serbs and that he was the one to fight the Serbian state and he will be the one to declare the independence. The right person in the right time. That is what people in Kosovo think and believe, hence they voted for him.

Why can't Seselj go back to Serbia and run for president?

Oh ya because he is Serbian.

well, i think that the elections have been a success. PDK win was just. and i hope them to be independent very soon. as for the low voting participation, believe it or not they thought that after the independence they will be voting again, which will be very soon.....
there are too many " opinions " in fact, reality is different from what leaders in Belgrade think( they know/realize it, they do not know how to let it go)

To Miri

Re: remark about Seselj comming back would be bad for Serbia.

Seems it worked pretty well for all Albanien criminals in Kosovo.

Well meaning people in Kosovo are quet because they know thei lives are in danger from those criminals in government.

Mr Sudyka, did you ever hear about international law and a nation state's right of control over its own territory (sovereignty) given the turbulent history of your own country.

" Why can't Seselj go back to Serbia and run for president? "

Of course he can. Furthemore, we Albanians, would even "encourage" this (in the most cynical way).

The question is, do you think that would be a good thing for Serbia?

how nasty boys you are!

we had a fair campain,without incident, we had a nice voting ,without incident, and we had a change of majority without problem! That seems to me a very good result!Democracy in action indeed!

as for the low rate of voters, you are really mistaking when you comment it as a lack of interest! On the contrary,it is an act of protest ,and a very powerfull protest to the unmikstan regime,don't doubt a minute about it!
it is a clear message to Thaci that we are here,scruting his actions and we are no longer the one to be calmed down by promisses...We want acts now!
We do not want to support unmik circus any more!
the ones who did not vote are far from being indifferent!on the contrary,they are the more active ones for neccessary changes...

I'm more inclined to agree with Nick's assessment of the election. By political standards, the election was both transparent and straightforward. Thus far, we've heard of no reports of voting irregularities, ballot stuffing, or party intimidation. Yes, the Serbs boycotted the election, but that was their own decision, not the decision of Pristina. By all accounts, the election was fair.

Now, that less than 50% of people voting also tells me something. It says that Albanians are no longer looking at independence as the Magic Remedy that solves all problems immediately. It also says that many Albanians are already disillusioned with those in power, and find that there is little difference between Thaci, Ceku, or Sejdiu. What matters most is whether one's own livelihood will improve, and it is becoming painfully apparent that independence, in whatever form that is, can, and will, close one chapter but begin a longer and harder one.

The true test of democracy in Kosovo, in whatever capacity "Kosovo" will look and be politically structured, is not in whether people go to the polls periodically and vote. That certainly is a major component, but the true test is whether the elected parties a) do good on their words and promises for improvement and development, and b) foster a democratic civil society that is truly inclusive of all of Kosovo's ethnic communities and particular sensitivities.

serbs should know that albanians dont care about isolation, they wanted to be isolated from serbia even in before 1999, miloshevic knew this, thats why he try to use force.
we can isolate ourselves form serbia that's what we want, can serbia do that please. Isolate Kosovo, you will make our day.
We then can openly work with albania, macedonia, montenegro, itlay, EU, USA, and the rest of the world.
who cares if serbia and russia isolate=(neutral) to Kosovo.

Hey, it was terribly cold to get outside. Some people preferred to stay home instead of walking to the stations. Next one will be better.

doni

Kosovo's economy releis on Serbia, to lose that drastically will mean that Kosovo's economy will fall drastically. Of course it will improve through the opening of new trade routes, but this will take time and certainly not improve the situation of the average Kosovar for a long time to come. Kosovo will go for independence and I know that it cannot be stopped now, but it must be done in such a way that does not cause a drastic split in the international community.

Niall O'Doherty

I have indeed heard of international law and I stand by it, but it seems that the governments of most EU states and the US are not interested in international law and looking at this realistically, they will probably break it in favour of Kosovo's independence.

