Bubalo: No economic embargo for Kosovo

Hahahaha! Nice try Blin Dema! Without Serbia's goods and products, Kosovo is virtually economimcally isolated. Good luck getting Montenegrin products (which are Serbian anyway) over the Kula pass in winter. And have you ever driven the road from Kosovo to Albania through the Djakovica region? Good luck relying on Macedonia for all your shopping needs. And I'm sure the Slovenians will be opening up a Mercator in Pristina next week. Forget about it. I wouldn't get too arrogant; without Serbia, Kosovo is in economic doldrums.

Bubalo & Co. thank you. Serbias economy would suffer without Kosova market as well. Otherwise we have good neighbours such Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro. Of course Slovenia too!

Hmm, MARKO, you think so, do not worry, Albania is on the border, roads are fixing, docks are on the sea, and the whole world is recognising Kosova, so do not count to much on your goods.
(albano, 19 February 2008 14:43)

Have you ever considered why Albania is so poor. Is it because it has no natuaral gateway to Europe in terms of its trade routes. The quickest and most economical route is through Serbia, remember, your gas will be coming from there soon enough.

Serbia only sells 3% into Kosovo of Serbias total budget but this translates into about 50% of all goods available in Kosovo. In the last eight years, if you haven't established new trade routes, then that must mean there are limited if not no options available.

I am not suprised, and never expected for such a move from Serbian government. They knew and know about the outcome of INDEPENDENCE of KOSOVA , therefore, this was an oridinary game that we are used to hear. I would like that Serbians distance from violence, as this will help the Serbs miniority living in the Republic of Kosova, and entire Serbian citizens living in Serbia for prosperous future. Its so sad to see that Serbs are still relying so much on Russia, when its obvious that Russians don't give a damm about Serbs, they are just buying now all public companies, and once they do that, would say bye bye to you guys. Serbia is so small country to be lucriative for Russia, remember that they are never going to give up their economical/political interests towards Western Powers because of Serbia.

"Please, bring on the embargo."

Where I come from this attitude is described as "cutting off your nose to spite your face".

Blin Dema/Bin Laden hahaha angrams eh!!!
With that outlook you'll still be goat herding for centuries to come!

Hmm, MARKO, you think so, do not worry, Albania is on the border, roads are fixing, docks are on the sea, and the whole world is recognising Kosova, so do not count to much on your goods.

Economics trumps politics.

The Serbian government in Belgrade does the responsible thing vis-a-vis its citizens in Kosovo & what do
K-Albanian's post?

Complaints & provocation about something that hasn't happened.

Says a lot about the latter.

In the end a sensible move.
I expect the markets to respond tomorrow positively (barring any major incidents in the meantime) and the dinar will probably appreciate a little too.

Nikshala I get what you are saying - although the idea that you are advocating that people suffer isnt really my style. And it seems odd that you are actually accusing Serbia of using bullying tactics but are advocating that it uses those tactics...

Seeing as you are being honest I wonder how honest you can be. Kosovo will be the most dependent state in Europe will it not? You are just advocating that Kosovo transfers its dependency onto other states are you not?

'Please, bring on the embargo'

shala, i'm smile, we ought to get along well :)
anyway, patience. wait till we consolidate north, may take a while, then we'll embargo you, and then diplomatically economically patiently work on more.
i have nothing against the ordinary albanian, in fact i have no interest in them. but, as i rule i dont gloat if people get bogged in poverty or insecurity or if mafia runs their lives or they have no infrastructure. but you just shouldnt have done this. we will block you now in every turn, and preventing kos. albanians from becoming members of organizations that could lead you to badly, badly needed investment, and that is much better that blocking a crossing so that flour sacks can't get in, dont you think? also, its more suave :)
those who recognize this thingie you declared will support you no doubt, and i mean feed you, but to some degree and for some time. nobody plays the stubborn game with serbs and wins, believe me ;)

PLEASE BRING ON THE EMBARGO!!!!

