Prime minister delivers ultimatum to EU

My dear ahmet isufi, a stable and cooperative Serbia with over 8 Million people and a growing economy with a possible Russian gas pipeline running through it and still the strongest military power of all the Former Yugoslavian Republics is far more important to EU then a Muslim Kosovo with 2 Million people, no economy, a poorly educated population, and unemployment as high as 70%. It does not take a genius to figure out which is more important to Europe!

Ahmet - This is not a decision that he is personally giving to the EU, but rather the reality of what it boils down to. If Kosovo is taken from Serbia, it is likely that they will no longer wish to join the EU.

Go Serbia! we know who are real friends are here in the good ol US of A! We know what Balkan nations stood up against injustice and oppression. Not Slovenes, Not Croats, Not Muslim Bosnians, Not Albanians, no one except Serbs and Greeks. Serbs we know who you are! Keep up the fight! God will see you through. My highest Christmas wishes from Orange county California.

"Before you accuse the pro-Albanian camp for lack of mature intelligence, perhaps you should look at a photo of the person issuing these ultimatums playing with a Kalashnikov. Perhaps that is mature enough for you??"

Nick-KS, posing with a Kalashnikov is a far cry from your newly elected leader who both sold and used Kalashnikovs. If that's the best you can do to smear Kostunica, I'm not all that worried. Still, if you feel Serbia is no position to issue threats and ultimatums, you're separatist leaders of a non-sovereign, barely legal parastate that can only survive on the handouts of the West, are in even less of a position to hamstring international law and threaten regional stability. If you're unwilling, or unable, to look in your own backyard and find disturbingly similar parallels, kindly spare me the lesson in morals and ethics, my friend. Kostunica may be more nationalistic for my tastes, but as the leader of a country about to be dismembered, his words and his actions are no different than any other leader put in his place - just look at Sejdiu already ranting at "partitioning" northern Kosovo, land he never controlled, and territory he never had any authority over.

And when you say, "It is this sense of Self-Importance that has brought about many ills for your country", you do realize I'm American and not Serbian? Not a drop of Serbian blood is in me. Nevertheless, you're correct. The US is more interested in carving out an American dependency in the Balkans than in actually promoting honest democracy and nation-building.

That's right Mr. Kostunica. Let them know in no uncertain terms that if they persist with their illegal and immoral 'greater albania' plans, they will wind up with another North Cyprus type frozen conflict.
Serbia will always legally own Kosovo, no matter who recognizes it, and can just wait for the right moment to take it back. This will leave the Kosovo south of the Ibar in a state of permanent instability. 'Instability' is a word that bankers and investors hate my friends. Nobody in their right minds will invest a dime with such an instable situation in Kosovo. So the 70% unemployment rate and misery in Kosovo will get worse, not better, and be a constant black hole in Europe where heroin smuggling and human trafficking will remain the main industries. I guess those affluent Germans, French and Brits need to get their drugs from somewhere, after all.

@ Ahmet,

Kostunica is a great deal more credible then any politician representing the Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija - I guess we are still waiting for that illegal unilateral declaration and it looks like it wont be on the 28th January 2008 now either - this is the only comical thing deadlines that keep on moving endlessly in time!

Brrr, I wouldn't like to be on the skin of EU, considering this threat of Kuštunica. It's over old Europe, you lost Serbia now and forever. Such a shame, they had so much to offer to Europe!

All of you are funny. My highest respect to Prime Minister Kostunica. Keep this way. Who is waiting for membership in a paralyzed organization dominated by few European powers? Serbia?

Why EU offered a speed up of process of accepting Serbia's membership?

Serbia's strategic position, economic potential and warming relations with resurging Russia are a serious challenge to EU powers. They can lose a lot.

It is much better to have a Serbia with Serbian Kosovo on board then just independent Kosovo.

Wow, the shallow boasts and empty threats from the pro-Albanian camp is in rare form on this site today. Lots of words, little to no substance, and even less mature intelligence.

Arrogance is not that far from ignorance.

What a funny news....Vojo is giving ultimatum to the EU.
I am sure this will create an earthshaking crisis situation in Brussels. Will the EU be able to handle it?

I don't think he is funny in fact I think he is very radical... but in his position I believe that's the best one. Serbians stood for their pride and survived for centuries oppression from the Austrians, Turks and Germans when others just gave up. I think Serbia can this time also stand up for their believes...Kosovo is nothing more but a part of Serbia. Those poor immigrants from Albania running away from their home land found peace and stability in a southern province of Serbia now is time to live in harmony....The EU has criticized the US for decades just to follow it after all.... another muslin state in Europe will do more harm than good and those who lives there most understand that they don't really have a place in EU without Serbia.... it has taken years for Turkey and yet not even a sign.... it will take centuries for Kosovo as independent.... Kosovo don't even have their own flag where's their history in Serbia.... If it was Scotland, Catalonia, Quebec and other regions in the world trying to be independent that really have centuries of history I would understand...but Kosove please wake up... No I'm not a Serb...I am just an immigrant from Cuba that came to the US and integrated with the society here unlike albanians in Kosovo and like me millions of Cubans living in the US.

I,for one, agree with Mr. Kustenica's and the Serbian Government's (no, Vojo is not in this alone)stand. At this point we will know where Serbia stands in regard to EU. If the EU does not sign, then they are illegally (both by their laws and international agreements as well as in violation of a UN resolution) annexing part of a sovereign nation. Do you really think that becoming part of an organization that has no respect for internationally recognized laws and agreements they signed is wise or secure? If they can do this, then how can any nation be secure that they will not be a target for what the more powerful nations demand, even if they are members of the EU, NATO, or what have you. There are other countries in the world to trade with who are more friendly to the Serbs than their own "Europeans", who never really were our so-called friends. To the Albanians I say that the Western Nations, especially the USA, has betrayed their friendships before and will again. Serbia is proof of that. There is no such thing as friendships among nations - only alliances for the time being. Friends today, enemies tomorrow.

hahaha, PM Kostunica is not even funy anymore. You are in no position to give ultimatum to EU. You are better of to take the best offer otherwise you will end up up with nothing.

Well, it's time that Serbia says, choose. The EU needs to make a choice and state their position as a whole. Serbia for last 8 years jumped through hoops to get to this point with the SAA & now the EU is going to stab Serbia in the back & then expect Serbia to be friendly. All the EU is doing is backing Serbia into a corner & Kostunica said enough is enough, choose. Serbia had to prove her self many, many times throughout her long history and may have to prove herself once again. Probably not militarily but politicaly. Then again the last thing the EU wants is a war. Hey if it's working for the Albanians it may work for Serbia to threaten with unrest and violence. Look the EU must make a choice, Serbia or 15% of her territory. Now choose!

Bravo Vojo!!! Tell those corrupt politicians how it is.

Serbia wants to sign the agreement but not if its blackmailed over Kosovo, something Albanians do all the time. They want Serbia part of the EU, because of its huge potential and regional stability. Mr. Kostunica is right, by blackmailing them back. Either you take Kosovo and gain....well crime and corruption....or you cooperate with Serbia which has huge potential in that region. I'd rather choose the "Balkan Tiger" instead of "Balkan Mafia".

"It is the EU who is making a favor to Serbia and not the other way around."

No doubt indeed, Joe. Serbia's road to the EU was never in any question. Yet this is a clever move by Kostunica in that it tests the unified will of the EU and may spark the debate in whether or not a premature decision to send an EU Mission to Kosovo will set Serbia farther back on its eventual EU ascension. Despite what many on this site would say (or want), that is no longer a luxury Europe, the Balkans, or Serbia, can afford.

Most of the political statements - be it Belgrade, Pristina, Washington, Brussels, or Moscow - is largely rhetoric. We all know the EU seriously wants Serbia in its ranks sooner than later, and Kostunica's statement places them with an ultimatum: which is more important to you: a pro-European, democratic Serbia? Or semi-legal and semi-legitimate Kosovo?

