EU adopts Kosovo mission plan in urgent procedure

Since the EU is on the fast track to violating International Law (something they are NOT exempt from) - don't say I told you so!

You're setting Serbia up & we won't give up.

CCCC

"The document, dubbed Joint Action, which deals with the legal and financial bases for such a mission was adopted in urgent procedure in Brussels today, Tanjug news agency has learned from its sources with the EU."

There cannot be any legal basis for this mission unless UN 1224 is bypassed and that can only be done in the UNSC and we all know the outcome of that. Why such a rush right now? Joint Action by whom? The EU and the Kosovo Albanians? This smells like panic and I am sure we will find out why the coming days.

"The text of the document was first coordinated in the EU Policy and Security Committee and discussed at the EU ambassadors' level."

The unelected technocrats that have given themselves too much power. What a democracy!

Last Friday, it was sent to the 27 EU member states for approval, with the deadline for responses expiring today at noon, after which the document is "considered to be adopted."

I do not think any document can be adopted unless it has been approved by all EU members and it is well known that a growing number of them is against independence of Serbia's province Kosovo. This is probably a German/UK trick to push this through without any clear discussion and we all know the possible outcomes when that happens.

"The content is likely to be revealed Friday, in the EU Official Gazette, the agency said."

Is this a sign that Friday will be "the big day"?

"Only a single formal step remains for an EU mission to sent to Kosovo to replace UNMIK there, and that is a decision by the Council of Ministers on the adoption of the Operative Plan, Tanjug's sources said."

Wrong answer. In that case there are two steps needed is step two cannot be made without step one (see above for more details). If step one is bypassed illegally it would mean a violation of the souvereignty of the Republic of Serbia and can be considred an act of violence. Good job Mr. Tadic, one day after your close victory your EU friends already betray you and you have betrayed the Kosovo Serbs.

"The mission would be deployed only a day after the Operative Plan is adopted."

So there will be no mission.

"On Dec. 14, the EU heads of state and government met at a summit in Brussels and passed a political decision on their intention to send a mission to Kosovo."

They can claim whatever they want.

"Serbia is strongly opposed to this, demanding a UN Security Council decision."

And that is what should happen and they have every right to demand that.

"Belgrade considers the EU's planned move as the beginning of the implementation of Martti Ahtisaari's plan on Kosovo's supervised independence."

The Ahtisaari's plan has been dead and cannot be implemented as such. For some reason this has not sunk into various people's mind. Maybe I should stop responding to these kinds of articles. Nothing will chance and common sense has been gone for a long time.

"The Finnish diplomat's blueprint for the future status of the southern Serbian province was rejected at the UN on several occasions last spring."

And it will never ever be accepted no matter how much some people scream, cry, threat, and yell. Start doing something constructive before it is too late. Time is ticking and there can be a compromise that will be good for all.

Well Tadic,

looks like the EU "friends" have not given you much time to celebrate and were already working against Serbia if you won or not! See the BBC take on this;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7226959.stm

"The BBC's Oana Lungescu says the mission was approved in writing before a Monday deadline so as not to interfere with the polls in Serbia. "

A test of your resolve already - friends indeed !!!

Maybe Tadic will start to appreciate Kostunica's offer more clearly now!!!

Some Facts and Figures - You Add it Up
Prior to 1999, when Albanians were supposedly ethnically cleansed, there were 500,000 Serbs living in Kosovo. Prior to this point in time, the Serbian population of Kosovo was in many waves of ethnic cleansing by Albanian terror & intimidation (rape & kidnapping, murder) dramatically reduced. Does this mean that Tirana should belong to Serbia? Or maybe Skadar should belong to Montenegro.
By the way, Metohija was ceeded by Serbia from Montengro. Town "Istok" is perfect example. How can it be East of anything but Montenegro.
Albanians, dont get too happy. Happiness can pass quickly for Albanians as it can for Serbs. Many Empires have come and gone, and the American Empire will expire one day also.
Jankovic Nikola, Sydney Australia

It's happening!
Too bad I won't be in Kosovo to celebrate.

This is further proof, if any were needed, that the United Nations is a completely redundant Organization and can be ignored at will.

First the illegal war against Serbia, that the UN signed up for well after the fact because they really had no choice and now we have the EU forging ahead even though there is a SC resolution in place that would prohibit this.

Lets get rid of this Organization (UN) and get something that's actually effective.