All the merchants in Albania, Montenegro and Macedonia, plus Greece and Italy, are ready with their business plans and shipping means to take over Kosova market. They are only waiting for the green light, meaning the Serbian embargo. It will be the real solution in separating Serbia and Kosova once and for all, at least for the next 25-50 years. EMBARGO + CLOSE THE NORTHERN BORDER = BEST DEAL EVER. We are all waiting...

bganon

I would rather prefer to transfer the dependence to USA & EU powerful countries, rather than be governed ever by Serbia. At the end of the day, as you are witness, whole the world is depending on these so called powerful countries. Hence, its not a shame for us to depend on them, but its rather a privilage.

God Bless America!

Economic interests win at the end of the day.....
Anybody who believes that the Albanian economy is going to somehow magically grow at the recognition from the White House is just kidding themselves..Just look to the country of Albania. It's been recognized since 1913, and you can see the West's interests.

All roads lead through Serbia, and the faster this happens, the happier everybody will be.
Even Thaci knows this.

In the meanwhile, the Albanians have received a morale boost, and nothing has changed the next day.

You've been given another version of Autonomy that you enjoyed in 1974, but on a bigger stage, and more flags.

In fact, if I were Albanian, I could now understand where Albin Kurti is coming from..

BTW, can somebody inform me, or link me to viable sources, as to IF and HOW MUCH of the Kosovo debt that Serbia is paying off??

(ataman, 20 February 2008 08:43)

Ataman, those are harsh words!
When did you come to Kosovo as a tourist?
If your intentions were pure you would not be kicked out?

As far as for remembering, don’t flatter yourself.
You “were” kicked, we were killed, massacred, tortured, imprisoned…..
Our mothers and sisters were raped and out children burned.
Do you actually believe that we relied on your sympathy ever?
And yes, very superstitious last sentence.
Is that a curse you are putting on us?
P.S. What happened to the joyful Ataman we once knew?

"If you K-Albanians react this way to a stretched hand: you will be punished by your own karma. Deep, dark shame on you and I can tell: I will spread the word about your attitude. " (ataman)

If you think of one second that Serbia announcing that there might not be a blockade, is a strech of hand and a nice gesture towards albanians, you are sadly mistaken.

If they could, they would starve us to death! Put probably they realised one or more of the following:

1. The will punish K. Serbs as well.

2. Kosovo's economy will become independent of Serbia.

3. Worried about reactions from EU

4. Loss of a considerable market, and thus punishing serbian businesses.

etc etc..

So believe me, it could be anything but a strech of hand.

Your preconceptions of albanians of some kind of bad experience in the past, our clouding you judgement.

I would love if Serbia and Kosovo had a good relationship, and if Serbia genuinely made a nice gesture towards Kosovo as you claim. It would be a good thing for the region.

But judging by rhetoric coming from Belgrade, and my in depth knowledge of serbian mentality and serbian politics, I know that its anything but a good faith gesture!

Finally somebody in Serbia is thinking with their heads.
Though a number of pro-Serb camp will try to minimize the importance of the Kosovo market for Serbian products 2 million consumers do count something.
The other alternative (economical brocade) would undeniably result with time in Serbia loosing this market.
I know also that the pro-Serbian camp will advocate that Serbia can afford loosing this marketplace.
Unfortunately, in this time where the competition is fierce every cent (or every dinar in Serbia) counts.
If Serbia decides to implement the embargo mentioned recently Kosovo will with time find other suppliers (and believe it or not there are a lot of suppliers).
I believe that Nik Shala emphasized correctly, the only looser would be Serbia and the winners will be Kosovo and our other neighbors.
So as Nik said…..do us a favor, please bring on the embargo.

Come on. The only reason there will not be embargo, or Kosovo will not close its borders with Serbia is cause YOU BOTH depend on each other. The politicians just care about power, business man about money.

I really hope that Belgrade does enforce this embargo on Kosovo.

While initialy this will cause difficulty for the population of Kosovo, in long term its a good thing because new trade routes will be established with our pro european neighbours Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro, and this will make Kosovo both politicaly and economicaly independent from Serbia.