If they can get an EU mission in Kosovo and hold off on the final status for the immediate future, I'll call it both a compromise and a relief. But I seriously doubt Brussels is going to say "screw you, we're taking Kosovo and there's nothing you can do about it."

Bravo!
Serbia's prime minister, Vojislav Kostunica - keep up the excellent diplomacy.
Serbia's diaspora is with you and with Kosovo and Metohija, and it supports Serbia's sovereign territory, international law and a stable Balkans region.

Joe,

Would you want to live with an unstable person with a gun as your next door neighbor? Neither does the EU so it will probably try to figure a way out of this or a way of appeasing both sides in some fashion. Do you think they EU will want Kosovo with 2 million people it has to heavily subsidize or larger, more economically developed Serbia? The EU doesn’t act unilaterally without considering the consequences. It can’t afford this problem since Serbia is in its neighborhood and has to deal with Russia on this issue.

Ahmet, I don’t think Kosovo is in a position to issue ultimatums either. Kosovo can’t even declare independence without US and EU approval. So if the EU thinks twice about this mission, you might be in 2020 before any declaration of independence is made. Hopefully Serbia drops you all by then so it can move forward. Maybe you can join Turkey in the Mediterranean Union Sarkozy and Merkel are proposing.

If Serbia doesn't want to be treated like an idiot when it is in Europe, it must not behave like one when it is not in Europe.

Kostunica is doing the right thing in standing up for his country's territory.

Any country should be respected when it stands up for its territory and Serbia should not be hindered in its progress if it wants to assert a reasonable level of rights over Kosovo. The EU should take the Serbian position on Kosovo much more seriously. Serbia needs to be able to enter Europe as a respected 'free agent' and not be forced into a situation that it finds untenable. Serbia needs to decide for itself (through negotiation) what it can compromise on or give up. The signs of willingness are there.

Diplomats should be able to do a much better job than has been done so far. The EU is following a policy that originated in different times - it should be willing to adapt to change to change more readily. With Milosevic gone, and a proper move towards legal rationality, Serbian democracy must be allowed to express itself more fully - otherwise what's the point? Kosovo is not going to start a war, neither is Serbia, and any unrest would not serve either side or be allowed to sustain - there is no reason to hurry.

An agreement with Serbia will be much better for the future for all sides. Despite rumours to the contrary, there is little difference between internationally supported autonomy and independence - and there is a lot more that could be achieved by proper negotiation. With the future targeted cooperatively on Europe and with (in time) reestablished goodwill - even Serbia might be happy to renounce all the administrative powers forever as long as they retain just enough sovereignty to give them the right to have a party there every so often where they can have a few slivovica's and remember the good old bad old days.

The railroading that has gone on so far is not the usual EU way - it has more in common with the Milosevic techniques of heavy handed incompetent politics. The west is doing wrong even by its own standards - legally and diplomatically. Even the notion that the EU has to 'prove' that it can be united over foreign policy has more a sense of desperation than machismo or common sense.

The EU must do better on this.

1. Doni - please don't presume to have any in-depth knowledge of Serbian internal politics - I bet you can't even name more than 5 Albanian politicians, never mind Serb.

2. Mika - you act as if a) Kosovo is independent, b) Albania or "independent" Kosovo are part of the EU, c) That those 2 entities are actually of any value. If Albania and "independent" Kosovo joins the EU - I can assure you that in 100 years they will be the majority in Europe. Personally I'd like to keep Serbia out of that particular scenario and I think most would agree.

3. Ante - we all know the irrational and downright destructive hatred you Croats harbour for us Serbs - it is both well documented and illustrated throughout history. However, your double-standards will catch you up eventually. You can't back the further disintegration of a sovereign state based on geographical populace but then expel hundreds of thousands of Serbs from Krajina. In that scenario you must also support an independent Republika Srpska but you won't because of your double-standards. Serbia has suffered so much that enough is enough.

We Serbs have forever served the West as a buffer zone between the affluent "good" West and the terrible, evil forces of darkness (delete as applicable) - Ottoman Empire - Soviet Empire - Nazi Germany.

Better sending a mission to Kosovo. No room for signing the SAA agreement.

It is not EU who has been waiting for years in line to sign the SAA with Serbia, it's the other way around :)

Kostunica can't help himslef but be a hypocritical!!! Lets hear him make some statements comparing his veiws on how the Serbs have the right to carve out territory on BiH territory by force of arms(and Croatian territory if they had won the war), and the Albanians have no right to do the same in Serbia.

"Arrogance is not that far from ignorance."

Not a better comment has ever been placed on this site.

When all is said and done, who would the EU prefer as partners. Serbia or a quasi-state like Kosovo. The Russians and Chinese will be happy/lucky to work with Serbs and the US can work with the Albanians. We will see what happens in the long run. Needless to say there are good and bad on all sides.

Can someone please find the word Kosova, Kosove, Kosovo, in the Albanian language? I'm waiting...also for Ante - your remark is very entertaining. A hypocrite? Man o man, most Croatian people really cant see through their hate for Serbs.

ante kotromanolic, little surprise to see you backing the kosovo albanian and bosnian muslim cause bearing in mind that croats, bosnian muslims and kosovo albanians have something in common - that is that they all fought on the side of Hitler !. At least kostunica can say that none of his relatives were in the SS.

Kostunica and Putin are the only men in a world of little boys. What the western propaganda refuses to point out is that Serbia does not need to join the EU to enjoy prosperity. Neither Switzerland nor Finland are "official" members of the EU - they have special trade agreements with the EU that Serbia can also have. In fact, if Serbia plays both sides (Russia and access to China) and the EU, Serbia will have the fastest growing economy in the Balkans. It's funny to see misguided Serbs pushing for the EU. Didn't you learn from your "revered" Tito? Yugoslavia was "non-aligned" - Tito played both sides and lived a long life (unfortunately). But what is really laughable are the albanian posts on this site. Kosovo has an unemployment rate of 70% and an under-educated workforce! Who would invest in such a basket case? If you want to see examples of nation building by the UN, check out Africa.

there are enough pupet states around run by crooks and criminals. why end up like bosnia or afganistan when they can join the EU as a one large entity, do they really thin think the US give a shit about them. so they seperate and then join EU together with serbia. if this is such a good idea why is it not supported by other ethinic minorities in kosovo such as slavic muslims and romas ?

What is the difference between a diplomat and a lady?

If a diplomat says "Yes", he means "Maybe", if he says "Maybe" he means "No", if he says "No" he is not a diplomat.
A Lady says "No" and means "Maybe". If she says "Maybe" she means "Yes" and if she says "Yes" she is not a lady.

What is Kostunica?
Answer: None of the above.

"If Kosovo is taken from Serbia, it is likely that they will no longer wish to join the EU.
(kate, 3 January 2008 16:21) "

If that's what Serbia wants then good for them. You can't forcefully make someone join something they don't want to join. It's Serbia's choice.

P.S Kosovo/a is not being take away from anyone. The inhabitants of Kosova/o will be the same and they will still be living in Kosova/o.

What is the issue? The EU is telling Srbija to give up Kosovo and then give up all sovereignty later to join the EU and NATO the people who are going to illegally take Serbian land.The only thing the EU offers is membership which might improve Srbija's economic situation but at what cost to every other aspect of life.The EU is controlled by Germany and France.Kosovo can never join the EU because it serves and important purpose. read this
"

On December 6thPerhaps, it is precisely this enormous level of corruption that makes Kosovo so damn attractive to these politicians!"
, 2007 Transparency International, an international organization dedicated to monitoring the level of corruption in more that sixty countries, released their list of the top most corrupt "countries". The top five countries & territories with the highest level of bribery and corruption are:

1. Albania,
2 Cambodia,
3. Cameroon
4. FYR Macedonia
5. Kosovo.

http://serbblog.blogspot.com/2007/12/kosovo-are-we-spreading-democracy-or_14.html

I´d like to answer only one.
Nick wrote about Koštunica "playing" with a rifle...

