Ban Ki Moon may be correct that the UNSC can delegate further negotiation on Kosovo and Metohija to another party, such as a group of negotiators from the EU.
Of course, the UNSC would then stipulate that any outcome must respect the current resolution (1244) in full and be acceptable to Serbia.
In other words, even if powers are delegated, they are limited to respecting international law and the resolution adopted by all UNSC members (including the US, UK and France) and Serbia, presrving Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
If such an EU delegation develops a plan for the ethnic Albanian minority to achieve self-determination within the framework of autonomy, I'm sure the UNSC and Serbia would consider it.
One has to wonder as to why the EU is pushing so hard to break up Serbia at such a reckless pace? Kosovo was always an integral part of Serbia and was never an independent nation as one is often led to believe in news reports.
Why has the EU and the UN done so little to settle the situation between the Israelis and the Palestinians? That conflict has been going on since the creation of the Israeli state and has caused much greater loss of life and poses a much greater threat to instability than does the situation in Kosovo.
The UN has been in Cyprus since 1964 and nobody is twisting the arms of Turkey to resolve the issue. There are many other conflicts that remain unresolved and very little or nothing is being done in order to resolve them. What did the UN do in assisting the Serbs and the Kosovar Albanians in the negotiations? The Kosovar Albanians dug in their heels and demanded full independence while the Serbs offered them everything short of their independence. There was no pressure put on them to compromise while the Serbs are being told that they are stubborn and have to give up the whole province which is their cultural homeland. Would the world actually expect the Israelis to give up Jerusalem in any peace deal with the Palestinians? Would Israel surrender it if asked to?
Once again politicians are manipulating history for a quick fix solution. One also has to look at many new stories that are published around the world. They all claim that NATO bombarded Serbia because of ethnic cleansing and because of the approximately 10,000 casualties. What they do not write about is that the mass exodus of Kosovar Albanians (as well as Serbs) was only after the collapse of the Rambouillet agreement and that that figure of casualties was after the end of the bombings and included dead Serbs.
Serbia is not a member of the EU or NATO and neither of these organizations are in a legal position to dictate anything to Serbia. If The UN, the EU and NATO were so worried about the instability in the region they should perhaps have a look at what is happening between the Turks and the Kurds in Turkey and the border region of Irak.
"Hints" mean nothing. Just face reality, the US and the EU cannot dictate to the Serbs anymore. They are going to have to negotiate. If there had been an international conference on Yugoslavia in 1990, the Yugoslav civil wars of the 90's would have never occurred. In the next 15 years, historians will revisit those events and eliminate the propaganda.
Your reply is a very good one Doni, but time did not stop or begin in 1999.
The fact that Albanians used Kosovo as a base to attack the Presevo Valley and Macedonia after 1999 is proof that Albanians are looking for more than independence in Kosovo.
Furthermore, what does independence have to do with the way you are treating innocent Serb civilians in south Kosovo? Human rights should be respected regardless. Until Kosovo's institutions establish some basic standards for law and order and respect, than I can't see Kosovo independence being anything but a big Balkan mess.
In short, I think the ball is in the Albanian court to prove their goodwill. You can do that by guaranteeing Serbs freedom of movement, and by punishing Albanians that have committed crimes against them.
Without these basic civil liberties, it doesn't matter if we're talking autonomy or independence. Neither will work.
**Lazer, Why are the problems in Kosovo the fault of the Serbians? You have been separate from Serbia for nine years now. You can’t tell me they are still running Kosovo. I don’t think the corrupt politicians are Serbians. Was it a Serbian who killed the police officer in Pristina? I read that it was mafia related. And I also read that the retaliatory bombing of the café was done by the KPS. Stop trying to blame Serbia for your problems and grow up. If you want independence, you have to be responsible for your actions.**
(American Eagle, 1 January 2008 19:19)
**I am not saying that is the fault of Serbians, I am saying the Policies of the Serbian State under Milosevic, eversince he came to power, was to weaken the infrastructure of the Kosova/o's fragile economy and politically as well so he could overtake it easier.
The results of that led to unemployment to rise and with that goes hand in hand the crime. Albanians in Kosova/o, saw this as a bigg threat and that is why the inter-ethnic relations began to sour. You know the rest.
And by the way I am a grown up person and have plenty of rationale. FYI.
First of all Lazer, you blame Serbian policies for the lawlessness of Kosovo. The fact is that Serbian security forces left Kosovo more than 8 years ago. That's given the KPS more than enough time to handle the situation, but they haven't. Furthermore, Albania is even more lawless and corrupt than Kosovo. I don't think you can blame the Serbs for that.
Secondly, why should the Serbs treat Albanians any better than they get treated. Both Serbs and Albanians can cite historical grievances against one another, but let's talk about today. Serbs in southern Kosovo live in ghettos, and they can't even go do the basic things without the threat of their throats being cut. Compare their treatment to the way Albanians get treated in Presevo or Belgrade, and a very clear picture unfolds as to which side is sincere about peace.**
Mr. Klinsman, lets not forget the 1989-1999 period, where Albanians were really mistreated. All I am saying is that UNSC should implement Ahtisari's plan, since it is the best solution and lawful protection of Serbs in Kosova/o. I, being an Albanian, do not believe that they would be treated nice if they go ahead and declare independence unilateraly. But my wish is for that NOT to happen. But there is an element of that in Kosova/o, today.
I am for preventing that and give the Kosovar Serbs full freedom and integration in a society. Ahtisari's plan is exactly that.
Lets not light up the explosive on neither side. Lets calm it down and work for peace together. The way things are at this moment, everything is going into a dangerous path.
I dont want war. I dont want any peoples who live in Kosova/o be mistreated.
That is why I am for the implementation of a strong law, where the pundits, whoever they are be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. You talk about lawlessnes in Albania, Kosova/o is not Albania. To go to Albania you need a passport and you have to cross at the border crossing.
Kosova/o does not need lawlessnes. Last eight yers, because of the lack of status, there has been a surge in murders, and other crimes. There has not been a single huge investment because of that. I know so many different companies from EU and US who would go ahead and invest, create jobs, but lack of status is the reason they dont.
We hope that will change.
Here we go. This is now official. UN is washing its hands of the thing. It would be comical if it wasn’t so tragic.
SCR 1244 enshrined an illegal attack on Serbia against UN charter. It governs the province for 8 years during which scores of its citizens are forced to leave, others to live in ghettos, corruption is endemic and rule of law non existent. His solution, replace it with another bureaucracy. Nonsense.