This will strengthen the ties between Kosovo and Albanian and Macedonia, thus leading to thier economic development as well. As K.Albanian i'd rather if my money goes to Albania and Macedonia than Serbia.

This way Serbia will not have any influence over Kosovo whatsoever.

I am for good neighbourly relations between Kosovo and Serbia, only when Serbia forgets its bullying and threatening tactics.

Please, bring on the embargo.

Serbia and Kosovo will forever be neighbours. Serb politicans threatened an economic embargo last week, and then they realised this would hurt Serbs in Kosovo. Nobody is in any doubt that if there were no Serbs in Kosovo, Serbia would starve the K-Albanians to death economically, if it was possible. This is the reason why K-Albanians deserved and needed independence. What surprised me most was Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister who was interviewed on UK Channel 4. Though I disagree with him, he was very articulate and explained Serbia's objection to Kosovo independence very well. If you had more people like him, instead of Kostunica, this whole issue could have been resolved through negotiation many years ago, and both countries would be in the EU today. Look at Croatia and Slovenia as examples of former Yugoslav states whose leaders focused on tomorrow, and not today or yesterday.

Arben so you dont see any contradiction in proclaiming independence at the same time as conceeding that you are wholly dependent?

Its not a trick question. It just points out the absurdity of the situation. Whilst flags are being waved, national sentiment is expressed, in fact you dont have anything real at all. Foreigners (non Albanians) still make the decisions and you are still dependent.

I do understand where Kurti is coming from. Whats more I think that in the coming months his support will grow and grow.

If you K-Albanians react this way to a stretched hand: you will be punished by your own karma. Deep, dark shame on you and I can tell: I will spread the word about your attitude.

As I was young I came to your province with joy and good faith as a tourist. You mishandled an kicked us out for no reason. Thanks for your "hospitality" you let me feel long ago, I well remember it. Now you have my raised middle finger and ZERO sympathy. If ever I had any good wish before reading your reactions I withdraw it. I am sure, with this approach you will get precisely the fate you deserve.

Hmm, MARKO, you think so, do not worry, Albania is on the border, roads are fixing, docks are on the sea, and the whole world is recognising Kosova, so do not count to much on your goods.

I really hope that Belgrade does enforce this embargo on Kosovo.

While initialy this will cause difficulty for the population of Kosovo, in long term its a good thing because new trade routes will be established with our pro european neighbours Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro, and this will make Kosovo both politicaly and economicaly independent from Serbia.

This will strengthen the ties between Kosovo and Albanian and Macedonia, thus leading to thier economic development as well. As K.Albanian i'd rather if my money goes to Albania and Macedonia than Serbia.

This way Serbia will not have any influence over Kosovo whatsoever.

I am for good neighbourly relations between Kosovo and Serbia, only when Serbia forgets its bullying and threatening tactics.

Please, bring on the embargo.

I am not suprised, and never expected for such a move from Serbian government. They knew and know about the outcome of INDEPENDENCE of KOSOVA , therefore, this was an oridinary game that we are used to hear. I would like that Serbians distance from violence, as this will help the Serbs miniority living in the Republic of Kosova, and entire Serbian citizens living in Serbia for prosperous future. Its so sad to see that Serbs are still relying so much on Russia, when its obvious that Russians don't give a damm about Serbs, they are just buying now all public companies, and once they do that, would say bye bye to you guys. Serbia is so small country to be lucriative for Russia, remember that they are never going to give up their economical/political interests towards Western Powers because of Serbia.

Bubalo & Co. thank you. Serbias economy would suffer without Kosova market as well. Otherwise we have good neighbours such Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro. Of course Slovenia too!

Come on. The only reason there will not be embargo, or Kosovo will not close its borders with Serbia is cause YOU BOTH depend on each other. The politicians just care about power, business man about money.