As idealistic as I am, I am pretty certain that UNSCR1244 will not be respected with regards to Serbia (as much as I would like it to be) and that there is nothing we can do about it, aside from prepare for solutions on the problems once Kosovo does declare independence (which unfortunately you or I cannot stop), so that there is no catastrophe in the Balkans in the form of renewed fighting, further splitting along ethnic lines and protection of minorities.

I do wish the world was an indeal place where all laws would be respected and where people could get along, but alas, it is not so. Thus other contingencies need to be created and implemented by those who will be responsible for what happens after December 10th.

Hey Olf, you wrote:
"Some of you mention the low turnout but, I would say that the turnout was around 63.5% and I will explain:
1,450,000 eligible voters
-150,000 Serbs
-200,000 working abroad at any time
-70,000 minimum of death not registered
=1,030,000 voters to vote in Kosova excluding the above
Turnout 45% of 1,450,000 = 652500 votes
652,500 of 1,030,000 Voters= 63.5 roughly"

Your figures are wrong.
And I will explain...
377,500 did not vote because they were not feeling well but they did however have a note from their doctor.
1,030,000
-377,500
=652,500 and that my friend is 100% voter turnout. Roughly...

By the way I got my figures from a similar place as you.

Hey, from now on if we do not have something realistic to say let's both of of us just keep quiet.

The International community in order to have legitimacy in any issue, must first become a trusted impartial mediator a honest broker. It is not. To allow the PDK to rule is rewarding terrorists, tha KLA was categorized by the USA as a terrorist organization and Mr . Taci was one of its top leaders. It is like electing Mr, Milosevic as a UN President if he was a life!
It is not a surprise under such circumstances that no solution can be found, as if the source of trouble is expected to all of sudden become the source of stability, the people of Kosovo know this and have rendered their verdict with their votes !!!!

serbs should know that albanians dont care about isolation, they wanted to be isolated from serbia even in before 1999, miloshevic knew this, thats why he try to use force.
we can isolate ourselves form serbia that's what we want, can serbia do that please. Isolate Kosovo, you will make our day.
We then can openly work with albania, macedonia, montenegro, itlay, EU, USA, and the rest of the world.
who cares if serbia and russia isolate=(neutral) to Kosovo.

Well said Peter Sudyka

Except that Independence is the top priority for Kosova people there are few other priorities that people would like the next government to focus on. It was obvious that no party would win the elections if they focus solely on the status issue. This time they focused more in unemployment, healthcare, education while the Independence remained priority above all the other priorities.

Some of you mention the low turnout but, I would say that the turnout was around 63.5% and I will explain:
1,450,000 eligible voters
-150,000 Serbs
-200,000 working abroad at any time
-70,000 minimum of death not registered
=1,030,000 voters to vote in Kosova excluding the above
Turnout 45% of 1,450,000 = 652500 votes
652,500 of 1,030,000 Voters= 63.5 roughly

One should not only rely only on Serb propaganda and should do some more impartial research.

Guys, what do you think about Fidel Castro and Vladimir Putin, Stalin

There is nothing positive on Kosovo issues in these German's daily papers. They were just writing the truth that everyone is aware exept some Albanians. Unfortanately, even so much wanted independence would not change the social atmosphere overthere. People seem to realise that. I personaly doubt that Kosovo politicans are ready to govern that part of the region.

"Reuters interprets this as an indicator that the independence euphoria has already in a way been extinguished, adding that many in Kosovo see the province controlled by political opportunists who cannot bring significant changes."

There's no way to spin this result. The people have spoken.

And they are saying:

1. They are not as interested in 'independence at any cost' as supporters of the Albanian junta would have us believe.

2. The majority (55%) of Albanian voters BOYCOTTED the election! Did Belgrade put THEM up to it too?

3. People are interested in a better future for them and their children. This result is a protest against the 'lunatic fringe' that has hijacked mainstream politics.

4. They have said what the ‘international community’ has been afraid to say. Their leaders are corrupt criminals who have only their own interest and not the people’s at heart.

The corrupt Albanian junta leading the province are using the ‘independence at any cost’ ploy to enslave the people and stay in power.

