Washington, Berlin to recognize Kosovo, U.S. paper says

Germans don't forget who their allies are. They helped push for Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia to separate, and now they are doing the same for their WWII allies, the Kosovo Albanians.
It's too bad France, the UK and the US do not remember who their allies are, and have been duped by this underground German campaign. One really has to wonder who really lost the war? Germany controls the EU, are sending soldiers places outside of their borders again, are advocating the illegal and immoral creation of a 'greater albania', are ignoring international law and the UN charter.
On the bright side, any redrawing of borders has to go through the UN, everyone knows this including the Germans. The Russian veto guarantees Serbian sovereignty of Kosovo. So us Serbs may have to wait for the right moment to take it back. This will happen who knows when, but it will happen.

It would be huge surprise if Germany said NO to independence otherwise it is nothing new for us Serbs as we know that Germany was involved in breaking up YU.

Once again USA says jump to Europe and parts of Europe jumps.

Only a few "dissident" states dares to oppose the almighty USA...

Very Very Sad if EU lets USA dictates its policy, then the whole EU idea is starting to falling into pieces.

In the modern world you need international organizations to survive.

Russia cannot tell Germany, U.S. NOT to recognize Kosovo.. but it can veto Kosovo's entry into UN, WTO... while Cyrpus Romania Greece will follow suit in the EU

The "Country" of Kosovo will crumble even more than it has now.

There is a very humerous comment above me that says "Europe will follow Germany's lead"

Forgive my ignorance but didnt we fight for many many years to prevent exactly that?

I hope people relise that what these people are saying is complete rubbish and do not actually believe this sort of stuff.

What a wonderful example of newspeak. Countries respecting international law are tarred as "dissident" from the actions of the renegade states who do not respect international law.

So we've come to the end of the road.
As things have turned out, at the end Kosova/o will be recognised by the Major Western Powers.
I guess a new era begins in the Balkans.

"" Italy, Germany, Great Britain and France will recognize Kosovo’s independence, regardless of the “dissident” EU member-states such as Spain, Romania, Slovakia and Cyprus. ""

I guess this cuts the argument of many, made at this blog, about other areas, such as Basque, Cyprus, Moldova and what not.
Kosova/o is a unique case, I have been saying this all along, my friends.

I told you so!

Europe will follow Germany's lead.

Thank you Merkel.

lazar, how did you come to the conclusion that Kosovo is a unique case based on that report? It just means that side B will recognise it and side A will not. So you will have a partially recognised quasi state with no legal foundation. I'm doubtful that it will end there and its status will continue to remain unresolved (and internationally recognised)for a long time to come.

Mark,

It is interesting that you speak of action and reaction. It is linear, not fuzzy, and it is easy to track.

What was the reaction to the atrocities commited by Nazi Albanians in Waffen SS Division Skenderbeg?

So called "oppression of Albanians" which included free and unrestrained immigration from Albania, among other things.

Albanians were given hand to forget their misdeeds in the past.

What was the reaction to it by extremist Kosovo Albanians? an illegal attempt to overthrow Constitutional order of SFRY in 1981.

How Federal Government reacted? By leaving Kosovo Albanian oligarchy in power, but with the security assitance of the whole SFRY
Kosovo Albanians call it oppression. They were not free to do what is forbiden in any civilized country on this planet.

What was the reaction to gross human rights violations, theft, graft, industrial sabotage and reckless spending of state funds by Kosovo Albanian Communist oligarchy in 1974-1989?

Federal suspension of those misused rights. (Btw. it was the request of MMF becuase they feared Kosovo Albanian Communists could sink weak Yugoslav ecconomy. They did not care of gross violations of human rights perpetrated by Kosovo Albanian Communists.)

Albanian extremists called this oppression and REBELLED against the state, by MURDERING first Albanians, then Serbs, in order to provoke police and attract the foreign intervention.

Crackdown in 1998 was the REACTION of the State on those CRIMINAL ACTS. Training terrorists is forbiden activity and fighting terrorists is something every civilized country has the right to do.

It is fairly easy to spot the pattern in Kosovo. Kosovo Albanians took every opportunity to side with occupiers to exterminate or expel others. When prevented, they cry foul and pretend to be victims.

The events from 1999 till the present day show it the most clearly.

The fact that Kososvo Albanian extremists have murdered thousands of Albanians tells what kind of "oppression" it really was - prevention creation of narcoterrorist statelet on Serbian soil.

I dare ANY Albanian on this site to speak openly, under his full name about Albanians murderered by Albanian narcoterrorist thugs.

Mark, perhaps you can be the first to break the code of silence.

Forget about fraudulent oppression for a moment, let's talk about the real one.

“I'm curious to hear the anti-Albanian comments on this site by the likes of Mike, Sudyka, Klinsman et cetera.”

Adrian,

I’m somewhat flattered that instead of an Albanian resorting to the usual “Princip, Kate, Jovan” challenge, you choose to name three of the most moderate members of the pro-Serb camp, who have tried to find common ground between Serbs and Albanians, and are three non-Serbs themselves. How you come to the conclusion that our comments are “anti-Albanian” is unclear, but whatever floats your boat.

I’m not interested in taking time out to verify if what you said about Albania’s natural resource deposits are true. If they are, that is truly a good thing to hear for an economically strapped country. I truly wish for better economic growth in all of the Balkans, Albania included. However I fail to see how that has anything to do with economically impoverished Kosovo; nor do I see how the prospects of oil and natural gas reserves in Albania can solve any immediate problem now.

First, you say that Albania is projected to contain “3 billion barrels of oil and 3 billion of cubic feet of natural gas”. Rather impressive for a small country, but let’s look at that comparatively: Russia is estimated to hold at least 120 billion barrels, with the potential of producing 9 million barrels a day by 2010. Iraq has 112 billion barrels. Saudi Arabia has an unbelievable 262 billion barrels. Furthermore, Russia is estimated to hold over a quarter of the world’s supply of natural gas. These two factors alone, constitute to 91% of Europe’s reliance. That’s an impressively large amount. Yet when placed in the context of what you wrote, Albania’s supposed hold of 3 billion barrels is but a drop of water in the incomprehensible ocean of global oil wealth. I hardly think these figures will, as you write, “help alleviate to a degree EU's dependence on Russian oil/gas”.

Second, these oil reserves you speak of have yet to be tapped. Much like the arguments in the United States calling for the drilling of American oil over those of Middle Eastern and Russian, it takes years to contract, drill, refine, and process the oil to the point where oil travels from the pumps to the cars seamlessly. Most of the time, it’s economically advantageous to buy the oil from already-producing oil refineries. My point here is that by the time Albania gets around to establishing itself as an oil exporter, foreign companies might have already bought a stake in the your oil sector.

Third, having oil reserves does not automatically equate to economic potential if said wealth is largely controlled by a small (and often corrupt) cartel. Many Albanians here have commented that Russia’s oil wealth comes at the expense of its own democratic freedoms. One needs only to look at Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Iraq, and others to detect a pattern. Also, Nigeria has fabulous amounts of oil wealth, and it is one of the most corrupt countries in the world.

Finally, Albania can have all the wealth in the world, but no one will invest in its industries and businesses if the socio-political landscape is unstable, corrupt, and volatile. An impoverished country with oil wells is the worst situation to be in. Take a look at Nigeria and you’ll see the dangers of a rich country plagued by internal strife. Oil does not equal wealth. Oil + stability + entrepreneurship + financial capital + educated middle class = wealth.

Far from being “anti-Albanian”, my comments are meant to give a reality check to your otherwise gushing statements. It’s perfectly fine to feel proud of your country’s potential wealth and growth, but to actually think this is going to change the geostrategic outline of Europe is far fetched. Real wealth must come in the form of investment capital and entrpreneurship, not tapping an oil well. With the noted corruption and partly free political system plaguing Tirana for the last 15 years, it seems more likely Albania’s potential oil wealth will line the pockets of a small elite group, while bypassing ordinary citizens.

