Tadić refuses to give in to DSS-NS support conditions

Alfa: "This dignity your citizens under Milosevic’s leadership have got during the last decades putting the Balkans on fire and cleansing other people in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo because they weren’t Serbs and they were vulnerable?"

You do a great disservive to the hundreds of thousands of brave Serbian citizens who marched against Milosevic for many days.

You also fail to acknowledge that in Bosnia all sides carried out horrendous crimes. In Kosovo the KLA also carried out crimes against Serbian civilians and 'disloyal' Albanians.

No one side were angels during these wars.

“No-one has the right to insult our dignity, neither home nor abroad. Nor do they have the right to insult our dignity and the hope of every person in this country. They can insult me, I’ll take all those insults on behalf of our citizens,”
What dignity you are talking about? This dignity your citizens under Milosevic’s leadership have got during the last decades putting the Balkans on fire and cleansing other people in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo because they weren’t Serbs and they were vulnerable? I know that few people here in this forum present clear signs of amnesia but at least now I know that the source is the country’s leadership. Blaming the others, faking the victim and isolating from the international community is not doing you any well. You’re better off starting now make your Mea Culpa, recognize your errors, make peace with your most cruel enemy, yourself!

Well, in that case Mr Tadic there will be no support. Kostunica is right when insist on tough position. I think that Tadic should be more decisive and tougher with the EU. The EU is hoping for Tadic's win because they know well that they can easily handle and manipulate Tadic.However, that is something we don't need at this moment. Nevertheless, I hope they will find a compromise in the next few days. I wish if Tadic was so decisive and tough with the EU telling them to stop imposing the conditions to Serbia and respect Serbia's soveregnity.

“No-one has the right to insult our dignity, neither home nor abroad. Nor do they have the right to insult our dignity and the hope of every person in this country. They can insult me, I’ll take all those insults on behalf of our citizens,”

You are absolutely right Mr. Tadic. But perhaps you are blind if you don’t see permanent insult of almost all Serbs by demonizing them by Western media. Why an UK Economist
present your opponent, Tomislav Nikolic, as ultra-nationalist “grave digger”? It is insulting you more then him because he won in the first phase of election.

For a decade the Serbian people are presented by West as murderers, rapists. It was the West (US and NATO countries) who bombed Serbia in 1999 and ruin its infrastructure, factories, railroads, bridges and killing civilians.

Now they want to grab 15% of your territory and you still support them?

Russia support Serbia and Serbs and Kostunica. INTER FAX mentioned just him.


http://www.interfax.ru/e/B/politics/28.html?id_issue=11952223

Its a pity B92 writes it articles in such a provative matter. Nevertheless, its look at the political realities.

First, Tadic will need to do what is best for Serbia and what he had already agreed to regarding Kosovo.

Second, The European Union needs Serbia more, then Serbia needs the EU.

Third, the EU has NO consensus when it comes to Kosovo.

Fourth, many of the smaller EU nations are taking issue with the larger EU states who are trying to dominate the union with the USA. This is causing long term division and fragmentation within Europe, which will be more detrimental with any illegal UDI by the Kosovo Albanians.

Fifth, Tadic needs to stand firm with all Serbians and not engage in any actions that will weaken the country and its positions.

What Tadic needs to do is not repeat the errors of Prince Paul when it came to the Axis powers. He needs to stand firm with Kostunica, Nicolic and all Serbians for Serbia's interest and its sovernigity.

Serbia has the legal and moral rights. Kosovo is Serbia; Serbia is Kosovo. History proves it, UN Resolution 1244 proves it, the UN Charter supports it, the Helsinki Accords support it, Badinter Commission decisions support it (which the Europeans accepted regarding all of Yugoslavia).

So where does this leave Tadic and the EU. The EU has not unified and agreed upon decision or course of action.
For Tadic, he has no option but to firmly and strongly support Serbia. The EU can wait, Serbis is FIRST or FOREMOST (and that includes Kosovo). If he can't agree with that, he should not be President!

I think B92 are over egging this since Tadic is already committed to precisely what the DSD-NS have put forth. All that DSS_NS are asking is that Tadic clarifys fully to the EU once more since they clearly have not got the message thus far!

Tadic is constrained by the constitution and the agreement passed by Parliment in December as would any other potential President. However, Tadic needs to promote this message to get as positive a mandate as possible - this clear and resounding Serbia first message will give Tadic the strongest mandate that will serve Serbia well in the coming weeks and months and will make the US and "few" EU realise they cannot push and pull Serbia like a bully in the global playground

DS have not spoken yet about this but the reality is they have this dilemma that has been created by the "few" EU who cannot illegally do the US bidding in Serbia's province without Serbia's consent - even if some think it just requires an illegal declaration of Dependence and request from Thaci!

