"EU mission does not define status"

Thank goodness the Russians are prepared to shoot from the hip and stick to their guns - metaphorically speaking! Someone needs to defend international laws, and sadly it does not seem to be the 'West'.

On the other hand, it is tragic that the EU is handling this so badly. If they had shown unity and made a stand of their own, without just trailing behind the US, perhaps this wouldn't have got to this point.

They have pushed Serbia away from Europe and closer to Russia, when in fact Serbia is perfectly placed to become an EU nation with valuable links to Russia. That could benefit all nations.

It's clear what needs to be done. The EU mission should go ahead once (and only when) approved by the UN Security Council, which I am sure it would be if it legally confirms its respect of Serbia's sovereignty.

It is becoming clearer by the day that any acceptance of a second Albanian state on Serbian territory is just going to create turmoil. How can one ethnic group demand to annex the land within the boundaries of its sovereign nation?

That's insane and would trigger off a chain reaction around the globe. Not to mention the obvious intent to merge an independent Kosovo with Albanian proper, and then on to Macedonia, Montenegro, Bulgaria...

How many mosques would spring up with Saudi money and the moderate Muslims will find themselves at the mercy of religious fundamentalists. I am certain that there are many Muslim people in the Balkans who would hate to see that happen.

I think the point is being missed here. It is not a matter of whether the agreement has anything to do with Kosovo, BUT what signing the agreement implies.

So long as the EU has a choice between choosing Serbia/Russia or Kosovo, the decision is ever so complicated. BUT, as soon as Serbia signs its intention to join the EU, that choice disappears as the EU can then have both Serbia and Kosovo!

If the agreement is signed, the path is clear for the UDI and the EU to do as it pleases. The cost of free travel to the EU will be 15% of Serbia's territory!

Until Kosovo's status is finalised there should be no signing of agreements with parties wishing to dismember Serbia. Serbia's integrity is at stake and if we don't respect that, neither will anyone else!

Serbia is prospering as we speak so it's not like it will be missing out economically. The harder the game, the larger the EU carrot so Kostunica's stance should only help Serbia. Win/Win if the cards are played right!

Check link http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0208/p01s04-woeu.html

Dacian,

Why did you pick me again? You really must be fed up with my opinion as I am some really important person and have power to decide for entire Serbia. Thank you, I will take this as a compliment :))). I don’t know did you read my yesterdays’ respond on your question. I briefly gave my opinion. I just don’t understand why you insist so much on the great importance for Serbia to join the EU. I don’t think it is so important. The only good thing at this moment would be immediate abolishment of visa regime and if you ask me that is the only thing we need from the EU. But, if the mission in Kosovo is condition for this, then I say NO, we don’t need that abolishment. Dacian, I don’t mind our neighbours being a part of the EU. I do not think that our only salvation is in the EU. Look, I don’t have anything against good bilateral relationship with the EU countries, but I would also like equally good bilateral relationship with the East. I don’t think that Serbia would greatly benefit after integration in the EU. We can work on our system and make it quite the same or similar to the EU countries but we don’t have to copy and paste but to apply what it suits best to Serbia. I also do not think that Serbs are stupid people and cannot do anything good without the EU’s assistance.

Serbia should just take and keep neutral position in new world order. By entering the EU Serbia will totally lose its independence and as a small country in the EU will have no much right on say. That this is true what I claim we can see from everyday news how the EU’s powerful countries treat the small one, especially those still developing countries.

The last reason I don’t want Serbia to join EU is current or should I say continuous mistreatment of Serbia by the EU. They do not treat Serbia with respect and actively work on ripping away 15% of Serbia’s territory and granting to someone else and all this they work only for their own benefits, for their own agenda. Or should I say they work as a blind USA’s obedient making smoother implementation USA’s agenda.