This is getting more ridiculous everyday. The UN (which has accomplished exactly nothing in Kosovo in 9 years) is a complete joke and no wonder it's being completely ignored. Any Organization that has promoted DPKO Kofi into the SG slot (see Rwanda) deserves to be ignored. Useless.

Obviously the UN won't hold back the EU because they want to get out of a bad situation (that they influenced greatly) and let someone else start pouring money into the endless pit that is Kosovo.

It's happening!
Too bad I won't be in Kosovo to celebrate.
(Eagle, 4 February 2008 19:14)

Same here mate, I would love to be there when it happends. Imagine the joy, tears ppl will shed after being finally Independent and Free. The Balkans will feel the earthquake coming from Kosova the day its declared Independence and the world will see how much this meant to the citizen of Kosova.

Be patience my ppl, the time has come!

Only 100000 Ben??

Would this not an embarassement for what you would call a "Society"?

If this is what it takes to create a society, then i feel sorry for the people you represent and cheer.

"It is time we stopped trying to convince each other on the righteousness of our own causes and get used to the idea of a new Kosovar state."

(village-bey, 4 February 2008 20:58)

This comment is hypocritical. This is exactly what you are trying to do with your comment.

Peter UK- you believe that EU will change her mind because of Tadic?
Tadic is believed to be the man with whom the bridging to the independence would be smoother, although I don’t believe in that- EU will soon be disappointed and realize that have overestimated the “democratic” forces in Serbia.

Your dreams of you ‘albo are being dumped’ and so one are just you good wishes!

I can’t understand why don’t you accept that 95% of the Kosovars wants to live in their own state- and not because they are spoiled it’s simply because they have been killed, arrested, deported from their homes just 8 years ago and before that lived in apartheid for 10 years and their sufferings were ignored by the entire Europe… and this was happening to them also in the past.

I don’t believe Europe loves more Albanians then Serbs, it’s simply that it is clear that after all that has happened between these two nations it is impossible to except that they live together

What is that you cannot understand and accept in this?

brother´s what a great day for serbia!

eu-membership killed once and for all

&

the albanians will give their 3. indiependence-proclamation without any effect (un, eu, nato, worldbank-membership)!

now i can celebrate too!

Nice friends Tadic has huh (EU)... well we know you will never accept this Tadic, but let's see what you will do when your "friends" continue to amputate your country.

European ideals cooperation, integration, and coexistence will put the final lid on nationalism in our part of the world. That would mean that old constructs of sovereignty would be replaced by modern emphasis on different layers of identity that would live peacefully side by side. Kosova surely won’t be land of Buddhist contemplation but with a strong oversight, people would be able to carry on with their everyday business without interference.

This Mission Plan is very encouraging news indeed and a clear indication that things will get moving speedily from now onwards. The torturous delay has achieved the desired and widespread apathy throughout Kosova nonetheless European technocrat’s impetus is long overdue.
I personally have no problem with the Serbian claim over Kosova. If zealots find console in the 1224 even after its sell-by date that is fine by me. After all half of the world’s states have existing territorial claims against theirs neighbours'. That doest mean that life would stay still. Very shortly, business and trade will flourish and with time, human relationship will normalise too.
It is time we stopped trying to convince each other on the righteousness of our own causes and get used to the idea of a new Kosovar state.

"I don’t believe Europe loves more Albanians then Serbs, it’s simply that it is clear that after all that has happened between these two nations it is impossible to except that they live together

What is that you cannot understand and accept in this?
(ben, 4 February 2008 20:26) "

Ben, you must be Western person, aren't you? Only to you people it's logical to have Air-conditioning and Heater on at the same time?
So, It's "clear that after all that has happened between these two nations it is impossible to except that they live together". Fine. It's not clear to Ahtisaari, as he thinks that Northern Kosovo Serbs should live together with Albanians. And it wasn't clear to anyone of your ilk, that from the beginning incouraged ethnic break-up of Yugoslavia on the grounds that "those nations can't live together". Then they insisted that those same nations have to live together but in Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo, etc.
What is that I cannot understand and accept in this? Isn't it obvious?

