Ministries to prepare Kosovo plans

I think it's time for the K-Albanians to take a reality check. Thaci and co. may very well declare independence after December 10, but I am fairly sure they're not going to get the international recognition that they think they are.
I base this on recent writings and statements by various commentators in Western Europe. People are finally waking up to the reality of what Kosovan independence will mean, both for the region itself and beyond.
A self-declared independence without general European support would be worse than useless. And that's where things are heading.

I'm a little taken back by the comments presented by the Albanian posters. Don't you people believe that contingency plans are warranted for such an event. Serbia has been perfectly clear regarding it's stance, so whatever action is deemed necessary should not surprise anyone. Which country in the world would let their land be seized from under their noses. I don't believe that Serbia will take any adverse
scenerio lying down, regardless of what they've previously stated. Consultations with the Russians regarding their advice and input will definitely take place (as if it hasn't already), before embarking on any type of action. So good luck to all who believe that independence will be a piece of cake.

Unless this is a pretext for military invasion, is useless for these ministers to prepare plans.
The worts part that i read in this article is when it says to protect Serbs and non-Albanians. I thought it was a big joke. Since when Serbs cared for non-Albanians. Serbs from Serbia proper don't care for K-Serbs let alone other.
By the way, if it is as I said above about pretex for military invasion, than Serbia is heading toward abyss.

What a paranoic comments overhere. Of course there should be some strategy how to protect Serbian minority overthere and everyone who feels jeopardized by Albanians or do not trust Albanian governing. Claming that Serbs from Serbia do not care for K-Serbs is more than malicious. There must be some plan and strategy in case of Kosovo independence proclamation. Mr Jeremic was very clear yesterday when saying that Serbia in such case wont take any military actions. Anyway, my opinion is that Serbia should react if Albanians try to induce violence in North, in another words if they try to forcefully enter the North. KFOR cannot be trusted and therefore some strategy must be developed.

Andy,

you'll still be more then welcome and as ever openly hosted by Serbians - even if the UK govt were to undermine the UN (which I very much doubt). Beyond which the more likely scenario will be that there will be no such folly as the US false promise and in which case you will find Serbians in an even more hospitable mood as they genuinly are. Politics is politics while individuals are individuals - just because BLiar messed up in 1999 does not imply the whole UK population are to blame!

Like visiting any other country brush up on a few choice Serbian words (such as Dobro dan - good day, Pivo - beer) - definitly worth getting a small phrase book and you'll be happily welcomed all the more just for trying.

Belgrade is a great city and there is much to see and do so hopefully you'll visit again in the not so distant future and possibly want to see more of what Serbia has to offer as a destination in Europe.

So these ministries should only protect the rights of serbs and non-alanians? This is one more case where its shown and proven that the serb governement doesnt care to protect the rights of albanians so therefore why would 2 million albanians want to be under such government.
This is one more reason why Kosova should and without doubt will be Independent.
THanks

I'll suggest Serbian Parliament to prepare action plan on changing their constitution first before anything else. And also once they change it beside no Kosova inside a new constitution there should be stated clearly status of Vojvodina, Presheva Valley and Sandzac because otherwise you will have to change it again every 5 years just like they did until now.

Reality is starting to sink in, it seems Samardzic told them to start preparing for the inevitable.

Olf: We've already seen how well KFOR and the KPS has looked after Serbian people in Kosovo. I think the ministries in Serbia are well within their rights to discuss how they can help those people.

It's just amazing how anybody can be so supportive of statehood for a place like Kosovo, that doesn't meet the minimum requirements of a democratic society. I think this is going to lead to very big and tragic problems down the road. It's unfortunate that your anti- Serbian stance is blinding you toward that.

Well since the secret is out, i.e. that they know Kosova is gone, they can start planing. At least it will give them something to do. But what are they planing for?
Well they could organize trouble in the north of Kosova for one, but it certainly won't make them look good and I think NATO can take care of security there. They might try to enforce an embargo or blockade of sorts but the losers of that will mainly be Serb businesses, because Kosova imports a lot from Serbia and doesn't export much there. In any case Albanians, Macedonians and Montenegrins will be very happy to provide everything that is needed. And they might try to do something in RS which will perhaps make Ratko, BMRusila, Kate & company happy but will certainly be a disaster for Serbia. The end result...well they gonna make a big hole in the water, as an Albanian saying goes.

