"EU will definitely send forces to Kosovo"

What arrogance on the side of EU.

Serbia does NOT need EU. Czech Republic and Poland are by far the most Eurosceptic countries amongst many others and some want a withdrawal from EU, so why doesn't the EU let them go?

Oh wait, the idea of EU is to control and dominate ALL areas of Europe, otherwise its power cannot stretch to the main trade roots, one such on which Serbia lies.
Therefore EU needs Serbia more than Serbia needs EU.

In fact, Serbia does not NEED EU at all. Not if it wants to be used, restricted, and governed from Brussels. Which I am sure it doesn't.

Serbia should not allowed to be intimidated, and especially not by a bunch of self appointed crooks called 'EU Officials'.

This just shows the desperation EU has reached. Since offering of membership of EU did not work on Serbia, they think intimidation will.
Ignorance.

Oh yes -you do need Serbia Mrs.Pak more than Serbia needs you.Difference is that this time Serbian people with Kostunica will not have to fight for the right to defend it`s borders.Will fight you with high taxes on all goods coming and going to Germany and when you realise there are no bullets to be sold on Balkans anymore you`ll understand that Serbian people are not to be taken advantage off.

Doris Pack has no idea what she is babbling about.

It is people like this that give Serbian politicians their newfound credibility on the world stage.

A new Muslim state on on sovereign Serbian land looks more and more like a broken promise which should never have been made in the first time.

To the E.U. ...Serbia needs E.U., the E.U. does not need Serbia. Oka, then just go away and leave the Serbs alone. The west got Slovenia, Bosnia, Macedonia, Croatia, and Kosovo but they keep on pushing because they want Serbia because it's the biggest prize in the Balkans!And if they get it all, Russia loses more presence in the Balkans. So the E.U. and the west want Serbia and will just about do anything to get her. so, don't tell me the E.U. does not want Serbia. They're the modern day Ottomans, and Ausro-Hungarians, and let's not forget the Germans involvment in Serbia and all the good they did to the population! So just go away and mind your own citizens of this new Euro-Union in which the biggest boys get what they want and their step children get the crumbs.

Problem with this mission is that it will implement Ahtisaari plan, the one that Serbia did not agree to, and that will grant Kosovo independance.
As for "who needs who", she's acting like a child.
Serbia can live withouth EU, and EU can live withouth Serbia. And maybe that will be best for all of us.

Will someone explain why, after 8 years of UNMIK and NATO direction, the Albanians still do not have a secure enough government that the EU is so sure that chaos will occur when UNMIK leaves? I don't understand why they want to recognize a nation that cannot govern itself and will cause instability and chaos once the UNMIK leaves. What is wrong here? Anyway, Mir Boze Hristos Se Rodi - Peace with God, Christ is Born.

“Serbia needs the EU, but I’m not so sure the EU needs Serbia”

Serbia does not need the EU. It seems Serbia would like to be an equal member but definitely not at the expense of losing Kosovo.

Considering that NATO went to war with Serbia to remove Milosevic as he wanted nothing to do with the Euro-Atlantic alliance, Serbia still looks like the missing piece of the jigsaw Europe seems desperate to complete.

"The question is, who exactly is he threatening? I’d say he was actually threatening the citizens of Serbia. And, for a prime minister, that’s remarkable,” she told the program, broadcast in Serbian."

wrong, "fräulein" Pack, he´s indeed a remarkable man, because he is honest and says it like it is.

you are only an individual sitting in the EP for Germany.

he is a prime minister, what is indeed remarkable also if compared with your position.

I wonder why B92 publishes the opinions of a person who bears the interests of Germany in mind...

Go ahead Ms. Pack & violate international law.

Oh & with regard to your comment on the need of EU & Serbia - you need us, we don't need you.

But when is UNMIK leaving Kosovo? I haven't read anywhere that UNMIK is withdrawing any time soon. Just scare mungering by the EU.

I am virtually blasted by this Lady's statement that she's not sure whether EU needs Serbia; such a statement is irresponsible and extremely counter-productive in this sensitive period.