Hahahaha! Nice try Blin Dema! Without Serbia's goods and products, Kosovo is virtually economimcally isolated. Good luck getting Montenegrin products (which are Serbian anyway) over the Kula pass in winter. And have you ever driven the road from Kosovo to Albania through the Djakovica region? Good luck relying on Macedonia for all your shopping needs. And I'm sure the Slovenians will be opening up a Mercator in Pristina next week. Forget about it. I wouldn't get too arrogant; without Serbia, Kosovo is in economic doldrums.

bganon

I would rather prefer to transfer the dependence to USA & EU powerful countries, rather than be governed ever by Serbia. At the end of the day, as you are witness, whole the world is depending on these so called powerful countries. Hence, its not a shame for us to depend on them, but its rather a privilage.

God Bless America!

Finally somebody in Serbia is thinking with their heads.
Though a number of pro-Serb camp will try to minimize the importance of the Kosovo market for Serbian products 2 million consumers do count something.
The other alternative (economical brocade) would undeniably result with time in Serbia loosing this market.
I know also that the pro-Serbian camp will advocate that Serbia can afford loosing this marketplace.
Unfortunately, in this time where the competition is fierce every cent (or every dinar in Serbia) counts.
If Serbia decides to implement the embargo mentioned recently Kosovo will with time find other suppliers (and believe it or not there are a lot of suppliers).
I believe that Nik Shala emphasized correctly, the only looser would be Serbia and the winners will be Kosovo and our other neighbors.
So as Nik said…..do us a favor, please bring on the embargo.

Blin Dema/Bin Laden hahaha angrams eh!!!
With that outlook you'll still be goat herding for centuries to come!

Hmm, MARKO, you think so, do not worry, Albania is on the border, roads are fixing, docks are on the sea, and the whole world is recognising Kosova, so do not count to much on your goods.
(albano, 19 February 2008 14:43)

Have you ever considered why Albania is so poor. Is it because it has no natuaral gateway to Europe in terms of its trade routes. The quickest and most economical route is through Serbia, remember, your gas will be coming from there soon enough.

Serbia only sells 3% into Kosovo of Serbias total budget but this translates into about 50% of all goods available in Kosovo. In the last eight years, if you haven't established new trade routes, then that must mean there are limited if not no options available.

Economics trumps politics.

In the end a sensible move.
I expect the markets to respond tomorrow positively (barring any major incidents in the meantime) and the dinar will probably appreciate a little too.

Nikshala I get what you are saying - although the idea that you are advocating that people suffer isnt really my style. And it seems odd that you are actually accusing Serbia of using bullying tactics but are advocating that it uses those tactics...

Seeing as you are being honest I wonder how honest you can be. Kosovo will be the most dependent state in Europe will it not? You are just advocating that Kosovo transfers its dependency onto other states are you not?

'Please, bring on the embargo'

shala, i'm smile, we ought to get along well :)
anyway, patience. wait till we consolidate north, may take a while, then we'll embargo you, and then diplomatically economically patiently work on more.
i have nothing against the ordinary albanian, in fact i have no interest in them. but, as i rule i dont gloat if people get bogged in poverty or insecurity or if mafia runs their lives or they have no infrastructure. but you just shouldnt have done this. we will block you now in every turn, and preventing kos. albanians from becoming members of organizations that could lead you to badly, badly needed investment, and that is much better that blocking a crossing so that flour sacks can't get in, dont you think? also, its more suave :)
those who recognize this thingie you declared will support you no doubt, and i mean feed you, but to some degree and for some time. nobody plays the stubborn game with serbs and wins, believe me ;)

The Serbian government in Belgrade does the responsible thing vis-a-vis its citizens in Kosovo & what do
K-Albanian's post?

Complaints & provocation about something that hasn't happened.

Says a lot about the latter.

Economic interests win at the end of the day.....
Anybody who believes that the Albanian economy is going to somehow magically grow at the recognition from the White House is just kidding themselves..Just look to the country of Albania. It's been recognized since 1913, and you can see the West's interests.

All roads lead through Serbia, and the faster this happens, the happier everybody will be.
Even Thaci knows this.

In the meanwhile, the Albanians have received a morale boost, and nothing has changed the next day.