I would agree on the point, that it does not look very smart to pose with a AK-47 for the camera, even if being provoked to do so.

but, that man is a jurist with reputation, a completely different caliber of intellectual quality if compared with those albanian part-time "presidents" who do not even speak english ( of course only because they do not have to do so in front of the international media, after the UNSC-session, right? )

the sad fact is: Albanians are still idolizing ordinary criminals as hero´s ... what shows the level of maturity we are dealing with here.

but don´t worry boys, the EU won´t step into that trap and breach international law for the sake of 1.8 million fanatized kids...

Now KS if Mike was part Serbian then you just presume that if you were wrong there is no need to appologise to the Serb but you must appologise to an American.

Enough with the big words and grand gestures Mr Kostunica! The lives and welfare of 2 million people are more important than the lines you want to be able to draw on a map. The EU will decide for both: signing an SAA with Serbia and recognizing Kosova's independence from Serbia. You on the other hand, have always the option of backing out of the SAA at any time including now, tomorrow or six months from now. But should you stay in, please take a number and sit down quietly.

Wow :)
This is beyond being pathetic.
Last time I checked, EU is not waiting in line to join Serbia (in its project do Tokija). This is going is so out of touch with reality, it's amazing.

Miri, all jokes aside, and yours wasn't even funny, Kostunica is no dummy.

In your eyes he might not be a diplomat but then where do you stand on diplomatic stage?

Did you have a comment to make on the article or was that it? Same old ridicule and sarcasm?

Mike,

Before you accuse the pro-Albanian camp for lack of mature intelligence, perhaps you should look at a photo of the person issuing these ultimatums playing with a Kalashnikov. Perhaps that is mature enough for you??

The Pro-Albanian posters are absolutely right to state that Serbia is in no position to make threats or issue ultimatums.

Just exactly who does Kostunica think he is and who do the Serbs think they are issuing ultimatums to the EU and the US?

Serbia is a small insignificant country in a troubled region with little economic prospects, same as the rest of us. It is this sense of Self-Importance that has brought about many ills for your country. Serbs need to stop running with the old ideas and think hard about who and what they are in the grand scheme of things.

to the Albanian posters.
Its obvious that the ultimatum that Kostunica is proposing, is a serious threat to Kosovo independance. If Kostunica doesn't play ball, then they can't land any people in Kosovo. This is why many of you are vocal.

Well we all know that electoral campaign is on the way so messages like this are accepted and understood that way.
For everyone’s sake I would like to bring to light the fact that the SAA is drafted for Serbia separate form Kosova and this is done in agreement with Serbian politicians. What Kostunica is saying I don’t know.
Ahmet is right to say that Seria is not in a possition to put ultimatum ot Eu.I recon that both are going o happen, Serbia will sign SAA and Kosova will declare the Independence. Serbia has no future without EU same as every other county in Europe. Serbian politicians cannot pretend that Serbia is not in Europe, is as powerful and rich as Russia so that they can survive on their own.

If Serbia does not wish to join the EU, I wonder whose interests are hurt. Serbia is surrounded by EU states/candidates it simply can not remain a black hole in the Balkans. Mr. Kostunica Kosovo is a lost battle. Take the olive branch that is being offered by the EU and create a better future for your people. For heavens sakes quit wasting time and energy on lost cause.

This is the true litmus test for the Serb people. Are they willing to join the EU nations or are they willing to blindly follow leaders with the 15th century mentality. If the Serb people aspire to become part of the big EU family they should speak up and tell Mr. Kostunica that you can not jeopardize the future of our children for a cause that is lost.

I saw somewhere in News that Europe will support Serbia with EU integration but no if they threat and pointing conditions. It is no Serbia who will put conditions but is EU who shall do it.

to serb camp here:
read this and understand who is provocing the violence here and who wants that serbia makes another war on kosova, its in the last sentence:

http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/7205

Is Don Kichote for real, he is telling EU that they cant join Serbian Union (SU). Poor Europe they will need visa to enter SU, their standard of living won’t ever reach the one of Russian federation!

Such a shame, they had so much to offer to Europe!
mika

Like what???

Aleksander, that was exactly the point I was going to make. It's as if Serbia is telling the EU "You want to join Serbia or not?"

haha

Serb Camp - Serbia and democracy right next to each other is ironic, please stop referring to Serbia as "democratic Serbia". We can all see for ourselves.

Did Milosevic die or is he under the skin of Kostunica?
Well Europe now is in a really bad position because it has ULTIMATUM from Kostunica.
As for how much Europe and USA care for Serbia or Kosova, just remember the NATO bombing of Serbia for Kosova and that reminds you who Europe and USA care for more.
The reason why Serbia is loosing Kosova is because the serbs always underestimated the albanians as human beings.
(Afrim Hoxha, 4 January 2008 07:50)

afrim,
i know you're aware of it but for others who are not may appreciate a little bit of context to help put things into perspective.

after the albanians had more then half of their territory taken away from them, they lived within a "nation" that from day one treated albanians as if they were dirt. i didn't grow up in that system but i know plenty that did and have heard stories that would make any of you grimace w/disgust. i am albanian and my parents come from what is today montenegro (along the border w/albania) and i will give you one example of the yugoslav attempts at attempting to assimilate albanians into their society. a great many albanians who carried yugo passports had the VIC suffix on their surnames. not by choice but they were "persuaded" by gov't officials if they wanted to be honored w/the opportunity to work to feed their families. they also had no problems enlisting them into their military but w/the knowledge that they would not rise to any prominent level of authority. especially if they held onto their albanian heritage.
this is just in montenegro where the albanian population makes up approx 8% so we were very limited in doing or saying anything. that's another reason why the vast majority migrated out of there and into the west. also, it's partially due to their, the diaspora, influence today that we were able to have a hand in the american policy towards kosove. i commend albanians in kosove and macedonia who have larger numbers and have the ability to do more and shed the serbian chains from their ankles!

i find it ironic that for a people, the serbs, who have supposedly "suffered" so much throughout the ages that they have no sympathy for other people who suffer today but rather they are more then willing to put their boot onto another's throat.
history apparently teaches some people nothing.

Well this is really pointless because it looks like the EU will just go for Kosovo as an ally and just forget all about Serbia anyway. Why bother with Serbia when Kosovo is an EU puppet sate?

Mike,

The ultimatum to EU by Vojo is an extreme arrogance itself. And to use your words it represents his ignorance. He always terribly overestimated the importance of small Serbia for the EU. The EU genuinely intended to include Serbia as a new member to improve the well-being of its inhabitants. It is the EU who is making a favor to Serbia and not the other way around.
Giving ultimatums to EU will in no way improve the position of Serbia. It will only alienate some remaining goodwill.

Mike,

"If they can get an EU mission in Kosovo and hold off on the final status for the immediate future, I'll call it both a compromise and a relief."

The EU mission in Kosova is not welcome without a defined status. Do you seriously believe the Kosova Albanians are simply going to accept the replacement of UNMIK with EUMIK while the status issue remains unsolved?

I can pretty much guarantee that Albin Kurti's "Self-Determination" movement will take over if what you call a "compromise" is even attempted to be imposed on the Kosova Albanians.

The fact that you would even call the continuation of the status quo a “compromise” shows that you are not interested in stability or peace but in maintaining the Serbian myth of Kosova and the dream of Serbian greatness.

The EU should think about this. Do they want a strong Serbia or a weak indep Kosov"a" that will be the EU's biggest money pit.

Mark,

there´s something true to what you wrote, as I think.
it´s about the names, and the vic-suffix.

"a great many albanians who carried yugo passports had the VIC suffix on their surnames. not by choice but they were "persuaded" by gov't officials if they wanted to be honored w/the opportunity to work to feed their families. they also had no problems enlisting them into their military but w/the knowledge that they would not rise to any prominent level of authority. especially if they held onto their albanian heritage."