To Ben and European.
Again you are using subsitution. Nations of Serbia and Kosovo!
Wasn't there a Badinter's Commision that declared Yugoslavia dissolved, and declared republics of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Hezegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia nations?
If we are not talking about ethnicities, where did you get Kosovo to be a nation? Isn't there also UN resolution 1244? Kosovo is not a nation there. So, why is the Kosovo nation? Because you say so?
And what criterium is used to determined what is the nation? I can't remember any European telling us that after what happen between those two nations (Croatia and Krajina) they can't live together. Oh, yes, Krajina was not a nation.
"Serbia has, in the eyes of the world, forfeited this right through its atrocities."
Last year CIA declassified documents showing that Mercep was responsable for thousands of dissapearances of Serbs in Croatia, before war even began, and that it was done in tacit approval of Croatian government. Somehow, they did not, in the eyes of the world, forfeited this right through those atrocities. Or, are you both telling me that there were no attrocities in Kosovo since NATO came in? Virtually, all non-Albanians live behind barbed-wire.
Yet, Kosovo, did not, in the eyes of the world, forfeit any rights through its atrocities.
Explain why?
What criterium is used? Can you say tomorrow that Presevo Valley is a nation, too? And should they start killing civilians (as KLA started it's actions with attacks on helpless refugees from Croatia), then declare that nations of Serbia and Presevo Valley can't live together.
And please, stop using "eyes of the world". I use "West" as this is what you are. When NATO attacked Serbia in 1999 (staying clear of UN) we've seen a scores of Western (not world) officials lamenting over "international community" outrage, how "world" needed to react, etc. Stop equalising yourself with the world, people. World is much bigger place.

You think this means success and recognition of independence? This "agreement" is for principle financial and police work, they have not agreed on the day when they are supposedly to be sent to the province. Don't celebrate to soon your freedom and indepednence is about as good as its gonna be right now you will still answear to a higher power do you not realize this?

Where is Kosovo in the UN? EU? nope neither and guess what? never will be. Kosovo as a country will expire in less than a year rest assured, your incapable of creating such a false state, take a look at Bosnia..bottom of the barrel.

To the so called Kosovo Albanians here, think twice no three times before you presume support is given to you for free, but its OK you will have to grow up one day and learn on your own. No more relying on the big powers (Ottomans,Germans,US etc..)

Great News!!!

send 100,000 of them- their presence will emancipate K-society.

Only UNSC can replace UNMIK. EU cannot replace anything. Not legally.

Only UNSC can give Kosovo albanians legal independence because according to UNSC resolution 1244 Kosovo is still part of Yugoslavia today Serbia. If UNSC resolution 1244 is still in effect then Kosovo is Serbian territory still.

If 1244 is not valid anymore then Serbia has the legal right to enter Kosovo with its police and army.

What a mess!

It seems to me that even the Rumanians and Cypriots "brothers" abandon Serbia...
All the 27 countries voted in favor of the EU mission, which by the way they will only be deployed after the Kosovo announces independency.
What next the Russians?
Not that it will make any difference to politicians in Belgrade.
They will still find some other bizarre justification or so called “allies”!!!
Maybe they should try to find some African countries allies for “understanding”.

JANVKOVIC NIKOLA wrote: Town "Istok" is perfect example. How can it be East of anything but Montenegro.

Nikola, I am from that city what you call Istok, and let me tell you something buddy, It is ISTOG not Istok, and the name Istog is typical Albanian name. Name comes from a tree that grow in that region called "Shtog", so the name merged from Shtog-Shtoge-Istogje-Istogj to Istog and this is a fact which I am sure you and all Serbs will ignore.

Another thing is that "Istok" I know it meaans east in Serbian and do you ever wonder do the Serbs by that name mean something east of Albania?
Thank you

Seems like Cyprus and Romania didn't veto afterall...but of course, we all knew it, expect for a few wishful thinkers.

Now it's independence time, and just like EULEX, it cannot be stopped.

At the end of all this, Kosovo will be an independent country, with EU helping it get up in it's feet, and all of it's international partners which are far more powerful than Russia, Serbia or Congo.

All in all, not bad!

Looks like no ones bluffing anymore are they?

Politicians in Kosovo have behaved maturely and the Albanians in Kosovo understood that independece would come with patience, not losing their strongest allies and making sure the independece is coordinated.

Things are about to Change my friends... Very soon.

good! mission approved, tadic won, kosova independent, time to move on.

"brother´s what a great day for serbia!

eu-membership killed once and for all

&

the albanians will give their 3. indiependence-proclamation without any effect (un, eu, nato, worldbank-membership)!

now i can celebrate too!
(raso, 4 February 2008 21:48)"

-yep you always find something to celebrate about don't you.