Albanians in Kosovo have had 8 years to show they good will towards remaining non Albanians. They have failed miserably. From whom is NATO “protecting” the remaining non Albanian population? They are hardly a threat. Why supervised independence? Why not full independence?
This has nothing to do with the rights of Albanians or Serbs or any other small peoples of the region. It has to do with the wishes of the former great powers, now banded together in EU.
As for Kosovo independence being the only way to guarantee stability of the Balkans, another piece of absolute nonsense. I wish somebody would explain the process by which Serbs would ever agree to cede territory taken from them illegally.
The other telling point is that US and EU wish to by pass the UN due to possibility of Russian veto. How ironic. Here are the two pillars of democracy that do not wish to participate in negotiation and compromise, the very essence of democratic process.
Rule of law give you rights, with it comes the duty to respect the rights of others.
"Maybe you should rent your backyard to Russian army! Hold on you can’t do that since you enjoy the freedom and comfort of western countries, yet you show loyalty to Russia!
You can always go back to Russia if you like it so much."
+++++++++++++
I guess if one was malicious and cold blooded, same argument could be applied to Albanians in Kosovo.
You had better hope to God that this is not the beginning of the end of the United Nations, because if it is then International law is finished! It is international law that keeps the world civilized, without it the world would be lawless place where survival of the fittest rules, and Serbia proper, my dear friend is a lot more fit then its Provence Kosovo.
One thing is for sure, that Albanians will have their own lives and serbia will never interfere in their rights. This said, only independence can do this.
But the most important is that serbia stays stable and peaceful. If serbia starts building relation with Kosova as equals, thats a good step to go, and you dont have to pay the russians or anyone anything. serbia has the opportunity to say to albanians OK we recognize your sovreighty and lets build good relations, I am 100% sure that this simple gesture would mean a lot and will break the distrust that exist between both people.
Serbia must accept it and is not neccessary to spend all those money for nothing, when even if you keep kosova, people there will not be happy to live in a country that doesnt accept/recognize them as equals.
If serbia want, it can make things better and show that its intentions are not malicious, and serbia needs to make the first step here, because time has stoped in 1999.
Maybe you should rent your backyard to Russian army! Hold on you can’t do that since you enjoy the freedom and comfort of western countries, yet you show loyalty to Russia!
You can always go back to Russia if you like it so much."
What I wanted to express is, it seems like figures like the guy from Korea ought to see russian troops coming to mediterranean in order to ensure that international law is respected, if the that proxy is not capable of doing his job properly.
but what makes me glad, really, is how you have displayed your flawed, almost racist worldview...
didn´t you know that Serbs do not come from Russia? Russians are from Russia, you know?
but as a sidenote: todays Albanians come from the area around the caspian sea... you are actuall much nearer to Russia than the Serbs! :)
don´t be afraid, laki. the russian troops will ensure that all are treated equally, that´s good for Albanians too! ;)
No, Doni, the US will not help create your Greater Albania as your comment “ethnic bigger countries” suggests. I’m sure that the EU will not tolerate it either. The US needs to get out of the Balkans and not be dragged back in. Let’s see how the Albanians fare when they start another war. I doubt the victim card will work again.
Lazer, Why are the problems in Kosovo the fault of the Serbians? You have been separate from Serbia for nine years now. You can’t tell me they are still running Kosovo. I don’t think the corrupt politicians are Serbians. Was it a Serbian who killed the police officer in Pristina? I read that it was mafia related. And I also read that the retaliatory bombing of the café was done by the KPS. Stop trying to blame Serbia for your problems and grow up. If you want independence, you have to be responsible for your actions.
It’s obvious that the UN is an ineffective organization when it can’t come to a compromise over the status of Kosovo. But what more can you expect when you set conditions that gave you only one option as a choice? The EU will deal with this problem. Let them figure out how to build an economy based on coffee shops, gas stations, taxi service and car washes. Before I am reminded that Kosovo has Trepca, I just read that they believe that it is worth 13 billion euros. That won’t sustain Kosovo forever. That is just a little over the GPD for one year in Albania.
You talk about peace, respect, and non violence, and I'm taking your word for it that you mean it. However, I have some doubts as well when it comes to Albanian wishes for peace and respect.
First of all Lazer, you blame Serbian policies for the lawlessness of Kosovo. The fact is that Serbian security forces left Kosovo more than 8 years ago. That's given the KPS more than enough time to handle the situation, but they haven't. Furthermore, Albania is even more lawless and corrupt than Kosovo. I don't think you can blame the Serbs for that.
Secondly, why should the Serbs treat Albanians any better than they get treated. Both Serbs and Albanians can cite historical grievances against one another, but let's talk about today. Serbs in southern Kosovo live in ghettos, and they can't even go do the basic things without the threat of their throats being cut. Compare their treatment to the way Albanians get treated in Presevo or Belgrade, and a very clear picture unfolds as to which side is sincere about peace.
Lastly, Serbs have moved on politically from the 1990's. They have elected people who are committed to democracy. You might not agree with what they're saying, but they do not have blood on their hands. Compare them to Agim Ceku, Ramush Haradinaj, and Thaci. If Albanians are serious about peace you wouldn't elect war criminals.
Lastly, the Albanians have depopulated Kosovo of thousands of Serbs and have terrified the remaining Serbs. It's ironic that Albanians are talking about peace and coexistance now that they are priming themselves to take Kosovo away from Serbia.
Therefore, please understand why I'm skeptical. My history teacher from college once said "It's more important to watch what they are doing, than listen to what they are saying.
A number of possibilities can happen if Kosovo is made solely a EU endeavor.
First, this effectively sidelines Washington and Moscow and their hardline policies in the region. I may not agree with everything done by Brussels - both in regards to Kosovo and elsewhere - but they are more interested in establishing consensus than either America or Russia. I have no doubt that if a final solution is reached by the EU, it will be done in purposes of full and absolute compromise, with generous gestures given to both Belgrade and the K-Serbs.
Second, as a EU endeavor, we can forget about Kosovo becoming a formally independent state for any possible future. If they want UN respresentation and such, it will have to go through the UN, and making it a EU matter will, at best, make Kosovo an EU colony. Any "independence" will only mean independence from Belgrade, which is what Kosovo was destined to be in any realistic way.
Third, making Kosovo an EU concern means establishing consensus among all EU members. No sense in Brussels taking on this responsibility when there is no unanimous support among its member states. Therefore, all states have been speaking of "negotiated", "coordinated" and "supervised" solutions. The Cyprus-Romania-Greece-Slovakia-Spain-Hungary-Bulgaria bloc may offer its support in return for further concessions - not for the sake of Serbia, but for their own interests as well. As such, Kosovo's end result could very well look vastly different than what any of us here have either been hoping, or predicting, it will be.