I talked to an Albanian who had this -vic-suffix in his documents, and asked him about it.
he told me that it was not his fathers choice, but rather the forced decision by an communist apparatchik ( in that case, that particular case it was a Croatian, working in Serbia who did it )

the other remark you made is simply wrong, just take a look on your "hero" ceku who got his military education in the yugoslav army. so much for being discriminated for being an Albanian.

the bottom-line is:

you accuse "the Serbs" for something that was done by the communists to you.

better think twice befor speaking up accusations about things you do not know about.

Kosovo is Serbia, no matter what you try to falsify here...there is no argumnt at all, you could bring up.

Kostunica is a great deal more credible then any politician representing the Albanians

credible where? in belgrade, moscow, pyongyang & bejing?
if you mean capitals such as those then your point is valid.
i'll grant you that he may've been better received up until the last year or so and now in lieu of recent comments and statements, he's a bit of a joke and will be viewed by the west as just another nationalist who cannot be taken seriously when it comes to worthwhile matters. mark the date when kosova declares independence and one later later to that date, let's see where mr kostunica is in the world of politics.

I am so happy this guy is not Kosovas prime minister, my god

Serbian poster from Serbian section of B92 put it the best

In translation

“EU has to choose? EU CAN chooes. I feel sorry for us and for the Albanians from Kosova, that have to read ours stupidity. EU has to choose? Ajj ajjjj… Weird”

when he makes this ridiculous comments, it's easy to see why the rest of the world mocks him. apparently, he is trying to secure himself a postion in the gov't long after kosove it declared independent. in our heart of hearts, we ALL know what the final outcome will be but some insist on going kicking & screaming.

When the Serbs talk about the 2 million Albanians in Kosova/o they should also count the other 5 million Albanians in the Balkans.

So the issue should also be seen from the different viewpoint. Does the EU want a Russian satellite (which is Serbia), with veto power, among its own and alienate 7 million Albanians who are already pro-EU and pro US, while Serbia is anti US and anti western or better say against the countries that founded the EU.
Is it easier to manage an independent Kosova/o with 2 million inhabitants, or a Putin lead Serbia with 8 million inhabitants. Is it easier to protect 200 thousand Serbs in Kosova/o or to defend 2 million Albanians against "perfect" Serbs like Kostunica, Nikolic, and Seselj? Is it easier for the EU to deal with Serbia which harbors and helps war criminals evade international justice, or with an independent Kosova/o in which the EU monitors the country?

Is it easier to deal with a country that sees NATO as an adversary, where the founders of EU are members, or with a country that sees NATO as their savior?

There is this better than thou attitude that the Serb posters here demonstrate. We are Serbs and that's why the EU is dying to have us, while those are Albanians and nobody wants them.

Did Milosevic die or is he under the skin of Kostunica?
Well Europe now is in a really bad position because it has ULTIMATUM from Kostunica.
As for how much Europe and USA care for Serbia or Kosova, just remember the NATO bombing of Serbia for Kosova and that reminds you who Europe and USA care for more.
The reason why Serbia is loosing Kosova is because the serbs always underestimated the albanians as human beings.

ante kotromanolic, little surprise to see you backing the kosovo albanian and bosnian muslim cause bearing in mind that croats, bosnian muslims and kosovo albanians have something in common - that is that they all fought on the side of Hitler !. At least kostunica can say that none of his relatives were in the SS.
(lloyd, 4 January 2008 04:35)

i don't blame albanians for fighting on the german side in order to have their land restored (temporarily). they were poor w/no hope and living under belgrade. i noticed you didn't mention the dirty deed belgrade and ankara put together when they "relocated" tens of thousands of albanians from kosove to turkey. praytell why don't you mention that i wonder?
austria and italy also fought on the german side and the rest of the world has no problem w/them or even today's germany so what's your point?
it's not like the albanians left their homeland to fight on the eastern front or anywhere else for that matter. they incorporated them w/the croats and bosnians to fight serbs. some bosnians and croats may've gone to different parts of europe to fight but that's there business and it's history. let's not dwell on something that makes little to no difference when dealing w/kosove and the total collapse of yugoslavia. it's a good thing it fell apart and long overdue!

Comments which include insults, indecencies, racial or national hate messages and intolerance of any kind will not be published. Hateful words are not allowed on B92’s site.
(B92, all the time)

Mika - you act as if a) Kosovo is independent, b) Albania or "independent" Kosovo are part of the EU, c) That those 2 entities are actually of any value. If Albania and "independent" Kosovo joins the EU - I can assure you that in 100 years they will be the majority in Europe. Personally I'd like to keep Serbia out of that particular scenario and I think most would agree.
(Sale, 4 January 2008 18:42)

I had no idea that you albanians minority have good sense of humour, if the SERBScant offer anything to EUROPE, what are you going to offer, europe will be so much better once they let you people join in. THAT is one reason i would not rush to join EU.

Mark wrote:Austria and Italy also fought on the German side and the rest of the world has no problem w/them or even today's Germany so what's your point?
Well for one Austia and Italy and today's Germany have for the most part changed from backing Nazi politics and fascism while in Croatia ustase ideology is alive and well and Bosnian Muslims and Muslim Albanians have turned up radical Wahhabi Islam and taken vast payoffs from Riyadh.Both of those two ideologies were and are very much anti-Serb and have not changed at all since Nazi times so to bring those up is very apropos. The truth is it does not matter what anyone here says or feels at the root of it is a simple land grab and a policy of systematic removal of Serbs from areas which they used to live in both by Albanians in Kosovo-Metohija and Germany/US in other parts of Yugoslavia and Kostunica whom at one time was praised by the west as a constitutional lawyer is now a nasty Milosevic like personality because his country will not let go.If Serbia is to join the EU and Kosovo is going to join the EU then why do they insist they must be separate to do so.See this is not about joining the EU I think Kosovo is a much more than that to the globalists.One of the things this will do is set the precedence for them to be able to restructure the world.And the very thing they deny(that Kosovo will be a signal to other separatists)Is the very thing they hope for.A further destabilized world would be easier for them to control when countries break up into smaller pieces they are then able to be picked up and molded into a world vision the globalists prefer.

JohnBoy,
you wrote: "Neither Switzerland nor Finland are 'official' members of the EU - they have special trade agreements with the EU that Serbia can also have."

I have no other intension than to keep you well informed: Finland is a full and official member of EU. Norway isn't, but has good trade agreements with EU.

I take here a chance to wish you all peaceful new year 2007.

KATE: "If Kosovo is taken from Serbia, it is likely that they will no longer wish to join the EU".

You are so wrong!

This reminds me of canines whose barks really are worse than their bites.

Mike,

My apologies, i thought you were part Serbian.

I thought Kostunica wanted no connection between Serbia's efforts to join the EU and KosovA!!! This is not even a clever bluff.

If, as the Serbs maintain, Kosovo is so important to them, is the ethnic Albanian population 90% of the total of the state? The reality is that Kosovo was a part of Albania historically. As was much of what is now northern Greece, along with parts of Macedonia and Montonegro. These areas where 'stolen' from Albania by the Conference of Ministers in 1913 when the modern borders of Albania were set.
I am pleased that Serbia is talking of a peaceful solution to the current problem. Perhaps they will have to compromise, membership of the corrupt EU or Kosovo. But never both.

Dear all,
Shame for Ballkan Countries that have to wait always the others to solve thier problems. If EU was stupid like ballkans then just can say solve the problems as you wish and then will hell, because we in Ballkan do not know to have an evolution, to be civilized and to get the problems solved. If we think just to history then remains nothing else just to do wars.
Shame all of you the ju are just feeling good by offending each other.
Peace to all!

Inside EU or outside EU, it's up to you...whichever step you take Kosovo is lost...you lost Kosovo, at least don't lose the chance to join EU...no Kosovo no EU - isn't that kind of crazy decision Mr Kostunica..??

hahaha, PM Kostunica is not even funy anymore. You are in no position to give ultimatum to EU. You are better of to take the best offer otherwise you will end up up with nothing.