The low turnout has nothing to do with independence and anyone who tries to interpret the low turnout as a lack of will for independence is wrong and has no idea whatsoever on the Kosovar political scene.

1. Kosova will be independent regardless of who is in power. The negotiation process has clearly shown that the decision is not up to our leadership or Serbia’s leadership, and therefore a high turnout is not required for Kosova to obtain its independence.

2. The election campaign of all parties was focused on economic development and social welfare, areas where the Kosova Albanians are quite disappointed with their politicians.

3. A very high number of voters (me including) are indeed disappointed with the way Kosovar politicians have handled economic and social issues. Their main strategy so far has been “if you can’t or don’t want to fix it, blame it on UNMIK”

I am quite happy that there will be a change of government, and having witnessed the complete collapse of the LDK due to poor management of economic and social issues I hope that Thaqi’s new government will learn a lesson from it.

well, i think that the elections have been a success. PDK win was just. and i hope them to be independent very soon. as for the low voting participation, believe it or not they thought that after the independence they will be voting again, which will be very soon.....
there are too many " opinions " in fact, reality is different from what leaders in Belgrade think( they know/realize it, they do not know how to let it go)

I wonder what analysts has to say about even lower rates of voting people all over the world, in some cases in Europe even in referendum?!?!?!
Election campaign in Kosovo was not based on independency issue and many Kosovars think it is in a right hands no matter who will won the elections. Unity Team is ensuring it...
Election campaign was based on ordinary issues for all nations and states and there is place for disappointment and higher expectations. Kosovo is still a post war country in transition and search for political options is reasonable.
Posts of Serbian posters for me seems as last catch to straw thread...
Good luck Kosovo in your own way...

" Why can't Seselj go back to Serbia and run for president? "

Of course he can. Furthemore, we Albanians, would even "encourage" this (in the most cynical way).

The question is, do you think that would be a good thing for Serbia?

how nasty boys you are!

we had a fair campain,without incident, we had a nice voting ,without incident, and we had a change of majority without problem! That seems to me a very good result!Democracy in action indeed!

as for the low rate of voters, you are really mistaking when you comment it as a lack of interest! On the contrary,it is an act of protest ,and a very powerfull protest to the unmikstan regime,don't doubt a minute about it!
it is a clear message to Thaci that we are here,scruting his actions and we are no longer the one to be calmed down by promisses...We want acts now!
We do not want to support unmik circus any more!
the ones who did not vote are far from being indifferent!on the contrary,they are the more active ones for neccessary changes...

I doubt most of the ethnic Albanian community really cared about these elections or who won them, I am sure what matters for them is things like employment and regular electricity.

This government should not trumpet so much about independence, but more about things such as healthcare and creating infrastructure for its people. I do hope for the sake of the people of Kosovo that this new government acts responsibly and doesn't isolate itself from the international community (as the EU foreign ministers have said) by declaring unilateral independence before the international community has agreed to a decision.

I hope he does what's best for his people.

The papers are right when it comes to the disappointment of the K-Albanians with their political class. I personally do not have a very good opinion of Thaci's ability to govern.
But the fact of the matter is that he won and one can hardly call his party more extremist or suspect than the Radicals or the Socialists in Serbia. (I mean the Radicals even call themselves radicals, what more do you want?) In fact Thaci has learned his lesson and has moderated his tone even more than the moderates in Kosova's politics because he ca afford to do so without tarnishing his nationalist credentials.

Rade : one should not mistake the voter apathy in Kosova for a lack of support for independence. This was not a vote for independence because the majority of K-Albanians view independence as a foregone conclusion and as far as independence was concerned there was not much to choose between K-Albanian parties: they all are in favor. Had it been a vote for independence things would have turned out very differently.

I agree GSP, no one should believe that play-acting as a democracy will solve their problems. I have never seen such doom and gloom after an election. It only made the voters who turned out to believe they are in charge and not UNMIK and the mafia. The rest know the score.

Why can't Seselj go back to Serbia and run for president?