Regardless of that, I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year. It is truly my wish that 2008 brings peace and stability to Serbia, peace and stability to the Balkans, and the beginning of a new era of integration and fraternal cooperation between all its societies.
Well the EU may decide all they want about whatever they want. The real question is does it matter, do their proclamations have obligatory legal effect. I think the answer to those questions are clear to everyone. They should be told frankly that they are troublemakers. Before it's too late. For everyone.
"Expectations in Kosovo remain high that a solution to Kosovo's future status must be found rapidly. As such, the status quo is not likely to be sustainable," Ban said.
These unrealistically high expectations have been created by people and countries that had no right and ability to do so and they were believed by very naïve people who have proven nothing to show that they were, are and will be worth these expectations.
"Should the impasse continue, events on the ground could take on a momentum of their own, putting at serious risk the achievements and legacy of the United Nations in Kosovo."
In other words, please Kosovo Albanians do not become violent. Please make a list of ten real achievements by the UN and finally the legacy of the UN has been enormously damaged by the way things were handled in Kosovo.
”In his report about Kosovo between Sept. 1 and Dec. 15, Ban said the simmering ethnic conflicts could spill over into the region.”
What is new about that?
”Ban suggested that Kosovo's future may be decided in Europe rather than at the UN headquarters in New York.”
Ban is a typical bureaucrat who seems very sensitive to what the US says. I guess it has finally sunk into the UN that Kosovo will not become independent through the UNSC because of a Russian (and Chinese) veto. Now they are trying to find another (illegal) solution and if he thinks that the EU can take over he must think again. I am not a legal expert, but my common sense tells me that in that case a new agreement between Serbia and the EU must be negotiated to replace 1244 which should still contain the same basic elements. I do not see any reason why Serbia would be willing to do that (and I do not blame them for that). 1244 is very clear and Serbia is under no obligation to abandon it.
”Earlier this month, the AP says, hopes dimmed for an agreement from Security Council over Kosovo's future, with Western diplomats saying negotiations were deadlocked and talks were most likely to continue in European capitals.”
Talk should continue in Belgrade and Pristina and Washington DC should stay out of any new negotiations. In that case the Kosovo Albanians will be more willing to actually talk and realize that a compromise is the best they can get.
Jovan:
"let´s see, perhaps the Russians will be needed in the mediterranean sea..."
It's that a threat?
Maybe you should rent your backyard to Russian army! Hold on you can’t do that since you enjoy the freedom and comfort of western countries, yet you show loyalty to Russia!
You can always go back to Russia if you like it so much.
I think the EU must take the responsiblity as soon as possible, because the future of these countries is in EU.
The moment of "truth" is nearing, and the question is: will EU be able to bring stability to the balkans, or division on ethnic lines will occur?
And thus a defacto ethnic bigger countries will be created, and the smaller multi-ethnic countries will diseapear?
Only time will tell.
Maybe we will need US once again.
I think whatever happens, with the geo-political games in the balkans, people and countries must not resort or engage in violence with each other, because we will be the ones to pay in the end.
We all don't want another IRAQ in the balkans.
it could very likely be that Mr.Ban Ki Moon has to be held responsible before the UNSC.
the issue is the united nation´s business. if he listens to the directives of the US-state department, he will certainly have great difficulties, if not even being replaced.
but one thing stays clear: the issue can´t be shifted into the hands of the EU...
neither is Serbia a part of it, nor is the serbian southern province a part of it. there is simply no legal possiblity for such an illegal act.
let´s see, perhaps the Russians will be needed in the mediterranean sea...
It will come down to EU, and Martti Ahtisari plan for Supervised Independence of Kosova/o.
Why supervised? one might ask, including myself.
I think that most nations in the Balkans have to have supervission over human rights abuses of other nations and minorities. Tha includes Kosovar Albanians.
Its a long time with relative lawlessnes, thanks to the Serbian policies, but now the time has come for all the pieces to fall in the place, and to complete the outcome with Ahtisari's plan.
After all, it is Ahtisari's plan, despite all the talk by Lavrov and Kostunica few months ago.
I also want to wish a lot of good wishes and prosperity to the staff of B92, and all the blog posters on the Kosova/o issue, in the New Year. I hope we'll have piece and respect for each other in the Balkans.
A hard task, but achievable.
You talk about peace, respect, and non violence, and I'm taking your word for it that you mean it. However, I have some doubts as well when it comes to Albanian wishes for peace and respect.
First of all Lazer, you blame Serbian policies for the lawlessness of Kosovo. The fact is that Serbian security forces left Kosovo more than 8 years ago. That's given the KPS more than enough time to handle the situation, but they haven't. Furthermore, Albania is even more lawless and corrupt than Kosovo. I don't think you can blame the Serbs for that.
Secondly, why should the Serbs treat Albanians any better than they get treated. Both Serbs and Albanians can cite historical grievances against one another, but let's talk about today. Serbs in southern Kosovo live in ghettos, and they can't even go do the basic things without the threat of their throats being cut. Compare their treatment to the way Albanians get treated in Presevo or Belgrade, and a very clear picture unfolds as to which side is sincere about peace.
Lastly, Serbs have moved on politically from the 1990's. They have elected people who are committed to democracy. You might not agree with what they're saying, but they do not have blood on their hands. Compare them to Agim Ceku, Ramush Haradinaj, and Thaci. If Albanians are serious about peace you wouldn't elect war criminals.
Lastly, the Albanians have depopulated Kosovo of thousands of Serbs and have terrified the remaining Serbs. It's ironic that Albanians are talking about peace and coexistance now that they are priming themselves to take Kosovo away from Serbia.
Therefore, please understand why I'm skeptical. My history teacher from college once said "It's more important to watch what they are doing, than listen to what they are saying.
it could very likely be that Mr.Ban Ki Moon has to be held responsible before the UNSC.
the issue is the united nation´s business. if he listens to the directives of the US-state department, he will certainly have great difficulties, if not even being replaced.
but one thing stays clear: the issue can´t be shifted into the hands of the EU...
neither is Serbia a part of it, nor is the serbian southern province a part of it. there is simply no legal possiblity for such an illegal act.
let´s see, perhaps the Russians will be needed in the mediterranean sea...
"Expectations in Kosovo remain high that a solution to Kosovo's future status must be found rapidly. As such, the status quo is not likely to be sustainable," Ban said.
These unrealistically high expectations have been created by people and countries that had no right and ability to do so and they were believed by very naïve people who have proven nothing to show that they were, are and will be worth these expectations.