And Greece says:

http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n132999

I see some posters here are very keen on Nikolic and already criticizing Tadic. The mission was going to be approved no matter what and Kosovo will be independent no matter who won (in fact faster if Nikolic won). You should feel lucky Tadic won, there is some light at the end of the tunnel now.

Well PRINCIP, RASO, and others... Do you see that FINALLY the MOMENTUM is coming?
The people of Serbia voted for a pro-european President, therefore if people of Serbia voted to join Europe then they have to play by the rules of Europe and one of the rules of Europe is that KOSOVA should be INDEPENDENT.
If any of the serbs here is from Kosova, please do not fear Independence of Kosova because it will only bring better times for all the people of Kosova.
Also, PRINCIP, dont you think that its not fair that you ask your people in Serbia to head towards Russia while you yourself live in a nice and comfortable life in England? Why do you want your people to suffer while you yourself enjoy your life in the lifestyle of the west?
Thank You.

I really don't see what all the fuss is about with the EU coming in to Kosovo. We knew this was going to happen, and we knew that Kosovo was about to enter a new transitional phase. Calling it anything more or less than this is the stuff of irrational idealism. I personally welcome tha administrative authority of the EU in Kosovo as it is the only way to move the region forward. Belgrade has mentioned it wants no authority over the Albanians, and the Albanians certainly cannot handle this job by themselves. No formal mention is made of giving Kosovo independence, and with the EU setting up a mandate, any formal conception of independence is symbolic only. In fact, it could very well be that the international adminiatrators in the region are swapping UN hats for EU ones. Still, what are the options? That Pristina goes it alone? We've seen what kind of mess they've already made with the Ministry of Tourism, so rational EU administrative oversight is probably the best thing for the immediate future. Furthermore, what makes anybody think the EU is going to completely run ramshackle over all Serbian interests? I actually feel the EU Mandate will allow Serbia to strengthen its claim - or at the very least its authority - over Serb-dominated lands and Serb cultural landmarks.

Administrative authority externally may very well allow cooler heads to prevail internally.

If Serbia is going to join the EU, it will have to play along with the EU rules/decisions. Every agreement has a price and compromise is the key to "getting along" with others.

I have a message for the citizens of Serbia:forget about Kosovo!!! Serbia should concentrate on meeting the conditions for joining the EU.

Radical - what you have to remember is that when "western" people talk about "nations" they mean countries/states and not ethnicities - therefore when ben says that the nations of kosovo and serbia cannot live together he does not mean that the serb and albanian people cannot live together.

The reality is that kosovo will not accept the jurisdiction of serbia over it - and Serbia has, in the eyes of the world, forfeited this right through its atrocities. As states, governments, countries they must be separate - but as people they must live together - both inside of kosovo and inside of Europe.

Radical: I can’t answer you better then the European did. He give you an exhaustive answer. The only thing I can add is that you speak about micro-minorities- they are not nations, at least in Kosva’s case.

In the case of Bosnia where Serbs were constituent nation the international Community recognized/legitimized the R. Srpska. See that IC is al the time searching for a balanced approach?

Pjetro: what do you see wrong in the emancipation of the K-Society? (and you will have to expalain to me why is not a Society, or you don’t have a clue what society means?)

The entire Balkan needs to be emancipated- especially Serbia. Your entire political and military establishment is in Hague- and Nokolic would’ve still won the elections if the minorities didn’t vote Tadic. Is it possible that that you in Serbia can’t see this?

"It is time we stopped trying to convince each other on the righteousness of our own causes and get used to the idea of a new Kosovar state."

(village-bey, 4 February 2008 20:58)

This comment is hypocritical. This is exactly what you are trying to do with your comment.
(Nenad, 4 February 2008 22:28)
Depends which angle you look at it Nenad.
During all these 80 years that Kosova was incorporated to Yugoslavia did not stop me thinking how unjust that decision was. We are now reversing roles. It is your prerogative to think of the current decision to grant Kosova independence as unjust. That won’t stop you in sticking an international stamp on you letter to Prishtina

Radical:

you live in your own world, with your own values- and I will leave you there

self-criticism is your nightmare something of which you don’t want to think about- and yet you still have your leader in Hague with the entire Serbian political and military establishment, but you don’t care about that- you don't see it you ignore it- you believe in tales of ‘mega conspiracy’ of the world against you- you dream EU but love Asian values... after all you are radical aren’t you? Have a peace in history- Kosova is moving forward

It's happening!
Too bad I won't be in Kosovo to celebrate.