Oh ya because he is Serbian.

Hey, it was terribly cold to get outside. Some people preferred to stay home instead of walking to the stations. Next one will be better.

If the international media is seeing what a blashpemy the faked democracy is in KosovO, then the world leaders will see the same!

Kosovo has made a mockery of the word democracy & if they feel that this is a victorious win, they are highly mistaken as the self-proclaimed independence day of December 10th will be a rude awakening for them!

Kosovo, this small piece of land in the Western Balkans remains today the main headline of most of int's news agencies and all they say is that Kosovo will soon declare independence to be recognized soon after by the int;s community. Thaç has been partrayed as an individual who is not trusted by Serbs and that he was the one to fight the Serbian state and he will be the one to declare the independence. The right person in the right time. That is what people in Kosovo think and believe, hence they voted for him.

To Miri

Re: remark about Seselj comming back would be bad for Serbia.

Seems it worked pretty well for all Albanien criminals in Kosovo.

Well meaning people in Kosovo are quet because they know thei lives are in danger from those criminals in government.

I'm more inclined to agree with Nick's assessment of the election. By political standards, the election was both transparent and straightforward. Thus far, we've heard of no reports of voting irregularities, ballot stuffing, or party intimidation. Yes, the Serbs boycotted the election, but that was their own decision, not the decision of Pristina. By all accounts, the election was fair.

Now, that less than 50% of people voting also tells me something. It says that Albanians are no longer looking at independence as the Magic Remedy that solves all problems immediately. It also says that many Albanians are already disillusioned with those in power, and find that there is little difference between Thaci, Ceku, or Sejdiu. What matters most is whether one's own livelihood will improve, and it is becoming painfully apparent that independence, in whatever form that is, can, and will, close one chapter but begin a longer and harder one.

The true test of democracy in Kosovo, in whatever capacity "Kosovo" will look and be politically structured, is not in whether people go to the polls periodically and vote. That certainly is a major component, but the true test is whether the elected parties a) do good on their words and promises for improvement and development, and b) foster a democratic civil society that is truly inclusive of all of Kosovo's ethnic communities and particular sensitivities.

I conclude that the majority of the Albanians as evident from the low turn out to vote do not care about independence instead they want jobs, economic stability and above all peace. It is the minority in Kosovo that is pushing this independence nonsense, and they are being supported by the United States who desperately needs another high profile hot spot in the world to deflect attention from the disaster they made in Iraq. You can be sure that if violence breaks out in the Balkans the Americans will be sure to blame the Serbs and then say it’s a European problem, perhaps it’s a way for the Americans to get back at the EU for not supporting them in Iraq. If illegal unilateral declaration of independence happens after Dec 10, Serbia will create a blockade to Kosovo, there will be little or no power, little or no food, little or no other resources to sustain every day life. As ridicules as this may seem Serbia will still have the law on its side during all this hardship and violence! Don’t expect another NATO attack on Serbia, it won’t happen this time as the Law is clearly defined and unlike with Milosovic the new Serbian leadership will be very quick to explain via media to western countries that the law is on their side, western leaders will find it impossible to get approval from their people to war against Serbia again and this not even including Russia’s role this time, we know they won’t sit still this time. The EU knows all this, so do the majority of the Albanians living in Kosovo. Someone from the EU must step up and do something before its too late and I believe it may be the Germans.

Some of you mention the low turnout but, I would say that the turnout was around 63.5% and I will explain:
1,450,000 eligible voters
-150,000 Serbs
-200,000 working abroad at any time
-70,000 minimum of death not registered
=1,030,000 voters to vote in Kosova excluding the above
Turnout 45% of 1,450,000 = 652500 votes
652,500 of 1,030,000 Voters= 63.5 roughly

One should not only rely only on Serb propaganda and should do some more impartial research.

Guys, what do you think about Fidel Castro and Vladimir Putin, Stalin
(Olf, 19 November 2007 15:44)

Incredible olf.

Absolutely crazy your last post.