Your statements of a Serbian economic blockade and the potential benefits from it are largely the musings of a nationalist. Serbia makes up nearly 70% of Kosovo’s legitimate economic income, and sealing the border would be disastrous for all interested parties. Besides, Albanians can’t eat or drink oil. More importantly, Albanian gains will not come as a result of Serbian losses or isolation. If you honestly think this is how it’s done, you’ve still much to learn.

Yes, it's another article that's been repeating the same thing for the last eight years....

Before the Albanian camp, once again, sings to the glory of US foreign policy, have a look at this week's visit to the Holy Land..

Can you really hold him to his words?


Perhaps Bush needs a last "Push" before being let go from White House duties, seeing that he's been discredited in every other foreign policy push...

What does he care if "pip squeek" Serbia cries foul?

I guess the US would feel better, if it were allowed ONE foreign policy victory in their eyes...haha.

Next move, go to war with a few Iranian fishermen in the Persian gulf...

Unless you have UN security
council recognition kosovo
will not be independent and
will not be able to join any
international organizations.
As for foreign investment we
will see whether the Germans
will put their money where
their mouth is.It's all geared to force Serbia to
relent and accept the loss
of kosovo.Both Russia and
China know that NATO and EU
plans for the region are not for egalitarian as they seem.

We'll see what happens. All I have to say on the matter is that the albanian dream will collapse just like their pyramid sales in albania. Nope, if you were going to be independent, you would be by now. You're being strung along. And so what if the US and Germany recognise you. That hardly amounts to International recognition. No entry into the EU, no seat at the UN and no formal recognition equates to zip!! You've been duped. Enjoy!

DANKE DEUTSCHLAND!!!

What a wonderful example of newspeak. Countries respecting international law are tarred as "dissident" from the actions of the renegade states who do not respect international law.
(Bob Petrovich, 11 January 2008 16:28)

bob,
serbia has no room to talk when it comes to matters of law & order. it seems belgrade only plays that card when it's convenient for them personally. keep in mind that every action has a reaction...cause & effect. in other words, all of the grief you've caused the people of the balkans in the 90's has produced what you're seeing here today.

This report says nothing new. We all knew the US would push for premautre independence, and it would probably be followed by a few key EU countries.

That being said, it doesn't mean the final status is resolved. Look at the way the EU as a collective whole is gearing up to take over Kosovo as a virtual colony. Look at how only a few days ago it was mentioned that the EU was trying to steer Kosovo away from "total independence".

Plus, we cannot forget that formal indpendence can only take place at the UN. With a Russia/China veto, the best Pristina can hope for is a glorified Northern Cyprus status that is almost exclusively dependent on foriegn aid.

Finally, we need to take into account that this entire issue has been one large game of poker with each side raising the ante before the cards are revealed and/or other players fold. Each side is making provocative moves:

a) US to recognize at UDI
b) Russia to veto any UN resolution not based on compromise
c) Serbia threatening to halt its EU ascension
d) Northern Kosovo and RS threatening to break away

Most of these moves are done to enforce each side's commitment to stay in the game as long as possible. The only trouble is that the end result will disapoint many. Albanians see and hear only what they want to see and hear, and so this article is interpreted as actual independence, with Kosovo being a "special case" and all nay-sayers caught with their tail between their legs.

In the end, the US, and other EU countries can push for recognition, and even recognize after an outright UDI, but with only a few states recognizing here and there, and with the EU assuming full responsiblity over Kosovo, the rest of the world doesn't have to react to this. Therefore, I cannot see how Kosovo can be called "independent" by any rational means, and I equally cannot see how a quasi-legal territorial entity is going to make the region any more stable than it is now.

Let's hope they know what they are doing and that they have good contingencies in place in the event of something not going to plan.

This is going to get interesting quite soon.

Very noticable and alarming is how the larger EU nations do and will "disregard" the opinions and objections of other smaller EU members; Hence, a good idea of what Serbia can expect within the EU if it was to joins too. Looks like some countries are more important then others (and a few outsiders can call the [NATO] shots within the EU as well, not pun intended).

It is a grave pity that arrogance, irrational willfulness. power politics and contempt have replaced International Law (UN, Helsinki Accords, Resolution 1244 and other civilized standards); Looks like might and force are the name of the game!

Europe is now heading to a new DARK AGE... Kovosa (an ethnically cleansed, albanian controlled narco-mafia mini-state ultimately dominated by NATO) will be the ill product of this 10th Crusade. Looks like 1204 will be revisited in 2008. Umm?
Nothing has changed in the Balkans (and with the west Europeans either)!

I remember someone in the past was saying that Germany is drifting away from recognizing the independence.

I guess that someone failed again in his predictions.

Apparently Germany has now taken a lead role in convincing those few hesitant countries to recognize Kosova as soon as it declares independence. Things keep getting better and better. Who said in this site a couple of months ago, that Germany won't recognize Kosova, that it's ties to Russia, Gasprom and Shroeder will prevent it from doing so etc, etc, etc, etc, and endless other predictions by the resident profets on this site, that now are crashing down faster than castles in the sand.

There's nothing else left but to see how effective the Serbian blocade will be in changing the minds of the Kosovars away from freedom and independence. Will they be persuaded by the embargo to go and put their neck under the Serbian boot one more time? Any more profecies?

And now for the big news: Just yesterday a report was released that estimates that Albania might have one the biggest oil and gas reserves in the continent. Gustavson Associates performed a third party evaluation of the seismic data for the Swiss Manas Petroleum Co, that owns a licence for onshore exploration in western Albania. This is just one of a several sectors, and it is estimated that it holds up to 3 billion barrels of oil and 3 billion of cubic feet of natural gas, in what is "superbly defined, giant, virtually drill ready prospects."

"Gustavson assigns 2.987 billion barrels with 3.014 trillion cubic feet of associated gas as the P50 prospective oil resources in its oil with associated gas case. Gustavson notes that because of the depth it is possible that the prospects will hold natural gas. In its oil with a gas cap case Gustavson calculates the prospective resources to total 1.4 billion barrels of light oil and 15 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Gustavson estimates that in the event only gas is present the P50 prospective resource is 28 trillion cubic feet of natural gas"

http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=55121

Now, 3 billion barrels is huge, and we're only talking about just one sector. By comparison Azerbaijan has 7 billion in reserves and Finland 7.7 billion. And per capita these reserves might even be more significant in the case of Albania.

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0872964.html

Furthermore the proximity to the industrial heart of Europe - the region of southern Germany (Bavaria), Northeastern France (Rhone Valley), Switzerland, Austria and Northern Italy, will make these reserves even more lucrative. You only need an under-water pipeline from Albania to Northern Italy to reach these markets very cheaply and efficiently. Look here:

http://statistica.regione.veneto.it/ENG/Pubblicazioni/RapportoStatistico2007/viewimg.jsp?img=f11_8

Those reserves can help alleviate to a degree EU's dependence on Russian oil/gas, and with Albania's pro-western stance and its EU prospects it will be oil free of political interference and blackmailing such as the Russian/Mideast oil.

Presently, Albania produces only about 60% of its needs in oil, but it has a refining capacity twice as much as it produces and an energy park has been planned to be build by Petrolifera (Italian-US) in the city of Vlora. This energy park includes refineries, power plants, and also a port to accomodate inter-oceanic tankers. Another under-water pipeline has been planned to be build by another Swiss company that would bring in Algerian gas from Southern Italy. All this infrastructure can also be used for exporting oil and gas into EU and US.

Kosova will also benefit greatly from these reserves. Not only in cheap oil, but also in improved energy situation. But not only that; This actually changes the whole game. I have always been against Kosova and Albania joining in a single state, but now with a prolonged battle to enter the UN and with oil-rich Albania, the prospects of a union appear suddenly very appealing. At this point I wholeheartedly support a Serbian blockade on Kosova, because it will be so much easier to make the case politically and diplomatically to the western powers for the Kosovar-Albanian union, at the same time by casting Serbia as a belligerent state, which it will help to isolate it even further from EU, and push it outside of Europe and into the Russian fatal embrace.