Serb Camp - Serbia and democracy right next to each other is ironic, please stop referring to Serbia as "democratic Serbia". We can all see for ourselves.

I saw somewhere in News that Europe will support Serbia with EU integration but no if they threat and pointing conditions. It is no Serbia who will put conditions but is EU who shall do it.

to serb camp here:
read this and understand who is provocing the violence here and who wants that serbia makes another war on kosova, its in the last sentence:

http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/7205

It is not EU who has been waiting for years in line to sign the SAA with Serbia, it's the other way around :)

What a funny news....Vojo is giving ultimatum to the EU.
I am sure this will create an earthshaking crisis situation in Brussels. Will the EU be able to handle it?

What is the difference between a diplomat and a lady?

If a diplomat says "Yes", he means "Maybe", if he says "Maybe" he means "No", if he says "No" he is not a diplomat.
A Lady says "No" and means "Maybe". If she says "Maybe" she means "Yes" and if she says "Yes" she is not a lady.

What is Kostunica?
Answer: None of the above.

Enough with the big words and grand gestures Mr Kostunica! The lives and welfare of 2 million people are more important than the lines you want to be able to draw on a map. The EU will decide for both: signing an SAA with Serbia and recognizing Kosova's independence from Serbia. You on the other hand, have always the option of backing out of the SAA at any time including now, tomorrow or six months from now. But should you stay in, please take a number and sit down quietly.

If Serbia does not wish to join the EU, I wonder whose interests are hurt. Serbia is surrounded by EU states/candidates it simply can not remain a black hole in the Balkans. Mr. Kostunica Kosovo is a lost battle. Take the olive branch that is being offered by the EU and create a better future for your people. For heavens sakes quit wasting time and energy on lost cause.

This is the true litmus test for the Serb people. Are they willing to join the EU nations or are they willing to blindly follow leaders with the 15th century mentality. If the Serb people aspire to become part of the big EU family they should speak up and tell Mr. Kostunica that you can not jeopardize the future of our children for a cause that is lost.

I am so happy this guy is not Kosovas prime minister, my god

Serbian poster from Serbian section of B92 put it the best

In translation

“EU has to choose? EU CAN chooes. I feel sorry for us and for the Albanians from Kosova, that have to read ours stupidity. EU has to choose? Ajj ajjjj… Weird”

Wow :)
This is beyond being pathetic.
Last time I checked, EU is not waiting in line to join Serbia (in its project do Tokija). This is going is so out of touch with reality, it's amazing.

"If Kosovo is taken from Serbia, it is likely that they will no longer wish to join the EU.
(kate, 3 January 2008 16:21) "

If that's what Serbia wants then good for them. You can't forcefully make someone join something they don't want to join. It's Serbia's choice.

P.S Kosovo/a is not being take away from anyone. The inhabitants of Kosova/o will be the same and they will still be living in Kosova/o.

Better sending a mission to Kosovo. No room for signing the SAA agreement.

Well we all know that electoral campaign is on the way so messages like this are accepted and understood that way.
For everyone’s sake I would like to bring to light the fact that the SAA is drafted for Serbia separate form Kosova and this is done in agreement with Serbian politicians. What Kostunica is saying I don’t know.
Ahmet is right to say that Seria is not in a possition to put ultimatum ot Eu.I recon that both are going o happen, Serbia will sign SAA and Kosova will declare the Independence. Serbia has no future without EU same as every other county in Europe. Serbian politicians cannot pretend that Serbia is not in Europe, is as powerful and rich as Russia so that they can survive on their own.

Mike,

Before you accuse the pro-Albanian camp for lack of mature intelligence, perhaps you should look at a photo of the person issuing these ultimatums playing with a Kalashnikov. Perhaps that is mature enough for you??

The Pro-Albanian posters are absolutely right to state that Serbia is in no position to make threats or issue ultimatums.

Just exactly who does Kostunica think he is and who do the Serbs think they are issuing ultimatums to the EU and the US?

Serbia is a small insignificant country in a troubled region with little economic prospects, same as the rest of us. It is this sense of Self-Importance that has brought about many ills for your country. Serbs need to stop running with the old ideas and think hard about who and what they are in the grand scheme of things.

Did Milosevic die or is he under the skin of Kostunica?
Well Europe now is in a really bad position because it has ULTIMATUM from Kostunica.
As for how much Europe and USA care for Serbia or Kosova, just remember the NATO bombing of Serbia for Kosova and that reminds you who Europe and USA care for more.
The reason why Serbia is loosing Kosova is because the serbs always underestimated the albanians as human beings.

Mike,

My apologies, i thought you were part Serbian.

Did Milosevic die or is he under the skin of Kostunica?
Well Europe now is in a really bad position because it has ULTIMATUM from Kostunica.
As for how much Europe and USA care for Serbia or Kosova, just remember the NATO bombing of Serbia for Kosova and that reminds you who Europe and USA care for more.
The reason why Serbia is loosing Kosova is because the serbs always underestimated the albanians as human beings.
(Afrim Hoxha, 4 January 2008 07:50)

afrim,
i know you're aware of it but for others who are not may appreciate a little bit of context to help put things into perspective.

after the albanians had more then half of their territory taken away from them, they lived within a "nation" that from day one treated albanians as if they were dirt. i didn't grow up in that system but i know plenty that did and have heard stories that would make any of you grimace w/disgust. i am albanian and my parents come from what is today montenegro (along the border w/albania) and i will give you one example of the yugoslav attempts at attempting to assimilate albanians into their society. a great many albanians who carried yugo passports had the VIC suffix on their surnames. not by choice but they were "persuaded" by gov't officials if they wanted to be honored w/the opportunity to work to feed their families. they also had no problems enlisting them into their military but w/the knowledge that they would not rise to any prominent level of authority. especially if they held onto their albanian heritage.
this is just in montenegro where the albanian population makes up approx 8% so we were very limited in doing or saying anything. that's another reason why the vast majority migrated out of there and into the west. also, it's partially due to their, the diaspora, influence today that we were able to have a hand in the american policy towards kosove. i commend albanians in kosove and macedonia who have larger numbers and have the ability to do more and shed the serbian chains from their ankles!

i find it ironic that for a people, the serbs, who have supposedly "suffered" so much throughout the ages that they have no sympathy for other people who suffer today but rather they are more then willing to put their boot onto another's throat.
history apparently teaches some people nothing.

Is Don Kichote for real, he is telling EU that they cant join Serbian Union (SU). Poor Europe they will need visa to enter SU, their standard of living won’t ever reach the one of Russian federation!

Such a shame, they had so much to offer to Europe!
mika

Like what???

Aleksander, that was exactly the point I was going to make. It's as if Serbia is telling the EU "You want to join Serbia or not?"

haha

Mike,

The ultimatum to EU by Vojo is an extreme arrogance itself. And to use your words it represents his ignorance. He always terribly overestimated the importance of small Serbia for the EU. The EU genuinely intended to include Serbia as a new member to improve the well-being of its inhabitants. It is the EU who is making a favor to Serbia and not the other way around.
Giving ultimatums to EU will in no way improve the position of Serbia. It will only alienate some remaining goodwill.

when he makes this ridiculous comments, it's easy to see why the rest of the world mocks him. apparently, he is trying to secure himself a postion in the gov't long after kosove it declared independent. in our heart of hearts, we ALL know what the final outcome will be but some insist on going kicking & screaming.

Kostunica can't help himslef but be a hypocritical!!! Lets hear him make some statements comparing his veiws on how the Serbs have the right to carve out territory on BiH territory by force of arms(and Croatian territory if they had won the war), and the Albanians have no right to do the same in Serbia.

When the Serbs talk about the 2 million Albanians in Kosova/o they should also count the other 5 million Albanians in the Balkans.