It's happening!
Too bad I won't be in Kosovo to celebrate.
(Eagle, 4 February 2008 19:14)

Same here mate, I would love to be there when it happends. Imagine the joy, tears ppl will shed after being finally Independent and Free. The Balkans will feel the earthquake coming from Kosova the day its declared Independence and the world will see how much this meant to the citizen of Kosova.

Be patience my ppl, the time has come!

European ideals cooperation, integration, and coexistence will put the final lid on nationalism in our part of the world. That would mean that old constructs of sovereignty would be replaced by modern emphasis on different layers of identity that would live peacefully side by side. Kosova surely won’t be land of Buddhist contemplation but with a strong oversight, people would be able to carry on with their everyday business without interference.

This Mission Plan is very encouraging news indeed and a clear indication that things will get moving speedily from now onwards. The torturous delay has achieved the desired and widespread apathy throughout Kosova nonetheless European technocrat’s impetus is long overdue.
I personally have no problem with the Serbian claim over Kosova. If zealots find console in the 1224 even after its sell-by date that is fine by me. After all half of the world’s states have existing territorial claims against theirs neighbours'. That doest mean that life would stay still. Very shortly, business and trade will flourish and with time, human relationship will normalise too.
It is time we stopped trying to convince each other on the righteousness of our own causes and get used to the idea of a new Kosovar state.

Peter UK- you believe that EU will change her mind because of Tadic?
Tadic is believed to be the man with whom the bridging to the independence would be smoother, although I don’t believe in that- EU will soon be disappointed and realize that have overestimated the “democratic” forces in Serbia.

Your dreams of you ‘albo are being dumped’ and so one are just you good wishes!

I can’t understand why don’t you accept that 95% of the Kosovars wants to live in their own state- and not because they are spoiled it’s simply because they have been killed, arrested, deported from their homes just 8 years ago and before that lived in apartheid for 10 years and their sufferings were ignored by the entire Europe… and this was happening to them also in the past.

I don’t believe Europe loves more Albanians then Serbs, it’s simply that it is clear that after all that has happened between these two nations it is impossible to except that they live together

What is that you cannot understand and accept in this?

Great News!!!

send 100,000 of them- their presence will emancipate K-society.

It seems to me that even the Rumanians and Cypriots "brothers" abandon Serbia...
All the 27 countries voted in favor of the EU mission, which by the way they will only be deployed after the Kosovo announces independency.
What next the Russians?
Not that it will make any difference to politicians in Belgrade.
They will still find some other bizarre justification or so called “allies”!!!
Maybe they should try to find some African countries allies for “understanding”.

good! mission approved, tadic won, kosova independent, time to move on.

Well PRINCIP, RASO, and others... Do you see that FINALLY the MOMENTUM is coming?
The people of Serbia voted for a pro-european President, therefore if people of Serbia voted to join Europe then they have to play by the rules of Europe and one of the rules of Europe is that KOSOVA should be INDEPENDENT.
If any of the serbs here is from Kosova, please do not fear Independence of Kosova because it will only bring better times for all the people of Kosova.
Also, PRINCIP, dont you think that its not fair that you ask your people in Serbia to head towards Russia while you yourself live in a nice and comfortable life in England? Why do you want your people to suffer while you yourself enjoy your life in the lifestyle of the west?
Thank You.

Only 100000 Ben??

Would this not an embarassement for what you would call a "Society"?

If this is what it takes to create a society, then i feel sorry for the people you represent and cheer.

Looks like no ones bluffing anymore are they?

Politicians in Kosovo have behaved maturely and the Albanians in Kosovo understood that independece would come with patience, not losing their strongest allies and making sure the independece is coordinated.

Things are about to Change my friends... Very soon.

Seems like Cyprus and Romania didn't veto afterall...but of course, we all knew it, expect for a few wishful thinkers.

Now it's independence time, and just like EULEX, it cannot be stopped.

At the end of all this, Kosovo will be an independent country, with EU helping it get up in it's feet, and all of it's international partners which are far more powerful than Russia, Serbia or Congo.

All in all, not bad!

Radical: I can’t answer you better then the European did. He give you an exhaustive answer. The only thing I can add is that you speak about micro-minorities- they are not nations, at least in Kosva’s case.