So if her statement is true that EU doesnt need Serbia, why are they still going on wiht the mission. If you dont need them, then why have them join you!!! She's contradicting herself...

"Let’s check the map: Serbia is surrounded by EU/NATO members, future members and allies by ALL its sides. The only land that is sympathetic to Serbia outside the borders of Serbia is Bosnia’s Republika Srpska — and no one else. Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and China are away from Serbia by thousands of kilometers of distance.

What do you think you should do?
(Bad Gorilla, 7 January 2008 23:04)"

Bad Gorilla,

That is a very good question. What should you do? The best thing to start finding an answer is not to look at a map. You has to look inside your heart. Probably you are an American and so by nature you look at a map to see where you can make more $$$ and you do not care that actually on that map real people live with hopes and fears, with pride and dignity. Do you really think that the average Serb is concerned with the so-called reality that you try to tell us? It is a situation very similar to 1941 when then Yugoslavia resisted to join the real axis of evil which drove AH to complete madness (and eventually led to a delay to invade the Soviet Union and the rest you should know if you know any European history). Serbs have never forgotten their victims of that terror war and occupation that unfortunately followed (and that was brought upon Yugoslavia and particularly Serbia and Serbs in many other regions that decided to side with Nazi Germany and its allies). Joining against you heart is not an option. In that case Serbia will be gone in no time (and that is the ultimate goal of some European countries, even though Serbia never threatened, attacked or occupied them). Sympathy and support do not know any borders or distance and beside the countries that you mentioned many others will be willing to support Serbia. So what Serbia should do is to choose freedom and dignity above all. Maybe you should see the movie "300" and then you will realize that by following its heart Serbia will eventually inspire others to do the same ("This is Serbia"). Next Serbia should maintain good contacts with countries that show genuine respect and finally Serbia should stop dealing with EU and UN politicians and diplomats that think and behave like yourself. I would like to see a prosperous and confident Serbia that will take its natural leadership position in the Balkann. The EU and NATO will not be able to prevent that from happening and even though Serbia has gone through hard times and hard times may still be ahead in the end they will make it and future generations will not have to worry that the ancestors choose a wrong side like many of Serbia's neighbors have done in the past and present time.

What a joke. No, she really has no idea that the EU are trying to implement Marti Ahtisaari's plan through the back door! Of course they have their own agenda and are just going through the execution phase.

I think it would serve Serbia well to stay its course and keep on the side of Russia and China. Wealth and power are slowly shifting East with China on course to overtake the US as the world's strongest economy. The US and EU are becoming overbloated, inefficient and are entirely reliant on oil (that they don't have) to keep functioning.

Imagine Russia cutting oil/gas to Germany, the EU's largest economy. Oil prices will continue to go through the roof and the German/EU economy will fail.

I can see Russia benefiting from all this and Germany being the the big loser. Russia's biggest card is OIL and with supply current at it's peak with increasing demand, the world is in for a shock. Imagine, all that for Kosovo.

The West have got themselves into a mess and there is not easy way out! If Kosovo remains part of Serbia then NATO has technically lost its first war.

I thought the SAA was suppose to respect Serbia's borders? The EU, not satisfied with breaking UN resolutions is looking to make their own agreements worthless?

This sending troops business - is this her personal view or does she speak on the behalf of the EU?
One more point: there is an entire universe beyond the EU - believe it or not.
Joining EU would be very pragmatic for Serbia but not at any cost. If this Serbian-EU marriage is not meant to be (as she suggests) - let's say so and let's stop this suspension and agony.
And finally, she is addressing Serbian PM over the Media - why?

See what a provincial politician as Kostunica can do to his people:
"“Serbia needs the EU, but I’m not so sure the EU needs Serbia,”
what a humiliation- thanks to the threats of the rural serbian leader Mr Kostunica & Co. This is what happens when you don't know your limits...

When did UNMIK state they were leaving? Have they fulfilled 1244? Surely EU spokespersons should not be predetermining UN policy - something Tadic needs to clarify at the UN on the 16th!

Danubian Project
Corridor 8
Corridor 10

Doris, from an englishman to a very pig headed lady. EU needs serbia in order to place the final piece of the grand picture puzzle.