Teni,
I don't think that the serbs in nothern Kosovo will organize trouble, but maybe they will part from the other parts of Kosovo in case of recognition.

I am sure that Nato are capable of taking care of all kind of extremist, be it Tsar Lazar guard, the Ana or even KLA, but the BIG question is, do they want to take action against the albanians? I think that they would rather let the pogrom start again against the few remaining serbs in Kosovo than protecting them.

You seem a little naive when you say that Serbia would loose much in case of an american-cuba style blockade/embargo. The serbs have already been robbed of most of their property/business/industy in Kosovo. The Kosovan market is small compared to other markets. And explain to me how can Makedonia/Montenegro and Albania provide: basic infrastructure such as roads to the west/electricity powerplants and water supply?
Kosovos economy is in very bad shape, and its not because of "unsolved" status. There are no obstacles against foreing investements in Kosovo now, the albanians are ruling Kosovo (of course with some US "advice") you can arrange for all kinds of economical improvements, why haven't you already done so? There is no need to wait for independence for that

"I thought "Good day" in Serbian is Dobar Dan and not Dobro Dan?
Dobar Dan-Good Day/Afternoon
Dobro Jutro-Good Morning
Dobro Večer-Good Evening"

flamur, i'm impressed. i wish i could say as many words in albanian. but if i lived in albania i guess i would. but that's not serbian, it's croatian, the last bit.
and although i condsider the question slightly provocative, because as everyone knows everyone is welcome and safe in serbia, i'll say it anyways, welcome to serbia.
now here's my question: can i, a serb, travel to kosovo? would it be ok to take walk in pristina and, if i came with a friend, speak serbian in the street? is that safe behavior? would i be attacked or verbally assaulted? it happened to people before. remember that bulgarian diplomat who was lynched in pristina because they thought he was a serb.

Afrim: "So these ministries should only protect the rights of serbs and non-alanians?"

So you admit that Albanians are also in danger in Kosovo?

Andy i have travelled many times/stayed many time/buyed property in Serbia, and i have been to RS/FBiH.

All i can say is that Yugoslavia is the most advanced place in the balkans/southern europe/eastern europe.

Close your eyes to the FUD spreading sirens and enjoy the Serb kindness.

I assume ofcourse you dont have a problem with the language.

Look at Andy's writing and Princip. Pay close attention to the paragraph structure, Andy has 4 paragraph, Princip has 3.

Spelling, etc.

Andy: As an Albanian I can tell you that nothing will happen. I would not hesitate to go there at any time. There are crazy people in Serbia as everywhere in the world but the safety of Westerners or all other tourists is not an issue.

It is good to have plans, but it depends what kind of plans! I would be more worried about plans which are being done behind the scene. Serbian Government is well known for a double plans - transparent official ones and the other ones hidden behind different radical, paramilitary and special secret units...
And, before preparing plans for protection of Serbian and other non-Albanian population in Kosovo it would be good to make transparent from whom Serbian Government is planing to protect them and did anybody asked them to do so. Times when Milosevic's regime could manipulate with non-Albanian Kosovars is over and in 2007 they are and they feel integrated in to Kosovar society. I'm convinced that K-Serbs neither need protection of Serbian Government, all what they need is to leave them to be integrated in to Kosovar society.
So, before planing and action Serbian Government carefuly should check situation in a field, because
besides Kosovo Serbs there are some other people and protection forces who guarantee security for all Kosovars!
Good luck to all Kosovars on their independence way...

Ben:

Say whatever you want Ben, but just compare the lives of Serbs in Kosovo to Albanians in Presevo and it is very clear which society has stronger democratic roots. The reason you want Albanians to have Kosovo is not to establish a democratic country, but rather to establish a Greater Albania. It's not going to work.