I am certain that we will see more positive clarity from Tadic beyond just words that;

“No-one has the right to insult our dignity, neither home nor abroad. "

- he might just have equally stated no one has the right to insult Serbia's, sovereignty, integrity nor unity !!!

In many ways the US & EU "few" have created this dilemma for DS and I think their word in contrast to their actions have given DS insight enough to realise how trusting one should be of so called "friends". I would not doubt that the US and "few" EU are more hopeful of a Nikolic win then Nikolic himself so that they could do as they wish with the label "bad ultra-nationalist Serbs" as their continued cover for their illegal aspirations.

Makes me wonder if they have not pushed on and egged DS knowingly for the elelctions to be held at such a crucial stage and now are pulling the rug from under Tadic purposefully.

I am certain that DS will know who are real "friends" when so called "friends" actions unfold in the weeks and months ahead. One thing is certain and very positive for Serbia is that both Kostunica and Tadic will be amongst a real friend's company tomorrow!

“I don’t want anyone setting me conditions in the second round. I’m ready to participate in this political game till the end and to put my neck on the line for it, but I won’t let anyone set conditions for Serbia’s European future and our children’s future,” he insisted at an election rally in Smederevo.

So Tadic doesnt want anyone conditioning him, meaning he doesnt want anyone interfering in his own agenda. He is willing to roll the dice and maybe or maybe not take down Serbia with him. Looks to me that the EU is more important than Serbia's soviernty. Any Joe from the street can see that the EU is playing a double standard with Serbia. Kostunica even tough not at all my favourite does have a point. You cant have your country split into two, or even sometime in the near future into 3 or 4 pieces and then expect to sign an agreement which states and binds you to a legal norm which contradicts which was done to you before hand. Oh the web we weave. As for the EU sending a mission to Kosovo, we dont even have to state how illegal that is and the consequences it might carry in the future. He preaches about Serbia's future and our childrens future. How ignorant does he really think we are. Serbia is being carved up and he preaches about the EU, one of the main colprits at hand in our own demize.

News flash, securing our childrens future starts with securing ones country first and then co-operation with the EU if be.

bmrusila, kate, Princip! I wish all of us think in this way. I have mention many times that Tomislav Nikolić is the right person to lead the Serbia to be the strongest country in region. There is no one else. There is no one else. Only Nikolić will make us happy and respected again. Only Nikolić will fight for us. Only Nikolić is to be trusted. Only Nikolić is less politician he is real. Vote for Tomislav Nikolić and the future is clear, no surpices.

Nikshala,

What makes you sure that I live somewhere west? Even if I live somewhere west does that deprive me of having an opinion on my country’s internal and external affairs? I have noticed that you Albanians use this “live somewhere west” very often as an argument in order to discredit someone’s post or underrate the importance of the opinion of the Serbian Diaspora. I must underline and emphasize that Serbian Diaspora is very precious to me and to Serbia and their opinion and stand on the matters is very valuable. I must also say that Serbs or pro Serbian camp in this forum have never taken Albanian’s whereabouts as an argument to disqualify their opinion. Further more you asked me to read comments in Serbian language and to see what other Serbs think. Firstly I will tell you that I do read those comments and very often leave comment myself (though they are not very often published, the censure over there is more strict) but I must tell you that those people make only some 2-3%of the population. I don’t know have you noticed that among them you may find many opposing the independence. Besides, do I have to base my opinion on the opinion of the others? Do you suggest that? Do I have to be a sheep?

Nikshala,

just because I live in the UK does not discount my opinion over yours because your Serbian Albanian living in Serbia's province. My opinon reflects that of my extensive rodbina (family) and possible voting intentions of myself. In any case I think you would find that many in Serbia such as bmrusila do get posted on both the English and Srpski sides of the B92 website whereas I have never been published though I have posted a few times early on. In anycase my messages are reflected on the Srpski side quite well by others and that gives me confidence that the Serbian electorate will make the appropriate choice and continue to uphoold their principled and rightful sovereignty.

Time is on Serbia's side and illegal delarations of Dependence change little other then to create a far greater situation then even status Quo - one thing is certain Serbia's institutional position will go from strength to strength in its province as the reality of false independence is realised. The EU are divided with many different viewpoints in time the "few" EU will re-consider their poor analysis of what will be stabilising and in the best interest of all Europeans. I think they have clearly made a mistake in dropping Tadic and undermining him when he he required their support.

