Tadić, Nikolić spar in final televised debate

"Tadić said that he was sure that the EU would never recognize a unilateral declaration of Kosovo independence, as Serbia had friends in the EU who would not allow this. "

- has Tadic been in some kind of isolation chamber these last few months? It is clear that the US are using great pressure on the EU countries who have galantly stood firm. Despite this the "few" big states of the EU are dictating for the rest and have openly sided with US foreign policy - that is very clear! Why is Tadic ignoring this very fact?

The EU continue to dismiss Serbia's sovereignity and insult the Serbian electorate by dictating their democratic right to choose the President and warn if the Serbians do not make "the EU choice of President" then they will lose out! The EU flaunt Serbia's sovereignity in ignoring its consent and openly suggesting that their EU mission does not need UN approval and therfore Serbia's consent!

- Tadic must think little of the Serbian electorate who know only too well that this is all a scam and that the EU "few" will do exactly as they wish if Tadic wins. Maybe incrementally, step by step, just like the EU are now denying the EU electorate by doing step by step what the people do not want when they blocked the consitution. The EU ignore the democratic wish of its own populace with its now Lisbon "treaty" Their attitude is;
"don't mention the "C" word and the plebs/masses will fall for it and in time we will introduce all elements that we did not get this time and call that another "treaty"."

- the EU technocrats/dictating"elites" ultimate goal is to implement Ahtisaari - Tadic cannot be ignorant of this fact they have told him this through the mass media and I am certain via Jeremic. Their stated objective is exactly what Tadic incredibly suggest they wont do but what does he think they mean when they ignore the UN and Serbia in sending their mission with explict notion to implement Ahtisaari???

- Tadic is either naive of EU diplomacy or is totally deceiving the Serbian electorate and thinks they will over time accept the dismemberment and partition !

I watched this debate. Nikolic was rude, but Tadic was totally lost. Tadic was defending EU, pushing for EU, but it was a sad scene considering how EU treats Serbia. He has no credibility left, and was called to justify some of his decisions during his presidency. Nikolic didn't have much to offer, but Tadic was empty handed as well, handwaving about the nicer and brighter future in EU. By the end of the interview it was clear that Tadic lost, breathing deeply and starring in camera, didn't sound honest and really had nothing to offer. I don't care what different polls say, the elections ended after this duel.

I'm keeping out of this. Personally I like Tadic and hope he wins, but it's not my country, not my vote.

Shame that UNEUNATO doesn't share that view. I mean it doesn't take a genius to see that when there's only a shred of pro US & EU feeling left, the worst card to play is to tell people who they have to vote for!! That must be Democracy.v2 being militarily and diplomatically forced on the world at the moment.

If you want people to feel pro EU you should offer them more than visa relaxations. The EU should show political balance and help to protect sovereign boundaries in Serbia. Reopen proper negotiations without a predetermined outcome.

My last comment on the elections;

good luck to both candidates and I hope all patriotic Serbians ensure they vote. This will be a close run result (probably determined by no more then 50,000 votes between winner and loser) so make sure your vote counts irrespective of political perspective - it is your democratic privilage to vote.

A high turnout who ever wins will be a clear and postive message against those who wish to subjugate the Serbian state.

Tadic, Tadic, Tadic! That all that this article quotes from the debate, its quite clear who B92 favors in the elections!

Media should be natural and announce the news, that's it!

There were no quotes on how Nikolic countered Tadic's arguments in the debate.

Time for B92 to revisit the fundamentals of basic journalism 101!

MLKG,
Thank you for that clear and detailed response to my query.Allow me to summarise your points as I understand them:
1. A Nikolic presidency would try to disrupt and make trouble for the government.
2. It could result in the fall of the government as DS might pull out.
3. It would send a wrong signal to the world at large.
4. It would provoke the K-Albanians into an immediate declaration of independence.

All of these are valid and serious points and I tend to agree with you. The last thing Serbia needs at this time is further political instability. As regards Kosovo and Tadic's committment to it, the fact remains that he is constitutionally obliged to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of his country. There can be no wavering on that.

Now, I am not living in Serbia, I am not even a Serb, but I have great affection for the country and its people (I visit often) and I totally support the Serbian position on Kosovo. I also wish to see the country fulfil its massive potential.