Probably, no nation is rich enough to pay for both war and civilization. We must make our choice; we cannot have both.

~Abraham Flexner

Any forces that would impose their will on other nations will certainly face defeat.

~General Vo Nguyen Giap (Vietnam

Choose your path wisely!

M/s Pack please ask the Russians FIRST before you think for them!

The EU is wrong not to take Serbia more seriously on this matter - trivialisation of its position is not helpful.

The EU should be able to be more diplomatic in its negotiation than this.

Well put, Ms. Pac!
Now, I'm just waiting to see how the serbian camp will try to spin this one. I'm sure they will call her names, say that she is not important or even try to 'discredit' her in any form possible (common practice among this group when someone does not subscribe to their views).

Well she has called Kostunica's bluff. Let's see what he does now: take a deep breath and sign the SAA or destroy the future of Serbia to save face. Tough choice.

“He always told me he was a lawyer. With this threat, he’s contradicting himself. The question is, who exactly is he threatening? I’d say he was actually threatening the citizens of Serbia. And, for a prime minister, that’s remarkable,” she told the program, broadcast in Serbian.

brilliant comment from my co-citizen. I guess I was right.

happy new year,

“Serbia needs the EU, but I’m not so sure the EU needs Serbia,” the European Parliament official stressed.


-this sentence says everything.

Serbia's borders are non-negotiable. If that means being surrounded by NATO and EU countries then so be it. It does not mean its friendly neighbours will change but will most likely weaken NATO's and the EU's stance against Serbia. Just like Bulgaria and Romania are against EU recognition of Kosovo, and have therefore split the EU. The same will apply to NATO.

Serbia will still have friendly neighbours and strong international partners (Russia, China) and the EU will still be incomplete.

KOSOVO does not need to be mentioned in any of the documents because it is NOT a separate entity. EU deals with countries, there is only 1 country involved in this mess. So Kostunica's arguements could hold...

Actually no Doris Pack, It is your comments that are completely contradictory in eery sense. You claim that serbia needs the EU - and for what reason? to be ruled as one country, to have every part of your history stripped and then to have 15% of serbia ripped away? No, we dont need the EU bribe, they are worse than kosovo is. Oh and does the EU need serbia? oh i dont know, they hope to create a puppet state, but they try to convince serbs to join the weakest and most pointless organisation in the world, and why? Its because the EU cannot afford to have serbia converted into a russian state. They try to rip of serbia and when russia stands firm they seem to freak out. they beauty of politics. you try to illegally rip us off and we'll be more than happy to return the favour :)

As for Mrs. Pak, stupidity doesnt come in a purer form. Thanks to her, in all respect, she has revealed to the world the stance of the EU.

" “The question is, who exactly is he threatening? I’d say he was actually threatening the citizens of Serbia."

Sounds to me like she is actually threatening Serbian citizens herself.

Irrespective of who needs whom and the rights and wrongs of the thing, EU have a problem on their hands. This is clear from all the stuff that is being written. Without new UN resolution, legally they can not take over from UN. So it will happen like this:

- Independence will be proclaimed
- Number of countries will recognise it
- UN will say, well we have done all we can there is not point being there any more.
- EU will say we will help transition. With NATO in place to back it up.

Legality is neither here or there. They have acted illegally all along and it wont stop them this time. As with any legal document, its open to interpretation. A bunch of layers will be trotted out to say all’s well, go ahead.

But of course we all now that the problem for EU goes a bit further than Kosovo.

What can Serbia do. If it values its sovereignty and Kosovo is that important, stand firm.

Otherwise, join the EU, let your taxes support another level of democratic government and be ruled by a bunch of bureaucrats in Brussels.

Either way, it’s Serbias choice.

NICE ONE

keep up the good work kostunica

Serbia needs EU. The visas, the economic prosperity..etc

1. Under old Yugoslav constitution, Serbia could not decide on Kosovo affairs; including its determination as it was a constituent part of Yugoslavia.