"Should the impasse continue, events on the ground could take on a momentum of their own, putting at serious risk the achievements and legacy of the United Nations in Kosovo."
In other words, please Kosovo Albanians do not become violent. Please make a list of ten real achievements by the UN and finally the legacy of the UN has been enormously damaged by the way things were handled in Kosovo.
”In his report about Kosovo between Sept. 1 and Dec. 15, Ban said the simmering ethnic conflicts could spill over into the region.”
What is new about that?
”Ban suggested that Kosovo's future may be decided in Europe rather than at the UN headquarters in New York.”
Ban is a typical bureaucrat who seems very sensitive to what the US says. I guess it has finally sunk into the UN that Kosovo will not become independent through the UNSC because of a Russian (and Chinese) veto. Now they are trying to find another (illegal) solution and if he thinks that the EU can take over he must think again. I am not a legal expert, but my common sense tells me that in that case a new agreement between Serbia and the EU must be negotiated to replace 1244 which should still contain the same basic elements. I do not see any reason why Serbia would be willing to do that (and I do not blame them for that). 1244 is very clear and Serbia is under no obligation to abandon it.
”Earlier this month, the AP says, hopes dimmed for an agreement from Security Council over Kosovo's future, with Western diplomats saying negotiations were deadlocked and talks were most likely to continue in European capitals.”
Talk should continue in Belgrade and Pristina and Washington DC should stay out of any new negotiations. In that case the Kosovo Albanians will be more willing to actually talk and realize that a compromise is the best they can get.
No, Doni, the US will not help create your Greater Albania as your comment “ethnic bigger countries” suggests. I’m sure that the EU will not tolerate it either. The US needs to get out of the Balkans and not be dragged back in. Let’s see how the Albanians fare when they start another war. I doubt the victim card will work again.
Lazer, Why are the problems in Kosovo the fault of the Serbians? You have been separate from Serbia for nine years now. You can’t tell me they are still running Kosovo. I don’t think the corrupt politicians are Serbians. Was it a Serbian who killed the police officer in Pristina? I read that it was mafia related. And I also read that the retaliatory bombing of the café was done by the KPS. Stop trying to blame Serbia for your problems and grow up. If you want independence, you have to be responsible for your actions.
It’s obvious that the UN is an ineffective organization when it can’t come to a compromise over the status of Kosovo. But what more can you expect when you set conditions that gave you only one option as a choice? The EU will deal with this problem. Let them figure out how to build an economy based on coffee shops, gas stations, taxi service and car washes. Before I am reminded that Kosovo has Trepca, I just read that they believe that it is worth 13 billion euros. That won’t sustain Kosovo forever. That is just a little over the GPD for one year in Albania.
A number of possibilities can happen if Kosovo is made solely a EU endeavor.
First, this effectively sidelines Washington and Moscow and their hardline policies in the region. I may not agree with everything done by Brussels - both in regards to Kosovo and elsewhere - but they are more interested in establishing consensus than either America or Russia. I have no doubt that if a final solution is reached by the EU, it will be done in purposes of full and absolute compromise, with generous gestures given to both Belgrade and the K-Serbs.
Second, as a EU endeavor, we can forget about Kosovo becoming a formally independent state for any possible future. If they want UN respresentation and such, it will have to go through the UN, and making it a EU matter will, at best, make Kosovo an EU colony. Any "independence" will only mean independence from Belgrade, which is what Kosovo was destined to be in any realistic way.
Third, making Kosovo an EU concern means establishing consensus among all EU members. No sense in Brussels taking on this responsibility when there is no unanimous support among its member states. Therefore, all states have been speaking of "negotiated", "coordinated" and "supervised" solutions. The Cyprus-Romania-Greece-Slovakia-Spain-Hungary-Bulgaria bloc may offer its support in return for further concessions - not for the sake of Serbia, but for their own interests as well. As such, Kosovo's end result could very well look vastly different than what any of us here have either been hoping, or predicting, it will be.
Regardless of that, I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year. It is truly my wish that 2008 brings peace and stability to Serbia, peace and stability to the Balkans, and the beginning of a new era of integration and fraternal cooperation between all its societies.
Well the EU may decide all they want about whatever they want. The real question is does it matter, do their proclamations have obligatory legal effect. I think the answer to those questions are clear to everyone. They should be told frankly that they are troublemakers. Before it's too late. For everyone.
Your reply is a very good one Doni, but time did not stop or begin in 1999.
The fact that Albanians used Kosovo as a base to attack the Presevo Valley and Macedonia after 1999 is proof that Albanians are looking for more than independence in Kosovo.
Furthermore, what does independence have to do with the way you are treating innocent Serb civilians in south Kosovo? Human rights should be respected regardless. Until Kosovo's institutions establish some basic standards for law and order and respect, than I can't see Kosovo independence being anything but a big Balkan mess.
In short, I think the ball is in the Albanian court to prove their goodwill. You can do that by guaranteeing Serbs freedom of movement, and by punishing Albanians that have committed crimes against them.
Without these basic civil liberties, it doesn't matter if we're talking autonomy or independence. Neither will work.
Maybe you should rent your backyard to Russian army! Hold on you can’t do that since you enjoy the freedom and comfort of western countries, yet you show loyalty to Russia!
You can always go back to Russia if you like it so much."
What I wanted to express is, it seems like figures like the guy from Korea ought to see russian troops coming to mediterranean in order to ensure that international law is respected, if the that proxy is not capable of doing his job properly.
but what makes me glad, really, is how you have displayed your flawed, almost racist worldview...
didn´t you know that Serbs do not come from Russia? Russians are from Russia, you know?
but as a sidenote: todays Albanians come from the area around the caspian sea... you are actuall much nearer to Russia than the Serbs! :)
don´t be afraid, laki. the russian troops will ensure that all are treated equally, that´s good for Albanians too! ;)
It will come down to EU, and Martti Ahtisari plan for Supervised Independence of Kosova/o.
Why supervised? one might ask, including myself.
I think that most nations in the Balkans have to have supervission over human rights abuses of other nations and minorities. Tha includes Kosovar Albanians.
Its a long time with relative lawlessnes, thanks to the Serbian policies, but now the time has come for all the pieces to fall in the place, and to complete the outcome with Ahtisari's plan.
After all, it is Ahtisari's plan, despite all the talk by Lavrov and Kostunica few months ago.
I also want to wish a lot of good wishes and prosperity to the staff of B92, and all the blog posters on the Kosova/o issue, in the New Year. I hope we'll have piece and respect for each other in the Balkans.