In many ways the Serbs are rather like my own people, the Irish, so I wish you well and hope that whatever the outcome is next Sunday, it will be in the interests of the Serbian nation.

Those that hopes that EU membership will open golden doors to prosperity are wrong. Prosperity is heading to east, not west. Several days ago even UK government predefined its own policy toward Asia declaring that source of prosperity of West depends of close ties to Asian countries. We can’t get anything from EU membership; we will loose Kosovo actually. Do you think that EU will stop investing in Serbia if Nikolic win? Answer is “No”. Our trade partner Russia has one of the biggest growing economy in the world.
Isolation? This is joke. In today world there is no such a thing as isolation. Everything is global, especially with Serbian geo-political position. Tadic is trying to scare voters.
Kosovo is Serbian and always will be. No barganing with Kosovo Mr. Tadic.

i dont understand why the hysteria, why the jitters with seselj supporters :) me, i'm calm and confident tadic will win. even russians support him for godsakes. they want serbia as an ally who is an ally with eu as well. i just hope to god we're clever enough to do just that. i'm not into irrational hair splitting as to who was nice to us and who not. i have no respect for eu but i'm looking ahead. they dont like us, we dont like them, but we need eachother. and we will be pragmatic and rational. as for elections, people are mobilizing behind tadic, who didnt turn out in the 1st round even. as for seselj's minion, his tavern backing was pretty much maximized. oh, milosevics minions, yes. they'll support him too :)
and for those who still don't get it: this election is not about kosovo. kosovo is a clear cut case, no serbian government, no serbian leader will ever surrender kosovo,. it is seselj's minion who is trying to make it about kosovo, and some irrational party leaders are also trying this in their trademark sneaky way, whose party btw finished 3rd in general election. they'll look at is as great result soon enough :)
where i stand, we don't want our pensioner parents humiliated in bread queues after they spent 40 years working. we don’t want our kids to go to unheated schools hungry. i, for godsakes, sat through my classes in a winter jacket with fingers freezing on more than one occasion. for no reason. for no reason whatsoever. we are not maniacs who will destroy everything around us just for the hell of it. serbia will not be anyone's laughing stock and serbia will not be a black hole again. and we will make sure it doesnt happen. just as we made sure to get rid of the varmint so we will keep them away this time and every other time.

Although Tadic didn't make much of the duel, I still don't see any reason for voting for Nikolic.

The man offers absolutely no plans, no ideas for the future. Apart from building (yes, I know it was metaphorical) a 50-lane highway to Russia.
I truly believe that almost none of the SRS-voters think that the Radicals can really solve their problems, or keep Kosovo. Or make RS join the rest of Serbia.
The Radical party is mainly a protest-party. Unfortunately there is a lot to protest about in Serbia. And the EU hasn't done anything to really 'help' Serbia and the Serbs, so in effect maintaining the SRS as a factor of importance in Serbia.

It's easy for 'Serbs' abroad to happily propagate Nikolic as a solution.
A solution to a problem these people are not part of. It's easy talking when you're in London, New York or Paris. Take a look/read at the Serbian-language part of this site and you'll see that the tone and general opinion is much more nuanced and pro-European than you would conclude from the English-language part of the site.
Which seems more and more to become a collective playground for retro-gastarbajter-Cetnik and Albanian kiddy-extremism.

Maybe I'm missing something but what is the actual importance of this election result. Does not the real power lie with the government and Prime Minister Kostunica. Or is it just what the result will symbolise? I have looked at the Serbian constitution and the president's powers are rather limited.
Would someone please address this for me?
Thanks.

If the Serbian people vote for Nikolic they can say "bye bye" to EU. Serbia cannot join the EU with a president like Nikolic. I hope the Serbian people will be smart and vote for a European future for their country.

This election is all about Kosovo. Who ever wins this election faces a very tricky situation in Serbia. Kosovo has become a stone around Serbia’s neck. Very painful to let it go - ever more costly to keep it.

Let’s assume for a minute that the Radical candidate wins the election. A week later Kosovo parliament declares independence. Majority of the EU states will recognize Kosovo as it has been predicted. The neighboring countries Macedonia, Croatia and Albania are presumed to recognize Kosovo. So what options does Mr. Nikolic have? Expelling the ambassadors of these states and totally isolating Serbia. If the radical fellow wins Serbia will be the North Korea of Europe and that is something that no one can be proud of.