"But going to Drenica and saying "Kosova is Serbian"...not SHPK (KPS) or God can help you there."

so i would be killed in the street for expressing an opinion?
is it that lawless in drenica?
when you say you want kosovo to be independent and join eu, do you mean drenica also? do you see such drenica as part of the eu?
about pristina, is it safe, but really? i mean i know ceku speaks serbian, or croatian, same thing, but is it really ok for serbs to walk the streets and chitchat in their native tongue, no political announcements? the reason why i ask is this: serbs who still live in pristina are escorted by kfor to gracanica to go shopping in the green market there once a week. i saw a photo several weeks back.
if it's true i could walk and talk normally in pristina like i do in belgrade and athens and budapest, why are my people who live in pristina unable to shop in a pristina green market?
will you also take my people who ride buses under armed escort when they want to buy vegetables to the eu?

They have already planed everything don’t you guys worry.
They must prepare for massive protest against them after Kosova Independence, most like scenario.
They must be planning to cut ties with Kosova publicly but not for real.
They can only plan to look after their population. They have no business in Kosova. KPS, NATO and New ESDP will look after Kosova population. EU together with KFOR will look after K-Serbs at first then of course it will KPS if there is a need.

Princip,
"Like visiting any other country brush up on a few choice Serbian words (such as Dobro dan - good day, Pivo - beer)"

I thought "Good day" in Serbian is Dobar Dan and not Dobro Dan?
Dobar Dan-Good Day/Afternoon
Dobro Jutro-Good Morning
Dobro Večer-Good Evening

But again, I am not Serbian nor I claim to be one.

So much for your Serbian nationalistic views, Princip.
Go and learn Serbian first before you claim to be one.

Ben: You can't judge by isolating events is exactly what I'm trying to tell you. It's funny how much these discussions come back full circle.

I think everyone should look at Kosovo and other Balkan hot spots through the body of history. There are lots of events in Kosovo's history to show where Serbs have been wronged. I know you feel the same way about it for Albanians. However, if life was so bad for Albanians in Kosovo thousands of them would not have immigrated to Serbia.

1999 was not a great year for Serbs in Kosovo as thousands of them have gone missing.(probably killed) Not to mention that over 100,000 lost their homes.

Out right and immediate independence without taking into account the Serb rights in Kosovo will lead to many more problems than you realize. Albanian intentions seem ominous by the way they are treating Serbs. Again you don't see Serbs doing this to Albanians in Presevo. Don't think the way you treat Serbs won't have repurcussions later.

"if it's true i could walk and talk normally in pristina like i do in belgrade and athens and budapest..."

I don't know the answer to that, I haven't been there recently. But you could go to Albania, to Tirana or any other city there and speak any language you wanted and nobody would care. Tirana is a busy city, full of life, in not a little chaotic, definitely very interesting.

If Serbs really can't travel to Prishtina freely, that's unfortunate. Once the issue ceases to be politicized by Serbian political factors, I'm sure things will get better. But Serb provocations must stop. Peace means peace, there should be no threats. And claims of Serb sovereignty over Kosovo do constitute a threat for the Albanian population.

http://www.b92.net/eng/gallery/zoom.php?&nav_category=99&image_id=68238

you don't need to be a rocket scientist to know that serbia will try to destabilize kosova- as always through her proxies teh K-Serbs.

This will mean that the legal security forces of teh independent kosova will act to restore Law and order through the entire country

The external, destabilizing forces will bear the responsibility...

Andy, I had similar reservations about my first trip to Belgrade. The US had no diplomatic relations with Serbia at the time (I had to send my passport to Canada for a Visa), Milosevic was still running around and the country was under Sanctions. I was pretty much the ONLY foreign tourist I encountered.

I’ve found ALL the people of the Balkans to be extremely good hosts, even the Nationalists seem interested in exchanging their viewpoints with me in friendly manner. Only on two occasions during my year long stay in the Balkans did I encounter people who refused to talk to me because I was American.