2. Legality of everything in 1244 is vague ie. its preamble. If it was black and white; we wouldnt be arguing about it.

3. Russia will really turn off oil to Germany due to Kosovo? Seriously? lets say this happens, EU may not have oil but Russia wont have food and starve as it relies on food from EU.

4. Fairly obvious serb politicians are manipulating their own people again. Im not sure ppl on here who suggest Serbia should look to China or Russia realise what that means as its certain to be more of a pawn there than the west. At least with west you can argue and complain. Who would dare to complain publically to Putin or the Chinese?

Kostunica is correct, he would not object IF Serbia and all respective parties who signed R-1244 agreed as well, which is not the case as the status is on going. Legally speaking the EU would be breaking R-1244 because they are replacing the governing body of the province with another and that was NOT part of the deal.

This Doris figure sounds very childish "Why is he, I don't get it..." and so on, she has poor speaking skills for a politician.

"I thought the SAA was suppose to respect Serbia's borders? The EU, not satisfied with breaking UN resolutions is looking to make their own agreements worthless?
(tim, 7 January 2008 20:16) "

Kosova/o was not included in any of the documents Serbia signed with the EU. It was on B92 the other day also. Kostunica was there when all these documents were signed by Serbia ad he did not say anything. Now that the Presidential elections are close he plays the patriot.

She makes alot of sense, EU doesnt need Serbia, its other way around. The way Kostunica is sounding makes me think of another new "Belarus" in Europe called Serbia...

"Imagine Russia cutting oil/gas to Germany, the EU's largest economy. Oil prices will continue to go through the roof and the German/EU economy will fail."

Oh yes, imagine that alright. Russia to cut oil and gas to its major economic and strategic partner, just because of ... Kosova. Yeh, imagine away ...

Yet, another example of oppotunist arrogance typical of EU politicians.

No, Mrs. Pak...Serbia does not need the type of "progress" you prescribe. And yes, Mrs. Pak...the EU does need Serbia more than Serbia needs the EU (for whatever reason). The EU has been displaying this need on a daily basis for quite some time now and, it bewilders me that EU politicians find the courage to state otherwise. This leads me to believe there is no serious or credible reason to be part of that organization, union or whatever entity it is supposed to represent.

Let’s check the map: Serbia is surrounded by EU/NATO members, future members and allies by ALL its sides. The only land that is sympathetic to Serbia outside the borders of Serbia is Bosnia’s Republika Srpska — and no one else. Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and China are away from Serbia by thousands of kilometers of distance.

What do you think you should do?

Respect to Doris Pack. She has spoken the truth about Serbia. The EU doesn't need Serbia. It would make it easier to have Serbia in the fold but it certainly is no loss as Serbia is surrounded by EU states. It will be nothing but Serbia loss.

EU to send Forces to Kosovo? I think the German spokesperson got it all wrong, i think she meant 1800 man contingent to help adminster Kosovo as UNMIK DID NOT DO SO WELL. The EU Vice Roy will run the supervised independent Kosovo for an unspecified time limit. There won't be EU Troops sent they already have EU Troops in Kosovo why send more unless the US is planning Exit Stage Right then you would have to send more to cover the MNB-East, just replacement troops that is all.

There's nothing wrong sending EU forces to Kosovo. I've always been in favor of it, as I think it is vitally necessary for stability in the region. The problem felt by Kostunica and others is under what context or mandate are EU forces being sent to Kosovo? Are they under the mandate of an independent state? Will they operate within the confines of Serbia? Will they just make Kosovo an EU Protectorate with no final status? We need a clear definition of what and how the EU will operate. EU members also need a clear idea of what they are sending their own citizens to. Kostunica's recent statements about the EU having to "choose" is largely rhetoric that places the onus of responsibility in Brussels' court.

Still, the EU should send a mission, even if final status is not resolved.

Such a pity that such an experienced politician in Brussels is only provoking, strengthening and emboldening the ultra-nationalists in Serbia. With respect to her quote, Europe and Serbia do actually need each other more than some people would like to think. Also, very overblown to think that Pak speaks for Europe or for the EU, or even for the European Parliament! Let us not be infected by intransigent rhetoric and keep a cool head.