If however Mr. Tadic wins the election it will be very interesting to see how he manages to navigate the muddy waters that await him considering that Kosovo will declare independence anyhow. His job becomes far more complicated and it will be interesting to see what he decides to do. As a non Serb I believe he is good politician and good individual above all and his good principles will guide him through the difficult times. This election will make history and decide the fate of the Serb nation for many decades to come. May the best man win!

Tom, in theory you are right: The function of president in Serbia seems to be only important when elections are held.
So why are people worried about a potential Nikolic-victory?
Let me explain:

1. A law-abiding, positive president will try to keep a low profile and not 'meddle' in the politics of the prime minister and his government. Already in the previous elections, four years ago, Nikolic shouted from the rooftops that he was going to 'break down' the government and call for new parliamentary elections.
A 'radical' (and I mean that in the literal sense, not as a party) president would be able to quite obstruct any government that isn't to his personal liking. Personally I don't expect Nikolic to just sit back and open a few expositions if he wins. His party will want to exploit the position of president to the max.

2. The current government is made up of three parties. A coalition deal was made, where Kostunica is allowed (even though his party is much smaller than the democratic party of Tadic) to stay prime minister. As soon as Tadic is NOT the president, there would be no reason for his DS to support Kostunica as PM. Meaning a victory of Nikolic would lead to the fall of this coalition. (the fact that Kostunica already broke the coalition agreement by not supporting Tadic is something that most certainly will lead to some struggle in the weeks after the elections. But that's another story alltogether...)

3. Nikolic is definitely not holding the keys to succesfull cooperation with the EU, US and our regional partners. Even his relationship with Russia is not significantly better than Kostunica's or Tadic's. See the energy-deal that was made last week.
Nikolic as a president would find many closed doors, resulting in a presidency like that of Milutinovic: A man sitting in his office waiting for the Russians or Chinese to invite him.

4. Electing a president whose party-leader is currently in detention in The Hague doesn't sound like the best idea to clean up Serbia's image in the world. And yes, other countries in the region have a tarnished leadership as well. But that is no excuse for us making the same mistake.

5. If Serbia wants to achieve anything in the world for our brothers in Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo, we need a president that is acceptable to the world. You can for example dislike the fact that Tadic apologized to the Croats. But if that's what is needed to improve the situation of Serbs there, then I don't see the problem. Some pragmatism is needed to get us ahead in the world. And pragmatism doesn't seem to be part of Nikolic's dictionary.

6. Kosovo: You can read the Albanian responses even here on B92... they are looking forward to a Nikolic-victory. Because it would literally mean they will be able to go for their 'independence' sooner. Again it's simple:
Nikolic = immediate declaration of independence in Kosovo.

All in all it is a matter of odds: what are the odds that Nikolic will suddenly turn out to be a great president, a visionary that will solve our problems and lead our nation to a glorious future?
That's... unlikely.
So elect Tadic. He might not be the best president. Not the smartest debater or even the brighest of our politicians. But given the choice between Nikolic and Tadic I think you wouldn't want to gamble. It's that simple really. And that complicated...

Nikolic represents "Greater Serbia" campaign and at last count 40% of Serbs agree with him. Since he was a former grave digger he will do for Serbia what comes naturaly.For the Albanians , one is bad and the other worse.

Princip: here we are always with the same old posts: yOu guys keep writing every day same old stuff...wonder if you guys do have a life. Anyway regarding EU, only with the total of the 27 nations there can be a recognition of independent kosovo, or separation if you prefer, or robbery if you ask me.

Since there are countries such as Slovakia, Romania, Spain, Italy (doesn't eeven have a goverment at the moment), Cyprus, Greece, Hungary and so on that are against this robbery i personally see it difficult for the albanians to get anything.

Please try to accept the fact that whithin EU all votes count in the same way, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that EU wont decide a thing!