Last time I was in Belgrade, a couple of years ago, they had tour groups, working banks and ATM’s, accepted credit cards, and all the other trappings of a developed society. They still are a little backwards in terms of the level of service, but I find that part of the charm of the place.

Personally, I like the Hotel Royal. It’s the cheapest hotel I’ve found in Belgrade and its right in the center of things. Its very old and a little run down, nothing fancy at all, but its clean and extremely cheap. Room Service is 24 hours a day.

I strongly recommend you take a day trip to Novi Sad, its an amazing city and the center of Serbia culture and the arts. Lots of poets, artists and actors live there. The Government allows artists to live and work in the Fortress, so a visit there to see that is well worth the trip. The Vojvodina area is known for its love of food as well.

I haven’t been to Montenegro (my homeland) since Independence, but last time it was very cheap to fly down there (Tivat) from Belgrade. Kotor is like a mini Dubrovnik and has a lot of charm. Perast is also very lovely. Budva is fancy and fun, but not what I would call a family place.

If you have further questions feel free to email me at lazslow@hotmail.com

Hi Andy, you can download a free Serbian language course at www.byki.com

Ministers are preparing a plan to show to their people that they deserve the money they get paid monthly with their tax money and that everything goes strong, nothing has changed, etc, etc,...you know, show must go on...

Tell your people what kind of losers you are, that would help them much more than your scenarios of failure.

Kosova is going its way towards Independence. Fast!

I'm planning a trip to Belgrade for a few days next March with my wife and baby daughter.

I'm just wondering if the Kosovo situation it going have any effect on the reaction westerners (particularly those from the UK where I'm from) will get in and around Belgrade.

Obviously this will partly depend on events, but in general do you see any sort of backlash? I'm not coming with the general westerner's Serb prejudice.

I've been all over the former Yugoslavia in the last few years. Not been to Serbia yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

It's just amazing how anybody can be so supportive of statehood for a place like Kosovo, that doesn't meet the minimum requirements of a democratic society. (Nicholas Klinsman)

Mr Klinsman who was ruling Kosova before and after 1999?

Don’t you think that you should blame that/those Gov for the fail in "establishing the democracy" as you are worried instead of the people who never could govern themselves – that’s why they want the independence, got it?

Maybe you are able to let us know which post apartheid and post war society was more successful in progressing in democracy than Kosova- I think the last elections were not a bad signe for the political maturity of kosova society quit the contrary.

Who is blind Mr Klinsman?

Slavko,

I read yesterday about some rumors that military service age Hungarians are mobilized in Vojvodina. I seem to see a connection between that and your government plans and your threatening actions. Do you really think like many Serbs in early 1999, when you believed that the world will just accept your excesses and terror? The lesson of 1999 was not enough for you?

Smile, YES to your questions.

All our officials are bi-lingual. From Agim Ceku to the woman who is in charge of Culture and Sports (Kosovar Serb).

You can openly walk in Prishtina and talk in whatever language you want easily. I've seen it, doesn't surprise me.

But going to Drenica and saying "Kosova is Serbian"...not SHPK (KPS) or God can help you there.

Klinsman: "The reason you want Albanians to have Kosovo is not to establish a democratic country, but..."

thats you conclusion Klinsman and you can say whatever you wish (to use your words)

regarding your benchmark Presheva vs. K-Serbs well I might say have a look to this “democratic” serbia (pict. taken in Kosova in 1999 during the war)- under which you would like K-albanians to live http://www.amazon.com/Vojislav-Kostunica-Serbias-Future-Norman/dp/0863569439 (if you google it you will find more)

I think it was the last time that this "democrat" was laughing...

Klinsman you can't judge just by isolating events and not considering the historical events entirely.

"But Serb provocations must stop. Peace means peace, there should be no threats. And claims of Serb sovereignty over Kosovo do constitute a threat for the Albanian population.
(albi, 24 November 2007 20:35)"

what has to be stopped actually, is the greater-albanian-fascism. nothing else.

and serbian sovereignty over its territory is a threat to you? than, you are one of those terrorist, right?

international law seems to be threat to you too...

with reason!