A hard task, but achievable.
One has to wonder as to why the EU is pushing so hard to break up Serbia at such a reckless pace? Kosovo was always an integral part of Serbia and was never an independent nation as one is often led to believe in news reports.
Why has the EU and the UN done so little to settle the situation between the Israelis and the Palestinians? That conflict has been going on since the creation of the Israeli state and has caused much greater loss of life and poses a much greater threat to instability than does the situation in Kosovo.
The UN has been in Cyprus since 1964 and nobody is twisting the arms of Turkey to resolve the issue. There are many other conflicts that remain unresolved and very little or nothing is being done in order to resolve them. What did the UN do in assisting the Serbs and the Kosovar Albanians in the negotiations? The Kosovar Albanians dug in their heels and demanded full independence while the Serbs offered them everything short of their independence. There was no pressure put on them to compromise while the Serbs are being told that they are stubborn and have to give up the whole province which is their cultural homeland. Would the world actually expect the Israelis to give up Jerusalem in any peace deal with the Palestinians? Would Israel surrender it if asked to?
Once again politicians are manipulating history for a quick fix solution. One also has to look at many new stories that are published around the world. They all claim that NATO bombarded Serbia because of ethnic cleansing and because of the approximately 10,000 casualties. What they do not write about is that the mass exodus of Kosovar Albanians (as well as Serbs) was only after the collapse of the Rambouillet agreement and that that figure of casualties was after the end of the bombings and included dead Serbs.
Serbia is not a member of the EU or NATO and neither of these organizations are in a legal position to dictate anything to Serbia. If The UN, the EU and NATO were so worried about the instability in the region they should perhaps have a look at what is happening between the Turks and the Kurds in Turkey and the border region of Irak.
Jovan:
"let´s see, perhaps the Russians will be needed in the mediterranean sea..."
It's that a threat?
Maybe you should rent your backyard to Russian army! Hold on you can’t do that since you enjoy the freedom and comfort of western countries, yet you show loyalty to Russia!
You can always go back to Russia if you like it so much.
You had better hope to God that this is not the beginning of the end of the United Nations, because if it is then International law is finished! It is international law that keeps the world civilized, without it the world would be lawless place where survival of the fittest rules, and Serbia proper, my dear friend is a lot more fit then its Provence Kosovo.
"Hints" mean nothing. Just face reality, the US and the EU cannot dictate to the Serbs anymore. They are going to have to negotiate. If there had been an international conference on Yugoslavia in 1990, the Yugoslav civil wars of the 90's would have never occurred. In the next 15 years, historians will revisit those events and eliminate the propaganda.
Here we go. This is now official. UN is washing its hands of the thing. It would be comical if it wasn’t so tragic.
SCR 1244 enshrined an illegal attack on Serbia against UN charter. It governs the province for 8 years during which scores of its citizens are forced to leave, others to live in ghettos, corruption is endemic and rule of law non existent. His solution, replace it with another bureaucracy. Nonsense.
Albanians in Kosovo have had 8 years to show they good will towards remaining non Albanians. They have failed miserably. From whom is NATO “protecting” the remaining non Albanian population? They are hardly a threat. Why supervised independence? Why not full independence?
This has nothing to do with the rights of Albanians or Serbs or any other small peoples of the region. It has to do with the wishes of the former great powers, now banded together in EU.
As for Kosovo independence being the only way to guarantee stability of the Balkans, another piece of absolute nonsense. I wish somebody would explain the process by which Serbs would ever agree to cede territory taken from them illegally.
The other telling point is that US and EU wish to by pass the UN due to possibility of Russian veto. How ironic. Here are the two pillars of democracy that do not wish to participate in negotiation and compromise, the very essence of democratic process.
Rule of law give you rights, with it comes the duty to respect the rights of others.
"Maybe you should rent your backyard to Russian army! Hold on you can’t do that since you enjoy the freedom and comfort of western countries, yet you show loyalty to Russia!
You can always go back to Russia if you like it so much."
+++++++++++++
I guess if one was malicious and cold blooded, same argument could be applied to Albanians in Kosovo.
Ban Ki Moon may be correct that the UNSC can delegate further negotiation on Kosovo and Metohija to another party, such as a group of negotiators from the EU.
Of course, the UNSC would then stipulate that any outcome must respect the current resolution (1244) in full and be acceptable to Serbia.
In other words, even if powers are delegated, they are limited to respecting international law and the resolution adopted by all UNSC members (including the US, UK and France) and Serbia, presrving Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
If such an EU delegation develops a plan for the ethnic Albanian minority to achieve self-determination within the framework of autonomy, I'm sure the UNSC and Serbia would consider it.
I think the EU must take the responsiblity as soon as possible, because the future of these countries is in EU.
The moment of "truth" is nearing, and the question is: will EU be able to bring stability to the balkans, or division on ethnic lines will occur?
And thus a defacto ethnic bigger countries will be created, and the smaller multi-ethnic countries will diseapear?
Only time will tell.
Maybe we will need US once again.
I think whatever happens, with the geo-political games in the balkans, people and countries must not resort or engage in violence with each other, because we will be the ones to pay in the end.
We all don't want another IRAQ in the balkans.
One thing is for sure, that Albanians will have their own lives and serbia will never interfere in their rights. This said, only independence can do this.
But the most important is that serbia stays stable and peaceful. If serbia starts building relation with Kosova as equals, thats a good step to go, and you dont have to pay the russians or anyone anything. serbia has the opportunity to say to albanians OK we recognize your sovreighty and lets build good relations, I am 100% sure that this simple gesture would mean a lot and will break the distrust that exist between both people.
Serbia must accept it and is not neccessary to spend all those money for nothing, when even if you keep kosova, people there will not be happy to live in a country that doesnt accept/recognize them as equals.
If serbia want, it can make things better and show that its intentions are not malicious, and serbia needs to make the first step here, because time has stoped in 1999.
**Lazer, Why are the problems in Kosovo the fault of the Serbians? You have been separate from Serbia for nine years now. You can’t tell me they are still running Kosovo. I don’t think the corrupt politicians are Serbians. Was it a Serbian who killed the police officer in Pristina? I read that it was mafia related. And I also read that the retaliatory bombing of the café was done by the KPS. Stop trying to blame Serbia for your problems and grow up. If you want independence, you have to be responsible for your actions.**
(American Eagle, 1 January 2008 19:19)
**I am not saying that is the fault of Serbians, I am saying the Policies of the Serbian State under Milosevic, eversince he came to power, was to weaken the infrastructure of the Kosova/o's fragile economy and politically as well so he could overtake it easier.