"I believe only in Serbia’s entry into the EU together with Kosovo,” said the DS candidate.
This is certainly true. There is strong possibility that Serbia and Kosova (Dardania) will enter in EU in the same time like what Albania, Croatia and Macedonia wanted to enter together in NATO but certainly as independent countries. EU plan this “membership” very carefully with “monitored” independence for Kosovo for 5-10 year, this is the same period of time needed for region to be integrated to EU. So Kosova will not have full independence under Ahtisari plan (monitoring independence – little less then independence) and when the time of “monitoring” will expire then the EU “monitoring” time will start. I want to emphasize the fact that EU members will give away some “independence” by entering to EU. Serbs are too “busy” with myths and folklores of loses, so they cannot see the advantage of peaceful road toward the prosperity and integrated peace. They forgot that time of being bully to other nation even a small nation as Albanians is over forever. Russian constantly support for Serbs explain now even more clearly that way Albanians borders in 1913 were criminally moved living out of Albania almost half of the Albanian population.

Serbs are too “busy” with myths and folklores of loses, so they cannot see the advantage of peaceful road toward the prosperity and integrated peace. They forgot that time of being bully to other nation even a small nation as Albanians is over forever. Russian constantly support for Serbs explain now even more clearly that way Albanians borders in 1913 were criminally moved living out of Albania almost half of the Albanian population.
(Maks, 31 January 2008 15:34)
Well said Maks. Serbs have to realize that Kosova was given to them by Europe after the turks left the balkans. It was given to serbs because they were christian and wanted to punish the turks through punishing Albanians. As a result half of Albanian nation was left out of Albania. Today EU has realized the mistake that they made with Albanians and are pushing to correct it.

I also watched, Tadic's initial problem was that he was reading too much and not responding to Nikolic's accusations. However, being presidential means not getting involved in muck.

Tadic also had a greater grasp for facts and figures whilst Nikolic tried to get involved in a general polemic (of the type in a kafana) on corruption. That may impress his own supporters but the endless complaining and lack of solutions offered will not impress sections of the population which he needs to attract.

Nikolic signed off with a cringworthy 'svim srcem' banging on his chest - whilst implying that everytime Novak Djokovic ('like Novak Djokovic') does that, its a secret message of support to SRS. Only the tiniest brains fall for stunts like that.

In the end there were a number of issues - the return to the 90's, the EU, corruption, optimism etc.

Only on corruption did Nikolic succeed on landing some blows.

Nikolic started better but Tadic was much stronger in the last half.

I am amazed at alot of anger towards EU and its perception on how it is treating Serbia, however it is my belief that Serbia has done nothing to help itself. lots of arguements are that EU needs to do this and do that before serbia does anything. but lets face it, if it was a tennis match, kosovo is on a match point and serbia needs to dig deep.

Cooperation with ICTY, institutional reforms damanded by EU is not to improve EU but to help out Serbia. non cooperation, electing radicals and constant threats about RS and Kosovo shows Serbia seeks conflict. it has not done anything to show that it respects kosovars or its leadership. Whether it does or not is irrelevant because politics is all about perception and whats coming out of Serbia gives a perception that Serbia is not willing to be a partner. Therefore the world then thinks "we cant morally tell kosovo to go to that ". Illegal or not is irrelevant. There needs to be a show of partnership and will on serbia's side more so because Kosovo has the match point and is serving.

Serbia needs to sell itself to the world as a partner and willing to open itself to partnerships. Had this been done in 2000, I am of the belief that we wouldnt even be discussing kosovo independence as it wouldnt have been allowed. Threats of economic sanctions, election of radicals, maybe even military use is not going to help (although im sure it scores domestic political points) and this is where Kosovo has served an ace because by reigning in KLA, cooperating with the world, it has shown it is mature, interested in peace and interested to work with the world. Thats why many things are in its favour.

I often believe that serbs, croats, bosniaks tell themselves that “EU doesn’t like us because we are serb, croat, bosniak” or “USA doesn’t like us because we are serb or croat or bosniak” to make themselves feel better and to convince themselves that others are the cause of their pain. That somehow the world has an agenda against their own ethnic group.

Lets face it, serbia, croatia, Bosnia, kosovo are a drop in the ocean in regard to economy and population. Noone gives a damn and that why I think Kosovo independence will not change world order. I can claim independence of my own house and land if I want, but what good is it if noone recognises my land as an independent country!!!