Yes Dacian, Serbiais neither Switzerland nor Norway, and none of us ever claimed it was. But, I have no doubts that Serbia could reach certain standard, not maybe like in Norway, but similar to the European average, only id she was left alone without to much external political meddling. Serbia is geo-strategically good place for foreign investments and if our country ensures stability in all terms than I see no problems for us. Why Serbia would considered itself as isolated country if not part of the EU. That is ridiculous.

The remit of EULEKS is to
enhance the judicial,police and customs systems in Kosovo .This seems to me to be preparation for partition or a prolonged EU administration of Kosovo as a protectorate without UN
authorisation.
I would agree with Kate that
the partition of Serbia will
have profound effects on the
region since a number of
Albanian contributors speak
about the ressurection of the
ancient country of Dardania.
One look at the geography of
dardania and it is pretty clear that the kosovo partition won't be the last
in the region.The countries
in the region must put a stop
to the Albanian's aspirations
starting with Kosovo.

"In deciding to send its own mission to Kosovo, the EU refers to UN Security Council Resolution 1244, specifically those parts that stipulate that starting from June 10, 1999, an “international presence” is established in Kosovo, which implies the active involvement of the EU."

“international presence” does not implies the active involvement of the EU automatically. Perhaps, Russia could send the mission itself. There is a legal ground for it in 1244. It mentions “international presence” .

Kate:
The source of your information on Kosova, the Albanians and the Balkans in general has always been something of a mystery to me. Not even the Serbs have ever suggested that the ALbanians have any claims on Bulgaria and if you bothered to look at a map of the Balkans you would see how ridiculous that is. And then as far as Greater Albania, Kosova and Macedonia are concerned our governments has made it perfectly clear that they want nothing to do with any "Greater Albania". In fact the whole idea of a Greater Albania in this day and age is simply a useful tool in the propaganda arsenal of Serbia rather than an idea seriously contemplated by any Albanians. Now that Kosova is ruled by Albanians, now that our brothers in Macedonia and Montenegro have a share in the governance of their country and now that the borders and any obstacles in communication between us have disappeared, we do not want or need a Greater Albania.
The same goes for your warnings of mosques springing up with Saudi money and all that nonsense. If I am not mistaken it is the UK now that is discussing the merits of introducing Sharia law and where the Saudis have invested a lot in mosques and colleges and madrassas so please spare us the criticism. We are the one people in the Balkans and perhaps the whole world that have never fought each other in the name of religion and have managed to perform a miracle in terms of religious coexistence and harmony. Catholic and Orthodox Albanians support the independence of Kosova just as strongly as our Muslim brothers, because we see our selves first and foremost as Albanians, but I guess you will not be able to understand that. So please before you issue such grave warnings on the independence of Kosova bringing about the end of the world, it might be useful to do your homework first.

"the Russian ambassador to Belgrade Aleksandr Alekseyev has said that the EU mission can come to Kosovo only via a Security Council resolution. "
DO YOU UNDERSTAND???

The EU is no special club. Serbia will prosper without it as it has so far. Russia is an up and comeing if not their already economic leader. OLF, did you know that my country, your savior of Kosovo, goes around the world to get countries to exempt them from inter law and the world court, if their not prosecuting. Basicly to be exempt from Laws of War. If the Serbs did it its illegal, if the US does it its fine and dandy.

Maks.....
Thanks for your brief history lesson, but perhaps you can save this quick recap fore some US policymaker's Blog space somewhere... and stop cluttering up the B92 webspace..

Let's stick to the topics please..

Thanks ZK that was a great article. Voja is a true warrior!

If that is the Russian plan to call UNSC session after Indepndence is Declaret and to try to pass on the resolution to declare the Independence NULL and VOID, you are daydreaming because that will never pass on UNSC. Imediate VETO from US, UK and others.
So,Russia lost the battle and the war on this one.

DO YOU UNDERSTAND???
(maya, 8 February 2008 11:28)

Maya,

Please don’t shout.
We can hear you loud and clear.
You will give yourself a heart attack like that.