See what a provincial politician as Kostunica can do to his people:
"“Serbia needs the EU, but I’m not so sure the EU needs Serbia,”
what a humiliation- thanks to the threats of the rural serbian leader Mr Kostunica & Co. This is what happens when you don't know your limits...

1. Under old Yugoslav constitution, Serbia could not decide on Kosovo affairs; including its determination as it was a constituent part of Yugoslavia.

2. Legality of everything in 1244 is vague ie. its preamble. If it was black and white; we wouldnt be arguing about it.

3. Russia will really turn off oil to Germany due to Kosovo? Seriously? lets say this happens, EU may not have oil but Russia wont have food and starve as it relies on food from EU.

4. Fairly obvious serb politicians are manipulating their own people again. Im not sure ppl on here who suggest Serbia should look to China or Russia realise what that means as its certain to be more of a pawn there than the west. At least with west you can argue and complain. Who would dare to complain publically to Putin or the Chinese?

She makes alot of sense, EU doesnt need Serbia, its other way around. The way Kostunica is sounding makes me think of another new "Belarus" in Europe called Serbia...

Let’s check the map: Serbia is surrounded by EU/NATO members, future members and allies by ALL its sides. The only land that is sympathetic to Serbia outside the borders of Serbia is Bosnia’s Republika Srpska — and no one else. Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and China are away from Serbia by thousands of kilometers of distance.

What do you think you should do?

Well put, Ms. Pac!
Now, I'm just waiting to see how the serbian camp will try to spin this one. I'm sure they will call her names, say that she is not important or even try to 'discredit' her in any form possible (common practice among this group when someone does not subscribe to their views).

Oh yes -you do need Serbia Mrs.Pak more than Serbia needs you.Difference is that this time Serbian people with Kostunica will not have to fight for the right to defend it`s borders.Will fight you with high taxes on all goods coming and going to Germany and when you realise there are no bullets to be sold on Balkans anymore you`ll understand that Serbian people are not to be taken advantage off.

To the E.U. ...Serbia needs E.U., the E.U. does not need Serbia. Oka, then just go away and leave the Serbs alone. The west got Slovenia, Bosnia, Macedonia, Croatia, and Kosovo but they keep on pushing because they want Serbia because it's the biggest prize in the Balkans!And if they get it all, Russia loses more presence in the Balkans. So the E.U. and the west want Serbia and will just about do anything to get her. so, don't tell me the E.U. does not want Serbia. They're the modern day Ottomans, and Ausro-Hungarians, and let's not forget the Germans involvment in Serbia and all the good they did to the population! So just go away and mind your own citizens of this new Euro-Union in which the biggest boys get what they want and their step children get the crumbs.

Well she has called Kostunica's bluff. Let's see what he does now: take a deep breath and sign the SAA or destroy the future of Serbia to save face. Tough choice.

“He always told me he was a lawyer. With this threat, he’s contradicting himself. The question is, who exactly is he threatening? I’d say he was actually threatening the citizens of Serbia. And, for a prime minister, that’s remarkable,” she told the program, broadcast in Serbian.

brilliant comment from my co-citizen. I guess I was right.

happy new year,

“Serbia needs the EU, but I’m not so sure the EU needs Serbia,” the European Parliament official stressed.


-this sentence says everything.

"I thought the SAA was suppose to respect Serbia's borders? The EU, not satisfied with breaking UN resolutions is looking to make their own agreements worthless?
(tim, 7 January 2008 20:16) "

Kosova/o was not included in any of the documents Serbia signed with the EU. It was on B92 the other day also. Kostunica was there when all these documents were signed by Serbia ad he did not say anything. Now that the Presidential elections are close he plays the patriot.

Respect to Doris Pack. She has spoken the truth about Serbia. The EU doesn't need Serbia. It would make it easier to have Serbia in the fold but it certainly is no loss as Serbia is surrounded by EU states. It will be nothing but Serbia loss.

I am virtually blasted by this Lady's statement that she's not sure whether EU needs Serbia; such a statement is irresponsible and extremely counter-productive in this sensitive period.