Well since the secret is out, i.e. that they know Kosova is gone, they can start planing. At least it will give them something to do. But what are they planing for?
Well they could organize trouble in the north of Kosova for one, but it certainly won't make them look good and I think NATO can take care of security there. They might try to enforce an embargo or blockade of sorts but the losers of that will mainly be Serb businesses, because Kosova imports a lot from Serbia and doesn't export much there. In any case Albanians, Macedonians and Montenegrins will be very happy to provide everything that is needed. And they might try to do something in RS which will perhaps make Ratko, BMRusila, Kate & company happy but will certainly be a disaster for Serbia. The end result...well they gonna make a big hole in the water, as an Albanian saying goes.

I'll suggest Serbian Parliament to prepare action plan on changing their constitution first before anything else. And also once they change it beside no Kosova inside a new constitution there should be stated clearly status of Vojvodina, Presheva Valley and Sandzac because otherwise you will have to change it again every 5 years just like they did until now.

Princip,
"Like visiting any other country brush up on a few choice Serbian words (such as Dobro dan - good day, Pivo - beer)"

I thought "Good day" in Serbian is Dobar Dan and not Dobro Dan?
Dobar Dan-Good Day/Afternoon
Dobro Jutro-Good Morning
Dobro Večer-Good Evening

But again, I am not Serbian nor I claim to be one.

So much for your Serbian nationalistic views, Princip.
Go and learn Serbian first before you claim to be one.

Unless this is a pretext for military invasion, is useless for these ministers to prepare plans.
The worts part that i read in this article is when it says to protect Serbs and non-Albanians. I thought it was a big joke. Since when Serbs cared for non-Albanians. Serbs from Serbia proper don't care for K-Serbs let alone other.
By the way, if it is as I said above about pretex for military invasion, than Serbia is heading toward abyss.

So these ministries should only protect the rights of serbs and non-alanians? This is one more case where its shown and proven that the serb governement doesnt care to protect the rights of albanians so therefore why would 2 million albanians want to be under such government.
This is one more reason why Kosova should and without doubt will be Independent.
THanks

Reality is starting to sink in, it seems Samardzic told them to start preparing for the inevitable.

Afrim: "So these ministries should only protect the rights of serbs and non-alanians?"

So you admit that Albanians are also in danger in Kosovo?

What a paranoic comments overhere. Of course there should be some strategy how to protect Serbian minority overthere and everyone who feels jeopardized by Albanians or do not trust Albanian governing. Claming that Serbs from Serbia do not care for K-Serbs is more than malicious. There must be some plan and strategy in case of Kosovo independence proclamation. Mr Jeremic was very clear yesterday when saying that Serbia in such case wont take any military actions. Anyway, my opinion is that Serbia should react if Albanians try to induce violence in North, in another words if they try to forcefully enter the North. KFOR cannot be trusted and therefore some strategy must be developed.

It is good to have plans, but it depends what kind of plans! I would be more worried about plans which are being done behind the scene. Serbian Government is well known for a double plans - transparent official ones and the other ones hidden behind different radical, paramilitary and special secret units...
And, before preparing plans for protection of Serbian and other non-Albanian population in Kosovo it would be good to make transparent from whom Serbian Government is planing to protect them and did anybody asked them to do so. Times when Milosevic's regime could manipulate with non-Albanian Kosovars is over and in 2007 they are and they feel integrated in to Kosovar society. I'm convinced that K-Serbs neither need protection of Serbian Government, all what they need is to leave them to be integrated in to Kosovar society.
So, before planing and action Serbian Government carefuly should check situation in a field, because
besides Kosovo Serbs there are some other people and protection forces who guarantee security for all Kosovars!
Good luck to all Kosovars on their independence way...

Andy,

you'll still be more then welcome and as ever openly hosted by Serbians - even if the UK govt were to undermine the UN (which I very much doubt). Beyond which the more likely scenario will be that there will be no such folly as the US false promise and in which case you will find Serbians in an even more hospitable mood as they genuinly are. Politics is politics while individuals are individuals - just because BLiar messed up in 1999 does not imply the whole UK population are to blame!