...
If the agreement is signed, the path is clear for the UDI and the EU to do as it pleases. The cost of free travel to the EU will be 15% of Serbia's territory!
...
(ZK UK, 8 February 2008 11:49)
Serbs historically have no rights over the Kosova territories until 14 century (1346 to 1371) when Serbian Empire’s borders where beyond Arta, Chameria, (Albanian territories nowadays are under Greece rule). Serbia renamed Dardania and Kosovo because of the “bad luck” on the Field of Black Birds (Kosovo Polje) where Balkan Army lead by Serbs lost the battle with Ottoman Empire. The reason this field was chosen for this Battle was:
Because Serbs won the previous battle with Ottoman Empire each was the Battle of Plocnik was fought on the Bosnian-Serb border in 1386, at the village of Plocnik. The Ottoman Empire had been taking control of Europe coming into the battle, however, the Battle of Plocnik slowed down the empire's conquest. They where over-confident and where sure that they can defeat Ottoman Army in an open field as is Kosova field.
A force of Serbs, Bosnians, and Bulgarians combined to defeat the Ottoman attackers in a neutral land each was neither Serbian, nor Bosnian, nor Bulgarian. In this way they saved their own villages from being destroyed by the war. Unfortunately even then Albanian suffered the consequences.
In 1913 Kosova was given to Serbia as a Vilayet of the defeated Ottoman Empire to fulfill the Russian desire to support Serbia. You see the trend nowadays with unconditional Russian opposing Kosova Independence
In 1918 Vojvodina was given to Serbia as well as part of defeated Austro-Hungarian Empire.
With 1974 constitution of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Kosova had an autonomous province status with the same rights as Yugoslavia’s republics. Although Slobodan Milosevic tried to curtail the province’s constitutional rights by declaring a state of emergency and imposing martial law, his efforts were overtaken by events as Yugoslavia slid into civil war during the 1990s and population of Kosovo is the worst destroyed by Slobodan Milosevic repressive machine.
It is true that Resolution 1244 affirmed “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia” – which by that time had been reduced to a rump state consisting of Serbia and Montenegro. However, that republic’s legal identity changed with Montenegrins voted to independence, leaving only Serbia as the successor state that automatically Serbia is an independent state from ex-Yugoslavia leaving Kosovo an un-decided status under UN control. And even before these events Kosovo had exercised its constitutional right in conducting a referendum that overwhelmingly endorsed independence. With ethnic Albanians comprising more than 90 percent of the population, the result was a foregone conclusion.

first of all, Serbia won´t be "isolated", even if you would give anything to see that happen...

remember, CEFTA... ;)

and furthermore the new Southstream-project...

as for th "big and important" countries recognizing a toy-independence...

which states are you referring to?
by now we count only 11:4 against independence in the UNSC... and...guess what, that´s representative for the whole planet.

you have only the US, and UK, perhaps France and Germany...

if you are fine with that...perfect!

seems like some in Kosovo will be digging for roots...as he had declared it...

I am fine with that, too.

but, if you came to reason, you would live much better. let´s see whether you will be singing the independence-tune in a few months... :)

The EU mission doesn't define anything.

The recognition of independence by big and powerful countries is what really matters.

Anything else is irrelevant.

I think that the turn has come to US/EU give one back to Russia for threatening with VETO at UNSC. So , now US/EU will, recognise the new State of Kosova and send the mission to Kosova just to show that they are serious powers and that Russia cannot undermine their role.

Russian lovers, don’t you feel ashamed to associate Russia with International law. Russia at present has appalling record of human right see Human right watch.
Or maybe you are blinded with Serbo phobia, or maybe you have so loudly claimed that Kosova will stay in Serbia with no justification and now you find it hard to believe it.
As for K-Serbs that you have deceived with your messages form UK, US, Canada I am sure that you have already forgotten or maybe they were never an issue to you.