In the case of Bosnia where Serbs were constituent nation the international Community recognized/legitimized the R. Srpska. See that IC is al the time searching for a balanced approach?

Pjetro: what do you see wrong in the emancipation of the K-Society? (and you will have to expalain to me why is not a Society, or you don’t have a clue what society means?)

The entire Balkan needs to be emancipated- especially Serbia. Your entire political and military establishment is in Hague- and Nokolic would’ve still won the elections if the minorities didn’t vote Tadic. Is it possible that that you in Serbia can’t see this?

Radical:

you live in your own world, with your own values- and I will leave you there

self-criticism is your nightmare something of which you don’t want to think about- and yet you still have your leader in Hague with the entire Serbian political and military establishment, but you don’t care about that- you don't see it you ignore it- you believe in tales of ‘mega conspiracy’ of the world against you- you dream EU but love Asian values... after all you are radical aren’t you? Have a peace in history- Kosova is moving forward

Well Tadic,

looks like the EU "friends" have not given you much time to celebrate and were already working against Serbia if you won or not! See the BBC take on this;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7226959.stm

"The BBC's Oana Lungescu says the mission was approved in writing before a Monday deadline so as not to interfere with the polls in Serbia. "

A test of your resolve already - friends indeed !!!

Maybe Tadic will start to appreciate Kostunica's offer more clearly now!!!

I see some posters here are very keen on Nikolic and already criticizing Tadic. The mission was going to be approved no matter what and Kosovo will be independent no matter who won (in fact faster if Nikolic won). You should feel lucky Tadic won, there is some light at the end of the tunnel now.

I have a message for the citizens of Serbia:forget about Kosovo!!! Serbia should concentrate on meeting the conditions for joining the EU.

Radical - what you have to remember is that when "western" people talk about "nations" they mean countries/states and not ethnicities - therefore when ben says that the nations of kosovo and serbia cannot live together he does not mean that the serb and albanian people cannot live together.

The reality is that kosovo will not accept the jurisdiction of serbia over it - and Serbia has, in the eyes of the world, forfeited this right through its atrocities. As states, governments, countries they must be separate - but as people they must live together - both inside of kosovo and inside of Europe.

Since the EU is on the fast track to violating International Law (something they are NOT exempt from) - don't say I told you so!

You're setting Serbia up & we won't give up.

CCCC

"brother´s what a great day for serbia!

eu-membership killed once and for all

&

the albanians will give their 3. indiependence-proclamation without any effect (un, eu, nato, worldbank-membership)!

now i can celebrate too!
(raso, 4 February 2008 21:48)"

-yep you always find something to celebrate about don't you.

"It is time we stopped trying to convince each other on the righteousness of our own causes and get used to the idea of a new Kosovar state."

(village-bey, 4 February 2008 20:58)

This comment is hypocritical. This is exactly what you are trying to do with your comment.
(Nenad, 4 February 2008 22:28)
Depends which angle you look at it Nenad.
During all these 80 years that Kosova was incorporated to Yugoslavia did not stop me thinking how unjust that decision was. We are now reversing roles. It is your prerogative to think of the current decision to grant Kosova independence as unjust. That won’t stop you in sticking an international stamp on you letter to Prishtina

And Greece says:

http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n132999

"The document, dubbed Joint Action, which deals with the legal and financial bases for such a mission was adopted in urgent procedure in Brussels today, Tanjug news agency has learned from its sources with the EU."

There cannot be any legal basis for this mission unless UN 1224 is bypassed and that can only be done in the UNSC and we all know the outcome of that. Why such a rush right now? Joint Action by whom? The EU and the Kosovo Albanians? This smells like panic and I am sure we will find out why the coming days.

"The text of the document was first coordinated in the EU Policy and Security Committee and discussed at the EU ambassadors' level."

The unelected technocrats that have given themselves too much power. What a democracy!

Last Friday, it was sent to the 27 EU member states for approval, with the deadline for responses expiring today at noon, after which the document is "considered to be adopted."

I do not think any document can be adopted unless it has been approved by all EU members and it is well known that a growing number of them is against independence of Serbia's province Kosovo. This is probably a German/UK trick to push this through without any clear discussion and we all know the possible outcomes when that happens.

"The content is likely to be revealed Friday, in the EU Official Gazette, the agency said."

Is this a sign that Friday will be "the big day"?

"Only a single formal step remains for an EU mission to sent to Kosovo to replace UNMIK there, and that is a decision by the Council of Ministers on the adoption of the Operative Plan, Tanjug's sources said."