Like visiting any other country brush up on a few choice Serbian words (such as Dobro dan - good day, Pivo - beer) - definitly worth getting a small phrase book and you'll be happily welcomed all the more just for trying.

Belgrade is a great city and there is much to see and do so hopefully you'll visit again in the not so distant future and possibly want to see more of what Serbia has to offer as a destination in Europe.

They have already planed everything don’t you guys worry.
They must prepare for massive protest against them after Kosova Independence, most like scenario.
They must be planning to cut ties with Kosova publicly but not for real.
They can only plan to look after their population. They have no business in Kosova. KPS, NATO and New ESDP will look after Kosova population. EU together with KFOR will look after K-Serbs at first then of course it will KPS if there is a need.

Look at Andy's writing and Princip. Pay close attention to the paragraph structure, Andy has 4 paragraph, Princip has 3.

Spelling, etc.

you don't need to be a rocket scientist to know that serbia will try to destabilize kosova- as always through her proxies teh K-Serbs.

This will mean that the legal security forces of teh independent kosova will act to restore Law and order through the entire country

The external, destabilizing forces will bear the responsibility...

It's just amazing how anybody can be so supportive of statehood for a place like Kosovo, that doesn't meet the minimum requirements of a democratic society. (Nicholas Klinsman)

Mr Klinsman who was ruling Kosova before and after 1999?

Don’t you think that you should blame that/those Gov for the fail in "establishing the democracy" as you are worried instead of the people who never could govern themselves – that’s why they want the independence, got it?

Maybe you are able to let us know which post apartheid and post war society was more successful in progressing in democracy than Kosova- I think the last elections were not a bad signe for the political maturity of kosova society quit the contrary.

Who is blind Mr Klinsman?

Smile, YES to your questions.

All our officials are bi-lingual. From Agim Ceku to the woman who is in charge of Culture and Sports (Kosovar Serb).

You can openly walk in Prishtina and talk in whatever language you want easily. I've seen it, doesn't surprise me.

But going to Drenica and saying "Kosova is Serbian"...not SHPK (KPS) or God can help you there.

Ministers are preparing a plan to show to their people that they deserve the money they get paid monthly with their tax money and that everything goes strong, nothing has changed, etc, etc,...you know, show must go on...

Tell your people what kind of losers you are, that would help them much more than your scenarios of failure.

Kosova is going its way towards Independence. Fast!

Klinsman: "The reason you want Albanians to have Kosovo is not to establish a democratic country, but..."

thats you conclusion Klinsman and you can say whatever you wish (to use your words)

regarding your benchmark Presheva vs. K-Serbs well I might say have a look to this “democratic” serbia (pict. taken in Kosova in 1999 during the war)- under which you would like K-albanians to live http://www.amazon.com/Vojislav-Kostunica-Serbias-Future-Norman/dp/0863569439 (if you google it you will find more)

I think it was the last time that this "democrat" was laughing...

Klinsman you can't judge just by isolating events and not considering the historical events entirely.

I think it's time for the K-Albanians to take a reality check. Thaci and co. may very well declare independence after December 10, but I am fairly sure they're not going to get the international recognition that they think they are.
I base this on recent writings and statements by various commentators in Western Europe. People are finally waking up to the reality of what Kosovan independence will mean, both for the region itself and beyond.
A self-declared independence without general European support would be worse than useless. And that's where things are heading.

Teni,
I don't think that the serbs in nothern Kosovo will organize trouble, but maybe they will part from the other parts of Kosovo in case of recognition.

I am sure that Nato are capable of taking care of all kind of extremist, be it Tsar Lazar guard, the Ana or even KLA, but the BIG question is, do they want to take action against the albanians? I think that they would rather let the pogrom start again against the few remaining serbs in Kosovo than protecting them.