You've been given another version of Autonomy that you enjoyed in 1974, but on a bigger stage, and more flags.

In fact, if I were Albanian, I could now understand where Albin Kurti is coming from..

BTW, can somebody inform me, or link me to viable sources, as to IF and HOW MUCH of the Kosovo debt that Serbia is paying off??

"Please, bring on the embargo."

Where I come from this attitude is described as "cutting off your nose to spite your face".

Serbia and Kosovo will forever be neighbours. Serb politicans threatened an economic embargo last week, and then they realised this would hurt Serbs in Kosovo. Nobody is in any doubt that if there were no Serbs in Kosovo, Serbia would starve the K-Albanians to death economically, if it was possible. This is the reason why K-Albanians deserved and needed independence. What surprised me most was Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister who was interviewed on UK Channel 4. Though I disagree with him, he was very articulate and explained Serbia's objection to Kosovo independence very well. If you had more people like him, instead of Kostunica, this whole issue could have been resolved through negotiation many years ago, and both countries would be in the EU today. Look at Croatia and Slovenia as examples of former Yugoslav states whose leaders focused on tomorrow, and not today or yesterday.

Arben so you dont see any contradiction in proclaiming independence at the same time as conceeding that you are wholly dependent?

Its not a trick question. It just points out the absurdity of the situation. Whilst flags are being waved, national sentiment is expressed, in fact you dont have anything real at all. Foreigners (non Albanians) still make the decisions and you are still dependent.

I do understand where Kurti is coming from. Whats more I think that in the coming months his support will grow and grow.

PLEASE BRING ON THE EMBARGO!!!!

All the merchants in Albania, Montenegro and Macedonia, plus Greece and Italy, are ready with their business plans and shipping means to take over Kosova market. They are only waiting for the green light, meaning the Serbian embargo. It will be the real solution in separating Serbia and Kosova once and for all, at least for the next 25-50 years. EMBARGO + CLOSE THE NORTHERN BORDER = BEST DEAL EVER. We are all waiting...

If you K-Albanians react this way to a stretched hand: you will be punished by your own karma. Deep, dark shame on you and I can tell: I will spread the word about your attitude.

As I was young I came to your province with joy and good faith as a tourist. You mishandled an kicked us out for no reason. Thanks for your "hospitality" you let me feel long ago, I well remember it. Now you have my raised middle finger and ZERO sympathy. If ever I had any good wish before reading your reactions I withdraw it. I am sure, with this approach you will get precisely the fate you deserve.

"If you K-Albanians react this way to a stretched hand: you will be punished by your own karma. Deep, dark shame on you and I can tell: I will spread the word about your attitude. " (ataman)

If you think of one second that Serbia announcing that there might not be a blockade, is a strech of hand and a nice gesture towards albanians, you are sadly mistaken.

If they could, they would starve us to death! Put probably they realised one or more of the following:

1. The will punish K. Serbs as well.

2. Kosovo's economy will become independent of Serbia.

3. Worried about reactions from EU

4. Loss of a considerable market, and thus punishing serbian businesses.

etc etc..

So believe me, it could be anything but a strech of hand.

Your preconceptions of albanians of some kind of bad experience in the past, our clouding you judgement.

I would love if Serbia and Kosovo had a good relationship, and if Serbia genuinely made a nice gesture towards Kosovo as you claim. It would be a good thing for the region.

But judging by rhetoric coming from Belgrade, and my in depth knowledge of serbian mentality and serbian politics, I know that its anything but a good faith gesture!

(ataman, 20 February 2008 08:43)

Ataman, those are harsh words!
When did you come to Kosovo as a tourist?
If your intentions were pure you would not be kicked out?

As far as for remembering, don’t flatter yourself.
You “were” kicked, we were killed, massacred, tortured, imprisoned…..
Our mothers and sisters were raped and out children burned.
Do you actually believe that we relied on your sympathy ever?
And yes, very superstitious last sentence.
Is that a curse you are putting on us?
P.S. What happened to the joyful Ataman we once knew?