I am very reluctant to comment on Serbia's presidential election, but here goes:
1. Everyone seems to think that the EU countries want Tadic to win, but they're not exactly helping his cause. All this haggling about the SAA and the proposed EU mission is not doing the Tadic campaign any good at all. What's going on?
2. There is naturally a suspicion that Tadic's pre-election stance on Kosovo is purely a vote-getting tactic, so Kostunica is probably right to attempt to nail him down. But this idea of an annex to the coalition agreement is a pretty crude way to do it, I think.

By the way, I believe George Clooney did actually express opposition to independence for Kosovo until he was told by the UN to keep quiet while on UN business.

Serbia should not join the EU. Joining the EU would be wrong because:
1. EU is in economic and political crisis,
2. EU discriminates against all Serbs (Serbia allows the EU travelers entry without visa whereas the EU imposes stricter visa requirement for the Serbs (whether they are from Croatia, ex-Bosnia, or Serbia) than for any other ethnic group in the world).
3. EU is responsible for murdering thousands of innocent Serbian citizens during the US bombing adventure (because they "could do it" and were big and nasty).
4.Russia offers a very favourable deal to develop Serbian oil monopoly and to provide Serbia with annual revenue via transit fees for gas/oil for many years to come.
111. "West" offers a pathetic membership of a new USSR or old Germany.

What a choice for Serbia's voteres!!!

Kate, no matter how many times and how many people keep reminding the Albanian camp that it was all sides that killed and had victims as well, not just the side the support, they will never stop repeating the same thing.

The reason for that is that they want to put pro Serbian posters on the defensive all the time. If the pro Serbian camp have to keep discrediting their accusations they will have less time attacking the Albanian camp with facts.

We have heard it time and time again how the "horible" Serbs were the invaders and criminals from the Albanian camp and will continue to hear that forever, so replying to those accusations is just a waste of time.
We can sit here and talk till we are blue in the face that there is evidence that they all commited crimes agains the innocent Serbian civilians but they won't even reply to that. They are firmly concentrating on the attack and won't allow themselves to be put on defencive.

Let's ignore their warn out accusations and only deal with the facts and issues at hand.

It’s easy to say “no one side were angels during these wars” and besides is not going to help Serbia to bring back its status and respect among the international community. I’m not talking about the dignity of any Serb. I really believe that what happened, it was in the first place because of the Serbian’s leadership. However, almost always we have the leadership we merit! It was true most of the time under Milosevic’s rule, it’s also true today. Hopefully we can’t compare Milosevic with Tadic and Serbia of 80’s with today’s Serbia. But you still have so much progress to accomplish and the most difficult part will be to see yourself as you are, as imperfect as any nation, as vulnerable as anyone and dignity will undoubtedly come to you.

Dignity is like love, The More You Talk The Less you Have!

... (though they are not very often published, the censure over there is more strict) ...
(bmrusila, 24 January 2008 16:24)

It is hard to live in Serbia nowadays. Vote for Tomislav Nikolić and all your dreams will come true.

Ment,

Two points arising from your posts:
1. You will be aware that there is a large Irish-American population in America. You are cynical about the role of the Serbian diaspora, but the Irish peace process was greatly helped by the Irish diaspora, especially those in the States. It probably wouldn't have happened without them. So I would rethink that one if I was you.
2. There was no genocide or attempted genocide in Kosovo - that's the difference. I should have mentioned that Clooney made his Kosovo remarks in Sudan when acting as a UN ambassador.

Ment,

I will just say that many Albanians that live abroad post over here and support independence at any cost, including war. I may say the same to you, who the hell you are to have an opinion since you even do not live in Kosovo. Well, just be honest and tell did any one from pro-Serbian camp tried to use that as an argument an disqualify you. No, no one ever. How do you know what other people in Serbia think? You see just small samples who post in Serbian language and you base your conclusion according to their opinions. What you did was just generalizing without any relevant proof. You should be aware that that small sample cannot represent the entire population. What if I told you that my entire neighbourhood think that Kosovo must stay within Serbia and they do not post in b92? And what should I say? Yes, majority does not support Serbia's partitioning? However, this is the truth; majority does not want EU if Kosovo represent one of the imposed conditions (which do); that information was published even here in b92 but many people ignored this fact and it seems that even our president want to ignore it. Why don't they make a referendum? Because they are afraid of peoples anti-EU stand, that's why. Serbia does not need any state organisation, any federations as we paid dearly after being in one. Serbia should focus on economical cooperation with foreign countries (what ever those countries are and where ever they are situated, Europe, Asia, Africa...) and its development.

Peggy,

You are right; they should be ignored (as I already did) when speaking about the Serbian crimes against Albanians et al. If they didn't exaggerated and abuse the victims in their number, and if they did not purposely made up the stories and certain events, I would have taken them seriously but I cannot after I realised that they do not sympathise with them but use them in propaganda purposes. It is the slap in the face and jibing to the victims.