You seem a little naive when you say that Serbia would loose much in case of an american-cuba style blockade/embargo. The serbs have already been robbed of most of their property/business/industy in Kosovo. The Kosovan market is small compared to other markets. And explain to me how can Makedonia/Montenegro and Albania provide: basic infrastructure such as roads to the west/electricity powerplants and water supply?
Kosovos economy is in very bad shape, and its not because of "unsolved" status. There are no obstacles against foreing investements in Kosovo now, the albanians are ruling Kosovo (of course with some US "advice") you can arrange for all kinds of economical improvements, why haven't you already done so? There is no need to wait for independence for that

I'm a little taken back by the comments presented by the Albanian posters. Don't you people believe that contingency plans are warranted for such an event. Serbia has been perfectly clear regarding it's stance, so whatever action is deemed necessary should not surprise anyone. Which country in the world would let their land be seized from under their noses. I don't believe that Serbia will take any adverse
scenerio lying down, regardless of what they've previously stated. Consultations with the Russians regarding their advice and input will definitely take place (as if it hasn't already), before embarking on any type of action. So good luck to all who believe that independence will be a piece of cake.

Olf: We've already seen how well KFOR and the KPS has looked after Serbian people in Kosovo. I think the ministries in Serbia are well within their rights to discuss how they can help those people.

It's just amazing how anybody can be so supportive of statehood for a place like Kosovo, that doesn't meet the minimum requirements of a democratic society. I think this is going to lead to very big and tragic problems down the road. It's unfortunate that your anti- Serbian stance is blinding you toward that.

Slavko,

I read yesterday about some rumors that military service age Hungarians are mobilized in Vojvodina. I seem to see a connection between that and your government plans and your threatening actions. Do you really think like many Serbs in early 1999, when you believed that the world will just accept your excesses and terror? The lesson of 1999 was not enough for you?

http://www.b92.net/eng/gallery/zoom.php?&nav_category=99&image_id=68238

I'm planning a trip to Belgrade for a few days next March with my wife and baby daughter.

I'm just wondering if the Kosovo situation it going have any effect on the reaction westerners (particularly those from the UK where I'm from) will get in and around Belgrade.

Obviously this will partly depend on events, but in general do you see any sort of backlash? I'm not coming with the general westerner's Serb prejudice.

I've been all over the former Yugoslavia in the last few years. Not been to Serbia yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

Andy: As an Albanian I can tell you that nothing will happen. I would not hesitate to go there at any time. There are crazy people in Serbia as everywhere in the world but the safety of Westerners or all other tourists is not an issue.

Andy i have travelled many times/stayed many time/buyed property in Serbia, and i have been to RS/FBiH.

All i can say is that Yugoslavia is the most advanced place in the balkans/southern europe/eastern europe.

Close your eyes to the FUD spreading sirens and enjoy the Serb kindness.

I assume ofcourse you dont have a problem with the language.

Andy, I had similar reservations about my first trip to Belgrade. The US had no diplomatic relations with Serbia at the time (I had to send my passport to Canada for a Visa), Milosevic was still running around and the country was under Sanctions. I was pretty much the ONLY foreign tourist I encountered.

I’ve found ALL the people of the Balkans to be extremely good hosts, even the Nationalists seem interested in exchanging their viewpoints with me in friendly manner. Only on two occasions during my year long stay in the Balkans did I encounter people who refused to talk to me because I was American.

Last time I was in Belgrade, a couple of years ago, they had tour groups, working banks and ATM’s, accepted credit cards, and all the other trappings of a developed society. They still are a little backwards in terms of the level of service, but I find that part of the charm of the place.

Personally, I like the Hotel Royal. It’s the cheapest hotel I’ve found in Belgrade and its right in the center of things. Its very old and a little run down, nothing fancy at all, but its clean and extremely cheap. Room Service is 24 hours a day.

I strongly recommend you take a day trip to Novi Sad, its an amazing city and the center of Serbia culture and the arts. Lots of poets, artists and actors live there. The Government allows artists to live and work in the Fortress, so a visit there to see that is well worth the trip. The Vojvodina area is known for its love of food as well.