The results of that led to unemployment to rise and with that goes hand in hand the crime. Albanians in Kosova/o, saw this as a bigg threat and that is why the inter-ethnic relations began to sour. You know the rest.
And by the way I am a grown up person and have plenty of rationale. FYI.
First of all Lazer, you blame Serbian policies for the lawlessness of Kosovo. The fact is that Serbian security forces left Kosovo more than 8 years ago. That's given the KPS more than enough time to handle the situation, but they haven't. Furthermore, Albania is even more lawless and corrupt than Kosovo. I don't think you can blame the Serbs for that.
Secondly, why should the Serbs treat Albanians any better than they get treated. Both Serbs and Albanians can cite historical grievances against one another, but let's talk about today. Serbs in southern Kosovo live in ghettos, and they can't even go do the basic things without the threat of their throats being cut. Compare their treatment to the way Albanians get treated in Presevo or Belgrade, and a very clear picture unfolds as to which side is sincere about peace.**
Mr. Klinsman, lets not forget the 1989-1999 period, where Albanians were really mistreated. All I am saying is that UNSC should implement Ahtisari's plan, since it is the best solution and lawful protection of Serbs in Kosova/o. I, being an Albanian, do not believe that they would be treated nice if they go ahead and declare independence unilateraly. But my wish is for that NOT to happen. But there is an element of that in Kosova/o, today.
I am for preventing that and give the Kosovar Serbs full freedom and integration in a society. Ahtisari's plan is exactly that.
Lets not light up the explosive on neither side. Lets calm it down and work for peace together. The way things are at this moment, everything is going into a dangerous path.
I dont want war. I dont want any peoples who live in Kosova/o be mistreated.
That is why I am for the implementation of a strong law, where the pundits, whoever they are be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. You talk about lawlessnes in Albania, Kosova/o is not Albania. To go to Albania you need a passport and you have to cross at the border crossing.
Kosova/o does not need lawlessnes. Last eight yers, because of the lack of status, there has been a surge in murders, and other crimes. There has not been a single huge investment because of that. I know so many different companies from EU and US who would go ahead and invest, create jobs, but lack of status is the reason they dont.
We hope that will change.
It will come down to EU, and Martti Ahtisari plan for Supervised Independence of Kosova/o.
Why supervised? one might ask, including myself.
I think that most nations in the Balkans have to have supervission over human rights abuses of other nations and minorities. Tha includes Kosovar Albanians.
Its a long time with relative lawlessnes, thanks to the Serbian policies, but now the time has come for all the pieces to fall in the place, and to complete the outcome with Ahtisari's plan.
After all, it is Ahtisari's plan, despite all the talk by Lavrov and Kostunica few months ago.
I also want to wish a lot of good wishes and prosperity to the staff of B92, and all the blog posters on the Kosova/o issue, in the New Year. I hope we'll have piece and respect for each other in the Balkans.
A hard task, but achievable.
I think the EU must take the responsiblity as soon as possible, because the future of these countries is in EU.
The moment of "truth" is nearing, and the question is: will EU be able to bring stability to the balkans, or division on ethnic lines will occur?
And thus a defacto ethnic bigger countries will be created, and the smaller multi-ethnic countries will diseapear?
Only time will tell.
Maybe we will need US once again.
I think whatever happens, with the geo-political games in the balkans, people and countries must not resort or engage in violence with each other, because we will be the ones to pay in the end.
We all don't want another IRAQ in the balkans.
Jovan:
"let´s see, perhaps the Russians will be needed in the mediterranean sea..."
It's that a threat?
Maybe you should rent your backyard to Russian army! Hold on you can’t do that since you enjoy the freedom and comfort of western countries, yet you show loyalty to Russia!
You can always go back to Russia if you like it so much.
No, Doni, the US will not help create your Greater Albania as your comment “ethnic bigger countries” suggests. I’m sure that the EU will not tolerate it either. The US needs to get out of the Balkans and not be dragged back in. Let’s see how the Albanians fare when they start another war. I doubt the victim card will work again.
Lazer, Why are the problems in Kosovo the fault of the Serbians? You have been separate from Serbia for nine years now. You can’t tell me they are still running Kosovo. I don’t think the corrupt politicians are Serbians. Was it a Serbian who killed the police officer in Pristina? I read that it was mafia related. And I also read that the retaliatory bombing of the café was done by the KPS. Stop trying to blame Serbia for your problems and grow up. If you want independence, you have to be responsible for your actions.
It’s obvious that the UN is an ineffective organization when it can’t come to a compromise over the status of Kosovo. But what more can you expect when you set conditions that gave you only one option as a choice? The EU will deal with this problem. Let them figure out how to build an economy based on coffee shops, gas stations, taxi service and car washes. Before I am reminded that Kosovo has Trepca, I just read that they believe that it is worth 13 billion euros. That won’t sustain Kosovo forever. That is just a little over the GPD for one year in Albania.
You talk about peace, respect, and non violence, and I'm taking your word for it that you mean it. However, I have some doubts as well when it comes to Albanian wishes for peace and respect.
First of all Lazer, you blame Serbian policies for the lawlessness of Kosovo. The fact is that Serbian security forces left Kosovo more than 8 years ago. That's given the KPS more than enough time to handle the situation, but they haven't. Furthermore, Albania is even more lawless and corrupt than Kosovo. I don't think you can blame the Serbs for that.
Secondly, why should the Serbs treat Albanians any better than they get treated. Both Serbs and Albanians can cite historical grievances against one another, but let's talk about today. Serbs in southern Kosovo live in ghettos, and they can't even go do the basic things without the threat of their throats being cut. Compare their treatment to the way Albanians get treated in Presevo or Belgrade, and a very clear picture unfolds as to which side is sincere about peace.
Lastly, Serbs have moved on politically from the 1990's. They have elected people who are committed to democracy. You might not agree with what they're saying, but they do not have blood on their hands. Compare them to Agim Ceku, Ramush Haradinaj, and Thaci. If Albanians are serious about peace you wouldn't elect war criminals.
Lastly, the Albanians have depopulated Kosovo of thousands of Serbs and have terrified the remaining Serbs. It's ironic that Albanians are talking about peace and coexistance now that they are priming themselves to take Kosovo away from Serbia.
Therefore, please understand why I'm skeptical. My history teacher from college once said "It's more important to watch what they are doing, than listen to what they are saying.
One thing is for sure, that Albanians will have their own lives and serbia will never interfere in their rights. This said, only independence can do this.