Milan,

Yes it is hard nowadays, I agree. I don't know did you ever try to post comment in Serbian language but I may tell you that my comments are often not published due to the fact that they may not be seen as open minded because I do not agree on ripping away my country. I do agree that sometimes I use sharp language but it is still my opinion and wonder who might be jeopardized by my opinion. It is only opinion that does not represent any threat to anyone, nor insult and it is still seen as inappropriate and censored, or not published. All we need is freedom of speech and b92 is sometimes giving us no chance to feel free and talk. We must be always taking care and be politically correct.

"That's curious news about Clooney. I know he pushed hard to stop the genocide in Darfur and actually WENT there to see things first hand. I wonder if he bothered doing the same in Kosovo when he decided to oppose its independence....just curious."

You're right. I'm sure he's well aware of the hundreds of thousands of Serbs and other minorities that have been ethnically cleansed from Kosovo by the Albanian. Good on him for opposing independence and having strong moral values!

Yes, brumisla, Serbia should be tough towards EU, maybe the same way as Milosevic, and look where that got you!!

You'd think you'd learn from your mistakes.

Why don't you read the comments on the serbian version of B92 and see what your brothers and sisters in Serbia think about this? ...who unlike you or Princip who sit in you comfy chairs in the 'bad West', they actually live in Serbia and they are affected by any desicion their leaders take.

“No-one has the right to insult our dignity etc etc
it reminds me milosevic and his no one has the rights to beat you ..in gasimestan and we all have seen where it leads you..

A bit surprised that albanians really bother to engage in discussions who next serbian president will be?
After all in days even de facto you will be no more the neighbours, same as with Albania, Montenegro, FYROM or Bulgaria.
Having said that, of course one would preferre modern west orientated regimes in neighbouring countris, but as far as I have seen there seem to be litle or no difference between the two remaining candidates.
I refuse to belive that EU loving majority in Serbia would vote to power Nikolic rather than Tadic, and if so, Tadic has only got himself to blame.
He let Kostinica dictate too much of how he run things, somewhere along the way Tadic was confused with the bitter nacionalist Kostunica. This both by us in the EU as well as voters in Serbia.
Frankly Nicolic, Kostunica, Tadic reminde me very much of Milosevic a part from calling for war.
But think, it was different times, diring Milosevic era.
Manys conclusion, any of the three above had they been in power in Milosevic time would have behaved justlike him, and Milosevic now would have behaved like any of them.
Serbian voter seem to have no alternative (if we forget Jovanovic).
The option they had Djindzic was killed, others like him might be to scared to get involved.
Sad, Serbia once again is returning to isolation.

"...Yes, brumisla, Serbia should be tough towards EU, maybe the same way as Milosevic, and look where that got you!!

You'd think you'd learn from your mistakes.

Why don't you read the comments on the serbian version of B92 and see what your brothers and sisters in Serbia think about this? ...who unlike you or Princip who sit in you comfy chairs in the 'bad West', they actually live in Serbia and they are affected by any desicion their leaders take.
(nikshala, 24 January 2008 14:58) ...."

Yes the West is both bad and comfortable. As regards Milosevic he's been out of power for 7 years and dead for 2. The right guys are in power. So why aren't things getting any better? Or is the year 2085 a likely year when the world will finally get tired of its broken record of "Slobo" and the bad Serbs?

bmrusila

Nikshala was being sarcastic in his comment but he does have a point.

I live in the States and the biggest proponents for the Iraq war among the Republicans (neo-cons) were the ones that had never served in the military (nevermind in an actual war) and had no family members there either. They thumped their chests about being patriots yet it was someone else's children that did the dying in Iraq.

In a BBC roundtable on the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, a Palestinian woman (who lived in the U.K.) told the Israeli representative straight faced that the Palestinians should fight the Israelis until the end. The Israeli guy blunty told her to come live in Palestine first and then see if she had the guts to pick up that gun.

The point is, anyone can talk the talk. Walking the walk is the hard part. The ordinary Serbs in Serbia will have to walk the walk that their politicians set for them...It's not going to be Kate, or Princip, or Nikolic, and maybe not you either.

Tom

That's curious news about Clooney. I know he pushed hard to stop the genocide in Darfur and actually WENT there to see things first hand. I wonder if he bothered doing the same in Kosovo when he decided to oppose its independence....just curious.

Kostunica!! You back-stabbing.
Now that Tadic is at the most difficult position he tries to get some concessions from him.

Not that I care but Tadic is the best you got. If you don't understand this now, you will never will.

I couldnt really care less about this politicking.

What I cant understand is why anybody here buys the lie that this is about an issue. The thing this is all about is gaining the best possible position for each political party.