There's nothing wrong sending EU forces to Kosovo. I've always been in favor of it, as I think it is vitally necessary for stability in the region. The problem felt by Kostunica and others is under what context or mandate are EU forces being sent to Kosovo? Are they under the mandate of an independent state? Will they operate within the confines of Serbia? Will they just make Kosovo an EU Protectorate with no final status? We need a clear definition of what and how the EU will operate. EU members also need a clear idea of what they are sending their own citizens to. Kostunica's recent statements about the EU having to "choose" is largely rhetoric that places the onus of responsibility in Brussels' court.

Still, the EU should send a mission, even if final status is not resolved.

Doris Pack has no idea what she is babbling about.

It is people like this that give Serbian politicians their newfound credibility on the world stage.

A new Muslim state on on sovereign Serbian land looks more and more like a broken promise which should never have been made in the first time.

NICE ONE

keep up the good work kostunica

"The question is, who exactly is he threatening? I’d say he was actually threatening the citizens of Serbia. And, for a prime minister, that’s remarkable,” she told the program, broadcast in Serbian."

wrong, "fräulein" Pack, he´s indeed a remarkable man, because he is honest and says it like it is.

you are only an individual sitting in the EP for Germany.

he is a prime minister, what is indeed remarkable also if compared with your position.

I wonder why B92 publishes the opinions of a person who bears the interests of Germany in mind...

Serbia needs EU. The visas, the economic prosperity..etc

"Let’s check the map: Serbia is surrounded by EU/NATO members, future members and allies by ALL its sides. The only land that is sympathetic to Serbia outside the borders of Serbia is Bosnia’s Republika Srpska — and no one else. Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and China are away from Serbia by thousands of kilometers of distance.

What do you think you should do?
(Bad Gorilla, 7 January 2008 23:04)"

Bad Gorilla,

That is a very good question. What should you do? The best thing to start finding an answer is not to look at a map. You has to look inside your heart. Probably you are an American and so by nature you look at a map to see where you can make more $$$ and you do not care that actually on that map real people live with hopes and fears, with pride and dignity. Do you really think that the average Serb is concerned with the so-called reality that you try to tell us? It is a situation very similar to 1941 when then Yugoslavia resisted to join the real axis of evil which drove AH to complete madness (and eventually led to a delay to invade the Soviet Union and the rest you should know if you know any European history). Serbs have never forgotten their victims of that terror war and occupation that unfortunately followed (and that was brought upon Yugoslavia and particularly Serbia and Serbs in many other regions that decided to side with Nazi Germany and its allies). Joining against you heart is not an option. In that case Serbia will be gone in no time (and that is the ultimate goal of some European countries, even though Serbia never threatened, attacked or occupied them). Sympathy and support do not know any borders or distance and beside the countries that you mentioned many others will be willing to support Serbia. So what Serbia should do is to choose freedom and dignity above all. Maybe you should see the movie "300" and then you will realize that by following its heart Serbia will eventually inspire others to do the same ("This is Serbia"). Next Serbia should maintain good contacts with countries that show genuine respect and finally Serbia should stop dealing with EU and UN politicians and diplomats that think and behave like yourself. I would like to see a prosperous and confident Serbia that will take its natural leadership position in the Balkann. The EU and NATO will not be able to prevent that from happening and even though Serbia has gone through hard times and hard times may still be ahead in the end they will make it and future generations will not have to worry that the ancestors choose a wrong side like many of Serbia's neighbors have done in the past and present time.

So if her statement is true that EU doesnt need Serbia, why are they still going on wiht the mission. If you dont need them, then why have them join you!!! She's contradicting herself...

What a joke. No, she really has no idea that the EU are trying to implement Marti Ahtisaari's plan through the back door! Of course they have their own agenda and are just going through the execution phase.

I think it would serve Serbia well to stay its course and keep on the side of Russia and China. Wealth and power are slowly shifting East with China on course to overtake the US as the world's strongest economy. The US and EU are becoming overbloated, inefficient and are entirely reliant on oil (that they don't have) to keep functioning.