Whether you want to know about it or not, independence is not looking good my friend.

The excuse from the Albanians here of the low turnout of voters due to "bad weather" and "distrust" or "protest" is increadibly pathetic!

Considering that Albanians are going on and on about independence on Dec 10th which seems to be slipping, this election was to determine who would run the so called "independent country". I would expect for that to be a very important election considering they would be responsible for administrating a entire country which they can't handle as we can see...take the Albanians own country for example.

If bad weather kept you away from voting then you clearly don't have the will for independence. Protests? HA please if these people are going to be the ones who declare independence I would be sure to cast my vote as the future of my country would depended on them.


No will and second thoughts it seems...I don't blame you, the window is shrinking and with it you chance for prosperity.

Do you want to live like the Palestinians or Taiwan?

people who are sure of independence are high on that feeling and very enthusiastic about the future and like to participate no matter the topic. remember montenegrin elections, over 80 percent turnout if i'm not mistaken.
i think that albanians are tired of all this. i think they have a sinking feeling they will not be under belgrade's direct rule, but will never have a country in kosovo either. no un recognition means decades of sacrifice and limbo and for what? for not being able to say, ok, lets make a deal that we can both accept. or for being able to say, here, we declared unilateral independence.
you cant eat that declaration when you're hungry and you cant switch it on when there's no power. investors are super sensitive to trouble, even belgrade's not good enough for many still, they will never invest in kosovo without proper recognition and with mess in macedonia and elsewhere. who am i to say.. but the point is, reason says there should be compromise. experience says theres not much reason in the balkans.

I agree with "smile".

the Albanians in Kosovo are not that stupid.

they know very well, that if they isolate themselves with irresponsible moves...they will be the first to regret it.

given that the number of votes was that low... and that so many Albanians are attending the offices in Niš, the number of Albanians who have learned that they cannot have independence without being the backlight of europe for a very long time to come..

there can only be a brighter future in the balkans...

and a lot of pain for those fanatics who post pro-independence-nonsense without a pause...

doni

Kosovo's economy releis on Serbia, to lose that drastically will mean that Kosovo's economy will fall drastically. Of course it will improve through the opening of new trade routes, but this will take time and certainly not improve the situation of the average Kosovar for a long time to come. Kosovo will go for independence and I know that it cannot be stopped now, but it must be done in such a way that does not cause a drastic split in the international community.

Mr Sudyka, did you ever hear about international law and a nation state's right of control over its own territory (sovereignty) given the turbulent history of your own country.

Niall O'Doherty

I have indeed heard of international law and I stand by it, but it seems that the governments of most EU states and the US are not interested in international law and looking at this realistically, they will probably break it in favour of Kosovo's independence.

As idealistic as I am, I am pretty certain that UNSCR1244 will not be respected with regards to Serbia (as much as I would like it to be) and that there is nothing we can do about it, aside from prepare for solutions on the problems once Kosovo does declare independence (which unfortunately you or I cannot stop), so that there is no catastrophe in the Balkans in the form of renewed fighting, further splitting along ethnic lines and protection of minorities.

I do wish the world was an indeal place where all laws would be respected and where people could get along, but alas, it is not so. Thus other contingencies need to be created and implemented by those who will be responsible for what happens after December 10th.

Hey Olf, you wrote:
"Some of you mention the low turnout but, I would say that the turnout was around 63.5% and I will explain:
1,450,000 eligible voters
-150,000 Serbs
-200,000 working abroad at any time
-70,000 minimum of death not registered
=1,030,000 voters to vote in Kosova excluding the above
Turnout 45% of 1,450,000 = 652500 votes
652,500 of 1,030,000 Voters= 63.5 roughly"

Your figures are wrong.
And I will explain...
377,500 did not vote because they were not feeling well but they did however have a note from their doctor.
1,030,000
-377,500
=652,500 and that my friend is 100% voter turnout. Roughly...

By the way I got my figures from a similar place as you.

Hey, from now on if we do not have something realistic to say let's both of of us just keep quiet.