They must find all of this so humourous.

“No-one has the right to insult our dignity, neither home nor abroad. Nor do they have the right to insult our dignity and the hope of every person in this country. They can insult me, I’ll take all those insults on behalf of our citizens,”
What dignity you are talking about? This dignity your citizens under Milosevic’s leadership have got during the last decades putting the Balkans on fire and cleansing other people in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo because they weren’t Serbs and they were vulnerable? I know that few people here in this forum present clear signs of amnesia but at least now I know that the source is the country’s leadership. Blaming the others, faking the victim and isolating from the international community is not doing you any well. You’re better off starting now make your Mea Culpa, recognize your errors, make peace with your most cruel enemy, yourself!

Yes, brumisla, Serbia should be tough towards EU, maybe the same way as Milosevic, and look where that got you!!

You'd think you'd learn from your mistakes.

Why don't you read the comments on the serbian version of B92 and see what your brothers and sisters in Serbia think about this? ...who unlike you or Princip who sit in you comfy chairs in the 'bad West', they actually live in Serbia and they are affected by any desicion their leaders take.

“No-one has the right to insult our dignity etc etc
it reminds me milosevic and his no one has the rights to beat you ..in gasimestan and we all have seen where it leads you..

It’s easy to say “no one side were angels during these wars” and besides is not going to help Serbia to bring back its status and respect among the international community. I’m not talking about the dignity of any Serb. I really believe that what happened, it was in the first place because of the Serbian’s leadership. However, almost always we have the leadership we merit! It was true most of the time under Milosevic’s rule, it’s also true today. Hopefully we can’t compare Milosevic with Tadic and Serbia of 80’s with today’s Serbia. But you still have so much progress to accomplish and the most difficult part will be to see yourself as you are, as imperfect as any nation, as vulnerable as anyone and dignity will undoubtedly come to you.

Dignity is like love, The More You Talk The Less you Have!

A bit surprised that albanians really bother to engage in discussions who next serbian president will be?
After all in days even de facto you will be no more the neighbours, same as with Albania, Montenegro, FYROM or Bulgaria.
Having said that, of course one would preferre modern west orientated regimes in neighbouring countris, but as far as I have seen there seem to be litle or no difference between the two remaining candidates.
I refuse to belive that EU loving majority in Serbia would vote to power Nikolic rather than Tadic, and if so, Tadic has only got himself to blame.
He let Kostinica dictate too much of how he run things, somewhere along the way Tadic was confused with the bitter nacionalist Kostunica. This both by us in the EU as well as voters in Serbia.
Frankly Nicolic, Kostunica, Tadic reminde me very much of Milosevic a part from calling for war.
But think, it was different times, diring Milosevic era.
Manys conclusion, any of the three above had they been in power in Milosevic time would have behaved justlike him, and Milosevic now would have behaved like any of them.
Serbian voter seem to have no alternative (if we forget Jovanovic).
The option they had Djindzic was killed, others like him might be to scared to get involved.
Sad, Serbia once again is returning to isolation.

Tom

That's curious news about Clooney. I know he pushed hard to stop the genocide in Darfur and actually WENT there to see things first hand. I wonder if he bothered doing the same in Kosovo when he decided to oppose its independence....just curious.

Well, in that case Mr Tadic there will be no support. Kostunica is right when insist on tough position. I think that Tadic should be more decisive and tougher with the EU. The EU is hoping for Tadic's win because they know well that they can easily handle and manipulate Tadic.However, that is something we don't need at this moment. Nevertheless, I hope they will find a compromise in the next few days. I wish if Tadic was so decisive and tough with the EU telling them to stop imposing the conditions to Serbia and respect Serbia's soveregnity.

bmrusila, kate, Princip! I wish all of us think in this way. I have mention many times that Tomislav Nikolić is the right person to lead the Serbia to be the strongest country in region. There is no one else. There is no one else. Only Nikolić will make us happy and respected again. Only Nikolić will fight for us. Only Nikolić is to be trusted. Only Nikolić is less politician he is real. Vote for Tomislav Nikolić and the future is clear, no surpices.

bmrusila

Nikshala was being sarcastic in his comment but he does have a point.

I live in the States and the biggest proponents for the Iraq war among the Republicans (neo-cons) were the ones that had never served in the military (nevermind in an actual war) and had no family members there either. They thumped their chests about being patriots yet it was someone else's children that did the dying in Iraq.

In a BBC roundtable on the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, a Palestinian woman (who lived in the U.K.) told the Israeli representative straight faced that the Palestinians should fight the Israelis until the end. The Israeli guy blunty told her to come live in Palestine first and then see if she had the guts to pick up that gun.