"Greater Albania is simply a useful tool in the propaganda arsenal of Serbia rather than an idea seriously contemplated by any Albanians"

Teni you are wrong....
Poll: Over 90% for all Albanians in one state
February 06, 2008
http://www.csees.net/?page=news&news_id=65750&country_id=8

Zk an agreement about relaxing the Visa restrictions implies the relaxation of visa restrictions. Nothing more nothing less.

What if the E.U. hadn't been so stupid to present its plans for sending its force this week. There wouldn't have been a problem signing the agreement. But the plans would have been presented sooner or later anyhow. It was already clear what the stance of most european countries was, with most of them suporting independence. Nothing has changed in that respect and siging the agreement doesn't imply we agree with the E.U. stance on Kosovo.

If you somehow think that we can wait any longer, or that we can somehow manage without the E.U. or at least with good relation ships with other countries in the E.U. I think your mistaken. We might be doing fine now, but choosing the path of self isolation will mean the situation will only worsen.

BMRUSILA, so you don't want Serbia to join the EU. Tell me, what other options does Serbia have? All the states in the region will join the EU and what will Serbia do? Serbia is not Switzerland or Norway so what will Serbia do? Remain isolated, right?

If the EU gets involved, I hope it is just to do policing.

There is no good reason why Kosovo should be Albanian. In fact, it should not be Albanian. The mono-ethnic argument is weak and should not stand. Any monoethnic link to history is false - all the tribes moved around and so could lay claim to large swathes of the Balkans. Historically there was an eternal flow of groupings.

The argument that 90% of Kosovo is Albanian is an indictment - it reflects the results of a distinct policy to ethnically cleanse the territory of Serbs.

"We are the one people in the Balkans and perhaps the whole world that have never fought each other in the name of religion and have managed to perform a miracle in terms of religious coexistence and harmony."

No you have blood feuds instead.

ZK

Agree with you comments. There is no doubt that Kostunica is the most capable politician in Serbia today. He is playing hard ball with the EU by forcing them to declare their hand. Serbia in its internationally recognised borders or we forget about us. This puts EU in a spot. They don’t want to alienate Serbian public. Otherwise, the so called independence would have been declared. There is no doubt that any signature on any agreement with EU will be de-facto agreement with publicly know EU policy. How can a country enter into an agreement with an organisation that wishes to dismember it. To consider doing so for easier travel restrictions, is staggering.

Radical - International presence allows the EU, and yes it could allow Russia.

I remind you that Russia had 3000 troops in Kosoo until 2003, so they have had a presence.

"I have no doubts that Serbia could reach certain standard, ... similar to the European average, only id she was left alone without to much external political meddling. Serbia is geo-strategically good place for foreign investments and if our country ensures stability."

The problem, bmrussila, is that although Serbia may have its attractions to business, they are not significantly greater than its neighbours.

EU membership acts as a guarantee to investors of the standard of the business practices, and the legal framework it can rely on when it invests. It provides a level of security, as business know the legal and regulatory framework they are dealing with and that they can go to an EU court in the end.
Without that Investors will be less sure about investing, because they will feel that their money is less safe 9whether that is true or not). Also you will not have duty free access to the entire EU market like your neighbours. All these factors would lead most investors to put their money elsewhere.

thank you so much teni, for returning and commenting with such honesty and clarity. it is the best weapon against the arguments of certain posters... sometimes when I say it, it comes off as preachy or worse, mean-spirited; but when you write your comments it leaves me feeling grounded and steady.