Serbs are too “busy” with myths and folklores of loses, so they cannot see the advantage of peaceful road toward the prosperity and integrated peace. They forgot that time of being bully to other nation even a small nation as Albanians is over forever. Russian constantly support for Serbs explain now even more clearly that way Albanians borders in 1913 were criminally moved living out of Albania almost half of the Albanian population.
(Maks, 31 January 2008 15:34)
Well said Maks. Serbs have to realize that Kosova was given to them by Europe after the turks left the balkans. It was given to serbs because they were christian and wanted to punish the turks through punishing Albanians. As a result half of Albanian nation was left out of Albania. Today EU has realized the mistake that they made with Albanians and are pushing to correct it.

Nikolic represents "Greater Serbia" campaign and at last count 40% of Serbs agree with him. Since he was a former grave digger he will do for Serbia what comes naturaly.For the Albanians , one is bad and the other worse.

Although Tadic didn't make much of the duel, I still don't see any reason for voting for Nikolic.

The man offers absolutely no plans, no ideas for the future. Apart from building (yes, I know it was metaphorical) a 50-lane highway to Russia.
I truly believe that almost none of the SRS-voters think that the Radicals can really solve their problems, or keep Kosovo. Or make RS join the rest of Serbia.
The Radical party is mainly a protest-party. Unfortunately there is a lot to protest about in Serbia. And the EU hasn't done anything to really 'help' Serbia and the Serbs, so in effect maintaining the SRS as a factor of importance in Serbia.

It's easy for 'Serbs' abroad to happily propagate Nikolic as a solution.
A solution to a problem these people are not part of. It's easy talking when you're in London, New York or Paris. Take a look/read at the Serbian-language part of this site and you'll see that the tone and general opinion is much more nuanced and pro-European than you would conclude from the English-language part of the site.
Which seems more and more to become a collective playground for retro-gastarbajter-Cetnik and Albanian kiddy-extremism.

If the Serbian people vote for Nikolic they can say "bye bye" to EU. Serbia cannot join the EU with a president like Nikolic. I hope the Serbian people will be smart and vote for a European future for their country.

"I believe only in Serbia’s entry into the EU together with Kosovo,” said the DS candidate.
This is certainly true. There is strong possibility that Serbia and Kosova (Dardania) will enter in EU in the same time like what Albania, Croatia and Macedonia wanted to enter together in NATO but certainly as independent countries. EU plan this “membership” very carefully with “monitored” independence for Kosovo for 5-10 year, this is the same period of time needed for region to be integrated to EU. So Kosova will not have full independence under Ahtisari plan (monitoring independence – little less then independence) and when the time of “monitoring” will expire then the EU “monitoring” time will start. I want to emphasize the fact that EU members will give away some “independence” by entering to EU. Serbs are too “busy” with myths and folklores of loses, so they cannot see the advantage of peaceful road toward the prosperity and integrated peace. They forgot that time of being bully to other nation even a small nation as Albanians is over forever. Russian constantly support for Serbs explain now even more clearly that way Albanians borders in 1913 were criminally moved living out of Albania almost half of the Albanian population.

I also watched, Tadic's initial problem was that he was reading too much and not responding to Nikolic's accusations. However, being presidential means not getting involved in muck.

Tadic also had a greater grasp for facts and figures whilst Nikolic tried to get involved in a general polemic (of the type in a kafana) on corruption. That may impress his own supporters but the endless complaining and lack of solutions offered will not impress sections of the population which he needs to attract.

Nikolic signed off with a cringworthy 'svim srcem' banging on his chest - whilst implying that everytime Novak Djokovic ('like Novak Djokovic') does that, its a secret message of support to SRS. Only the tiniest brains fall for stunts like that.

In the end there were a number of issues - the return to the 90's, the EU, corruption, optimism etc.

Only on corruption did Nikolic succeed on landing some blows.

Nikolic started better but Tadic was much stronger in the last half.

I watched this debate. Nikolic was rude, but Tadic was totally lost. Tadic was defending EU, pushing for EU, but it was a sad scene considering how EU treats Serbia. He has no credibility left, and was called to justify some of his decisions during his presidency. Nikolic didn't have much to offer, but Tadic was empty handed as well, handwaving about the nicer and brighter future in EU. By the end of the interview it was clear that Tadic lost, breathing deeply and starring in camera, didn't sound honest and really had nothing to offer. I don't care what different polls say, the elections ended after this duel.