The point is, anyone can talk the talk. Walking the walk is the hard part. The ordinary Serbs in Serbia will have to walk the walk that their politicians set for them...It's not going to be Kate, or Princip, or Nikolic, and maybe not you either.

Kostunica!! You back-stabbing.
Now that Tadic is at the most difficult position he tries to get some concessions from him.

Not that I care but Tadic is the best you got. If you don't understand this now, you will never will.

I couldnt really care less about this politicking.

What I cant understand is why anybody here buys the lie that this is about an issue. The thing this is all about is gaining the best possible position for each political party.

They must find all of this so humourous.

I think B92 are over egging this since Tadic is already committed to precisely what the DSD-NS have put forth. All that DSS_NS are asking is that Tadic clarifys fully to the EU once more since they clearly have not got the message thus far!

Tadic is constrained by the constitution and the agreement passed by Parliment in December as would any other potential President. However, Tadic needs to promote this message to get as positive a mandate as possible - this clear and resounding Serbia first message will give Tadic the strongest mandate that will serve Serbia well in the coming weeks and months and will make the US and "few" EU realise they cannot push and pull Serbia like a bully in the global playground

DS have not spoken yet about this but the reality is they have this dilemma that has been created by the "few" EU who cannot illegally do the US bidding in Serbia's province without Serbia's consent - even if some think it just requires an illegal declaration of Dependence and request from Thaci!

I am certain that we will see more positive clarity from Tadic beyond just words that;

“No-one has the right to insult our dignity, neither home nor abroad. "

- he might just have equally stated no one has the right to insult Serbia's, sovereignty, integrity nor unity !!!

In many ways the US & EU "few" have created this dilemma for DS and I think their word in contrast to their actions have given DS insight enough to realise how trusting one should be of so called "friends". I would not doubt that the US and "few" EU are more hopeful of a Nikolic win then Nikolic himself so that they could do as they wish with the label "bad ultra-nationalist Serbs" as their continued cover for their illegal aspirations.

Makes me wonder if they have not pushed on and egged DS knowingly for the elelctions to be held at such a crucial stage and now are pulling the rug from under Tadic purposefully.

I am certain that DS will know who are real "friends" when so called "friends" actions unfold in the weeks and months ahead. One thing is certain and very positive for Serbia is that both Kostunica and Tadic will be amongst a real friend's company tomorrow!

“I don’t want anyone setting me conditions in the second round. I’m ready to participate in this political game till the end and to put my neck on the line for it, but I won’t let anyone set conditions for Serbia’s European future and our children’s future,” he insisted at an election rally in Smederevo.

So Tadic doesnt want anyone conditioning him, meaning he doesnt want anyone interfering in his own agenda. He is willing to roll the dice and maybe or maybe not take down Serbia with him. Looks to me that the EU is more important than Serbia's soviernty. Any Joe from the street can see that the EU is playing a double standard with Serbia. Kostunica even tough not at all my favourite does have a point. You cant have your country split into two, or even sometime in the near future into 3 or 4 pieces and then expect to sign an agreement which states and binds you to a legal norm which contradicts which was done to you before hand. Oh the web we weave. As for the EU sending a mission to Kosovo, we dont even have to state how illegal that is and the consequences it might carry in the future. He preaches about Serbia's future and our childrens future. How ignorant does he really think we are. Serbia is being carved up and he preaches about the EU, one of the main colprits at hand in our own demize.

News flash, securing our childrens future starts with securing ones country first and then co-operation with the EU if be.

Alfa: "This dignity your citizens under Milosevic’s leadership have got during the last decades putting the Balkans on fire and cleansing other people in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo because they weren’t Serbs and they were vulnerable?"

You do a great disservive to the hundreds of thousands of brave Serbian citizens who marched against Milosevic for many days.

You also fail to acknowledge that in Bosnia all sides carried out horrendous crimes. In Kosovo the KLA also carried out crimes against Serbian civilians and 'disloyal' Albanians.

No one side were angels during these wars.

“No-one has the right to insult our dignity, neither home nor abroad. Nor do they have the right to insult our dignity and the hope of every person in this country. They can insult me, I’ll take all those insults on behalf of our citizens,”

You are absolutely right Mr. Tadic. But perhaps you are blind if you don’t see permanent insult of almost all Serbs by demonizing them by Western media. Why an UK Economist
present your opponent, Tomislav Nikolic, as ultra-nationalist “grave digger”? It is insulting you more then him because he won in the first phase of election.

For a decade the Serbian people are presented by West as murderers, rapists. It was the West (US and NATO countries) who bombed Serbia in 1999 and ruin its infrastructure, factories, railroads, bridges and killing civilians.

Now they want to grab 15% of your territory and you still support them?