But the most important is that serbia stays stable and peaceful. If serbia starts building relation with Kosova as equals, thats a good step to go, and you dont have to pay the russians or anyone anything. serbia has the opportunity to say to albanians OK we recognize your sovreighty and lets build good relations, I am 100% sure that this simple gesture would mean a lot and will break the distrust that exist between both people.
Serbia must accept it and is not neccessary to spend all those money for nothing, when even if you keep kosova, people there will not be happy to live in a country that doesnt accept/recognize them as equals.
If serbia want, it can make things better and show that its intentions are not malicious, and serbia needs to make the first step here, because time has stoped in 1999.
it could very likely be that Mr.Ban Ki Moon has to be held responsible before the UNSC.
the issue is the united nation´s business. if he listens to the directives of the US-state department, he will certainly have great difficulties, if not even being replaced.
but one thing stays clear: the issue can´t be shifted into the hands of the EU...
neither is Serbia a part of it, nor is the serbian southern province a part of it. there is simply no legal possiblity for such an illegal act.
let´s see, perhaps the Russians will be needed in the mediterranean sea...
"Expectations in Kosovo remain high that a solution to Kosovo's future status must be found rapidly. As such, the status quo is not likely to be sustainable," Ban said.
These unrealistically high expectations have been created by people and countries that had no right and ability to do so and they were believed by very naïve people who have proven nothing to show that they were, are and will be worth these expectations.
"Should the impasse continue, events on the ground could take on a momentum of their own, putting at serious risk the achievements and legacy of the United Nations in Kosovo."
In other words, please Kosovo Albanians do not become violent. Please make a list of ten real achievements by the UN and finally the legacy of the UN has been enormously damaged by the way things were handled in Kosovo.
”In his report about Kosovo between Sept. 1 and Dec. 15, Ban said the simmering ethnic conflicts could spill over into the region.”
What is new about that?
”Ban suggested that Kosovo's future may be decided in Europe rather than at the UN headquarters in New York.”
Ban is a typical bureaucrat who seems very sensitive to what the US says. I guess it has finally sunk into the UN that Kosovo will not become independent through the UNSC because of a Russian (and Chinese) veto. Now they are trying to find another (illegal) solution and if he thinks that the EU can take over he must think again. I am not a legal expert, but my common sense tells me that in that case a new agreement between Serbia and the EU must be negotiated to replace 1244 which should still contain the same basic elements. I do not see any reason why Serbia would be willing to do that (and I do not blame them for that). 1244 is very clear and Serbia is under no obligation to abandon it.
”Earlier this month, the AP says, hopes dimmed for an agreement from Security Council over Kosovo's future, with Western diplomats saying negotiations were deadlocked and talks were most likely to continue in European capitals.”
Talk should continue in Belgrade and Pristina and Washington DC should stay out of any new negotiations. In that case the Kosovo Albanians will be more willing to actually talk and realize that a compromise is the best they can get.
Maybe you should rent your backyard to Russian army! Hold on you can’t do that since you enjoy the freedom and comfort of western countries, yet you show loyalty to Russia!
You can always go back to Russia if you like it so much."
What I wanted to express is, it seems like figures like the guy from Korea ought to see russian troops coming to mediterranean in order to ensure that international law is respected, if the that proxy is not capable of doing his job properly.
but what makes me glad, really, is how you have displayed your flawed, almost racist worldview...
didn´t you know that Serbs do not come from Russia? Russians are from Russia, you know?
but as a sidenote: todays Albanians come from the area around the caspian sea... you are actuall much nearer to Russia than the Serbs! :)
don´t be afraid, laki. the russian troops will ensure that all are treated equally, that´s good for Albanians too! ;)
A number of possibilities can happen if Kosovo is made solely a EU endeavor.
First, this effectively sidelines Washington and Moscow and their hardline policies in the region. I may not agree with everything done by Brussels - both in regards to Kosovo and elsewhere - but they are more interested in establishing consensus than either America or Russia. I have no doubt that if a final solution is reached by the EU, it will be done in purposes of full and absolute compromise, with generous gestures given to both Belgrade and the K-Serbs.
Second, as a EU endeavor, we can forget about Kosovo becoming a formally independent state for any possible future. If they want UN respresentation and such, it will have to go through the UN, and making it a EU matter will, at best, make Kosovo an EU colony. Any "independence" will only mean independence from Belgrade, which is what Kosovo was destined to be in any realistic way.
Third, making Kosovo an EU concern means establishing consensus among all EU members. No sense in Brussels taking on this responsibility when there is no unanimous support among its member states. Therefore, all states have been speaking of "negotiated", "coordinated" and "supervised" solutions. The Cyprus-Romania-Greece-Slovakia-Spain-Hungary-Bulgaria bloc may offer its support in return for further concessions - not for the sake of Serbia, but for their own interests as well. As such, Kosovo's end result could very well look vastly different than what any of us here have either been hoping, or predicting, it will be.
Regardless of that, I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year. It is truly my wish that 2008 brings peace and stability to Serbia, peace and stability to the Balkans, and the beginning of a new era of integration and fraternal cooperation between all its societies.
Well the EU may decide all they want about whatever they want. The real question is does it matter, do their proclamations have obligatory legal effect. I think the answer to those questions are clear to everyone. They should be told frankly that they are troublemakers. Before it's too late. For everyone.
You had better hope to God that this is not the beginning of the end of the United Nations, because if it is then International law is finished! It is international law that keeps the world civilized, without it the world would be lawless place where survival of the fittest rules, and Serbia proper, my dear friend is a lot more fit then its Provence Kosovo.
Here we go. This is now official. UN is washing its hands of the thing. It would be comical if it wasn’t so tragic.
SCR 1244 enshrined an illegal attack on Serbia against UN charter. It governs the province for 8 years during which scores of its citizens are forced to leave, others to live in ghettos, corruption is endemic and rule of law non existent. His solution, replace it with another bureaucracy. Nonsense.
Albanians in Kosovo have had 8 years to show they good will towards remaining non Albanians. They have failed miserably. From whom is NATO “protecting” the remaining non Albanian population? They are hardly a threat. Why supervised independence? Why not full independence?
This has nothing to do with the rights of Albanians or Serbs or any other small peoples of the region. It has to do with the wishes of the former great powers, now banded together in EU.
As for Kosovo independence being the only way to guarantee stability of the Balkans, another piece of absolute nonsense. I wish somebody would explain the process by which Serbs would ever agree to cede territory taken from them illegally.
The other telling point is that US and EU wish to by pass the UN due to possibility of Russian veto. How ironic. Here are the two pillars of democracy that do not wish to participate in negotiation and compromise, the very essence of democratic process.