2008, is turning indeed to be a good and lucky year:
January - massive reserves of oil/gas found in Albania.
February - Kosova declares independence.
April - Albania gets admitted into NATO.
The rest of the months must be getting a bit jealous.

I'm curious to hear the anti-Albanian comments on this site by the likes of Mike, Sudyka, Klinsman et cetera. But, remember, the only real talking will be done by the petrodollars.

"DANKE DEUTSCHLAND!!!
(ben, 11 January 2008 16:31)"

you are beginning to sing and be thankful, even before anything happened?

Well the bottom line is that it will have to be independence and recognition outside the UN, with no conceivable prospects of entry anytime soon. And with north Kosovo rejecting that independence. Both Belgrade and especially Pristina will have to live with this new limbo unless they are prepared to enter into new negotiations to break the deadlock sometime in the future. But they will probably be content to let this soft partition take its course.

Adrian

The US consumes about 22 million barrels per day. Firstly, as Albania is a poor and weak country, the US can easily steal it and burn it up in less than 6 months. Those NATO bases are not there just for looks.

We are talking about the largest energy consumer in the world. Those yank tanks will love the Albanian oil! The only problem is there's just not enough.

This is news?

Adrian Gashi

"I'm curious to hear the anti-Albanian comments on this site by the likes of Mike, Sudyka, Klinsman et cetera. But, remember, the only real talking will be done by the petrodollars.
(Adrian Gashi, 11 January 2008 20:24)"

Sorry, why am I included in the anti-Albanian camp? And what does possible oil reserves in Albania have to do with Germany and the US recognizing Kosovo?

The US should keep their feet out of their mouths. One day they don't want to deal with KosovO & state that it's an EU issue. Another day, they state they will recognize independence.

Amazing coming from a country that gives citizenship to ANY one that can cross their borders.

I say give independence to Texas & California - they're already a part of Mexico anyway!

On a separate note, they're only recognizing independence - that's something the albanians have been doing for the last decade. Remember to recognize is to admit & to have is to hold or maintain as a privledge which are two very different verbs.

Mike,

Excellent post! Very well written!

Adrian, thanks for mentioning
Offshore oilfields in Albania.

This is well kept secret. Montenegrin oilfields were hushed up quickly and it is the part of the same story.

However, it is fairly easy to find who already has the exploitation rights once you know they exist.

There is only one problem for exploitation, lawless North Albania. It was an idea to send all lawless elements to Kosovo.

I believe that Kosovo Albanian extremists are not very happy you bring Albanian oilfields into the limelight.

On other hand, Serbs should take this seriously and read everything about this and follow the money trail.

Individual states often recognize new states before the UN Security Council does. Croatia comes to mind here. Israel. You can all name more if you think about it. This is not a violation of international law - it is fairly standard practice (like it or not).
Bob Petrovich: "narcoterrorists"???
What does this have to do with recognition of Kosovo?
Judging from your name, you are of Serbian origin - which is something you can and should be proud of. But instead of concentrating on Albanian problems (which ar4e their problems) you should be rather concerned about the effect and power of organised crime in Serbia. Not so long ago Serbia's head of state was murdered by criminals. Nobody called Serbian criminal syndicates "narcoterrorists", though some certainly are involved in drugs traffic. When a Serb says Kosovo is a source of crime, from an outsiders' perspective it sounds a little like the pot calling the kettle black.
Can't we drop this sort of loaded (apparently anti-Albanian) rhetoric and get together on how to solve the problem of organized crime - in Serbia, Kosovo, the US, Britain, Germany...you name it.

"Anyone who thinks that UN means anything to the Albanians, Americans, or Germans is highly deluded.
(Funcakes, 12 January 2008 10:50)"

Funcakes,

UN not important at all to Pristina, Washington and Berlin?

1. Kosovo sent its president or prime minister (sorry, I can't recall which) to the UN recently even though he has to go as a private person and not as head of state.

2. The UN is located in New York, and the US foots a major part of the UN's annual bills.

3. Germany is desperate for a permanent seat in the UNSC. So far it had failed to get it but it is not giving up as yet.

I would respectfully suggest that the only one here who is deluded, or at least ignorant of the reality, is yourself.

Bob Petrovic, here are some real facts about the position of Albanians in KosovA during the WW2.

On the Skerderbeg's SS Division: Noel Malcolm on his work 'Kosovo, a short history' quotes German sources saying that by October 1944 the Skenderbeg's Division had three thousand men who were mainly deployed to guard mines in the Mitrovica area and other military installations. Malcolm quotes German military records in which German commanders complain that the 'division was of no military value and without any particular will to fight'. Much had been made of the Skanderbeg's Division by the Serb nationalists historians, but the facts are that apart from taking part in the shameful act of rounding up some 290 Jews in Kosovo, the Division was of no military value and it certainly did not commit the attrocities which are attributed to it.

By contrast, another author, P Cohen in his book 'Serbia's Secret War-Propaganda and Deceit of History' (1996) says that since 1942 the Serb quisling government in Belgrade had set up the Serbian State Guard and Serbian Volunteer Corps with 25 thousand men. The later were under the command of German officers and 'took part in actions against communist partisans and repraisals against civilians'. Collaboration was never a one-sides affair.

In all, during the WW2, Serb historians (real ones) estimate that 12 thousand Albanians and 10 thousand Serbs were killed in KosovA. This number is very low to what happened in the rest of Yugoslavia.

Furthermore, on the issue of migration from Albania during WW2, Malcolm says that figure of 250 thousand mentioned by Serb nationalist historians is pure fantasy. A few thousand returned but they were state officials and Kosova Albanian emigrees who had sought shelter in Albania during the war. Two Serb historians, Vuvkovic M. & Nikolic G. in their work 'Stanovistvo Kosova u razdoblju od 1918 do 1991' published in Munich 1996, also say that German records of the time estimate that some 40 thousand Serbs left Kosova during WW2, but this they mote is less than the number of Serb colonists who were settled there by the Yugoslav government in the 1930s.

These, Bob Petrovic, are the facts. If you need any more sources, I'm happy to provide them.

As expected. Nothing new here. Let's see what the future brings.

Yes Peter it is interesting alarady.
This is a good new for all in Kosova,K-Albanians and Serbs that wouls not leave Independent Kosova for Serbia.

Yes, it's another article that's been repeating the same thing for the last eight years....

Before the Albanian camp, once again, sings to the glory of US foreign policy, have a look at this week's visit to the Holy Land..

Can you really hold him to his words?


Perhaps Bush needs a last "Push" before being let go from White House duties, seeing that he's been discredited in every other foreign policy push...

What does he care if "pip squeek" Serbia cries foul?

I guess the US would feel better, if it were allowed ONE foreign policy victory in their eyes...haha.

Next move, go to war with a few Iranian fishermen in the Persian gulf...
(Pijetro, 11 January 2008 18:04)


time will tell but i have a funny feeling that serbia, if it follows down the path it's on, will one day resemble afghanistan. you will one day be chasing the russians, too!

Guys Kosova will be independent this is the fact. What we albanians all the time was trying to acchieve is to make Kosova country for all their citizens. We want Albanians to fill free, serbs to fill free and all others who live in Kosova. All we want is to have good relations with all our neighbors. We want to respekt interest of Serbs, Albanians and other interest. We want to cooperate not just with Europe and USA, Canada but with Russia. What we dont understand is why Serbia, Russia and some other countries think that their interest are demaged if Kosova gets its independence. Whay they can not change their way of thinking of albanians and start new era of cooperation with Albanians. We are not against their interest and we never were aginst their interest. All we wanted is to live in peace and free. It is good chance for all of us to start new life within European Union. I am avare that there is eough place for all of us. I am calling Serbs and Russians to be more reasonable and more cooperative and to throw their bad thinking about EU.