Russia support Serbia and Serbs and Kostunica. INTER FAX mentioned just him.


http://www.interfax.ru/e/B/politics/28.html?id_issue=11952223

Nikshala,

What makes you sure that I live somewhere west? Even if I live somewhere west does that deprive me of having an opinion on my country’s internal and external affairs? I have noticed that you Albanians use this “live somewhere west” very often as an argument in order to discredit someone’s post or underrate the importance of the opinion of the Serbian Diaspora. I must underline and emphasize that Serbian Diaspora is very precious to me and to Serbia and their opinion and stand on the matters is very valuable. I must also say that Serbs or pro Serbian camp in this forum have never taken Albanian’s whereabouts as an argument to disqualify their opinion. Further more you asked me to read comments in Serbian language and to see what other Serbs think. Firstly I will tell you that I do read those comments and very often leave comment myself (though they are not very often published, the censure over there is more strict) but I must tell you that those people make only some 2-3%of the population. I don’t know have you noticed that among them you may find many opposing the independence. Besides, do I have to base my opinion on the opinion of the others? Do you suggest that? Do I have to be a sheep?

Nikshala,

just because I live in the UK does not discount my opinion over yours because your Serbian Albanian living in Serbia's province. My opinon reflects that of my extensive rodbina (family) and possible voting intentions of myself. In any case I think you would find that many in Serbia such as bmrusila do get posted on both the English and Srpski sides of the B92 website whereas I have never been published though I have posted a few times early on. In anycase my messages are reflected on the Srpski side quite well by others and that gives me confidence that the Serbian electorate will make the appropriate choice and continue to uphoold their principled and rightful sovereignty.

Time is on Serbia's side and illegal delarations of Dependence change little other then to create a far greater situation then even status Quo - one thing is certain Serbia's institutional position will go from strength to strength in its province as the reality of false independence is realised. The EU are divided with many different viewpoints in time the "few" EU will re-consider their poor analysis of what will be stabilising and in the best interest of all Europeans. I think they have clearly made a mistake in dropping Tadic and undermining him when he he required their support.

... (though they are not very often published, the censure over there is more strict) ...
(bmrusila, 24 January 2008 16:24)

It is hard to live in Serbia nowadays. Vote for Tomislav Nikolić and all your dreams will come true.

Its a pity B92 writes it articles in such a provative matter. Nevertheless, its look at the political realities.

First, Tadic will need to do what is best for Serbia and what he had already agreed to regarding Kosovo.

Second, The European Union needs Serbia more, then Serbia needs the EU.

Third, the EU has NO consensus when it comes to Kosovo.

Fourth, many of the smaller EU nations are taking issue with the larger EU states who are trying to dominate the union with the USA. This is causing long term division and fragmentation within Europe, which will be more detrimental with any illegal UDI by the Kosovo Albanians.

Fifth, Tadic needs to stand firm with all Serbians and not engage in any actions that will weaken the country and its positions.

What Tadic needs to do is not repeat the errors of Prince Paul when it came to the Axis powers. He needs to stand firm with Kostunica, Nicolic and all Serbians for Serbia's interest and its sovernigity.

Serbia has the legal and moral rights. Kosovo is Serbia; Serbia is Kosovo. History proves it, UN Resolution 1244 proves it, the UN Charter supports it, the Helsinki Accords support it, Badinter Commission decisions support it (which the Europeans accepted regarding all of Yugoslavia).

So where does this leave Tadic and the EU. The EU has not unified and agreed upon decision or course of action.
For Tadic, he has no option but to firmly and strongly support Serbia. The EU can wait, Serbis is FIRST or FOREMOST (and that includes Kosovo). If he can't agree with that, he should not be President!

I am very reluctant to comment on Serbia's presidential election, but here goes:
1. Everyone seems to think that the EU countries want Tadic to win, but they're not exactly helping his cause. All this haggling about the SAA and the proposed EU mission is not doing the Tadic campaign any good at all. What's going on?
2. There is naturally a suspicion that Tadic's pre-election stance on Kosovo is purely a vote-getting tactic, so Kostunica is probably right to attempt to nail him down. But this idea of an annex to the coalition agreement is a pretty crude way to do it, I think.

By the way, I believe George Clooney did actually express opposition to independence for Kosovo until he was told by the UN to keep quiet while on UN business.

Kate, no matter how many times and how many people keep reminding the Albanian camp that it was all sides that killed and had victims as well, not just the side the support, they will never stop repeating the same thing.

The reason for that is that they want to put pro Serbian posters on the defensive all the time. If the pro Serbian camp have to keep discrediting their accusations they will have less time attacking the Albanian camp with facts.