So the issue should also be seen from the different viewpoint. Does the EU want a Russian satellite (which is Serbia), with veto power, among its own and alienate 7 million Albanians who are already pro-EU and pro US, while Serbia is anti US and anti western or better say against the countries that founded the EU.
Is it easier to manage an independent Kosova/o with 2 million inhabitants, or a Putin lead Serbia with 8 million inhabitants. Is it easier to protect 200 thousand Serbs in Kosova/o or to defend 2 million Albanians against "perfect" Serbs like Kostunica, Nikolic, and Seselj? Is it easier for the EU to deal with Serbia which harbors and helps war criminals evade international justice, or with an independent Kosova/o in which the EU monitors the country?

Is it easier to deal with a country that sees NATO as an adversary, where the founders of EU are members, or with a country that sees NATO as their savior?

There is this better than thou attitude that the Serb posters here demonstrate. We are Serbs and that's why the EU is dying to have us, while those are Albanians and nobody wants them.

This reminds me of canines whose barks really are worse than their bites.

I thought Kostunica wanted no connection between Serbia's efforts to join the EU and KosovA!!! This is not even a clever bluff.

ante kotromanolic, little surprise to see you backing the kosovo albanian and bosnian muslim cause bearing in mind that croats, bosnian muslims and kosovo albanians have something in common - that is that they all fought on the side of Hitler !. At least kostunica can say that none of his relatives were in the SS.
(lloyd, 4 January 2008 04:35)

i don't blame albanians for fighting on the german side in order to have their land restored (temporarily). they were poor w/no hope and living under belgrade. i noticed you didn't mention the dirty deed belgrade and ankara put together when they "relocated" tens of thousands of albanians from kosove to turkey. praytell why don't you mention that i wonder?
austria and italy also fought on the german side and the rest of the world has no problem w/them or even today's germany so what's your point?
it's not like the albanians left their homeland to fight on the eastern front or anywhere else for that matter. they incorporated them w/the croats and bosnians to fight serbs. some bosnians and croats may've gone to different parts of europe to fight but that's there business and it's history. let's not dwell on something that makes little to no difference when dealing w/kosove and the total collapse of yugoslavia. it's a good thing it fell apart and long overdue!

Inside EU or outside EU, it's up to you...whichever step you take Kosovo is lost...you lost Kosovo, at least don't lose the chance to join EU...no Kosovo no EU - isn't that kind of crazy decision Mr Kostunica..??

Ahmet - This is not a decision that he is personally giving to the EU, but rather the reality of what it boils down to. If Kosovo is taken from Serbia, it is likely that they will no longer wish to join the EU.

there are enough pupet states around run by crooks and criminals. why end up like bosnia or afganistan when they can join the EU as a one large entity, do they really thin think the US give a shit about them. so they seperate and then join EU together with serbia. if this is such a good idea why is it not supported by other ethinic minorities in kosovo such as slavic muslims and romas ?

Brrr, I wouldn't like to be on the skin of EU, considering this threat of Kuštunica. It's over old Europe, you lost Serbia now and forever. Such a shame, they had so much to offer to Europe!

Well this is really pointless because it looks like the EU will just go for Kosovo as an ally and just forget all about Serbia anyway. Why bother with Serbia when Kosovo is an EU puppet sate?

My dear ahmet isufi, a stable and cooperative Serbia with over 8 Million people and a growing economy with a possible Russian gas pipeline running through it and still the strongest military power of all the Former Yugoslavian Republics is far more important to EU then a Muslim Kosovo with 2 Million people, no economy, a poorly educated population, and unemployment as high as 70%. It does not take a genius to figure out which is more important to Europe!

KATE: "If Kosovo is taken from Serbia, it is likely that they will no longer wish to join the EU".

You are so wrong!

Mike,

"If they can get an EU mission in Kosovo and hold off on the final status for the immediate future, I'll call it both a compromise and a relief."

The EU mission in Kosova is not welcome without a defined status. Do you seriously believe the Kosova Albanians are simply going to accept the replacement of UNMIK with EUMIK while the status issue remains unsolved?

I can pretty much guarantee that Albin Kurti's "Self-Determination" movement will take over if what you call a "compromise" is even attempted to be imposed on the Kosova Albanians.

The fact that you would even call the continuation of the status quo a “compromise” shows that you are not interested in stability or peace but in maintaining the Serbian myth of Kosova and the dream of Serbian greatness.

If, as the Serbs maintain, Kosovo is so important to them, is the ethnic Albanian population 90% of the total of the state? The reality is that Kosovo was a part of Albania historically. As was much of what is now northern Greece, along with parts of Macedonia and Montonegro. These areas where 'stolen' from Albania by the Conference of Ministers in 1913 when the modern borders of Albania were set.
I am pleased that Serbia is talking of a peaceful solution to the current problem. Perhaps they will have to compromise, membership of the corrupt EU or Kosovo. But never both.

Joe,

Would you want to live with an unstable person with a gun as your next door neighbor? Neither does the EU so it will probably try to figure a way out of this or a way of appeasing both sides in some fashion. Do you think they EU will want Kosovo with 2 million people it has to heavily subsidize or larger, more economically developed Serbia? The EU doesn’t act unilaterally without considering the consequences. It can’t afford this problem since Serbia is in its neighborhood and has to deal with Russia on this issue.

Ahmet, I don’t think Kosovo is in a position to issue ultimatums either. Kosovo can’t even declare independence without US and EU approval. So if the EU thinks twice about this mission, you might be in 2020 before any declaration of independence is made. Hopefully Serbia drops you all by then so it can move forward. Maybe you can join Turkey in the Mediterranean Union Sarkozy and Merkel are proposing.

When all is said and done, who would the EU prefer as partners. Serbia or a quasi-state like Kosovo. The Russians and Chinese will be happy/lucky to work with Serbs and the US can work with the Albanians. We will see what happens in the long run. Needless to say there are good and bad on all sides.

Kostunica is a great deal more credible then any politician representing the Albanians

credible where? in belgrade, moscow, pyongyang & bejing?
if you mean capitals such as those then your point is valid.
i'll grant you that he may've been better received up until the last year or so and now in lieu of recent comments and statements, he's a bit of a joke and will be viewed by the west as just another nationalist who cannot be taken seriously when it comes to worthwhile matters. mark the date when kosova declares independence and one later later to that date, let's see where mr kostunica is in the world of politics.

@ Ahmet,

Kostunica is a great deal more credible then any politician representing the Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija - I guess we are still waiting for that illegal unilateral declaration and it looks like it wont be on the 28th January 2008 now either - this is the only comical thing deadlines that keep on moving endlessly in time!

Well, it's time that Serbia says, choose. The EU needs to make a choice and state their position as a whole. Serbia for last 8 years jumped through hoops to get to this point with the SAA & now the EU is going to stab Serbia in the back & then expect Serbia to be friendly. All the EU is doing is backing Serbia into a corner & Kostunica said enough is enough, choose. Serbia had to prove her self many, many times throughout her long history and may have to prove herself once again. Probably not militarily but politicaly. Then again the last thing the EU wants is a war. Hey if it's working for the Albanians it may work for Serbia to threaten with unrest and violence. Look the EU must make a choice, Serbia or 15% of her territory. Now choose!

That's right Mr. Kostunica. Let them know in no uncertain terms that if they persist with their illegal and immoral 'greater albania' plans, they will wind up with another North Cyprus type frozen conflict.
Serbia will always legally own Kosovo, no matter who recognizes it, and can just wait for the right moment to take it back. This will leave the Kosovo south of the Ibar in a state of permanent instability. 'Instability' is a word that bankers and investors hate my friends. Nobody in their right minds will invest a dime with such an instable situation in Kosovo. So the 70% unemployment rate and misery in Kosovo will get worse, not better, and be a constant black hole in Europe where heroin smuggling and human trafficking will remain the main industries. I guess those affluent Germans, French and Brits need to get their drugs from somewhere, after all.