and now, i just had this weird thought: if independence is declared on the 17th, then what will we have left to "debate" about? what will i do with so much sudden free time? get a life?? but then i realized: this is the balkans (sorry, guys, don't censor me for that!), so i have a feeling nirvana is not just around the corner. still, we are excited about the 17th, that just might be the looong-awaited date... ready to celebrate :)

robert0 fr frisco

Kate:
The source of your information on Kosova, the Albanians and the Balkans in general has always been something of a mystery to me. Not even the Serbs have ever suggested that the ALbanians have any claims on Bulgaria and if you bothered to look at a map of the Balkans you would see how ridiculous that is. And then as far as Greater Albania, Kosova and Macedonia are concerned our governments has made it perfectly clear that they want nothing to do with any "Greater Albania". In fact the whole idea of a Greater Albania in this day and age is simply a useful tool in the propaganda arsenal of Serbia rather than an idea seriously contemplated by any Albanians. Now that Kosova is ruled by Albanians, now that our brothers in Macedonia and Montenegro have a share in the governance of their country and now that the borders and any obstacles in communication between us have disappeared, we do not want or need a Greater Albania.
The same goes for your warnings of mosques springing up with Saudi money and all that nonsense. If I am not mistaken it is the UK now that is discussing the merits of introducing Sharia law and where the Saudis have invested a lot in mosques and colleges and madrassas so please spare us the criticism. We are the one people in the Balkans and perhaps the whole world that have never fought each other in the name of religion and have managed to perform a miracle in terms of religious coexistence and harmony. Catholic and Orthodox Albanians support the independence of Kosova just as strongly as our Muslim brothers, because we see our selves first and foremost as Albanians, but I guess you will not be able to understand that. So please before you issue such grave warnings on the independence of Kosova bringing about the end of the world, it might be useful to do your homework first.

I think that the turn has come to US/EU give one back to Russia for threatening with VETO at UNSC. So , now US/EU will, recognise the new State of Kosova and send the mission to Kosova just to show that they are serious powers and that Russia cannot undermine their role.

Russian lovers, don’t you feel ashamed to associate Russia with International law. Russia at present has appalling record of human right see Human right watch.
Or maybe you are blinded with Serbo phobia, or maybe you have so loudly claimed that Kosova will stay in Serbia with no justification and now you find it hard to believe it.
As for K-Serbs that you have deceived with your messages form UK, US, Canada I am sure that you have already forgotten or maybe they were never an issue to you.

DO YOU UNDERSTAND???
(maya, 8 February 2008 11:28)

Maya,

Please don’t shout.
We can hear you loud and clear.
You will give yourself a heart attack like that.

BMRUSILA, so you don't want Serbia to join the EU. Tell me, what other options does Serbia have? All the states in the region will join the EU and what will Serbia do? Serbia is not Switzerland or Norway so what will Serbia do? Remain isolated, right?

If that is the Russian plan to call UNSC session after Indepndence is Declaret and to try to pass on the resolution to declare the Independence NULL and VOID, you are daydreaming because that will never pass on UNSC. Imediate VETO from US, UK and others.
So,Russia lost the battle and the war on this one.

The EU mission doesn't define anything.

The recognition of independence by big and powerful countries is what really matters.

Anything else is irrelevant.