Imagine Russia cutting oil/gas to Germany, the EU's largest economy. Oil prices will continue to go through the roof and the German/EU economy will fail.

I can see Russia benefiting from all this and Germany being the the big loser. Russia's biggest card is OIL and with supply current at it's peak with increasing demand, the world is in for a shock. Imagine, all that for Kosovo.

The West have got themselves into a mess and there is not easy way out! If Kosovo remains part of Serbia then NATO has technically lost its first war.

Go ahead Ms. Pack & violate international law.

Oh & with regard to your comment on the need of EU & Serbia - you need us, we don't need you.

Will someone explain why, after 8 years of UNMIK and NATO direction, the Albanians still do not have a secure enough government that the EU is so sure that chaos will occur when UNMIK leaves? I don't understand why they want to recognize a nation that cannot govern itself and will cause instability and chaos once the UNMIK leaves. What is wrong here? Anyway, Mir Boze Hristos Se Rodi - Peace with God, Christ is Born.

But when is UNMIK leaving Kosovo? I haven't read anywhere that UNMIK is withdrawing any time soon. Just scare mungering by the EU.

When did UNMIK state they were leaving? Have they fulfilled 1244? Surely EU spokespersons should not be predetermining UN policy - something Tadic needs to clarify at the UN on the 16th!

The EU is wrong not to take Serbia more seriously on this matter - trivialisation of its position is not helpful.

The EU should be able to be more diplomatic in its negotiation than this.

“Serbia needs the EU, but I’m not so sure the EU needs Serbia”

Serbia does not need the EU. It seems Serbia would like to be an equal member but definitely not at the expense of losing Kosovo.

Considering that NATO went to war with Serbia to remove Milosevic as he wanted nothing to do with the Euro-Atlantic alliance, Serbia still looks like the missing piece of the jigsaw Europe seems desperate to complete.

Danubian Project
Corridor 8
Corridor 10

Doris, from an englishman to a very pig headed lady. EU needs serbia in order to place the final piece of the grand picture puzzle.

Probably, no nation is rich enough to pay for both war and civilization. We must make our choice; we cannot have both.

~Abraham Flexner

Any forces that would impose their will on other nations will certainly face defeat.

~General Vo Nguyen Giap (Vietnam

Choose your path wisely!

Serbia's borders are non-negotiable. If that means being surrounded by NATO and EU countries then so be it. It does not mean its friendly neighbours will change but will most likely weaken NATO's and the EU's stance against Serbia. Just like Bulgaria and Romania are against EU recognition of Kosovo, and have therefore split the EU. The same will apply to NATO.

Serbia will still have friendly neighbours and strong international partners (Russia, China) and the EU will still be incomplete.

M/s Pack please ask the Russians FIRST before you think for them!

" “The question is, who exactly is he threatening? I’d say he was actually threatening the citizens of Serbia."

Sounds to me like she is actually threatening Serbian citizens herself.

Kostunica is correct, he would not object IF Serbia and all respective parties who signed R-1244 agreed as well, which is not the case as the status is on going. Legally speaking the EU would be breaking R-1244 because they are replacing the governing body of the province with another and that was NOT part of the deal.

This Doris figure sounds very childish "Why is he, I don't get it..." and so on, she has poor speaking skills for a politician.

"Imagine Russia cutting oil/gas to Germany, the EU's largest economy. Oil prices will continue to go through the roof and the German/EU economy will fail."

Oh yes, imagine that alright. Russia to cut oil and gas to its major economic and strategic partner, just because of ... Kosova. Yeh, imagine away ...

I thought the SAA was suppose to respect Serbia's borders? The EU, not satisfied with breaking UN resolutions is looking to make their own agreements worthless?

Problem with this mission is that it will implement Ahtisaari plan, the one that Serbia did not agree to, and that will grant Kosovo independance.
As for "who needs who", she's acting like a child.
Serbia can live withouth EU, and EU can live withouth Serbia. And maybe that will be best for all of us.