I'm keeping out of this. Personally I like Tadic and hope he wins, but it's not my country, not my vote.

Shame that UNEUNATO doesn't share that view. I mean it doesn't take a genius to see that when there's only a shred of pro US & EU feeling left, the worst card to play is to tell people who they have to vote for!! That must be Democracy.v2 being militarily and diplomatically forced on the world at the moment.

If you want people to feel pro EU you should offer them more than visa relaxations. The EU should show political balance and help to protect sovereign boundaries in Serbia. Reopen proper negotiations without a predetermined outcome.

i dont understand why the hysteria, why the jitters with seselj supporters :) me, i'm calm and confident tadic will win. even russians support him for godsakes. they want serbia as an ally who is an ally with eu as well. i just hope to god we're clever enough to do just that. i'm not into irrational hair splitting as to who was nice to us and who not. i have no respect for eu but i'm looking ahead. they dont like us, we dont like them, but we need eachother. and we will be pragmatic and rational. as for elections, people are mobilizing behind tadic, who didnt turn out in the 1st round even. as for seselj's minion, his tavern backing was pretty much maximized. oh, milosevics minions, yes. they'll support him too :)
and for those who still don't get it: this election is not about kosovo. kosovo is a clear cut case, no serbian government, no serbian leader will ever surrender kosovo,. it is seselj's minion who is trying to make it about kosovo, and some irrational party leaders are also trying this in their trademark sneaky way, whose party btw finished 3rd in general election. they'll look at is as great result soon enough :)
where i stand, we don't want our pensioner parents humiliated in bread queues after they spent 40 years working. we don’t want our kids to go to unheated schools hungry. i, for godsakes, sat through my classes in a winter jacket with fingers freezing on more than one occasion. for no reason. for no reason whatsoever. we are not maniacs who will destroy everything around us just for the hell of it. serbia will not be anyone's laughing stock and serbia will not be a black hole again. and we will make sure it doesnt happen. just as we made sure to get rid of the varmint so we will keep them away this time and every other time.

Tadic, Tadic, Tadic! That all that this article quotes from the debate, its quite clear who B92 favors in the elections!

Media should be natural and announce the news, that's it!

There were no quotes on how Nikolic countered Tadic's arguments in the debate.

Time for B92 to revisit the fundamentals of basic journalism 101!

Tom, in theory you are right: The function of president in Serbia seems to be only important when elections are held.
So why are people worried about a potential Nikolic-victory?
Let me explain:

1. A law-abiding, positive president will try to keep a low profile and not 'meddle' in the politics of the prime minister and his government. Already in the previous elections, four years ago, Nikolic shouted from the rooftops that he was going to 'break down' the government and call for new parliamentary elections.
A 'radical' (and I mean that in the literal sense, not as a party) president would be able to quite obstruct any government that isn't to his personal liking. Personally I don't expect Nikolic to just sit back and open a few expositions if he wins. His party will want to exploit the position of president to the max.

2. The current government is made up of three parties. A coalition deal was made, where Kostunica is allowed (even though his party is much smaller than the democratic party of Tadic) to stay prime minister. As soon as Tadic is NOT the president, there would be no reason for his DS to support Kostunica as PM. Meaning a victory of Nikolic would lead to the fall of this coalition. (the fact that Kostunica already broke the coalition agreement by not supporting Tadic is something that most certainly will lead to some struggle in the weeks after the elections. But that's another story alltogether...)

3. Nikolic is definitely not holding the keys to succesfull cooperation with the EU, US and our regional partners. Even his relationship with Russia is not significantly better than Kostunica's or Tadic's. See the energy-deal that was made last week.
Nikolic as a president would find many closed doors, resulting in a presidency like that of Milutinovic: A man sitting in his office waiting for the Russians or Chinese to invite him.

4. Electing a president whose party-leader is currently in detention in The Hague doesn't sound like the best idea to clean up Serbia's image in the world. And yes, other countries in the region have a tarnished leadership as well. But that is no excuse for us making the same mistake.