...
If the agreement is signed, the path is clear for the UDI and the EU to do as it pleases. The cost of free travel to the EU will be 15% of Serbia's territory!
...
(ZK UK, 8 February 2008 11:49)
Serbs historically have no rights over the Kosova territories until 14 century (1346 to 1371) when Serbian Empire’s borders where beyond Arta, Chameria, (Albanian territories nowadays are under Greece rule). Serbia renamed Dardania and Kosovo because of the “bad luck” on the Field of Black Birds (Kosovo Polje) where Balkan Army lead by Serbs lost the battle with Ottoman Empire. The reason this field was chosen for this Battle was:
Because Serbs won the previous battle with Ottoman Empire each was the Battle of Plocnik was fought on the Bosnian-Serb border in 1386, at the village of Plocnik. The Ottoman Empire had been taking control of Europe coming into the battle, however, the Battle of Plocnik slowed down the empire's conquest. They where over-confident and where sure that they can defeat Ottoman Army in an open field as is Kosova field.
A force of Serbs, Bosnians, and Bulgarians combined to defeat the Ottoman attackers in a neutral land each was neither Serbian, nor Bosnian, nor Bulgarian. In this way they saved their own villages from being destroyed by the war. Unfortunately even then Albanian suffered the consequences.
In 1913 Kosova was given to Serbia as a Vilayet of the defeated Ottoman Empire to fulfill the Russian desire to support Serbia. You see the trend nowadays with unconditional Russian opposing Kosova Independence
In 1918 Vojvodina was given to Serbia as well as part of defeated Austro-Hungarian Empire.
With 1974 constitution of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Kosova had an autonomous province status with the same rights as Yugoslavia’s republics. Although Slobodan Milosevic tried to curtail the province’s constitutional rights by declaring a state of emergency and imposing martial law, his efforts were overtaken by events as Yugoslavia slid into civil war during the 1990s and population of Kosovo is the worst destroyed by Slobodan Milosevic repressive machine.
It is true that Resolution 1244 affirmed “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia” – which by that time had been reduced to a rump state consisting of Serbia and Montenegro. However, that republic’s legal identity changed with Montenegrins voted to independence, leaving only Serbia as the successor state that automatically Serbia is an independent state from ex-Yugoslavia leaving Kosovo an un-decided status under UN control. And even before these events Kosovo had exercised its constitutional right in conducting a referendum that overwhelmingly endorsed independence. With ethnic Albanians comprising more than 90 percent of the population, the result was a foregone conclusion.

I think the point is being missed here. It is not a matter of whether the agreement has anything to do with Kosovo, BUT what signing the agreement implies.

So long as the EU has a choice between choosing Serbia/Russia or Kosovo, the decision is ever so complicated. BUT, as soon as Serbia signs its intention to join the EU, that choice disappears as the EU can then have both Serbia and Kosovo!

If the agreement is signed, the path is clear for the UDI and the EU to do as it pleases. The cost of free travel to the EU will be 15% of Serbia's territory!

Until Kosovo's status is finalised there should be no signing of agreements with parties wishing to dismember Serbia. Serbia's integrity is at stake and if we don't respect that, neither will anyone else!

Serbia is prospering as we speak so it's not like it will be missing out economically. The harder the game, the larger the EU carrot so Kostunica's stance should only help Serbia. Win/Win if the cards are played right!

Check link http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0208/p01s04-woeu.html

Thank goodness the Russians are prepared to shoot from the hip and stick to their guns - metaphorically speaking! Someone needs to defend international laws, and sadly it does not seem to be the 'West'.

On the other hand, it is tragic that the EU is handling this so badly. If they had shown unity and made a stand of their own, without just trailing behind the US, perhaps this wouldn't have got to this point.

They have pushed Serbia away from Europe and closer to Russia, when in fact Serbia is perfectly placed to become an EU nation with valuable links to Russia. That could benefit all nations.

It's clear what needs to be done. The EU mission should go ahead once (and only when) approved by the UN Security Council, which I am sure it would be if it legally confirms its respect of Serbia's sovereignty.

It is becoming clearer by the day that any acceptance of a second Albanian state on Serbian territory is just going to create turmoil. How can one ethnic group demand to annex the land within the boundaries of its sovereign nation?

That's insane and would trigger off a chain reaction around the globe. Not to mention the obvious intent to merge an independent Kosovo with Albanian proper, and then on to Macedonia, Montenegro, Bulgaria...

How many mosques would spring up with Saudi money and the moderate Muslims will find themselves at the mercy of religious fundamentalists. I am certain that there are many Muslim people in the Balkans who would hate to see that happen.

Zk an agreement about relaxing the Visa restrictions implies the relaxation of visa restrictions. Nothing more nothing less.