This sending troops business - is this her personal view or does she speak on the behalf of the EU?
One more point: there is an entire universe beyond the EU - believe it or not.
Joining EU would be very pragmatic for Serbia but not at any cost. If this Serbian-EU marriage is not meant to be (as she suggests) - let's say so and let's stop this suspension and agony.
And finally, she is addressing Serbian PM over the Media - why?

What arrogance on the side of EU.

Serbia does NOT need EU. Czech Republic and Poland are by far the most Eurosceptic countries amongst many others and some want a withdrawal from EU, so why doesn't the EU let them go?

Oh wait, the idea of EU is to control and dominate ALL areas of Europe, otherwise its power cannot stretch to the main trade roots, one such on which Serbia lies.
Therefore EU needs Serbia more than Serbia needs EU.

In fact, Serbia does not NEED EU at all. Not if it wants to be used, restricted, and governed from Brussels. Which I am sure it doesn't.

Serbia should not allowed to be intimidated, and especially not by a bunch of self appointed crooks called 'EU Officials'.

This just shows the desperation EU has reached. Since offering of membership of EU did not work on Serbia, they think intimidation will.
Ignorance.

Irrespective of who needs whom and the rights and wrongs of the thing, EU have a problem on their hands. This is clear from all the stuff that is being written. Without new UN resolution, legally they can not take over from UN. So it will happen like this:

- Independence will be proclaimed
- Number of countries will recognise it
- UN will say, well we have done all we can there is not point being there any more.
- EU will say we will help transition. With NATO in place to back it up.

Legality is neither here or there. They have acted illegally all along and it wont stop them this time. As with any legal document, its open to interpretation. A bunch of layers will be trotted out to say all’s well, go ahead.

But of course we all now that the problem for EU goes a bit further than Kosovo.

What can Serbia do. If it values its sovereignty and Kosovo is that important, stand firm.

Otherwise, join the EU, let your taxes support another level of democratic government and be ruled by a bunch of bureaucrats in Brussels.

Either way, it’s Serbias choice.

KOSOVO does not need to be mentioned in any of the documents because it is NOT a separate entity. EU deals with countries, there is only 1 country involved in this mess. So Kostunica's arguements could hold...

EU to send Forces to Kosovo? I think the German spokesperson got it all wrong, i think she meant 1800 man contingent to help adminster Kosovo as UNMIK DID NOT DO SO WELL. The EU Vice Roy will run the supervised independent Kosovo for an unspecified time limit. There won't be EU Troops sent they already have EU Troops in Kosovo why send more unless the US is planning Exit Stage Right then you would have to send more to cover the MNB-East, just replacement troops that is all.

Actually no Doris Pack, It is your comments that are completely contradictory in eery sense. You claim that serbia needs the EU - and for what reason? to be ruled as one country, to have every part of your history stripped and then to have 15% of serbia ripped away? No, we dont need the EU bribe, they are worse than kosovo is. Oh and does the EU need serbia? oh i dont know, they hope to create a puppet state, but they try to convince serbs to join the weakest and most pointless organisation in the world, and why? Its because the EU cannot afford to have serbia converted into a russian state. They try to rip of serbia and when russia stands firm they seem to freak out. they beauty of politics. you try to illegally rip us off and we'll be more than happy to return the favour :)

As for Mrs. Pak, stupidity doesnt come in a purer form. Thanks to her, in all respect, she has revealed to the world the stance of the EU.

Yet, another example of oppotunist arrogance typical of EU politicians.

No, Mrs. Pak...Serbia does not need the type of "progress" you prescribe. And yes, Mrs. Pak...the EU does need Serbia more than Serbia needs the EU (for whatever reason). The EU has been displaying this need on a daily basis for quite some time now and, it bewilders me that EU politicians find the courage to state otherwise. This leads me to believe there is no serious or credible reason to be part of that organization, union or whatever entity it is supposed to represent.

Such a pity that such an experienced politician in Brussels is only provoking, strengthening and emboldening the ultra-nationalists in Serbia. With respect to her quote, Europe and Serbia do actually need each other more than some people would like to think. Also, very overblown to think that Pak speaks for Europe or for the EU, or even for the European Parliament! Let us not be infected by intransigent rhetoric and keep a cool head.