5. If Serbia wants to achieve anything in the world for our brothers in Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo, we need a president that is acceptable to the world. You can for example dislike the fact that Tadic apologized to the Croats. But if that's what is needed to improve the situation of Serbs there, then I don't see the problem. Some pragmatism is needed to get us ahead in the world. And pragmatism doesn't seem to be part of Nikolic's dictionary.

6. Kosovo: You can read the Albanian responses even here on B92... they are looking forward to a Nikolic-victory. Because it would literally mean they will be able to go for their 'independence' sooner. Again it's simple:
Nikolic = immediate declaration of independence in Kosovo.

All in all it is a matter of odds: what are the odds that Nikolic will suddenly turn out to be a great president, a visionary that will solve our problems and lead our nation to a glorious future?
That's... unlikely.
So elect Tadic. He might not be the best president. Not the smartest debater or even the brighest of our politicians. But given the choice between Nikolic and Tadic I think you wouldn't want to gamble. It's that simple really. And that complicated...

I am amazed at alot of anger towards EU and its perception on how it is treating Serbia, however it is my belief that Serbia has done nothing to help itself. lots of arguements are that EU needs to do this and do that before serbia does anything. but lets face it, if it was a tennis match, kosovo is on a match point and serbia needs to dig deep.

Cooperation with ICTY, institutional reforms damanded by EU is not to improve EU but to help out Serbia. non cooperation, electing radicals and constant threats about RS and Kosovo shows Serbia seeks conflict. it has not done anything to show that it respects kosovars or its leadership. Whether it does or not is irrelevant because politics is all about perception and whats coming out of Serbia gives a perception that Serbia is not willing to be a partner. Therefore the world then thinks "we cant morally tell kosovo to go to that ". Illegal or not is irrelevant. There needs to be a show of partnership and will on serbia's side more so because Kosovo has the match point and is serving.

Serbia needs to sell itself to the world as a partner and willing to open itself to partnerships. Had this been done in 2000, I am of the belief that we wouldnt even be discussing kosovo independence as it wouldnt have been allowed. Threats of economic sanctions, election of radicals, maybe even military use is not going to help (although im sure it scores domestic political points) and this is where Kosovo has served an ace because by reigning in KLA, cooperating with the world, it has shown it is mature, interested in peace and interested to work with the world. Thats why many things are in its favour.

I often believe that serbs, croats, bosniaks tell themselves that “EU doesn’t like us because we are serb, croat, bosniak” or “USA doesn’t like us because we are serb or croat or bosniak” to make themselves feel better and to convince themselves that others are the cause of their pain. That somehow the world has an agenda against their own ethnic group.

Lets face it, serbia, croatia, Bosnia, kosovo are a drop in the ocean in regard to economy and population. Noone gives a damn and that why I think Kosovo independence will not change world order. I can claim independence of my own house and land if I want, but what good is it if noone recognises my land as an independent country!!!

Princip: here we are always with the same old posts: yOu guys keep writing every day same old stuff...wonder if you guys do have a life. Anyway regarding EU, only with the total of the 27 nations there can be a recognition of independent kosovo, or separation if you prefer, or robbery if you ask me.

Since there are countries such as Slovakia, Romania, Spain, Italy (doesn't eeven have a goverment at the moment), Cyprus, Greece, Hungary and so on that are against this robbery i personally see it difficult for the albanians to get anything.

Please try to accept the fact that whithin EU all votes count in the same way, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that EU wont decide a thing!

"Tadić said that he was sure that the EU would never recognize a unilateral declaration of Kosovo independence, as Serbia had friends in the EU who would not allow this. "

- has Tadic been in some kind of isolation chamber these last few months? It is clear that the US are using great pressure on the EU countries who have galantly stood firm. Despite this the "few" big states of the EU are dictating for the rest and have openly sided with US foreign policy - that is very clear! Why is Tadic ignoring this very fact?

The EU continue to dismiss Serbia's sovereignity and insult the Serbian electorate by dictating their democratic right to choose the President and warn if the Serbians do not make "the EU choice of President" then they will lose out! The EU flaunt Serbia's sovereignity in ignoring its consent and openly suggesting that their EU mission does not need UN approval and therfore Serbia's consent!