I don't think he is funny in fact I think he is very radical... but in his position I believe that's the best one. Serbians stood for their pride and survived for centuries oppression from the Austrians, Turks and Germans when others just gave up. I think Serbia can this time also stand up for their believes...Kosovo is nothing more but a part of Serbia. Those poor immigrants from Albania running away from their home land found peace and stability in a southern province of Serbia now is time to live in harmony....The EU has criticized the US for decades just to follow it after all.... another muslin state in Europe will do more harm than good and those who lives there most understand that they don't really have a place in EU without Serbia.... it has taken years for Turkey and yet not even a sign.... it will take centuries for Kosovo as independent.... Kosovo don't even have their own flag where's their history in Serbia.... If it was Scotland, Catalonia, Quebec and other regions in the world trying to be independent that really have centuries of history I would understand...but Kosove please wake up... No I'm not a Serb...I am just an immigrant from Cuba that came to the US and integrated with the society here unlike albanians in Kosovo and like me millions of Cubans living in the US.

I,for one, agree with Mr. Kustenica's and the Serbian Government's (no, Vojo is not in this alone)stand. At this point we will know where Serbia stands in regard to EU. If the EU does not sign, then they are illegally (both by their laws and international agreements as well as in violation of a UN resolution) annexing part of a sovereign nation. Do you really think that becoming part of an organization that has no respect for internationally recognized laws and agreements they signed is wise or secure? If they can do this, then how can any nation be secure that they will not be a target for what the more powerful nations demand, even if they are members of the EU, NATO, or what have you. There are other countries in the world to trade with who are more friendly to the Serbs than their own "Europeans", who never really were our so-called friends. To the Albanians I say that the Western Nations, especially the USA, has betrayed their friendships before and will again. Serbia is proof of that. There is no such thing as friendships among nations - only alliances for the time being. Friends today, enemies tomorrow.

Serbia wants to sign the agreement but not if its blackmailed over Kosovo, something Albanians do all the time. They want Serbia part of the EU, because of its huge potential and regional stability. Mr. Kostunica is right, by blackmailing them back. Either you take Kosovo and gain....well crime and corruption....or you cooperate with Serbia which has huge potential in that region. I'd rather choose the "Balkan Tiger" instead of "Balkan Mafia".

All of you are funny. My highest respect to Prime Minister Kostunica. Keep this way. Who is waiting for membership in a paralyzed organization dominated by few European powers? Serbia?

Why EU offered a speed up of process of accepting Serbia's membership?

Serbia's strategic position, economic potential and warming relations with resurging Russia are a serious challenge to EU powers. They can lose a lot.

It is much better to have a Serbia with Serbian Kosovo on board then just independent Kosovo.

Go Serbia! we know who are real friends are here in the good ol US of A! We know what Balkan nations stood up against injustice and oppression. Not Slovenes, Not Croats, Not Muslim Bosnians, Not Albanians, no one except Serbs and Greeks. Serbs we know who you are! Keep up the fight! God will see you through. My highest Christmas wishes from Orange county California.

Miri, all jokes aside, and yours wasn't even funny, Kostunica is no dummy.

In your eyes he might not be a diplomat but then where do you stand on diplomatic stage?

Did you have a comment to make on the article or was that it? Same old ridicule and sarcasm?

"It is the EU who is making a favor to Serbia and not the other way around."

No doubt indeed, Joe. Serbia's road to the EU was never in any question. Yet this is a clever move by Kostunica in that it tests the unified will of the EU and may spark the debate in whether or not a premature decision to send an EU Mission to Kosovo will set Serbia farther back on its eventual EU ascension. Despite what many on this site would say (or want), that is no longer a luxury Europe, the Balkans, or Serbia, can afford.

Most of the political statements - be it Belgrade, Pristina, Washington, Brussels, or Moscow - is largely rhetoric. We all know the EU seriously wants Serbia in its ranks sooner than later, and Kostunica's statement places them with an ultimatum: which is more important to you: a pro-European, democratic Serbia? Or semi-legal and semi-legitimate Kosovo?

If they can get an EU mission in Kosovo and hold off on the final status for the immediate future, I'll call it both a compromise and a relief. But I seriously doubt Brussels is going to say "screw you, we're taking Kosovo and there's nothing you can do about it."

Comments which include insults, indecencies, racial or national hate messages and intolerance of any kind will not be published. Hateful words are not allowed on B92’s site.
(B92, all the time)

Mika - you act as if a) Kosovo is independent, b) Albania or "independent" Kosovo are part of the EU, c) That those 2 entities are actually of any value. If Albania and "independent" Kosovo joins the EU - I can assure you that in 100 years they will be the majority in Europe. Personally I'd like to keep Serbia out of that particular scenario and I think most would agree.
(Sale, 4 January 2008 18:42)

Bravo Vojo!!! Tell those corrupt politicians how it is.

Wow, the shallow boasts and empty threats from the pro-Albanian camp is in rare form on this site today. Lots of words, little to no substance, and even less mature intelligence.

Arrogance is not that far from ignorance.

"Arrogance is not that far from ignorance."

Not a better comment has ever been placed on this site.

"Before you accuse the pro-Albanian camp for lack of mature intelligence, perhaps you should look at a photo of the person issuing these ultimatums playing with a Kalashnikov. Perhaps that is mature enough for you??"

Nick-KS, posing with a Kalashnikov is a far cry from your newly elected leader who both sold and used Kalashnikovs. If that's the best you can do to smear Kostunica, I'm not all that worried. Still, if you feel Serbia is no position to issue threats and ultimatums, you're separatist leaders of a non-sovereign, barely legal parastate that can only survive on the handouts of the West, are in even less of a position to hamstring international law and threaten regional stability. If you're unwilling, or unable, to look in your own backyard and find disturbingly similar parallels, kindly spare me the lesson in morals and ethics, my friend. Kostunica may be more nationalistic for my tastes, but as the leader of a country about to be dismembered, his words and his actions are no different than any other leader put in his place - just look at Sejdiu already ranting at "partitioning" northern Kosovo, land he never controlled, and territory he never had any authority over.

And when you say, "It is this sense of Self-Importance that has brought about many ills for your country", you do realize I'm American and not Serbian? Not a drop of Serbian blood is in me. Nevertheless, you're correct. The US is more interested in carving out an American dependency in the Balkans than in actually promoting honest democracy and nation-building.

The EU should think about this. Do they want a strong Serbia or a weak indep Kosov"a" that will be the EU's biggest money pit.

What is the issue? The EU is telling Srbija to give up Kosovo and then give up all sovereignty later to join the EU and NATO the people who are going to illegally take Serbian land.The only thing the EU offers is membership which might improve Srbija's economic situation but at what cost to every other aspect of life.The EU is controlled by Germany and France.Kosovo can never join the EU because it serves and important purpose. read this
"

On December 6thPerhaps, it is precisely this enormous level of corruption that makes Kosovo so damn attractive to these politicians!"
, 2007 Transparency International, an international organization dedicated to monitoring the level of corruption in more that sixty countries, released their list of the top most corrupt "countries". The top five countries & territories with the highest level of bribery and corruption are:

1. Albania,
2 Cambodia,
3. Cameroon
4. FYR Macedonia
5. Kosovo.

http://serbblog.blogspot.com/2007/12/kosovo-are-we-spreading-democracy-or_14.html

Can someone please find the word Kosova, Kosove, Kosovo, in the Albanian language? I'm waiting...also for Ante - your remark is very entertaining. A hypocrite? Man o man, most Croatian people really cant see through their hate for Serbs.

to the Albanian posters.
Its obvious that the ultimatum that Kostunica is proposing, is a serious threat to Kosovo independance. If Kostunica doesn't play ball, then they can't land any people in Kosovo. This is why many of you are vocal.

I´d like to answer only one.
Nick wrote about Koštunica "playing" with a rifle...