I haven’t been to Montenegro (my homeland) since Independence, but last time it was very cheap to fly down there (Tivat) from Belgrade. Kotor is like a mini Dubrovnik and has a lot of charm. Perast is also very lovely. Budva is fancy and fun, but not what I would call a family place.

If you have further questions feel free to email me at lazslow@hotmail.com

"I thought "Good day" in Serbian is Dobar Dan and not Dobro Dan?
Dobar Dan-Good Day/Afternoon
Dobro Jutro-Good Morning
Dobro Večer-Good Evening"

flamur, i'm impressed. i wish i could say as many words in albanian. but if i lived in albania i guess i would. but that's not serbian, it's croatian, the last bit.
and although i condsider the question slightly provocative, because as everyone knows everyone is welcome and safe in serbia, i'll say it anyways, welcome to serbia.
now here's my question: can i, a serb, travel to kosovo? would it be ok to take walk in pristina and, if i came with a friend, speak serbian in the street? is that safe behavior? would i be attacked or verbally assaulted? it happened to people before. remember that bulgarian diplomat who was lynched in pristina because they thought he was a serb.

Hi Andy, you can download a free Serbian language course at www.byki.com

Ben:

Say whatever you want Ben, but just compare the lives of Serbs in Kosovo to Albanians in Presevo and it is very clear which society has stronger democratic roots. The reason you want Albanians to have Kosovo is not to establish a democratic country, but rather to establish a Greater Albania. It's not going to work.

"But going to Drenica and saying "Kosova is Serbian"...not SHPK (KPS) or God can help you there."

so i would be killed in the street for expressing an opinion?
is it that lawless in drenica?
when you say you want kosovo to be independent and join eu, do you mean drenica also? do you see such drenica as part of the eu?
about pristina, is it safe, but really? i mean i know ceku speaks serbian, or croatian, same thing, but is it really ok for serbs to walk the streets and chitchat in their native tongue, no political announcements? the reason why i ask is this: serbs who still live in pristina are escorted by kfor to gracanica to go shopping in the green market there once a week. i saw a photo several weeks back.
if it's true i could walk and talk normally in pristina like i do in belgrade and athens and budapest, why are my people who live in pristina unable to shop in a pristina green market?
will you also take my people who ride buses under armed escort when they want to buy vegetables to the eu?

Ben: You can't judge by isolating events is exactly what I'm trying to tell you. It's funny how much these discussions come back full circle.

I think everyone should look at Kosovo and other Balkan hot spots through the body of history. There are lots of events in Kosovo's history to show where Serbs have been wronged. I know you feel the same way about it for Albanians. However, if life was so bad for Albanians in Kosovo thousands of them would not have immigrated to Serbia.

1999 was not a great year for Serbs in Kosovo as thousands of them have gone missing.(probably killed) Not to mention that over 100,000 lost their homes.

Out right and immediate independence without taking into account the Serb rights in Kosovo will lead to many more problems than you realize. Albanian intentions seem ominous by the way they are treating Serbs. Again you don't see Serbs doing this to Albanians in Presevo. Don't think the way you treat Serbs won't have repurcussions later.

"if it's true i could walk and talk normally in pristina like i do in belgrade and athens and budapest..."

I don't know the answer to that, I haven't been there recently. But you could go to Albania, to Tirana or any other city there and speak any language you wanted and nobody would care. Tirana is a busy city, full of life, in not a little chaotic, definitely very interesting.

If Serbs really can't travel to Prishtina freely, that's unfortunate. Once the issue ceases to be politicized by Serbian political factors, I'm sure things will get better. But Serb provocations must stop. Peace means peace, there should be no threats. And claims of Serb sovereignty over Kosovo do constitute a threat for the Albanian population.

"But Serb provocations must stop. Peace means peace, there should be no threats. And claims of Serb sovereignty over Kosovo do constitute a threat for the Albanian population.
(albi, 24 November 2007 20:35)"

what has to be stopped actually, is the greater-albanian-fascism. nothing else.

and serbian sovereignty over its territory is a threat to you? than, you are one of those terrorist, right?

international law seems to be threat to you too...

with reason!