Rule of law give you rights, with it comes the duty to respect the rights of others.
"Maybe you should rent your backyard to Russian army! Hold on you can’t do that since you enjoy the freedom and comfort of western countries, yet you show loyalty to Russia!
You can always go back to Russia if you like it so much."
+++++++++++++
I guess if one was malicious and cold blooded, same argument could be applied to Albanians in Kosovo.
**Lazer, Why are the problems in Kosovo the fault of the Serbians? You have been separate from Serbia for nine years now. You can’t tell me they are still running Kosovo. I don’t think the corrupt politicians are Serbians. Was it a Serbian who killed the police officer in Pristina? I read that it was mafia related. And I also read that the retaliatory bombing of the café was done by the KPS. Stop trying to blame Serbia for your problems and grow up. If you want independence, you have to be responsible for your actions.**
(American Eagle, 1 January 2008 19:19)
**I am not saying that is the fault of Serbians, I am saying the Policies of the Serbian State under Milosevic, eversince he came to power, was to weaken the infrastructure of the Kosova/o's fragile economy and politically as well so he could overtake it easier.
The results of that led to unemployment to rise and with that goes hand in hand the crime. Albanians in Kosova/o, saw this as a bigg threat and that is why the inter-ethnic relations began to sour. You know the rest.
And by the way I am a grown up person and have plenty of rationale. FYI.
First of all Lazer, you blame Serbian policies for the lawlessness of Kosovo. The fact is that Serbian security forces left Kosovo more than 8 years ago. That's given the KPS more than enough time to handle the situation, but they haven't. Furthermore, Albania is even more lawless and corrupt than Kosovo. I don't think you can blame the Serbs for that.
Secondly, why should the Serbs treat Albanians any better than they get treated. Both Serbs and Albanians can cite historical grievances against one another, but let's talk about today. Serbs in southern Kosovo live in ghettos, and they can't even go do the basic things without the threat of their throats being cut. Compare their treatment to the way Albanians get treated in Presevo or Belgrade, and a very clear picture unfolds as to which side is sincere about peace.**
Mr. Klinsman, lets not forget the 1989-1999 period, where Albanians were really mistreated. All I am saying is that UNSC should implement Ahtisari's plan, since it is the best solution and lawful protection of Serbs in Kosova/o. I, being an Albanian, do not believe that they would be treated nice if they go ahead and declare independence unilateraly. But my wish is for that NOT to happen. But there is an element of that in Kosova/o, today.
I am for preventing that and give the Kosovar Serbs full freedom and integration in a society. Ahtisari's plan is exactly that.
Lets not light up the explosive on neither side. Lets calm it down and work for peace together. The way things are at this moment, everything is going into a dangerous path.
I dont want war. I dont want any peoples who live in Kosova/o be mistreated.
That is why I am for the implementation of a strong law, where the pundits, whoever they are be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. You talk about lawlessnes in Albania, Kosova/o is not Albania. To go to Albania you need a passport and you have to cross at the border crossing.
Kosova/o does not need lawlessnes. Last eight yers, because of the lack of status, there has been a surge in murders, and other crimes. There has not been a single huge investment because of that. I know so many different companies from EU and US who would go ahead and invest, create jobs, but lack of status is the reason they dont.
We hope that will change.
Your reply is a very good one Doni, but time did not stop or begin in 1999.
The fact that Albanians used Kosovo as a base to attack the Presevo Valley and Macedonia after 1999 is proof that Albanians are looking for more than independence in Kosovo.
Furthermore, what does independence have to do with the way you are treating innocent Serb civilians in south Kosovo? Human rights should be respected regardless. Until Kosovo's institutions establish some basic standards for law and order and respect, than I can't see Kosovo independence being anything but a big Balkan mess.
In short, I think the ball is in the Albanian court to prove their goodwill. You can do that by guaranteeing Serbs freedom of movement, and by punishing Albanians that have committed crimes against them.
Without these basic civil liberties, it doesn't matter if we're talking autonomy or independence. Neither will work.
"Hints" mean nothing. Just face reality, the US and the EU cannot dictate to the Serbs anymore. They are going to have to negotiate. If there had been an international conference on Yugoslavia in 1990, the Yugoslav civil wars of the 90's would have never occurred. In the next 15 years, historians will revisit those events and eliminate the propaganda.
One has to wonder as to why the EU is pushing so hard to break up Serbia at such a reckless pace? Kosovo was always an integral part of Serbia and was never an independent nation as one is often led to believe in news reports.
Why has the EU and the UN done so little to settle the situation between the Israelis and the Palestinians? That conflict has been going on since the creation of the Israeli state and has caused much greater loss of life and poses a much greater threat to instability than does the situation in Kosovo.
The UN has been in Cyprus since 1964 and nobody is twisting the arms of Turkey to resolve the issue. There are many other conflicts that remain unresolved and very little or nothing is being done in order to resolve them. What did the UN do in assisting the Serbs and the Kosovar Albanians in the negotiations? The Kosovar Albanians dug in their heels and demanded full independence while the Serbs offered them everything short of their independence. There was no pressure put on them to compromise while the Serbs are being told that they are stubborn and have to give up the whole province which is their cultural homeland. Would the world actually expect the Israelis to give up Jerusalem in any peace deal with the Palestinians? Would Israel surrender it if asked to?
Once again politicians are manipulating history for a quick fix solution. One also has to look at many new stories that are published around the world. They all claim that NATO bombarded Serbia because of ethnic cleansing and because of the approximately 10,000 casualties. What they do not write about is that the mass exodus of Kosovar Albanians (as well as Serbs) was only after the collapse of the Rambouillet agreement and that that figure of casualties was after the end of the bombings and included dead Serbs.
Serbia is not a member of the EU or NATO and neither of these organizations are in a legal position to dictate anything to Serbia. If The UN, the EU and NATO were so worried about the instability in the region they should perhaps have a look at what is happening between the Turks and the Kurds in Turkey and the border region of Irak.
Ban Ki Moon may be correct that the UNSC can delegate further negotiation on Kosovo and Metohija to another party, such as a group of negotiators from the EU.
Of course, the UNSC would then stipulate that any outcome must respect the current resolution (1244) in full and be acceptable to Serbia.
In other words, even if powers are delegated, they are limited to respecting international law and the resolution adopted by all UNSC members (including the US, UK and France) and Serbia, presrving Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
If such an EU delegation develops a plan for the ethnic Albanian minority to achieve self-determination within the framework of autonomy, I'm sure the UNSC and Serbia would consider it.
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