Sorry, why am I included in the anti-Albanian camp? And what does possible oil reserves in Albania have to do with Germany and the US recognizing Kosovo?
(Peter Sudyka, 11 January 2008 20:56)

Peter, didn't you write the other day how Albanians are notorious all over Europe for this and for that. I couldn't even read the whole thing, because such sweeping ethnic generalizations are typically borderline fascism. Today, however I read the rest of the comments on that thread and how you softened your stance. Should I apologise to you? Maybe I jumped the gun too quickly just like you did.

Adrian Gashi

No Adrian, I did not make any statement, I simply provided a source to negate what laki was saying (which was extremely one-sided from his side). This does not automatically make a part of the anti-Albanian/pro-Serb camp (unless anyone who says anything bad about the Albanians automatically should be considered a part of this and this group, then whatever, have it your way).

There is no need to apologize for anything, however you did jump the gun indeed, in particular with regards to your fascist reference, there is no need for that.

Anyway, back to the topic...

"The fact that Kososvo Albanian extremists have murdered thousands of Albanians tells what kind of "oppression" it really was - prevention creation of narcoterrorist statelet on Serbian soil." Bob Petrovic.

Hi Bob, that's funny. Do you know by the way that for the very first time Kosova was incorporated into the Serbian State in 1913. Please have a look at the Serbian Map during centuries and you'll never see Kosova inside the Serbian map. Please give up your effortless superiority. Serbs took Kosova with war and Russian support. They lost it with war. We gained our freedom thanks to USA and Germany.

The unicity of Kosova is that it is tha last federative unit of a disintegrated federative state i.e. Yougoslavia. Spain, Cyprus, Moldavia ecc are not the same.

Dragan

Whilst we should not forget what Germany did to our countries, and whilst I cannot say I think Germany is doing the best thing, it is also not fair to base Germany's decision on historical alliances, those things are not related in this case.

Olf

I just hope that the interests of the Kosovo Serbs will be tended to, otherwise I don't think this will work, it will be an uncertain future like is seen with Bosnia. If Kosovo is to be independence, genuine equally must be enforced at all costs. I hope they will integrate the Serbs and other minorities well and protect their interests as well.

Anyone who thinks that UN means anything to the Albanians, Americans, or Germans is highly deluded.

Recognition of the independence from all the countries is impossible, but not a problem really. Taiwan has not been recognized by many countries, not even by the U.S. I am told from a taiwanese friend of mine(unless he is wrong) and is not a member of the UN, but it is doing great. No way Kosovo is/will be like Taiwan, it won't have massive investments after independence probably, but still, recognition by Russia or some other countries is not necessary for development. It could help, but is not necessary.

And...personally, I appreciate Peter's comments, even though often I don't agree with them.

To #8.
I did not come to that conclusion by reading this article. I have quite a background in the history and the geo-politics of the Balkans. There is not enough space here for me to explain how, its a lifetime process.
Kosova/o, that is what this article is stating is being recognised by the US and the EU major countries, and probably by most countries in the world.
"doubtful of internationally recognised?"
hmmmmmmm......

We want Albanians to fill free, serbs to fill free and all others who live in Kosova. All we want is to have good relations with all our neighbors. (beni, 11 January 2008 23:05)

Beni do you mean fill free, like in free gas fill-ups for your car or something? Not sure I understood.

Gjon Cima wrote: "Hi Bob, that's funny. Do you know by the way that for the very first time Kosova was incorporated into the Serbian State in 1913. Please have a look at the Serbian Map during centuries and you'll never see Kosova inside the Serbian map. Please give up your effortless superiority. Serbs took Kosova with war and Russian support. They lost it with war. We gained our freedom thanks to USA and Germany. "

Wow ! I suggest that Mr. Cima actually consult historical maps before making such claim - the only thing funny is his silly comment devoid of the facts.

Perry-Castaneda library of maps at A&M University, Texas has an extensive collection of historical maps. It can be seen that Kosovo was part of Serbia, at least since A.D. 1196.

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/serbia_boundaries.gif

Furthermore, the territory of present day Albania was a
part of Serbian state around A.D. 1355.

The maps clearly show that Albanian population intruded and conquerred Serbian land, not vice versa.

The only thing new on the maps is creation of Shqiperia (falsely called Albania) in 1912.

Since creation of Shqiperia, the population of non-Shqiptars was forcibly diminished from 45% to 5%, a trend documented in Kosovo as well.

The entire library collection can be seen here:

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/history_balkans.html

I ask Mr. Cima to retract his frivolous accusation on a public forum.

Also, to comment on the mass murder of more than 1000 Albanians by KLA terrorists after June 1999.

Mospyt, professional historians call Mr. Malcolm's non-fiction "a history with an attitude". It is polite way to say that he deliberately cherry pick sources to prove his position. Many people actually do it, but it is not history.

The problem arises when it is done to whitewash Nazi crimes. In some countries, it is a felony. Mr. Malcolm flew below radar because of his vitriolic rhetoric.

The history of Waffen SS division Skanderbeg (Albanishe Nr.1) is covered in detail by many historians and they do not falsify the facts like Mr. Malcolm.

I have no reason to repeat what has been printed in books by actual historians.

http://books.google.ca/books?q=waffen+ss+division+skanderbeg&spell=1&oi=spell

However, I have to refute Nazi revisionist claims you cited. It is not true that Waffen SS Skanderbeg division had only three thousand men. This is Mr. Malcolm's Nazi rev isionist lie.


The names of 11,398 Kosovo Albanian VOLUNTEERS were submitted to Berlin. 9,275 were considered and 6,491 became members of Wafffen Ss Division Skanderbeg.


It came out that Albanian volunteers were mostly interested in terrorizing Serbs and they commited horendous crimes.


The number 3000 came later, when the end of the war was nearing.


Some of the books mentioning Albanische nr.1 Waffen SS Division can be read online:



http://books.google.ca/books?q=waffen+ss+division+skanderbeg&spell=1&oi=spell


They demonstrate what kind of "historian" Mr. Malcolm is.

Your claim that Waffen SS Skanderbeg did not commit any crimes is especially worrysome.

"SS-Brigadefûhrer August Schmidthuber, one of the commanders of the 21st SS Mountain Division "Skanderbeg”, was captured in 1945 and turned over to Yugoslav authorities. He was put on trial in February 1947 by a Yugoslav military tribunal at Belgrade, on charges of participating in massacres, deportations and atrocities against civilians. The tribunal sentenced him to death by hanging. He was executed on February, 27th 1947"

You claim that this is not true. This constitutes Nazi revisionism. Be careful what you quote.

It seems that you have a penchant for pseudo-history authors. Mr. P. Cohen you cite, is actually Philip J. Cohen. He is no historian (he is Medical Doctor). Cohen cites texts in Serbian although he does not speak the language (!). Serious historians call such people propagandists, and Cohen is poor one - the only people who consider Philip J. Cohen to be historian are Croatian extremists. His slanderous book is written in a lame attempt to exonerate Croatian Nazis for the horrendous crimes they commited. Citing Cohen puts you in a very bad light.


I would also ask B92 staff to warn Albanian contributors that Nazi revisionism is illegal actiovity and should not be tollerated. B92 can bear legal consequences for allowing Nazi revisonist postings on a site accessible from Germany, Austria and other countries where this is a felony.

Webber, "narcoterrorist" is a political term used to denote activity Of "financing of terrorist activities by participation in the drug trade".

It is not a slight, it is a statement of the facts and it is directly related to events in Kosovo.

The role of KLA terrorists in narcotrafficking on European continent is well documented by European security agences and reported in the European and world media.

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=+KLA+heroin&meta=

And you are dead wrong, it is not only Albanian problem.

Some European countries (e.g. Switzerland) hope that if "kosova" becomes independent, they could ship Albanians home en masse. Norway is also very concerned, because Albanian gangs control Norwegian narcotics market.

It is an elephant in the living room. You may choose to ignore it, you may criticize me for calling it by it's real name, but it will not change the fact - the power elite of Kosovo Albanians consists of people heavilly involved in narcoterrorist activities.
They are the envy of their colleagues in Bolivia and Colombia who unsuccessfully tried the same.