I would agree on the point, that it does not look very smart to pose with a AK-47 for the camera, even if being provoked to do so.

but, that man is a jurist with reputation, a completely different caliber of intellectual quality if compared with those albanian part-time "presidents" who do not even speak english ( of course only because they do not have to do so in front of the international media, after the UNSC-session, right? )

the sad fact is: Albanians are still idolizing ordinary criminals as hero´s ... what shows the level of maturity we are dealing with here.

but don´t worry boys, the EU won´t step into that trap and breach international law for the sake of 1.8 million fanatized kids...

ante kotromanolic, little surprise to see you backing the kosovo albanian and bosnian muslim cause bearing in mind that croats, bosnian muslims and kosovo albanians have something in common - that is that they all fought on the side of Hitler !. At least kostunica can say that none of his relatives were in the SS.

If Serbia doesn't want to be treated like an idiot when it is in Europe, it must not behave like one when it is not in Europe.

Kostunica is doing the right thing in standing up for his country's territory.

Any country should be respected when it stands up for its territory and Serbia should not be hindered in its progress if it wants to assert a reasonable level of rights over Kosovo. The EU should take the Serbian position on Kosovo much more seriously. Serbia needs to be able to enter Europe as a respected 'free agent' and not be forced into a situation that it finds untenable. Serbia needs to decide for itself (through negotiation) what it can compromise on or give up. The signs of willingness are there.

Diplomats should be able to do a much better job than has been done so far. The EU is following a policy that originated in different times - it should be willing to adapt to change to change more readily. With Milosevic gone, and a proper move towards legal rationality, Serbian democracy must be allowed to express itself more fully - otherwise what's the point? Kosovo is not going to start a war, neither is Serbia, and any unrest would not serve either side or be allowed to sustain - there is no reason to hurry.

An agreement with Serbia will be much better for the future for all sides. Despite rumours to the contrary, there is little difference between internationally supported autonomy and independence - and there is a lot more that could be achieved by proper negotiation. With the future targeted cooperatively on Europe and with (in time) reestablished goodwill - even Serbia might be happy to renounce all the administrative powers forever as long as they retain just enough sovereignty to give them the right to have a party there every so often where they can have a few slivovica's and remember the good old bad old days.

The railroading that has gone on so far is not the usual EU way - it has more in common with the Milosevic techniques of heavy handed incompetent politics. The west is doing wrong even by its own standards - legally and diplomatically. Even the notion that the EU has to 'prove' that it can be united over foreign policy has more a sense of desperation than machismo or common sense.

The EU must do better on this.

Bravo!
Serbia's prime minister, Vojislav Kostunica - keep up the excellent diplomacy.
Serbia's diaspora is with you and with Kosovo and Metohija, and it supports Serbia's sovereign territory, international law and a stable Balkans region.

Kostunica and Putin are the only men in a world of little boys. What the western propaganda refuses to point out is that Serbia does not need to join the EU to enjoy prosperity. Neither Switzerland nor Finland are "official" members of the EU - they have special trade agreements with the EU that Serbia can also have. In fact, if Serbia plays both sides (Russia and access to China) and the EU, Serbia will have the fastest growing economy in the Balkans. It's funny to see misguided Serbs pushing for the EU. Didn't you learn from your "revered" Tito? Yugoslavia was "non-aligned" - Tito played both sides and lived a long life (unfortunately). But what is really laughable are the albanian posts on this site. Kosovo has an unemployment rate of 70% and an under-educated workforce! Who would invest in such a basket case? If you want to see examples of nation building by the UN, check out Africa.

Dear all,
Shame for Ballkan Countries that have to wait always the others to solve thier problems. If EU was stupid like ballkans then just can say solve the problems as you wish and then will hell, because we in Ballkan do not know to have an evolution, to be civilized and to get the problems solved. If we think just to history then remains nothing else just to do wars.
Shame all of you the ju are just feeling good by offending each other.
Peace to all!

Now KS if Mike was part Serbian then you just presume that if you were wrong there is no need to appologise to the Serb but you must appologise to an American.

1. Doni - please don't presume to have any in-depth knowledge of Serbian internal politics - I bet you can't even name more than 5 Albanian politicians, never mind Serb.

2. Mika - you act as if a) Kosovo is independent, b) Albania or "independent" Kosovo are part of the EU, c) That those 2 entities are actually of any value. If Albania and "independent" Kosovo joins the EU - I can assure you that in 100 years they will be the majority in Europe. Personally I'd like to keep Serbia out of that particular scenario and I think most would agree.

3. Ante - we all know the irrational and downright destructive hatred you Croats harbour for us Serbs - it is both well documented and illustrated throughout history. However, your double-standards will catch you up eventually. You can't back the further disintegration of a sovereign state based on geographical populace but then expel hundreds of thousands of Serbs from Krajina. In that scenario you must also support an independent Republika Srpska but you won't because of your double-standards. Serbia has suffered so much that enough is enough.

We Serbs have forever served the West as a buffer zone between the affluent "good" West and the terrible, evil forces of darkness (delete as applicable) - Ottoman Empire - Soviet Empire - Nazi Germany.

Mark,

there´s something true to what you wrote, as I think.
it´s about the names, and the vic-suffix.

"a great many albanians who carried yugo passports had the VIC suffix on their surnames. not by choice but they were "persuaded" by gov't officials if they wanted to be honored w/the opportunity to work to feed their families. they also had no problems enlisting them into their military but w/the knowledge that they would not rise to any prominent level of authority. especially if they held onto their albanian heritage."

I talked to an Albanian who had this -vic-suffix in his documents, and asked him about it.
he told me that it was not his fathers choice, but rather the forced decision by an communist apparatchik ( in that case, that particular case it was a Croatian, working in Serbia who did it )

the other remark you made is simply wrong, just take a look on your "hero" ceku who got his military education in the yugoslav army. so much for being discriminated for being an Albanian.

the bottom-line is:

you accuse "the Serbs" for something that was done by the communists to you.

better think twice befor speaking up accusations about things you do not know about.

Kosovo is Serbia, no matter what you try to falsify here...there is no argumnt at all, you could bring up.

I had no idea that you albanians minority have good sense of humour, if the SERBScant offer anything to EUROPE, what are you going to offer, europe will be so much better once they let you people join in. THAT is one reason i would not rush to join EU.

Mark wrote:Austria and Italy also fought on the German side and the rest of the world has no problem w/them or even today's Germany so what's your point?
Well for one Austia and Italy and today's Germany have for the most part changed from backing Nazi politics and fascism while in Croatia ustase ideology is alive and well and Bosnian Muslims and Muslim Albanians have turned up radical Wahhabi Islam and taken vast payoffs from Riyadh.Both of those two ideologies were and are very much anti-Serb and have not changed at all since Nazi times so to bring those up is very apropos. The truth is it does not matter what anyone here says or feels at the root of it is a simple land grab and a policy of systematic removal of Serbs from areas which they used to live in both by Albanians in Kosovo-Metohija and Germany/US in other parts of Yugoslavia and Kostunica whom at one time was praised by the west as a constitutional lawyer is now a nasty Milosevic like personality because his country will not let go.If Serbia is to join the EU and Kosovo is going to join the EU then why do they insist they must be separate to do so.See this is not about joining the EU I think Kosovo is a much more than that to the globalists.One of the things this will do is set the precedence for them to be able to restructure the world.And the very thing they deny(that Kosovo will be a signal to other separatists)Is the very thing they hope for.A further destabilized world would be easier for them to control when countries break up into smaller pieces they are then able to be picked up and molded into a world vision the globalists prefer.

JohnBoy,
you wrote: "Neither Switzerland nor Finland are 'official' members of the EU - they have special trade agreements with the EU that Serbia can also have."

I have no other intension than to keep you well informed: Finland is a full and official member of EU. Norway isn't, but has good trade agreements with EU.

I take here a chance to wish you all peaceful new year 2007.