- Tadic must think little of the Serbian electorate who know only too well that this is all a scam and that the EU "few" will do exactly as they wish if Tadic wins. Maybe incrementally, step by step, just like the EU are now denying the EU electorate by doing step by step what the people do not want when they blocked the consitution. The EU ignore the democratic wish of its own populace with its now Lisbon "treaty" Their attitude is;
"don't mention the "C" word and the plebs/masses will fall for it and in time we will introduce all elements that we did not get this time and call that another "treaty"."

- the EU technocrats/dictating"elites" ultimate goal is to implement Ahtisaari - Tadic cannot be ignorant of this fact they have told him this through the mass media and I am certain via Jeremic. Their stated objective is exactly what Tadic incredibly suggest they wont do but what does he think they mean when they ignore the UN and Serbia in sending their mission with explict notion to implement Ahtisaari???

- Tadic is either naive of EU diplomacy or is totally deceiving the Serbian electorate and thinks they will over time accept the dismemberment and partition !

This election is all about Kosovo. Who ever wins this election faces a very tricky situation in Serbia. Kosovo has become a stone around Serbia’s neck. Very painful to let it go - ever more costly to keep it.

Let’s assume for a minute that the Radical candidate wins the election. A week later Kosovo parliament declares independence. Majority of the EU states will recognize Kosovo as it has been predicted. The neighboring countries Macedonia, Croatia and Albania are presumed to recognize Kosovo. So what options does Mr. Nikolic have? Expelling the ambassadors of these states and totally isolating Serbia. If the radical fellow wins Serbia will be the North Korea of Europe and that is something that no one can be proud of.

If however Mr. Tadic wins the election it will be very interesting to see how he manages to navigate the muddy waters that await him considering that Kosovo will declare independence anyhow. His job becomes far more complicated and it will be interesting to see what he decides to do. As a non Serb I believe he is good politician and good individual above all and his good principles will guide him through the difficult times. This election will make history and decide the fate of the Serb nation for many decades to come. May the best man win!

My last comment on the elections;

good luck to both candidates and I hope all patriotic Serbians ensure they vote. This will be a close run result (probably determined by no more then 50,000 votes between winner and loser) so make sure your vote counts irrespective of political perspective - it is your democratic privilage to vote.

A high turnout who ever wins will be a clear and postive message against those who wish to subjugate the Serbian state.

Maybe I'm missing something but what is the actual importance of this election result. Does not the real power lie with the government and Prime Minister Kostunica. Or is it just what the result will symbolise? I have looked at the Serbian constitution and the president's powers are rather limited.
Would someone please address this for me?
Thanks.

MLKG,
Thank you for that clear and detailed response to my query.Allow me to summarise your points as I understand them:
1. A Nikolic presidency would try to disrupt and make trouble for the government.
2. It could result in the fall of the government as DS might pull out.
3. It would send a wrong signal to the world at large.
4. It would provoke the K-Albanians into an immediate declaration of independence.

All of these are valid and serious points and I tend to agree with you. The last thing Serbia needs at this time is further political instability. As regards Kosovo and Tadic's committment to it, the fact remains that he is constitutionally obliged to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of his country. There can be no wavering on that.

Now, I am not living in Serbia, I am not even a Serb, but I have great affection for the country and its people (I visit often) and I totally support the Serbian position on Kosovo. I also wish to see the country fulfil its massive potential.

In many ways the Serbs are rather like my own people, the Irish, so I wish you well and hope that whatever the outcome is next Sunday, it will be in the interests of the Serbian nation.

Those that hopes that EU membership will open golden doors to prosperity are wrong. Prosperity is heading to east, not west. Several days ago even UK government predefined its own policy toward Asia declaring that source of prosperity of West depends of close ties to Asian countries. We can’t get anything from EU membership; we will loose Kosovo actually. Do you think that EU will stop investing in Serbia if Nikolic win? Answer is “No”. Our trade partner Russia has one of the biggest growing economy in the world.
Isolation? This is joke. In today world there is no such a thing as isolation. Everything is global, especially with Serbian geo-political position. Tadic is trying to scare voters.
Kosovo is Serbian and always will be. No barganing with Kosovo Mr. Tadic.