Europe will follow Germany's lead.

Thank you Merkel.

DANKE DEUTSCHLAND!!!

So we've come to the end of the road.
As things have turned out, at the end Kosova/o will be recognised by the Major Western Powers.
I guess a new era begins in the Balkans.

"" Italy, Germany, Great Britain and France will recognize Kosovo’s independence, regardless of the “dissident” EU member-states such as Spain, Romania, Slovakia and Cyprus. ""

I guess this cuts the argument of many, made at this blog, about other areas, such as Basque, Cyprus, Moldova and what not.
Kosova/o is a unique case, I have been saying this all along, my friends.

I told you so!

What a wonderful example of newspeak. Countries respecting international law are tarred as "dissident" from the actions of the renegade states who do not respect international law.
(Bob Petrovich, 11 January 2008 16:28)

bob,
serbia has no room to talk when it comes to matters of law & order. it seems belgrade only plays that card when it's convenient for them personally. keep in mind that every action has a reaction...cause & effect. in other words, all of the grief you've caused the people of the balkans in the 90's has produced what you're seeing here today.

I remember someone in the past was saying that Germany is drifting away from recognizing the independence.

I guess that someone failed again in his predictions.

Apparently Germany has now taken a lead role in convincing those few hesitant countries to recognize Kosova as soon as it declares independence. Things keep getting better and better. Who said in this site a couple of months ago, that Germany won't recognize Kosova, that it's ties to Russia, Gasprom and Shroeder will prevent it from doing so etc, etc, etc, etc, and endless other predictions by the resident profets on this site, that now are crashing down faster than castles in the sand.

There's nothing else left but to see how effective the Serbian blocade will be in changing the minds of the Kosovars away from freedom and independence. Will they be persuaded by the embargo to go and put their neck under the Serbian boot one more time? Any more profecies?

And now for the big news: Just yesterday a report was released that estimates that Albania might have one the biggest oil and gas reserves in the continent. Gustavson Associates performed a third party evaluation of the seismic data for the Swiss Manas Petroleum Co, that owns a licence for onshore exploration in western Albania. This is just one of a several sectors, and it is estimated that it holds up to 3 billion barrels of oil and 3 billion of cubic feet of natural gas, in what is "superbly defined, giant, virtually drill ready prospects."

"Gustavson assigns 2.987 billion barrels with 3.014 trillion cubic feet of associated gas as the P50 prospective oil resources in its oil with associated gas case. Gustavson notes that because of the depth it is possible that the prospects will hold natural gas. In its oil with a gas cap case Gustavson calculates the prospective resources to total 1.4 billion barrels of light oil and 15 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Gustavson estimates that in the event only gas is present the P50 prospective resource is 28 trillion cubic feet of natural gas"

http://www.rigzone.com/news/article.asp?a_id=55121

Now, 3 billion barrels is huge, and we're only talking about just one sector. By comparison Azerbaijan has 7 billion in reserves and Finland 7.7 billion. And per capita these reserves might even be more significant in the case of Albania.

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0872964.html

Furthermore the proximity to the industrial heart of Europe - the region of southern Germany (Bavaria), Northeastern France (Rhone Valley), Switzerland, Austria and Northern Italy, will make these reserves even more lucrative. You only need an under-water pipeline from Albania to Northern Italy to reach these markets very cheaply and efficiently. Look here:

http://statistica.regione.veneto.it/ENG/Pubblicazioni/RapportoStatistico2007/viewimg.jsp?img=f11_8

Those reserves can help alleviate to a degree EU's dependence on Russian oil/gas, and with Albania's pro-western stance and its EU prospects it will be oil free of political interference and blackmailing such as the Russian/Mideast oil.

Presently, Albania produces only about 60% of its needs in oil, but it has a refining capacity twice as much as it produces and an energy park has been planned to be build by Petrolifera (Italian-US) in the city of Vlora. This energy park includes refineries, power plants, and also a port to accomodate inter-oceanic tankers. Another under-water pipeline has been planned to be build by another Swiss company that would bring in Algerian gas from Southern Italy. All this infrastructure can also be used for exporting oil and gas into EU and US.

Kosova will also benefit greatly from these reserves. Not only in cheap oil, but also in improved energy situation. But not only that; This actually changes the whole game. I have always been against Kosova and Albania joining in a single state, but now with a prolonged battle to enter the UN and with oil-rich Albania, the prospects of a union appear suddenly very appealing. At this point I wholeheartedly support a Serbian blockade on Kosova, because it will be so much easier to make the case politically and diplomatically to the western powers for the Kosovar-Albanian union, at the same time by casting Serbia as a belligerent state, which it will help to isolate it even further from EU, and push it outside of Europe and into the Russian fatal embrace.

2008, is turning indeed to be a good and lucky year:
January - massive reserves of oil/gas found in Albania.
February - Kosova declares independence.
April - Albania gets admitted into NATO.
The rest of the months must be getting a bit jealous.

I'm curious to hear the anti-Albanian comments on this site by the likes of Mike, Sudyka, Klinsman et cetera. But, remember, the only real talking will be done by the petrodollars.

Yes Peter it is interesting alarady.
This is a good new for all in Kosova,K-Albanians and Serbs that wouls not leave Independent Kosova for Serbia.

Once again USA says jump to Europe and parts of Europe jumps.

Only a few "dissident" states dares to oppose the almighty USA...

Very Very Sad if EU lets USA dictates its policy, then the whole EU idea is starting to falling into pieces.

There is a very humerous comment above me that says "Europe will follow Germany's lead"

Forgive my ignorance but didnt we fight for many many years to prevent exactly that?

I hope people relise that what these people are saying is complete rubbish and do not actually believe this sort of stuff.

Germans don't forget who their allies are. They helped push for Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia to separate, and now they are doing the same for their WWII allies, the Kosovo Albanians.
It's too bad France, the UK and the US do not remember who their allies are, and have been duped by this underground German campaign. One really has to wonder who really lost the war? Germany controls the EU, are sending soldiers places outside of their borders again, are advocating the illegal and immoral creation of a 'greater albania', are ignoring international law and the UN charter.
On the bright side, any redrawing of borders has to go through the UN, everyone knows this including the Germans. The Russian veto guarantees Serbian sovereignty of Kosovo. So us Serbs may have to wait for the right moment to take it back. This will happen who knows when, but it will happen.

Well the bottom line is that it will have to be independence and recognition outside the UN, with no conceivable prospects of entry anytime soon. And with north Kosovo rejecting that independence. Both Belgrade and especially Pristina will have to live with this new limbo unless they are prepared to enter into new negotiations to break the deadlock sometime in the future. But they will probably be content to let this soft partition take its course.

Yes, it's another article that's been repeating the same thing for the last eight years....

Before the Albanian camp, once again, sings to the glory of US foreign policy, have a look at this week's visit to the Holy Land..

Can you really hold him to his words?


Perhaps Bush needs a last "Push" before being let go from White House duties, seeing that he's been discredited in every other foreign policy push...

What does he care if "pip squeek" Serbia cries foul?

I guess the US would feel better, if it were allowed ONE foreign policy victory in their eyes...haha.

Next move, go to war with a few Iranian fishermen in the Persian gulf...
(Pijetro, 11 January 2008 18:04)


time will tell but i have a funny feeling that serbia, if it follows down the path it's on, will one day resemble afghanistan. you will one day be chasing the russians, too!

Guys Kosova will be independent this is the fact. What we albanians all the time was trying to acchieve is to make Kosova country for all their citizens. We want Albanians to fill free, serbs to fill free and all others who live in Kosova. All we want is to have good relations with all our neighbors. We want to respekt interest of Serbs, Albanians and other interest. We want to cooperate not just with Europe and USA, Canada but with Russia. What we dont understand is why Serbia, Russia and some other countries think that their interest are demaged if Kosova gets its independence. Whay they can not change their way of thinking of albanians and start new era of cooperation with Albanians. We are not against their interest and we never were aginst their interest. All we wanted is to live in peace and free. It is good chance for all of us to start new life within European Union. I am avare that there is eough place for all of us. I am calling Serbs and Russians to be more reasonable and more cooperative and to throw their bad thinking about EU.