Wrong answer. In that case there are two steps needed is step two cannot be made without step one (see above for more details). If step one is bypassed illegally it would mean a violation of the souvereignty of the Republic of Serbia and can be considred an act of violence. Good job Mr. Tadic, one day after your close victory your EU friends already betray you and you have betrayed the Kosovo Serbs.

"The mission would be deployed only a day after the Operative Plan is adopted."

So there will be no mission.

"On Dec. 14, the EU heads of state and government met at a summit in Brussels and passed a political decision on their intention to send a mission to Kosovo."

They can claim whatever they want.

"Serbia is strongly opposed to this, demanding a UN Security Council decision."

And that is what should happen and they have every right to demand that.

"Belgrade considers the EU's planned move as the beginning of the implementation of Martti Ahtisaari's plan on Kosovo's supervised independence."

The Ahtisaari's plan has been dead and cannot be implemented as such. For some reason this has not sunk into various people's mind. Maybe I should stop responding to these kinds of articles. Nothing will chance and common sense has been gone for a long time.

"The Finnish diplomat's blueprint for the future status of the southern Serbian province was rejected at the UN on several occasions last spring."

And it will never ever be accepted no matter how much some people scream, cry, threat, and yell. Start doing something constructive before it is too late. Time is ticking and there can be a compromise that will be good for all.

brother´s what a great day for serbia!

eu-membership killed once and for all

&

the albanians will give their 3. indiependence-proclamation without any effect (un, eu, nato, worldbank-membership)!

now i can celebrate too!

"It is time we stopped trying to convince each other on the righteousness of our own causes and get used to the idea of a new Kosovar state."

(village-bey, 4 February 2008 20:58)

This comment is hypocritical. This is exactly what you are trying to do with your comment.

If Serbia is going to join the EU, it will have to play along with the EU rules/decisions. Every agreement has a price and compromise is the key to "getting along" with others.

Nice friends Tadic has huh (EU)... well we know you will never accept this Tadic, but let's see what you will do when your "friends" continue to amputate your country.

Some Facts and Figures - You Add it Up
Prior to 1999, when Albanians were supposedly ethnically cleansed, there were 500,000 Serbs living in Kosovo. Prior to this point in time, the Serbian population of Kosovo was in many waves of ethnic cleansing by Albanian terror & intimidation (rape & kidnapping, murder) dramatically reduced. Does this mean that Tirana should belong to Serbia? Or maybe Skadar should belong to Montenegro.
By the way, Metohija was ceeded by Serbia from Montengro. Town "Istok" is perfect example. How can it be East of anything but Montenegro.
Albanians, dont get too happy. Happiness can pass quickly for Albanians as it can for Serbs. Many Empires have come and gone, and the American Empire will expire one day also.
Jankovic Nikola, Sydney Australia

This is further proof, if any were needed, that the United Nations is a completely redundant Organization and can be ignored at will.

First the illegal war against Serbia, that the UN signed up for well after the fact because they really had no choice and now we have the EU forging ahead even though there is a SC resolution in place that would prohibit this.

Lets get rid of this Organization (UN) and get something that's actually effective.

This is getting more ridiculous everyday. The UN (which has accomplished exactly nothing in Kosovo in 9 years) is a complete joke and no wonder it's being completely ignored. Any Organization that has promoted DPKO Kofi into the SG slot (see Rwanda) deserves to be ignored. Useless.

Obviously the UN won't hold back the EU because they want to get out of a bad situation (that they influenced greatly) and let someone else start pouring money into the endless pit that is Kosovo.

Only UNSC can replace UNMIK. EU cannot replace anything. Not legally.

Only UNSC can give Kosovo albanians legal independence because according to UNSC resolution 1244 Kosovo is still part of Yugoslavia today Serbia. If UNSC resolution 1244 is still in effect then Kosovo is Serbian territory still.

If 1244 is not valid anymore then Serbia has the legal right to enter Kosovo with its police and army.

What a mess!

You think this means success and recognition of independence? This "agreement" is for principle financial and police work, they have not agreed on the day when they are supposedly to be sent to the province. Don't celebrate to soon your freedom and indepednence is about as good as its gonna be right now you will still answear to a higher power do you not realize this?

Where is Kosovo in the UN? EU? nope neither and guess what? never will be. Kosovo as a country will expire in less than a year rest assured, your incapable of creating such a false state, take a look at Bosnia..bottom of the barrel.