What if the E.U. hadn't been so stupid to present its plans for sending its force this week. There wouldn't have been a problem signing the agreement. But the plans would have been presented sooner or later anyhow. It was already clear what the stance of most european countries was, with most of them suporting independence. Nothing has changed in that respect and siging the agreement doesn't imply we agree with the E.U. stance on Kosovo.

If you somehow think that we can wait any longer, or that we can somehow manage without the E.U. or at least with good relation ships with other countries in the E.U. I think your mistaken. We might be doing fine now, but choosing the path of self isolation will mean the situation will only worsen.

"the Russian ambassador to Belgrade Aleksandr Alekseyev has said that the EU mission can come to Kosovo only via a Security Council resolution. "
DO YOU UNDERSTAND???

"In deciding to send its own mission to Kosovo, the EU refers to UN Security Council Resolution 1244, specifically those parts that stipulate that starting from June 10, 1999, an “international presence” is established in Kosovo, which implies the active involvement of the EU."

“international presence” does not implies the active involvement of the EU automatically. Perhaps, Russia could send the mission itself. There is a legal ground for it in 1244. It mentions “international presence” .

Thanks ZK that was a great article. Voja is a true warrior!

Dacian,

Why did you pick me again? You really must be fed up with my opinion as I am some really important person and have power to decide for entire Serbia. Thank you, I will take this as a compliment :))). I don’t know did you read my yesterdays’ respond on your question. I briefly gave my opinion. I just don’t understand why you insist so much on the great importance for Serbia to join the EU. I don’t think it is so important. The only good thing at this moment would be immediate abolishment of visa regime and if you ask me that is the only thing we need from the EU. But, if the mission in Kosovo is condition for this, then I say NO, we don’t need that abolishment. Dacian, I don’t mind our neighbours being a part of the EU. I do not think that our only salvation is in the EU. Look, I don’t have anything against good bilateral relationship with the EU countries, but I would also like equally good bilateral relationship with the East. I don’t think that Serbia would greatly benefit after integration in the EU. We can work on our system and make it quite the same or similar to the EU countries but we don’t have to copy and paste but to apply what it suits best to Serbia. I also do not think that Serbs are stupid people and cannot do anything good without the EU’s assistance.

Serbia should just take and keep neutral position in new world order. By entering the EU Serbia will totally lose its independence and as a small country in the EU will have no much right on say. That this is true what I claim we can see from everyday news how the EU’s powerful countries treat the small one, especially those still developing countries.

The last reason I don’t want Serbia to join EU is current or should I say continuous mistreatment of Serbia by the EU. They do not treat Serbia with respect and actively work on ripping away 15% of Serbia’s territory and granting to someone else and all this they work only for their own benefits, for their own agenda. Or should I say they work as a blind USA’s obedient making smoother implementation USA’s agenda.

Yes Dacian, Serbiais neither Switzerland nor Norway, and none of us ever claimed it was. But, I have no doubts that Serbia could reach certain standard, not maybe like in Norway, but similar to the European average, only id she was left alone without to much external political meddling. Serbia is geo-strategically good place for foreign investments and if our country ensures stability in all terms than I see no problems for us. Why Serbia would considered itself as isolated country if not part of the EU. That is ridiculous.

The remit of EULEKS is to
enhance the judicial,police and customs systems in Kosovo .This seems to me to be preparation for partition or a prolonged EU administration of Kosovo as a protectorate without UN
authorisation.
I would agree with Kate that
the partition of Serbia will
have profound effects on the
region since a number of
Albanian contributors speak
about the ressurection of the
ancient country of Dardania.
One look at the geography of
dardania and it is pretty clear that the kosovo partition won't be the last
in the region.The countries
in the region must put a stop
to the Albanian's aspirations
starting with Kosovo.

Radical - International presence allows the EU, and yes it could allow Russia.

I remind you that Russia had 3000 troops in Kosoo until 2003, so they have had a presence.