Anyone who thinks that UN means anything to the Albanians, Americans, or Germans is highly deluded.

Bob Petrovic, here are some real facts about the position of Albanians in KosovA during the WW2.

On the Skerderbeg's SS Division: Noel Malcolm on his work 'Kosovo, a short history' quotes German sources saying that by October 1944 the Skenderbeg's Division had three thousand men who were mainly deployed to guard mines in the Mitrovica area and other military installations. Malcolm quotes German military records in which German commanders complain that the 'division was of no military value and without any particular will to fight'. Much had been made of the Skanderbeg's Division by the Serb nationalists historians, but the facts are that apart from taking part in the shameful act of rounding up some 290 Jews in Kosovo, the Division was of no military value and it certainly did not commit the attrocities which are attributed to it.

By contrast, another author, P Cohen in his book 'Serbia's Secret War-Propaganda and Deceit of History' (1996) says that since 1942 the Serb quisling government in Belgrade had set up the Serbian State Guard and Serbian Volunteer Corps with 25 thousand men. The later were under the command of German officers and 'took part in actions against communist partisans and repraisals against civilians'. Collaboration was never a one-sides affair.

In all, during the WW2, Serb historians (real ones) estimate that 12 thousand Albanians and 10 thousand Serbs were killed in KosovA. This number is very low to what happened in the rest of Yugoslavia.

Furthermore, on the issue of migration from Albania during WW2, Malcolm says that figure of 250 thousand mentioned by Serb nationalist historians is pure fantasy. A few thousand returned but they were state officials and Kosova Albanian emigrees who had sought shelter in Albania during the war. Two Serb historians, Vuvkovic M. & Nikolic G. in their work 'Stanovistvo Kosova u razdoblju od 1918 do 1991' published in Munich 1996, also say that German records of the time estimate that some 40 thousand Serbs left Kosova during WW2, but this they mote is less than the number of Serb colonists who were settled there by the Yugoslav government in the 1930s.

These, Bob Petrovic, are the facts. If you need any more sources, I'm happy to provide them.

It would be huge surprise if Germany said NO to independence otherwise it is nothing new for us Serbs as we know that Germany was involved in breaking up YU.

lazar, how did you come to the conclusion that Kosovo is a unique case based on that report? It just means that side B will recognise it and side A will not. So you will have a partially recognised quasi state with no legal foundation. I'm doubtful that it will end there and its status will continue to remain unresolved (and internationally recognised)for a long time to come.

This is news?

As expected. Nothing new here. Let's see what the future brings.

Recognition of the independence from all the countries is impossible, but not a problem really. Taiwan has not been recognized by many countries, not even by the U.S. I am told from a taiwanese friend of mine(unless he is wrong) and is not a member of the UN, but it is doing great. No way Kosovo is/will be like Taiwan, it won't have massive investments after independence probably, but still, recognition by Russia or some other countries is not necessary for development. It could help, but is not necessary.

And...personally, I appreciate Peter's comments, even though often I don't agree with them.

To #8.
I did not come to that conclusion by reading this article. I have quite a background in the history and the geo-politics of the Balkans. There is not enough space here for me to explain how, its a lifetime process.
Kosova/o, that is what this article is stating is being recognised by the US and the EU major countries, and probably by most countries in the world.
"doubtful of internationally recognised?"
hmmmmmmm......

Sorry, why am I included in the anti-Albanian camp? And what does possible oil reserves in Albania have to do with Germany and the US recognizing Kosovo?
(Peter Sudyka, 11 January 2008 20:56)

Peter, didn't you write the other day how Albanians are notorious all over Europe for this and for that. I couldn't even read the whole thing, because such sweeping ethnic generalizations are typically borderline fascism. Today, however I read the rest of the comments on that thread and how you softened your stance. Should I apologise to you? Maybe I jumped the gun too quickly just like you did.

"The fact that Kososvo Albanian extremists have murdered thousands of Albanians tells what kind of "oppression" it really was - prevention creation of narcoterrorist statelet on Serbian soil." Bob Petrovic.

Hi Bob, that's funny. Do you know by the way that for the very first time Kosova was incorporated into the Serbian State in 1913. Please have a look at the Serbian Map during centuries and you'll never see Kosova inside the Serbian map. Please give up your effortless superiority. Serbs took Kosova with war and Russian support. They lost it with war. We gained our freedom thanks to USA and Germany.

The unicity of Kosova is that it is tha last federative unit of a disintegrated federative state i.e. Yougoslavia. Spain, Cyprus, Moldavia ecc are not the same.

Individual states often recognize new states before the UN Security Council does. Croatia comes to mind here. Israel. You can all name more if you think about it. This is not a violation of international law - it is fairly standard practice (like it or not).
Bob Petrovich: "narcoterrorists"???
What does this have to do with recognition of Kosovo?
Judging from your name, you are of Serbian origin - which is something you can and should be proud of. But instead of concentrating on Albanian problems (which ar4e their problems) you should be rather concerned about the effect and power of organised crime in Serbia. Not so long ago Serbia's head of state was murdered by criminals. Nobody called Serbian criminal syndicates "narcoterrorists", though some certainly are involved in drugs traffic. When a Serb says Kosovo is a source of crime, from an outsiders' perspective it sounds a little like the pot calling the kettle black.
Can't we drop this sort of loaded (apparently anti-Albanian) rhetoric and get together on how to solve the problem of organized crime - in Serbia, Kosovo, the US, Britain, Germany...you name it.

What a wonderful example of newspeak. Countries respecting international law are tarred as "dissident" from the actions of the renegade states who do not respect international law.

In the modern world you need international organizations to survive.

Russia cannot tell Germany, U.S. NOT to recognize Kosovo.. but it can veto Kosovo's entry into UN, WTO... while Cyrpus Romania Greece will follow suit in the EU

The "Country" of Kosovo will crumble even more than it has now.

Yes, it's another article that's been repeating the same thing for the last eight years....

Before the Albanian camp, once again, sings to the glory of US foreign policy, have a look at this week's visit to the Holy Land..

Can you really hold him to his words?


Perhaps Bush needs a last "Push" before being let go from White House duties, seeing that he's been discredited in every other foreign policy push...

What does he care if "pip squeek" Serbia cries foul?

I guess the US would feel better, if it were allowed ONE foreign policy victory in their eyes...haha.

Next move, go to war with a few Iranian fishermen in the Persian gulf...

Unless you have UN security
council recognition kosovo
will not be independent and
will not be able to join any
international organizations.
As for foreign investment we
will see whether the Germans
will put their money where
their mouth is.It's all geared to force Serbia to
relent and accept the loss
of kosovo.Both Russia and
China know that NATO and EU
plans for the region are not for egalitarian as they seem.

Dragan

Whilst we should not forget what Germany did to our countries, and whilst I cannot say I think Germany is doing the best thing, it is also not fair to base Germany's decision on historical alliances, those things are not related in this case.

Olf

I just hope that the interests of the Kosovo Serbs will be tended to, otherwise I don't think this will work, it will be an uncertain future like is seen with Bosnia. If Kosovo is to be independence, genuine equally must be enforced at all costs. I hope they will integrate the Serbs and other minorities well and protect their interests as well.

Mike,

Excellent post! Very well written!

Adrian Gashi

No Adrian, I did not make any statement, I simply provided a source to negate what laki was saying (which was extremely one-sided from his side). This does not automatically make a part of the anti-Albanian/pro-Serb camp (unless anyone who says anything bad about the Albanians automatically should be considered a part of this and this group, then whatever, have it your way).

There is no need to apologize for anything, however you did jump the gun indeed, in particular with regards to your fascist reference, there is no need for that.

Anyway, back to the topic...

Let's hope they know what they are doing and that they have good contingencies in place in the event of something not going to plan.

This is going to get interesting quite soon.