We have heard it time and time again how the "horible" Serbs were the invaders and criminals from the Albanian camp and will continue to hear that forever, so replying to those accusations is just a waste of time.
We can sit here and talk till we are blue in the face that there is evidence that they all commited crimes agains the innocent Serbian civilians but they won't even reply to that. They are firmly concentrating on the attack and won't allow themselves to be put on defencive.

Let's ignore their warn out accusations and only deal with the facts and issues at hand.

Ment,

Two points arising from your posts:
1. You will be aware that there is a large Irish-American population in America. You are cynical about the role of the Serbian diaspora, but the Irish peace process was greatly helped by the Irish diaspora, especially those in the States. It probably wouldn't have happened without them. So I would rethink that one if I was you.
2. There was no genocide or attempted genocide in Kosovo - that's the difference. I should have mentioned that Clooney made his Kosovo remarks in Sudan when acting as a UN ambassador.

Ment,

I will just say that many Albanians that live abroad post over here and support independence at any cost, including war. I may say the same to you, who the hell you are to have an opinion since you even do not live in Kosovo. Well, just be honest and tell did any one from pro-Serbian camp tried to use that as an argument an disqualify you. No, no one ever. How do you know what other people in Serbia think? You see just small samples who post in Serbian language and you base your conclusion according to their opinions. What you did was just generalizing without any relevant proof. You should be aware that that small sample cannot represent the entire population. What if I told you that my entire neighbourhood think that Kosovo must stay within Serbia and they do not post in b92? And what should I say? Yes, majority does not support Serbia's partitioning? However, this is the truth; majority does not want EU if Kosovo represent one of the imposed conditions (which do); that information was published even here in b92 but many people ignored this fact and it seems that even our president want to ignore it. Why don't they make a referendum? Because they are afraid of peoples anti-EU stand, that's why. Serbia does not need any state organisation, any federations as we paid dearly after being in one. Serbia should focus on economical cooperation with foreign countries (what ever those countries are and where ever they are situated, Europe, Asia, Africa...) and its development.

Peggy,

You are right; they should be ignored (as I already did) when speaking about the Serbian crimes against Albanians et al. If they didn't exaggerated and abuse the victims in their number, and if they did not purposely made up the stories and certain events, I would have taken them seriously but I cannot after I realised that they do not sympathise with them but use them in propaganda purposes. It is the slap in the face and jibing to the victims.

Milan,

Yes it is hard nowadays, I agree. I don't know did you ever try to post comment in Serbian language but I may tell you that my comments are often not published due to the fact that they may not be seen as open minded because I do not agree on ripping away my country. I do agree that sometimes I use sharp language but it is still my opinion and wonder who might be jeopardized by my opinion. It is only opinion that does not represent any threat to anyone, nor insult and it is still seen as inappropriate and censored, or not published. All we need is freedom of speech and b92 is sometimes giving us no chance to feel free and talk. We must be always taking care and be politically correct.

"That's curious news about Clooney. I know he pushed hard to stop the genocide in Darfur and actually WENT there to see things first hand. I wonder if he bothered doing the same in Kosovo when he decided to oppose its independence....just curious."

You're right. I'm sure he's well aware of the hundreds of thousands of Serbs and other minorities that have been ethnically cleansed from Kosovo by the Albanian. Good on him for opposing independence and having strong moral values!

Serbia should not join the EU. Joining the EU would be wrong because:
1. EU is in economic and political crisis,
2. EU discriminates against all Serbs (Serbia allows the EU travelers entry without visa whereas the EU imposes stricter visa requirement for the Serbs (whether they are from Croatia, ex-Bosnia, or Serbia) than for any other ethnic group in the world).
3. EU is responsible for murdering thousands of innocent Serbian citizens during the US bombing adventure (because they "could do it" and were big and nasty).
4.Russia offers a very favourable deal to develop Serbian oil monopoly and to provide Serbia with annual revenue via transit fees for gas/oil for many years to come.
111. "West" offers a pathetic membership of a new USSR or old Germany.

What a choice for Serbia's voteres!!!

"...Yes, brumisla, Serbia should be tough towards EU, maybe the same way as Milosevic, and look where that got you!!

You'd think you'd learn from your mistakes.

Why don't you read the comments on the serbian version of B92 and see what your brothers and sisters in Serbia think about this? ...who unlike you or Princip who sit in you comfy chairs in the 'bad West', they actually live in Serbia and they are affected by any desicion their leaders take.
(nikshala, 24 January 2008 14:58) ...."

Yes the West is both bad and comfortable. As regards Milosevic he's been out of power for 7 years and dead for 2. The right guys are in power. So why aren't things getting any better? Or is the year 2085 a likely year when the world will finally get tired of its broken record of "Slobo" and the bad Serbs?