The EU is no special club. Serbia will prosper without it as it has so far. Russia is an up and comeing if not their already economic leader. OLF, did you know that my country, your savior of Kosovo, goes around the world to get countries to exempt them from inter law and the world court, if their not prosecuting. Basicly to be exempt from Laws of War. If the Serbs did it its illegal, if the US does it its fine and dandy.

first of all, Serbia won´t be "isolated", even if you would give anything to see that happen...

remember, CEFTA... ;)

and furthermore the new Southstream-project...

as for th "big and important" countries recognizing a toy-independence...

which states are you referring to?
by now we count only 11:4 against independence in the UNSC... and...guess what, that´s representative for the whole planet.

you have only the US, and UK, perhaps France and Germany...

if you are fine with that...perfect!

seems like some in Kosovo will be digging for roots...as he had declared it...

I am fine with that, too.

but, if you came to reason, you would live much better. let´s see whether you will be singing the independence-tune in a few months... :)

Maks.....
Thanks for your brief history lesson, but perhaps you can save this quick recap fore some US policymaker's Blog space somewhere... and stop cluttering up the B92 webspace..

Let's stick to the topics please..

"We are the one people in the Balkans and perhaps the whole world that have never fought each other in the name of religion and have managed to perform a miracle in terms of religious coexistence and harmony."

No you have blood feuds instead.

"I have no doubts that Serbia could reach certain standard, ... similar to the European average, only id she was left alone without to much external political meddling. Serbia is geo-strategically good place for foreign investments and if our country ensures stability."

The problem, bmrussila, is that although Serbia may have its attractions to business, they are not significantly greater than its neighbours.

EU membership acts as a guarantee to investors of the standard of the business practices, and the legal framework it can rely on when it invests. It provides a level of security, as business know the legal and regulatory framework they are dealing with and that they can go to an EU court in the end.
Without that Investors will be less sure about investing, because they will feel that their money is less safe 9whether that is true or not). Also you will not have duty free access to the entire EU market like your neighbours. All these factors would lead most investors to put their money elsewhere.

"Greater Albania is simply a useful tool in the propaganda arsenal of Serbia rather than an idea seriously contemplated by any Albanians"

Teni you are wrong....
Poll: Over 90% for all Albanians in one state
February 06, 2008
http://www.csees.net/?page=news&news_id=65750&country_id=8

If the EU gets involved, I hope it is just to do policing.

There is no good reason why Kosovo should be Albanian. In fact, it should not be Albanian. The mono-ethnic argument is weak and should not stand. Any monoethnic link to history is false - all the tribes moved around and so could lay claim to large swathes of the Balkans. Historically there was an eternal flow of groupings.

The argument that 90% of Kosovo is Albanian is an indictment - it reflects the results of a distinct policy to ethnically cleanse the territory of Serbs.

thank you so much teni, for returning and commenting with such honesty and clarity. it is the best weapon against the arguments of certain posters... sometimes when I say it, it comes off as preachy or worse, mean-spirited; but when you write your comments it leaves me feeling grounded and steady.

and now, i just had this weird thought: if independence is declared on the 17th, then what will we have left to "debate" about? what will i do with so much sudden free time? get a life?? but then i realized: this is the balkans (sorry, guys, don't censor me for that!), so i have a feeling nirvana is not just around the corner. still, we are excited about the 17th, that just might be the looong-awaited date... ready to celebrate :)

robert0 fr frisco

ZK

Agree with you comments. There is no doubt that Kostunica is the most capable politician in Serbia today. He is playing hard ball with the EU by forcing them to declare their hand. Serbia in its internationally recognised borders or we forget about us. This puts EU in a spot. They don’t want to alienate Serbian public. Otherwise, the so called independence would have been declared. There is no doubt that any signature on any agreement with EU will be de-facto agreement with publicly know EU policy. How can a country enter into an agreement with an organisation that wishes to dismember it. To consider doing so for easier travel restrictions, is staggering.