This report says nothing new. We all knew the US would push for premautre independence, and it would probably be followed by a few key EU countries.

That being said, it doesn't mean the final status is resolved. Look at the way the EU as a collective whole is gearing up to take over Kosovo as a virtual colony. Look at how only a few days ago it was mentioned that the EU was trying to steer Kosovo away from "total independence".

Plus, we cannot forget that formal indpendence can only take place at the UN. With a Russia/China veto, the best Pristina can hope for is a glorified Northern Cyprus status that is almost exclusively dependent on foriegn aid.

Finally, we need to take into account that this entire issue has been one large game of poker with each side raising the ante before the cards are revealed and/or other players fold. Each side is making provocative moves:

a) US to recognize at UDI
b) Russia to veto any UN resolution not based on compromise
c) Serbia threatening to halt its EU ascension
d) Northern Kosovo and RS threatening to break away

Most of these moves are done to enforce each side's commitment to stay in the game as long as possible. The only trouble is that the end result will disapoint many. Albanians see and hear only what they want to see and hear, and so this article is interpreted as actual independence, with Kosovo being a "special case" and all nay-sayers caught with their tail between their legs.

In the end, the US, and other EU countries can push for recognition, and even recognize after an outright UDI, but with only a few states recognizing here and there, and with the EU assuming full responsiblity over Kosovo, the rest of the world doesn't have to react to this. Therefore, I cannot see how Kosovo can be called "independent" by any rational means, and I equally cannot see how a quasi-legal territorial entity is going to make the region any more stable than it is now.

Mark,

It is interesting that you speak of action and reaction. It is linear, not fuzzy, and it is easy to track.

What was the reaction to the atrocities commited by Nazi Albanians in Waffen SS Division Skenderbeg?

So called "oppression of Albanians" which included free and unrestrained immigration from Albania, among other things.

Albanians were given hand to forget their misdeeds in the past.

What was the reaction to it by extremist Kosovo Albanians? an illegal attempt to overthrow Constitutional order of SFRY in 1981.

How Federal Government reacted? By leaving Kosovo Albanian oligarchy in power, but with the security assitance of the whole SFRY
Kosovo Albanians call it oppression. They were not free to do what is forbiden in any civilized country on this planet.

What was the reaction to gross human rights violations, theft, graft, industrial sabotage and reckless spending of state funds by Kosovo Albanian Communist oligarchy in 1974-1989?

Federal suspension of those misused rights. (Btw. it was the request of MMF becuase they feared Kosovo Albanian Communists could sink weak Yugoslav ecconomy. They did not care of gross violations of human rights perpetrated by Kosovo Albanian Communists.)

Albanian extremists called this oppression and REBELLED against the state, by MURDERING first Albanians, then Serbs, in order to provoke police and attract the foreign intervention.

Crackdown in 1998 was the REACTION of the State on those CRIMINAL ACTS. Training terrorists is forbiden activity and fighting terrorists is something every civilized country has the right to do.

It is fairly easy to spot the pattern in Kosovo. Kosovo Albanians took every opportunity to side with occupiers to exterminate or expel others. When prevented, they cry foul and pretend to be victims.

The events from 1999 till the present day show it the most clearly.

The fact that Kososvo Albanian extremists have murdered thousands of Albanians tells what kind of "oppression" it really was - prevention creation of narcoterrorist statelet on Serbian soil.

I dare ANY Albanian on this site to speak openly, under his full name about Albanians murderered by Albanian narcoterrorist thugs.

Mark, perhaps you can be the first to break the code of silence.

Forget about fraudulent oppression for a moment, let's talk about the real one.

We'll see what happens. All I have to say on the matter is that the albanian dream will collapse just like their pyramid sales in albania. Nope, if you were going to be independent, you would be by now. You're being strung along. And so what if the US and Germany recognise you. That hardly amounts to International recognition. No entry into the EU, no seat at the UN and no formal recognition equates to zip!! You've been duped. Enjoy!

Very noticable and alarming is how the larger EU nations do and will "disregard" the opinions and objections of other smaller EU members; Hence, a good idea of what Serbia can expect within the EU if it was to joins too. Looks like some countries are more important then others (and a few outsiders can call the [NATO] shots within the EU as well, not pun intended).

It is a grave pity that arrogance, irrational willfulness. power politics and contempt have replaced International Law (UN, Helsinki Accords, Resolution 1244 and other civilized standards); Looks like might and force are the name of the game!

Europe is now heading to a new DARK AGE... Kovosa (an ethnically cleansed, albanian controlled narco-mafia mini-state ultimately dominated by NATO) will be the ill product of this 10th Crusade. Looks like 1204 will be revisited in 2008. Umm?
Nothing has changed in the Balkans (and with the west Europeans either)!

"DANKE DEUTSCHLAND!!!
(ben, 11 January 2008 16:31)"

you are beginning to sing and be thankful, even before anything happened?

Adrian Gashi

"I'm curious to hear the anti-Albanian comments on this site by the likes of Mike, Sudyka, Klinsman et cetera. But, remember, the only real talking will be done by the petrodollars.
(Adrian Gashi, 11 January 2008 20:24)"

Sorry, why am I included in the anti-Albanian camp? And what does possible oil reserves in Albania have to do with Germany and the US recognizing Kosovo?

The US should keep their feet out of their mouths. One day they don't want to deal with KosovO & state that it's an EU issue. Another day, they state they will recognize independence.

Amazing coming from a country that gives citizenship to ANY one that can cross their borders.

I say give independence to Texas & California - they're already a part of Mexico anyway!

On a separate note, they're only recognizing independence - that's something the albanians have been doing for the last decade. Remember to recognize is to admit & to have is to hold or maintain as a privledge which are two very different verbs.

“I'm curious to hear the anti-Albanian comments on this site by the likes of Mike, Sudyka, Klinsman et cetera.”

Adrian,

I’m somewhat flattered that instead of an Albanian resorting to the usual “Princip, Kate, Jovan” challenge, you choose to name three of the most moderate members of the pro-Serb camp, who have tried to find common ground between Serbs and Albanians, and are three non-Serbs themselves. How you come to the conclusion that our comments are “anti-Albanian” is unclear, but whatever floats your boat.

I’m not interested in taking time out to verify if what you said about Albania’s natural resource deposits are true. If they are, that is truly a good thing to hear for an economically strapped country. I truly wish for better economic growth in all of the Balkans, Albania included. However I fail to see how that has anything to do with economically impoverished Kosovo; nor do I see how the prospects of oil and natural gas reserves in Albania can solve any immediate problem now.

First, you say that Albania is projected to contain “3 billion barrels of oil and 3 billion of cubic feet of natural gas”. Rather impressive for a small country, but let’s look at that comparatively: Russia is estimated to hold at least 120 billion barrels, with the potential of producing 9 million barrels a day by 2010. Iraq has 112 billion barrels. Saudi Arabia has an unbelievable 262 billion barrels. Furthermore, Russia is estimated to hold over a quarter of the world’s supply of natural gas. These two factors alone, constitute to 91% of Europe’s reliance. That’s an impressively large amount. Yet when placed in the context of what you wrote, Albania’s supposed hold of 3 billion barrels is but a drop of water in the incomprehensible ocean of global oil wealth. I hardly think these figures will, as you write, “help alleviate to a degree EU's dependence on Russian oil/gas”.

Second, these oil reserves you speak of have yet to be tapped. Much like the arguments in the United States calling for the drilling of American oil over those of Middle Eastern and Russian, it takes years to contract, drill, refine, and process the oil to the point where oil travels from the pumps to the cars seamlessly. Most of the time, it’s economically advantageous to buy the oil from already-producing oil refineries. My point here is that by the time Albania gets around to establishing itself as an oil exporter, foreign companies might have already bought a stake in the your oil sector.

Third, having oil reserves does not automatically equate to economic potential if said wealth is largely controlled by a small (and often corrupt) cartel. Many Albanians here have commented that Russia’s oil wealth comes at the expense of its own democratic freedoms. One needs only to look at Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Iraq, and others to detect a pattern. Also, Nigeria has fabulous amounts of oil wealth, and it is one of the most corrupt countries in the world.