To the so called Kosovo Albanians here, think twice no three times before you presume support is given to you for free, but its OK you will have to grow up one day and learn on your own. No more relying on the big powers (Ottomans,Germans,US etc..)

"I don’t believe Europe loves more Albanians then Serbs, it’s simply that it is clear that after all that has happened between these two nations it is impossible to except that they live together

What is that you cannot understand and accept in this?
(ben, 4 February 2008 20:26) "

Ben, you must be Western person, aren't you? Only to you people it's logical to have Air-conditioning and Heater on at the same time?
So, It's "clear that after all that has happened between these two nations it is impossible to except that they live together". Fine. It's not clear to Ahtisaari, as he thinks that Northern Kosovo Serbs should live together with Albanians. And it wasn't clear to anyone of your ilk, that from the beginning incouraged ethnic break-up of Yugoslavia on the grounds that "those nations can't live together". Then they insisted that those same nations have to live together but in Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo, etc.
What is that I cannot understand and accept in this? Isn't it obvious?

I really don't see what all the fuss is about with the EU coming in to Kosovo. We knew this was going to happen, and we knew that Kosovo was about to enter a new transitional phase. Calling it anything more or less than this is the stuff of irrational idealism. I personally welcome tha administrative authority of the EU in Kosovo as it is the only way to move the region forward. Belgrade has mentioned it wants no authority over the Albanians, and the Albanians certainly cannot handle this job by themselves. No formal mention is made of giving Kosovo independence, and with the EU setting up a mandate, any formal conception of independence is symbolic only. In fact, it could very well be that the international adminiatrators in the region are swapping UN hats for EU ones. Still, what are the options? That Pristina goes it alone? We've seen what kind of mess they've already made with the Ministry of Tourism, so rational EU administrative oversight is probably the best thing for the immediate future. Furthermore, what makes anybody think the EU is going to completely run ramshackle over all Serbian interests? I actually feel the EU Mandate will allow Serbia to strengthen its claim - or at the very least its authority - over Serb-dominated lands and Serb cultural landmarks.

Administrative authority externally may very well allow cooler heads to prevail internally.

To Ben and European.
Again you are using subsitution. Nations of Serbia and Kosovo!
Wasn't there a Badinter's Commision that declared Yugoslavia dissolved, and declared republics of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Hezegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia nations?
If we are not talking about ethnicities, where did you get Kosovo to be a nation? Isn't there also UN resolution 1244? Kosovo is not a nation there. So, why is the Kosovo nation? Because you say so?
And what criterium is used to determined what is the nation? I can't remember any European telling us that after what happen between those two nations (Croatia and Krajina) they can't live together. Oh, yes, Krajina was not a nation.
"Serbia has, in the eyes of the world, forfeited this right through its atrocities."
Last year CIA declassified documents showing that Mercep was responsable for thousands of dissapearances of Serbs in Croatia, before war even began, and that it was done in tacit approval of Croatian government. Somehow, they did not, in the eyes of the world, forfeited this right through those atrocities. Or, are you both telling me that there were no attrocities in Kosovo since NATO came in? Virtually, all non-Albanians live behind barbed-wire.
Yet, Kosovo, did not, in the eyes of the world, forfeit any rights through its atrocities.
Explain why?
What criterium is used? Can you say tomorrow that Presevo Valley is a nation, too? And should they start killing civilians (as KLA started it's actions with attacks on helpless refugees from Croatia), then declare that nations of Serbia and Presevo Valley can't live together.
And please, stop using "eyes of the world". I use "West" as this is what you are. When NATO attacked Serbia in 1999 (staying clear of UN) we've seen a scores of Western (not world) officials lamenting over "international community" outrage, how "world" needed to react, etc. Stop equalising yourself with the world, people. World is much bigger place.

JANVKOVIC NIKOLA wrote: Town "Istok" is perfect example. How can it be East of anything but Montenegro.

Nikola, I am from that city what you call Istok, and let me tell you something buddy, It is ISTOG not Istok, and the name Istog is typical Albanian name. Name comes from a tree that grow in that region called "Shtog", so the name merged from Shtog-Shtoge-Istogje-Istogj to Istog and this is a fact which I am sure you and all Serbs will ignore.

Another thing is that "Istok" I know it meaans east in Serbian and do you ever wonder do the Serbs by that name mean something east of Albania?
Thank you