Finally, Albania can have all the wealth in the world, but no one will invest in its industries and businesses if the socio-political landscape is unstable, corrupt, and volatile. An impoverished country with oil wells is the worst situation to be in. Take a look at Nigeria and you’ll see the dangers of a rich country plagued by internal strife. Oil does not equal wealth. Oil + stability + entrepreneurship + financial capital + educated middle class = wealth.

Far from being “anti-Albanian”, my comments are meant to give a reality check to your otherwise gushing statements. It’s perfectly fine to feel proud of your country’s potential wealth and growth, but to actually think this is going to change the geostrategic outline of Europe is far fetched. Real wealth must come in the form of investment capital and entrpreneurship, not tapping an oil well. With the noted corruption and partly free political system plaguing Tirana for the last 15 years, it seems more likely Albania’s potential oil wealth will line the pockets of a small elite group, while bypassing ordinary citizens.

Your statements of a Serbian economic blockade and the potential benefits from it are largely the musings of a nationalist. Serbia makes up nearly 70% of Kosovo’s legitimate economic income, and sealing the border would be disastrous for all interested parties. Besides, Albanians can’t eat or drink oil. More importantly, Albanian gains will not come as a result of Serbian losses or isolation. If you honestly think this is how it’s done, you’ve still much to learn.

Adrian

The US consumes about 22 million barrels per day. Firstly, as Albania is a poor and weak country, the US can easily steal it and burn it up in less than 6 months. Those NATO bases are not there just for looks.

We are talking about the largest energy consumer in the world. Those yank tanks will love the Albanian oil! The only problem is there's just not enough.

Adrian, thanks for mentioning
Offshore oilfields in Albania.

This is well kept secret. Montenegrin oilfields were hushed up quickly and it is the part of the same story.

However, it is fairly easy to find who already has the exploitation rights once you know they exist.

There is only one problem for exploitation, lawless North Albania. It was an idea to send all lawless elements to Kosovo.

I believe that Kosovo Albanian extremists are not very happy you bring Albanian oilfields into the limelight.

On other hand, Serbs should take this seriously and read everything about this and follow the money trail.

"Anyone who thinks that UN means anything to the Albanians, Americans, or Germans is highly deluded.
(Funcakes, 12 January 2008 10:50)"

Funcakes,

UN not important at all to Pristina, Washington and Berlin?

1. Kosovo sent its president or prime minister (sorry, I can't recall which) to the UN recently even though he has to go as a private person and not as head of state.

2. The UN is located in New York, and the US foots a major part of the UN's annual bills.

3. Germany is desperate for a permanent seat in the UNSC. So far it had failed to get it but it is not giving up as yet.

I would respectfully suggest that the only one here who is deluded, or at least ignorant of the reality, is yourself.

We want Albanians to fill free, serbs to fill free and all others who live in Kosova. All we want is to have good relations with all our neighbors. (beni, 11 January 2008 23:05)

Beni do you mean fill free, like in free gas fill-ups for your car or something? Not sure I understood.

Gjon Cima wrote: "Hi Bob, that's funny. Do you know by the way that for the very first time Kosova was incorporated into the Serbian State in 1913. Please have a look at the Serbian Map during centuries and you'll never see Kosova inside the Serbian map. Please give up your effortless superiority. Serbs took Kosova with war and Russian support. They lost it with war. We gained our freedom thanks to USA and Germany. "

Wow ! I suggest that Mr. Cima actually consult historical maps before making such claim - the only thing funny is his silly comment devoid of the facts.

Perry-Castaneda library of maps at A&M University, Texas has an extensive collection of historical maps. It can be seen that Kosovo was part of Serbia, at least since A.D. 1196.

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/serbia_boundaries.gif

Furthermore, the territory of present day Albania was a
part of Serbian state around A.D. 1355.

The maps clearly show that Albanian population intruded and conquerred Serbian land, not vice versa.

The only thing new on the maps is creation of Shqiperia (falsely called Albania) in 1912.

Since creation of Shqiperia, the population of non-Shqiptars was forcibly diminished from 45% to 5%, a trend documented in Kosovo as well.

The entire library collection can be seen here:

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/history_balkans.html

I ask Mr. Cima to retract his frivolous accusation on a public forum.

Also, to comment on the mass murder of more than 1000 Albanians by KLA terrorists after June 1999.

Mospyt, professional historians call Mr. Malcolm's non-fiction "a history with an attitude". It is polite way to say that he deliberately cherry pick sources to prove his position. Many people actually do it, but it is not history.

The problem arises when it is done to whitewash Nazi crimes. In some countries, it is a felony. Mr. Malcolm flew below radar because of his vitriolic rhetoric.

The history of Waffen SS division Skanderbeg (Albanishe Nr.1) is covered in detail by many historians and they do not falsify the facts like Mr. Malcolm.

I have no reason to repeat what has been printed in books by actual historians.

http://books.google.ca/books?q=waffen+ss+division+skanderbeg&spell=1&oi=spell

However, I have to refute Nazi revisionist claims you cited. It is not true that Waffen SS Skanderbeg division had only three thousand men. This is Mr. Malcolm's Nazi rev isionist lie.


The names of 11,398 Kosovo Albanian VOLUNTEERS were submitted to Berlin. 9,275 were considered and 6,491 became members of Wafffen Ss Division Skanderbeg.


It came out that Albanian volunteers were mostly interested in terrorizing Serbs and they commited horendous crimes.


The number 3000 came later, when the end of the war was nearing.


Some of the books mentioning Albanische nr.1 Waffen SS Division can be read online:



http://books.google.ca/books?q=waffen+ss+division+skanderbeg&spell=1&oi=spell


They demonstrate what kind of "historian" Mr. Malcolm is.

Your claim that Waffen SS Skanderbeg did not commit any crimes is especially worrysome.

"SS-Brigadefûhrer August Schmidthuber, one of the commanders of the 21st SS Mountain Division "Skanderbeg”, was captured in 1945 and turned over to Yugoslav authorities. He was put on trial in February 1947 by a Yugoslav military tribunal at Belgrade, on charges of participating in massacres, deportations and atrocities against civilians. The tribunal sentenced him to death by hanging. He was executed on February, 27th 1947"

You claim that this is not true. This constitutes Nazi revisionism. Be careful what you quote.

It seems that you have a penchant for pseudo-history authors. Mr. P. Cohen you cite, is actually Philip J. Cohen. He is no historian (he is Medical Doctor). Cohen cites texts in Serbian although he does not speak the language (!). Serious historians call such people propagandists, and Cohen is poor one - the only people who consider Philip J. Cohen to be historian are Croatian extremists. His slanderous book is written in a lame attempt to exonerate Croatian Nazis for the horrendous crimes they commited. Citing Cohen puts you in a very bad light.


I would also ask B92 staff to warn Albanian contributors that Nazi revisionism is illegal actiovity and should not be tollerated. B92 can bear legal consequences for allowing Nazi revisonist postings on a site accessible from Germany, Austria and other countries where this is a felony.

Webber, "narcoterrorist" is a political term used to denote activity Of "financing of terrorist activities by participation in the drug trade".

It is not a slight, it is a statement of the facts and it is directly related to events in Kosovo.

The role of KLA terrorists in narcotrafficking on European continent is well documented by European security agences and reported in the European and world media.

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=+KLA+heroin&meta=

And you are dead wrong, it is not only Albanian problem.

Some European countries (e.g. Switzerland) hope that if "kosova" becomes independent, they could ship Albanians home en masse. Norway is also very concerned, because Albanian gangs control Norwegian narcotics market.

It is an elephant in the living room. You may choose to ignore it, you may criticize me for calling it by it's real name, but it will not change the fact - the power elite of Kosovo Albanians consists of people heavilly involved in narcoterrorist activities.
They are the envy of their colleagues in Bolivia and Colombia who unsuccessfully tried the same.